20160708

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette | Worth the Hype?


When I first saw this palette on social media: I fell in love. When it was available for pre-order on Space NK I snapped it up as soon as possible, however a lot has happened between then (the 1st of June) and the palette arriving at the end of that month... I guess I'm a little late to the party, however I care about giving you guys the most in-depth review possible, not being the first person on the Internet to post on this after using it once! The palette is currently sold out and I'm not sure if it's coming back. However it has been announced that the shades will be released as duos (again, this will be a limited edition collection) so an eye on Space NK (where the full palette is £48) and Sephora (where it is $52 + tax)!


Background and Product Information

When it was first released I obviously really wanted it however I did think it was a bit over the top that so many people imported it from Sephora with all the additional costs when we all knew it would be available in this country just a few short weeks later! I came very close to ordering the eyeshadow palette too however I just felt I had similar shades in my collection already. Unbeknownst to me, that was a very good decision!

In case you've been living under a rock about the whole palette controversy: here is a brief run-down! After the initial launch, a lot of bloggers/vloggers and Becca fans seemed to be commenting that the Champagne Eye Collection was not the level of quality they expected from Becca eyeshadows. The internet detectives did some digging and discovered the palette was made in China, as opposed to in the US like the Becca Ombré palettes. I also watched a video where a YouTuber who is a big fan of Becca eyeshadows went through the ingredients list. Many of the more expensive ingredients were missing and when she did a search of what was listed on the back of her palette, the first results on Google were eyeshadow palettes from Essence and Catrice (if you are not familiar with these brands, their products retail around the £4-8 mark). Don't get me wrong; I am not saying these brands are complete rubbish but when you're paying for Becca quality, it is not what you expect. 

Some people have commented that they like their Champagne Eye Collection, which is fine, however it seems that amongst owners of Becca's other eyeshadow palettes: the jury is out. Don't get me wrong; I'm not completely naive. I know that when I buy my £5 Morphe brush it isn't going to be some super-special exclusive design but I don't really care because I like it and it's barely any more expensive than my morning coffee! However Becca has positioned itself as a premium brand that delivers something unique that is worthy of a hefty price tag.

Becca have claimed that there was an initial batch made to their usual standards (around 30% of what was put on sale), however the rest were not up to scratch. I'm a little dubious but either way you cut it I think they've done themselves serious reputational damage and just cheapened their brand. A lot of people are praising them for being honest but in my view: what choice did they have? They'd been caught with their trousers down. They intentionally tried to con their customers and were found out...

I'm becoming more and more sceptical of YouTuber/brand collaborations in all honesty because I'm starting to feel like it's become a way for brands to make a quick buck off super-fans who will pay anything for something with their favourite YouTuber's name slapped on it. Sell people Essence eyeshadows at Becca's prices, put Jaclyn's name on it and laugh all the way to the bank... Except they got caught. It's nowhere near as extreme but it reminds me of the Manny MUA x Makeup Geek palette where they charged the price for each individual single and then some (I have honestly never seen a non-designer premade palette retail for so much in comparison to singles - for context a single Urban Decay eyeshadow is £14 vs £38 for a Naked palette). It sold out in minutes because as long as people will pay the money for collaborations, brands will charge as much as possible.

With all due respect; Jaclyn is not a cosmetologist so there's a limit to how involved she could be in the process of making the palette beyond approving the colours, design and so on. Obviously I don't know if she was aware of the issues with the quality or not, however the whole thing hasn't reflected very well on anyone.

So all these thoughts were swirling around in my head when this eventually came through my letterbox. When I ordered it I was so excited. When it arrived I kind of had a sinking feeling. I'm not going to lie; the whole controversy has made me want to really scrutinise this product. I'm no scientist and have never pretended to be on this blog but I'll do my best to analyse every aspect of the product. Out of the products in the palette, I do already own Champagne Pop as a single so I will be comparing the formula and ingredients and doing comparison swatches of the single with the version that appears in this palette.

Packaging



Of course the packaging is stunning and I expected no less! It's made out of a sort of gummy-textured material with a gold-look metal finish. There's the Becca logo with Jaclyn's name on the centre of the lid surrounded by a confetti effect in gold and silver. It has some weight to it that gives it a premium feel without being too heavy or bulky. Inside, there's a really large, good-quality mirror which I can use to do my entire face of makeup when I'm travelling. The clasp is very secure as well. The entire palette is so much more secure and travel friendly than the singles (I always refused to travel with Champagne Pop because the texture is so soft I was convinced it would smash!) and I've had no issues taking it away with me. This is really handy because it's a great travel palette; you can just go away with this to do your cheeks and have so many options.



