L to R: Bitter Start, Sweeter End, Warm Notes, Subtle Blend, Beans Are White, Pure Ganache, Substitute For Love, Freshly Toasted, Infusion, Delicate Acidity.
Among my October Favorites, the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette was definitely the most commented upon, so today I thought I would talk about it in a little more depth.
This palette contains 10 eyeshadows that really are everything you’ll need to create a number of different eye looks: the color selection is spot-on and there’s a good balance between shimmers and mattes (6 vs. 4). Its warm hues are ideal for rich autumnal looks, as well as a stunning summer bronze eye, while its wide color spectrum makes it both daytime and nighttime-appropriate.
The eyeshadows are all amazing quality for such an affordable palette, but my top picks would probably be Warm Notes, Subtle Blend and Pure Ganache (my absolute favorite), which are so buttery and pigmented that they definitely give many high-end shadows a run for their money. As you can see in the swatches, the two lightest shades are the least pigmented, but they definitely perform better on top of primer.
The shimmers are plain beautiful, while the mattes provide anything you might need to create a well-balanced and multi-dimensional eye-look. Let me explain! I use:
- Bitter Start to set primer and highlight the brow bone (which I only like matte) and inner corners;
- Substitute For Love as a transition shade;
- Freshly Toasted in the outer corners, to intensify the crease or smoke out the lower lash line;
- Beans Are White to intensify the outer corners or as a liner.
Blending is a pleasure and longevity is outstanding: yesterday I wore Bitter Start, Substitute For Love, Sweeter End, Subtle Blend, Freshly Toasted and Beans Are White for over 10 hours and they did not crease AT ALL (on top of Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer).
Let me tell ya, if I had to choose between Zoeva Cocoa Blend and Urban Decay Naked, I’d definitely pick Zoeva’s palette (there, I said it). Not only because it’s a fraction of the price, but especially because it’s more varied and self-sufficient. If you were debating whether to buy this palette or not, I say get it, in my opinion it’s worth a lot more than its price tag.
Do you have the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette? Do you like it as much as I do? What is your favorite neutral palette?
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33 Comments
Candice
November 3, 2015 at 9:51 amThis palette is so pretty! I like that gold shade
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
LindaLibraLoca
November 3, 2015 at 10:28 amHow did you swatch them, brush or finger? They really look lovely and vibrant.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Carol in a
November 3, 2015 at 10:12 pmFinger, but you get can get the same intensity on the lids with a firm brush over primer.
Gemma
November 3, 2015 at 4:36 pmSuch a perfect palette! The colours are gorgeous. Gemma xx
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Agata
November 3, 2015 at 6:45 pmThis palette is gorgeous, like I said in the October Favorites post. I really really wish I could get a hold of this palette! I am jealous you have it, lol.
Carol in a
November 3, 2015 at 10:12 pmHaha, I’m jealous of so many US brands! 😉
Kelly
November 3, 2015 at 8:03 pmI very much appreciate your honest perspective here! I have only used the Naked Palette and I thought it was great, but if there is something better.. sign me up! 🙂 Happy Shoesday Tuesday to you!
XOXO
http://www.kellmenow.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/kellmenow?fref=ts
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Lulle
November 3, 2015 at 9:53 pmI really wish I had easier access to Zoeva! Maybe we should do a Zoeva vs ColourPop swap?
Beaumiroir
Carol in a
November 3, 2015 at 10:01 pmHaha, we commented on each other’s blog almost at the same time!
We totally should!!! Zoeva does offer worldwide shipping, though…
Selena
November 3, 2015 at 9:58 pmI love how this palette looks, it seems the perfect one for fall, and as you’ve said, also perfect for a shimmery bronze summer makeup.. The only downside is that Zoeva is a little bit difficult to be bought, but maybe I’ll ask for something form their website for Christmas.
Nice post Carol! xx
selenaponcestyle.blogspot.com.es
Sangeeta
November 4, 2015 at 7:43 amThe shades look lovely. Love the glittery bronze-gold shade.
Laura
November 4, 2015 at 10:28 amBeautiful shades, all of these are very me and perfect for Winter 🙂 So warming 🙂 http://www.shehearts.net x
Mary
November 4, 2015 at 10:48 amVery nice review)
mary-tur.ru
Wendee Isaacs
November 4, 2015 at 11:28 ambeautiful palette
wendeeisaacs.com
Rachel | Beauty and the Bird
November 4, 2015 at 11:57 amOMG, the shades in this look amazing and so versatile!! I may have to get my hands on this!! x
Jecelle
November 4, 2015 at 12:10 pmgreat pieces!
http://jecellekate.blogspot.com/
Diana Cloudlet
November 4, 2015 at 3:23 pmBeautiful!
Diana Cloudlet
http://www.dianacloudlet.com
S
November 4, 2015 at 6:09 pmThat palette is gorgeous! Perfect for autumn season!
Love especially the gold shade!
xxx
S
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it
Tiffany May
November 4, 2015 at 7:05 pmOMG I need this like NOW! Great post!
I have nominated you for the Versatile Bloggers award! Here is the link.. http://www.tiffanymay.org/2015/11/the-versatile-bloggers-award-2015.html
Have fun!
xo | tiffany
Megan
November 4, 2015 at 7:09 pmAbsolutely gorgeous palette, I want to get my hands on this so so much!
Megan X
http://www.lifewithmcm.com
Danielle
November 4, 2015 at 9:04 pmWhat a nice palette! Love these colors! I’m looking forward to the looks you will create with these shades.
Danielle
http://www.spring2spring.com
Keen On Beauty
November 4, 2015 at 9:09 pmThe eye shadows look so pigmented and the colors are beautiful too. I see on the photo you have a Zoeva brush. I’d like to try some of their brushes soon. If by any chance you have any recommendations, I’ll highly appreciate it 🙂
http://www.keenonbeauty.com
Carol in a
November 5, 2015 at 6:53 pmThe brush you can see on the picture is the Petite Crease Brush and it’s the only one I have from Zoeva. I especially like it to smoke out my lower lash line as it’s not too harsh.
Kay
November 4, 2015 at 9:20 pmThese shades look gorgeous! I remember seeing this palette in your October favourites and thinking wow, I totally need this in my life, haha! Thank you for sharing the swatches. 🙂 I’m going to have to add this one to my Christmas wishlist! x
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.blogspot.com
Chaste & Beautiful
November 5, 2015 at 1:17 amOMG! I think I’m going to swoon seriously. The swatches betray how creamy those shades must be and the color range is awesome plus easily wearable! Loved, loved this post:)
Emma
November 5, 2015 at 12:02 pmFab post lovely! I really like the colours in the palette! I’ve been contemplating buying the Naked one for ages but I am put off by the price tag. Perhaps I’ll have to try this one instead! Xx
http://www.theemasphere.com
veebz
November 6, 2015 at 5:34 pmThis palette looks so beautiful, and your stitches were done beautifully too! I love how the pink and gold shades look the most. I’ve really wanted this for a while now. So I think I need to get it, as they look like the perfect Christmassy colours.
– http://www.veebzboo.com
– http://www.youtube.com/veebzboo – Kendall Jenner Inspired Make-up Look
hira khan
November 8, 2015 at 5:55 pmthis looks very elegant and shades are very nice perfect for Asian tones.
Gul-e-Zehra
November 23, 2015 at 7:16 pmThis palette is so beautiful and so versatile. Naked palette overwhelms me sometimes. I have my eyes on this one ever since Kathleen Lights used it and now after I reviewed I think I should definitely get it! Great review xo
http://www.GULEZEHRASBLOG.blogspot.com