In all honestly, I'm really glad that drugstore brands jumped on the Urban Decay 'Naked' bandwagon and started coming up with their own versions of neutral eyeshadow palettes. See, I prefer my eye make-up quite boring, and then I like to play up my lips & cheeks a bit more, which is why I'm always looking into new neutral shades to add to my collection.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGD8RtXDCy_sbqoVJXm_LYSxF0Nkdu92jAVnG-FUeogiNcZ47SMztukjVFvai0u_zEherLUXs9tECbvDX72bwCfXAfpQd54QlROFAVgcDyskL_v4SSMvgQGhhu00NoY-qUIRKaLq7xlY9/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG)
Hence this
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Nude Eyes palette ($10.99 for 0.26 oz). I just couldn't resist, it's so tiny and cheeky with that lace overlay, meow.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JTv6L7d-KP-M8aCD-PnSB7ZpuzMAI4FgV5p8ukoFSu644jhPPB_uDNkaiENjnhQ9O2rgIOrVKs531IAWJ853S0m7ODHFpBABH4UQbyDh8p3BxSrIa8kpTcK9cSoIaB6kqTJwJL9DmGZb/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG)
As you can see, the palette is not much bigger than a tube of Revlon lipstick, and comes with 9 shades of eyeshadow in one single pan. I'm not a huge fan of this solution, because the individual strips are rather narrow so it's difficult not to mix shades when picking them up with a brush, but I can still live with that for the price of portability. Physicians Formula suggest these 9 shades are in fact split into 3 trios, Natural, Playful and Dramatic, for achieving different looks. Personally, I just like to mix and match.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1eMJP3RWGtROkAM-63eflA0KEvSmDy0fVCqkwt1x9JmZISpHYNzWHFd9a6I5vJmteDmNax7TjK2UlA-flBN7LRs93nMjdMlpa-lDFmVRxMdSia4JWnR2fflSs4KYV0N_d7nkYiIQl7Gj/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG)
In terms of formulation, these are definitely not my favorite. They seem a bit bumpy under the brush and after swatching with a (clean!) finger, it looks like there's a bit of a greasy film left on the surface, which makes it difficult to pick up pigment with your brush. It's almost as if they're too hard, but creamy. As a result, the pigmentation is not the best, but can be built up for more intensity. Physicians Formula also claim these can be used wet, however I personally never bother to do that.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGtmo_KwTLoc_Ik6tVnJ0EgG15TtkXzUsBcVRHM3Fob8JRbkO_snWOopeZ8osfEjqPkMxJeGNluNpXKx6hoNqe9IGLGOFZp_N_QNMbVqHl12w_m4cXz9-TZFmTWkgT5zxDTsY1_8xuHhr/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGssY7U9OjrMKHFktVls4Czg8WJKFUVaF-Cv2mh75sNC-E20N0UVPfESNo-9Exr-SUzS5oZ3m_NBiHpQA6csN2cXgVncgxFqnZsIDBoxQTM_BaswQFLXXdH_Rtq5kQqHuD25J41A-p6AIc/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG)
I still really enjoy using this little palette for its shades - I'm sorry the swatches are not the best, I couldn't get them to show up exactly right. The shadows perform best over primer, here they're swatched on top of Benefit F.Y.eye base.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWig-EDL7Jh6FujmYh_dd5JfL8rIyZiFluoshcxcTgo1YEnt_n6kjLLMjf0NBbMM3WRMIsrswGSbr47jIltcj2YGxqZ1bTOubMZg49w587KbGgK9m-aNj944ech5w-SpD_29FMaTgus91t/s1600/PF+Nude+Palette.jpg)
Overall, Physicians Formula Nude Eyeshadow Palette is definitely an interesting foray into the world of neutral palettes from a drugstore brand, but the shadows themselves could be better formulated. Does it replace my Urban Decay 'Naked' Palette? Hell, no, but I think I actually enjoy the 'Nude' palette shade selection better; I mean, look at those taupes, people. If you're a neutral palette collector and prefer cooler shades, I do recommend it, but if you're looking for a 'Naked' alternative, look elsewhere.
What are your favorite neutral eyeshadow palettes?
I don't know what my favorite neutral palettes are! I used to have the Naked palette, but then whaddya know, allergic to parabens...it went to my mum (barely used) and she was really pleased :) I think Naked 2 is paraben-free so I'm really tempted, but you know, I don't actually think I wear browns that often! Someone needs to come out with a "naked" type palette that has grays and peaches and pale ivories...things like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted by Naked 2 as well, but I think that will have to wait a bit, I just have way too many neutral eyeshadows!
DeleteI don't really have a favorite neutral palette..I've never found one that was perfect, but I'll definitely keep looking! But I do agree with Larie..a palette that has peaches, grays and ivories would be great..then it would truly be 'naked' colors...and I would definitely buy!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree, also, as we discussed with Larie, a variety of finishes, but no glitter!
DeleteI never really liked the look of PF shadows so haven't been paying attention, but the colours are rather nice. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting to see Naked 2 in person before making any rash decisions.
I'm not fond of PF's eyeshadow texture/formula but I like the variation of champagnes and taupes in this palette. The lack of browns is a nice change!
ReplyDeleteI really like the shades too, I wish the texture was a bit better - then it could have been Holy Grail material!
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