20160204

So, I Finished My Makeup Geek Palette... | Updated Collection & Swatches


Well, that didn't take long... I wasn't planning to do a follow-up post so soon but this was requested several times so today I'm showing you my finished Z Palette. I don't want to rehash my original Haul & Review too much, but a little bit of repetition is inevitable. This post is going to be more of an overview of my thoughts on the quality as a whole then showing you the shades I have, so make sure you check out the first one too!


Overall, I find the quality of Makeup Geek eyeshadows just incredible. The standard Eyeshadow Pans are £4.95 each and the Foiled Eyeshadow Pans are £7.95 each. I house these in a Large Z Palette (£15.95), though I keep a small one for travel. They're just so pigmented and so creamy in texture and also some of the most long-lasting I've ever tried on my oily eyelids. There's not a single dud or chalky shade in my stash and I'm betting in the entire range! The foiled formula is super dewy and metallic, though I don't find them quite as long-lasting as the standard eyeshadows. Also, it's worth noting that the matte shades in their range swatch as matte but they do all have very small amounts of shimmer in. There's a huge range of neutrals, bright colours and smoky shades, though of course I tend to love my warm nudes!

Highlighting Shades

These are the shades I love on the inner corner of my eye. They're mostly the super-shimmery Foiled eyeshadows, as there's really only one in the normal line that's suitable for this use.


Shimma Shimma - a very light, bright gold with a subtle shimmer

Starry Eyed (Foiled) - a dewy champagne shimmer 

In the Spotlight (Foiled) - a dewy light peachy-pink shimmer


Lid Colours

These are the shades that work as a wash of colour across the lid as their own, or they work nicely together (with a lighter shade on the inner half and a darker one on the outer part). 


Cinderella - a nude-pink shimmer

Prom Night - a greyish-purple with silver shimmer

Glamorous - a bright amber-gold shimmer

Roulette - a reddish-copper metallic shimmer

Goddess - a red-brown metallic shimmer

Hipster - a medium taupe-brown with a very slight shimmer

Homecoming - a mid-brown shimmer with hints of gold

Grandstand (Foiled) - a dewy rose gold shimmer

Pretentious - a gold-bronze shimmer with olive tones 


Crease Shades

These are the matte-look colours that work really well in the crease, as transition shades or as a base.


Purely Naked - light-medium brown with a slight sheen

Latte - matte medium brown with neutral-warm tones

Frappe - matte medium caramel brown with warm tones

Cocoa Bear - warm reddish chocolate brown medium-deep matte

Mocha - deep matte brown with neutral-warm tones

Unexpected - purple matte with taupe tones

Vintage - mauve medium-deep matte with slight greyish brown tones

Bitten - deep berry matte with red tones

Morocco - vivid terracotta orange matte


Deep Shades

These are the slightly deeper and smokier colours that I like to add to the outer v of my eye.


Taupe Notch - medium-deep taupe with brown tones and a subtle shimmer

Brown Sugar - deep brown with red tones and a subtle shimmer

Burlesque - deep reddish purple shimmer

Mesmerised - dewy deep taupe with purple tones and a silver shimmer

Flamethrower - dewy vivid red-toned orange shimmer

Bada Bing - deep cool toned brown with gold glitter 


Comparisons

There are a few shades I've ordered online that are actually quite similar to each other. I though it'd be helpful to share with you my comparisons of these so you can decide which is for you, as you probably don't need both!

Latte vs Frappe

Latte is very similar to Frappe but a tad cooler in tone. I personally prefer the warmer look of Frappe and I think the formula is that bit more creamy and easy to blend. Both are great crease shades but you probably don't need both of them.

Starry Eyed (Foiled) vs In the Spotlight (Foiled)

Starry Eyed is more of a neutral champagne whereas In the Spotlight is much more pink. Personally I prefer Starry Eyed as it works with a wider variety of eyeshadow looks but it really depends on your taste. In the Spotlight would work as a lid shade on fair skin or as a highlight on deeper skin. I find them to be the same in quality and pigmentation. They are different enough to own both but if you're doing a small palette and just want one go-to highlight shade, I'd say to go with Starry Eyed. I almost never reach for In the Spotlight over Starry Eyed so I may sell that on and get Magic Act instead, which is a gold-toned Foiled highlight.

Homecoming vs Pretentious

The two of these are both bronze-toned lid shades. I tend to go for Homecoming as it goes with just about any look. The more golden, olive tones of Pretentious do make it really interesting though. They're definitely different enough to own both so I'd say if you're going for a small palette and want a really versatile bronze-brown lid colour then Homecoming is for you. If you're after something a little different and more evening appropriate then Pretentious is perfect.

