Bobbi Brown is bringin’ it the moment, not least with the latest release for Spring, the Nectar & Nude Collection. Think apricot, corals and peaches paired up with pretty nude tones… I’ll share the whole shebang tomorrow, but today I want to focus on the star of the show: the Nectar & Nude Eye Palette. No other nude palette has quite hit the mark for me. Urban Decay Naked 1 had too many shimmers; Naked 2 fell under my radar; Naked 3 was too warm toned for my colouring. Smashbox Full Exposure looks gorgeous, has had mixed reviews, though not enough to put me off and I’d like to try it out. Clinique 16 Shades of Beige looks pretty, but hasn’t made my heart race, though I’ve been known to change my mind about these things!
Bobbi Brown Nectar & Nude Eye Palette is like a stripped down version of the Smashbox in my eyes (for the same price). Four nudes and 2 metallics in slim, compact packaging for a pretty, everyday eye that can be smoked & shimmered up for evening.
The palette has a built in mirror and good quality double ended brush: one slim, flat end for applying colour and a fluffier end for blending (a keeper). I used the flat end for all of these swatches, as I thought it might be more helpful to give a true idea of how the colours look applied ‘normally’, assuming most of you wouldn’t swipe them on heavily with a finger.
Pale Cream is a pale matte nude, almost identical to my skintone, which works well as an allover base, brightens the eyes worn alone and works well with the addition of Soft Buff for a very natural daytime look. The least pigmented of all the shades.
Soft Buff is a pale warm neutral matte, great for crease work or blending out the edges of a smokey eye.
Golden Bronze is a metallic pale bronze with fine shimmer running through it, lovely for the mobile lid or adding a little something to an otherwise basic eye look.
Pink Bellini is a peachy rose tinted metallic gold with fine sparkle, which adds a subtle twinkle. Think a ladylike version of glitter! This one has quite a hard formula - possibly to avoid fallout or over-glittering. I struggled to lift enough product with the brush and found it worked best applied with a finger and patted onto the centre of my lid to add a layer of sparkle.
Earth is a cool dark matte brown, which adds definition and smokiness in the crease, or can be applied as a liner.
Rich Caviar is a highly pigmented matte black, gorgeous to smoke up the look for evening, as a liner or to soften a cat eye flick.
The swatches above are on bare skin. I’ve been wearing these colours on my eyes over my new NARS smudge-proof eyeshadow base (loving this - ode to follow) and 8 hours later, they’ve lasted well with no creasing. This palette appeals to me as I like a very natural eye look, with enough definition to enhance my eyes without looking like I’m wearing a lot of make-up. I think it’s perfect for day to evening use, though probably not one for those who like a really dramatic look.
Bobbi Brown Nectar & Nude Eye Palette launches in March rrp £37.50
Do you like the look of Nectar & Nude or have you had your fill of nude palettes?
