Smashbox Santigold collection swatches and review

The latest limited edition launch from Smashbox sees an exciting collaboration with artist Santigold. Inspired by the idea of a post 2012 Golden Age (where the earth as we know it ceases to exist and reinvents itself as a balanced, utopic mirror image), it features a gorgeous array of colour, with slighlty Aztec inspired designs and some of the funkiest looking packaging I've seen in ages!

Top of my list of things from the collection are the Eye Shadow Collage palettes. Each features 5 complimentary shades in a snake head design, with a mix of matte and shimmer finishes. These are super pigmented when dry, and can also be used wet for an even more intense look.

Now, as a bit of a neutral lover, the colour combinations are a little scary initially. The palette I have is called Apocalypse Now, which features an orange, and a shimmery teal among the shades. Neither of these is exactly in my comfort zone, however after testing them out, I'm actually a bit of a convert to the orange. It can be used really softly in a wash across the lid, or also applied more heavily for a different take on a smokey eye. There's also another palette called Earth As We Know It, which features forest green and plum shades, which looks stunning on people with darker features.

Each palette is £25, and I urge you to swatch these when they launch. The exterior packaging is really unusual, and I think these would definitely make a welcome addition to any makeup bag.

Also in the range are two limited edition Be Legendary Lip Glosses. I'm not a massive fan of lip gloss, but these aren't too sticky and give a glossy finish without the super sheen you sometimes get. There are two shades - Hot Lava (pictured) and orange-red, and All Gold E'rything, which is a more subtle, sheer copper sparkle.

Something which definitely caught my eye at the launch was a Be Legendary Lipstick Ring. A gold effect ring in a coiled snake design, it holds a limited edition coral shade lipstick inside, perfect for touch-ups on the go. I have a feeling this will be a popular item from the collection, however at £39, it's a little bit pricey.

If liners are your thing, there will be two double-ended eye liners available in bright colour combinations. Choose from either bright blue/soft gold or bright yellow/mint green. I was given a little taste of the bright blue liner at the launch and although it's not something I would usually lean towards, combined with the right eye shadow it actually looked pretty good! Each of the liners will be £15.

I love the packaging on this collection and think that it will be perfect if you're looking for something a bit different, but still in wearable shades and with great formulas. The Santigold collection launches online on 14th May and into Smashbox counters on 28th May.

Do you like the look of this collection?

*PR samples