Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.58 oz.) contains nine eyeshadows in a slim, cardboard palette with mirror on the inside. Three of the nine shades are permanent and existing shades (Beaches & Cream, Cosmopolitan, Frappe) in the Makeup Geek range, while one is a pressed version of one of their loose pigments (Insomnia). Two shades appear to be the Foiled eyeshadow type, which is important to note as the Foiled formula is more expensive to purchase individually ($10.00) than their regular powder formula ($6.00). The eyeshadows are labeled on the back but not on the interior (and they seem to be labeled “underneath” so that if you read it left to right, they appear mislabeled, so think about what eyeshadow is placed directly on top of the label to avoid confusion). Each eyeshadow is full-sized; based on that, the palette contains $62.00 worth of product (7 regular eyeshadows, 2 Foiled eyeshadows).
Overall, the palette performed decently, but I was disappointed that my standalone versions of Beaches, Cream, Cosmopolitan, and Frappe were much softer/more pigmented than the ones included in the palette–and I was surprised that it was true across all three. I did notice that the two Foiled eyeshadows here wore better than the original Foiled eyeshadows did (less prone to creasing), so at least that was some good news!
One thing I noticed when photographing the ingredient list: it was just one long list of “May Contains,” and I remembered Makeup Geek eyeshadows being specifically talc-free, and talc was listed as one of these “May Contains” ingredients. Edited: Nick from Makeup Geek has reached out, and he stated that Aphrodite update: Sora is the only shade that contains talc, and it was an oversight by the lab that wasn’t caught too late.
Artemis is described as a “muted champagne yellow.” It’s a light, pale yellow with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had great pigmentation with a soft, blendable consistency that wasn’t too powdery or too firm. It was easy to apply and use on bare skin, while it lasted for eight hours before fading. Anastasia Soft Gold (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). NARS Vinyl (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). LORAC Sugar (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). LORAC Opal (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Viseart Nuance #1 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). NARS Mythos (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Cali Girl (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar). Persona Sassy (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). LORAC Moonlight (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Guerlain Les Precieux #3 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Disney by Sephora Sea Shells (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Sephora Red Carpet Arrival (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). NARS Newbury Street (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Crystalline (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow #2 (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Luz (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Buxom Born Glam (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Immaculate (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Dazzlelight (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Vanilla (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Beaches & Cream is described as a “soft peachy beige.” It’s a light-medium, peachy-beige with warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. The powder was rather firm, and it was harder to get color off of the surface–I really had to jab my brush at it to use it as a transition/highlight shade during application while the powder was also dry once on the brush. My standalone version of this is a lot better. It lasted for seven hours on me. Too Faced Peach Fuzz (LE, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar). Anastasia Soft Peach (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Peach Poppy (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). KVD Beauty Fringe (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Viseart Peche II (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Sephora Biscotti (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Issues (P, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar). bareMinerals Tres Chic (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Vibrate (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Millennial (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (85% similar). Urban Decay Bailout (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Hammamet I (P, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Go With the Flow (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Urban Decay ABC Gum (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). KVD Beauty Vespertine (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tarte Fall in Louvre (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Anastasia Dawn (DC, $12.00) is more muted, cooler (85% similar). Sephora Flawless (332) (P, $9.00) is darker (85% similar). ColourPop Culture (LE, $4.50) is darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Luna is described as a “medium rose gold.” It’s a slightly muted, medium bronze with warm undertones and a metallic finish. It was intensely pigmented with a creamy, lightly loose consistency that applied well to bare skin without sheering out. It wore well for eight hours before creasing on me. Auric Temper (Cream) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Huda Beauty Nude Rich #2 (PiP, ) is more muted (90% similar). Pat McGrath Inferno (PiP, $25.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Soleil et Lune #2 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Classy and Sassy (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). Tarte Selfie Portrait (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Anastasia Cinder (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Noted (Feelin' Bubbly) (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #9 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Hourglass Smoke (P, $29.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). NARS Riding High (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Soleil d'Hiver #3 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Dazzle (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Make Up For Ever I538 Pearly Gray Beige (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, more muted (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar). Kaja Baked Cinnamon (PiP, ) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Clarins Rosewood #2 (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Rose Cashmere #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Anastasia Streak (LE, $12.00) is warmer (85% similar). Tarte Dame (LE, $14.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Cosmopolitan is described as a “gold-flecked medium rose.” It’s a slightly muted, medium coral-orange with warm undertones and a frosted, gold shimmer. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with a lightly powdery, drier consistency that looked somewhat faded on the lid without a good base in place. It started to fade after seven and a half hours of wear. LORAC Starfish (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Morphe Little Lady (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Expensive Pink (P, $17.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Anastasia China Rose (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). Viseart Sangria (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop High Society (P, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever 11 Golden Orange (P, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). Viseart Coy #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #5 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Siren #2 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Morgana (131DC) (PiP, $29.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar). Inglot #407 (P, $7.