The Yves Saint Laurent Northern Lights Collection for Holiday 2012 includes the limited edition Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette in No.12 ($58 USD / $74 CAD). This limited-edition smoky palette contains four beautiful wet/dry eyeshadows in a variety of smoky shades and different textures. This limited-edition collection is now available online and at Yves Saint Laurent counters.

As much as I adore the stunning Boréal Palette from the collection, I think that this one in particular is going to be one of my all-time favorites.  It’s the perfect luxury smoky palette! It’s also a little bit cheaper than the Boréal palette, however it lacks the decorative sequins case.

Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette in No.12

Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette in No.12

Note the size

The shades include a deep charcoal satin, a glittery silver, a shimmery pewter and a deep black with silver sparkle. The variety in texture and color is perfect for creating several types of smoky eyes- from soft and subtle definition for the daytime, all the way to intense blackout looks for an evening out.

What makes this palette so amazing is the variety in texture (which is incredibly important, especially for a smoky eye)- something that the Boréal palette was lacking. Each one of the shades is beautifully pigmented, smooth and blendable. The glittery silver shade is a little harder to work with because it has a bit of fall-out, however when used damp it turns into liquid metal and looks even more striking.

As I mentioned with the other palette, I find using brushes or even fingers work best with this palette (not the included applicators).  They really stand out most on top of a primer, but I found they had pretty good wear without.

Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette in No.12

Swatches: Top left, top right, bottom left & bottom right

Summary

• Price: $55 USD / $74 CAD for 0.1oz / 3g
• Availability: Yves Saint Laurent
• Overall: I’m extremely happy with this palette- it’s a shame it’s limited-edition, because it’s such a perfect luxury smoky palette. I love the combination of smoky shades and various textures, which allows for versatility. Each shade is beautifully pigmented and work well together. A little bit of fall-out with the silver glitter when used dry.
• Rating: A