Natasha Denona Palette 08 Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Palette 08
Natasha Denona Palette 08 Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.4 oz.) contains five shimmery shades, though Smoky Quartz and Dark Sepia have more of a satin-to-pearl finish, while the other three are more metallic. It was somewhat improved over the older formula (from early 2016) that I reviewed, but it’s not as improved as I’ve found some of the other newer formulas to be.
I don’t know if this is the most current formulation available, but it is one of the newer ones (somewhere between all the iterations), as the back of the palette has a 12M timer on it (compared to 24M on the newest formulas I’ve seen) and still contains more emollient ingredients but seems to have shifted it downward on the list. I find the wear to be better, and at a texture-level, the shimmers definitely felt less cream-like compared to the original (not in a bad way).
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Palette 08
PPermanent. $48.00.
Glaze (12M)
Glaze (12M) is a light-medium, silvery beige with subtle, warm undertones and a bright, metallic finish. The consistency was lightly creamy, soft without being prone to powderiness or excess product kicked up in the pan, and had good adhesion to bare skin. It had rich color coverage that applied evenly in a single layer. It wore well for eight hours before creasing slightly.
The newer formula seemed slightly deeper and warmer in color, while the finish seemed to be shinier. The formula was still smooth and lightly creamy but wasn’t as emollient/heavy as the older one.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Fashion Beat (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Air (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Chroma #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Treasure (LE, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Rouge Bunny Rouge Rain Dove (P, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Superclass (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Koosh (LE, $6.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Getaway (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- LORAC Black #2 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% 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.
Looks Using this Product
Glaze (12M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Smoky Quartz (43P)
Smoky Quartz (43P) is a light, greenish-brown with a pearly sheen. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer, while the texture was smooth to the touch, but it seemed a little thin so it worked better with a flat, synthetic brush and a more moderate pressure level. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading noticeably on me.
The newer formula is much lighter with a more muted, olive-like tone compared to the original, which was darker and more of a warm-toned brown, while the texture was softer and more yielding with better adhesion.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Druzy (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mirage (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Hooked (LE, $4.50) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Recruit (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Dream Glow (Enhance) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Too Faced Heart of Gold (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
- Too Faced Pixie Dust (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Chanel Quintessence #6 (LE, ).
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.
Look Using this Product
Smoky Quartz (43P)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Golden Rose (60M)
Golden Rose (60M) is a rich, medium-dark pink with subtle, warm undertones and brighter, warmer gold shimmer throughout. The eyeshadow had rich color payoff that applied well to bare skin with a smooth, even lay down of color. The consistency was lightly creamy, dense without being too thick or too firmly pressed into the pan, and was easy to blend out. It lasted well for eight hours before creasing slightly.
The colors were very comparable, while the newer formula seemed slightly less cream-like.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek Wildfire (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Blossom Up (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tarte Frose (LE, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Clionadh Prophecy (P, $5.25) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Rose (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Angelic (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Clinique Pink and Plenty (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Blushing Peach (P, $6.25) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Seventh Heaven (LE, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Wild One (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, 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.
Looks Using this Product
Golden Rose (60M)
PPermanent. $29.00.
Dark Sepia (47P)
Dark Sepia (47P) is a darker, olive green with subtle, warm brown undertones and a pearl finish. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, while the texture felt slightly firmer and a bit thinner in the pan. It required a more moderate-to-heavy hand to pick up product evenly onto a brush. The color applied evenly to bare skin and stayed on well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
The newer formula was richer with a much more noticeable green tinge and color; the old version looked more like a washed out, faded version (like the warmer base of it).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Cuir Brun (928) (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Mademoiselle #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Rock (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever Treasure (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Bedazzled Spruce (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Lumiere et Opulence #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Disintegration (DC, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rebel (2020) #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Gargoyle (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Empreinte du Desert #4 (LE, ) (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.
Dark Sepia (47P)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Golden Beige (52M)
Golden Beige (52M) is a light-medium peach with strong, warm yellow undertones and faint pink and gold shimmer paired with a metallic finish. It had rich color coverage in a single layer that applied evenly to bare skin with slight fallout during application. The texture was lightly creamy, soft, but more loosely-pressed into the pan. It wore nicely for eight hours before creasing slightly on me.
The new version is significantly warmer, peachier, and lost the pink duochrome tone of the original. In practice, I don’t think the pink came through that much, so in many ways, it yielded the same look in practice. The texture was slightly denser and richer but didn’t have as much creamy heaviness as the original.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Crushed Oats (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sephora Sand (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Champagne Rose (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Mercurial #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Angelfire (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Full Moon (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Golden Peach (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Cressida (P, $27.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Dazzling Diamonds #1 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Limbo (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, darker, 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 Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow swatches.
Thanks for reviewing this Christine! This was the palette that piqued my interest in the brand and I’ve been wanting to pick it up for 2 years. I finally did at this sale and am excited to try out the color combo. I just love the look your got. Greens browns and pinks are my jam.
I’m missing the reviews for Golden Beige and Golden Rose on this page for some reason, but it sounds like the palette didn’t shift too much.
Christine, I’m not sure if it’s my computer, but only three shade descriptions and reviews show up for me. I don’t see the pink and the light cream shades.
This should be fixed! I’m so sorry I didn’t catch it earlier!
Oh, I really dig this odd combination of shades! I’d wear it. Might have to make it be the BOGO to #2. ?
THANK YOU CHRISTINE for all your hard work this holiday weekend. I never purchase makeup anymore without checking your reviews. From one makeup lover to another- thank you ?!
I love the muted olive and taupe shades in this 5 pan. Really pretty autumnal colours and your eye look is gorgeous.
I really like this and I thought it was one of the $25 palettes. :[
She – it’s buy one get one free on her site so even though $48 you get one free. Of course you have to spend the $48, but it’s 24/palette that way…
Hey Christine, I just wanted to say thanks for doing all the updated reviews on these 5 pan palettes and for your info and thoughts on the larger 28pans formula. I’m a huge Natasha Denona fan and was able to pick up some of the 5 pans and a duo glow blush in the bf sale with confidence because of your stellar reviews and swatches and with no regrets for leaving the 28 pans behind. Thanks a million xx
Hear hear! I would have bought the 28-pan bogo thinking they were the updated formula. The discussion about the 5-pans helped me remember that different packaging = different formula and I got the 5-pans instead.
Thank you, Christine!