CAUTION: Melt Cosmetics Palettes | THE MAKEUP BREAKUP

[@avarichards4084]

*Immediately runs to inspect palettes that I’ve had for 5 years*

[@kitt3ncake445]

Ava Richards Same. Doing now!

[@kristinehansen.]

Same

[@mmprendergast]

I stopped the show and went and looked at my palette. Mine is fine and I’ve had mine since the first pressing.

[@kimberlykoonuk6191]

Ive had mine for over a couple years as well and its fine

[@yque4733]

Found white flecs/spots on a NYX palette. It's the Beauty School Dropout one.

[@aoutsky]

It's not the brand's fault. They wore white fuzzy gloves in the lab. 😂

[@antonijabukovcan2450]

😂 😂 😂

[@IX_Taali]

😆🤣

[@hannahmannlein4859]

LoL 😂

[@M1N3TA]

D N I was thinking ( if they spray the brush wet while using it then it will get molded within few months ) Am I right ?

[@miraculoushufflepuff9526]

I know this is a joke but I think the way melt responded was amazing. Like... “we noticed issues too and are working to fix it, much love and are happy to help all people who are having issues” and I just think that’s awesome. A company that is actually taking responsibility

[@micahm1141]

melt really outdid themselves, very innovative to have the green pigment come from mold

[@HA-rx7gb]

I love an all natural product

[@aaaaamyy]

girl 😩😂😂

[@TheRealHappyG]

I guess they take "mouldy green tones" a little too literally 😅

[@kayenjee]

💀

[@jennym007]

Micah M ...lol 😆

[@jayadora]

For the price of Melt products, this should NEVER happen. If you search "mold on eyeshadow" you see pictures of these EXACT symptoms. Puffed areas, and the exposed mold looks like white/grey spider webbing in circular shapes

[@ashleyregan3247]

Truly...I can't imagine paying what Kat did for this to happen. :/

[@jayadora]

Its 58 here in the states, and for her, i know its at least 30 more.

[@chillytoes1]

Even if it's just the oils going bad, that means the oils are rancid and your applying something rancid on your eye. 😱😱 which is just as bad

[@rebekahcreates]

What images are you looking at? I can't find any that look this way except from this video (which is circular reasoning)

[@sweetLemonist]

If you touch it with your fingers (even if you wash them there's ALWAYS bacteria on them) or dirty brushes, then what do you expect??

[@MrHeroes800]

I actually made a post about this in the NBN group back in November or December showing the weird bumps on leo and the shimmer shades all puffed up. Everyone told me it was just unmixed pigment, I kept telling everyone that this just popped up after a week of me not using it. Noone believed me. I co tacted melt and they refunded me in full and sent me a stack for free. This video makes me feel so validated.

[@rajvishukla458]

NBN?

[@kymmielove7271]

MrHeroes800 u can read the comment melt cosmetics posted explaining theseproblems

[@mcee6845]

So did the mold reappear on the new MELT palette, and after how long?

[@kashcor]

I’m a microbiologist and it looks mouldy, especially that little spot you scraped off the pan in Leo, slightly fluffy and easily disturbed. I work with bacteria and have had experience of fungal contamination. The changing colour under intense light is something that does occur commonly in microorganisms too, whether they are photochromatogenic or if it is a stress response to UV exposure, which to me also would indicate an organic biological contamination.

[@evilqueen6402]

devils advocate and curious, lets say the spots were some kind of oils or butters rising to the surface and becoming solid, could it be the hot lights melting the oil back to a liquid?

[@evilqueen6402]

again just a question, this shouldnt be happening at all if there wasnt a problem with the formula to begin with.

[@MAashChick]

@@evilqueen6402 not an expert but as far as I know, there is no reason that some deposits would be grey in some spots and if it was a bonding agents. Also it shouldn't change a bizarre color either under intense lights.

[@bismoth7251]

@@evilqueen6402 chemical substances can degrade when exposed to warmth and light, changing color. The only way to be sure would be an analysis.

[@rebekahcreates]

Definitely not a microbiologist- I'm a chemist. I'm not saying it isn't mold, but chemical reaction can look like that too. Reactions can take a fractal pattern as they spread... and they did describe it as "powdery" It could actually be powdery- if some binding agents/other chemicals mix with certain metals (many of which are used in metallic eyeshadows) you can get a powdery substance. Like I said, I don't work with molds. But I have made something like this happen in a lab. (I have an odd definition of fun) Still, there isn't a lot of restrictions on what can go into makeup, and I wore gloves while handling those chemicals... So you decide.

[@a.j.8809]

This is why I am so sick and tired of the "paraben free" trend. Some people are sensitive to parabens, but that's true of most ingredients, including the weaker preservatives that are often used to replace parabens in cosmetics!

[@LeannSerao]

Agreed.

[@TheRealHappyG]

As someone who is immune-compromised I'd rather have parabens than a reaction to a faulty preservative system

[@originalallig1701]

Preach! I literally was like this is because everyone is so absurdly concerned with parabens! Which btw...the study that everyone quotes did not show a direct correlation or causation of parabens in makeup and cancer. I did have my husband who is a biochemist look at this and he said it was either mold or a heat reaction. He has had to make colonies of fungi and bacteria for 1,000 of experiments and said this is pretty likely to be mold. Again THIS is speculation! He has not tested this makeup.

[@MissMagic]

This!

[@a.j.8809]

​@@originalallig1701 I think that part of the problem is a rather weak regulatory system (at least in the U.S.) for cosmetics alongside a flood of bad reporting on scientific studies--the public ends up not trusting regulatory agencies (with some reason), while being misinformed about ongoing and preliminary research.