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Natasha Denona Peach Bronze (144CP) (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). NYX Golden Peach (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Louie (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, brighter (85% similar). Smashbox Loungerie (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Not a Basic Peach #9 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Dreamer #6 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Lumbre (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Sora is described as a “medium earthy terracotta.” It’s a muted, medium orange-toned brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had pretty good color payoff, but despite having a very silky consistency, it was also dusty, which resulted in the color sheering out when initially applied. It is buildable, at least, so I would recommend applying in thinner layers to achieve more opaque coverage–and I would also make sure to tap your brush or apply your eye makeup first to minimize fall out. I was able to wear this for seven and a half hours before fading was noticeable. Coloured Raine Gingerbread (DC, $6.99) is warmer (95% similar). KKW Beauty Miami (LE, ) is more muted (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M664 Fawn (DC, $21.00) is darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Dormouse (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Sea Stars (P, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). NARS Castille (DC, $25.00) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Low Blow (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Subscribe (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Sephora Clay (LE, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar). Zoeva Eerily Empty (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Pulling Strings (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Note to Self (P, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). Too Faced Peanut Butter (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Caramel (P, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Burnt Orange (PiP, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar). LORAC Melon (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #13 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Side Tracked (P, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Coffee First (LE, $16.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Cumin Get It (PiP, ) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Frappe is described as a “medium maple brown.” It’s a subdued, medium-dark brown with subtle, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had semi-sheer coverage that was somewhat buildable to semi-opaque coverage. The consistency was thinner, somewhat dusty, and was prone to sheering out. On me, this shade wore well for seven and a half hours. Morphe Pooter (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Too Faced City Lights (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Indie Spirit (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Makeup Geek Latte (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Becca Ombre Rouge #4 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). MAC One to Watch (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Tyranny (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Buxom Invite Only (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). theBalm C4 (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Coloured Raine Royal Prerogative (PiP, $6.99) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Madrague #2 (DC, $25.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Sand Bar (LE, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Inglot #337 (P, $6.00) is darker, less pigmented, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Note to Self (P, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). Buxom Filthy Rich (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). Makeup Geek Sora (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC Glimpse of Flesh (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Stila Individual (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Coloured Raine Gingerbread (DC, $6.99) is darker (95% similar). Gucci Beauty Tuscan Storm #3 (DC, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Insomnia is described as a “warm red brown with blue reflects.” It’s an intense, medium-dark reddish-brown with bluish-teal shift paired with a metallic finish. It was incredibly pigmented–use less than you think you need–with a dense, cream-like consistency that is best applied with a flat, firm brush. It remained blendable and wore for eight hours on me. MAC I've Got a Crush on You (LE, $32.50) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Duabandita (LE, $17.00) is cooler (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). 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). Sydney Grace Starry Night (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, 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). Kaja Magic (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Nite Lovers (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Bloodstone (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Phytosurgence Deeply Rooted (P, $17.07) is less shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Lounge (DC, $19.00) is warmer (85% similar). Clionadh Shroom (P, $5.25) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Ardency Inn Peacock (DC, $21.00) is warmer (85% similar). MAC Starry Night (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Give Me Glow Gifts Galore (P, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Mars is described as a “deep cherry red.” It’s a dark, raspberry red with cool undertones and a matte finish. The consistency is grainy–almost sandy but not as gritty as true sand–and has a dryness to it that makes it harder to blend without a good base underneath it as it will stick to some places more heavily than others and look patchy. It stained the skin somewhat, and it started to fade after eight hours of wear. Make Up For Ever M847 Burgundy (P, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Gaston (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar). Viseart Louvre (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M846 Morello Cherry (DC, $21.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Relish (DC, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Sephora Croquis (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Secrets Secrets (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Scandalous (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Danessa Myricks Real Love (P, $18.00) is darker (90% similar). Pretty Vulgar Snitch (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Stev (LE, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Ciate Violet (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Mack (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar). Chanel Intensite #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Bull's Eye (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Terra Moons Cepheus (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tarte Mod (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Sangria (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar). KVD Beauty Bloodmilk (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Love Sick (PiP, ) is more muted (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Aphrodite is described as a “deep plum brown.” It’s a muted, dark taupe brown with subtle, warmer undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a lightly dusty, drier texture that didn’t work so well over bare skin, as it tended to apply unevenly and was harder to diffuse around the edges. This is another shade that really needs primer to be decent. On me, it lasted for seven and a half hours before fading. Tarte Cocoa What Fun (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). Tarte Leader (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Deep Plum (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). Tarte Haute Chocolate (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Burgundy (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). Estee Lauder Strong Currant (P, $25.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Chanel Rouge Contraste (132) (LE, $32.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Too Faced Double Tap (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Anastasia Hot Chocolate (P, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Embark (P, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 20 (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Manny Mua
LELimited Edition. $50.00.
