review: hard candy x marilyn monroe (silver screen palette)

It was a little over a year ago when the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe collection launched. I can still remember the excitement! I wanted absolutely everything. The packaging was adorable and the theme really stood out at the drugstore. Back then, several items were added to my shopping cart. (Take a look at them here.) What I didn't know then was that it would be a very long time before I set foot in another store. That was actually the last day that I was out and about before things shut down due to COVID-19. So, when I think about the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe collection...it is a little bittersweet for me. It reminds me of a time when life used to be normal. Recently, I was able to try out the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe Silver Screen Eyeshadow Palette from the line. Keep reading to find out how this drugstore palette performs.

There is so much to talk about! Let's start with packaging. The palette is made from simple plastic and doesn't feel overly luxurious. That being said, there are a lot of wonderful details that allow it to stand out. Like the mint green colour, the roses on the front, the Marilyn Monroe image and signature...it is really nicely themed. Even the eyeshadow names are nicely themed. The names include: Box Office, Spotlight, White Dress, Girl's Best Friend, Pin-up, Iconic, Leading Lady, and Caviar. I love the amount of thought that was put into the names and the overall theme. It stands out for all the right reasons. 

As for the actual eyeshadow shades? Beautiful choices. I think the actual colours that Hard Candy chose were spot on. However....they don't actually perform all that well. The swatches (pictured above) are proof of that! The two center shades are described as a base shade and highlight. Personally, I like to use them as a blush and highlight duo. The pink shade is light but buildable and the highlight is glittery and pretty. Out of everything included in this palette, those two middle shades are the very clear standouts. The rest of the eyeshadow palette includes a combination of matte and shimmer shades. 

While the actual shade selection is excellent...the pigmentation level leaves an awful lot to be desired. The white shimmer shade looks like nothing when applied and some of those metallic shimmer shades look muddy and have a flaky texture. Actually, the best shadow in the Silver Screen Eyeshadow Palette is that berry toned shade, Iconic. But here is the funny thing. On the back of the palette, it states: "For Face Only. Avoid Eye Area." Can someone please explain this to me?! It looks like all of the other eyeshadows but is not for the eye area? Where exactly does Hard Candy expect that I will use Iconic on my face? It is too small to dip a blush brush in there and it certainly isn't a lip product. This decision absolutely baffles me. Especially since there is no explanation about why it is not considered to be eye safe. In an eyeshadow palette. I am truly baffled! 

Spoiler alert: I still used Iconic on the eyes. Thankfully, I didn't experience any adverse reactions or issues with the shadow. I chose to keep it as far away from my actual eyes as possible and used that berry colour through the crease. Then it was a metallic shade on the lid with a bit of that black to add a little extra smokiness. While I am happy with the overall look that I was able to create with the palette....it is still a bit of a miss for me. I really wish the quality of the eyeshadows was better.

Want to see the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe Silver Screen Eyeshadow Palette in action? Be sure to check out my latest YouTube video. It includes a full review of the palette and some live swatches. 

The collaboration? Absolutely fabulous. The overall quality? Lacking. The Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe Silver Screen Eyeshadow Palette had the opportunity to be a drugstore must-have. Instead, it managed to fall flat. It was definitely a disappointment and a missed opportunity from one of my favourite drugstore brands. 

Rating: 2 / 5

Have you tried anything from the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe line? What did you think of it?