Laid Bare Palette*
I've been using exclusively natural products for a good several years now, so unlike a lot of people making the switch, I never had an Urban Decay Naked Palette to miss. Still, with all the hype and the multitude of YouTube tutorials revolving around it, I've definitely found myself longing for a comparable natural product. The first promo images of the Laid Bare Palette had me thinking this was it, and after trying it, I do think it nicely fills this gap in the non-toxic makeup market.
Measuring in at less than 5 inches long, the Laid Bare Palette is ultra-portable and contains eight neutral eye shadows, along with a double ended sponge tip applicator and a good sized mirror. The eye shadows are free of both talc and silicones and have a soft, buttery feel. They aren't the absolute most saturated colors, but the pigmentation is nothing to scoff at, particularly if you use a stickier primer or base underneath. Most of the colors are pretty soft - very work/day appropriate - but the darker shades can be built up for smokier looks too. Really, my only complaint is that I feel like the palette is missing a good, bright highlight shade for the inner corner, but that's something you can easily add in with another product.
Natural pressed shadows often come with a higher price tag, but for a cohesive palette of eight shadows, I think the Laid Bare Palette is reasonably priced at $34. This is a limited edition item, so if you're interested in picking one up, I don't recommend waiting too long to do so.
Mascara*
It's no secret that when it comes to mascara, I've been pretty devoted to my Zuzu Luxe, but Lily Lolo's newly reformulated mascara has definitely given Zuzu a run for its money. The Black color is a true, dark black and the mascara gives a good amount of both volume and length. It has a good sized, standard bristle mascara brush that does well to separate and define the lashes and the mascara formula doesn't irritate my eyes, even when wearing it for long days or several consecutive days in a row.
I wouldn't say the mascara is entirely budge proof, but I consistently get a minimum of 10-12 hours wear before starting to see minor flaking. The exception to this is if you find yourself tearing up or caught in a snowstorm, both of which resulted in smudging a good bit sooner. It's also not a difficult mascara to remove. Water alone won't do the trick, but a little oil or makeup remover gets it done no problem.
I wanted to include an eyelash photo to show the mascara, but I haven't been very successful getting a good one, so for fear of holding this post up indefinitely, I've decided to go ahead and post without one. If I manage to get a good shot later, I'll add it in here.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're looking for a natural alternative to the Naked palettes, or just for talc- and silicone-free pressed eye shadows, the Laid Bare Palette is a great choice. There's also the Enchanted Palette, if smokier eyes are more your thing. The mascara was a big hit with me too - easily one of my top two natural mascaras - and is something I will be repurchasing in the future.
Lily Lolo has also given me a coupon code to share with you guys! Save 20% with the code naturallabeauty. The discount is good on the North American site only.
Lastly, I've also heard whispers that the mascara will be making an appearance in either the January or February Petit Vour box, so that's another way to maybe get your hands on it.
*Press Sample
