You know that specific feeling when you find a makeup product that just works? It doesn't fight your skin tone, it doesn't crease by lunch, and it actually looks like the expensive marketing photos? That’s the vibe with the Iconic London Hotting Up Eyeshadow Palette. Honestly, the beauty world is so saturated right now with "drop-culture" that it’s easy to ignore another warm-toned palette. We’ve seen a million sunsets in pan form. But there is something about the way these specific pigments sit on the lid that makes it feel less like a trend and more like a staple. It’s basically sunshine in a compact.
If you’ve been scrolling through Sephora or Cult Beauty lately, you’ve likely seen the sleek, gold-tinted packaging. It’s 20-pan. That’s a lot of real estate. Usually, when a brand gives you twenty shades, about six of them are filler. You get those chalky transition shades that look identical once they’re blended out. Surprisingly, that isn't the case here. Each row feels like it has a purpose, moving from those buttery "no-makeup" mattes to shimmers that genuinely look wet when they hit the light.
Breaking Down the Iconic London Hotting Up Eyeshadow Palette Formula
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the texture because that’s where most palettes fail. You’ve probably experienced that "hard pan" issue where you have to practically scrape the top layer off a shimmer just to get some color on your finger. Iconic London avoided that. They used a mix of matte, shimmer, and those "velvet" textures they’re known for.
The mattes are soft. Too soft? Maybe, if you’re heavy-handed. You’ll see a bit of kick-up in the pan if you swirl your brush like you're mixing paint, but that’s the trade-off for high pigment. On the eye, they blend like a dream. You can start with a shade like 'Vibe' or 'Sunshine' and just blow it out into the crease without any harsh lines. It’s forgiving. If you’re not a pro makeup artist, this palette is basically your best friend because it does half the work for you.
Then there are the shimmers. These aren't your grandma's frosted eyeshadows. They have a sophisticated, multidimensional finish. Some of the copper and bronze tones in the Iconic London Hotting Up Eyeshadow Palette have this almost cream-to-powder feel. When you use your ring finger to swipe them across the center of the lid, the payoff is immediate. It’s intense.
The Color Story: More Than Just Orange
People look at this and think "Oh, it’s just another warm palette." Well, yes and no. It is definitely warm-leaning—hence the name "Hotting Up"—but the inclusion of some deeper, chocolatey browns and those almost-neon pops of coral makes it more versatile than it looks at first glance.
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- The Transition Row: You’ve got these pale creams and soft tans that work for setting your primer or cleaning up the edges of a smoky eye.
- The Heat: This is the core. Burnt oranges, rich terracottas, and fiery reds. These are the shades that make blue and green eyes pop like crazy.
- The Deep End: Unlike many summer palettes that stay light and airy, this one has enough depth in the bottom row to create a proper evening look. We’re talking deep, blackened browns and rich bronzes that can double as a soft liner.
Does It Actually Last? The Wear Test Reality
Let's be real: summer makeup has a habit of sliding off your face. If you're wearing this in 90-degree heat, you need to know if it's going to end up in your eye creases by 4:00 PM. In my experience, and based on the general consensus from professional MUAs who use this on set, the longevity is solid.
However—and this is a big however—you cannot skip primer with these shimmers. Because they are so "velvety" and contain a higher oil content to give that wet look, they will migrate if they don't have something to grip onto. Use a tacky base. Something like the Urban Decay Primer Potion or even just a bit of long-wear concealer set with a translucent powder. Once it's locked in, it stays vibrant.
It’s also worth mentioning the fallout. Since the pigments are pressed quite loosely to maintain that softness, you’re going to get some specks on your cheeks if you do your foundation first. Do your eyes first. It’s a pro tip for a reason. Clean up the fallout with a makeup wipe, and then go in with your base. It saves you from having "glitter cheeks" all day, unless that’s the look you’re going for.
Comparison: Hotting Up vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against the heavy hitters? If you compare the Iconic London Hotting Up Eyeshadow Palette to something like the Natasha Denona Bronze Palette or the Urban Decay Naked Heat, you start to see the nuances.
The Naked Heat is very "one-note." It’s red, redder, and reddest. It’s a classic, but it lacks variety. The Natasha Denona palette is world-class, but it’s also nearly double the price. Iconic London hits that "attainable luxury" sweet spot. You get 20 shades for a price point that doesn't feel like you’re making a car payment, and the quality is arguably 90% of the way to the high-end luxury brands.
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The pan size is also generous. You aren't going to hit bottom on these any time soon, even if you’re a daily user. The mirror in the palette is actually functional, too. It’s big, it’s clear, and it doesn't distort your face, which is a weirdly common problem with cheaper palettes.
The Versatility Factor
One thing people get wrong about this palette is thinking it's only for "festival looks" or heavy glam. Honestly, I use the top row of mattes for office days all the time. A light wash of 'Sizzle' in the crease with some mascara? It looks polished but effortless.
Then, when Friday hits, you layer 'Fuego' or 'Burn' on top, and suddenly you’re ready for drinks. It’s a "transformer" palette. It bridges the gap between a boring neutral kit and a professional artistry palette.
Skin Tone Inclusivity
Iconic London generally does a good job with pigment loads, and this palette shows up on deeper skin tones. The corals and deep bronzes don't turn ashy. That’s a huge win. Often, these warm palettes have a lot of white-base pigments that look "chalky" on anyone darker than a medium-tan. Here, the pigments are rich and transparent enough to let the skin's natural warmth enhance the color rather than fight it.
Is It Worth the Hype?
If you already own five warm-toned palettes, do you need this? Probably not. No one "needs" twenty more shades of sunset. But if you’re looking to consolidate your collection or you want a single palette that can take you from a beach day to a wedding, the Iconic London Hotting Up Eyeshadow Palette is a powerhouse.
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It feels expensive. The weight of the palette, the click of the closure, and the payoff of the shadows all scream "prestige." It’s a reliable workhorse. In a world of "glimmer and fade" products, this one actually sticks around.
Actionable Tips for Using the Hotting Up Palette
To get the most out of these shades, try these specific techniques:
- The Wet Look: Spray your flat brush with a setting spray after picking up one of the metallic shades. This prevents the spray from ruining the texture in the pan but intensifies the "liquid metal" effect on your eye.
- The "Halo" Eye: Use the darkest matte shade in the inner and outer corners of your eye, then pop the brightest gold shimmer right in the center. It creates an instant 3D effect that makes your eyes look huge.
- Blush Hack: The coral mattes in this palette actually work incredibly well as a blush. Just use a very fluffy brush and a light hand. Since they are eyeshadows, they are more pigmented than standard blush, so blend, blend, blend.
- Liners: Use a slanted eyeliner brush and a tiny drop of mixing medium (or just water) with the dark brown shades to create a soft, winged liner that isn't as harsh as a liquid pen.
The best way to approach this palette is to experiment. Don't be afraid of the oranges. They blend out much softer than they look in the pan. Start light, build the intensity, and remember that makeup is supposed to be fun, not a chore.
If you want to maximize the "Hotting Up" vibe, pair the eye looks with a dewy skin tint and a clear lip gloss. Let the eyes do the talking. The palette is designed to mimic that flushed, sun-drenched look, so keeping the rest of the face minimal really allows the pigments to shine. Check your local retailers for availability, as this one tends to sell out whenever the temperature starts to rise.