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!

• Ingredients
• Look

Ingredients

Look Using this Product

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Look

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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
• Formula Overview
• Look

Top Dupes

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• Tom Ford Beauty Tiger Eye #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
• ColourPop Sweet On (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
• Makeup Geek Pocket Change (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
• ColourPop Making Mischief (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
• Wet 'n' Wild Walking on Eggshells #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar).
• ColourPop Come On (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
• Pat McGrath Bronze Eclipse (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
• Bobbi Brown Tiki (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
• Natasha Denona Copper Stone (188M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
• ColourPop Firestarter (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).

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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

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Look

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Natasha Denona Glam Mini Eyeshadow Palette Look

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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
• Formula Overview
• Look

Top Dupes

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• Persona Confident (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
• Sephora Girlish Appeal (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
• Sydney Grace Restored Fully (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
• Makeup Geek Toxic (DC, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
• NARS Not for Sale (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
• Urban Decay Vanity (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
• Sydney Grace My Constellation (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (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).
• Clionadh Merlot (P, $5.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).

View Swatches

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

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Look

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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
• Formula Overview
• Ingredients
• Look

Top Dupes

View Swatches View All Dupes

• Pat McGrath Bronze Devotion (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
• ColourPop Screw It (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
• BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #14 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
• Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
• Anastasia B2 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
• Marc Jacobs Beauty Smoked Glass (84) (P, $26.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
• Natasha Denona Copper Stone (188M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
• Rare Beauty Strong (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
• Natasha Denona Star Bronze (139CP) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
• Touch in Sol Honey Brown (2) (P, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).

View Swatches

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).

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.

Looks Using this Product

A Warm, Neutral Look featuring Natasha Denona Nude

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A Sparking Coral & Berry Look featuring Natasha Denona

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A Warm, Smoky Neutral Look Featuring Natasha Denona Camel & Nude

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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
• Formula Overview
• Look

Top Dupes

View Swatches View All Dupes

• Coloured Raine Bougie (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
• Anastasia C2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
• ColourPop Legend (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
• MAC Club New Wave Mix (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
• Terra Moons Star Sailors (P, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
• Marc Jacobs Beauty Outrageously (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
• ColourPop Zeitgeist (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
• Lethal Cosmetics Eclipse (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
• Lethal Cosmetics Foxglove (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
• MAC Power to the Purple (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).

View Swatches

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.

Looks Using this Product

A Smoldering Gold, Copper, & Blue Look

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Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Look

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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
• Formula Overview
• Look

Top Dupes

View Swatches View All Dupes

• MAC In My Genes (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
• MAC Thunderbolt (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% 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).
• Clionadh Nightmare (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
• MAC Bossa Blue (LE, $21.00) 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).

View Swatches

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

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Look

Read How-To

View all Photos

Read How-To

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Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Golden Flesh (68M) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Golden Flesh (68M) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Sienna (50DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow

Natasha Denona Sienna (50DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow

Natasha Denona Sienna (50DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow

Natasha Denona Electric Violet (28V) Matte Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Electric Violet (28V) Matte Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Electric Violet (28V) Matte Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Deep Slate Gray (32P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Deep Slate Gray (32P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Deep Slate Gray (32P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Palette 12 Eyeshadow Palette 5

Natasha Denona Golden Flesh (68M) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Golden Flesh (68M) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Sienna (50DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow

Natasha Denona Sienna (50DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow

Natasha Denona Sienna (50DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow

Natasha Denona Electric Violet (28V) Matte Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Electric Violet (28V) Matte Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Electric Violet (28V) Matte Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Deep Slate Gray (32P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Deep Slate Gray (32P) Metallic Eye Shadow

Natasha Denona Deep Slate Gray (32P) Metallic Eye Shadow