Natasha Denona Nina's Orchid, Maroon, Smoky Plum, Aubergine Eyeshadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Natasha Denona Nina’s Orchid (82V) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.08 oz.) comes in 66 shades with four distinct finishes (Matte, Duo-Chrome, Metallic, and Sparkling). According to the brand, the eyeshadow formula is supposed to have “full, rich and intense color that won’t fade out, be “long-lasting,” and smooth. The majority of the shimmery shades were very pigmented with a soft consistency that was something just right and other times a little prone to crumbling/loosening in the pan, while the mattes were smooth but quite powdery, which resulted it color that didn’t adhere to bare skin as readily. The texture of most shades is soft, blendable, and most of the shimmery shades I’ve tested applied well to bare skin. The wear was fairly consistent, but there was some variance from shade to shade (which didn’t seem related to finish). The wear has ranged from five to eight hours, depending on the shade. Primer helps with longevity, adding two to three hours to the shade’s no-primer wear time, but they seem like shorter-wearing eyeshadows compared to most powder formulas I’ve tried.
Check out my first review for more depth about the formula as well as a pricing breakdown for singles compared to palettes.
Nina’s Orchid (82V) is a medium-dark, violet purple with strong pink tones and a semi-matte finish. There is a fine dusting of shimmer, but it doesn’t really translate applied. The consistency is soft but very, very powdery and on the thinner side, so it did not perform particularly well over bare skin as it applied unevenly and was hard to really blend with the other shades (the formula on the more shimmery shades is quite dense in comparison). It’s very pigmented, but I had to pat it on and just barely tap along the edges or else it would sheer out and look uneven (like the swatch). It lasted for seven hours on me. Viseart Bougainvillea (Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #20) (P, ) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Serene Sable (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Tease #6 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Too Faced Ooh la Orchid (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Vibrant Grape (DC, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Viseart Lavender (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia A2 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Glaminatrix Nectar (P, $7.30) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Natasha Denona Aiko (475CM) (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Give Me Glow No Filter (P, $7.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop The Tea (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Eresia (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Lisa Eldridge Violet Stone (P, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Viseart Bright Editorial #11 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Sugarpill 2AM (P, $13.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Bobbi Brown Ultra Violet (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Try Me (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Nube (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Out Late (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia Cannes (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Maroon (22M) is a medium-dark plum with warm,b rown undertones and a metallic sheen. It had great color payoff with a soft, almost cream-like, consistency that blended out well and adhered nicely to bare skin. The color started to crease after seven and a half hours of wear. Makeup Geek Enchanted (P, $12.00) is cooler (95% similar). Viseart Bijoux Royal #10 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever D826 Fig (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Dominate (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Sleek MakeUP A Vow in Venice (LE, $9.99) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Candygram (UR A QT) (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Makeup Geek Enchanted (P, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Messy (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). MAC Frock Talk (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). Gucci Beauty Autumn Fire #3 (DC, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Pink Sapphire (LE, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Mischievous (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar). Melt Cosmetics Morning After (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Coloured Raine Queen Mother (PiP, $6.99) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Stila Pigalle (P, $24.00) is brighter (90% similar). Viseart Rapture (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). NARS China Seas #2 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Brazenly (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). Olivia Palermo Amethyst (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Chameleon (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Smoky Plum (23P) is a medium-dark purple with warm, bronzy undertones and a pearly sheen. It had mostly opaque pigmentation with a soft, smooth consistency that wasn’t too loose or too firmly packed in the pan, so it was easy to work with both applying and for blending out on the skin. I noticed slight creasing after seven and a half hours of wear. Persona Confident (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Sephora Girlish Appeal (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Clionadh Merlot (P, $5.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Phoebe (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Guerlain Rose Barbare #4 (DC, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Sephora Seahorse (115) (LE, $13.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sydney Grace Dream Big (P, $6.25) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Rainbow Mountain (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Restored Fully (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek Toxic (DC, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Vanity (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Not for Sale (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Chocolate Raspberry (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace My Constellation (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). NYX Punk Heart (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Hourglass Black Violet (PiP, ) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). MAC Grape (LE, $32.50) is brighter (85% similar). Anastasia Not Today (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Jardins de Lumieres #4 (LE, ) is darker, more muted (85% similar). MAC Rich Core (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Aubergine (24V) is a muted, dark plum with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer coverage with a dusty, thin consistency that was best applied in thin, sheer layers (four to five) to get decent coverage out of it. On the eye, this shade started to fade after seven hours of wear. Ciate Day Dream (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Glaminatrix Witching Hour (PiP, $7.30) is lighter (95% similar). Tarte Plums Up (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). KVD Beauty Hybrid Moments (DC, ) is brighter (95% similar). Tarte Mulled Wine (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). LORAC Plum (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). Stila Plum (LE, $18.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Snappy Style (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Sketch (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Cabernet (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Blackberry (P, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Lethal (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Clarins Rosewood #4 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). LORAC Black Currant (PiP, $19.00) is brighter (90% similar). Too Faced Blackberry (LE, $16.00) is more muted (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M928 Eggplant (P, $17.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Tarina Tarantino Deep Dahlia (DC, ) is brighter (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Last Caress (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). About Face Infinity (P, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Still Life (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Nina's Orchid (82V)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Maroon (22M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Smoky Plum (23P)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Aubergine (24V)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Natasha Denona Nina’s Orchid (82V) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Nina’s Orchid (82V) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Maroon (22M) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Maroon (22M) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Aubergine (24V) Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Aubergine (24V) Eyeshadow
Nina’s Orchid (82V), Maroon (22M), Smoky Plum (23P), Aubergine (24V), Golden Rose (60M) with Sephora Purple Stilettos Eyeliner
Nina’s Orchid (82V), Maroon (22M), Smoky Plum (23P), Aubergine (24V), Golden Rose (60M) with Sephora Purple Stilettos Eyeliner
Maroon looks beautiful! Shame they don’t all perform so well.
