Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Take Me to the Violet Underground
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette ($48.00 for 0.15 oz.) consists of five shades ranging from pink to black to brown. The formula is long-wearing and is not supposed to crease while still blending easily.
The first shade is a vibrant fuchsia pink with a subtle metallic sheen. When applied dry, it’s slightly sheer and looks like it has a soft frost finish. When applied damp, it is incredibly opaque and vibrant with a soft metallic finish. MAC Moon Rose is just a little less fuchsia. MAC Tease With Ease is softer. NARS Caravaggio is darker. Urban Decay Woodstock is very similar. MAC Bright Fuchsia is also close.
Next to the fuchsia shade is a chocolate bronze with a metallic sheen. When applied dry, it still retains a subtle metallic finish and has excellent color payoff. When applied damp, it becomes more intense but doesn’t change too much. NARS Surabaya is similar but has a less metallic finish. Make Up For Ever #14 has less red in its base. theBalm Tres Moi is less red-toned and a smidgen lighter. Le metier de Beaute Bordeaux has a stronger red undertone. Chanel Ebloui is grayer.
Moving on, we arrive at a light beige-peach with soft, warm undertones and a frosted finish. It’s nearly the same whether it is used damp or dry, though it becomes just slightly more metallic when it is used wet. The pigmentation is full and opaque both ways. Bare Escentuals Stealth is more matte in finish and a little lighter. Dolce & Gabbana Jewels is a fraction lighter. MAC Say Yeah is frostier and has a subtle golden sheen. theBalm Luscious Lani is noticeably lighter and more metallic in finish.
In the middle is a dark black with subtle shimmer that’s just barely noticeable. It has good color payoff when used dry, though it is more intense when applied damp. When applied, it does intensify better with a brush than just in a swatch even when applied dry. It’s not quite as dark as MAC Dark Dare or Milani Pitch Black. It is darker than MAC Carbon.
The final shade is a rich violet with hints of blue and an underlying dark base. It had good pigmentation dry but had less depth, whereas when applied damp, it took on a much more intense, deeper look, though both dry and damp had similar metallic finishes. I felt that this was the least dupeable shade in the palette, because it is a darker purple with only a hint of blue. Giorgio Armani Ecailles Black Pearl is lighter, less blackened. MAC Starless Night is darker, not really blue–more black in its base (so you lose some of the purple). MAC Imaginary has no blue. Givenchy Lune Mordoree is bluer. Urban Decay Frigid is the closest but it lacks the blackened base.
I think this is one of the most stunning eyeshadow palettes that has launched in the past few years. It’s utterly breathtaking–whether or not these are the kind of hues you’d feel comfortable wearing or not, it’s a showstopper. What I love is that it does deliver on the color, and all five shades work well together; not just in one color combination but multiple ones. If you prefer subtle pops of color, there are two more neutral shades (beige and bronze) that can be accented by the richer shades (pink and violet) or darkened (black).
These wore impeccably, too! I had no problem achieving nine hours of wear with no fading or creasing with or without a primer, and I used four of the five shades in the look (no black). They were easy to blend, didn’t have any fall out, and applied with full color without having to pack it on. It comes in a purple metallic case with a mirror on the inside and two dual-ended sponge-tipped applicators. The only criticism I could come up with was the pink shade could be better pigmented dry.
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette
Estee Lauder Violet Underground Eyeshadow Palette (9 Hours of Wear)
I bought this palette the first day it appeared at Nordstrom and I couldn’t agree more, it’s absolutely stunning, the colors compliment each other perfectly and all the shades are very wearable and perfect for fall.
They really nailed it – really good quality, mix of colors and neutrals, and the colors work together and for the season!
I just recreated your look today and got so many compliments on it 🙂
I love it! It’s a true gem! Thanks for ur review!!!
No prob! 🙂
Oooh, I like the look you did with this palette! I’m not really drawn to the palette itself, but when I see the result on you, I’m tempted to give it a try.
Thank you! I’m sure you have similar colors already!
That look is amazing on you, absolutely stunning. And nine hours of wear? Wow…
Thanks, Jane!
I saw this at The Bay on the 3rd and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it… so I caved and ordered it online last night LOL I blame the dark blurple and that fact that it’s just so lusciously shiny!
I am also enjoying that it’s only $2 more in Canada instead of something ridiculous. It’s depressing that I have to be happy about that! 😛
Ohh, that’s great news – I’m glad it’s only $2 more!
Ooh, I really like this but the lightning bolt design on each colour is just too busy for me. Luckily that’ll fade with use!
I love lightning, so maybe that’s why it didn’t bother me!
I usually do too! I think it’s maybe the added stripes that make it look too much. I don’t know, it just looks a little chaotic! But that’s irrelevant really because it will fade! I do love the colours and the look that you’ve created with them. I don’t have many of the dupes so I think I could justify this (and smudge the pattern a little)! 😀
I’ve had my eye on just about everything from this collection since the first information came out. I’m so happy to see that it lives up to expectations! Those shades are a really stunning mix of very wearable neutrals and wilder colours. Thanks for the review!
