The Morphe x Kathleen Lights Palette ($14.99) is the only palette from Morphe Brushes I have ever purchased. I got it directly from the Morphe website and paid a shipping fee ($21.47 - I know that's ridiculous). Altogether, therefore, I paid a total of $36.46 which works out to £29.20 GBP for the whole palette which contains 15 eyeshadows, thus making it approx £1.95 per shadow. Of course, this is only relevant if you too are considering buying it in the UK, in the US I am sure it is much cheaper and of course you can use a code to get 10% off. Stupidly, I forgot all about the many Morphe codes that exist even though there has been an ongoing "scandal" about them.
The reason I wanted to buy this palette is because it just looks like a really nice palette, with all the colours I would use. I only just subscribed to Kathleen's YouTube channel a few months ago and she is honestly one of my favourite YouTubers to watch. I love her voice and accent, she always looks so pretty and she seems to share her honest opinions about things and be genuine. I really like that. She did a few videos on her palette and I ran to the Morphe site only to find it had been sold out, on their second re-stock I grabbed it because the swatches in her videos are so swoon worthy that I fell head over heels for it. I loved the looks she created with it and the colour scheme is so pretty.
The packaging is quite basic and cheap in areas. The actual palette comes in cardboard (different from their usual plastic palettes, which I like), there is no mirror, it is black in colour and has red lettering on the front. You get what you pay for and although it isn't much to look at, at least from the outside, it travels well and hasn't broken so far. The actual box is substandard, but then most people throw it away anyway. The picture and message on the back are a nice touch, but the font is stretched and the exclamatory sentences just feel really juvenile. I could have made this box at home and I think for a reputable company and brand they should know better than to house their products in a box like this. It's just bad form, a plain black cardboard box would have been a more attractive option than this clumsy hasty attempt. It's a little embarrassing, in my personal opinion.
That being said, who cares about the stupid box? No one. Onto what really matters: the shadows themselves. As mentioned, there are 15 eyeshadows in total and they all look phenomenal in Kathleen's video - which I will insert at the end of this post so you can compare my swatches to hers. Just looking at it, I still think this is a really nice palette with well thought out colours. There isn't a single shade here that I wouldn't personally wear. It looks like a pretty, neutral palette with some greens and purples which make it especially flattering for brown, hazel and green eyes. Just so you know this is a similar collaboration as the Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette, most shadows are available individually from Morphe, I will link the ones that are, if not they are from past palettes.
FIRST ROW
As always, these are finger swatches done on bare skin, sans primer with just one swipe and one dab into the product. I tried swatching them all on my arm but it was too difficult so we're going to go through row by row, from left to right. Let's start with the first and top row: (1) Cream Puff ($2.29) - shimmery beige pink shade; (2) matte cream bone shade; (3) Deep Skin ($2.29) soft warm orange-brown satin; (4) coppery orange-gold metallic (custom shade); (5) cranberry satin shimmery brown with a hint of purple. I love the custom gold shade and the warm cranberry shimmer (4 and 5). The mattes aren't very pigmented in the top row and it might be due to my skin but the first shimmer shade, that looks so kapow in Kathleen's video was very underwhelming on my skin.
SECOND ROW
The second row, from left to right: (1) Trouble cool toned brown matte; (2) purple taupe shimmer; (3) bronze shimmer; (4) purple cranberry matte; (5) Secretive ($2.29) purple maroon matte. I like the first three shadows, but the two purple mattes are so sheer, they swatch terribly. I have heard that purples and reds are the hardest pigments to work with but these really do look awful and disappointing me. Another issue I have, is that they are so similar with Secretive just being a smidgen darker than the other cranberry shade so I wish she had put a more diverse shade in there.
THIRD ROW
The third and final row: (1) moss green metallic shimmer (custom shade); (2) bright Irish metallic green shimmer (custom shade); (3) warm brown matte shadow (from 35O palette, she also says it is very comparable to MAC's Brown Script); (4) medium caramel shade (also from 35O palette, comparable to Bobbi Brown Camel Eyeshadow - £17.50); (5) Coal ($2.29) described as a true black matte. Again, the mattes were disappointing, two custom green eyeshadows are probably the best shadows out of the whole palette. The black and camel mattes are extremely lacklustre.
Overall, I see now what people were saying all along. The shimmers massively outperform the matte eyeshadows in this palette, they are strongly pigmented and creamy. They are also very soft so if you dig your brush in it will make some indentations but apart from that I really like the shimmer shadows. The mattes are soft and although they are not very opaque they blend easily in the crease. The matte black, if it can even be called that, works great as a deepener. I can't use it as a liner as it takes too long to build the required intensity. You can see the four mattes from the bottom two rows (look above) swatched together below, these are the ones that swatch the worst, to me, again although disappointing they are wearable. I will say that the purples swatch really badly but they actually look more true to pan on the eyes and appear richer in pigment, thank goodness.