Cocoa Bear vs Mocha

I initially picked up Mocha as my deeper matte crease shade as Cocoa Bear was out of stock, however when Cocoa Bear became available again I decided to snap it up. I find them to be similar in formulation, pigmentation and application so I'd say if you prefer a cooler, smokier, more taupe brown then go for Mocha. If you prefer something warmer and redder in tone the Cocoa Bear will be better.

Roulette vs Goddess

These are both reddish shimmers but I would say Roulette has more of a copper tone to it and has a more dewy shimmer, almost like a Foiled formula. Goddess however has more of a golden tone to it and isn't quite as dewy. 

My Favourites

I keep a small Z Palette for when I travel so I can transfer my favourites into it. These are the shades that make it into my travel palette and they're the ones I'd recommend to someone starting out with Makeup Geek that just wants shades that are wearable for everyday and that do it all for them.

Shimma Shimma - for a subtle everyday highlight
Starry Eyed - for a more dramatic, shimmery highlight
Homecoming - the perfect bronze-brown shimmery lid colour
Grandstand - a stunning 'one wash' rose gold dewy shimmer
Frappe - a warm brown matte crease shade
Cocoa Bear - a deeper warm reddish brown shade to deepen the crease
Taupe Notch - a great brownish taupe subtle shimmer for the outer v in an everyday makeup look
Brown Sugar - again, a subtle deeper shimmer for the outer v but this works for a warmer, redder look
Bada Bing - a darker shade with glitter to add a bit of smokiness for the evening


Have you tried Makeup Geek yet? What are your favourite shade or what's on your wish list?

 


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78 comments

  1. Lovely post yet again:) I have most of the shadows you mentioned! I also have a bunch of shadows arriving today from MUG. Which are a lot of pink tones for Valentine's Day. I personally also love Shimma Shimma and cocoa bear!:) thanks for sharing X


    www.kirstyjennifer.com

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    1. They do some gorgeous coppery-gold shades which is what I'll be going for this weekend too :) xx

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  2. Starry Eyed and Roulette are such gorgeous shades, very jealous of this beautiful palette Jasmine!

    http://abigailalicex.com

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  3. I haven't tried anything from Makeup Geek but omg the swatches look beautiful! How do they compare to MAC eyeshadows? x

    Rachel | Beauty and the Bird

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    1. Sorry for the delayed reply, lovely! I would say for the price go for MUG as they are the same, if not better (definitely in terms of mattes) in quality as MAC. The range isn't quite as huge though. I have a comparison coming up soon and there are more details on how they match up in the original review linked above :) xx

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  4. Damnnit Jasmine, I was doing so well not buying these! *saved for payday* 100% going to need flamethrower. It's way too beautiful... And the rest too of course haha

    Http://www.makeerinover.co.uk

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  5. This post enables me in so many ways. Your favourites are probably going to be the first ones I buy. Makeup Geek is one I do want to try and you've just made it so easy for me to place my order and wait for them arrive with all the gorgeous swatches! Thank you for this post! x

    Jodie // Jodie Loue

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  6. Oh my goodness, drooling over this entire post! I loved how you broke down all the shades, that was so helpful. I have yet to purchase any makeup geek shadows yet, I have too many on my wishlist! I think I own enough mattes and neutral everyday shadows for now though, I recently purchased the Morphe 35O palette which I love but I have my eyes on the MUG foiled and duochrome eyeshadows.

    chloé⎪ status.chlo

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    1. I keep trying to get the 35O but it's always out of stock :( I love love love the foiled MUG formula - it's incredible xx

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  7. bookmarked it..it is going to be handy for my shopping hauls :) Loved the swatches..

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  8. I've heard so many good things about these eyeshadows and I love love love all of the colours you've picked, this looks like the eyeshadow palette of dreams :)
    Love Holly x

    www.thehollydays.co.uk

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  9. I really need to start doing some customised palettes as I feel like I've finally understood why it is so essential to a makeup collection. These eyeshadows are gorgeous, especially Flamethrower, Cocoa bear and Glamorous!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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  10. I am waiting to make the plunge on ordering a z palette and eye shadows as I want to make sure I pick the best shades - thank you for including swatches and comparisons, it has made my decision a lot quicker! Tavi xx

    Getupmakeupdressup.blogspot.co.uk

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  11. Your palette looks so pretty!!

    I've only just started ordering makeup geek eyeshadows and they are so amazing! I'm addicted!

    rebeccalaura02.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. Gorgeous swatches!!!
    I heard about this beauty so much already.

    xoxo, Colli
    tobeyoutiful

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  13. You've created beautiful palette! I'm slowly, but surely expanding my MUG eyeshadows collection, it's addictive :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  14. Ahhh this post was so perfect. I need grandstand!!

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  15. Jasmine I can't believe how quick you have managed to fill your palette! You have some really beautiful shades, but I have fallen in love with them too. I am definitely placing another order come payday!

