Makeup Geek Stroke of Midnight Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Stroke of Midnight
Makeup Geek Stroke of Midnight Eyeshadow Palette x 9 ($35.00 for 0.58 oz.) is a limited edition, holiday release, which is still available. It includes nine full-sized eyeshadows across a mix of finishes and depths, though it is a more neutral palette overall. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the quality was more consistent across the palette than has been the norm for the brand in the last couple of years. I think the shades worked together well. It seems the brand has wised up and finally decreased the price of their pre-made palettes to $35 (they used to be $45), which is more… palatable.
Ingredients
May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Boron Nitride, Carmine CI 75470, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyethylene (&) PTFE, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Zinc Stearate, Lauroyl Lysine, Nylon-12, Triethylhexanoin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide (CI 77861), Kaolin, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake (CI 16035), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Isoeicosane, Magnesium Stearate, Polyisobutene, Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Poloxamer 338, Silica, Manganese Violet CI 77742
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Stroke of Midnight
LELimited Edition. $50.00.
Soiree
Soiree is a bright, cooler beige base with pink-to-peach shifting pearl. The eyeshadow had good color payoff in a single layer, which was buildable to full coverage with a second layer or applied with a dampened brush. The texture was soft, more loosely-pressed in the pan, so it was a touch on the powdery side, but it seemed to “melt” slightly on my lid so it ended up looking quite smooth after a few minutes. It stayed on well for eight hours on me before I noticed any fading.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Scooch In (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Nude Dress #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Princesa (LE, $7.00) is less pigmented (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Skeleton Kiss (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Au Fil de L'Eau #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Crystal Castle (LE, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Spell Breaker (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Pink Noise (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Clionadh Flicker (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Cosmic (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Ingredients
Triethylhexanoin, Silica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Myristate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Tin Oxide (CI 77861)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Soiree
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Magnifique
Magnifique is a medium, taupe-brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation that was buildable to full coverage with less than a half of layer on top. The consistency was soft, blendable, though a little powdery in the pan so I had to be careful to tap off the excess to avoid fallout. It lasted nicely for seven and a half hours on me before fading a bit.
Top Dupes
- Milani Smokin' Hot (PiP, $5.99) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Jouer Toffee (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty O Boy (600) (LE, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Shoreline (Cool Mattes 2 #5) (P, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sage (Contour) (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Tabac (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Dover (DC, $25.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Butterfly (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Vintage (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Lucy (464CM) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
Ingredients
Dimeticone, Mica, Polyisobutene, Isoeicosane, Silica, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Boron Nitride, Nylon-12, Laurolyl Lysine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Synthetic Sapphire, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Talc, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Tin Oxide, Ultramarines CI 77007, Manganese Violet
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Magnifique
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Amour
Amour is a muted, medium brown with subtle, warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. There were very fine sparkles strewn throughout, but it looked and performed more like a matte eyeshadow in practice. It had good pigmentation that blended out well on my lid without sheering out too readily, despite having a slightly drier, dustier texture in the pan. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Chanel Légèreté et Expérience #4 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cocktail Party (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Ciate Skinny Dip (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Seven Heaven (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Tiramisu (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild My Glamour Squad #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS St-Paul-de-Vence II (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte View from the Taupe (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Cake & Biscuits (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Easy Breezy (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
Ingredients
Dimeticone, Mica, Polyisobutene, Isoeicosane, Silica, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Boron Nitride, Nylon-12, Laurolyl Lysine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Synthetic Sapphire, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Talc, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Tin Oxide, Ultramarines CI 77007, Manganese Violet
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Amour
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a medium-dark, reddish-brown base with green-to-blue shifting pearl. It had good color payoff with a soft, more loosely-pressed texture, so it was easy to over-apply product on my brush (which would result in fallout). I felt like my last single of this shade seemed to have greater depth, though. This shade stayed on well for eight hours on me before fading a bit.
Top Dupes
- MAC I've Got a Crush on You (LE, $32.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Nature Bae (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Insomnia (P, $12.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Duabandita (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Kelly (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Wishful Thinking (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Buxom No Faux (P, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Touch in Sol Holo Mulberry (5) (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Peacock Pearl (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Starry Night (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Ingredients
Triethylhexanoin, Silica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Myristate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Tin Oxide (CI 77861)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Insomnia
PPermanent. $9.99.
Elegance
Elegance is a light-medium bronze with warm, rosy undertones and a bright, metallic sheen. It had opaque color coverage that adhered well to bare skin with a smooth, even application. The eyeshadow felt creamy, dense but not too thick or too firmly-pressed in the pan, which helped it blend out nicely along the edges. It lasted well for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- KKW Beauty West (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Aurora (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Warehouse Party (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Dior Rivage #5 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Sofia (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Basic Instinct (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NARS Orgasm IV (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Celestial (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Stolen Kiss (P, $8.00) is more muted (90% similar).
Ingredients
Triethylhexanoin, Silica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Myristate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Tin Oxide (CI 77861)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Elegance
LELimited Edition. $9.99.
Cocktail
Cocktail is a blackened burgundy with warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation with a slightly thinner, firmer consistency, though it blended out with just a bit of extra effort–quite good for this type of shade (and pigmentation level). It wore well for eight hours before I noticed any fading on me.
Top Dupes
- Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate (LE, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Nocturama (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Salem (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lounge (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- theBalm Friendly (P, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Rowdy (DC, $12.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- Dior Mitzah #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Hell in Heels (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Infinite Echoes (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (85% similar).