Do I think the palette is worth $14.99? Absolutely.
Do I like the colour scheme? A thousand times yes.
Would I repurchase it? No, the shipping fee and lack of pigmentation in the mattes are major drawbacks to me.
Do I regret buying the palette? No, as I do love the colours and lusted after this for ages.
Would I recommend it? Honestly, no. I do like it but it's nothing to shout about. I think Morphe definitely cut corners to make it so affordable. Their shimmers are really nice, but you are better off buying a full shimmer palettes from Morphe in that case. I much prefer Zoeva eyeshadow palettes and I have heard great things about Juvia's place as well.
Overall Rating: a generous 3/5 because I can get these shades to work. They don't look bad on the eyes at all and are actually very flattering, I just had higher expectations.
KATHLEEN'S VIDEO
Thank you for reading this review, I hope you enjoyed it. I know eyeshadow palettes aren't for everyone but I am addicted to them. I have many more reviews for you all, I need to get them up before I forget and they cease to matter so bear with me. On top of that, I want to do a Valentine's Day makeup inspiration post, I posted a poll on my Twitter to see what kind of looks you guys are into. Please vote and follow me if you like, I will follow you back, just search @alittlekiran. I would love to hear your thoughts on this palette, I know I said I didn't want to spend money on collaborations anymore but I really do enjoy Kathleen's videos and her personality so didn't mind nearly as much. Of course, find me on Bloglovin' to stay up to date with my blog, it's completely free. Hope you have a fab weekend, come back here on Sunday for some Valentine's looks. Take care.
Have you tried anything from Morphe?
I'm not very impressed with this palette because I have a lot of similar shades. I'd only want the green one. I do love Kathleen Lights though.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Floraful
Yeah, I can see what you mean x
DeleteIt looks nice, but sad to hear it lacks pigmentation!
ReplyDeletexo
www.carinavardie.com
Thank you, I feel the same x
DeleteI agree the packaging in terms of the box isn't that great. The shades look beautiful though as they all seem quite wearable.
ReplyDeleteAleeha xXx
http://www.halesaaw.com/
Yes, definitely extremely wearable x
DeleteI really love all the golds color, they look so vibrant. So sad to hear it lacks pigmentation, does it go bolder if you pack them on?
ReplyDeleteSelene Addicted
You can definitely build up the mattes, the shimmers are pretty pigmented already x
DeleteThis has such great pigmentation! The green shade though... Could never see myself wearing it but it's absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteKathy x
Alongcamekathy
I actually quite like it, it adds a little something, thank you for reading x
DeleteI only like the matte shades. Pity, they aren't pigmented enough; great review. You should try the MAC neutrals. I would recommend the shades Saddle, Sable, and Woodwinked. They are my favourite.
ReplyDeletethemisslubna.com
Yeah it is a bummer, I actually have that palette! Xx
DeleteIt's a really pretty palette but the green puts me off completely. Shame about the packaging fees xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♡ Miss Makeup Magpie
Yeah shipping costs are so annoying x
DeleteI agree that the packaging is a bit boring, it's a shame that they're not pigmented. Also, what is with that green? It feels a bit misplaced haha... Loved this post lovely!
ReplyDeleteBeckie xo // The Pale Tails
It does look a little out of place, but I quite like it. Think it adds a bit of fun x
DeleteI love Kathleen, she is one of my favourite youtubers and I would love to get my hands on this palette, the shades look so pretty but I agree with the packaging, looks cheap. However, I didn't order it since I would hate to pay extra money on shipping and probably customs.
ReplyDeleteYiota
PinkDaisyLoves
You made the right choice haha x
DeleteI think the shadow colour selection is nice but it doesn't really jump out to me as a must have. The pigmentation of the mattes looks a little sketchy! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin| LuxuryFragranceGiveaway
Sketchy is right! They do perform better on the eyes though with a brush bizarrely, but I definitely expected better x
DeleteOddly, I really like that green shade it looks really oddly placed in the palette but it's a lovely shade.
ReplyDeleteLauren x Huggled
Me too, Lauren, me too x
DeleteThe green is such a random color but otherwise, the palette looks okay. I'd probably opt for something else though.
ReplyDeletejennnngo
Yeah I see what you mean x
DeleteIt seems like a really wearable palette, but it's a bummer to hear some of them lack pigmentation. Do you have any idea why the green is included? Such a beautiful color but it seems so random, haha. Thanks for another great review, girl!
