Australis Nudist Palette

There never was a whole lot of hype about this product on the Internet, but it caught my eye when I saw two or so bloggers mention it briefly. Something about the selection of neutrals in a compact, sleek little palette sucked me in and I found myself searching far and wide for it. It was nowhere to be found, until one day when Target was selling them for $4.88. Of course I gave a little squeal and rushed off to the price checker (just in case my mind was playing tricks on me). This is the only lot of eyeshadows I have been using since, and it is safe to say I am a pretty big fan, although it does have its faults.

This palette is made up of a selection of pre-existing Australis eyeshadow shades. There aren't any special ones that cannot be found in another palette which is both a good and bad thing. It means that you can purchase one in a smaller palette (a trio, in fact) if you find yourself in love with that particular shade but sometimes it feels a bit special if you get one that cannot be found in any other palette. Eight shades ranging from very light to dark are found in the palette, as described below. (Some do not have individual names)

Shades included in the palette (left to right)
Intensify Trio Bees Knees Shade 1 - Definitely the highlight colour of the palette. I think this shade is absolutely gorgeous. Although it does border on too light and white, the slight golden tone to it saves it. I am a huge fan of this for my inner corners or brow bone highlight. It has this unbelievable ability to draw light in and it just glows.
Paparazzi Perfect Snap Attack - This shade appears to be a little more peachy/honey coloured than its friend left of it in the pan, however when applied is more of a silvery/white kind of shade. I really like this shade in the pan, but I'm not as keen when it is applied.
Intensify Quad Chock-a-block Shade 1 - Perhaps my favourite of all the shades, I use this as an all over lid colour when I'm feeling really lazy. This peachy/honey champagne kind of colour is super subtle but brightening and awakening. It's pretty similar to my skin tone so makes my eyes appear as though they are awake and glowing, not covered in shadow. The only problem is that this is the chalkiest of the lot.
Intensify Trio Bees Knees Shade 2 - Whilst this isn't a matte shade, this is the least shimmery of the lot, and also the least pigmented. Nevertheless this is another one of my favourite shades from the palette because it can be used however you like without much thought. It's a lovely warm, light chocolate brown.
Intensify Quad Choc-a-block Shade 2 - When I first saw this shade I knew I would like it but have trouble wearing it. It's an amazing coppery brown, highly pigmented shade (at least in comparison to the other shades) that looks so metallic and gorgeous. I still haven't quite figured out how to wear this 'safely' (I'm not exactly brave when it comes to eye makeup!) but I still love it to bits.
Paparazzi Perfect A lister sista Dark - This is a cooler toned dark brown with very slight plum tones to it. It is a lovely colour but I usually go for the warmer toned shades as opposed to the cooler ones.
Paparazzi Perfect Snap Attack - This is a purpley/grey brown which I'm really not the biggest fan of. It's not a bad colour by any means, I just won't wear it very often.
Intensify Quad Chock-a-block Shade 3 - Last (and in my opinion least) is this dark brown shade. I find it to be 'dirty' looking and too dark for my personal liking.

I'm not going to lie, this isn't the most pigmented bunch of shadows you will come across, but I personally really like it for that reason. I like subtle eye looks so for me it's a palette that I can apply and wear comfortably and with ease. They can all be built up for stronger looks, but some of the shades (especially the lighter ones) can look pretty similar to one another.

There have been many complaints have been about the fact that there is no matte shadows, which I have to agree with. A matte shade (or two) would be nice, but I still love the palette and would have paid full price for it despite the abundance of shimmer.

I don't use a primer (I never do) but these shadows last a reasonable amount of time. By the end of the day there is slight creasing and a medium amount of wear, but this doesn't bother me in the slightest. If I wanted it to last I would apply a primer or even just a bit of concealer beforehand.

There is no denying that Australis has tried to imitate the well known Urban Decay Naked Palette...I say 'Yes!' I love a cheaper alternative every now and again!

I love the packaging of this product, with its matte black finish and clear plastic front that allows you to get a peek at all the shades. It does come with a double ended sponge applicator, but we all know what I think of them (ie. not much).

I believe this retails for around $10 to $15 (though I could just be making that up) but I found it soooo hard to spot! Let everyone know in the comments if you have seen them around anywhere lately, because the last I saw of them was in Target on sale (and I don't think they are there anymore).

I give this palette 8 out of 10, because whilst it is awesome, the lack of matte shades, the chalky shade and the not so incredible pigmentation could be improved.

Yes I have goosebumps, It was so cold!

Sorry about the ridiculously long review full of many unnecessary photos, I just got a bit excited!