Artemis
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Beaches and Cream
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
Luna
LELimited Edition. $9.99.
Cosmopolitan
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
Sora
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Frappe
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
Insomnia
PPermanent. $9.99.
Mars
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Aphrodite
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek Artemis Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Artemis Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Beaches & Cream Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Beaches & Cream Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Luna Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Luna Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Cosmopolitan Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Cosmopolitan Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Sora Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Sora Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Frappe Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Frappe Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Insomnia Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Insomnia Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Mars Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Mars Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Aphrodite Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Aphrodite Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Geek x Manny Mua Eyeshadow Palette
It’s also worth noting that Manny even mentioned that the shadows were talc free in his video. Weird.
I don’t think I would have caught it, if I hadn’t been searching for the ingredient list while photographing (it’s on one of the narrow edges, not the back) – I almost missed the whole list, lol!
That is really unfortunate about the permanent shades in the palette. I really appreciate your review. I tried for hours to get this palette the day that it released early then the pre launch then the actual launch. I was so frustrated I have gotten to the point where I don’t even want to watch makeup tutorials that have the palette in it. Mars is gorgeous but I don’t know if I can justify the whole palette for that one color.
Hopefully some of the dupes will help you recreate the look with products you already have, Emily 🙂 If you have any brighter pinks or even a brighter plum/berry that you could layer with either a warmer/cooler shade – you might be able to recreate the effect of Mars.
I think we need to petition for the shades Mars to become permanent.
I would totally get on that train. It is kind of the only color I want in the palette.
Hi, Emily! If you don’t already have it, you may want to check out MUFE’s Morello Cherry. By looking at Christine’s swatch, it really appears to be a great dupe for Mars. Plus, it’s highly pigmented, performs beautifully, doesn’t stain my lids, and has a smooth and blendable texture. It is, by far, the best red eyeshadow I own.
I think that Mars will become permanent the same way that Champagne Pop became permanent.
Now, if I only knew how to wear Mars on my hooded eyes…
When I wear my red shadows, I first apply my base, transition, and crease shades and get them all blended out to my liking. Then, I apply the red right above the crease (on the part of the hood that protrudes a bit) and slowly blend it into the crease shade. I only use shades like this on the outer half of my lid, leaving the darkest area of the shadow just inside the outer V on the part of the hood that catches the most light.
Another way to use a shade like this would be to apply it first — creating a cut crease — then applying your other shadows over it. This creates a lot of depth and tones down the red.
Great tips. Thank you!
The only color that I really wanted was Mars too. I really hoped it was part of the permanent shadows. I would totally support the petition lol!
I know, I love Mars!! Not sure if I can pull it off, but it is so gorgeous!
Hi Emily. So sorry that you waited and weren’t able to get the palette. Mars is love! I am really hoping that I get in if it gets restocked just so I can have that color alone! If you come up with any suggestions, PLMK. Thank you!
Same here! The day of the preorder a link was shared several hours before it was to go live, then the next day for the actual launch it s/o by 10am est with no warning of it being up. I was so annoyed! then 2 days ago? they sent out emails in batches for new preorders- i think it said something like may take a few weeks to ship. Anyway, it specifically said for the link not to be shared, and of course trendmood had it posted , it s/o again and she deleted it. And now everyone on YT is posting their tutorials with it and its gotten to the point where its no longer worth the hassle. Ive also noticed the mars shade which i was most interested in, seems to pull more pink when it was blended which im not keen on. So i think il see if mufe has one thats more red burgundy instead.
I can’t say for if it will happen or not, but the colors that are in the Vegas Lights have been available in singles on makeupgeek’s website. I say after the hype has died down, you should be able to get Mars in single. I just recently purchased Roulette that was in the Vega Lights palette! 🙂
As always, Christine, I appreciate your honesty. I will now be passing on this palette. I am also growing rather weary of Marlena’s shadyness and strawman answers to people asking her about her shadows.
With respect to talc: Nick from Makeup Geek has reached out, and he stated that Aphrodite is the only shade that contains talc, and it was an oversight by the lab that wasn’t caught too late.
Christine, did he say anything about a recall?
No – it sounded like it was caught late in the process so they decided to include it in the ingredient list and continue forward.