ReplyDeleteKathryn • simplykk.com
She mentions it in her video, she just visualised it in her palette and she likes to layer the two greens together to make an emerald shade. She said she doesn't own a green like it xxx
DeleteI really love the look of the shimmers! I don't have any Morphe palettes, but their shimmers always look amazing.
ReplyDeletexx
Nida | Caked To The Nines
Yeah, the shimmers are stunning!
DeleteThis palette is so beautiful with those metallic earthy shades! Lovely swatches. BTW followed you on Bloglovin' 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you, that means so much!
DeleteNot sure how much wear i'd get out the green, but the golds are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteTiffany Tales | Lifestyle & Beauty
Yes, the golds are so pretty!
DeleteAt first I was put off this palette by the shimmer green metallic shade because for me that took over the whole other shades but having a closer look now at all the shades with this review it does really seem beautiful! And for that price you basically can´t go wrong! It´s sad that the matte shades are not as strong as the shimmer ones but sometimes you can´t have everything, haha.
ReplyDeletexx Lisa | Following Lisa
Agreed, it is a decent palette for the price for sure and I still really like the colour selection x
DeleteI absolutely adore the colours in this palate, they're a bit different and i love that! The green shade is stunning!
ReplyDeleteCyber Mermaids | Alternative beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog
My thoughts exactly! Really love the colours x
DeleteLove how honest your review is. The packaging looks very cheap and it should seriously be a bit improved. Also, it's disappointing that mattes weren't as pigmented as I love mattes the most in eye shadows.
ReplyDelete-Leta | The Nerdy Me
Thank you, I hope I don't come across as too harsh. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment Leta, it means so much to me. Thank you! Xx
DeleteIt's such a shame about the matte shadows! They all look like fab colours nonetheless xx
ReplyDeleteLucy x | lucy-cole.co.uk
Agree, thank you Lucy x
DeleteI did really want this palette but the fact the shipping is more than the palette itself put me of! I found the same thing with morphe 350 palette - the shimmers are amazing and the matte are average. I'm glad i didn't bother getting it after reading this now xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
I know, it really hurts haha x
DeleteI swear it's so hard to find a palette that is both good at mattes and shimmers, SO many palettes let themselves down on the mattes. It's such a shame. Pretty shades but I'll probably give this one a miss. Thanks for the honest review lovely!
ReplyDeleteThe Makeup Directory
I know right! I think the Tartelette in Bloom palette might fit the bill though, thank you for reading x
DeleteI love KathleenLights but I think this palette is crap. It's overpriced due to the ridiculous shipping and the quality is hit and miss as you already found out. :-(
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
Yep, just yep. Thank you for reading Shireen x
DeleteI waiting for my Morphe 350 palette order. I saw this one but didn't really flashed for it... too basic for my taste and have many other palettes having those shades...
ReplyDeleteStays a great review, keep it up :-).
http://www.sofrenchychic.com/
That's fair enough, I just liked that all the colours were in one palette x
DeleteIt's good that you can still use it and are glad you got it, but there are a lot of downsides with it. crazy that shipping was so expensive too! :(
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great weekend :)
Away From The Blue Blog
God, I know, thank you Mica, you too! Xx
DeleteWow, what beautiful shades! I love the look of the gold and green!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
You too, Rosanna x
DeleteI havent tried anything from Morphe, because shipping to Germany is just as expensive as it is to the UK. I like Zoeva though, so I think I will stick to them.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Yes, Zoeva is so good! Xx
DeleteIts a shame about the lack of pigmentation in the matte shades...otherwise the colour range is beautiful. I've never tried anything from Morphe yet...I must be the only one xxx
ReplyDeleteSal | UmmBaby Beauty
I have only recently tried some products, just this palette and one of their Elite brushes (review coming soon!). But yeah I find the brand pretty off-putting as a whole x
DeleteLove the shades of this palette. Thanks for this honest review.
ReplyDeleteNina
Nina's Style Blog
Ahh I'm sorry to hear this palette didn't totally wow you - and oh my gosh I feel you on the shipping costs, they can be such a nightmare!! On a brighter note, the shimmer shades look gorgeous in your swatches.
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com
x
Great colours, like them a lot. Please check out my Anti-LOVE-Valentines post!
ReplyDeleteKisses xo | From Aliona With Love
Instagram @alionawithlove
This is a lovely and informative post. I like the colors of this palette but it's good to know it's not necessarily worth the purchase. I have to tell you, I really love the way you format this review, with a little summary at the end. I love it when blogger reviews are straight forward and honest. Really good work, and helpful!
ReplyDeleteJulia || Julia in Bluhm
The green shade is cool!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Looks really nice and I love the look of the green shadow.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
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