Before we get into the Smashbox Holiday 2014 On the Rocks collection of eye palettes and lip sets, let me say this: Smashbox eye shadow palettes are always full of enticing shades that often include bold brights, yet they're quite non-threatening, totally wearable. "Hey, you can do this," they seem to say. Remember the Smashbox Full Exposure eye shadow palette from the beginning of the year? Okay, so it was all about great nudes and neutrals, but it included an excellent sheet of application tips for a variety of eye shapes. If you missed it, don't worry -- you can get that eye-shape insert info here, and it'll come in handy with punchier palettes, too. Let's look:

smashbox holiday 2014 sets

The Smashbox On the Rocks collection includes eye shadow palettes, a makeup-brush set, lipsticks, lip gloss and liners.

Smashbox on the Rocks Photo Op Eye Shadow Luxe Palette($50 at murale.ca, Murale and Shoppers Drug Mart, and $42 at smashbox.com). It's a mix of mattes, shimmers and metallics (thanks for asking about that, Karen!) -- see the three closeups below:

For folks who think 28 eye shadows is a lot, a more moderately sized option is available as well, in the form of a Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette (it's just missing the "Luxe" from the name).

Smashbox on the Rocks Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette ($43 at murale.ca and $36 at nordstrom.com).

Smashbox on the Rocks Photo Op Eye Shado Palette This smaller relative of the Luxe palette has 12 shades. Entry level? *grin*

Smashbox on the Rocks Brush Set ($73 at murale.ca and Shoppers Drugmart, and $62 at nordstrom.com) Clear plastic resin embedded with magpie-pleasing silver glitter replaces the usual Smashbox red handles this season. Set include a powder brush, angled shadow brush, double-ended shadow brush, double-ended brow brush and a lip brush.

Smashbox on the Rocks Be Legendary Lipstick Minis Trio($23 at Shoppers Drug Mart and $19 at smashbox.com) These are minis, but about 3/4 of the regular size, so not too mini.

Smashbox on the Rocks Be Legendary Lipstick Minis Trio shades: Legendary, Fig and Primrose.

Smashbox on the Rocks Be Legendary Lip Gloss Set($33 at sephora.ca and$28 at nordstrom.com) Okay, these pretty shades make me want to wear gloss instead of lipstick.

Smashbox on the Rocks Be Legendary Lip Gloss Set shades: Azalea (bright pink fuchsia), Legendary (true red), Pout (pale blue pink), Jewel (soft gold) and Gilt (champagne golden shimmer). Tip: use a bit of Pout over lipstick to make colour cooler; alternatively, use a bit of Jewel to give a lip colour a bit more warmth.

Smashbox on the Rocks Always Sharp Liner Set($46 at sephora.ca and $30 at nordstom.com) Never having to sharpen an eye pencil is a big deal for a girl who nearly always does her makeup in the back of a cab. Fumbling with a sharpener eats up valuable transportation time! These pencils, nicely loaded with pigment and staying power, are best for lining along the lashline. Unfortunately, because the tip of the pencil is wee, they're not quite so great for lining the inner upper waterline (hard to get a smooth application without hitting that delicate skin with the edge of the pencil casing -- ow). Love that 3D Orchid shade, though -- gorgeous for hazel and green eyes. From top: Raven, Sumatra, 3D Orchid, Midnight and 3D Night Gem (the 3D shades contain a bit of pearl for a pretty sheen).

Now this is not part of the Smashbox Holiday 2014 collection. The Black Cherry palette and lipstick are the Fall releases, but are totally worth a look as gift-worthy items.

Smashbox Cherry Smoke Eye Shadow Palette($44 at murale.ca and $39 at nordstom) This is a great palette for everyday wear and special occasion drama, too. Practical and pretty for someone who likes eye shadow, but doesn't consider herself a beauty junkie. Excellent gift.

Smashbox Cherry Smoke Eye Shadow Palette shades: Bare (warm nude), Shell (coral shimmer), Topaz (taupe shimmer), Dark Cocoa (matte dark chocolate), Rustic (rich matte burgundy), Unadorned (deep metallic taupe), Oxidize (soft metallic copper red) and Ebony (rich matte black).

Smashbox Cherry Smoke Be Legendary Lipstick in Bing ($24 at murale.ca and $21 at nordstrom.com). A limited-edition matte red lipstick for all skintones. (Need me to swatch it?)

Smashbox Cherry Smoke Eye Shadow Palette The how-to is discreetly stickered to the back of the compact (no booklet to lose -- smart).

Most of these Smashbox palettes and sets are available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale (murale.ca) in Canada; some (and variations, too) are at Sephora (sephora.ca) too. In the US, find Smashbox at nordstrom.com -- or smashbox.com.

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Is any of this collection calling to you? Or calling out the name of someone on your gift list?