User post: A Brief Flirtation with Makeup Colors

Jennifer Rose Griffin

How many of you out there have recently cleaned out your makeup bag? I recently dumped mine out and here's what I found. Loads of lipstick, eyeshadow, blushes and bronzers, that were past their expiration date (yes I know gross and dangerous) and most of which were only half used. This got me to thinking about my makeup history. Have I ever been able to finish any of my makeup before it had to be chucked? Foundations, yes, powders, sure, lip balms, definitely, but I have never been able to use all the lipsticks, shadows and blushes I've owned.

Halfway through emptying my makeup bag I came to this realization, that I am a makeup color flirt! I have brief infatuations with certain eyeshadow and lipstick colors then...I'm over it, and move on to a new color palette that captures my fancy. I don't spend a lot of money on my makeup, but it makes me wonder how much money am I throwing in the trash with those half-used containers. What's the most economical solution?

I started to seriously consider the virtues of those seasonal make-up palettes that have the eyeshadow, blush and lipstick all contained in one compact case. I would get a variety of colors, but in small doses, this way I can pick and choose my colors to suit my mood.

Here are four options that are cute, colorful and affordable.

  1. e.l.f. Lip Kit and Eye Kit Beauty Books: Each book (one for eyes and one for lips) has a variety of shades to suit the mood or occasion, day or night. The cute cardboard case has "how to" instructions for creating the perfect look. Both books come equipped with the lip and eye brushes. A complete steal at $5.00 at target.

  2. mark Pretty Wild Color Palette: The leopard print envelope style case opens to reveal a range of bright shades to bring out your wild side (I'm sorry couldn't resist). The compact includes four all over shimmer colors for eyes or cheeks and three lip glosses. The case also has a built in mirror for when you want to change you look on the go. $14 at Avon.

  3. Sephora Makeup Palette To Go - Cool Tones: The chic black case has eight shimmery eye colors, four luxe lip-colors and one pretty pink blush. Great for creating a barrage of looks at home or on the go. Sephora also makes the To Go Palette in Warm and Bronze Shades. To Go Palette's are $15 at Sephora.

What are your thoughts on makeup palettes, yay or nay? Are they a good value or a waste of cash?