I've found that Laura Geller's New York Palette stands out for its authentic Italian craftsmanship and unique baked formulation. The seven-piece collection transitions beautifully from cream to silky powder through a meticulous terracotta tile baking process, creating remarkably smooth and buildable textures. The versatile mix includes three neutral eyeshadows, Tahitian Glow bronzer, two highlighters (French Vanilla and Portofino), and Pink Buttercream blush. While the palette excels in blendability and performs exceptionally well on mature skin, I've noticed its size isn't ideal for everyday carry, and the blush runs warm. Let's explore what makes this artisanal palette worth considering for your makeup collection.
Key Takeaways
- Italian craftsmanship creates uniquely baked formulas that transform from cream to silky powder, resulting in superior blendability and smooth application.
- The palette includes seven versatile products: three neutral eyeshadows, two highlighters, one bronzer, and one blush for comprehensive makeup needs.
- Products perform exceptionally well on mature skin, with highlighters and bronzer receiving particular praise for their effectiveness.
- While offering high-quality formulations, the palette has limited shade options and the blush may appear orange on some skin tones.
- The palette delivers natural-looking results with its smooth, buildable formulas but may be bulky for everyday carrying.
Italian-Crafted Makeup Collection
What makes Laura Geller's Best of the Best Baked Palette stand out is its authentic Italian craftsmanship. I'm impressed by how each product begins its journey as a cream before skilled artisans transform it into a silky powder through a meticulous baking process on terracotta tiles.
In this collection, I've found seven carefully curated shades: three neutral eyeshadows, a versatile Baked Bronze-n-Brighten in Tahitian Glow, two Baked Natural Glow Highlighters (French Vanilla and Portofino), and a Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Buttercream.
Each shade demonstrates the superior quality that comes from handcrafted Italian cosmetics. The baking process creates a unique texture that's remarkably smooth and buildable, setting this palette apart from conventional pressed powders.
You'll notice the difference in both application and wear.
Detailed Features
Inside this comprehensive palette, you'll find seven distinct baked formulas that deliver versatile functionality.
I'm particularly impressed by the three neutral eyeshadows that transition seamlessly from day to night, while the Tahitian Glow bronzer offers both all-over warmth and precise contouring capabilities.
You'll discover two highlighters – French Vanilla and Portofino – that I've found work exceptionally well on different areas of the face.
French Vanilla creates a subtle glow on the browbone, while Portofino adds dimension to cheekbones.
The Pink Buttercream blush rounds out the collection, though I'll note it can pull slightly orange on some skin tones.
Each powder starts as a cream before Italian artisans bake it on terracotta tiles, resulting in silky-smooth textures that blend effortlessly into the skin.
Pros and Cons
The standout benefits of this Laura Geller palette are counterbalanced by several notable drawbacks that deserve careful consideration. After testing this palette extensively, I've analyzed its most crucial aspects to help you make an informed decision.
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Italian-made, artisan crafted | Limited shade range |
| Application | Silky smooth, blendable | Can appear shiny for daytime |
| Versatility | Multi-use products | Blush runs orange-toned |
| Practicality | All-in-one solution | Bulky for everyday carry |
I've found the baked formulas deliver exceptional performance for mature skin, with the highlighters and bronzer being particularly impressive. However, you'll want to consider whether the warm undertones and luminous finish align with your preferences, especially if you prefer matte finishes or cool-toned makeup looks.
Concluding Thoughts
After three weeks of testing this Laura Geller palette, I've reached a nuanced verdict that weighs both its innovative formulation and practical limitations.
The Italian-crafted, baked formulas deliver exceptional blendability and a natural finish that's particularly flattering on mature skin. I'm impressed by the versatility of the palette's seven shades, though I'd caution that the blush's warm undertone won't suit everyone.
What stands out most is the thoughtful curation of everyday essentials in one place.
While the palette isn't perfectly sized for all purses, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive makeup solution. The quality justifies the investment, especially considering the artisanal production process.
I'd recommend this palette to anyone prioritizing ease of use and natural-looking results over intense pigmentation or trendy finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Palette Be Used With Wet Brushes for More Intense Color?
I'd caution against using wet brushes with these baked powders, as there's no indication they're wet/dry formulas. While they're cream-based initially, they're designed for dry application after being baked.
Does the Product Contain Any Common Allergens or Irritants?
Like a blank canvas, I can't definitively identify specific allergens since ingredient details aren't provided. However, I'd suggest checking the packaging carefully, as baked makeup formulas can contain common irritants like mica and talc.
What Is the Shelf Life After Opening the Palette?
I can't definitively tell you the shelf life since it's not specified in the product information, but I typically recommend using powder makeup products within 12-24 months after opening for best quality and safety.
Are Refills Available for Individual Shades in the Palette?
I must mention that, unfortunately, no refills are available for individual shades in this palette. You'll need to purchase the complete palette again when specific colors run out. I'd suggest exploring single-shade alternatives instead.
Can This Palette Be Safely Used Around the Eye Area?
I can confirm that this palette is safe for eye area use, particularly with its three baked eyeshadows. The formulas are specifically designed and tested for eye safety, following standard cosmetic regulations.
Conclusion
I've found the Laura Geller New York Best of the Best Baked Palette to be a sophisticated investment that balances versatility with quality. The Italian-baked formulas deliver rich pigmentation, seamless blending, and remarkable staying power. While the compact size suits travel needs, the limited shade range may not suit all skin tones. For those seeking a streamlined, premium makeup solution, this palette proves itself worthy of its ambitious name.