Way to stick with their principles.
I just received a second update from Nick at 12:37PM MST that it’s not Aphrodite but Sora that contains the talc.
Why does talc matter? Or is the principle of the thing?
There’s probably more to it, but I know talc is kind of a “lower quality” ingredient.
If you don’t mind my asking, what has been going on with Marlena. I own and am happy with several MUG shadows, but if there’s something in them I should avoid, I’d like to know. I haven’t been watching videos for about a year now and only know about the Manny Instagram scandal.
Thank you again, Christine! LOVE your reviews. I was considering buying 2, one to try for myself and one for resale as people appear to be going nuts for it. I was one of the disappointed shoppers during pre-release and launch as I was kicked out of the purchasing screens for HOURS. That was disappointing, and so are some of the reviews on individual shades.
Oh no! Sorry you were not able to get yours during the initial launch! I heard it was a nightmare 🙁
It was a nightmare, I had the palette in my cart, went to check out and got an error, this happened so many times, that I gave up. Went back later and it was sold out. I signed up for the restock list, and just a few days ago, I got a special link to pre-order, which was nice. I don’t own any MUG shadows, so this palette was interesting enough for me to try them.
So sorry Alycia that up you weren’t able to the palette. It’s so frustrating when you want so,etching so bad. Reading the chanel comments & hearing about the drama tho is a turn off. This all reminds of 3 or 4 launches with a certain brand & a certain artist…I spent so many hours. Luckily, I got what I wanted & most everything was well, well worth it, but I’m just not up to playing those games anymore.
After watching several tutorials, I had noticed several of ther permanent shades were performing patchy, which made me wonder. Thanks for confirming my suspicions. I’m going to get the MUFE dupe for Mars and call it a day. I want to remain optimistic, but I hope this isn’t an indicator of a potential slide for MUG. Between that ingredients list (possible talc?) and the recent Sparklers misstep, my fingers are crossed that these are aberrations and not the new norm. I still love the brand, but like anything else, it helps to pay attention and not make blind purchases due to loyality.
Hey Erin,
Nick from Makeup Geek has reached out, and he stated that Aphrodite is the only shade that contains talc, and it was an oversight by the lab that wasn’t caught too late. He did also state that no changes were made to the permanent shades. Just based on my personal experience (as always), I stand by my review and comparison of the ones in the palette vs. the singles I have.
I just received a second update from Nick at 12:37PM MST that it’s not Aphrodite but Sora that contains the talc.
This is all very suspect. I have to agree with the others that “caught by the lab too late” rings hollow, especially after Manny and Marlena both stated that the palette took so long to produce due to the pearl required for Luna. If they were allegedly waiting that long to get it right, why didn’t they see to it that they other shades were top-notch and all talc-free?
I wonder if it is a case that the eyeshadows were being manufactured on equipment that does use talc (which necessitates it being on the “May Contain” ingredient list) but it begs the questions whether the other eyeshadows they make have talc in them as a result. I personally have no issues with talc but the discrepancy in their marketing about being talc free is confusing
Just edited a second ago: Nick from Makeup Geek has reached out, and he stated that Aphrodite is the only shade that contains talc, and it was an oversight by the lab that wasn’t caught too late.
I just received a second update from Nick at 12:37PM MST that it’s not Aphrodite but Sora that contains the talc.
I wonder how they “accidentally” put talc in, if all their products are supposedly talc free. Like, it shouldn’t have even been an option. Don’t they tell the lab what to put in the shadows?
If it had been a larger company there would be no controversy about talc. The people who only want talc-free products wouldn’t purchase and that would be the end of it, no drama. But since it’s MUG the creators are more approachable and they somehow get held to this ridiculously high standard that big box brands do not. If anything the big box brands should be held to higher standards because they have the resources that smaller companies do not. I don’t get it. And no, I’m not a Manny fan and I do not own any MUG products so nobody can say I’m just a fan girl. lol
I absolutely adore Makeup Geek shadows and the color spectrum of this palette is right up my alley, but I already own three of these colors and I’m not going to spring for this palette if the quality isn’t top notch across the board. I do wonder why palette colors tend to be of a lesser quality than the permanent versions of the same colors. I feel as though this is a recurring issue with palettes.
It definitely does seem to occur more often in palettes, but it might also be coincidence – inasmuch as you’re trying the same product from different batches as well. For instance, the eyeshadows I have as singles are at least a couple of years old vs. these are newer so from a different batch. I feel like this is likely true of most singles vs. palettes, though not always! I know for some brands they manufacture palettes in a different factory or equipment.
