Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette - Exclusive to QVC - Photos and Swatches

So, I was very happy when UPS rolled up to my house yesterday and delivered my Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette. This palette is exclusive to QVC for the holidays and I think Smashbox did a really good job on it.

While the packaging on this looks huge on screen, it's actually no bigger than about the size of a large edition paperback book.

Inside the case you get a ton of colors! This palette includes the following:

• 56 photo-op eyeshadows (This kit includes ALL (that's right, ALL) of the photo op trios that are out for retail sale along with 4 shades from the Soft box palette and 4 shades from the Stage One palette.
• 4 Brow Tech Powders and 1 brow tech wax
• 8 cream eyeliners
• 2 blushes and 3 Softlights
• 4 Lipglosses

It's important to note that the photo-op trios retail for $28 a piece. There are 16 of them in this palette and it's worth an additional note that the actual amount of product you get per eyeshadow in the palette is a bit more than is included in the trio pans. That should help you get an idea of the value that this palette offers. It's easily over $500 worth of product if you were to go out and try to purchase these separately.

The palette sells for $93.48 on qvc.com. I bought it when it was slightly cheaper at the TSV price.

Now for some swatches:

The four Softbox Shades - From left to right Minx, Fizz, Pebble and Sienna

The Develop Trio - Left to Right - Royal, Zoom, and Oyster

The Telephoto Trio - Vapor, Amethyst, and Nocturnal

The Light Speed Trio - Butter, Azure, Peacock

The 2 blushes - Posy Pink and Warm Apricot

This palette does not disappoint. I'm very happy I picked it up. I'm glad that it seems that Smashbox stayed true to the formula and did not cut corners on this kit in order to bring us a lower price point. The kit is made in the USA and the formulas are on par with the original trios as far as I can tell. (I actually went to the store the day that this palette was on QVC to test out the formula before purchasing.)

I like how each part has a protective plastic sheet that covers it so that the colors don't mix when shut. It's also nice that the kit was set up so that each trio is together. It makes it very easy to see which colors to combine and not get "lost" in the palette which sometimes can happen with this type of palette. It's also nice that these are all colors you can buy again if you end up using up a set.

If you are someone that has several of the trios already, this probably isn't the product for you. I had not used a Smashbox product in a while though and hadn't been paying too much attention to them lately to be honest. So I did not own any of the photo op shadows. As such, this was a great deal for me to be able to get them all in one shot and be able to play with the new formulation.

The middle section of the palette is really a bonus for me. The eyeshadows were the big draw (I'm a sucker for shadows). The blushes have great pigmentation and you'll need to use a light hand with them. The softlights are great for highlighting as always. Not sure how I feel about the cream products being included. I think the plastic covering will help keep the eyeshadows out of them and help them not get too messy. I also don't mind that they included all the brow tech powders. It allows you to play around with them and mix to get the right intensity/shade.

So overall, I'm really happy with this palette. I think the price is right for the quality and amount of product that is included. If you are looking to overhaul your makeup collection or possibly give a gift to a girlfriend who is just starting out with makeup, this would be perfect. Or, if you are just a makeup junkie like myself and haven't had a chance to try out the new Smashbox formula, go ahead and indulge yourself.

**All items were purchased by me. I'm not affiliated with any companies mentioned.**