I remember exactly where I was when the Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill first launched because it felt like the entire internet collectively lost its mind. If you were even remotely into the beauty scene back then, you know that this wasn't just another product drop; it was an event. It's been years since that initial hype, and yet, we're still talking about it. That says a lot in an industry where new palettes come out every single Tuesday and are forgotten by Friday.
Honestly, the Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill is probably one of the most iconic collaborations in the history of influencer marketing. It wasn't just Jaclyn slapping her name on a pre-existing Morphe kit. She spent years—and she wasn't shy about telling us that—perfecting the formula and the shade range. For a lot of us, it was the first "big" palette we bought that felt professional but didn't cost a week's worth of groceries.
Why This Palette Changed the Game
Before this palette arrived, most of us were used to the standard Morphe 35O or 35W palettes. They were fine, sure, but the quality was a bit hit-or-miss. When the Jaclyn Hill version showed up, the formula was noticeably different. It was creamier, more pigmented, and just better.
What really made it stand out was the color story. You had your warm neutrals, which were the bread and butter of the 2017 makeup look, but then you had these random pops of teal, cobalt blue, and deep purple. It felt like you could do absolutely anything with it. You could go to a job interview with a soft brown transition, or you could go to a festival with a bright turquoise smoky eye. It was the "everything" palette.
Breaking Down the Shades
When you open the Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill, you're greeted with 35 shades that basically cover the entire spectrum of what a normal person needs.
The Top Rows: The Neutral Heaven
The top two rows are basically a dream for anyone who loves a warm, toasted look. You've got "Silk Cream" and "M.F.E.O." which are literally the perfect transition shades. I don't care what your skin tone is; there's a shade in those first ten pans that will make your crease look perfectly blended. They aren't chalky at all, which is a huge win.
The Middle: The Warmth and Glow
Then you hit the middle, where things get a bit more intense. "Pukey" (yes, that's actually the name) became a cult favorite because it's that perfect mustardy-brown that just makes blue or green eyes pop. The shimmers in this section, like "Sissy" and "Firework," are incredibly metallic. You don't even really need to wet your brush to get them to show up, though if you do, they look like liquid metal.
The Bottom Rows: The Drama
The bottom of the palette is where the fun happens. You've got those deep greens like "Enlight" and the famous "Diva." Then there's the blues. For a long time, people were scared of blue eyeshadow, but the way these were curated made them feel wearable. They weren't just "80s prom" blue; they were sophisticated and moody.
Is the Quality Still There?
One of the biggest questions people ask now is if the Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill still holds up compared to the high-end stuff we have today from brands like Natasha Denona or Pat McGrath.
Here's the thing: it's not a $130 palette, and it doesn't pretend to be. But for the price point? It's still fantastic. The mattes blend out without much effort, and I don't find myself fighting with the pigment. There is a bit of fallout, especially with the darker shades, but if you do your eyes before your foundation, it's not a dealbreaker.
I've noticed that some of the shimmers can get a bit of a "hard pan" if you use your fingers a lot, but a piece of tape or a quick scrape fixes that right up. For a palette that gives you 35 colors, the consistency is surprisingly high. Usually, in large palettes, there are five or six "dud" shades, but in this one, even the ones I don't use often still perform well.
The Volume II Expansion
We can't talk about the original without mentioning the Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill Volume II. While the first one was all about those sunset vibes and wearable pops, Volume II went full-on neon and berry.
If the original is the "everyday girl," Volume II is her sister who stays out until 4 AM. It's got these electric purples and hot pinks that are honestly intimidating at first glance. But if you're someone who loves a bold, artistic look, having both of these on your vanity covers every possible base. Personally, I find myself reaching for the original more often, but when I want to do something "extra," Volume II is where it's at.
How I Use It Every Day
My go-to look with the Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill is pretty simple but looks like I spent way more time on it than I actually did.
- I start with Silk Cream all over the crease as a base.
- I deepen the outer corner with Jacz (a gorgeous reddish-brown).
- I take a flat brush and pack Sissy or Little Lady on the lid.
- A tiny bit of Enlight in the inner corner to brighten things up.
It takes maybe five minutes, but because the shadows blend into each other so well, it looks seamless. That's the real magic of this palette—it makes you look like you're better at makeup than you actually are.
The Packaging and Practicality
If I have one gripe, it's the packaging. The original Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill came in that white cardboard packaging. While it looked sleek and "pro" when it was new, it gets dirty so fast. One drop of foundation or a smudge of eyeshadow and that white cover is stained forever.
They did eventually update it to a more wipeable material and added the names of the shades to the back (the original didn't have them on the palette itself, just on a plastic insert that everyone lost immediately). It's a bulky palette, so it's not the best for traveling if you're trying to pack light. But if you're going away for a week and only want to bring one thing for your eyes, this is the one to grab.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, the Morphe makeup palette Jaclyn Hill has stayed relevant for a reason. It's not just about the name attached to it; it's about the fact that the colors make sense together. You don't have to stare at it for twenty minutes wondering how to create a look. Everything flows.
Whether you're a total beginner who just wants one solid palette to learn with, or a pro who needs a reliable range of transition shades and shimmers, it's hard to find a better value. It's a staple for a reason. It's fun, it's functional, and honestly, it's a little piece of makeup history. If you haven't tried it yet, or if yours is hitting pan and you're thinking about a replacement, I'd say go for it. It still feels just as "holy grail" today as it did when it first launched.