Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity. Is the Hype worth it? Review Swatch & Comparison

It might be the prettiest eye shadow palette designed, like ever. The time photos starting spreading the internet, it has been one of the most talked, most wanted. After its debut at Barney's New York, I was able to get my hands on it thanks to a dear friend. I could play with it the last week and here is my answer to that question, is it worth the hype?


Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity

This has to be mentioned, the stars were not aligned for me and my palette came with the lightest shade cracked and spread over the other shades. I made a rescue attempt by pressing back the defect part, which worked very good since the powder is very smooth and loosely pressed. I also tried to clean the rest of the palette to take photos but I didn't want to waste too much product while doing so. Here is the result, I find it gorgeous nevertheless. 

Packaging/Weight:
It is an impressive design, breath taxingly beautiful and modern. The compact is also very nice and sleek, great to travel with. If you wonder how it compared to blush or face powder palettes, here I posted a size comparison. It looks smaller but still close to the blush palette. Blush palette has 3.3 x3 (almost 10 g) g of product and eye shadow palette has only 5 g of product. With its $58 price tag, Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette is close to Chanel and Dior.

EDIT: I am changing the text above, thanks to a lovely reader now we know it is 5 g in total, not 1 g as I thought it is! Phew, I feel much better about this product!


Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity


Below you can see a close up of the palette and corresponding swatches. Although the palette appears brown in the photos, once swatched, it has more of a mauve/taupe hue. None of the shades I would call to be too warm nor too cool, so all in all it is a natural palette which is only slightly cool. It is composed of four matte hues and one complex shimmery finish. It will certainly please matte lovers. 

Left most: Very light off-white with matte finish. It is a great shade to highlight under the brow bone without adding shimmer.

2nd from left: Light mauve with matte finish. It is a great transition color just above the socket for me. 

Middle: The most gorgeous mid-toned pink/purple taupe with ver complex shimmer. I would like to bath in this shade, give me more. Lovely all over the eye. Be aware though, it is rather a darker shade, so if you don't like smokey eyes, or darker eye makeup, it may not be your favorite after all.

2nd from right: Mid toned natural brown with matte finish. I like this shade to deepen the crease and add an dimension to the outer corner. It can also be mixed with the deepest shade to get any intensity you might like. 

Right most:Very deep brown with a tad of plum. This shade also has matte finish. I like the pigmentation in that one, it can be used as a liner or further deepening of the socket. It provides enough drama. 



Swatch and close up of Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity

Application notes: 

I was a little underwhelmed during swatching since the shades appeared to be powdery to touch and a little sheer. Most of the swatches above are multiple swipes to get the intensity. During the application on the eyes however, I really liked the consistency. I use a very dense and flexible brush (would you like to read a favorite brushes post soon?). Dense layering brush picked up enough color and color pay-off is great on the eyes. The shimmer of the middle shade is rather low-key.

Eye makeup: 
Below I am wearing the lightest shade under the brow bone and on inner corner, 2nd lightest as a transition color above the socket. Middle shade all over the lid, mid-brown on the socket and outer corner which I intensified with the darkest shade. On the eyes I love the application and the result since mauve shades flatter my skin tone and eye color. If you are close to me in that sense, you might love the color selection of Infinity.



In-action: Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity

Here is the eye look in context. I am wearing Tom Ford Wicked on the cheeks and Tom Ford Matte Lip Color in Black Dahlia on the lips. I was told to wear more bold lipsticks and here we go. I will review this one very soon together with Plum Lush. Just take it as a sneak peak now *wink wink*



FOTD: Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity

Comparison to similar palettes:

First two palettes which came to my mind was Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage and Urban Decay Naked Basics 2. Naked Basics 2 was too taupe/cool once compared and had nothing to do with Infinity, Check out the photo here at Instagram. So the question, I have Naked Basic 2, is it a dupe, answer: not even close!

That said Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity is like a tad more mauve version of Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage, which is very close at 3 shades. Only the shimmery shade is warmer in Cocoa vs. cooler more rose/plum in Infinity. I find the intensity and quality of Tom Ford much better, and as I mentioned above it is much cheaper. Nevertheless on me Infinity is more flattering because of its mauve undertones. Cocoa Mirage (reviewed here) doesn't work all that well on my complexion. 



Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity vs. Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage. 
Swatch comparison: Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity vs. Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage. 

Since Urban Decay Naked Basic 2 was proved to be very different, I decided to check out Naked 3, which has mauve/pink tones such as Infinity's. You don't have all the shades exactly as they are in Infinity in Urban Decay Naked 3, but you can certainly get a similar effect. Below I tried to reconstruct Infinity by using some shades from Naked 3. As you see they are pretty close but Naked 3 has less matte shades which in the end makes a slight difference. The overall eye look with Infinity is more matte, less in shimmer but with Naked 3 you get more frost, more shimmer.




Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity vs. Urban Decay Naked 3
Swatch comparison: Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity vs. Urban Decay Naked 3

I hope the comparisons were useful. Check out Lola's blog for more swatches and information.


Final thoughts: If you like mauve undertones, matte textures and if you want to splurge on something very pretty but extremely expensive, than go ahead and get Infinity. To me it is not a must have. The price point is same as Chanel, Dior for the amount of product you get 5 g (1 g x5), the shade in this particular palette is rather dupable.


Availability/Price: Right now it is available online at Barney's (link is not affiliated). It costs $58 and it should be available at other retailers at the beginning of next year, together with other colors in Spring.


Do you think how much product you get is important or do you say we never finish a product anyway? I would love to hear your thoughts on that.

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46 comments

  1. Excellent comparisons, Sara! It's truly amazing when a palette price per gram makes Tom Ford's lovely palettes look like a bargain! Neutral palettes are probably among the most dupable, in my opinion, because there are so many to choose from-- and since the effects tend to be more subtle and casually wearable I think that they can often nearly be interchangeable without anyone really noticing (other than perhaps the beauty obsessed who can easily see the subtle differences between similar palettes). Excellent review and comparison swatches. It looks gorgeous on you! Thanks for the link love! <3

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    1. Hi Lola,
      thanks for stopping by. You are right, natural palettes can be dumped easier but they are worn more often so it still makes sense to collect them all in a way *winks*
      I am beauty obsessed and I can pinpoint the differences, between palettes that someone else would say "hey these are so close". The thing with the natural palettes is that some of them are more "flattering" on ones skin tone and it may make sense to get these while leaving the others. Thanks for stopping by :-*

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  2. I never manage to finish any powder eyeshadows - I have palettes from the 90's where I haven't hit pan! But the price comparisons are interesting. TF has such a reputation for being pricey but is actually a value product compared with most. Plum Lush - just got - beyond beautiful. Susan, London

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    1. Hi Susan,
      yes I know, we never finish products, still when they are so tiny, I feel like I am betrayed, go figure ;-)
      Plum Lush is so gorgeous, I am glad you picked it up too, which other shades have you picked up?

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  3. That price comparison to Tom Ford is INSANE!! And actually, I think I am one of the only people who doesn't think this is stunning. I kind of thing it's ugly and messy. I do love the middle shade you have swatched tho-must try and dig out a dupe from my stash. Fab review as always tho

    Stacey | Expat Make-Up Addict xx

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    1. Hi Stacey,
      I like the design, not love it but like it. I love the middle shade though, why not give me 5 g of that one ;-)

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    2. I'm with Stacey on the design, it just doesn't wow me. I really enjoyed this review though for comparisons xxx

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  4. Hey Sara, thanks for the review! I'm wondering if it weighs so little because it's baked (or is it baked? I'm just assuming it is)? 1 gram really isn't a lot, but I do like the shades!

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    1. Hi Sunny,
      now that we know it is 5 g (1 g x5) they wrote x5 in a strange way so I was mistaken. I edited the text above. It is not so bad after all. Just to answer you question, it is not baked, it is powdery ( a little too powdery at times)

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  5. Your swatches and the look you created with the shadows are very pretty. Looking at Lola's pictures, I'd say there's actually a total of 5g of product in the pan. It says 1.0G (x5) on the back of the palette. Still expensive but not quite as bad!

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    Replies
    1. Hey there, thanks so much for the correction. I have corrected it above, checked again. I don't understand though, blush palette is only 3,3 g and it is much bigger and higher in the compact. There is something strange with the size of this one... hmmm

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    2. I don't have the blush palette (yet), but the 3-pan Ambient Lighting Palette says on the label that there's 3.3G (x3), so it's a total of 9.9G for all 3 pans. Isn't it about the same for the blush palette?

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    3. I just checked, this x s are very confusing but you are absolutely right, it is almost 10 g while eye shadow palette is 5 g, so it makes all sense :-)

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  6. Oh it's different for sure but I'm liking the middle shade a lot haha. And yes please, I very much look forward to reading your favourite brush post (and how you organize your makeup hehe) :)

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    1. Oh the brush post, I would like to do it for such a long time along with the nail care routine. I am always dived in seasonal reviews and never get the basics posts right. That has to change but gosh I have a line up of products waiting to be written about at the moment, save me!

