Disney Dare to Dream Beauty Book: Swatches & Review

They're here! The new Disney Dare to Dream Beauty Books featuring Ariel, Pocahontas, and Mulan! Similar to past Disney collections (villians, Jasmine, Belle etc) these are available at Walgreens, however unlike the past collections, they are not in collaboration with E.L.F. cosmetics. 

Mulan

Each Dare to Dream: Beauty Book comes with a written tutorial on a day and night look using everything that comes inside. All 3 Beauty Books include the same makeup components but in different shades. 

The Mulan Beauty Book includes 9 colorful shades, 2 blush, a lipstick, black eyelinder and a dual-ended applicator. 

Eyeshadow Swatches from left to right: 

Destiny (shimmer, microglitter) - deep, dark olive that's almost black with gold microglitter

Fortune (satin) - seafoam green

Blossom (satin) - duochrome blue violet 

Jade (satin) - turquoise 

Tranquil (matte) - magenta

Honor (satin) - soft peach 

Typhoon (matte) - ivory

Serenity (matte) - light mauve

Porcelain (matte) - white

Blush Swatch from left to right:

Palace Puce (shimmer) - deep coral

Dynasty Dahlia (matte) - cool pink

BOTTOM LINE: 

Some shadows are better than others. Jade and Tranquil were among the better ones, and Fortune was just the absolute worst. Barely any color payoff, no matter what I tried (brush, primer, finger, sponge applicator...nothing works!) I would say from a packaging and collectability perspective this is a great value at $10, but in terms of the actual product, I wouldn't recommend. There are better performing makeup items at a comparable price in other drugstore brands.

Ariel

Dare to Dream Beauty Ariel Book Cover

Dare to Dream Ariel Beauty Book Day & Night Looks

Dare to Dream Ariel Beauty Book Components

Eyeshadow Swatches from left to right:

Oceanid (matte) - cerulean blue

Dinglehopper (matte) - pastel blue

Gizmos (matte) - seafoam green

Whatzits (shimmer) - deep purple

Thingamabobs (shimmer) - reddish purple

Gadgets (satin) - pastel blush

Whozits (shimmer) - seaweed green

Snarfblatt (shimmer) - golden bronze

Treasures (matte) - warm beige

Blush Swatches from left to right:

Coral Fixation (shimmer) - deep hot pink

Shell Spell (shimmer) - bright coral

BOTTOM LINE: 

The Ariel Beauty Book performed much better overall than the Mulan Beauty Book. The darker shades (Whatzits, Whozits) were very chalky and patchy, but the lighter shades swatched properly and were a lot softer to the touch. The two blush shades were also very pigmented. The finish walks a fine line between shimmer and glitter, but used with a lighter hand it applies evenly on the cheeks. 

Pocahontas

Dare to Dream Pocahontas Beauty Book Cover

Dare to Dream Pocahontas Beauty Book Day & Night Looks

Dare to Dream Pocahontas Beauty Book Components

Eyeshadow Swatches, left to right:

Willow (shimmer) - warm bronze

Sycamore (shimmer) - deep brown

Heroine (matte) - cool taupe

Headstrong (satin) - terracotta red-orange

Warrior (matte) - deep raspberry

Wingapo (satin) - soft peach

Riverband (satin) - aqua blue

Ripples (shimmer) - cerulean blue

Dreamcatcher (matte) - pastel blue

Blush Swatch: 

Sun Sweet Berry (shimmer) - muted mauve

Bronzer Swatch:

Voices of the Mountain (matte) - light bronze

BOTTOM LINE: 

Of the 3, the Pocahontas Beauty Book is the most unique in that it includes a bronzer and a blush versus 2 blush colors, and a lipgloss intead of a lipstick. The eyeshadow colors are very earthy, and consequently, much more wearable for an every-day look for those who don't use bright colors very often. In terms of quality, the Pocahontas Beauty Book reigns supreme. All of the colors swatched beautifully, even the dark shades. I would recommend this as it's both a great collector item and has actual practical use. 

NYX Bohemian Chic Nude Matte Palette

My love affair with cosmetics spans all of high end and drugstore makeup. I like to think I place my bets wisely - every-day staples & skincare? High end. Transient trends? Drug.

After the glorious Naked Palette [Urban Decay], I became entranced by every neutral eye shadow palette that crossed my path. The NYX Bohemican Chick Nude Matte Palette was no exception.. 24 shadows! 2 blushes! All neutral! $18! My wallet as undone. 

One of my favorite things about this palette is that the bottom tray includes 6 muted colors that work perfectly with the 18 neutrals on the top tray. I love me some variety! 

The answer to the big question - quality - is that it's close to great for under $20. Some of the shades apply lighter than they appear in the palette, but for the most part I'm satisfied. I don't expect a lot from drugstore brands; I certainly don't hold them to the same standards as some of the high-end products. 

That being said, I'm happy to report that these are pretty soft and pretty pigmented.

Bottom line: I use this palette every day, which makes the purchase worth it. 

I love mattes in the winter - there's a warmth to the finish; something about it goes so well with knits and boots. Bring it on, sub-60 temperatures!