Morphe 35U Makeup Palette Review Deep Metallics and Matte Shadows for Versatile Looks

Description

Highlights of the Morphe 35U Makeup Palette

Testing the Morphe 35U Makeup Palette – Gilded Desert Artistry Palette has been a colorful journey. This palette offers 35 richly pigmented pressed pigments that range from deep metallics to shimmers and mattes. The carefully curated shades echo the warm, sun-kissed tones of a golden desert, featuring terracotta hues, cool neutrals, and sultry nudes. What struck me immediately was the versatility—from everyday natural looks to dramatic, statement-making eyes, the palette handles it all with a smooth blend and build capability.

The blendability of the shadows is remarkable. I could effortlessly layer the rich metallics over matte bases without any patchiness or fallout, which is often a struggle with palettes boasting such a variety of finishes. The formula feels creamy but stays lightweight on the lids, adding to a comfortable wear throughout the day. Whether I used a fluffy brush or my fingertips, the pigments deposited beautifully with minimal effort.

• 35 highly pigmented shades
• Range of mattes, shimmers, and metallic finishes
• Smooth, buildable, and blendable textures

Price Performance: Is It Worth the Investment?

Considering the price to quality ratio, this palette stands out as a solid option for both beginners and makeup enthusiasts. It combines a wide range of shades suitable for multiple makeup styles, which often means buying several smaller palettes to get the same variety. The long-lasting pigmentation means you don’t have to keep reapplying, which is a huge plus.

I noticed that some competitors might offer slightly cheaper palettes but with far fewer shades or less pigmentation. The Morphe palette’s versatility and pigment payoff justify what you pay for it. However, it’s important to note that if you’re someone who rarely ventures beyond neutral eyeshadows, you might find many shades unused. For those who love experimenting, this is a budget-friendly way to explore multiple textures without compromising on quality.

• Great shade variety for the price
• Durable pigmentation reduces touch-ups
• Suitable for makeup beginners and pros alike

Disadvantages to Consider

Despite many strong points, a few downsides became apparent during my use. The palette’s size and weight—measuring about 10 x 7 x 1 inches and weighing 3.53 ounces—make it less travel-friendly. It’s bulky enough that tossing it into a small makeup bag isn’t practical. This isn’t a compact, grab-and-go palette but more of a vanity staple.

Some shades, particularly the lighter mattes, lacked the intense pigmentation of the darker hues. I found myself needing to layer those more frequently to achieve the desired opacity. Additionally, while the metallics and shimmers were creamy, a few did have minor fallout during application if I wasn’t careful. Using a primer helped mitigate this, but it’s something to keep in mind.

• Bulky and less travel-friendly
• Light mattes sometimes require multiple layers
• Minor fallout with some shimmer shades

Benefits of the Palette’s Design and Usability

The design of the palette leans into the artistry theme, with a sleek, sturdy casing that feels reliable. The layout of the shades is intuitive, with warm and cool tones grouped thoughtfully, helping me plan looks without constantly switching focus. The inclusion of both matte and shimmer finishes allows for endless creativity, from subtle washes of color to bold, layered eyes.

I appreciated the smooth switch between different finishes. Building depth with the deeper mattes in the crease and adding shimmer on the lid was seamless. For inner corner highlights and brow bone accents, the softer shimmer shades added a subtle brightness that enhanced the overall look without overpowering.

• User-friendly layout with grouped shades
• Durable casing suitable for daily use
• Balanced mix of finishes for creative freedom

Product Competitors and How This Palette Stands Out

Compared to popular palettes like the Urban Decay Naked series or Anastasia Beverly Hills’ soft glam options, this product holds its own by offering a larger number of shades and a more extensive range of finishes. While some competitors might edge out in terms of premium packaging or ultra-fine shimmer formulas, this one excels in sheer versatility and pigment saturation.

The Morphe palette also tends to be more affordable than those high-end rivals, which makes it appealing for those who want quality without splurging too much. However, the size and bulk are drawbacks when stacked against sleeker competitor palettes designed for travel. Some might prefer the more compact options if portability is a priority.

• Larger shade count than many rivals
• Superior pigment payoff in metallics and mattes
• More affordable pricing relative to premium palettes

How the Palette Performs in Daily Use

Using this palette day-to-day revealed its adaptability. I could easily switch from soft work-appropriate looks to evening glam without needing extra products. The shadows held up well under various conditions—no major creasing or fading after hours. My coworkers even commented on how vibrant my eye makeup looked, which was a nice ego boost.

My teenage niece also tried the palette and loved the ease of blending and layering. It’s definitely forgiving for beginners but still offers enough complexity for more advanced users. The only challenge was keeping the palette clean because the richly pigmented powders can get messy, especially when switching between dark and light shades.

• Maintains vibrance throughout the day
• Suitable for all skill levels
• Requires regular cleaning due to powder transfer

Good Aspects of the Palette’s Formula and Color Story

The color story is a standout feature. Terracotta, maroon, sangria, cinnamon, champagne, and almond shades blend into one versatile collection that feels curated for everyone who enjoys warm, earthy tones with a touch of cool highlights. The matte shades serve as excellent bases and transition colors, while the metallics add a punch of glam.

Formulas for both mattes and shimmers have a buttery, creamy feel that made application enjoyable. The shadow’s adherence to the skin was impressive—I rarely had issues with patchiness, which can be a deal-breaker in palettes with so many color options.

• Beautiful mix of warm and cool tones
• Creamy formula with minimal patchiness
• Rich saturation without heaviness on eyelids

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, the palette has room to grow. The lack of a mirror is a bit surprising given the palette’s size and price point, making touch-ups on the go more challenging. Including a mirror would increase its usability, especially for those new to makeup who rely on a visual aid.

The palette’s bulkiness could be trimmed without sacrificing shade count. A more compact layout would help, especially for users who want a balance between variety and portability. Additionally, a few more cool-toned mattes would round out the palette’s versatility, offering better options for those who prefer cooler makeup looks.

• Missing mirror limits on-the-go use
• Bulky size hinders portability
• Could benefit from more cool matte shades

Trying out this palette has been a real adventure in creativity. It’s a robust, well-pigmented collection that caters to a wide range of makeup lovers, but some practical considerations like size and fallout might give pause for certain users. Overall, it’s a reliable tool for anyone looking to build, blend, and layer with ease.

Additional information