MUA Trio Shadow : Smoke Screen

(available from MUA store or superdrug for £2.50)

The MUA brand is one I think has been needed for a long time. So many 'cheaper' products reflect the prices - they might be affordable but they compromise quality for price. MUA is a range that doesn't do this - the pricing is very much for for those on a budget - however, the quality itself is brilliant. They began with the £1 range and this spread to slightly more expensive products including eyeshadow palettes, foundations and BB creams. 

I purchased this in 'Smoke Screen' as I was looking for the perfect smoky eye and this gave me the chance to have it in one palette rather than fiddling around with 3 different shades. One of the beautiful things about MUA is that their website is fully functioning with masses of information about their product and reviews -something really attractive especially when attempting to blog about a product. The package itself is subtle but sharp for such a cheap product. Its plastic outside can look a little tacky but the black and silver writing makes it look very professional and smart and adds a touch of class to the product.

There is a description of how to use the product on the back of the packaging which is a perfect guidance of how to wear. It's claims include (in summary):

• They all have subtle shimmer but are sparkly enough to satisfy a glitter craving
• They're soft but still durable and will hold up pigmentation wise for hours
• They're long wearing and beautiful

Again, online, there is advice as to how to wear the product. I must say I agree with all the claims they've made. Considering the price the colours are very well pigmented, especially the colour black which, in other brands, fades very quickly and is disappointing but MUA stays on for a good 6+ hours. They also blend together really well to create a perfect smoky eye. They do have a shimmer which I usually hate but it's so subtle that it doesn't affect my like of this product too much. If it looks a little much I just swipe a little 'stay matte' over the top and it dulls it down a little.

This brush comes with it which I'd like to rave about as well. Although it's a little fiddly I use the right side for eyeshadow and the left, which is slightly narrower and slimmer, for the inner corners of my eye with the pearl colour. As well, I use this to put on the darker colour as eyeliner which makes a change from the harsh look of pencil liner.

As you can see the eyeshadows are well pigmented. They fade into each other (when blended properly) to provide a beautiful smoky eye. My only quarm is that I generally prefer gold rather than the pearly-white they offer but that's to the individual's taste. There are a choice of 7 shades which is perfect to adapt to whatever style you want. Well done MUA for creating such a beautiful product at an affordable price.