[@halewatercolor]

Hi girls! I'm a microbiologist, and this is very interesting stuff! If you do choose to have them tested, I suggest the microbiology route. More importantly, to sanitize your workspace and tools do this: wipe or soak with a 10% bleach solution. Let the bleach sit for 15 minutes. Wipe the bleach off with 90% ethanol (or stronger). UV light or other strong wavelengths can sanitize under certain conditions, which may be why the fungal filaments turned black under your studio lights.

[@whatsername131313]

Also a microbiologist but I recommend using 80% ethanol. That is what we use for culturing.

[@kolourgen1762]

Amanda Hale This is really great information and I do hope that the ladies see this. I’m a germaphobe as I work in the pharmaceutical industry as well as being a qualified MUA. I spray (practically soak) all palettes with 75% ethanol after each client and leave them open to air dry. I haven’t tried the 10% bleach first. Is this necessary if I’m already doing the alcohol? 🌹

[@Anonymous-sh9vk]

@@whatsername131313 - wait - am I reading this correctly? A higher concentration of ethanol doesn't kill bacteria, but a lower concentration does? Wow that's so counter-intuitive... :\

[@tiff2106]

Anonymous think off it as a protection mechanism. Some bacteria can form sprores when stressed out too much which >80% will do. So you have to ‚sneak up‘ on them. 😉

[@TheCherryThing]

@@Anonymous-sh9vk If I remember correctly (I could be wrong) higher % ethanols evaporate faster and so might not kill all of the bacteria

[@BEAUTYNEWS]

If you find any mold issues with your Melt palettes, please contact their customer service for refunds or replacements - [e-mail]. Their customer service is fantastic and they will likely replace your palette. Thank you again to the group members who assisted us with this video xo

[@peabody9468]

Oh nooo, Kat! What are you gonna do? That's your favorite green palette! Do you have a backup, plans to repurchase, or a dupe of it that you're considering going for?

[@jenniferlynn120]

q s well based on the comment you replied to, it sounds like customer service is replacing them. But idk if that’s what she wants.

[@peabody9468]

@@jenniferlynn120 Yeah, she hadn't implied that she was going to have it replaced, so I wanted to know for sure!

[@shinyhappypeople9043]

I really feel for you, those palettes weren’t cheap and 8-9 months life is ridiculous. Because of your love of those palettes I’ve been tempted to buy them, but held off due to price and concerns about a lack of customer rights as a international buyer. The colors are lovely, but between this and the JH lipsticks and several other incidents over the years, the lack of regulation around cosmetic safety in the USA is very concerning.

[@enhunter82]

Ive heard people saying their modern renaissance palettes also molded

[@Amsayy]

Man, the make up industry is having a rough time.

[@willowashe]

This is the end. It’s collapsing under the weight of itself.

[@samnicol9388]

Greedy people cashing in.

[@javlarhelvete]

@@samnicol9388 exactly

[@kagitsune]

@@willowashe Exactly what I said. I expect a lot of companies to go under and for a lot of labs/manufacturers to be publicly exposed.

[@Katie-mw7pd]

It’s gotten too big. There are too many brands trying to establish themselves quickly by pushing out new product after new product and putting all their time and money into advertising and promoting with influencers instead of taking time to establish a safe, quality product.

[@MissFunkyH]

Fact : I've owned eyeshadows that were bought in the late 90s, no mold...

[@shendisackett]

I recently got rid of 2 Urban Decay palettes that I thought I'd keep as collectors items. They were so old, easily over a decade, one probably from the late 90s but they had no visible issues no weird smell nothing. I'd long since stopped using them on my eyes just in case but they looked fine. For the price of Melt make-up I'd be really mad if they were unusable in less than a year.

[@ipetzombies]

Seriously! I've literally never had a powder eyeshadow mold. Even when they expire, they typically just get dried out and don't perform.

[@aphreyst4551]

Oh, what eyeshadow if I may ask?

[@MissFunkyH]

@@aphreyst4551 Make Up For Ever, Lancôme, Estée Laudeur etc... Anything powder is easier to control the hygiene of.

[@MissFunkyH]

@@ipetzombies I suspect quantity over quality. It's coming so fast, soooo many makeup companies

[@domynoe]

That's terrible. I was moderately interested in Melt before; now, not so much.

[@amy8386]

I was considering two palettes from them but for the price point i just cant justify it.

[@nofunangie]

I've been mulling over buying the smoke sessions palette for the last week (despite rarely wearing makeup anymore, but so darn pretty!) and I'm feeling the same. Especially since I rarely wear it, I can't have products that don't last.

[@AAIB2024]

Don't be discouraged

[@NotDaveGahan]

I was really lured by both Smoke Sessions and Gemini... Guess now I won't buy either palette anytime soon.

[@AlcideIzMine]

Same. Before I was only worried about how fragile the formula seemed with the puffing & crumbling. I ended up buying the Sydney Grace dupe for Smoke Sessions instead. Colourpop's Just My Luck is also very similar in colour story to Smoke Sessions. I couldn't justify the high price of a palette that has shades puffing out of the tins.

[@nicolabeer6901]

Shit! I’ve just checked mine and it’s the bloody same! I’m gutted.

[@gwendolyncampbell7932]

Nicola Beer I just ran and checked mine it looks ok. My smoke sessions was always puffed up but I can’t see any mold. I’m trying to find the Gemini box. Sorry about your palette. I’m scared to use mine in general now.

[@ashleyregan3247]

Make sure you contact Melt! :( Hopefully they'll give you a refund. Such a beautiful pallete too...

