The Bobbi Brown Golden Illusion Eyeshadow Palette Holiday 2021 is the third BB holiday palette I invested in. The first BB 2021 Palette, Cobblestone Road, the least expensive palette in the holiday collection, has 8 matte, metallic and shimmer shades. It is a very pretty, easy to wear, neutral palette. The second Bobbi Brown Palette, the Luxe Precious Metals Eyeshadow Palette also has eight shades. But, what makes this palette different from the other two is all eight shades come in a foil finish. Also, the case is a real winner. The perfect gift for a makeup lover. Now, for the last one that I purchased, The Golden Illusion Eyeshadow Palette. First, it comes with 12 shades in matte, metallic, and sparkle finishes. Also, the shades are metallics or earth toned shades. I was really looking forward to the “Golden Illusion” Palette. The name of the palette hinted that something sparkling and mysterious was going on in this palette. Unfortunately for me, I could not find it!
You can find the Bobbi Brown Golden Illusion Palette at Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Harrods, and on the Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Website.Also, the Golden Illusion Palette ( 12 X .06 oz. / 1.98 g) costs $59.
Packaging
The Golden Illusion comes in Holiday packaging, that is supposed to give a nod to the magic and energy of New York City during the holiday season.
The holiday packaging is white with gold star embellishments, and a snowflake effect. 
The heavy cardboard case has a strong magnetic closure. Inside, underneath the lid of the case is a mirror. 
What makes this mirror special, is there is a ribbon tab, that lets you slide the mirror out of the case.
On the other side of the palette are the twelve eyeshadow pans.
Formulas
Three formulas create the Cobblestone Lane Palette. First, the matte shades have a multi-dimensional matte formula. It is a silky powder that glides on smoothly and is easy to blend. Also, you can use the darker shades to line your eyes. All you need to do is make your eyeliner brush damp, dip the brush in the shadow, and draw your line.
Next, are the metallic shades. These shades, described as high shine metals, are a disappointment. No high shine metallics like in the Cobblestone Lane Palette. These shades have a more shimmery finish. Although, the shades are richly pigmented.
Last, the Sparkle Wash Eyeshadow formula features features unique flat pearls that impart a prismatic effect. The shades have a shimmering translucent color. I wouldn’t go so far as to say the shades are glowing. However, they are easy to blend.
Shades
Row 1 Across (Left to Right)
The shades in row 1 are Seashell, Bonfire Metallic , Gilded Illusion Metallic, Playful Red Metallic, Golden Light, and Red Rock.
First, Seashell, well, in the pan Seashell looks matte with a teensy bit of glitter in it? 
However, I really can’t describe the shade, which is chalky, colorless, and doesn’t swatch at all. So, maybe you could use this as a base shade?
Second, Bonfire, a peachie golden shade, has a metallic finish. 
Although, to me the finish is more of a shimmer, less metallic.
Third, Gilded Illusion, a light bronze shade, has a metallic finish. 
This one is slightly more of a metallic shade.
Fourth, Playful Red, a ruby red shade, has a metallic finish. 
Again, more shimmer, less of a high shine metallic finish.
Fifth, Golden Light, a gold shade with red undertones, has a matte finish. 
Not the most pigmented shade that one would expect from a matte.
Sixth, Red Rock, a rusty red shade, has a matte finish. 
This one is more pigmented than some of the others.
Row 2 Across (Left to Right)
The shades in Row 2 are Gold Bar, Sandstone Shimmer, Tawney Velvet, Burnt Umber, Bronzed Rose, and Modern Symphony.
Seventh, Gold Bar, a yellow gold shae with yellow flecks, has a sparkle finish. 
This is a beautiful eyeshadow topper. Or, dab it onto the center of your eyelids.
Eighth, Sandstone Shimmer, a yellow gold with orange undertones, has a metallic finish. 
Again, not a strong metallic shade.
Nineth, Tawney Velvet, a milk chocolate brown shade, has a matte finish.
Tenth, Burnt Umber, a dark brown shade, has a metallic finish.
More of a satin shimmer than a metallic.
Eleventh, Bronzed rose, a bronzey rose shade, has a metallic finish.
Twelve, Modern Symphony, a dark brown shade, has a matte finish.
Finally, I am really disappointed with this palette. The word that comes to mind is, it is an ordinary palette. You don’t need to spend $59 on an ordinary palette with so so finishes, and earth tone shades. 
The multidimensional matte finishes aren’t multidimensional. The Sparkle Shades don’t pack a punch. Nor are the high shine metal shades very metallic. I would rather purchase a ten shade Pat McGrath Palette, or a Natasha Denona Mini Palette for a lot more money, to get gorgeous original shades that pack a punch, are high shine, and glow. And, that is what one should expect from all of the Holiday Palettes. Real Shimmer, Foil, Glitter! That is because they are Holiday Palettes, not ordinary, everyday, boring palettes.
xo
