Splash of colour: Eye shadow palettes

Now that the carefree days of summer are over and another fashion season has dawned, most of us are ready to add a bit more colour to our lives.

Make-up is without a doubt the easiest way to test out a new shade or jazz things up for a special occasion. And this autumn there are a host of new eye shadow palettes packed with fun colours to play with.

Make Up For Ever’s new Blue Sepia collection was inspired by 1950s style, French fashion and sepia photography. The eye shadow palette features eight rich shades, from light pink and pale beige to dark brown and “petrol” blue. It includes matte and satin textures, and two brushes that can be used on lids and brows.

Chantecaille has released another causerelated palette, this time in support of America’s wild horses. Proceeds from the Wild Horses Palette will go towards conserving their wild habitat, which has been reduced by more than 8.9 million hectares over the past 40 years. The equine-inspired colours include Black Stallion, Palomino (creamy beige), Mustang (chestnut brown) and Freedom (sunset pink).

Also featuring four colours plus a built-in eyeliner, Lancôme’s Hypnôse Palette comes in 12 different versions, from natural browns to intense smoky shades. The eye shadows are made with a “wet” technology that leaves an even veil of colour and can be applied wet or dry for varying intensities. The palette also includes extra-long magnetic applicators.

L’Oreal Paris’s Color Riche collection offers six compact palettes with creamy, concentrated pigments. Options include the daring Disco Smoking with orange accent colour, Eternal Blue with light to deep indigo shades and the sparkling Hidden Gems. Blend together for a strong evening eye or use the colours alone for a more subtle look.