Product Review -- LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2

With the holiday season upon, there are a ton of new palettes out on the market.

I'm trying to be good and only pick up the ones that really call to me (the rest are going on my Christmas list!), but it's really difficult with so many tempting options out there.

One palette that I was particularly interested in getting was the LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2.

That's because I'm a big fan of LORAC's shadow formula -- they tend to be really creamy and smooth, so what's not to like?

I also purchased the Mega Pro Palette last year (I never reviewed it because it sold out in about 3 seconds. They've done a much better job this year with the stock, it seems.) and I've used it a ton. It's an ideal palette to travel with too, because you get so many shades and both matte and shimmer shadows, so you can create a ton of looks.

The Mega Pro Palette 2 is set up exactly like the first version. It comes in very slim, storage-friendly cardboard packaging, though this year's packaging is a bright cobalt, while last year's was red. There's a decent size mirror on the inside, but it doesn't stay open by itself so you do need to prop it against something.

The palette contains 32 shadows. The top two rows contain matte shades, while the bottom two rows contain shimmer shades for a total of 16 each.

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2

I usually list all of the shade names and offer descriptions when I review palettes, but because there are so many, I'm just going to include up close photos of each row so you can see the names and shades for yourself.

(If you have any further questions about what specific shades look like, feel free to leave a comment below or email me.)

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 first row

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 first row

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 second row

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 second row

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 third row

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 third row

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 fourth row

LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 fourth row

The shadows in the Mega Pro Palette 2 are very similar in texture, consistency, and pigmentation as the regular Pro Palettes -- so if you like those palettes, you will probably like this one.

I personally love the formula, as I mentioned above. The mattes in particular impress me because they're so smooth and creamy and apply and blend really well. The shimmers are really nice as well, but I find that it's easier to find nice shimmer shadows.

Compared to the original Mega Pro Palette, which leans pretty warm, the Mega Pro Palette 2 seems more balanced to me. There are quiet a few warm shadows, but there are some cool shades as well, so there's a greater variety to the looks that you can create.

For me, there are a few standout shades. Melon is lovely matte peachy shade, while Tangerine is gorgeous matte orange. Sorbet is a light mauve-y matte that's an ideal transition shade for pale skin, while Goji is a pretty muted matte raspberry and Cabernet is a nice matte brownish red.

In terms of shimmer shades, I love Proseco, a soft ivory with silver undertones, and Soft Plum, a pale lavender. Cinnamon and Penny are both pretty bronze-y shades, with Cinnamon having a touch more copper to it. Olivine is another gorgeous shade -- it's a unique combination of olive, gray, and a hint of gold.

The palette retails for $59 and is exclusive to Ulta. The individual shadows are definitely on the small side, but you can 32 shades, so I think it's still a pretty great deal.

I would definitely recommend this palette. It would make a great gift for any makeup lover in your life too.

Have you tried the LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2? Which shades are your favorite?