BY TERRY EYE DESIGNER PALETTE IN SMOKY NUDE (1)

By Terry have just released their Eye Designer Palettes that are currently available in two colour combinations: Smoky Nude (1) reviewed in this post and Color Design (2) reviewed in this next post.  Each palette contains ten eye shadows, has a mix of finishes and can be applied dry for softer, every day wear or using a damp brush for added colour intensity.

Below is the size of the palette compared to my slightly-smaller-than-average hand. 

 And...how it compares to the size of the new NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette.  It's the same width, but slightly shorter in length.

 Below is the dual-ended applicator brush provided.  One end is a mini natural-bristled, soft, fluffy blending brush and the other is a nice, firm and precise eye liner brush.  I like the long length of the dual-ended brush as it makes it easier to hold and I'm less likely to lose it compared to tiny ones! ;-)  I would not recommend using the blending brush for picking up product from the pan and depositing onto the eye lids though as it's not dense enough for this and provides too much movement.  I recommend a flat-shaped, soft, dense eye brush instead.  The one provided in the palette is suitable just for blending out the edges.

 Above: Top row of palette from left to right.

Above: Again, but shot in low light without a strobe to capture any iridescence in the eye shadows.

Above: Bottom row of palette from left to right. 

Click on the image to enlarge.

The texture is exquisite and remind me of Burberry Sheer Eye Shadows.  They are buttery soft and so finely milled.

All the shades have excellent pigmentation and apply very smoothly, evenly and adhere to the eye lids well on their own (dry without a primer underneath - and for reference, I have normal skin condition on my eye lids).  It was only during swatching dry using a finger that I found the dark shade in the top row (left-most) to be a little dry and patchy - otherwise, I found it to apply just as well as the others using a brush on the eye lids so it wasn't an issue.

I found it best to apply these eyeshadows using a soft, dense brush due to its soft, fine texture.  This allows you to pick up as much product with little force and apply and blend onto the lids with more control and precision.  The provided applicator blending brush end is not dense enough so it gives too much movement when picking up eye shadow and depositing onto the lids so powder tended to get everywhere.

With a dampened brush, all the shades performed effortlessly and smoothly.  The colours apply almost like watercolour in that the texture remains thin rather than thick like cream eye shadows.  It goes on like second skin, and the colours are so much more vibrant, intense and even.  I feel like a real artist/painter playing around with it! ^_^ ;-)

When applied dry, I found the eye shadows to be very long lasting - I wore them for about eight hours and by the end of that period, everything was still in place with maybe only the slightest fading, but there was no creasing or patchiness.  In fact, it looked a little more luminous as it melded with the natural oils in my skin over time so it looked really good!

Each of the ten eye shadows contain 1.4 g / 0.05 oz of product.

Despite the exorbitant price point (being By Terry - it is an ultra luxury brand), the texture, pigmentation and wear are the best they could be - impressive formula overall, a joy to play with and a neutral lover's eye candy.  The absence of overly shimmery or glittery eye shadows will appeal to most like myself.  I only wish that there wasn't an excess of light, matte shades in the bottom row of the palette.  More medium shades would have made this palette more complete, versatile and more worth the money.  I am keen to compare these to the new Burberry Wet & Dry Silk and Glow eye shadows, which I have yet to try.  If they are just as good then they would be a more affordable luxury option*.  For now, I'm happy with it and I think it would appeal to other By Terry fans out there who are willing to pay the price.

*[Update (04/03/2015): I said "more affordable" in general between the two brands, but of course those Burberry eye shadows currently only come in as single eye shadows (at 2.7 g / 0.09 oz) as opposed to a palette of ten, so it would be more expensive to purchase them individually. ;) But, I reckon if Burberry were to release a similar palette (what a dream that would be!), it would most likely be less expensive as with the rest of their line when you compare the two brands].

I purchased mine from Space NK (UK) online.  I've been informed by a lovely reader that the palettes are limited edition according to Space NK.