[@nicolabeer6901]

Aw I love this palette. I did save it for special occasions and if I had known it would go bad I would have used it more. If Melt offer a replacement I’m not sure I’ll want it if the same thing will happen. 😭

[@adenineful]

@@gwendolyncampbell7932 If it's puffed up I'd still contact customer service just to make sure!

[@buhkangliwayway]

@@nicolabeer6901 replacements are usually the manufacturer's/brand's way to protect themselves from lawsuits; similar to how that girl with the hairy and moldy lipsticks tried to save herself from millions of damages. If you don't want it, you may file a suit with a damages clause. Better if it's a class lawsuit.

[@thelovelymisshill]

These must be the special Melt x Jaclyn Hill pallettes... 💁🏼‍♀️

[@elizabethhutt7743]

Sarah Hill 😂😂😂

[@houseofmous]

I waited for this joke lmao

[@vorizov]

I thought the same lmao

[@Sanmarachella]

LMAO 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@melissajohnson224]

ROTF 🤣🤣

[@zahedah80]

That's nasty. I have 8 year old mac eyeshadows that perform like new

[@alleahsasseville]

That's why I still love mac!!

[@banheesos]

I think powders dont really "expire" if you just keep on using them cause then the molds wont settle. idk I'm not an expert or whatever😂

[@Katie_Woo]

My Mac warm neutral palette works as good as the day I bought it 5 years ago and it smells fresh as a daisy too good on Mac for nailing their formula

[@ipetzombies]

Yeah, I have palettes and shadows that I've had for between five and 8 years, and none have ever molded.

[@badbookbookclub8830]

Same here - just used a Mac shadow today that is at least 8 years old. Was chiding myself that I can't bring myself to throw my old Mac shadows out, but they honestly perform and look like they're fresh. Never had a single issue.

[@LePezzy66]

Melt is once again right on trend with moldy make up

[@cheeseflump]

LOL!!

[@theresegalenkatttant]

😂😂😂

[@Sanmarachella]

Lmao omg

[@christineocMUA]

🙊🙊🤣🤣🤣

[@theworldisavampire3346]

🏆BEST COMMENT OF THE DAY

[@emily.g.929]

Omg! How can Melt say “rest assured, that’s not mold” when they haven’t tested it or anything? That’s dangerous! I think I’ll pass on Melt until this is resolved, because I take forever to use my makeup and I’d literally be buying a Petri dish 🤢

[@adlih]

Jaclyn Hill said same thing about her lipsticks

[@rainestar82]

It sure as hell LOOKS like mold! That Leo shade looks like the agar plates we just did for bio class...

[@rebekahcreates]

Well, many many things grow on agar plates other than mold. Even non-living things in some substrates. But still, not okay!!

[@marykatestevenson176]

I thought that was bullshit they said "rest assured it's not mold", when they dont really know. It looks like fuckin mold, not residue from a brush or whatever. And if you cared about your customers wouldn't you say "ooh that doesnt look right, it may be from brushes or could be something worse, how about you stay safe and not use it?" Some people if they are told "rest assured that's not mold" will believe it and continue to use the palette, would could cause them harm. I just think it's a little irresponsible and a little uncaring of a brand to tell customers their customers that their product def doesnt have mold on them when the brand really doesn't know, which could then make people think it's still ok to use it when really it might not be.

[@hkbbyz]

Mary Kate Stevenson they already posted saying if you have encountered the problem to contact them and they will replace it. I think when they said “rest assured it’s not mold” they meant when they were tested. I doubt they meant to keep using it.

[@Unapologeticallynanii]

I got a really bad stye after using my smoke sessions palette and I only had it for a few days. I thought I was just allergic to the formula or something but now I’m contacting melt. This is not okay.

[@JinxDraven]

I didnt have a stye but definitely my eyes were very irritated by the end of the day, and i used it same day as getting it (with my normal makeup routine so nothing else was off) i just dismissed it as the shimmers falling into my eyes. and they were puffy when i got them but it thought it just wasnt pressed fully. very worrying.

[@Unapologeticallynanii]

BloodshedBaby I have contacted melt. I think you should do the same.

[@anastaciazara1787]

@@JinxDraven I'm not saying don't be worried, but maybe don't panic yet. A lot of high pigment eye shadows can cause irritation, because they're very dense, chalky formulas that seem to get stuck in your eyes and cause dryness, which leads to irritation. I've had this problem with a lot of mattes and some shimmers in recent years, none of which have ever developed any questionable issues with regards to safety and stability. For me, the odds of eye irritation seem to go up dramatically when a product is marketed as vegan and cruelty-free. Aside from the elimination of carmine, Idk what other ingredients change when formulating a vegan product, but something about vegan and cruelty-free eye shadows irritates my eyes. I love the KvD Lolita palette (in spite of KvD), but I can't use it because it makes my eyes burn. I'm officially at the point where I no longer by vegan and cruelty-free eye shadows. No offense to the vegans out there, but I'm not ok with turning the customer into the guinea pig. Companies should be testing their products for safety before bringing them to market.

[@mayaflici374]

Okay we're in mold season right now.

[@ladygabes5558]

That was funny!

[@gaetanodragonetti3942]

Hahahahaa

[@mayaflici374]

@@ladygabes5558 thanks !