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  7. This is quite a piece of art! I'm a sucker for packaging and this one just tickles my fancy way too much. It's stunning. I'm quite a matte-loving girl which is again ideal. This would look great in my collection.. but then again, keeping in mind what you said about the Tom Ford palette.. decisions decisions! Nevertheless, it's absolutely stunning!

    Laura || Laura London

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    Replies
    1. Hi Laura,
      do you have Cocoa Mirage? Do you like cooler or warmer tones on your eyes?
      Let me know I help you to decide ;-)

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    2. I don't own Cocoa Mirage myself! I mostly prefer cooler tones, but it really depends on the shade. The base shade from the YSL Couture #02 Fauves as example, is one of the prettiest, slight warmer shades I've ever had on my lids. So when it comes to warmer tones, I tend to get a bit more picky! ;)

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  8. Holy moly- this is the first I'm seeing of this! Definitely looks interesting- thanks for all of the swatches and comparisons :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jen, this is released very recently,
      a lovely one for sure, there will be more shades of this. I am hoping for some which will maybe be less dupable.

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  9. wendy from cincinnatiNovember 10, 2014 at 2:04 AM

    hi sara!!! i've had some computer issues and haven't been able to comment. i received an email from barneys and noticed this palette for pre-ordering. when i found out it was sold out completely, i was very upset! after reading your fabulous review though, i'm kinda glad i didn't purchase this. i was in sephora today and saw the hourglass blush palette. i always here how wonderful it is but the longevity seems to be reported to be short. i've read up to 5 hours and then it fades. i typically wear my makeup at least up to 9 hours, gosh, i have alot of catching up to do, so many questions to ask you. my biggest fail has been with the new chanel quads. i feel as if i liked the old formula better. i'm extremely pale and tisse camelia barely showed up on me. i have rivoli and poesie in my possesion but, i'm afraid to say that these should be returned. i'm hesitant to try these and not work out for me. on the reve d'orient (did i spell that correctly) quad, i heard that nordstrom should be offering this in extreme limited quantities the day after thanksgiving. i've been seeing images for chanel spring which usually comes out before christmas hoping there will be things i can use and like. i've been looking at tom ford's new lippies. i suffer though from extremely dry, sensitive lips. i always need gloss, and lots of it to keep my lips from peeling, etc. during the day. oh, and i just noticed the armani singles. so very buttery. i did not want to stray from talking about hourglass but, as you can read i'm excited to correspond again on your fabulous blog. i think you convinced me to order tom ford's cocoa mirage, i really need a very good neutral palette for work, seems like i'd get alot of use out of it. i'm still very upset that i missed out on his nude dip quad. it really messed up my "agenda" for my fall makeup look! xoxo.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Wendy,
      oh gosh, first of all, welcome back! :-)
      Now Camelia, it is not the best of those quads, you should really try Rivoli. Poesie is also so lovely, don't return it, I am sure you can sell it for $$$ since it is sold everywhere lol. Anyway, Reve d'orient is nice, nothing ground braking. I would suggest you try Rivoli, it is really lovely! Chanel Spring looks so nice, I am hoping for the best. They say end of November.
      If your lips are dry, don't go for Black Dahlia, that one is very drying but all the others are really nice and not drying. I don't suffer from dry lips though, so maybe I am not the one to recommend it to you. Cocoa Mirage is lovely.

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    2. Hi Wendy,
      I have chronically dry, sensitive lips and have been able to wear TF's Pink Tease and Plum Lush (drop dead gorgeous!) but I do have to do a bit of extra prepping. I slather Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask on my lips (but any ultra hydrating moisturizer will do) and let it absorb while I do my makeup. I then blot off any excess and apply ByTerry's Baume de Rose which is an occlusive balm with a satin finish. Last, but not least, I apply the lipstick. Touch ups are always proceeded by Baume de Rose which provides a protective cushion for my sensitive lips without being gooey or detracting from the soft-lustre, matte effect of the lipstick itself. I don't normally wasr mattes, but Plum Lush was too beautiful to pass up. BTW, TF's Cocoa Mirage is one of the best investments any neutral-loving woman can make. It works perfectly on its own but it also works to ground or add depth to other eyeshadows. If I had to toss all my eyeshadows except for one palette (Oh! The horror! LOL), I'd keep Cocoa Mirage :-) A cursory glance might yield the impression that it is a simple set of easily duped matte colors, but the colors have a quality, texture, and finish that is not so easily duped. Also, Cocoa Mirage's synergy creates looks that range from polished but unassuming office appropriate to stunningly dramatic. It's all in the application and tool choice.

