Controversial opinion: I've generally always steered clear of all-in-one palettes.
Why? Because I rarely find one where I LOVE all the shades.
We've all been there. You'll hit pan on one or two of the shades, leaving the rest lonesome and untouched (and makeup waste is something I'm SO not about).
Then, I met the Anastasia Beverly Hills Off To Costa Rica Face Palette.
Let me tell you what makes this multi-use face palette so good, and how you can use it to do almost a complete makeup look without using any other products.
What the Best Face Palettes Have in Common.
Over my years of trial and error as a pro artist and a makeup lover, I've found the best “all-rounder” face palettes have a few things in common:
A mix of matte, satin and shimmer formulations that are truly versatile.
Variations of the palette to cater for different skin tones.
Texture and integrity of the product - I opt for buttery/creamy powders as I find they're much easier to build up and blend.
Complimentary shades that can be used in multiple ways (bang for buck!).
More expensive doesn’t necessarily always mean better quality.
You should never feel limited by a good face palette. Rather, a truly epic multi-tasking product will have the shades, finishes and formulas you need to create the bulk of your makeup look.
Cue the new face palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Well, two new face palettes, because it comes in a couple of shade variations.
I have a medium to tan skin tone, so Anastasia Beverly Hills Face Palette- Off To Costa Rica (Medium To Deep) is the palette I'm reviewing. But Anastasia Beverly Hills Face Palette - Italian Summer (Light To Medium) is just as beautiful, too.
My Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette Review.
Firstly, the packaging. It's sturdy, which is a big bonus for me as I have clumsy hands, but not too heavy if you’re looking to pop it into an overnight bag.
I obviously won’t be going to Europe any time soon, but if I was, you best believe this palette would be the first thing I'd pack in my makeup case. And that case is *prime real estate*.
Now, onto the powders themselves. Because they are GORG. Here's how they look on.
When you hear the word 'powder', you think chalky, cakey and matte, right? I want you to throw that out the window because these palettes have been formulated to basically feel like a second skin.
Each palette features a bronzer, blush and highlighter, let's break them down.
1. Highlighter.
You won’t find any glitter or sparkly chunks in this highlighter. Instead, you can expect to be left with a luminous veil.
This highlighter has been formulated with a flexible gel that aims to create elasticity within the powder. This elasticity allows it to blend and melt into the skin, giving you that 'lit from within' glow.
It also contains silica microspheres that work to diffuse light, making the highlight formula a very compatible option for skin that has fine lines or wrinkles.
I like to use the highlight shade in combination with the bronzer along my cheekbones and eyelid for a subtle, golden vibe.
2. Blush.
A powder with a radiant, satin finish and finely-milled luminescent flecks throughout.
The rice starch and silicone sphere formula is super lightweight.
Can be used as a blush or an eyeshadow.
3. Bronzer.
Similar to the blush, the satin powder gives a natural finish with the tiniest bit of luminosity.
Lightweight and easy to blend in the skin on its own or on top of foundation.
Can be used as a blush or an eyeshadow.
These buttery blush and bronzer formulas both wear beautifully on a bare face like a subtle second skin-like veil. When applied over the top of foundation, they blend seamlessly and you can add more layers to build up to the intensity you're after.
I like to apply these blush and bronzer shades to both my face and eyes. I'm literally obsessed with the satin radiance they give to the skin.
You can watch exactly how I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills face palette in this video below.