[@Red_Clegane]

Hey, chemical biologist here and (please correct if I’m wrong I’ve just started my PhD so am not infallible) but ‘puffing up’ is more likely biological (respiration) than chemical as most chemical reactions are faster and may discolour but with biological matter (fungi/bacteria) culturing will make it so that there will be a slow release of gases and so ‘puffy’, also the blackening will be ‘sporation’ or the maturing of spores

[@shadypalmtree2989]

It is. It happens when the binders start to evaporate in the creamy shadows. The same thing happens over time to ColourPop shades. Takes about 6 months to a year, even when stored properly.

[@shadypalmtree2989]

@Jesse the Smartass It's a Super Shock Shadow. I don't remember the name (might have been Froggy). It's not sold anymore, from what I saw on the website. It's about 2.5 years old, but it started puffing up around a year after I got it.

[@mayaflici374]

I have had palettes for years that never did that.. It's concerning that it already has mold

[@banheesos]

@LaB yes and they dont even show signs of aging like ingredients before is waaaay different in quality than now like everything is rip off or cheap ass materials

[@shendisackett]

I had a couple of very old Urban Decay palettes that I was keeping as collectors items. I did end up getting rid of them but they were over 10 years old and they looked perfect still, obviously I wasn't still using them in case but there were no visible issues.

[@Niseypiece]

I know rawbeautykristi loooves her gemini palette AND owns a high powered microscope 🧐 wonder if her stuff is funky?

[@rhonddalesley]

Niseypiece Is there anyone on Twitter who can ask her? I think she’s more active on there

[@jessn.2665]

It’s actually not that high powered, but yes, I do wonder...

[@jessaguilar4747]

I was just thinking the same thing!! I know I’m wayyyy late to this video lol

[@mishamarx6997]

My shimmers are puffed too!! I thought I was just crazy and maybe didn’t realize that that’s how they were before, but now I know that it’s not the case.

[@NunyaNomi]

Misha Marx Awww that sucks dude! I'm sorry for your loss ☹️

[@nicolecastaneda1090]

Misha Marx same!! I thought “oh shit, did I drop it?”

[@mishamarx6997]

Nunya Bidness right? I need my replacement. I love this palette!

[@gummybearsh]

@@mishamarx6997 Contact customer service! I emailed them yesterday with my order number and a picture, just got a shipping notification this morning for my replacement :)

[@Donteverlook4videos]

My smoke sessions palette shimmer shades puffed up and I just emailed them. They will send you a refund, a replacement, or a stack free of charge

[@lizhart81]

My inner microbiologist really wants to get this stained and under a proper microscope 🤓 Lots of fungi will change colour when they're exposed to different environmental conditions, which explains the blackening (it could be spore production, or the death of parts of the fungal structure). It's kind of cool how quickly this happens. Obviously a bit less cool when it's happening on makeup you paid good money for, but 🤷‍♀️. The fact that there is contamination on the pan doesn't necessarily mean that the product was contaminated during manufacture - moulds can spread by extending mycelia (tiny tubes) into and through the substrate they are growing in. Fungi are everywhere in nature, including all over us, which is why our makeup needs preservatives!

[@MAashChick]

I want you to do it!! I'm such a nerd that I would love every second

[@cactojuice]

Me: has phobia of mould, off and rotten things Me: still watches, grimacing and feeling nauseous

[@Sanmarachella]

I'm a lab tech lol I ate my supper while watching this 😂

[@rwandawilkerson757]

Ellie Neko asif I thought I was the only person with a fear of mould, mushrooms too 🤢

[@emmkej9096]

Aren`t they obligated by law to put that open jar symbol on all products?!

[@crystaldawn2708]

That's what I was wondering when they said there was no recommended expiry to be found!

[@annikabar606]

I googled labeling requirements and it seems for the us the fda does not require the "open jar". In the EU on the other hand it is required. So maybe that is why one of the shown stacks had that sticker on them. If I remember correctly the girl who posted it on fb said it was bought on beautybay (uk and therefore currently still EU).

[@badbookbookclub8830]

I thought so too, never seen products without it. Mind you, I'm in the EU, but have heard US bloggers saying it's a requirement, too. Must be rare not to have it.

[@taylorjade6918]

I've seen Colourpop without it

[@zafirodesdeeuropa6055]

Somehow in the US is not mandatory. WTH?

[@alexarpino7311]

I think it amazing that you guys are making these videos. I think that what you guys so is going to save so many people so much money and that's awesome

[@Leanne_w]

Are* not is... :)

[@NatalieValentina6]

I'm so glad you're bring attention to this issue. I've also seen Tarababyz & Amy Loves Makeup mention problems w/their palettes. I bought Gemini & Smoke Sessions (along w/a few stacks) during their 2018 Black Friday sale. I only used each palette a handful of times (b/c I've been using the stacks for my everyday MU), & then put them in a drawer in my vanity. I went to use them for my birthday (Gemini season ;), & I had problems w/the EXACT SAME shades. There was puffing/shattering in the 2 Gemini shimmers; but instead of mold in my Leo, the shade eroded around the edge of the pan & disintegrated. I also had the puffing/breaking up of the same shades in SS. These palettes were sitting in a drawer, undisturbed, & basically imploded!😋 I contacted Melt & sent pictures.They were wonderful, & sent replacements. I wasn't sure what to do w/the unaffected shades, & had considered just scraping out the shattered ones...Now I think I should just toss them & see what happens w/the new palettes. The shimmers/metallics in the replacement palettes ARE different; they're more firmly pressed & NOT fragile or puffy (yet?). I'll just have to see how it performs as time goes on...

[@agataloca]

How'd it go? I just bought the Gemini & 27 palettes during the current sale -- and THEN saw this.