    Lucy | lucyalana.blogspot.co.uk

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  16. This is such a great post! Definitely very informative and amazing for someone like me who will eventually buy some MUG eyeshadows - I just want to go on a massive MUG eyeshadow spree now!!xo

    Char | www.charslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. I'm obsessed with MUG eyeshadows, so this post is very dangerous for me haha, I'm already coveting Prom-night. I started off with a 8 pan palette now I have the larger one hehe, my favourite shade is definitely Grandstand, but Houdini is gorgeous too ;)
    xxx Claire
    http://wwwclairabelle.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Haha, I was the same. Ooh I'll check that one out! I have to say Grandstand is probably my favourite too xx

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  18. Jasmine, you're killing me with this post! I don't need any more eyeshadows & promised myself that I'd be better with my spending this year - but I want these so badly!!! xx
    Beautylymin

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  19. This is so pretty! I have a few makeup geek eyeshadows, I don't have shimma shimma and I hope to get that one next.

    Perfect Shade of Mauve

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  20. Wow there are some stunning shades in there and it's killing me not to go and buy them all and get the palette that you have, such great choices :)

    Pams Stuff and Things

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  21. Super helful post as I'm still quite new to Makeup Geek but want to get myself at least one of the small z palettes just to try out a few of the most talked about shades. I love how pigmented they are, especially the shimmers x

    Beauty with charm

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  22. I am just abouts to order my second lot of shadows, i have purely naked and love it! My favourite though is cosmopolitan it is just so pretty!
    Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave | Blog SEO Tips

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  23. Drooling over this palette! I've seen loads of bloggers talk about Makeup Geek eyeshadows but never gotten around to checking them out. 'Bitten' and 'Mesmerised' are gorgeous! Also, its interesting that you used orange as generally people stick to neutrals. You've got a great mix in this palette! x

    bohorush.blogspot.com

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  24. All of these look so beautiful! I've bookmarked this for future reference. Definitely need some MG shadows in my life.

    Rachel | www.currentlyrachel.com

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  25. You've curated a beautiful palette there. I have a small z palette of her shadows because I was afraid to get a larger one as I knew I would be filling it quickly lol - her eyeshadow are some of the best. Unexpected is one of my favorites even though I find it doesn't blend as well as some of her other mattes. I really want to try the foiled shadows.

    Beauty Isles
    My Mommy Years

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    1. I did at first but I think I lasted a week before I got a large haha xx

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  26. Such a great article, we're in love with your palette! We wish they could also sell in Spain!

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    1. I'm not sure but I think BeautyBay ship to the EU xx

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  27. Wow- such a beautiful collection and a helpful overview! I've been wanting to try MUG forever, so these swatches will be super useful when I finally bite the bullet and place an order :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  28. I love all of your shades, all of them will match with each other, you genius!
    Charlotte // charlottespicks.blogspot.com

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  29. My wishlist of the MUG shades keeps getting longer after reading this post :-)

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  30. I really need to up my makeup geek game! I have a few shadows - which I love. I really need to get my hands on cocoa bear. xx

    www.lpagebeauty.com

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  31. I've been thinking about starting a Zpalette and you've really helped me narrow down what pigments I would go for!
    I think next pay day I'll be making a cheeky purchase!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Helen ♥ | jumblebug.co.uk

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  32. All these colours are SO warming and inviting. I love each one. Warm colours like this really suit ladies with brown eyes (same as me).

    I love golds, pinks, reddy browns, anything which brings brown eyes out. I love a mixture of mattes and shimmers also.

    A great read and I'll certainly check out the makeup geek collection!

    Laura www.shehearts.net xx

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  33. So jealous of this palette! I'm not surprised at all that most of these shades are warms and in the brown/orangey/pink shades :)
    I haven't tried a makeup geek shadow yet but I really want to try them. Especially the foiled shadows. Have fun with your palette!

    Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed

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    1. Thank you :) yes the foiled ones are A-MAZING! xx

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  34. This is a great post, and it will definitely be useful for people who want to order some of these eyeshadows. I was checking them last night, and I wasn't sure which ones to get :) I want to build my own palette too, so hopefully next payday will be a purchase day :) xx

    Ela BellaWorld

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  35. Makeup Geek is at the top of my list of brands to try, these eyeshadows just look amazing and such good value for money. I'll definitely be visiting this post when I finally make my order as you have some gorgeous shades!

