Pat McGrath MTHRSHP Bijoux Brilliance Palettes: review & swatches

There is no doubting that Pat McGrath makeup is expensive but there is also no doubt that it is one of the highest quality brands that I have used and delivers every time, which is probably why I couldn't resist buying her two latest palettes (in my slight defence, I don't think I've bought (m)any palettes all year, plus I had a 20% discount code! Defending over, let's get into a review and swatches!

The MTHRSHP palettes are usually housed in hard, heavy cases but the Bijoux Brilliance limited edition festive palettes are always housed in hard cardboard, which makes them more affordable and they are still sturdy. The last two years, separate eyeshadow and blush/highlight palettes were released, but this year we have palettes that contains eyeshadows and blushes. The eyeshadows in both are a mixture of mattes, metallics and shimmers. The two variations are called Starstruck Splendour and Jewelled Temptation. Being completely honest, I would prefer a combination of my favourite shades from both because there are some shades in each that I know I won't wear, which tends to happen with palettes!

Swatches completely unedited and taken in natural light.

I thought that I would like Jewelled Temptation the most because the blush shades looked very me and I love a good purple eyeshadow, plus there's a gorgeous bronze too but they don't actually translate as well as I expected as you'll see in the photos above. They look very different to the photos on the site. The texture of the shadows is smooth and the metallics, in particular, are creamy. All of the swatches are one swipe, in natural light. There is nothing wrong with the palette, but the colourway just isn't really for me or one I'll get much use out of.

I much prefer Starstruck Splendour,  The greens and browns are more to my personal taste. If I could take the blushes from Jewelled Temptation and add them to Starstruck Splendour, I'd be very happy! That being said, the quality of both palettes is excellent, as I have come to expect from Pat McGrath. I just need to remember not to jump in with both feet next time just because I have a discount code.

Which palette do you prefer? I'd love to hear your thoughts?

Thanks for reading!

All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.