Natasha Denona Retro Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Retro
Natasha Denona Retro Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, seemingly-permanent mini five-pan that includes two intense shimmers, two mattes, and one softer shimmer. All five shades performed well with good pigmentation, blendability, and solid wear (eight to nine hours). I think that for some skin tones, this may not produce enough contrast and depth, so it may need to be paired with another palette to make it more versatile.
If you’re a fan of twinkling, shiny eyeshadows, you, like me, may find that the iteration of Galaxia in this palette is nearly worth the $25 on its own.
Ingredients
Looks Using this Product
Retro
PPermanent. $27.00.
Galaxia (112K) (Retro)
Galaxia (112K) (Retro) is a medium-dark, pinky-peach base with flecks of teal and orange sparkle that twinkled over a shiny, metallic finish. At certain angles, it appeared lighter and brighter–more twinkling–than its base color would have indicated. It had good color payoff in a single layer but needed a little extra on top for full coverage (or to be applied with a fingertip).
The texture was smooth, almost cream-like as it felt almost wet to the touch (but it couldn’t be pushed or pressed in like a real cream eyeshadow), which ensured the eyeshadow applied evenly, smoothly, and didn’t suffer from fallout. It wore nicely for nine hours before fading noticeably.
Unless the Star palette has changed over time–and given that my experience with the brand is that formulas do change routinely–the color of Galaxia in the Retro palette is night-and-day different than the one I have in my Star palette (which is a very light pink and doesn’t even hold a candle to the finish of the one in the Retro palette).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Phytosurgence Lunar Lightwave (P, $17.07) is darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Neon Green #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Mint #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Like a Girl (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Moira Jupiter (P, $7.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Heat Wave (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Falling Up #2 (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Fabulous Three #2 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Frappe (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Sweet Dreams (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
-
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 Crystal Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
MICA, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, SILICA, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ACACIA DECURRENS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED CERA/POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS [ACACIA DECURRENS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED WAX POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS], LAUROYL LYSINE. May Contain +/- : CI 77891 [TITANIUM DIOXIDE], CI 77491 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77499 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77492 [IRON OXIDES], CI 75470 [CARMINE], TIN OXIDE.
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
Galaxia (112K) (Retro)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Industrial (45M)
Industrial (45M) is a dirty, olive green base with pewter and medium green sparkle over a metallic finish. I think the shimmer sat more on “top” of the base color, whether because it was lighter or maybe a little larger in particle size (but not large like glitter!) compared to past iterations of Industrial that I have.
The texture was smooth to the touch, dense and lightly creamy without being too firmly pressed in the pan nor was it thick when applied to bare skin, so the powder sat well and blended out easily on my skin. It had opaque pigmentation that lasted well for eight and a half hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Moonlight #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Celebrate in Gold #3 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Slinky (P, $20.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Black Pearl (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Divergent Diverge (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Zoeva Nostalgic (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil et Lune #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Her Style (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Drama (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Halo (46) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, 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 Sparkling Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Calcium Sodium, Borosilicate, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl, Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Mica, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Titanium, Borosilicate, Synthetic, Fluorphlogopite, Aluminum Calcium Sodium, Silicate, Calcium Aluminum, Borosilicate, Silica, Alumina.
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
Industrial (45M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
60s (302CM)
60s (302CM) is a muted, medium olive green with a matte finish and subtle, warm undertones. It had good color coverage in a single layer, which was buildable to full coverage with less than a second layer. The texture was smooth, finely-milled, and blendable but was somewhat powdery in the pan but didn’t seem particularly prone to fallout. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Local BB (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Inglot J309 Olive (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Bravo (P, $5.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Thrill Seeker (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Destiny (DC, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Camo (P, $7.30) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Ivy League (P, $5.25) is cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Enchantment (LE, $5.25) is darker (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M322 Khaki (DC, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Marsh (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
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 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hdi/Trimethylol, Hexyllactone, Crosspolymer, Silica. May Contain ( +/-) : Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Iron Oxides Ci 77499, Iron Oxides Ci 77492, Iron Oxides Ci 77491, Ultramarines Ci 77007, Carmine Ci 75470. May Contain ( +/ -): Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Iron Oxides Ci 77491, Iron Oxides Ci 77492, Iron Oxides Ci 77499, Aluminum Powder Ci 77000, 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.