Wow, your look could sell it! I like how cohesive the palette is. But, I have MUFE Morello Cherry and UD Lounge, which are the more unique colors here, and those are good performers. Will have to pair them in a look 🙂
I think individually, the majority of the shades aren’t particularly unique, but I think the darker, redder tone of the palette creates a more unique look out of the palette! I also like that it seems like a lot of skin tones could wear it.
It is disappointing that Marlena once again went ahead and put out an inferior product that she knew had issues. “Oversight by the lab” is translation for “you can’t blame me.” And “caught too late” means “we knew the product wass inferior and not consistent with the image of ourselves that we sell, but we didn’t feel like fixing it and releasing the product at a later date. . . and let’s just say ‘may contain’ because that sounds like ‘maybe it doesn’t.'”
I totally understand your frustration, Marissa!
YES! This is exactly how I feel, you just put it into words.
How sad that some shades do not perform well. I am not huge fan of Manny’s, but I love the colors in this palette. I had considered purchasing this even though I already own Cosmopolitan and Insomnia (loose). I love my regular version of Cosmopolitan, so I hope this isn’t a change that will happen the the permanent versions. As poorly as this scored overall, I am skipping this. Hopefully they release Luna as a single because it is gorgeous.
I really liked Insomnia–very, very pigmented! But I’m glad you have the loose version 😀
I’m not a huge fan of his either. He seems to be a bit big for his britches. But I’d also like to see some of these as singles, as there’s a few I like, unfortunately, they’re not enough to buy the whole thing.
Really thankful you reviewed this – was on the fence about purchasing it for so long! Have mixed feelings about MUG recently – hearing lots about a drop in the performance quality of their eyeshadows and hoped this palette wouldn’t be affected by that. Just made my first order from them too and it’s only now that I’m starting to see the less shining reviews which is good! Shall be giving this a miss – nice looking collection of shadows but not worth the hype at all.
What’d you get in your first order? I hope they’ll consider making singles of Luna and Insomnia. Those two were my favorites from the palette!
Eight eyeshadows, including popular warm tones like Cocoa Bear and Frappe, Cherry Cola and Bitten for example – very much went for a safe bet based on popularity! But their international shipping process isn’t very polished at all, I’ve been waiting three weeks for my order and I’m so worried the shades won’t be up to par. Yes, Luna and Insomnia are gorgeous looking shades, real selling factors in this palette!
Fingers crossed you only have a few more days to wait until you get them! Cocoa Bear is really good. Definitely a must-have brown 🙂
I received a pre-sale email for this palette this am and jumped on it! I have been wanting this palette since I saw the launch. I have watched a ton of reviews. Pretty sure they are all over primer. I’m okay with a using primer. The talc thing. I just quick looked this up.From what I’m gathering; The most recent research concluded to not use it near the genitals ,esp.females as it has a predisposition to ovarian cancer. Pretty sure that’s why they say to keep talc based powders off your baby’s behinds. But, one can argue, you may be breathing that in. Probably not healthy. So, I totally would see the point in wanting to avoid that ingredient particularly at this price point. I really am surprised MUG is not recalling the palettes for this reason. I need to figure out if i can cancel this order and if i want to. I was really loving it. I’m going to email MUG.
Hey Nicole,
There are definitely some who look to eliminate or reduce the amount of talc in their products – but I think the larger issue is that the brand has established themselves as talc-free for their products, so the inclusion was very unexpected by some. It’s by no means a ding or has any impact on the rating of the palette, but since I noticed it, I did feel like I should include when in the past, they were advertised as talc-free!
Oh, I see. I didn’t know they marketed themselves that way! I really didn’t think any of the HE brands put talc in their makeup anymore. Good catch. I don’t see how they can not offer a recall or to not replace the shadow with talc in the palettes.
Thank you so much Christine, since I’ve been pregnant I developed a talc allergy, I’ll have to pass on this one. So sad though since I’ve only been using MUG shadows
Oh no! That must be hard, Jenny 🙁 Hopefully you have some products that still work well for you! Just to be clear, I just got a second update from MUG that Sora, not Aphrodite, is the shade with talc.
I really hate the “mislabeled, wasn’t caught in time” excuse. This isn’t a typo in a random text to your BFF- this is a product people are putting on their eyes, for goodness sake! All this reeks of is trying to make a quick buck by hopping onto another insta-famous personality. No thanks, MUG!!
I definitely wish they had noticed it earlier in the process and hopefully they are implementing more steps in their process to make sure it doesn’t happen again 🙁
I have some of these shadows so I will not be purchasing. I was also locked out of the purchase screen for hours which was a good thing. It allowed me to curtail the reflex to buy on the hype and my actual ‘need’ for this palette. I still love Mars. I’m a sucker for red shadow smoked out above a crease colour…I love it! However, there is a lot of orange in this palette and we do not play well together no matter what Manny says.
