A Look at the Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smoky Eye Palette

**Get it here!  Use code SGHOLIDAY for 10% off!**

I was lucky enough to be chosen through BrandBacker to receive the new Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smoky Eye Palette, just in time for the holiday season!  This palette is full of gorgeous shimmery shades to add a little sparkle to any holiday look.  

The first thing I noticed is that the packaging is lovely.  The outer sleeve is elegant and reminiscent of winter lights, and the actual product packaging is slim, sleek, and durable.  Beginners should also take note--this palette includes an instruction panel on the inside that teaches you how to achieve a perfect smoky eye for yourself!

The palette includes four eyeshadow shades and one blush shade.  The blush is a pretty and flattering peachy pink that will bring a natural flush of color to any face.  The four eyeshadow shades can be worn separately or combined together to create a stunning smoky look.  The palette’s frost shade is a sheer shimmery white (perfect for a snowy holiday look) that can be used all over the lid or as a highlighter.  The silver shade in the palette is the most pigmented, and probably my favorite of the bunch.  It is a sultry, shimmery shade that glides on effortlessly and will compliment every eye color.  The palette also includes a sheer gold shimmer that is beautiful as an accent color, and a smoky black with a hint of glitter for adding drama to the look.

Swatches of all palette colors without primer.  The Frost and Gold shades are pretty similar to my skin tone so they don't show up quite as well!

This is a quality palette that is versatile, easy to use, and perfect for the holidays!  With a major sale on the palette going on here (and with an additional 10% off with the code SGHOLIDAY), I see no reason to pick one up now as a gift for yourself or a friend!

Have you used this or other Studio Gear cosmetics before?  What do you think?  Let me know in the comments!

Note:  This post was sponsored by BrandBacker. The only compensation received was a free sample provided by Studio Gear Cosmetics.  

Christmas Wishes

We all have them:  those beauty items that you covet all year long, but just can't bring yourself to buy because of how dang expensive they are.  These are the items that make up my holiday wish list.  Here's a little insight into what I'm wishing for this year!

1. Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara, $19 I'm usually not a big spender when it comes to mascaras, sticking to Maybelline to make my lashes pop.  Maybe that's why I've been so dissatisfied.  I've heard rave reviews of this mascara, and hope I'll be able to try it out for myself!
2. NARS Orgasm Blush, $28 The mother of all blushes, according to the beauty blogosphere.  I own a supposed dupe for it (Elf's Candid Coral, check out my post here), but I've heard that nothing beats the real thing.  With a hefty price tag, it's not something I would normally buy for myself... but hopefully Santa will deliver!
3. Julep Nail Polish, $14  I don't even care what shade it is. This luxury nail color brand is all over Pinterest and even made the list of Oprah's favorite things 2012.  I want it all over my nails.
4. MAC 286 Brush, $31  I really need a good blending brush.  Mine just ain't cuttin' it.  I've heard that MAC brushes are wonderful, and I'd love something that would last me a long time!
5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $43  The most expensive on the list.  I'm not a big foundation wearer--I've always had fairly clear skin, so I just like a bit of sheer coverage for color control.  Tinted Moisturizer is my go-to, and I've heard this is just about as good as it gets.
6. Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $19  This is one of my tried-and-true products.  It's the only liquid eyeliner that has ever had a brush I've been able to work with, it stays all day, and WOW is it ever pigmented!  I'm running out of my supply and need to get my hands on more... And I'd love to try out a few other shades from their rainbow supply of colors!
7. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, $13  I really do love this stuff.  It's super moisturizing, and lasts a really long time.  I have it in "Honey" and "Romantic."  I use "Honey" almost every day, but would love to expand my collection for more options!

So that's my Christmas Beauty List for this year... What's yours?  Any comments on the products I'm just dying to get ahold of?  Let me know in the comments!