wicked theme week: r.e.m. beauty x wicked (ozdust palette)

So, what's the most swankified place in town? That would be the Ozdust Ballroom... It is hard to believe, but this Wicked theme week is coming to a close. What better way to end it than with a review of the new r.e.m. beauty x Wicked release? Clearly, the people in my life are well aware of my Wicked obsession - and my love of Ariana Grande - because my brother gifted me the Ozdust Eyeshadow Palette from r.e.m. beauty for my birthday. It was a thrill to receive. Ready to take a closer look at this themed release? Here is everything you need to know about the r.e.m. beauty x Wicked palette. 

The Ozdust Eyeshadow Palette certainly knows how to stand out. The packaging is reminiscent of beauty releases from days past. And I mean that in a good way! In the earlier days of my makeup obsession, eyeshadow palettes used to be somewhat elaborate. There were book-like designs, pieces that popped up, and even fold out pages with all sorts of inspiration looks to choose from. In more recent years, the releases are notably scaled back. Simplicity is in...but I prefer the "more is more" approach to most things. Maybe that is the reason this r.e.m. beauty eyeshadow palette feel so special to me.

The eyeshadow palette itself is designed to look like a book, with faux pages on the side and a ribbon down the center to act as a mock bookmark. Unlike so many other palettes released these days (with standard cardboard used) this is weighty and sturdy. It really does feel like holding a book! That extra weight makes the eyeshadow palette feel more thoughtful and luxurious. The front of the eyeshadow palette has a gorgeous artistic design and raised lettering. Inside, there is more of that beautiful artwork and a decently sized mirror. This palette also comes with three example makeup looks on a removable sheet. This is excellent for beginners or anyone looking for a little inspiration. I used to love when brands like Too Faced included these example makeup looks in their releases. It was a nice way to put all the eyeshadows in the palette to use or even break out of a makeup rut. When it comes to the packaging and overall design, the Ozdust Eyeshadow Palette is outstanding. 

According to the brand, the eyeshadow palette is inspired by the icy blue and crystal tones of the Ozdust Ballroom, the pinks associated with Glinda, and the deep greens associated with Elphaba. There are duo chromes, metallics, and mattes for lots of variety. I have been putting all of the eyeshadows to use lately. Yesterday, the shade Darlingest (described as a multi-dimensional hot pink swirl) was applied all over the eyelid. I concentrated most of the colour on the lid and then blended out the shimmer. It was a quick and easy one shadow makeup look that had tons of dazzle. The icy blues and silvers are also a lot of fun to use and will be in heavy rotation this holiday season. Then there are all of the golds and greens included in the palette. Clearly, those are my weakness and continue to be the ones that I reach for the most. The makeup look pictured above started with Positively Green (matte forest green) all over the lid. And since I am unable to steer clear of shimmery shiny things, the shade Bewitching (duochrome bronze green) was added on. That particular eyeshadow is ultra creamy and is ideal for fall. It was all blended out with a bit of Ozspresso (cool toned brown) and Goodness Knows (peachy nude). 

What do I love about the Ozdust Eyeshadow Palette from r.e.m. beauty? In short, everything. The packaging is phenomenal, the colour story is well themed, the quality of the eyeshadow shades is stellar, and there is a wonderful variety of finishes to choose from. Whether I am feeling like something sparkly and pink or grungy and green, it is possible to create something special with this palette.  What a fabulous way to end this Wicked theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. 

Do you own the Ozdust Eyeshadow Palette? Have you seen the new Wicked movie yet?