Surely you have a red or two in your stash to replicate it, Wendy 😉
I might 😀
Insomnia and Mars are great colors. This is a total miss for me as I couldn’t pull off half the colors. Too orange. I wish the quality was a little better.
I really love Insomnia in pressed form! I hope they’ll consider pressing ALL their pigments in the future.
Too warm for me but Insomnia and Mars look stunning. I don’t like it when a company is less than transparent about their ingredients listings, from the other comments it sounds like this Marlena has got a bit too big for her boots?!
It is on the packaging/on their website, but I definitely wish they would have mentioned which one/why on the site as well.
This is quite an orangey -red leaning palette that contains colours that would simply clash with my hair colour. Also some of the rating are fairly average too. Sorry, but not a fan.
It is a very warm-toned palette!
Really great color selection here, just wish Sora and Frappe weren’t so similar to one-another. A matte mid-tone rosy mauve would have been perfect.
I had the same thought – they are definitely more similar than they needed to be!
I love makeupgeek eyeshadows but this palette just doesnt seem worth the hefty price tag! especially for 9 shadows out of which we all must be having few similar shades already in our existing collection. I don’t find anything unique about the palette!
Easy skip! 🙂
Already did 😉
I love the looks of this, but the whole thing with Manny and Gerard Cosmetics ridiculing and harassing people who gave Gerard bad reviews left a bad taste in my mouth. I won’t buy anything with Manny’s name on it.
I can definitely understand that, Rachel!
It’s interesting that you just posted this review christine, especially since it kind of mirrors the review I just left on mug’s site. Not that I anticipate that they will actually post it, part of Marlena’s shadiness is not posting anything other than positive reviews. I posted a less than glowing (but polite) review on the matte shadows they last put out and someone from customer care “reached out to me” and sent me some brushes to “make up for any disappointment” which was nice, but I realized my review was never posted. Here is my review for the manny mua palette I just left. I doubt it will ever appear on their site, but for inquiring minds and to show it was really just an honest and polite review . …..
.While this is undeniably a beautiful palette , it is not without its issues . First off the 3 permanent shades don’t perform as well as the single version of the same shades I already own. Then there is the issue of talc being one of the ingredients in the shadows . This is particularly disappointing because makeup geek claims to never use talc in their shadows . Lastly the 2 shades that I was most excited about and the main reason I bought this palette , Mars and Aphrodite were patchy and difficult to blend . Overall this is a mediocre palette with substandard ingredients that is overhyped and definitely overpriced .
I hope they’ll post your review, Laurie! It is also upsetting to hear from a reader who says a retailer/brand doesn’t post their review.
I think I saw your review on the site.
Thank you, Christine, for giving a thorough review on this palette, I was eager to know your findings! I already have MUG Beaches and Cream, Cosmopolitan, and Frappe single pans as well as the full Insomnia pigment. I have very close dupes for Artemis, Luna, and Sora. I do own the Nars Trio Douce France palette that I bought from Amazon in June 2015 for $22.90, but the price has gone up since then to about $50 as a dupe for Mars. I did find it again at Overstock.com for $40. The MUFE dupe is more economical, of course. Aphrodite is the only one that I don’t have a close dupe for, which really makes it clear that this palette is not worth having in my arsenal. Thanks again for all your findings!
Definitely sounds like you have a lot of similar shades/dupes and can recreate some looks with the palette’s combo! You might trying layering a darker brown/burgundy and then using your NARS Douce France trio to brighten it a little to see if it’ll get you an Aphrodite-esque color.
The high irony of this talc business…make up your own mind…is that Marlena personally is allergic to talc. She blogged this long before she did a line. No pun intended. She did not review shadows with talc, or said she would review, but not use them. Another point in the loss of QC column for MUG. Divine retribution! Have a few of these and Lounge, and have my usual reaction: check dupes. If own none, proceed to MUFE dupe. In this case, Sienna and Morello Cherry. Lots of readers have commented positively on the latter. I know it’s a better bet, Ww.
I really hope they’ve put more checks in place to ensure something like that doesn’t happen again – I know it seems like readers here are getting frustrated with something going awry for each launch.
This is a pass for me but I love the way Aphrodite and Mars look layered – such a pretty aubergine brownish color. I have Insomnia (loose) and the rest I have dupes for, but I’m such a palette lemming that I was actually considering this for the past week.
Money saved 🙂 I hope they’ll release Insomnia as a pressed single!