Blushers

I've actually never tried a Becca blush so I can't comment on how these compare to the permanent singles. Inside the palette you get 3 shades: Rose Spritz (Luminous), Amaretto (Mineral) and Pamplemousse (Mineral). 

The Luminous formula is essentially like the Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector formulation in a blush. It has that super-dewy, pigmented, almost cream-like formula. Rose Spritz is a pinky-peach with a gold shimmer that's almost like Nars Orgasm on steroids! It applies so beautifully and evenly and after a full day of wear it doesn't go uneven or patchy (though it fades slightly beyond the 6 hour mark).

The Mineral formula is more like a traditional blusher and has a more matte finish (though these shades have a very slight sheen and still look very luminous). The colour payoff with them is seriously incredible! Amaretto is a warm brown-toned nude colour that could even work as a bronzer on fair skin. I find this very easy to apply and get an even finish with. It does fade a little during the day but it doesn't look patchy so I don't mind too much! Pamplemousse is a seriously vibrant hot pink colour. I find the formula to be consistent with that of Amaretto, however perhaps because it is so intense-looking, I don't notice it wearing away so much.

When I want something super-vibrant I go for Pamplemousse, for a glowing Summer makeup look it's Rose Spritz and with subtle everyday makeup I opt for Amaretto. However you can easily layer these up and a little Rose Spritz on top of Amaretto really makes it pop.



Highlighters

If you've never tried a Becca highlighter: you've been missing out in life! Their most intensely pigmented formulation is the powder, which they bill the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed. Despite being a powder they are water-based and have this almost cream-like soft, dewy, metallic formula. They really are on another level to anything else I've ever tried. They blend out beautifully so sit very naturally on the skin. The pigmentation means they are definitely a full-on highlight though, so for an everyday look I tend to apply these with a fan brush. They don't wear away during the day and the formula doesn't contain any glitter, which makes them so unique in finish.

Champagne Pop is of course the shade that started it all and is probably my holy grail highlighter. It's this sort of champagne-gold with a hint of peach. It won't be for everyone, however as far as highlighters go; this is as universally flattering as it's probably going to get because I've seen it look amazing on so many skin tones. 


Prosecco Pop is a new addition, exclusive to this palette (for now...) It's a really true gold tone. On its own Champagne Pop looks quite gold in the pan, however this takes it to another level. I can see this might look a little bit yellow on paler or pinker skin tones, however I love it and I think it's perfect for medium-dark skin. Again, you can always mix the shades together too.


Comparison



As a bit of a litmus test, I decided to compare the one duplicate I have in this palette with the single, which is Champagne Pop. I did note that here you can see the ingredients in the single do differ from those in the palette. However this isn't necessarily anything sinister; the explanation could be as simple as the fact that the packaging is different so the product needed to be altered accordingly. Plus, personally I kind of expect palettes to be not *quite* as amazing as individual shades because of the saving you're getting on them.

As you can see, the two products are identical in colour. The main difference for me was that the palette version is marginally more powdery in consistency. However it's still got a lovely texture that blends out perfectly, so I wouldn't hesitate to take this away with me instead of the single. It may be that I'm splitting hairs because the eyeshadow debacle has put the spotlight on this collection and it's worth noting that this is still made in the USA and in the same factory as all Becca products except the dodgy eye palette.



Overall I'm so pleased with this palette and definitely recommend it if you can get hold of it! It's actually really good value for the amount and variety of product you get and how high-quality and luxurious the product is. It's just a shame that this fantastic release has been somewhat overshadowed with the eyeshadow controversy.


Did you manage to get the face palette or anything else from the Champagne Collection?



