Natasha Denona Palette 02 Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Palette 02
Natasha Denona Palette 02 Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.4 oz.) includes four shimmery shades and one matte in a slightly more peach/rose-leaning color story. I think the five shades complemented each other well, though I’d say Lavender Gray could have been cooler-toned and offered an even better color story and added versatility. All five shades were vastly improved from the originals I tested three years ago, as the four shimmer shades were less creamy (but in a good way) and stayed on longer without creasing.
Back story: I purchased all of the 5-pan palettes a few months ago to re-review because if there’s a brand that has a more constant, evolving formula… it is Natasha Denona (the ingredient list is substantially different today compared to the original release and even from a few years ago). I have better experiences with the more updated formulas, so it seemed like a good way to test the current formula as well as get updated swatches. This week, the brand is running buy one, get one free on the 5-pan palettes… so… here we are… frantically reviewing them!
Ingredients
Palette 02
PPermanent. $48.00.
Rosewood (51M)
Rosewood (51M) is a medium-dark bronze with warm, reddish undertones and a metallic sheen. It had rich color coverage in a single layer that went on evenly. The texture was smooth to the touch, lightly creamy but not nearly as thick or as cream-like as the original version I reviewed. While it didn’t feel as “luxe” to the touch, I found it applied easily, blended out well, and stayed on for eight and a half hours before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop West Star (P, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D562 Taupe Platinum (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Sephora Espresso (377) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Buxom Hustle (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Rose Quartz (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Sense (384M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty O Yeah (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #6 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Hourglass Infinity #3 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Haze #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, less pigmented, warmer (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
Mica, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Tin Oxide, May Contain [+/-]: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, 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.
Look Using this Product
Rosewood (51M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Lavender Gray (40M)
Lavender Gray (40M) is a light-medium bronze with subtle, warm rosy undertones and a slightly cooler, silvery sheen at certain angles. It appeared lighter and brighter compared to Rosewood, but it was more tone-on-tone than differentiating; it would have been complementary to the palette if it was actually “lavender gray.” The pigmentation was opaque in one pass, while the consistency was lightly creamy, smooth, and dense without being too firm or too thick, so it applied evenly and “melted” slightly on my skin. This shade wore well for eight and a half hours before there was visible fading.
The current formula is slightly rosier in tone, seemed slightly more sparkling/metallic (and this made it appear lighter swatched) with a less creamy texture (but not in a bad way), which seemed to improve the longevity of it.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #3 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Force of Nature #1 (LE, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Rose Cashmere #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Minx (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Inferno (PiP, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Dragonfly (P, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Intensite #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Glam Girl (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Clarins Rosewood #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Ulta Taupe (P, $10.00) is less shimmery (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
Mica, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Tin Oxide, May Contain [+/-]: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, 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.
Look Using this Product
Lavender Gray (40M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Shell (64V)
Shell (64V) is a faded, light pink-brown with a matte finish and warmer undertones. It had opaque pigmentation with a soft, velvety texture that was blendable without being too powdery. The color applied well to bare skin and blended out with ease. It stayed on nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
The current version seemed to pull a bit pinker/rosier that was ever-so-slightly lighter. I think someone who is cooler-toned might notice the tonal difference blended out but others wouldn’t notice.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Made to last (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Fire (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Clarins The Essentials #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte View from the Taupe (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop I Need Space (DC, $10.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Stardom (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Jasper (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Big Dreams (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Always Pink of Me (PiP, $5.99) is lighter (90% similar).
- Hourglass Infinity #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (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 Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Stearate, Mica, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), 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.
Look Using this Product
Shell (64V)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Light Coral (87M)
Light Coral (87M) is a light-medium peach with strong, warm undertones and a golden shimmer throughout. The texture was smooth, firmer in the pan but not too dense or thick, so I didn’t struggle to get product onto my brush nor to apply it to bare skin. It had rich pigmentation that applied well and blended out without difficulty. It lasted well for eight and a half hours before fading a bit.
The most noticeable difference was in the texture, was the current iteration was smoother, firm and still blendable without being as cream-like. It seemed ever-so-slightly peachier in its base compared to the original I have.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop The Talk (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I520 Pinky Sand (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Stila Metallic Peach (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Future (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Milani Lust and Luminous (PiP, $5.99) is darker, more muted, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Goddess (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek I'm Peachless (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Viseart Charmed (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Glitzy Blitzen (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Urban Decay X (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery, 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 Metallic Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Tin Oxide, May Contain [+/-]: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, 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.
Look Using this Product
Light Coral (87M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Maroon (22M)
Maroon (22M) is a medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and cooler, purplish-plum shimmer that gave it a low-level, metallic sheen. It had nearly opaque color coverage in a single layer, which was buildable to full coverage with a touch more on top. The texture was smooth to the touch, dense and firm without being too stiff in the pan, so it wasn’t prone to fallout but picked up well with a brush. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading a bit.
The current iteration is slightly richer, cooler-toned, and more metallic.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek Enchanted (P, $12.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tarte Dominate (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D826 Fig (P, $17.00) 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).
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
Mica, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Tin Oxide, May Contain [+/-]: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, 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.
This is terribly tempting, but I’m very flush on these tones.. Christine, love your eye look. Low key enough to look professional, but also dramatic enough to be interesting.
This is a very pretty palette with easy to wear shades. I appreciate that you are reviewing the updated formula, Christine.
Such a perfect palette for green or hazel eyes! I think this is the dreaminess that I was hoping for in TF Honeymoon quad. I realize that it’s a different color scheme, but with similar romantic vibe going on. Honeymoon is richer and smokier, even the cranberry red has a dark base to it making it appear more brown than red if I use it dry. I believe I have room for BOTH palettes in my repertoire!
Hi Nancy, I purchased TF Honeymoon palette quite along time ago. Probably right after it first launched. I have regretted it and wish I had gotten the nude palette. For me the Honeymoon palette is all so dark based that everything looks muddy when I am done. The same thing happens with CT Vintage Vamp and so I clump them together in my mind. I know it has been on your wish list for quite some time and I was wondering what you thought of it now that you have it? I can use a single shadow paired with other shadows but just can’t make this one work when I use more than one or two shades. I have one Natasha Denona 5 pan palette and I didn’t love it either but since the formula has changed, I am seriously thinking about trying one of these. Just not sure yet which one. I will wait for Christine to finish the reviews. This is a really pretty one and definitely a consideration.
Deborah, my thoughts on the Honeymoon quad are all over the place! Isn’t it funny how I don’t mind using Chanel Empriente du Desert quad wet, but am not thrilled about having to use the 1st and 3rd shades of Honeymoon wet? I know it shouldn’t matter, but it strangely does. Getting the red to *look* red is a pain. It looks more like I’ve mixed MAC Cranberry with Twinks? Idk how else to explain it. It does run a little dark, but oddly that’s not the part that bugs me. You nailed it when you said it goes muddy, though! If I blend even a little too much, it really does appear muddy and indistinct. Oh, and the purple also runs brownish, too! ?♀️
But I’m torn. The shades DO make my eyes look a brighter tone of blue-green, so I like that part. Just not the murky, muddy effect.
I guess a big part of my unhappiness is the amount I paid for four shades and then have to work so hard to get them to look good and pair with other shadows. Just not my favorite purchase, ever!
It’s not one of my favorite ones either, Deborah. I’d honestly rather have Huda Rich Nudes Palette instead. Same-ish shades, but don’t need Fix+ to make them pop. So no fuss application.
I am with you, Christine. That Lavender Grey doesn’t look anything like a lavender or a grey to me. A true lavender grey with cool undertones would have been nice and would have balanced out the deeper Maroon which is another really pretty shade. I love your eye look. I am so thankful you told me how to bookmark the looks. After all these years who would have thunk it would take me this long to figure out how to do that or at least, to ask you how to do it, LOL!!
Another stunning little palette from ND – this is beautifully co-ordinated and contains such versatile shades in lovely finishes. Love your eye look too.