Last month, Avon & mark. released a few limited edition palettes for the Holidays. The Makeup Studio Palette by Avon & mark.’s Eye Dream of Glam Eye Shadow Palette are great gifting options for the beauty lover on your shopping list. Let’s take a closer look at each. 

mark. Eye Dream of Glam Ultimate Eye Shadow Palette ($40 CAD)

> Includes 16 marbelized shades of eye shadow (each weighing 2.2g)

> Velvety smooth texture

> Luminous metallic finish

> Can be used dry or wet (for extra intensity)

> Shadows can double as eye liner

This palette looks like something that was beamed in from outer space  – don’t the shadows look like little planets? All of the shades have incredible pigmentation even without a primer. Because you can experience fallout when using baked shadows (and these ones are no different), I would recommend doing your eye makeup first then applying your foundation. Each eye shadow combines 2 or more shades that are infused together….this creates infinite look possibilities. I love that the eye shadows are oversized….the only downside is that when swatched, a few of the shades look too similar. 

Avon Makeup Studio Palette ($24.99 CAD)

> Includes 24 eye shadows (0.51g each), 12 lip glosses (0.31g each), 2 blushes & 2 bronzers (3.1g each), a dual ended eye applicator, a dual ended lip applicator, a cheek applicator & a mirror

> Combines classic neutrals, rich jewel tones and sultry shades in one palette

> Comes in a festive gift box (dimensions (15cm L x 17cm W)

The eye shadows in this palette are fairly small but you do get 24 of them and the colour selection is lovely. There is a combination of shimmers, metallics and mattes included which really allows you to customize any look. I did find the matte shades to be a bit drying but overall, the other shades performed really well. The bronzers included have a slight shimmer to them (would have been nice for the palette to include a matte option for contouring) but both blushes are matte. The lip glosses offer variety, both in colour and formulation. Also, this product gets an A+ for packaging. Overall – this palette would make an amazing gift for anyone who is just starting to get into makeup (think makeup novices or teenagers).