[@Amy_Dunn]

More like the makeup breakout... amiright?? Lol 🤮 😆

[@teresamaldonado9712]

😂

[@Stormaggedonx]

LMMAAAOOOO

[@banheesos]

ba dum tss!

[@herecomesmysun]

This makes me wonder if they were trying to go the “clean makeup” route with these formulas, leaving out parabens and the like, making the shadows more susceptible to contamination 🤔

[@MissMagic]

Interesting close up images, it looks almost like crystals rather than like the fluffy fibres I'd expect. Very intrigued by the light sensitivity.

[@evilqueen6402]

thats why im almost thinking maybe(maybe) it could be some kind of oil or butter thats unstable in the formula and it melted under the hot lights making darker wet spots i hope someone actually does get them tested. they should have left one shade alone so its not contaminated for testing.

[@NatalieValentina6]

I thought the same thing. That it was possibly binder/anti-caking agent/preservative, etc., that melted/became unstable & re-crystallized. In some of the shots, you could see the cubic formations & clusters, & they were sparkling. The fact that it got darker under the lights, probably means that it re-melted again & formed wet spots. There would probably be a sheen on the spots once it dried. Obviously, it would need testing to be certain, & better safe than sorry. It shouldn't happen regardless, & I'm glad they brought attention to it, b/c I had to replace my palettes. I didn't have the white spots, but I did have the same puffing/crumbling, & my "Leo" eroded away along it's perimeter, & disintegrated...

[@KayKatt666]

You just saved me $70. I had Gemini sitting in my basket on my Sephora app. Thank you! Kat, your hair is totes adorbz!

[@MushroomReaper]

D: welp I’m sorta glad I missed out on that pallet now, I would be so angry if I spent money on it and then about a year later be moldy. I’m really sorry this happened to you especially on a “limited edition” palette.

[@TheRealHappyG]

Yeah, I really wanted the new palette they just released but I can't take the risk now!

[@emiv592]

Moldy Makeup Mania, the summer of 2019 (I know its cold in Australia, but really hoping we'll leave unsafe makeup behind after this season)

[@crystaldawn2708]

PLEASE DESTROY THE MOLDY AND PUFFY SHADES. I am so genuinely curious if the puffy ones are full of mold at the bottoms. edit: THANK UUUUU

[@AlexisMitchell87]

Your comment literally just made me shudder. 🤢

[@jenniferlynn120]

Crystal Dawn I have seen so many with the “puffy” shades. Raw Beauty Kristi, Tarababyz, Mel Thompson (I think...). This seems to be a widespread issue for sure.

[@myaemmajade]

Mold generally producers a gas as it grows, so it's possible it's basically blowing bubbles in the eyeshadow

[@crystaldawn2708]

@@AlexisMitchell87 I knowwww I'm sorry 😬 I'm glad the girls had the same thought though hahaha they're so thorough!

[@crystaldawn2708]

@@myaemmajade Oooh, that's really interesting...and really gross haha! Mold farts :)

[@heleng5253]

I’m glad you had shades where this would stand out. Imagine it in a shade similar to the mould colour and not noticing 🤢🤮

[@jessicascherer6770]

Wow this video came at such a good time bc I’ve been saving up to buy these palettes. Y’all are life savers

[@claudial4141]

Jessica Scherer Sydney Grace has dupes for Smoke Sessions, and Kaleidos has a green palette that has similar shades to the other one.

[@jessicascherer6770]

Claudia L Im definitely going to look into these. Thank you so much!

[@ivyscripting7240]

Seconding Sydney Grace - their upcoming Mountain Trail bundle is actually quite similar to the green shades in Gemini, and their mattes are lovely.

[@jessn.2665]

Jessica Scherer I’m so sad. I’ve only had the Gemini palette for a week.

[@camillerobinson8211]

Bullet dodged! Check out the green shades from Devinah cosmetics! I have a bunch of them & they are awesome!

[@badtothebrow]

I love how their email response says there is no way it’s mold 👀

[@giulia5679]

Oh, no Kat 😢 you loved that palette SOO much!!! I feel your anger 😣

[@casual_cupcake]

As a scientist who's dealt with plenty of mould in the lab, this does not look like a fungus would under the microscope. There is no visible mycelium (the vegetative part of a fungus), the spots are too well defined. Also, there does not seem to be any fungal body within the makeup (often visible as white strands that grow throughout a medium). Whatever it is, it's unlikely to be of microbiological (fungal or even bacterial) origin.

[@casual_cupcake]

@JanisSmithe Thank you Janis. I agree with you.

[@sharmeengulshad3962]

Two of my eyeshadows in the eyeshadow palette appeared to have puffed up brown spots regarding which I think that it must be mould. Should I throw the entire palette or keep using the other ones which appear to be fine?

[@jennyben21]

All 3 of my melt palettes are puffed up shimmers. I'm so disappointed Update: I'm getting replacements free of charge. Let's hope it's just the binding issue like they said it was

[@TracyD2]

jennybee Yikes! Are you going to return them?

[@jennyben21]

@@TracyD2 I don't see any mold yet. My mattes are good and the textures haven't changed.

[@ellespoonies]

definitely be careful! you don't want mold near your eyes, its better to be safe than sorry. i would definitely recommend at least contacting melt and letting them lie about it being oils and give you replacements or refunds or even go to sephora and get new ones.

[@edeeeeeeeeeeennnnnn]

jennybee definitely get a refund! Safer for yourself and you’re not wasting money on this

[@JustCardsBySara]

Mines the smoke sessions

[@KL-qp6yo]

Ugh, I thought the puffy shimmers were just getting loose because they'd been knocked around because I'm clumsy. 🤢

[@post_cancer_beautycandyjon1049]

Ginger L same!

