Natasha Denona Cranberry Eyeshadow Palette 5 Review & Swatches
Cranberry (2018)
Natasha Denona Cranberry Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.40 oz.) is a new holiday palette that features three shimmery shades and two mattes. The mattes are an interesting texture–they are the “Cream Powder” formula, and I could see it being a texture some enjoy and others don’t. They’re more cream than powder, but they’re a drier cream; they won’t really indent noticeably if the surface is pushed down, but they look like a more silicone-heavy cream eyeshadow applies. I found Sakura easier to work with than Blossom, but both shades were lighter (though more opaque in terms of coverage) and needed to built up to get closer to the color depth seen in the respective pan.
Ingredients
Looks Using this Product
Cranberry (2018)
DCDiscontinued. $48.00.
Daisy (190CK)
Daisy (190CK) is a medium pink with warm undertones but a mix of cooler pink and warmer gold sparkle. It had good pigmentation, which was buildable to full coverage with less than half of a layer on top. I noticed that it left more of a sparkling, lavender sparkle as I blended out the edges, but on its own on my lid, it definitely looked like a warmer pink. What I was surprised by was how intensely sparkly it was but how little fallout there was when I applied it dry. The sparkles do move easily when blended out, so I’d recommend using a more precise (smaller) brush to diffuse the edges as necessary, particularly when working near more matte shades. It wore well for nine hours with very slight fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Lethal Cosmetics Heather (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Moira Bang (P, $7.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- JD Glow Macaroon (P, $7.50) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop The Ivy (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Winged (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop LOL No (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Rose Reflection (33) (DC, $39.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Mali (LE, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Lilac #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Evoke (P, $6.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
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The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Crystal Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE, MICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE, DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, LAURETH-4, TIN OXIDE,CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77000 (ALUMINUM POWDER), CI 75470 (CARMINE).
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.
Looks Using this Product
Daisy (190CK)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Sakura (191CP)
Sakura (191CP) is a medium red with subtle, warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. There was a mere hint of micro-shimmer strewn throughout, but it looked matte to my eye on my lid. The texture was denser and firmly-pressed, and it felt smooth and almost velvety, but it didn’t have any powderiness nor did it have the creamier, wetter feel of a cream eyeshadow (it is a “cream powder” finish). I didn’t think it would apply well, as it felt so firm that I expected stiffness, but I actually had no trouble picking it up with natural and synthetic brushes, even softer, more airy crease brushes. I did find that it tended to be easier to work with by building up the layers, particularly to get true-to-pan depth as there was opaque coverage but the color looked a few shades lighter unless layered. This shade blended out easily along my crease and blown out toward my brow bone. It stayed on well for almost nine and a half hours before fading a touch.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Bright Editorial #9 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Mauve #9 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Sakura (191CM) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Blood Moon (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dream Eyes (Smoke) (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Fatale (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Hunger (LE, $6.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Icon Day Eyes #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Sauce (PiP, $6.99) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (85% similar).
- MAC Walking Heartbeats (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Cream-Powder Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
TALC, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, MICA, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, SILICA, CALCIUM TITANIUM BOROSILICATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PTFE, ZINC STEARATE, ALUMINUM CALCIUM SODIUM SILICATE, TIN OXIDE; +/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77000 (ALUMINUM POWDER), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 75470 (CARMINE)
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.
Looks Using this Product
Sakura (191CP)
DCDiscontinued.
Botanic (192DC)
Botanic (192M) is a bright pop of medium orange with strong, yellow undertones and orange-to-pink shifting sparkle over a metallic sheen. It had rich color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly to bare skin. The texture was slightly denser in the pan with light creaminess, but it didn’t feel thick nor was it too firm/dense in the pan to pick up well with brushes. There was a bit of fallout when initially applied (dry), but it didn’t have continuous fallout when worn–there was just another touch of fallout that was visible after nine hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Give Me Glow Mystery Topper (P, $7.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Nude (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Morning Light (LE, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Sunburst (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop So Fly (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Trademark This (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Helena (275K) (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Sky's the Limit (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Caramelo (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$29.00/0.08 oz. - $362.50 Per Ounce
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, MICA, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE, PTFE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ZINC STEARATE, LAUROYL LYSINE; +/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES), CI 75470 (CARMINE)
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.
Botanic (192DC)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Blossom (193CP)
Blossom (193CP) is a rich berry with subtle, cool undertones and a satin finish. There was very faint shimmer in the pan, and I could see it in the close-up photo of the swatch, but I didn’t really notice it on my lid. The texture was denser and firmer in feel in the pan–like an incredibly dense cream but without any slip or creaminess. I didn’t expect it to, but the color actually picked up quite well with a brush, even when I used a tapered crease brush to apply it into my crease, and it yielded mostly opaque coverage in a single layer but it doesn’t have the depth you see in the pan unless layered two to three times. There was no powderiness in the pan–it looked and applied more like a thin, drier cream-based product–but it didn’t indent in the pan like a true cream would. It took a bit more effort to really blend and even out. It wore well for nine and a half hours before creasing faintly, though it left a bit of a stain behind.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop I'm Back (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Mull It Over (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Maneater (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Daddies Love Me (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Secrets Secrets (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- LORAC Mulberry (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Rosemary (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Ciate Violet (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia C4 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Maneater (Remastered) (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Cream-Powder Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, MICA, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE, PTFE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ZINC STEARATE, LAUROYL LYSINE; +/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES), CI 75470 (CARMINE)
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.
Looks Using this Product
Blossom (193CP)
DCDiscontinued.
