Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Palette 12
Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.40 oz.) consists of two, warmer copper shades, two purples (one matte, one shimmery), and a plummy-taupe. The most improved shade was definitely Electric Violet, which was originally rated an F! Deep Slate Gray was a little too dry/thin, while Sienna could have used more binder (or use it with a dampened brush to solve its issues).
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! Leave a comment with which one of the original 13 you are most desperate to see re-reviewed, and I will endeavor to make it so!
Palette 12
PPermanent. $48.00.
Golden Flesh (68M)
Golden Flesh (68M) is a bright copper with strong, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, lightly creamy texture that wasn’t too emollient or too thick, so it applied evenly, blended out well, but had decent wear, too. The color stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading a bit.
The newer version seemed slightly deeper and richer with a bit more warmth and a metallic finish. The texture was less emollient, less heavy, but it still felt smooth and had good adherence/blendability.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek Pocket Change (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peanut Butter Cup (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 03 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Sunglow (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Teak (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- City Color Sandstorm (P, $6.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Sextrovert (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Mortal #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Desert Baked (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Fez (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, more muted (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.
Golden Flesh (68M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Smoky Plum (23P)
Smoky Plum (23P) is a muted, medium-dark purple with subtle, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer, while the consistency was slightly firmer, though smooth and yielding to the touch, and seemed a bit on the thinner side. The eyeshadow applied evenly to bare skin and blended out without difficulty. It wore well for eight hours before fading visibly.
The newer version seemed slightly cooler-toned and richer in appearance with a more metallic finish. The texture was less creamy, not as heavy compared to the original formula I have, but it still applied well and ended up having greater longevity.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Girlish Appeal (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Persona Confident (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Vanity (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Chocolate Raspberry (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NYX Punk Heart (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Phoebe (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Guerlain Rose Barbare #4 (DC, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Dream Big (PiP, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Seahorse (115) (LE, $13.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Toxic (DC, $6.00) is 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.
Smoky Plum (23P)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Sienna (50DC)
Sienna (50DC) is a light copper with strong, warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had subtle, shifting green-to-gold sparkle. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer, while the texture was soft, more loosely-pressed as some of the sparkle lifted away from the surface, but it had good adhesion (minimal fallout relative to how sparkly it was) to bare skin when pressed and patted onto the lid. The color lasted nicely for eight and a half hours on me before fading noticeably.
The newer version appeared a bit lighter and cooler with more of a sparkle to it, which gave it a different finish and tone overall. The texture was drier and more prone to fallout and sheering out, but it was less prone to creasing over time. Though the name is similar, the finish is now listed as “DC” on the palette, which aligns more closely to the Sienna (50DC) found in the Nude mini palette–the version in this 5-pan palette seemed a bit sheerer overall.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Colour Pop Screw It (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Copper Stone (188M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Touch in Sol Honey Brown (2) (P, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Star Bronze (139CP) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Star Gold (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Milli (P, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Guerlain Gold Palette #5 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #14 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia B2 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, 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.
Ingredients
Mica, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Tin Oxide, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492), Carmine (Ci 75470).
Sienna (50DC)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Electric Violet (28V)
Electric Violet (28V) is a muted, medium purple with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, lightly powdery texture that was smooth and finely-milled. There was slight fallout during application as I built it up, but it wasn’t prone to sheering out too readily. It lasted nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably on me.
The newer version is cooler-toned, a bit less bright, and had no shimmer at all. The texture was definitely less powdery, too, and the color was smoother, less dry, though it could still be improved.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Club New Wave Mix (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia C2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Outrageously (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Power to the Purple (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sephora Very Bad (318) (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I922 Electric Purple (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Inglot #379 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia B4 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is darker (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #26 (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Believe (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (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 Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Electric Violet (28V)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Deep Slate Gray (32P)
Deep Slate Gray (32P) is a smoky taupe with subtle, cool undertones and a frosted finish. It felt more firmly-pressed into the pan and had a thinner feel, so it took a bit more work to apply it evenly and really blend it out. I found it worked better applied first rather than into or over other shades. It had opaque pigmentation that stayed on well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
The newer version ran slightly darker in color and seemed cooler in tone, though I don’t think the difference was very noticeable once on. The product adhered for longer (without primer), and the texture was less powdery but still on the drier/dustier side.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC In My Genes (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Rouge Bunny Rouge Eclipse Eagle (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Altered State (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Bossa Blue (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Thunderbolt (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Gabrielle #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #7 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Patine (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dior Aventure (081) (P, $31.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Chroma #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (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.
I figured this one would run too murky on me. Couldn’t see it as a standalone so I passed. I do like Electric Violet though.
Thank you so much for getting #12 up and out, Christine! I was so curious to see how it looked in real life usage before I’d perhaps buy it tonight, and while I do love the theme, I’m confused as to why ND put 2 coppers in this that aren’t very different from each other. Other than that, I do love overall color story and improved upon quality!
This is another beautiful little palette and I love the pairing of the purple shades with either the golden browns or the slate grey. Gorgeous eye look Christine.
Like Nina’s Orchid, Electric Violet formula is dramatically improved. It wasn’t powdery and a blending shade at best in the 28-pan. It’s so beautiful in your look here!
Oddly, the old review of D+ for electric violet showed up in the email summary
I’ll let my developer know to look into that!
Thank you for reviewing this palette Christine.
I bought it earlier this year and like another poster the mixing of warm bronzes and with the purples is fun and interesting.
But, I do wish Natasha and Pat McGrath would not do warm coppers, golds and bronzes in all their palettes. Come on ladies give us a totally cool mini palette.
My first palette from her and I really like it! I should go back to it more often as I find I have great looks from it.