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47 comments

  1. It looks like such a lovely palette and I would definitely like to swatch it before handing over my cash but I guess it may be difficult to find in-store. I really like this in-depth review!!..xx

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    1. You might be able to get the Split Pans still - I can see you liking Prosecco Pop/Amaretto and I reckon that's the one I'd buy if I'd missed this :) xx

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  2. Definitely agree the controversy has out a dampener on things! I think I'm one of the few who didn't preorder other buy the palette, as a highlighter phobe I knew I wouldn't reach for it!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  3. i just heard talking about it a lot!! packaging is amazing and considering that palette products are always slightly worst than singles, i guess this one looks great!

    xx from Brighton
    Cate ღ kate/idoscope | youtube

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    1. Yes I often find palettes to be not quite as nice-quality as singles xx

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  4. This looks so beautiful, I just don't know if I would use it as much as I think I would.

    www.whynotblog.co.uk

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  5. What gorgeous shades! I want them all hahaha! Your pictures are stunning!
    Have a nice day
    Holly X
    www.statementundertones.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. I've always been very sceptical about Youtubers/brands collaborations, whether it's for a book or some makeup products as I can instantly feel all the compromises they had to make, yet Jaclyn Hill is very honest and I highly appreciate the fact that she addresses the issue! Lovely review and can I just say I personally appreciate the fact that you took your time to test the product!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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  7. I really like the shades in this palette, but being fair as cheese, the highlighters wouldn't work on me. But the ONLY thing that bugs me about this palette is that the highlighters in the bottom row aren't centered. My ocd wouldn't handle being near it for 5 seconds! xx

    Klaudia // klaudiam96.blogspot.com

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  8. I actually think the palette version of Champagne Pop looks more pigmented than the single in the swatch picture. Or it could just be lighting, I have to agree with you on all points. For a few weeks I have been feeling a little sick about the way brands just "pimp" (sorry can't think of a better term) out YouTubers to sell a subpar product for bags more money than it is actually worth. I highly recommend Stefanie Nicole's YouTube channel, she does seriously in-depth reviews about the brand, the product, ingredients, dupes etc. She is fantastic and has definitely inspired me to take my reviews more seriously. A product is about so much more than performance, when you break it down you really want to know what you are paying for. Great review, I am glad it turned out to be positive. I got my palette as soon as it was released on Space NK because that packaging (heart eye emoji) and I haven't touched it since xxx

    ALittleKiran | Bloglovin

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    1. Yes I know her channel :) I hope you enjoy the palette when you get round to giving it ago! xx

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  9. I really love the Highlighter in this wonderful palette!

    xoxo, Colli
    tobeyoutiful

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  10. I was tempted by this palette but the whole controversy put me off Becca & Jaclyn products to be honest. But I might treat myself to one of those duos they're bringing out. x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  11. This is so pretty, I feel a little sorry for Jacyln as I feel like she got a lot of hate for the shadow palette not being the quality people expected!

    Coleoftheball xx

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    Replies
    1. Who knows what really went on but I guess if you put your name on something then you're going to be in the firing line if something goes wrong! xx

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  12. Fabulous post! I am also becoming skeptical of the YouTuber collars. I passed on this palette but it does look gorgeous! I really want to try prosecco pop!

    JennyLovesBeauty♥

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  13. I'm dying to try the champagne pop, but heard it can look quite sparkly on us pale girls?

    www.indigoandmouse.blogspot.com

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    1. Sorry but I really wouldn't know! Maybe you could Google some swatches, though I've seen a lot of fair people like it xx

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  14. Wow I didn't actually know anything about this controversy, thankyou for being so in-depth about it! Great detailed review too.

    Anything & Everything | Bloglovin'

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  15. Loved the post! :)

    https://outfitsandmakeupblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/hm-beauty-nail-polish-swatches/

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  16. This palette is so gorgeous!
    I follow your blog :)
    xoxo <3

    http://theuniverseofaprincess.blogspot.pt/

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  17. I just got this palette and loved it! I was so shocked how pigmented the blush was when I applied it because it was too much on my skin. I much prefer a blush I can build up because holy heck, that was one saturated blusher!

    Laila from Townhouse Palette

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  18. Ooh good post Jasmine! We've already of course spoken on twitter about this whole fiasco but I have not been a fan of Jaclyn for quite some time now. I had bought the palette because of the colors and BECCA as a brand, and having JH name on it did not even come into the picture for me. I have not returned my eyeshadow palette because I don't necessarily think it's one of the most horrible palettes out there, but for the sake of BECCA being irresponsible and so careless about the manufacturing aspect of these palettes it made me want to. I had no interest with this big palette as I don't think it caters at all to fairer skin types like myself but my 26th birthday is coming up next week and I was just given it as a gift (lol). I'm not going to return it as I don't return gifts but I'm just over this whole celebrity-like frenzy of youtuber collabs.