[@sairsteele150]

Something is certainly rotten in the state of Melt. That's really devastating for the brand and all the fans. I was saving up to buy Gemini 😭. Hope they can figure out what is wrong and fix it. Thanks for such an open and respectful warning. I'm sure this will go viral (so yah for BN).

[@TracyD2]

Sarah Steele How they handle it is what I’m curious about. I’m thinking they will be graceful. After seeing what happens to companies with terrible customer service.

[@jennym007]

Tracy I emailed them straight away and they offered a refund or replacement. They were really good about it.

[@KM-rt5jj]

BN? is that a KZbin thing?

[@sairsteele150]

@@KM-rt5jj BN = Beauty News. This channel. 😊

[@sodabatalks]

If this happened to a beauty guru palette, ALL HELL WOULD BREAK LOOSE!! lmao

[@MissMagic]

I checked mine after hearing about the mold issue from AmyLovesMakeup and mine seemed fine, I got mine around the same time as Kat. Definitely keeping a close eye on it though.

[@jennym007]

MissMagic My palette is worse than Kat’s. I emailed Melt CS with pictures and they offered me replacement or refund. So if you do notice it change just email them straight away...no problems. They have really good customer service.

[@MissMagic]

@@jennym007 Good to hear they treated you right.

[@angiesol19]

I was planning to order the Gemini pallet at the end of month. Glad you girls posted this

[@viviennorthriver6224]

Now I'm going to check every single ond of my pallettes for mold.. 😱🤢

[@myreadingisodd]

Well the owners of melt blocked me on insta YEARS ago when the blue lipstick they had was popular. Got mine in the mail covered in mold and blocked me once I made mention of it. So I’ve never known what they release and I’ve never cared. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@whyaddnamehere]

Omg, I cringed when you showed the mold. That shouldn't be happening! You haven't used it that long. Crazy!!

[@jujubee463]

I just checked my Smoke Sessions palette, and the Black Widow shade is puffed-up, and has a whitish-gray cast to it. And I just got it in April.

[@hannahmannlein4859]

jujubee463 that sucks. I definitely would not use it or any of the other shades in the palette.

[@Diabtuss]

I just got mine back in April and I’m terrified.... I spent so much money and now I’m super bummed out...

[@meltcosmetics_official]

email us [e-mail] we will replace it for you. :)

[@jennteal5265]

Aren't the Melt Cosmetics produced in the US? Between this and Jaclyn Hill I'm just dead. Items produced here should be excellent quality and it's really maddening if/when it's not.

[@saraangel6696]

Jenn Teal honestly, as a foreign consumer, i am really happy with colourpop. Is cheap enough for me to splurge, and good enough for me to enjoy the product, play around, and not regret spending the money. Do they have every shade? No, but they have enough variety not to break the bank

[@fyncheniteO]

It's just prejudice at best.

[@jennteal5265]

@@saraangel6696 I really like Colorpop too! I just avoid Morphe. I don't want ppl to think that American made is best, just that there should be very high standards or what's the point in spending the money to have it made here?

[@laceyb2693]

I skipped out on every Melt release because I already had the colors. I’m glad I did now.

[@NoOne.1234]

Where did you get the colors? Melt does have some pretty unique greens

[@firefoxwaffles5357]

That makes me concerned :c I'd hate to buy Gemini and have it mold less than a year later!

[@User38474]

The puffing up thing happened to Tarababyz, I remember her being really bummed about it. I haven't bought the gemini because I didn't want to get burned too. Tarababyz check your palette for mold! I'm worried now.

[@Ieat2much]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. I know hers arrived all puffed up. Hope she watches this video

[@anghellbeth]

I can't lie.... part of me still wants the Gemini palatte. They're so into the whole marijuana marketing. Now with the fungus outbreak they can make a Psilocybin palatte. They're just staying on trend with legalization. 🤷‍♀️ haha

[@nykka3]

Angel Dively look for dupes instead. Sydney grace has good dupes and they are having a sale right now.

[@anghellbeth]

Sydney Grace? Never heard of them. Thanks!

[@nykka3]

Angel Dively on IG the handle is @sydneygraceco

[@camillerobinson8211]

The Colourpop just my luck palette is similar; also Devinah Cosmetics has FANTASTIC, inexpensive singles in an amazing, unique shade range. Their green shade range (particularly the mattes) is nuanced & amazing. Can't recommend them enough, some of the most consistently formulated & unusual toned eyeshadows around.

[@JennEn91]

A friend of mine just bought it for me... fingers crossed its amazing and no mold in sight!!!

[@theresag1969]

You ladies are the best with helping the public to to know what's happening in thr beauty industry. I have mad respect for you two for your bravery.

[@jessicathompson7992]

The puffiness of the shimmers makes me nervous! I'm thinking it could be bacteria releasing gas or something that's caused the shades to shatter

[@Adidi10009]

It happened to me four months after receiving the palette. At first they said it was “reaction to oils” so I responded that I haven’t even used/swatched the shades Leo and goalz. They refunded me and gave me a coupon code.

[@darksparxz8089]

You should be able to use a strong magnet to depot the other shadows.. I have a microbiology back ground & worked in labs. It looks like crystallization of the binder or poor stabilizer. But for the price, just the puffing would piss me off! I'm sure the heat from the light caused a reaction to change what ever is happening with the binder.

[@n0uf95n]

I have actual vintage makeup “eyeshadows and blush” that my mom kept from the 90s and it doesn’t have mold.