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    3. Hi Eileen,
      I love how you described Cocoa Mirage, it is simply "the natural palette" everyone needs. That said, I would rather keep Silvered Topaz i that horror you explained happened ;-)

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  10. p.s. oh yes please, i'd love your thoughts on brushes and nail care!! you are one of the few bloggers that ,at least i read, give full details with a FOTD. it really is so helpful!! and, with your superior expertise, makes my decisions at the beauty counter a whole lot easier and stress free! i'm really in need of new brushes. as holidays approach, brushes would be a great present for me! :D the only thing, could you please recommend brushes that are easy to purchase. i've been wanting suquu's blush brush for some time now but the shipping is too steep for me to purchase overseas. thankyou sara, you are the best!!! xoxo.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. LOL, I will try to post bout my available brush selections and the others ;-)
      Selfridges drop VAT so in the end if you buy something expensive, like Suqqu brush, the shipping becomes almost free :-) Just saying!

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  11. Thanks for the swatches, Sara. And Plum Lush looks stunning on you!!! You should always wear that lip color from now on! I think this one needs to be acquired for the pretty.... even though the colors in themselves are not really my kind of thing... *scary speak*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL Linda, actually now this is what I do, I always wear Plum Lush since days ;-)
      New colors of those will be up, I am also hoping for less dupable shades together, interesting combinations, oh please!

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  12. I'm really happy that they're branching out into eye palettes, but the shade selection for this one is a bit underwhelming for me... I think I'll wait until spring time, when there are some different colors out!
    Great review!

    www.lilting-grace.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,
      I totally agree with you, I will check out the new shades. This one is very flattering on my skin tone, so no regrets but it is surely a little (!) dupable.

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  13. Love Cocoa mirage ! This HG palette is very pretty too ! Lovely on you ! Love the fushia lipstick you are wearing !

    Xoxo
    Michelle

    WondersReviews Recently Posted : Perfect REDS Combo of Lips/Nails [GUERLAIN, SISLEY, DIOR : RougeG RougeParade, Ruby LipLiner, Star NailPolish, Review, Photos, Swatches] Le combo de ROUGES Parfaits pour Lèvres/Ongles

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,
      that lipstick is my staple at the moment, I am loving it, wearing it al the time. I am not used to wear very dark lipsticks but this one stole my heart! Thanks so much for stopping by, I will check your posts too, thanks for living the links. :-*

      Delete
  14. I own the Tom Ford palette, but really love the look of the Hourglass and want it.

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    Replies
    1. Hi, LOL, another hoarder, go ahead and get it then, I think they are different enough.

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  15. Die Kombi mit dem Blush und dem Lippi is breathtaking!

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  16. Wonderful post and comparison as always, Sara! Matte shadows don't usually look very good on me but this one is so tempting! The third (middle) shade is so beautiful and thank goodness it's shimmery, which makes me want to try this palette even more! I heard that they will be releasing more colors beginning of next year? Time to save up! ;D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jaa,
      really don't look good? I can't imagine. Usually matte looks good on everyone. Yes that one in the middle is so pretty! Check out the new shades when they arrive, others might be more up your alley. By the way you also liked Guerlain Les Violines, this one is close actually.

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  17. Hello Sara, we've just met on Instagram. I see that you are from Stuttgart; I live near Cologne... :) I am so happy I've come to visit as above you present *my* eyeshadow palette - the Hourglass one. It WILL be mine! I just mustn't forget about it next year. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi there stranger ;-)
      Cologne! That is so close. I mean compared to other friends here, you are much closer. Nice to meet you, it seems you like mauve too, these should be out at the end of January, we may oder from SpaceNK, I will remind you don't worry ;-))

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  18. I don't find this one very attractive. I have Chanel Tisse Rivoli and I think that the shades are similar, only a lot more pigmented. Also, the design doesn't tempt me. I adore Plum Lush on you though...pity no-one will send it to the Netherlands!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bella,
      too bad about Tom Ford not being available there. Have you tried Selfridges? As far as I know they send to all Europe.

      Delete
  19. Looking absolutely gorgeous here! The charcoal-mauve tones with the Plum Lush are a stunning pair.

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  20. I always do the maths on skincare prices per ml, but must admit I am less attentive with make up items, as I never finish anything!

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  21. How do you feel about this palette few weeks later? Still in love with in? Is there any online shop with an uncomplicated delivery to Germany you would recommend to order from? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pia,
      I am waiting for these to hit SpaceNK UK, I will order from there. They should be available in February.
      I like the palette, I find it a bit powdery though. So if you can't stand it, it may not be for you. It is nice but not one of my favorite eye shadow formulas.

      Delete

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