Journal · Product reviews
The Huda rose gold palette: a makeup artist’s review, then and now
When Huda Beauty’s Rose Gold Textured palette launched in 2016, it was the talk of the industry, and not all of it was kind. I had it in my kit within weeks, so here’s my honest take as a working makeup artist, what changed when it came back as Rose Gold Remastered, and how to wear rose gold eye makeup on your wedding day.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
The short version
- The original mattes were dry but intensely pigmented, which made them harder to blend but cut down on fallout.
- The textured and metallic shades were the stars, and they apply best with a fingertip.
- In 2018, Huda Beauty relaunched the palette as Rose Gold Remastered, with 18 reformulated shades.
- Rose gold tones flatter most eye colours and work beautifully for soft, glowing bridal looks.
What is the Huda rose gold palette?
Originally, the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Textured palette was the brand’s first eyeshadow palette, released in 2016. At the time, it mixed warm mattes with highly textured metallic shades in a rosy, warm colour story.
In May 2018, Huda Beauty brought it back as Rose Gold Remastered. The new version has 18 shades: eight mattes, eight Melted Metal shades, a black shade called Black Truffle that can be used wet or dry, and a pressed pearl called Moon Dust. Availability changes by country and retailer, so check before you buy.
My original Huda rose gold palette review from 2016
The palette got some backlash at launch, but in my opinion it was everything people wanted it to be; they simply needed to use it differently. The mattes were incredibly pigmented. However, they were also dry, rather than the soft, creamy powders many people were used to, so they felt harder to blend.
There was an upside to that dryness, though. A firmer shadow usually means less fallout and stronger colour payoff, so a little goes a long way. Meanwhile, the textured shades were simply beautiful, and they never tried to be anything other than exactly what they were.
In fact, Huda Beauty recommended applying the textured shadows with a finger, which is common for highly textured shades and metallics. As a makeup artist, I use my fingertips alongside my brushes all the time. Overall, I felt the brand did a fantastic job with the colour selection, and the palette created some of my favourite looks that year.
What changed when the Huda rose gold palette was remastered
Interestingly, the relaunch reworked the very formulas that drew criticism the first time. These are the main differences Huda Beauty announced.
Reworked
Formulas
- Re-engineered mattes with a smoother, back-injected formula
- Reformulated textured shades, so they apply more evenly
- A new Melted Metal formula, as well as fresh packaging
Refreshed
Shades
- Risqué, a richer plum-red, replaces Bossy
- Demure, a muted coral-pink, replaces Shy
- Doll Face is a brighter take on Flamingo
New to the palette
Additions
- Black Truffle, which works wet or dry
- Moon Dust, a pressed pearl that also works as a highlight
- 18 shades in total, including eight mattes
How to apply the Huda rose gold palette’s textured shadows
Whether you have the original or Remastered, these steps help dry mattes blend and keep metallics bright, without fallout on your cheeks.
01
Prime the lids
First, use a thin layer of eyeshadow primer. It gives dry mattes something to grip and stops metallics from creasing.
02
Build mattes slowly
Then tap a fluffy brush into the matte shade, knock off the excess and blend in small circles. Add more in thin layers instead of one heavy swipe.
03
Press metallics with a fingertip
Next, press textured and metallic shades onto the centre of the lid with your ring finger. The warmth of your skin helps them melt in and shine.
04
Go damp for intensity
For maximum impact, mist a flat brush with setting spray before picking up a metallic. As a result, the colour looks almost foil-like.
05
Clean up last
Finally, sweep away any fallout with a fluffy brush, or do your eyes before your foundation on big days so you can clean up freely.
Bridal looks with the Huda rose gold palette and similar shades
Rose gold is one of my favourite families of shades for weddings, because it warms up the skin and makes almost every eye colour look brighter. For example, here are three ways I use it.
Daytime and garden weddings
Soft glow
- First, a matte peach in the crease
- Then rose gold pressed onto the centre of the lid
- Brown liner smudged into the lashes, so the eyes look defined but soft
- Finally, a nude-pink lip
Evening and ballroom weddings
Warm glam
- Bronze and copper blended through the outer corner
- Rose gold on the lid, because it catches the light
- Fluttery lashes as well as defined brows
- Either a rosy or a berry lip
Outdoor and destination weddings
Golden hour
- A sheer coral wash across the lid, especially in summer
- Gold shimmer on the inner corners, so the eyes look awake
- Waterproof mascara, since heat and tears are likely
- Then a glossy peach lip to finish
Choosing the lip to match? Read my guide to wedding lipstick, or see how I build a smokey eye for a bride.
Huda rose gold palette: your questions
Is the Huda rose gold palette good for beginners?
It can be, as long as you go slowly. Build the mattes in thin layers with a fluffy brush, and apply the metallics with a fingertip rather than a brush, which is more forgiving.
What’s the difference between the original and Rose Gold Remastered?
Rose Gold Remastered, launched in 2018, has 18 shades with reworked mattes, a new Melted Metal formula for the metallics and a few shade swaps, such as Risqué replacing Bossy and Demure replacing Shy.
How do I stop metallic eyeshadow fallout?
Press metallics on with a fingertip or a damp brush instead of sweeping them, tap off excess powder first, and clean up any fallout before applying the rest of your base.
Can I wear rose gold eyeshadow on my wedding day?
Absolutely. Above all, rose gold flatters most eye colours and photographs with a soft glow. For a long day, use primer, choose waterproof mascara and test the look at your bridal trial.
Looking for hair and makeup in Dubai? Visit hairmakeupdubai.com.
Love a glowing rose gold eye? Let’s design your look.
At your bridal trial, we’ll try warm, shimmering shades alongside your full look and note everything for the big day. Tell us your date to check availability in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa.