Natasha Denona Metropolis Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Metropolis
Natasha Denona Metropolis Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, limited edition mini palette that expands on the Metropolis 28-pan palette; it includes three shades from the larger palette, plus two new shades (the last two). The five shades coordinated well together and offered some decent versatility, though I think the lightest shade could have been a murky, swamp green and made it a more versatile and multiple-skin-tone-friendly offering.
Ingredients
Metropolis
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Blaze (263K)
Blaze (263K) is a rich, molten copper with strong, warm orange undertones and lighter and darker gold flecks of sparkle over an intensely metallic finish. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, which applied with very little fallout with a dry brush but a fingertip or a dampened brush would further minimize that. The texture was moderately dense, lightly creamy and had good binder in it to help it adhere to bare skin. It wore well for nine hours with slight fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Bad Habit Grand Plie (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop She Got Money (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Strength (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Bao Bao's Jewels #2 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Honey Dip (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- LORAC Amber (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Golden Fleece (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Copper (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Warm and Toasty (LE, $16.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Toffee Brown #8 (PiP, ) is darker (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 Crystal Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Silica, Mica, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Alumina, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510).
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
Blaze (263K)
LELimited Edition.
Rope (256CM)
Rope (256CM) is a light, yellowy orange with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque color payoff that adhered evenly to my lid and diffused nicely along the edges without being prone to fallout or sheering out as the texture was smooth and velvety. This shade lasted well for nine hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Russet (6) (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Lorelei (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia New Yawker (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Nude (LE, ) is more muted (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Flesh (104CM) (PiP, ) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Ridge (313CM) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Desert Sands (DC, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Morphe Pukey (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #2 (PiP, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Taffy (LE, $5.25) is darker, cooler (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 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Silica. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140).
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.
Rope (256CM)
LELimited Edition.
Jubilee (271M)
Jubilee (271M) is a rich, deep emerald green with cooler undertones and a metallic sheen with faint pink and teal pearl throughout. The eyeshadow had opaque pigmentation in a single stroke, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out well along the edges. The texture was moderately dense, smooth to the touch, and had some slip to help it apply without fallout. It stayed on well for nine hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Unexpected (DC, $6.99) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Epic (P, $9.99) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Stila Vivid Jade (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Optimism (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Scarab (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Supernova (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Palma (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay C-Note (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Grandeur (LE, $6.99) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Evergreen (LE, ) is darker (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 Metallic Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Mica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Alumina, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510).
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
Jubilee (271M)
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
Bole (405CM)
Bole (405CM) is a medium-dark, olive brown with muted, warm yellow undertones and a matte finish. It had rich color payoff paired with a smooth, velvety texture that was slightly thinner than some of the brand’s other Creamy Matte shades but very easy to work with. This shade wore nicely for nine hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Danessa Myricks Olive You (P, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Khaki Haze #5 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Rubbabandz (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Natural Wilderness (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Puffball (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Sweetie Pie (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Natasha Denona Lodge (283CP) (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Make Up For Ever Digger (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (80% 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 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, ZINC STEARATE, IRON OXIDES CI 77499, IRON OXIDES CI 77492, IRON OXIDES CI 77491,DIMETHICONE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA
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.
Bole (405CM)
LELimited Edition.
Corrode (228CM)
Corrode (228CM) is a light-medium peach with warmer, more yellowish undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was soft, smooth, and blendable with a smidgen of powderiness mostly present in the pan. The eyeshadow had opaque color coverage that lasted well for eight and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Blur (Naked Reloaded) (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Peach Me (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Sandcastle (P, $7.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Moira Warm Vanilla (P, $7.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Africa Dream (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- LORAC Nectar (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Desert Fox #1 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- NARS Windsor (DC, $25.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Fave Things (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Desert Sand (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 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77891, ZINC STEARATE, IRON OXIDES CI 77492 ,DIMETHICONE, IRON OXIDES CI 77499, IRON OXIDES CI 77491, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, SILICA
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 may have no choice but to buy this little beauty just for that green shadow. I have lots of dupes but nothing just exactly like it. The other shades in the palette look versatile and like they’d get a lot of use.
That’s the exact same boat I’m in! I want that green shade so badly!
I’m looking at Nancy’s comment, just below yours. I think we’re going to need a pretty big boat!!!!
I truly don’t want to want this…but, I do. 💚🤦🏻♀️
I am grateful that these ND minis contain repeats so she spares my wallet a bit! Normally I pick these up.
The standout shade in this little gem is the green Jubilee shade, but that’s not really enough for me to purchase this one – although it is a lovely palette.
It’s interesting that the last shade in this mini is named as Corrode and is numbered as 228CM and that number exists in the Biba palette as Tusk… also interesting that the description from Natasha on the shade Corrode is a rusty medium brown… which it definitely is not. Makes me wonder if there was a production issue with the actual Corrode shade & they had to improvise.
Also totally agree a murky medium or deep green would have made this quint!
ND Metropolis is one I do not own.. I thought perhaps the mini, but yellow u/t’s and greens are difficult for me with hint of olive in complexion… tend to look sickly and wan. I passed on the big palette and will pass on mini as well. That green truly elevates the rest of the palette.
Unlike most I don’t need or want this. I could use most shades, but the second Rope would never get used.
I have what feels like 1000’s of golds, the brown might be useful, Corrode would be a bit too warm, the green I would gladly use, but being realistic it wouldn’t look all that different to any other shimmery cool-ish greens on my hooded lids.
All the colors are warm except the green… I’m a bit nervous about how cold it is but maybe I can ground it with all these warm neutral colors? Definitely worth a try!
I usually completely can’t use cold blue or green colors and they make me look like a zombie. lol
You know what it is about ND palettes that I don’t care for? I don’t like her formula enough to overlook the dupes she puts in every palette or the fact that there is one, at best two, interesting shades and the rest is bland filler. Case in point. I like that teal, but the rest isn’t interesting TO ME at all – or even usable as an entire look.
Wow, the shade Blaze scored much better than I thought! I received the palette yesterday and have had time to play with it today. Specifically, Blaze doesn’t feel as creamy as I expect from a metallic eyeshadow. I applied it with my finger, as I always do with metallic shadows, but it feels kinda sheer and the gold specks are all over my face. Is there something wrong with mine…? The other shades work beautifully, though. Well, overall, I’m very happy with this mini version as the original Metropolis palette has too many shades that I’m not really interested in.
I’m not sure! Mine was almost… too pigmented!
Lovely to hear that, Christine! It’s an absolutely beautiful shade, no matter what and I will definitely be using the palette frequently.