review: maybelline the city mini palette (downtown sunrise)

It has been a while since a drugstore eyeshadow palette caught my eye. In all honestly, there hasn't been a whole lot out there lately. Most of the newer makeup products are lip-centric....but really....how many liquid lipsticks does a girl really need? Needless to say, it was refreshing to see a few new mini eyeshadow palettes out from Maybelline. I particularly liked the fact that they had a clear theme and packaging that was eye-catching and exciting. Which is why I decided to take the plunge and give the Downtown Sunrise mini palette a try.

This little eyeshadow palette is compact but holds six shades. It has an off white shade, a beige, red with flecks of gold, a light brown, shimmery pink, and deeper brown. What an assortment of colours! Honestly, that is what attracted me to this palette to begin with. There is such a unique collection of shades here. I love that there are lighter colours, darker colours, and then bold pops....all in one compact little set. In terms of colour selection and sheer variety, this is a standout set. Want to see it for yourself? Here is a closer look along with some swatches...

As you can see from the picture above, the colours are spectacular. I just love the fact that there is that glittery red included there. Not only is that a gorgeous shade...but it is totally different for a drugstore palette. Honestly, there is only one or two red shadows in my entire makeup collection, so I am always keeping my eyes peeled for more. This one has quickly become a favourite. I am completely and totally obsessed with that red shade. It is pigmented (but can be built upon to make the colour even more intense) with flecks of gold glitter throughout. It is phenomenal.

The other shades can be used on their own or to compliment that stunning red shade. There is actually a lot of versatility here, which is great. The formula is fantastic as well. Unlike a lot of the other Maybelline palettes (like the Nudes, Blushes, and so on) there is consistency here that is often missing from their sets. Each shade is smooth, creamy, and easy to blend. The pigmentation is also similar from shade to shade. This palette has quickly become an obsession for me.

Want to see the palette in action? This is a makeup look that I created recently using the Downtown Sunrise palette. The red was my primary focus (of course) but I used the lighter shades on the inner corner and created a crease with that deeper brown. Then it was a bit of eyeliner and mascara to pull it all together. Take a look and let me know what you think....

I wasn't expecting to love this palette. Yet, I have discovered a true drugstore gem. The Maybelline City Mini Palette in Downtown Sunrise is one of the best beauty products I have picked up in a very long time. The quality was impressive, as well as the consistency, and colour selection. If you have the chance to give this eyeshadow set a try....do it! You will be impressed.

Speaking of impressed! I recently filmed a YouTube video that was dedicated to the very best and worst of metallic lipsticks available at the drugstore and dollar store. Find out which ones are worth the splurge and which ones to skip.....



Have you tried this palette? What do you think of this makeup look?

xo Shannon