Did you miss out on last year’s ultra-popular Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette? Well, we’ve an early Christmas present for you, because it’s making a return for 2014! This year’s version of the Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette offers a new take on neutral, with a medley of textures, hues and finishes that celebrate the natural beauty of your eyes – with an added bit of Christmas sparkle, of course.

The palette is presented in the same sleek yet durable recyclable cardboard casing as last year but instead of stripes, it’s a more classic look; shiny, brown and embossed with a gleaming Clarins logo. It’s just that little bit too big to feasibly take out and about with you, but that’s good news – there’s no scrimping on eyeshadow sizes! Clarins forgoes a magnetic clasp in favour of an elasticated band, which is really reliable in keeping the palette closed tight when not in use.

Inside the palette you’ll find 10 eyeshadows featuring Clarins’ signature mineral and plant extract blend, which has fantastic glide and even more fantastic staying power. The shadows are blendable without being dusty, and once blended out they adhere to the skin beautifully with a refined, ultra-smooth finish. Also included in the palette is a mirror, a double-ended applicator (one side for applying and finer detail, the other for blending and larger areas), and a handy almost ‘paint by numbers’ inspired guide that shows you how to wear your new colours.

The Shades

Shade 1 Peachy nude matte – the ideal base with a sheer finish that neutralises red tones
Shade 2 Rose champagne opalescence – a flash of rosy shimmer that gives a subtle and flattering radiance
Shade 3 Champagne opalescence – a gorgeous shimmering shadow that really lights up the eyes, plus it doubles as a highlighter
Shade 4 Bronze opalescence – a rich and glimmering colour that makes peepers pop, especially those with blue eyes
Shade 5 Rosy brown matte – a warm crease shade that adds depth

Shade 6 Gold leaf shimmer – this shade is a knockout, apply wet for a showstopping foiled effect
Shade 7 Antique gold metallic – a more subtle way to wear gold, this has a burnished finish that glimmers gently
Shade 8 Brown metallic – a perkier way to wear everyday brown
Shade 9 Taupe matte – a universal, suits-all shade that can also double as an eyeliner
Shade 10 Gunmetal grey satin – a not-quite-black smoky shadow that lends a touch of vampiness

So, what do you think of this year’s offering? Let us know in the comments below!