[@Olivia-ld9vz]

I wouldn't use them

[@n0uf95n]

Olivia lol I don’t use it, I should probably throw it away but it just hard to throw away something that was kept for that long.

[@n0uf95n]

Sparkle4me New fact for me, I didn’t know that.

[@MargoIndigo]

that’s so crazy, mine is still perfect! only bummer is the shimmers, specifically the smoke sessions palette, being so lightly pressed that they pop out of the pans constantly and i have to re-press them 🧐

[@Stormaggedonx]

I love that Kat is appropriately wearing green

[@ashleyregan3247]

Thats disgusting 🤢🤢 I know AmyLovesMakeup had the same thing happen to her in an even shorter time.

[@AmyLovesMakeup]

Ashley Regan yep very gross 🤦‍♀️

[@alessachoop8883]

@@AmyLovesMakeup you were the first person I thought when I read the title of the video.

[@escaramujo]

There are oils that react to temperature. They crystalize with low temperatures but liquidize again with heat, which could explain why under some hot light the 'mold' turned 'blackened', like humid eyeshadows do. 🤷 Any way, that's not something so expensive eyeshadows should do.

[@helenl4142]

Thanks for raising awareness on this. The Gemini has been on my wishlist for months and I'm so glad I didn't shell out nearly £50 for a platter of mould. Guess I'll be sticking to my 35M and Good Sport palettes

[@farelady93]

I ran to spray my singles with 91% Alc.. after about 4 years they are holding up well.

[@Draculiana]

I was thinking to get Gemini but now i will not , maybe they will reformulate the problematic shades but i lost interest in anything from the brand . Thank you for the heads up.

[@crystaldawn2708]

Same but smoke show palette. Good news is there'll probably be similar launches from other brands soon enough 😅😂

[@MusicModelMadess]

One of the first ingredients I found in their eyeshadows is lauroyl lysine aka coconut oil. Which is known to mold.

[@JuliaHarrisx]

This was fascinating and horrifying at the same time! Great heads up ladies 💋 xx

[@Katie_Woo]

I got rid of both of my melt palettes- smoke sessions and Gemini because the puffed up shadows seemed to always escape the palettes even when they’d never been opened between pressings! I was losing product even when it wasn’t in use! Huge mess and huge waste of money :( now I’m glad I did as it’d probably have sprouted mushrooms from the looks of things

[@meltcosmetics_official]

Email us [e-mail] and we will send you replacements :)

[@savannahdozier177]

Yes!! I’ve had a MAC palette and TF one for 6 years and they are amazing! Will probably never get rid of them until I pan them (sooo close)

[@kitt3ncake445]

Savy Leigh girl I have the original TF chocolate bar, and semi sweet still perfect still smell like chocolate still performing like new. How? I mean HOW!?

[@savannahdozier177]

Kitt3n Cake Yes!!! Me too!! Guess since Melt is a newer company they haven’t had time to do long term control tests. Idk if I paying 50 dollars for a palette it better last me a few years at least.

[@jemmaward3448]

Ive never clicked so fast!! Looking beautiful as always ladies 💜

[@bojangles4118]

Hey ladies! Glad you did this video. I’ve been concerned with this happening for a while as the pressed mica shadows contain quite a bit of moisture. Pressed mattes are dried with alcohol and so any bacteria or fungus gets killed. I always spray my new palettes if they have shimmers. The puffiness is the gasses from the fungus. I’d send it to get tested to see what mould is there as it can be very dangerous.

[@haleywilson5761]

I was literally just browsing Melt last night. Thanks for saving me $100 ladies 🙌🏼

[@Ceccan97]

Such a great and important video, thank you guys sharing the information and always being raw honest even when things are uncomfortable. And this is so disturbing and disgusting. Melt, do better. And I feel extra sorry for you Kat since you loved the greens in that palette.

[@jennlecher5604]

Interestingly, every single palette I own has that "period after opening" symbol and date on it. I'm pretty surprised the Melt products dont!

[@DangersGirl4Ev]

DAAAAYUMNNNN KAT!!!!!! You look absolutely badass with the hair, the red lip, the fair skin, and the bright shirt!!!

[@AlcideIzMine]

My nonexistent immune system is now thrilled I didn't cave on my no-buy for Smoke Sessions.

[@bsherman728]

So interesting! Been watching for about a year now. Love this channel! Also wanted to say I’ve never seen your skin look better than when you were using Halo Beauty! Not a spokesperson.. never even tried it myself.. just watched reviews of people who have and wow it did wonders!

[@NadinaStryhn]

I just got into Melt after being able to get them shipped here to Denmark via Beautybay without wild taxes. I bought the 'Baby Girl' stack and love it (even though I lost the mirror in the Nyhavn canal in Copenhagen drunk. Oh well) Waiting on the 'Blue Print' stack now. Thank you so much for this video. Do not think I will buy their palettes, as I always use my eyeshadows for YEARS.

[@jayharker]

I literally ordered Smoke Sessions on Sunday from BeautyBay. I'll have to get a look at it first, but then I guess I might have to find out how good Melt or Beauty Bay are with customer service...

[@peach23786]

NadinaStryhn same thing here. I bought those two recently but now I am worried. Will Beautybay give me returns after I find mold or something similar after some months

[@gsd715]

OMG I've never actually seen mold on eye shadow before, it's oddly the prettiest gross mold ever. I'm glad Melt Cosmetics is actually handling the issues correctly and not shaming customers, denying the issues, going silent which makes me respect them so much and actually wanting to purchase from them in the future.

[@RitaBaumann]

This is when we find out if Melt Cosmetics watched all the Jaclyn Hill drama.

