(no flash)
I typically make a rule of not posting a review for products that are sold-out or discontinued, but I am making an exception for the Laura Mercier Artist Palette for several reasons. Firstly, I have changed my mind from my initial reaction when I saw the promotional pictures online to now having used it for a month. Also, although it is sold out everywhere, there are two excellent Laura Mercier holiday palettes available that have some of the same shades (available here and here).
When I first saw the promotional images for the second version of the Laura Mercier Palette, I was disappointed that there were four repeat shades. My opinion at the time deemed it an unnecessary investment since I already owned 1/3 of the colours. However, this did not stop me from highly recommending this palette to people who did not already own the original, my Mom being one of those people. Bless her heart, she happened to be in a Sephora in Maui during the VIB sale and scored the last two palettes after they had been sold out for days online and all over the continent. She came back with her precious cargo and I received an early Christmas gift.
(With Flash: version #2 on the left, original on the right)
To my immense pleasure, I found that the four repeat shades seem to have been reformulated and are either more refined in texture or slightly varied in tone.
(Version 2 on the left, Original on the right: Vanilla Nuts, Plum Smoke, Guava, African Violet)
(Version 2 on the left, Original on the right: Vanilla Nuts, Plum Smoke)
(Version 2 on the left, Original on the right: Guava, African Violet)
For a full review and swatches of the original palette, click here.
The new incarnation of the Artist Palette is a nice mix of warm and cool tones and has the perfect blend of matte and shimmer shades. Each of the large shadows has incredible pay off and application. The quality is equal (if not occasionally superior) to last year’s. 
The lesson learned here is to never judge a product by its promotional image. I should have known better that Laura Mercier would once again put out the product of the season. If you missed out on either do not despair! As noted above, there are still two palettes available that have some of the shades in addition to lovely cheek colours.
Grade: A+
