Maybelline 24karat Nudes Eye Palette Swatches and Colossal Big Shot Volume Express Mascara

Happy 2017, everyone!  This week, I tested out the new Maybelline 24karat Nudes Eye shadow palette and Maybelline's new mascara, the Colossal Big Shot Volume Express.  If you follow my Snapchat (@FashionableESQ), you know that I love to bring you great new skincare and makeup launches, whether they be high end or drugstore.  The mascara earned an A+ in my book, and the shadows did not fall far behind.  Click the link below for swatches and for "before and after" shots using the Colossal Big Shot Volume Express mascara. 

The Colossal Big Shot Volume Express Mascara is great for me because I love dramatic lashes. I never wear falsies but do love a bold lash, even for daytime. My lashes generally hold their shape well, but all in all, I look for a mascara that lengthens, curls, and thickens. Yes, I require a lot from a mascara and this one really didn't disappoint. These "before and after" shots are pretty impressive.  I did not prime or curl my lashes in any of these photos.  You can see that there is minimal clumping and significant length added by this mascara.  The price is $8.50, and like the 24karat Nudes palette, it just launched. 

Top: mascara free!
Bottom: Two coats of Maybelline's The Colossal Big Shot Volume Express mascara!

Top: mascara free!
Bottom: Two coats of Maybelline's The Colossal Big Shot Volume Express mascara!

Next is the eye shadow palette.  Eye shadows are the one beauty item I hoard.  To me, the eye shadow palette is like a pair of jeans!  Seriously, how many of us have way more jeans than we need? I know I do, and despite that, I can never seem to hold back when it comes to either one because I love them.

The Maybelline 24karat Nudes Eye shadow palette contains twelve beautifully executed shades that range from shimmery coppers to dark mattes. They're fairly pigmented and finely milled; not gritty at all.  My favorite shades were the olive green shade (third one in, bottom row) and the champagne shade (first shade, top row).  I also loved the dark, almost black shade, with specks of gold - this color really surprised me, and applied beautifully. The shimmer translated well from the pan to the lid.  The palette retails for $12 and is available at retailers like Ulta and CVS.

Left: Outdoor photo in natural light.
Right: Indoor photo in bathroom lighting.

This post is sponsored by Maybelline.  All opinions expressed are my own.