Em by Michelle Phan Shade Play - Lip Color Mixing Palette in 'Mix It Up Plums' review + swatches

          I'm generally a creature of habit when it comes to beauty products, and usually stick to my favorite, tried-and-true brands. However, once in a while, I like to try something new to add a little intrigue to my beauty routine. Most recently, it's been my Em by Michelle Phan Shade Play - Lip Color Mixing Palette in 'Mix It Up Plums'. The palette was a Christmas gift from a dear friend who works for one of the big beauty conglomerates.

         Em by Michelle Phan is the namesake line of one of the biggest names in the YouTube beauty world. (Even my mom's seen her videos). I believe Michelle has collaborated with Lancôme in the past, and now, with parent company L'Oreal, launched here own makeup line (so far only available on the internet).

           Starting from the packaging (below), one can already see the internet-inspired look. There's a blogger-like collage of lip-swatches, face shots, and magazine-style product smears. On one hand, I appreciate the homage to the DIY blogger / vlogger, however part of me would have enjoyed a sleeker, more professional look to the box. (The white and pink theme, though, I do like).

The cover collage seems very blog / vlog inspired.

         I'm also a fan of the modern white-encased-in-clear plastic packaging of the palette within. (Doesn't the paper white remind you of beauty blog backgrounds?). The cute cursive script on the clear cover tickles my fancy as well. However, on purely personal preference, I would have loved a white logo, which would blend in nicely with the other delicate details!

Love the cute  cursive writing!

         Inside my Em by Michelle Phan 'Mix It Up Plums' lip palette, there's a nice mirror, and of course six colors within (three glosses and three lip colors). All have a light vanilla scent. The lip glosses are the smallest circles, while the lip colors are more generously proportioned, which I appreciate. The palette comes with a little brush for on-the-go application. Plus, there's one empty palette slot for mixing a custom color. It's a nice artsy touch!

The three small circles are glosses, while the three lip colors are larger in size.

          I've swatched all six colors below so you can get an idea of what to expect from Em by Michelle Phan 'Mix It Up Plums'. There are three lip shades: a dark crimson, a dark plummy red, and a neutral pink. There are three gloss shades: medium mauve pink, a clear pale lavender sparkle, and a clear pink sparkle. I was surprised at how wearable the set is; it treads more on the mauve pink (as opposed to purple) side of plum.

           Overall, I'm enjoying my Em by Michelle Phan 'Mix It Up Plums' lip color palette. Though plum is not a color I typically wear, I found the shades to be very approachable (not too plummy) and very much to my liking; plus, it's nice to have the option of mixing custom shades that my collection lacks. I think beauties looking to build up a lip collection, or those who enjoy custom blending will enjoy the set. I admit, I'm a bit intrigued myself and wouldn't mind trying other lip palettes from the line!

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried any Em by Michelle Phan products? Do you enjoy blending your lip colors? What are your favorite plum lippies?

Love, Dovey.