No prob! Definitely one of the nicest fall products I’ve come across thus far!
Just when I thought I didn’t need any more palettes.
Haha!
Instant love! Such a nice combination or gorgeous colors.
This havent launched in Europe yet, so I am waiting eagerly and checking out the websites every day
I hope you can grab it when it launches!
First off, loving your combo Christine! Beautiful.
As a long time EL fan, collector and user, I think I will be skipping this. I first saw it a few days ago when I opened my daily EL emails. I lushed over this for about an hour, well maybe 40 minutes. When I got home I pulled out my million UD sets and tried to compare colours. Between the Nakeds and the 15th Anniversary sets alone, plus the singles I have, I will very sadly be passing this up 🙁
Yeah, I don’t think I’d say it’s very unique/original overall – most shades seemed to have a really close dupe available!
What a stunning palette! I like the color combination as well.
Isn’t it? 🙂
hey ya its fab… totally. i just gt it after trying to stay away for 10 days… its beautiful. so preety i thnk ill nt use it for a fear that ill spoil the design…p
The color choices are so 80s I love it. Bright, bold colors that even make Lisa Frank go ‘Hold up, slow your color roll lady.’
If only I worked in a place where I can wear magenta and bright purple eye shadow to work. I don’t need more party makeup but this is perfect party makeup!
Haha! Bringing back Lisa Frank 😉
This is so lovely! I wish companies would make compacts a little smaller and leave out the enclosed applicators though – all I do is throw them away, and I really value sleek, small packaging.
I try to remind myself there are a lot of people who actually use them, LOL!
I love the color combination! and the payoff is great, need this!
Agreed!
MUST GET THIS. it looks beautiful and expensive. i consider this to be a decent price point for a palette, but i could easily mistake this for something from guerlain or clea de peu and the like. stunning
It’s very lovely and is not too pricey (at least for high-end).
I was so looking forward to this palette but realized I own so many of the dupes you listed. So nice though!
Estee Lauder has made me a fan with they new eyeshadow formulations. I look forward to the next palette and going to pick up some of the LE Gelee singles that are out instead. ^_^
Hoping for a peacock palette…. I’d but it in a heart beat. lol
I should also say that this will lunch in Canada only at The Bay in September. I might change my mind once I see it in person regardless of the dupes. lol
Thank you for the tidbit!!
Yeah, it’s more dupeable than it is unique, even if it is very lovely 🙂
Completely agree with you on the peacock palette! That would be fantabulous.
Oh! A peacock pallette for spring with the formula.. that would be something!!
oh my…this looks sooo pretty! too bad i’m currently on a ban til the end of the month otherwise i’d head straight to the bay or holt to pick one up!
@Ani_Bee said it wasn’t launching ’til September for The Bay, so it sounds like you’re in luck!
*cough* It’s been at the Markville Bay since at least the 3rd of August *cough*
The packaging, colours and design on the eyeshadows is so 80s which is cool! I feel like I have a lot of the colours already so I’ll have to see this in person to know definitely what i think! thanks Christine!
80s in the best way!
Does this mean that you will review the new LUSH line soon? 🙂
I’m actually suprised at the quality and colors so I’m curious what you will say Christine…
No idea, sorry! 🙁
The look you did is spectacular. Simply stunning. And I think the star is really that gorgeous purple blue. WOW!!! But E/L tests on animals (and went to China to do it, after years of touting no animal testing, in a sneaky way without telling their customers), so no. Just no. I’ll put UD’s Frigid on my list instead and consider it a lot of money saved.
Slightly OT: I think the colour of that Lush liner detracts a little from the lovely eyeshadows but it looks like a very interesting eyeliner. Very pretty colour, too, so it will be interesting to see what your reviews says.
I’d pass on Frigid – one of the worst shadows by UD ever!
See, you save me money nonstop! Thank you for letting me know about Frigid. I followed the link and, while I did note your comments about the pay-off, I saw the post/eyeshadows received an overall score of A. Plus, it’s from Urban Decay’s Deluxe line, so I thought it had to be at least *somewhat* buttery, intense and rich. Well, apparently not. LOL.
One of the worst deluxe shades, I’d say… definitely not worth paying for, LOL!
Oh, EL why do you do this to me?! This palette is soooo gorgeous, it’s like a work of art! But with my red hair and relatively pale skin (i.e. Mac NC15/20), there is no way I could ever wear that pink or copper. Warm tones make me look so ill…Even the peach might be a little fussy–such a bummer because it looked more taupe on Nordstrom’s website. But oh how I want that gorgeous violet shade! And their other 5 shadow palette is loaded with warm tones. I pray they release a more wearable cool-toned palette–I would instantly purchase it if it looked this gorgeous and wore this well!
As a side note, since you’ve worn it in so many swatches and it seems to look great, what do you think of the ETK mascara Christine? Right now Chanel Inimitable intense is my go-to but I’d love to give the ETK if you give it the thumbs up and think it might be better than Chanel! 🙂
I’m still playing with – some days I like it, other days I’m not 100% sold. I’m not usually a waterproof mascara person, though!