Nude (140CP)
Nude (140CP) is a light-medium is a golden peach with warm undertones and pink and gold sparkle over a metallic finish. This is the only repeat in the palette, and it was available in last year’s holiday palette. This year’s felt creamier–not quite as loosely-pressed to the touch–and seemed more reflective; the base seemed to do a better job of applying with nearly opaque coverage and adhering to my skin smoothly. It was just as sparkly, though, but had very little fallout during application and later on during wear (over eight and a half hours of wear). The “downside” is actually the shade is supposed to be sheer, and one has to use a very soft touch and feathery brush to actually achieve that. I was able to apply this with a flat, synthetic brush (dry) and get great results, little fallout, and smooth application.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Fin (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Stila Embellish (LE, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Victoria Beckham Beauty Chiffon (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Inglot J411 Blazing Rose (LE, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Moonstone (P, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Parallel Universe (Left) (DC, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Pink Zinc (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Pure Bred #2 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Sweet Heat (P, $20.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- theBalm Luscious Lani (P, $16.00) is lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Cream-Powder Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Mica, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Tin Oxide. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Carmine (Ci 75470).
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 swatched this in store, and put it back b/c the mattes seemed terrible. But reading your review makes the swatches make more sense. I was really upset about the repeat of Nude, but seeing that it’s a better version than last year’s is good information. I just may pick this palette up during the Rouge sale this weekend.
It’s definitely a different formula on the mattes here – I can see them feeling too dry/firm/stiff in a way by touch. I feel like they are in the vein of some of the matte ColourPop Super Shock Shadows – they feel way less “creamy” than you think you’d want but go on better.
Just an FYI: the dupes for Nude are not showing. Plus, when you hit the hyperlink for Nude, it goes to “Page Not Found.”
It is fixed!
I love the look of this palette and the swatches Christine! I’m very confused by the reviews on Sephora however. Is it possible there’s a batch issue? I’d love to get this, but for the price, I really don’t want to end up with one of the dud palettes!
They are very different in texture compared to ND’s regular matte formula. They remind me of something like ColourPop’s Super Shock Shadows (the matte ones), where they have less wetness/creaminess compared to true cream eyeshadows, almost clay-like and thin/matte when they hit the skin, but ND’s are obviously much denser/firmer. I do feel like I’ve seen similar reactions to CP’s eyeshadows – love and hate. Sometimes I think it may come down to our normal technique/application because I didn’t struggle with the Super Shock Shadow but know some people had to adjust their application methods before they enjoyed them. Hopefully that makes sense! Otherwise, since they are a cream-powder hybrid, perhaps there is some variance in batches and I know we have seen some “shrinkage” on ND shades in the past.
The one thing I’ll say is that Blossom did take extra effort to blend out/apply, and what’s holding up its score is that the formula was particularly long-wearing on me (relative to most powder eyeshadows and ND’s formula). Sakura blended out just fine – was actually impressed by the smoothness of the gradient with this type of shade as red-based shades can be more challenging to diffuse.
I just love this cream matte formula. No fallout and works beautifully on the eyes. I watched Natasha’s masterclass and she’s such an adorable person. I think I am even more biased about her products now lol
Happy to hear the new cream-powder formula works for you, Candice! I’ll be curious to hear from others who have had a chance to try it, too (on the eyes!).
First of all, I haven’t been a big fan of Natasha Denona eye shadows in the past. I have made similar comments before but the idea of a new formula is rather intriguing to me and I love the berry shades in this palette. So, I am very tempted to pick this up. It could be that I am just lusting after the eye look you did with this palette and how beautifully it works with Club Kid which is winging it’s way to me as we speak. I am going to have to give this some considerable thought before the next round of VIB Rouge sale.
Can’t wait for you to get your Club Kiss lipstick, at least!
When I saw the first promo pics for this palette, plus the look that they were showing for it, I was just swept away by the beauty of it and so excited for its release. Not so much now. First of all, turns out I can dupe every single shade, secondly, that one very deep *appearing* plum looks sooo different in their promo pics! One would honestly believe that this particular shade was super deep and rich based solely on the pics ND and TrendMood were showing. Hard pass. But sad about it nonetheless.
You can see how deep the plum gets built up in my crease (much truer to pan), so I think it is possible, but it will take layering.
Sometimes I’ll look at an overall palette and not like the colors, but when I see your reviews and they’re separated into swatches I really love the individual colors and that’s exactly what is going on here. I’m not sure how I actually feel about the palette now.
I am not really that keen on this little palette because I think that the shades are very popular and I think you can get better elsewhere, even if you pay a little more money for it.
I bought this as soon as it was available in store. I had issues with the mattes, until I read online that Natasha’s mattes are not designed for the standard blend, blend, blend. For her mattes you pack on and fluff the outer edges. As soon as I applied with that method I didn’t have any patchiness.
However, I will say that the only reason I’m keeping this is for Daisy. The two mattes take a while to build up and compared to Jeffree Star Blood Sugar not worth the $$. I would go with Safari or Gold palette instead.
I was reallllly hoping this would get a bad review so I wouldn’t want it. That plan was foiled lol. Now I really really want it.
This palette is just calling to me for some reason, it may be my first ever Natasha Denona purchase because I feel like I’ll get good use out of all the shades especially when I want to go more dramatic than my normal minimal(ish) eye look.
You made my day Christine! I really wanted something this holiday season from ND and this was the only “unique” thing that both catches my eye and really isn’t in my vanity. So glad it received good marks from you as I had heard so many varying reviews on it.
Hi Christine! Do you by chance know if this palette is limited edition for the holidays or is it going to be part of her permanent collection?
On the Glossover, it says “permanent!”