- Stila Deep Plum (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Ingredients
Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Tin Oxide, PTFE, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Poloxamer 338, Silica, Mica, Stearyl Dimethicone, Octadecene. May Contain (+/-) : Mica (CI 77019), Copper Powder (CI 77400), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Carmine (CI 75470), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Cocktail
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Showgirl (Formerly Bubbly)
Bubbly is a soft, golden green with warm undertones and a bright, metallic finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, lightly creamy consistency that felt denser but wasn’t too thick or too stiff in the pan. This shade applied well and stayed on nicely for eight hours on me before creasing faintly.
Top Dupes
- MAC Make a Wish (LE, $21.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Dior Rose Garden #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia C2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 2) (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Boheme Dream #2 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Need Receipts (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #5 (LE, ) is darker, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I318 Linen Khaki (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Best Buds (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Kylie Cosmetics Mojito (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Tarte Splatter (LE, ) is less shimmery, more muted, cooler (85% similar).
Ingredients
Triethylhexanoin, Silica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Myristate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Tin Oxide (CI 77861)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Showgirl (Formerly Bubbly)
LELimited Edition. $9.99.
Masquerade (Stroke of Midnight)
Masquerade (Stroke of Midnight) is a rich, deep green with warm, olive undertones and a soft, metallic sheen. The eyeshadow had fantastic, opaque color coverage that adhered well to bare skin with a smooth, even application. The consistency was creamy without being too dense nor too softly pressed in the pan. It lasted beautifully for eight and a half hours on me before it started to crease noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Buxom Dusk 'Til Dawn (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Make It Rain (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cammies (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Wanderlust (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Eureka (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Bankroll (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar).
- Chanel Blurry Green #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora + Pantone Universe Dusty Olive (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pear Tree (P, $6.25) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Milani Bella Khaki (17) (P, $4.49) is lighter (90% similar).
Masquerade (Stroke of Midnight)
LELimited Edition. $9.99.
Nightfall
Nightfall is a deep taupe with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation with a soft, lightly dusty texture that remained blendable without sheering out too readily on my lid. The eyeshadow wore well for seven and a half hours before I noticed any fading.
Top Dupes
- MAC Black Factor (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Admiral (P, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Funnel (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Grunge (DC, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Sinsemilla (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Flow (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Jouer Ash Brown (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- NARS Coconut Grove (P, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Henna (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Downlike (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
Ingredients
Dimeticone, Mica, Polyisobutene, Isoeicosane, Silica, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Boron Nitride, Nylon-12, Laurolyl Lysine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Synthetic Sapphire, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Talc, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Tin Oxide, Ultramarines CI 77007, Manganese Violet
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
I do really like this a lot. Bubbly is pretty and Masquerade is really, really nice. And I’m cracking up at palatable.
Every time I say palette and then follow up with palatable, I do a baby giggle. I can’t help it, lol!
This looks like a more interesting version of the elusive Manny MUA makeup geek collaboration.
This very well curated and executed palette is something I see as portending the beginning of a big comeback for MUG! Or so I hope!
I love both of the eye looks that you’ve done!! This palette looks great, especially Bubbly and Stroke of Midnight. I’ve never tried anything by Makeup Geek, but I’m tempted by this palette for sure!
Finally, a Makeup Geek palette that I don’t have hardly any dupes for, and I don’t have any of those shades. I realllllly don’t need an eyeshadow palette right now, but this may be on my list. It is permanent?
It’s limited edition, Sherri! It says so in the beginning of the review but also on the Glossover (where the score is) – the status (permanent, limited edition, etc.) will always show there!
I bought it! Again, I don’t need it, but man, it sure looks pretty. I like the way Bubbly is a green-gold. 🙂
This is a gorgeous palette – lots of beautiful shades to create endless autumnal looks. Love the shade range, although a gold in there would have been good too.
Beautiful eye look Christine.
Just a note that the first line says $50 not $35
Sorry! That’s what the past releases were, so the system was showing the default (for palettes), but this one is marked to $35.
What a nice palette – that cool matte brown (Nightfall) and the Masquerade are just 2 of the shades that had me catching my breath!
I’ve been eyeing this and trying to resist. I love the colors, and I have a soft spot in my heart for Makeup Geek. I spent so much on makeup over the past few months though.
This is a super pretty and interesting palette from Makeup Geek. I’m happy to see green eyeshadows are finally getting their due lately! I loveeee green and I hope it becomes more mainstream in the makeup world.
And Christine, you are literally glowing in these shots. Your whole look is gorgeous! <3
MUG had fallen off my radar due to poor performance. I’m happy to see a nice quality palette here and I’m wow’ed at Masquerade and also think Cocktail is an interesting matte shade. I really do not need an eyeshadow palette, but I’m seriously pondering this. I need to get the low down on what is on your lips.. I was distracted by them in the photos.
Here you go! https://www.temptalia.com/look/a-smoky-green-look-featuring-makeup-geek-stroke-of-midnight/
lol, palatable.
This reminds me a lot of ColourPop’s Good Sport palette. Except this is 3X more expensive than Good Sport.
I think this is a perfect all-in-one palette. Any look I can think I’d want can be made here. I’d want to buy it if I didn’t have all those colors already, but this is such a cohesive color story.
Wow, Cocktail has my attention!
I bought this a week ago, but when I looked on the MUG website today.. It says discontinued! I’m so glad I bought it. I love it so far–it’s weird that it would be discontinued so soon after releasing.