[@Donteverlook4videos]

Rita Baumann melt customer service has always been amazing. They don’t ask questions they just replace or refund

[@louisegibbons5255]

I feel for your loss Kat. It was a beautiful pallet. So much so I was going to buy the Smoke and Gemini Pallets but I wouldn't use them enough to justify it. If they are doing this in 8 months, then my answer is no :(

[@neeshachantrel]

Hmm, I'm not a chemist but my first thought was maybe it's the binding agent? Maybe it's gone bad and causing loose shadows and mould? D':

[@n2beingme72]

I am going to check my palettes now. I am wondering if they only added the shelf life since partnering with Sephora.

[@jackiejenson]

That’s what I’m hoping! I threw away my boxes, but the back of the palette doesn’t show any jar for me :(. Mine look good!! I also got smoke sessions on 4/20 and mine is still perfect. A bit concerned though! Hope Sephora covers us if something happens. 🍀💕

[@karenhekman]

At least Melt knows how NOT to deal with issues a la Jaclyn Hill...

[@KM-rt5jj]

true! at least we know they're not con artists! out of curiousity, whats the "bn" behind your display name? seen it on other comments too but couldnt figure it out

[@karenhekman]

@@KM-rt5jj It's from donating monthly to Beauty News for support. You can do it from their home page I think.

[@KM-rt5jj]

@@karenhekman aaah ok! thanks!

[@peony70]

Very interesting, I just noticed my Smoke Sessions was puffing up, i even asked my daughter is she had used it, which she had not. I'll have to put them in isolation (can you tell I'm a nurse? Lol) to ensure they dont conrltaminate my other makeup just in case mold is brewing. Thanks for the heads up!!!

[@meltcosmetics_official]

email us [e-mail] and we will replace it :)

[@nanaminze8799]

Do melt an jaclynhillsosmetics produce in the same place? 😅

[@ofthebeanvariety]

1:03 I gasped. I've seen others have this issue with the Melt palettes. Amy Loves Makeup comes to mind. If anyone is going request or are able to get a replacement, the greens in the new Gemini vs the old Gemini are different. Le Pocket Change has a detailed video on her channel. I wish the product info was on the palette itself vs the box. I have my box, and the POA symbol was not on mine.

[@mellymonster413]

oh my god I'm horrified, I'm so glad I procrastinated buying the smoke sessions and gemini palettes, there's no way I'd be comfortable using them after seeing this

[@jordynnhorror5402]

So if you have unopened products..how long will they be good for if they're unused/un swatched ? Does the "good after opened" date start once you physically touch the product (skin oil transfer) or simply opening the product without touching it? Thanks !

[@afogg_vintagepickn]

As a consumer that has a severe allergy to several mold types, this is alarming! Ladies be careful not to inhale mold spores!

[@lonavarga]

This dotting thing slightly started with mine and I ordered it around the same time as you. I got rid off the top layer, pushed the shadows in hard and put a bag of silica gel in the drawer with my palettes. It's a smaller drawer fully loaded, so I guess one was enough in my case. Btw, that's the problem with these "creamy" eyeshadows. More liquid in a powder formula means shorter life time. Even if the preservatives are working, the performance is quickly going downhill. My drier shadows barely aging, the formulation not changing, but newer ones like ABH, DoC, Melt, etc. started changing after a few montsh, a year - not molding, but definietly changing for the worse. Meanwhile a Too Faced Chocolate Bar is going strong without any change in it after years and years and years. Same with Mac shadows, older Urban Decay formulations, then Lime Crime and Makeup Geek mattes have drier formulations as well, I'm hopeful about those ones too. It's a smart business move. Instead of using a primer to manipulate the desired moisture level, we get these "primer-infused" new formulas, those performance is going down waaay faster, so we can buy more and more often. I have hooded, aging, but oily eyelids, so I prefer drier formulas anyway, these "creamy" ones slipping off of me in no time (or I can use drier, thicker primers, like Mac paint pot, making my lids look like I was just dug out of a freaking pyramid), but the drier ones hold well without primer as well.

[@chloe01010]

When’s the Jaclyn Hill and Melt collab coming out?

[@yensid4294]

Oh that really sucks, I'm so sorry Kat I know how much you loved that eyeshadow color. I need to check my pallets. I bought the original Gemini from Melt last year when it was first available & picked up Smoke Session from Sephora very recently(haven't used it yet) Gemini doesn't look moldy but Goalz is looking puffier than the other pans. Smoke Sessions still looks pristine which isn't surprising since it hasn't been used yet. I will definitely keep an eye on Gemini & check it with a magnifying glass & bright light.

[@rosiellagrace]

Oh, wow.. you ain't had that no time. Thank you for always being you - and speaking out on what you feel is important, because this is super important but I'd not heard about this. That's an insanely short amount of time, sorry if I'm gross but I have years old powder products, and people should be speaking up. I know Melt's kinda loved and I've been wanting a stack for over a year.. not knowing it's likely to go fucky within the year, though. I'll be curious if they respond but, either way.. this is why I love you ladies. 🌹🌹

[@lyndafromparisathena6321]

As a Sun Gemini / Moon Leo : Oh god I ‘ve never seen that before and I have eyeshadow palettes that are 15 years old ! Ain’t planning on throwing them away unless they had a problem: it’s like powder eyeshadows can be kept for life or decades.

[@nanaminze8799]

I can not believe this. This is so disgusting! 🤢 such a thing from a brand like melt with those prices is a scandal!!!😠

[@M3GPie]

Would be interested to hear an update on this. Did your other palettes develop mold?