I wasn’t really excited about this. I only know about manny for 1 reason the “scandal” the entire situation was not nice so it turned me off to him. I’m so glad to see that you review this because I only liked 2 colors. Luna which i have many dupes for & mars I have a few colors that are close enough. I’m definitely more excited about violet Voss tomorrow! It would be great if you could get that!
I’m happy to hear you have dupes 😀
Hi Christine!
Great review as always.
Don’t you think that for a “Drugstorish” palette it is incredibly overpriced? 45$ for 9 eyeshadows, when you pay pretty much the same for a 12-eye shadows UD “Naked Palette” doesn’t make any sense to me.
Some brands don’t discount heavily on palettes – that seems to be where Makeup Geek is.
I’ve been sitting here on this page waiting until I could say something positive about this collaboration/palette. It’s a great color pairing. I’m very happy to see a red eyeshadow included in a palette that contains other colors to make it more usable for a lot of people. Everything else about this just places another brick… maybe an entire wall… between MUG and my desire to purchase any of the products. :-/ It makes me sad because I used to think quite favorably of MUG.
Well, at least you waited until you could 🙂 Hopefully you can recreate the look with shades you already own!
Oh wow, your eye look is amazing, Christine, so pretty! I definitely like the shades in this palette, they look very ‘me’ 🙂
Thank you!
Between all the controversy over MUG adding talc to a shadow, the drama surrounding Manny himself and the way less than stellar quality of many of these shades just turns me off and leaves me cold. Lately her launches just seem to be lacking. Especially in the quality department. It’s really disappointing.
It is! I hope they can get back on track :/
OMG Mars is to die for! I swear I want this palette for that color only!
That seems to be the shade that has attracted most people!
Based on my own experience with the brand as well as others’ feedback, it seems like this brand has some quality control issues. Someone needs to oversee “the lab” a little more diligently.
It does seem that there are some inconsistencies!
I find it funny that they said “oh just Sora has talc” like really? I think it’s a cover up for Makeup Geek now cheapening their products but I hope it isn’t! Also very disappointed that MUG picked Manny do to a palette with. His attitude comes off as phony. But besides that thank you for being honest in your review sad that the pre picked singles performed badly ):
It sounds like it was a mistake, and I’m sure if it they made such a big change, there would definitely be backlash, so hopefully it was just a mistake!
Are you going to be reviewing the MUG contour powders? I’m interested to see what you think before I decide to purchase them.
Sorry, I don’t expect to test those for at least a few more weeks! (I haven’t even photographed.)
Can they be de-potted easily?
I’m sure you could find a way!
I also tried for hours on end the day of the pre-sale, and the official release date with no success. They asked everyone who couldn’t purchase one to sign up for their newsletter with updates on restock, which I did, and I was able to purchase 2 palettes yesterday with the link they provided to my email. There’s still stock for their pre-order, you just have to sign up. Go to their website and follow the link under the mannymuaxmakeupgeek palette (it will still say sold out)
Glad you were able to get yours, Jennifer!
i’m not a big fan of manny but i appreciate his work in the youtube community, the color scheme is beautiful. honestly i didn’t try to get it in the pre-sale because i knew i was not going to get it. the morphe 35o took me too long (that one sure cointains talc) and i thought enough for stressing myself over a palette (i really enjoy it even though it contains cheaper ingredients). at the end i just wanted it for insomnia and mars… i bought insomnia pigment and i was hoping to find a dupe for mars (the mufe eyeshadow looks great) and call it a day… some shades appear to be patchy and dry and i’m not really a fan. thanks for the review!
No problem, Marissa!
This is an easy pass for me. I can’t stand Manny, and these colours wouldn’t look good on my anyway. The rest of the drama (talc/no talc) were just the nail in the coffin. I’ve liked MUG in the past, but it isn’t a brand I want to buy from anymore.
It seems like most of the launches have had at least one mistake 🙁
Thank you for the honest review as always. I wish more people in the beauty community were as honest as you are.
Of course! xo
Late to the party and out of touch about the drama… but good heavens, SO WARM a palette. I’m glad the color scheme made the decision for me before any of the other stuff popped up! I know you’re probably sick of hearing about how palettes skew too warm for people, but there is SO much love on YouTube and blogs for orange/red/pink toned looks, and they just don’t fly on someone with my skintone. (I’m fair but not incredibly so, but I’ve got thin skin with a lot of purple/pink showing around my eyes)
It is a very warm palette for sure – I think the one thing is that it at least is a darker, warmer palette. It’s also nearly unapologetically warm palette, but it would be great if a major/popular brand would do something in a genuinely COOL-TONED way.
Nice enough palette but I have dupes for most already.
Phew 🙂
I wound up getting this on launch day after 5 horrible hours of attempt. It showed up @ my door that Saturday.
