The Balm Nude Beach

If there is one brand that is heavily underrated, it is The Balm. All of the products I have tried by them are great, including their eyeshadow palettes. Whether it is a matte palette, or one in their Nude range, I have liked every single palette by The Balm so far. What do I think of Nude Beach? 

The Balm Nude Beach eyeshadow palette

The Balm’s palettes can differ in price. The Nude range is quite possibly one of the most affordable line of larger palettes. Featuring 12 eyeshadows, this palette retails for €34.95. While that is still not the cheapest palette I am reviewing for you this month, in terms of eyeshadow palettes, this is on the more affordable side of the spectrum.

The Packaging

One thing I truly appreciate about The Balm palettes is the packaging. Not only does the palette come in a slim and sleek design. It also features a mirror and the design of The Balm products is always fun. Nude Beach is the continuation of the Nude Tude (all ladies) and Nude Dude (all men), so it would only make sense for this palette to feature men and women on the palette and have the pans cover up their exposed bodies. This palette gives me summer vibes.

The Palette

This palette is right on trend with nothing but warm tones. But I always like how The Balm taps into the trends, but gives it their own spin. While warm toned, this doesn’t have any outspoken oranges or reds. This is still quite neutral and it features some more berry tones too. As if ABH Modern Renaissance and Urban Decay Naked Heat had a baby.

The shade selection includes only a hand full of mattes, but they are all the mattes you need. There is light brow shade, a matte transition and a deeper shade. Everything else has varying degrees of shimmer. I love how this palette has some pink pops, that makes this palette a lot more versatile and different from many other warm toned palettes out there.

The Swatches

These swatches look promising. The only shade that seems truly problematic is Brave, which is the darkest matte in the palette. Everything else swatches nicely and I love how you get a variety of undertones and finishes within each group of colors. Buff seems to be a nice peachy shade, but the standout shade for me here are Brainiac and Bootylicious. Those two shades alone are worth looking into this palette if you ask me.

As with any The Balm eyeshadow palette, Nude Beach has a pleasant formula. Is it the best formula out there? Perhaps not, but it depends on what you prefer. If you like hyper pigmented shadows that pack a punch instantly, then this is not for you. However, if like me, you prefer shadows that are buildable then this is a great one to try.

The Application

Look 1
Lid | Brainiac
Crease | Bold
Inner corner | Babe
Lower lash line | Built
Brow bone | Brilliant

I couldn’t wait to play with Brainiac so I immediately went for that when I started playing with this palette. It is a nice rosy shade that has a peach undertone so it pairs well with other warm tones. I find the contrast with Bold perhaps a bit too stark. I’d have preferred it if there would be a shade that is a bit lighter than that for this shade to truly pop.

Look 2
Lid | Buff
Crease | Bright
Lower lash line | Breathtaking
Brow bone | Brilliant
Inner corner | Babe

Whenever I try a palette, I always want to see how easy it is to a do a quick and easy everyday look. This neutral look features the more peachy/ pink shades in the palette and I really like this look. It is fresh, but still makes for a nicely defined eye look.

Look 3
Crease | Bodacious
Lid | Bootylicious
Lower lash line | Brave
Liner | Brazen
Inner Corner | Built
Brow bone | Brilliant

For my final look, I wanted to work with the darker shades. Sadly, those started muddying together a bit as you can see. However, that is mostly down to me pairing these particular shades together. These still work well, but mostly if you were to use them with other shadows in the palette. The combination here is too close together in depth, so that makes it harder to create a more defined look.

The Conclusion

I really enjoy The Balm eyeshadow palettes and Nude Beach is no exception. The formula needs perhaps a little bit of TLC, but if you find the right brush to work with these shadows I think it is a lovely palette. If you don’t own many warm tones yet or if you want a more unique warm toned palette to add to your collection, then this is a very safe pick.

What The Balm eyeshadow palette do you like?