All of the Sephora brand eyeshadows and blushes are reformulated. They have stronger caller payoff, smoother application, and can be used wet/dry without ruining the consistency of the product. I prefer to use them wet to get the strongest possible color out of them. Or you can apply them wet initially, then pack on the same color in its dry form to layer the color to be more intense.
That palette isn't online yet or in most other stores yet, because New York is kinda like a whole new country when it comes to Fashion/Cosmetics/Trends lol; they get everything first (As far as the US goes). It's a Limited Edition Holiday Palette, and I think it's an amazing deal and gift idea. If MAC put out something like that, you'd all be complaining about how it's $200+ and contains most colors that you either already have or don't suit you; or for collector's sake, you'll spend the money on it anyway and probably never use it. For $40, this contains colors that almost anybody can use, and if there are a few you can't, just remember that the entire thing cost less than $50, and you'll cope just fine.