This is gorgeous!
I know! So pretty!
I would be so scared to touch this. Too pretty!
Aww!
I ordered this palette the day it was released. I love it! I also ordered two nail polishes—crushed and one that I found was only available online at Nordstroms and it’s called tempetuous. Both are beautiful and crushed has worn on my nails now a full 7 days no chipping. I always get chips, I do a lot of work with my hands. I’m interested in the gelee singles. There’s one that looks duochrome in swatches. Tom Pecheaux has done wonders at Estee Lauder and I can’t wait to see what he does for Holiday collection this year.
Happy to hear the good news about the lacquers 🙂
What a gorgeous, gorgeous palette. Everything about it just looks so spot-on — the shades, the formula, even just the packaging!
I’m not sure how wearable this would be on my lids (the brown and peach look like they might be too warm), but I absolutely love it on yours! 😉
Maybe pairing it with the pink or purple would add some cool tones? I could see that the brown and peach would be rather warm, though.
Is this the same formula they had in their Summer Shimmering Sands palette? Gelee I think it was called.
Yes! 🙂
Whoa, really! I have to have it, then, their(relatively) new formulation is so awesome! Thanks, Christine!
Oh my god! I NEED this in my life! My wallet will definately hate me since I live in Denmark and this will retail for approximately $72 🙁
I don’t know what it is about this palette, but I stare at it a lot whenever I see it. However, it doesn’t translate into love for me and I don’t know why. It seems to have all the elements of a great palette with a really interesting mix of warm and cool colours, but I can’t make myself fall in love with it. I think I fear the finish is just too glitzy for me and with smallish eyes, it could quickly overpower me and make me look really made up. I also could be completely wrong, but I’m not willing to spend the $$ to risk it.
I completely agree with you–I think it’s gorgeous to look at and I really enjoy admiring it on other people, but I just don’t love these kind of shadows. The new breed of really pigmented, creamy eyeshadows all have a very similar strong, metallic finish and I just think it’s a bit too one note for me. I like a mix of finishes for one thing, and I also agree–I have small eyes and I think too many of these kind of finishes overpower my eyes
Thanks for putting that into words, because now I understand why I sometimes struggle with the ultra-pigmented shadows so many people love. I even struggle to find brushes small enough to apply shadow just where I want. Some things just don’t work on smaller eyes.
I’m okay with ultra pigmented shadows..for me it’s the finish that can be the deal breaker. If I’m wearing more than one metallic super dense eyeshadow at the same time for example. It just overpowers my eyes. I love matte shadows for getting that intensity without it being overwhelming 🙂
I too like a variety of finishes on my eyes.. I rarely do a look with one type and usually have at least one matte shadow. Yesterday, I surprised myself by doing almost a full look with shimmery shadows, but still, shimmer is quite a distance from metallic. I have the heartbreaker palette from Sugarpill with all those crazy brights, but they are matte shadows and finish seems to make a huge difference on small eyes. Interesting we both had the same reaction to this palette..Thanks for your reply 🙂
I totally agree – I like it a lot, the colors are lovely, I don’t need it in the least. I have big eyes, but I just don’t see this working for me. I gravitate more toward neutrals in eye shadow, I guess, and this is too bright. But it’s lovely to look at.
This looks so amazing from your swatches, but it was a lot more powdery and sheer when I swatched, how weird!
The purple one looks like Mac Grand Galaxy!
Raeview uses those spongey thingies all the time. I just can’t but I do keep them with the plastic cover only because I do. But I have soooo got to have this palette ASAP. I have the summer one Bronze Sands which is amazing. I have to replicate your look Christine. I love it.
I thought that the violet one looked a bit like UD’s Omen. I am so going to get this – I really hope it comes to Malaysia!
this or dior golden savannah, the dior would cost me $64!!!!! i tend to gravitate to the non colourful palettes but this might be a good one to get me started ?? please reply going to the mall today
Love your blog !!!
Oh, this over Golden Savannah for sure!
This is a gorgeous palette! By the way, thank you for always commenting on what colors are similar. It lets me always check my collection to see if I feel something is close enough.
My pleasure! 🙂
My parents just bought me this palette as a thank you gift and I LOVE it! I am so excited and tried to wear it the way you have it worn in the picture above. Not sure I quite captured your seamless look, but I am so happy with everything this palette has to offer!
I’m sure your look was even better! 🙂
At first I was a bit skeptical but i don’t own anything like it, so I broke down (so did my wallet) and bought it. This will be my first purchase from Estee Lauder !! Any tips for this for women with darker skin?
I also thought these colors would be too metallic/too bright for me…but I have found that I can easily use the softer colors in these pallettes from lash to brow, and then use my pencil brush with the more intense colors along my lash lines. A couple coats of mascara, and I have a great daytime look.
Hi Christine, absolutely love this palette and the look you created you wrote that you used the 4 colours but where did you use the darker brown one I only reckonize the pink, purple and peach?
Outer lid, which I blended with the purple!