Youngblood Gemstones Eyeshadow Palette Review – a Matchmaker’s Dream

I can’t help but compare Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Gemstones eyeshadow palette with the dating world. You know how there are the guys who are ‘wham, bam, thank you ma’am” and then there’s the guy who barely gives you a kiss goodnight? You know how there’s the guy with the quick line and then there’s the guy who will wine you and dine you? You know how there’s the guy who’s onto the next babe as soon as he’s conquered the current one but then there’s the guy who’s the keeper, the one who wants to be part of your life and hopes the feeling is mutual? Well Youngblood Gemstones is that second guy. It’s not in there for a quickie, it wants to remain in constant use. It wants to surprise you with its consistency. It wants to start off slow but grow on you until you can’t help but say “hey, I really like this”.

Youngblood Gemstones eyeshadow palette

When I first saw Gemstones ($43) I was impressed with its subtle prettiness. I took pictures and swatched it and was struck by the evenness of the pigment and the way the colors applied. I then wore it for the first time and it made an impact on me with the way it blended and looked. Gemstones isn’t going to be the palette that you have that will astound people with bright colors and looks. Instead it’s going to be the palette that you want to keep in your purse or take on a trip or even wear at your wedding. It’s that understated yet sophisticated.

All 4 shades are a satin finish, there’s just the perfect amount of life to it without the colors being matte and dull.

Alabaster is a light cream that I find perfect for my browbone. It blends in well and completes the look without being garish.

Next to that is Cashmere, a very easy to wear light brown, dare I say taupe? It too is subtle but looks beautiful on.

Alabaster and Cashmere

My new favorite eyeshadow color is there too, a green that is called Irish Moss. It’s not too green which might sound weird but I like greens that don’t shout.

Last but not least is Golden Beryl, a beautiful peach shade.

Irish Moss and Golden Beryl

Here’s how I wear this palette

1) Irish Moss (green) on the lid, Cashmere (taupe) softly in the outer crease, Alabaster on the rest of my eye.

2) Same look as above except I’ll use Golden Beryl on the lid.

3) Cashmere (taupe) on the lid with Golden Beryl just above it in the crease; I’ll either use Alabaster on the browbone or use something like my Senna Light Tricks to brighten the look.

4) Cashmere on the lid with Tarte’s Bright Side Double Ended Highlighter pencil on the browbone, then line with navy.

5) Irish Moss on the lid with either the Senna or Tarte on the browbone and line with a khaki eyeliner.

I know there are more ways you can use this palette so this is just a start. I like the size of the palette (5.5 cm x 7 cm) and I like the full size mirror in it. The sponge tip applicator adds nothing but I never feel like they do. I always wear an eyeshadow primer with eyeshadows and this needs one for sure. The shadows are soft and need something to adhere to but then they do last nicely for about 10 hours. If I’m wearing 3 of the colors I usually feel the need to touch up before going out in the evening but for some reason if I’m wearing one or two of them, I don’t need to touch up.

Now your decision is, which guy (or in my case palette) are you most interested in? The one night stand (or two if you get really lucky) or the one that’s going to stick around and maybe just make it permanent? Youngblood Gemstones is in it for the long run. I can’t wait to meet its siblings personally! — Marcia

image from ybskin.com

Ingredients

Mica (CI 77019), Zinc Stearate, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Lauroyl Lysine, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 42090).

*pr sample