I wish they lasted longer! The mattes need a little more help, lol!
Love this eye look Christine! You certainly made the colors work!
Thank you, Indya!
Well, 2 out of 4 isn’t bad for purples. I like the color Nina’s Orchid, as it makes my brown eyes pop, but it’s such a tough color to formulate
It is! I think over a white base, it will be OK, but it isn’t the easiest to use.
I wish Nina’s Orchid was better performing, that’s such a stunning color, especially for spring!
Me too!
Great color quad scheme. Sad performance. 🙁 Very good dupes! 😀 I like when product reviews bad with good colors. Dupe section reminds me of things I forgot! And what I’d like try! MUFE orchid artist shadow is so pretty At ND cost I rather dupe with MUFE NARS dual intensity Make Palette. This passes for bruise. Day off! Blog abuse by ND! Jk you look pretty eye. 🙂
Also reminds me of new Gucci quad! 😉 😀
LOL! I just started to look at what shades I hadn’t tested and said, “OK, these four are maybe workable together…” it’s a little heavy, but it worked out well enough, I think. At least it was something interesting to put together!
Lol! You chose well. Formula at fault. ? If need Halloween my husband attacked me You have eyes all set! ? If in pain Hold steak to eye. Oh you did! WTH is with ND NO DICE? ? Hubbie ask you if you’re ok? Should have saved this for V day! ?
These are some truly lovely shades of plum and purple! My known weakness, haha!
However, already having MUFE Fig, UD Last Call and then UD Vanity as well, I couldn’t justify getting Maroon or Smoky Plum. Plus, next month, I’ll be buying MAC Pro pans eyeshadows in Vibrant Grape, Blackberry and Haux, so those cover me for Nina’s Orchid and Aubergine.
You’re all set 😀
I’m still indecisive about those shadows. I’d love to get my hands on either the Nr.2 or the Nr.4 palette to try them out for myself, but they are sold out since god knows when. 🙁
I have heard a few readers say mid-February, but I also heard that another wave of early access emails came and went maybe a week or so ago…
Yes, there was an early access email. Orders are expected to ship on 2/17.
I love my No4 palette. I bought the big one (blue green?) and I never reach for it. I think a 5 pan is the way to go and definitely the more shimmery and satin, coppery-red-gold-pink shades knock it out of the ballpark.
For that price I expect quality that matches. What a shame that the quality isn’t there, but I can’t say I’m surprised with purples…
That’s true – purples are quite hard to get right!
Your eye look is A-MAZ-ING! <3
Thank you, Rachel!
I do love a purple eye! Hmm, a mixed bag there. I do have a dupe for Maroon (MUFE’s Fig in the Holiday 15 palette) but not the others. Will be interesting to see how the other shades do.
Hopefully a few will catch your eye!
This eye look is totally stunning. I tried Nina’s Orchid over a white base and it did work well. What I’ve been finding is that despite the formula issues, the range of choices in the palette does inspire creativity. I realize that many people could achieve that by selecting shades from different companies and putting them in a z palette but my own experience is that for me singles don’t get used as much. So I am liking them and also grateful for the reviews. Keep em coming.
I’m happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed the palette composition, Alison! It is true that you have to get a lil’ creative if you want to stick to just the palette, lol!
They seem to be all over the place, these eyeshadows.
They have been!
The Smoky Plum is a lovely colour and rated quite well. Shame about the others.
Wish they all did well!
These have been so ridiculously disappointing and inconsistent for the price point, and the wear time is pretty sad. At $29.00 for singles I’d expect these to be A’s across the board! Even Colourpop has managed to keep fairly consistent and strong performances across their line of $5 eyeshadows
There aren’t too many powder eyeshadows that really wear for 9-10 hours without primer (on me), but I would have at least liked these to make it to 8-9 hours!
Gorgeous look, Christine! I like Smoky Plum, but I like Prune just as well, so I think I’ll just stick with it!
Phew 🙂
Whoa, I really love the look you created!!
Thanks, Olivia!
Wow, Christine, the looks you can pull off with poorly rated vibrant shades of eyeshadow. A++ to you!
Ha, ha!
My personal experience with the purple and blue Natasha Denona palette is that she does great metallic and shimmer shades, but the mattes really leave something to be desired. I don’t think it offers enough consistent finish variety to stand alone but it’s wonderful paired with a matte Viseart palette. I imagine the green brown palette will be similar but it isn’t slated to arrive until Friday.
The two larger palettes are definitely not great comprehensive, use-just-me kind of palettes.
Fun colors but looks like there were plenty of dupes with higher grades and many cheaper.
I’ve learned so much about combining multiple colors in New ways. I was a three color person for much to long. Thank you.
My pleasure, Susan! 🙂
Maroon and Smoky Plum look great!
Happy to hear it!