I’m a bit leary now bc both my palette and the outer package say 9 pans x 1.8 g / 0.064 oz… So did they print it wrong on the packaging? It didn’t say how much product the pans would contain on the website.. & I know you get the proper intel being press..
The only single I have from this palette is Beaches & Cream, & I do see what you mean about it not being as soft. I also felt like I had to work harder/use more product to get the same coverage I would normally get from the single (& that was over concealer & a base shadow of Brule).
While that was true, I still got a lovely look on my 1st go at the palette, sooooo I’m liking it.
I will say that Luna (’twas the star of the show along w/Insomnia for me) wears much more orangey on me than it looks in the pan.
Would really like to know the true weight of these pans… So much so that I’ve been considering taking it apart (it’s only cardboard & not laminated like Z-palettes).. The only thing stopping me is not knowing if the bottoms will have stickers on them or not… I do have a new Z w/lots of room in it though… Ah decisions..
Hey Cory,
What is it that you’re uncertain about the weight? There are 9 pans and each pan is 0.064 oz. That’s 0.576 oz. worth of product or 0.58 oz. rounded. Sorry, I’m not sure what you’re asking – they seemed to be the same size as Makeup Geek pans by eyeballing them, and the weight of each corresponds with their full-size eyeshadows, so what is making you feel like that’s not true?
Ohhhh I misread it! I thought you had them listed as .058 oz per! Not that it’s a huge difference from .064 oz. lol but I thought they put the wrong amount on the packaging. My bad! Thank you for taking the time to clarify!
~xoxo~
🙂
No problem 🙂 Glad we could figure it out!
The MannyMUA x MUG palette was my first order from MUG, and I found the quality definitely up to my standards (I use everything from Viseart and Tom Ford to MAC and Colourpop). It’s got a nice mix of warm neutrals, colors and textures. I would not have chosen every color to purchase individually, but that’s true of any pre-made palette. The colors Luna, Artemis and Insomnia are absolutely stunning. I also like to support independent beauty companies, and YouTubers, and recognize how far they’ve come in a short time (even if a few mistakes along the way). For me, this palette is much more of a hit than a miss; your mileage may vary.
So glad to hear you’re enjoying your palette, Kim, and every shade is living up to your expectations! 🙂
Hi Christine,
I just wanted to thank you so much for all your hard work and honest reviews. I ordered this palette in one of the following pre-orders but haven’t received it yet. I’m a little disappointed to hear that the individual shadow quality is better than the palette versions. It seems to me that they rushed too much to get this palette out asap. They had already delayed the release for months while waiting for an ingredient. Why not wait a little be longer to make sure everything is correct (like catching the talc inclusion) and up to par before finally releasing it? The first day of trying to order almost put me off from purchasing it at all.
No problem, Stephanie! I totally understand your sentiments 🙁 I hope they slow down and find ways to ensure things like that don’t happen again.
insomnia looks exactly like an eyeshadow in wnw comfort zone.
Yes, it has lots of dupes!
Hi do you think insomnia is close to Mac Club I have that color and it is very close to it please let me know what you think
Club is a lot less shimmery and not as warm!
Boy these comments on this thread are bugging me enough that I feel like I need to say something. Many people on here are complaining about the quality of a product and they don’t even own. I bought this palette on the last launch and I have to say the quality is AMAZING!!! I also have a million other MUG shadows and these are no different IMO. Luna, Sora, Aphrodite, Mars and Insomnia are my faves. I actually use Beaches and Cream to blend out my crease and it works like a dream. Luna and Insomnia are foiled shadows and they are just as amazing as the rest of her foils. Also Mars feels dry (which I have heard is common with reds like that) but applies just fine. I recently bought many of her summer 2016 colors and they are just as good as some of her original eyeshadows and the duochromes OMGGG to die for. As far as the talc issue I totally believe what Marlena is saying. Marlena is big on talc free, because she is allergic to it and wanted to provide her customers with something that would be safer for them. Why pull the palette for one shade containing talc. She listed it on the ingredients so people would be aware. If you all did research you would realize MOST brands use talc and many other ingredients that are a lot more harmful like parabens. Her brand is also cruelty free which is also something many high end brands can not say (Estee Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Loreal, Stila and others). Lastly I really appreciate her brand being made in the US and supporting local business. I am sure people here buy Coastal Scents, ELF, Wet n Wild where they are made in China and are mandated to test on animals there. I have followed Marlena for years and also watch her on Snapchat and I am all for her brand, what she stands for and how she treats her customers. I would not let one mistake that she admitted and didn’t at all try to hide turn you away from her or her brand.