    What's interesting is that JH had said that the shades in the big palette were the only times you would be able to get them (besides shades like CP which are available outside etc), and now they are coming out w/these duo compacts...? So shady, so so soooooo shady. They made people think that they had to buy this palette to get these shades, so people ran out to buy it. Now they are debuting these compacts. JH and BECCA are quite a shady team. I probably won't buy from BECCA ever again. It's really a shame when companies have to be like this.

    Anyway great post as always! I'd really be interested in seeing that video you are referring to!

    xoxo
    www.hellohimawari.com

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    1. Yeah I definitely would've been buying this regardless of who, if anyone, was attached to it! I've heard Sephora have refunded people and let them keep the palette so who knows - maybe you can have it both ways. I honestly found the whole thing unforgivable (dramatic but you know what I mean haha).

      I would be very annoyed about the split pans if I'd bought the entire face palette for Prosecco Pop, say. I guess it may have been to 'make it up' to fans following the eyeshadow debacle but it still comes off as milking the cash cow for all it's worth.

      I can't remember where I saw the video, I think I was just Googling the controversy and went into a spiral of clicking links leading to other posts haha xx

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  19. I'm delighted that I bought this palette simply because I love the product inside rather than the name on the outside. The eyeshadow thing was very dodgy - similar to the Kylie Jenner Lip Kits, which are said to be identical to Color Pop but with an extortionate price tag! xx

    Beautylymin

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    1. Yes I know what you mean - thank goodness for the internet detectives uncovering these practices! xx

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  20. This was such a good post! I complete agree with the whole Youtube collabs, And don't really understand how Becca thought they'd get away with the eyeshadow thing. I don't have the original Champagne pop so I couldn't compare them but i did find that Opal is slightly softer than the highlighters in the palette. But overall, I'm really enjoying the palette xx

    LPage Beauty

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  21. UGH! Your swatches are killing me! You're making me re-think my "I will not give in." stance. I BBloggers job well done. haha
    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

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  22. Great post! Wow this palette looks so beautiful! I'm glad it was still good quality! X

    Amyx Makeupwithmissa.blogspot.co.uk

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  23. Such a gorgeous palette! I had heard bits and pieces of all the drama so I was so happy you filled us all in on everything! The parts I had heard over twitter it did put me off the palette but the swatches are just gorgeous! I definitely think I need the highlighters in my life for sure x

    Darling Jordan

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  24. This palette looks utterly beautiful! I can't wait for mine to arrive :)
    Ambar | Her Little Loves

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  25. Loved your honest perspective on this palette. I didn't get it as I didn't buy into the hype, and I have 2 of the highlighters and a blush from BECCA so I didn't see the point in adding more (in an effort to cut down on my massive stash). It was a bit disappointing to hear about the eyeshadow palette as BECCA has become a growing brand that I quite enjoy buying. I do hope that as they grow their quality does not decrease as their products are phenomenal as is. I do love how Prosecco Pop looks so I hope they do bring that into their permanent line in the original formula!

    Cindy | www.cindyhyue.com

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    1. I know what you mean, it has tarnished their reputation and they were a brand I was really on board with :( xx

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  26. Its just sooo pretty!


    Parie x
    classandglitter.com

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  27. This was so helpful, I had no idea about all the controversy, tbh i think I will steer clear, it's a lot of money if you are 50/50 on whether you will end up disappointed, so you've saved me some cash - what a star! Sarah xoxo

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  28. ABSOLUTELY Love this palette. Everything in there is stunning. Definitely worth it.

    Sam || Beautydetour

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  29. I am yet to own anything from Becca! Shocking I know, I need to fix that asap! But I will say I am very VERY tempted by the new split pans from this collection, they are just so beautiful!

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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    1. They're worth checking out! It's a shame Rose Spritz won't be available in them though as it's a winner xx

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  30. Obsessed with this palette and your review is in depth and amazing as usual! I'm really pleased to know that both single Champagne Pop and the palette Champagne Pop are pretty much identical - thank you for sharing :) xo

    Char | www.charslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk

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  31. This is such a well-written review! Thanks for going into so much detail, and for breaking down the controversy, as well. I'm glad to see that you didn't let it cloud your judgement on the palette though!

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  32. Thank you for your comments, I'm glad this was helpful :) xx

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  33. As said by Mrs Hill, Becca went to the factory as they were highly recommended by another brand. I want to know what that brand is so I can stay away from them :/
    Angie | Chocolate & Lipstick | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

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