Look Using this Product
60s (302CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Vintage Taupe (303CM)
Vintage Taupe (303CM) is a muted, light-medium rosy mauve with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation that was buildable to full coverage with just a tap more on top. The texture was smooth, velvety, and blendable without being too powdery nor too firmly pressed into the pan. It applied evenly and didn’t sheer out too readily. There were signs of fading after eight hours of wear.
I felt like the color appeared similar in the pan to the version in the Tropic palette, but applied and in action, Retro’s version was pinker and not quite as warm-toned.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Pink Sienna (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Zoeva Nuanced History (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Total Flirt (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- LORAC Pecan (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Nine Lives (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Teeny Bikini (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Side Eye (PiP, $13.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Choc-ful (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Caramel (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Silent Treatment #1 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
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 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hdi/Trimethylol, Hexyllactone, Crosspolymer, Silica. May Contain ( +/-) : Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Iron Oxides Ci 77499, Iron Oxides Ci 77492, Iron Oxides Ci 77491, Ultramarines Ci 77007, Carmine Ci 75470. May Contain ( +/ -): Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Iron Oxides Ci 77491, Iron Oxides Ci 77492, Iron Oxides Ci 77499, Aluminum Powder Ci 77000, 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.
Look Using this Product
Vintage Taupe (303CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Pixie (304M)
Pixie (304M) is a light-medium pink with strong, warm undertones and pearly shimmer that flickered between pink and gold. It had good pigmentation in a single layer but wasn’t fully opaque without a second layer or if it was applied with a dampened brush.
The consistency was soft, smooth, and blendable, but it was slightly dusty compared to the other shimmers in the palette, and I felt like it didn’t have as much sheen come through when applied to my skin. This shade lasted nicely for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Totally Rad (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Risque (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Dipped (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Sweetie Pie (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty U There (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Golden Day #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Cristal de Printemps #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Scooped (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Virgin Orchid #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Uppaclass (PiP, ) is darker, 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
Calcium Sodium, Borosilicate, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl, Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Mica, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Titanium, Borosilicate, Synthetic, Fluorphlogopite, Aluminum Calcium Sodium, Silicate, Calcium Aluminum, Borosilicate, Silica, Alumina.
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 came today whilst I was doing my makeup (perfect timing), and I LOVE it! I lamented to my husband that, if only we were still able to go to family Easter this year, it would be the palette I’d be wearing. Galaxia is amazing, it reminds me so much of ColourPop’s Sailor (I can’t believe it isn’t a dupe!), I’ll have to swatch them together later.
Nice! This and a Gucci sheer lipstick will be my gift to myself when the pandemic is over.
Such a pretty eye look! Perfect for Spring in Quarantine. ?
Thanks for the review as always Christine, just purchased from Sephora (after it went out of stock!) and looking forward to trying it out. These are more neutral tones for me as opposed to copper and chocolate shades.. can’t wait to give it a go!
I am so into this little mini palette! Love the pink and green theme so much. Fully intend on purchasing this in May.
Yay! So happy this one got a good grade. I bought it the second it went live it seems! Waiting on it to arrive this week. Pretty look you did!
The pink and green theme is beautiful and perfect for Spring in the Quarantine. Personally, the shade I love the most is Industrial – what a glorious shade it is.
Lovely eye look Christine too.
Buying this during the Sephora sale!
The only shade I really like in this is Industrial and I have the dupe from Dior’s Celebrate in Gold holiday 5-pan, so I’m good!
I was trying to figure out why the colour theme felt so familiar and pulled out my new Lime Crime Venus XL II… Well Dah!! Not all the 5 shades are 1 to 1 but VERY similar to the pink and green tones without the pop of peach nude. 😛
I’m quite into this palette! It’s small. As someone who prefers airy-natural, this seems generally midtoned, but gives enough drama — great for both day and night.
Thank you for reviewing!