Smashbox Double Exposure Eyeshadow Palette: review and swatches

I was partly disappointed with the Smashbox Double Exposure palette predecessor(Full Exposire) when it was released a couple of years back, nonetheless its younger sister lured me with its selection of sultry purples and blues and the possibility to vary the eyeshadows intensity by applying them wet.

The palette,  made of rubberised cardboard, which tends to attract dust, contains 14 eyeshadows and a double-ended brush, which is actually really good. The names of the shadows appear on the bottom of the palette and there's also a leaflet which informs us how the colour changes when mixed with water. There's also a manual which tells us how to apply eyeshadows on eyes of different shapes.

I found out that I prefer to use these eyeshadows dry, they blended well and offered sultry, but saturated wash of colour. Applied wet, they looked more intense, but turned patchy and kind of clumpy.

I'm definitely more attracted to the left side of the palette as pinky peaches and warm browns aren't really my cup of tea.

Here's a more thorough analysis of the palette and my rating:

1. Self sufficiency: The palette definitely is self-sufficient.
5/5
 2. Variety of shades: There's a whole varitey of shades, ranging from neutrals to purples and blues.

5/5

3. Variety of finishes: Not only are there sparkles, shimmers and mattes, but also they change their intensity when applied with a wet brush.

5/5

4. Variety of looks is unlimited. You can get your a basic, neutral looks and also get a pop of colour without getting overboard. 

5/5

5. Pigmentation varies, but it isn't bad at all. And of course it increases when the eyeshadows are applied wet.

5/5

6. Uniqueness: This palette is unique in terms of  the colour selection, though I must say that some of them are very similar. What's more it's the quite rare wet & dry formula. 

5/5

7. Performance: The quality of the eyeshadows differs. The mattes and sparkles tend to be dry and chalky, but others perform really well.  

3/5

8. Packaging is nice and handy, not too heavy to travel with, though there's a risk of incidental opening. I love the brush, which does work like professional brushes do.

5/5 

9. Availability: Sephora, online 

5/5

10. Value for money: This palette isn't cheap by any means, but it's a great value for money, considering what you get.

5/5

Total: 

4.7/5