    The Makeup Directory

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  36. *round of applause* loving your work, i swear I could read and look at swatches of Makeup Geek shadows all day long! Waiting patiently on Latte coming back into stock so I can do an order, Shimma Shimma, Latte, Pretensious and Bada Bing are also on my list! I may need to upgrade my palette!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  37. I swear all your Makeup Geek posts are seriously enabling me to make my own MUG palette! I found your comparisons really useful, definitely handy to have! I think the shades I had narrowed down for a 9-pan palette are pretty similar to your list of favourites :)

    Kirstie | Behind The Scent

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    1. Yeah it's good to start with a small z palette :) xx

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  38. I love my Makeup Geek shadows and now you have enabled me to purchase some more, the shades I love are Taupe Notch, Cocoa Bear, Purely Naked and Hipster. I would love to add Homecoming, Starry Eyed and Bada Bing to my collection oh and definitely more foiled shadows :)

    Ange xx | www.alleluiatobeauty.com

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  39. The palette looks so great :)
    I love the colours!
    xx Katha
    showthestyle.blogspot.com

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  40. I am honestly so jealous of your collection! I'm getting six Make Up Geek shadows for my birthday on the 14th and I can't wait, In The Spotlight isn't one of the ones I'm getting however I definitely need to get hold of this as soon as I can it's so pretty!

    Lauren Ashleigh xx

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  41. That`s amazing, I`m so jealous of your collection! I still haven`t tried anything from Make Up Geek, but I have a few shades on my radar, like Goddess, Mocha and Cocoa Bear.

    http://www.beautynerd.co.uk

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    1. When you start, it seriously gets addictive! xx

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  42. You've built up such a beautiful collection! I still haven't tried any of their shadows, but I've been seeing more and more reviews recently so I'll have to make a purchase soon

    Emily xx | emilyclairewrites.com

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  43. Gorgeous palette, the shades are so lovely. In love with the look of Flame Thrower *heart eyes* x

    Darling Jordan

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  44. I will definitely be using this post as a MUG guide when I finally get around to buying some! Love the palette you have created so will be taking inspiration from you :) xx

    Brenda BusyBee

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  45. If this palette was available to buy ready to go I'd totally pick it up! These shadows are great. I love the shades you've chosen. :) xx
    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

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  46. Ooooh dear! So many gorgeous shades! I think my favourites of all are Bitten and Burlesque, I've been obsessed with purple red-ish shades! I never thought I could use them because I have blue eyes but I love it! The highlighting shades are really pretty too :)

    abittersweetdiary.blogspot.pt

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    1. They're a really nice way to experiment a little with colour :) xx

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  47. your palette looks amazing. I don't own any makeup geek shadows but I have been dying to get some!! i wanted to start small and get a 9 shadow z palette, but with these swatch pictures it'll be hard to decide which ones to get!! love this post!!

    http://amygg.blogspot.com/

    xx, Amy

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  48. This post is amazing, thank you for the swatches! I've been thinking about picking up some shadows but there are just so many to choose from!

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    1. Yeah it can be a little overwhelming if you don't have a place to start! xx

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  49. Omg I loooove it ! This is such a nice idea, your palette is so pretty ! I'm obsessed with these colours, perfect for autumn/winter season ! Also love your blog ! <3

    Suzanne xx
    Check my blog : http://yourlovelyplace.blogspot.fr/

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  50. Fab post lovely, I love the palette you created :) Starry Eyed, Cinderella, Grandstand and Burlesque look so stunning! I definitely do need to try and order a couple of shades as they sound such great quality :)

    Charlee XO | CharmedCharlee

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  51. This is the most gorgeous palette ever! If I made one, it would look like yours - warm shades, with a combo of shimmery and matte shades. These swatches are super helpful, I'd love to create a Makeup Geek palette one day because I've heard so much about the quality of the eyeshadows. I'll keep your post to know which shades to get!

    Julia xx
    Last post: A Retro OOTD | http://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.fr/2016/02/ootd-everyday-retro-style.html

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  52. This was a great post. I once took all my single MAC eyeshadows and de-potted them. I placed them in a palette and traded my empty eyeshadow pans for lipstick. I t wan a fun project and now all my greens are together as well as my purples. I love Makeup Geek. They are a fantastic alternative to MAC.

    Erica K.
    www.beautyonthebayou.com

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  53. Really Good post Jasmine. I am 42 and just getting into make up!!!I know, I know...but anyway thanks for yr posts, they are very well laid out and very informative. These eye shadows are georgous...I am a WOC too but maybe two shades darker than you so it is helpful to see the swatches on yourself so I have an idea how they'll look on me. Keep up the good work. xx

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    1. I'm really glad this was useful and thank you so much! :) xx

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  54. My shopping list just got a little bit longer. You have some gorgeous shades in here, I'm really impressed! Flamethrower and Peach Smoothie are hands down some of my favourite MUG shades of all time, I don't think I can live without them now.

    brooke | brooke elise

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  55. Thank you for your comments - glad this was helpful :) xx

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  56. They look incredible, love the swatches and the comparisons! :) xx
    Gyudy @ Gyudy's Notes Of Beauty

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  57. I love, love LOVE grandstand! It's sooo pretty argh

    lovely post babe!
    Daizy from| www.ZyaandDaizy.wordpress.com

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