Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette ($169.00 for 1.44 oz.) features 18 eyeshadows, all of them new, with a combination of four finishes. There are two new finishes: Creamy Matte (CM), which is supposed to an improved version of the matte formula, and Crystal (K), which is supposed to have a “sparkling, star-like shimmer.” The brand’s eyeshadows are supposed to be “long-lasting” with “strong color payoff” that “will not crease” and “easily adhere to the eye–without having to use primer.” The Creamy Matte formula is denser than the regular Matte formula, and it seemed to be more pigmented with less sheering out, but they tended to darken on the skin and did not layer as well with each other. Two shades were almost clumpy in texture (Phoenix, Electra) and were messy to use–even over primer, they were extremely difficult to build up or blend out without using lighter shades to help. The Crystal formula has large, chunky sparkle, which didn’t really bind with the base color, so there is a lot of fall out during application and moderate fall out during wear (less than anticipated, actually).
I would recommend using these eyeshadows with a damp brush and/or over a glitter adhesive for better coverage, as they look more like layering shades on their own (regular primer was not enough to combat the issues). Though the Creamy Mattes are denser, they are still rather thin and have a more powdery feel compared to the Metallics, Duo-Chromes, and Crystals that they do not blend and layer as well. I had the best luck using a Metallic shade and really diffusing it and sheering it out well past where I wanted it to be, and then layering a Creamy Matte over it, but if I laid down a Creamy Matte first, the Metallic, Duo-Chrome, and Crystal shades would not stick on top of them.
The staying power without primer was between six and eight hours before creasing/fading, and with regular eyeshadow primer (Smashbox 24HR), six to nine hours–excluding glitter fall out. You will want to apply your eye makeup first, and then wipe away fall out. I had more success removing more of the glitter fall out with an actual wipe rather than a brush (or loose powder, then a brush), as the flecks were hard to brush away for me.
Spectrum (101K) is a deep, golden bronze with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. The texture was moderately dense with larger, chunkier sparkle but did not feel particularly gritty or glittery to the touch, but it was packed with flecks of sparkle. It was very pigmented, and the color blended out well, but there was so much fall out during application. On the lid, the color wore well for almost eight hours before creasing, but I had moderate fall out over time (enough that it was noticeable by my husband). NARS Paramaribo #2 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Huda Beauty Dubai (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Tweet Tweet (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Pat McGrath Telepathic Taupe (DC, $25.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Urban Decay Smog (DC, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Utopia (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace The Scoop (DC, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar). Dose of Colors Lock and Key (P, $20.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Huda Beauty Dubai (Remastered) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Brokedown (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Spectrum (101K) (2020) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). Lisa Eldridge Titania (P, $27.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). bareMinerals Ritzy (LE, ) is less shimmery (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Sweet Lucy (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Deeper (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Sydney Grace The Scoop (P, $8.00) is lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Bass (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Daydreamer (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Dose of Colors Dirty Money (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Sephora Jump Into the Mud (340) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Earth (102CM) is a dark brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff, which was buildable to more opaque coverage in two to three layers. The texture felt smooth, a little thicker than the past Matte formula, but it was a touch powdery, though I had no issues blending out the color on the skin. It wore well for seven hours before creasing on me. Makeup Atelier Red Ochre #5 (P, )(100% similar). Guerlain Gold Palette #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Chanel Charming #4 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Too Faced Chocolate Martini (PiP, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar). Huda Beauty Smokey #7 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). Makeup Geek Dark Roast (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Almond Mocha (LE, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar). Coloured Raine Chocolate (DC, $6.99) is lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Knock Out (LE, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Whiskey (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). Sephora Cedar (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Cross-Cultural (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar). Tarte Edgy (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). LORAC Tails & Top Hats #2 (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Naturally Fabulous (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar). Sephora #tbt (DC, $10.00) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Teddy Bare (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (100% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Rose in the Air #7 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Persona Fearless (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). LORAC Joshua Tree (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Bellatrix (103M) is a bright, light-medium rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish. The color payoff was fantastic with opaque coverage, while the consistency was fairly smooth, denser, and blendable on the skin, but I noticed that it had a tendency to emphasize the texture of my lid when used over a primer (I used a silicone-based primer) but not when I used it over bare skin. The color creased on me after seven hours of wear (no primer). LORAC Rose Gold (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Djali (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Maiden (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Boardwalk (P, $8.00) is cooler (90% similar). Viseart Seduction (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Lucky Charm (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Huda Beauty Celestial (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (80% similar). ColourPop Pawsitively Purrfect (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Muse #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop A Little Quarky (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Fling (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Rose (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Rouge Bunny Rouge Angelic Cockatiels (P, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Stargirl (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Extra Bubbly (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace Boardwalk (DC, $8.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Celestial (LE, $4.50) is more muted (90% similar). Too Faced Luscious (PiP, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Old Church Street (Left) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Desert (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Diadem (110CM) is a medium taupe with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had great pigmentation with a soft, smooth, and lightly dusty texture that adhered well to bare skin and did not sheer out as soon as I tried to blend it, so that was unexpected but very much appreciated! The eyeshadow blended out nicely around the edges for a soft, diffused edge. It wore well for seven and a half hours before fading on me. Melt Cosmetics Assimilate (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Take the Lead (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Be You (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Nippy Taupe Dusk (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Huda Beauty Winner (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Pale Rose (LE, $22.00) is warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Volatile (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Quarry (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Dogma (PiP, $8.00) is darker (85% similar). Sydney Grace Cool Brown (P, $5.25) is lighter (85% similar). Make Up For Ever M549 Dark Taupe (P, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar). Bad Habit Lunar (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Bearish (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). ColourPop The Virgo (P, $4.50) is darker (85% similar). Natasha Denona Per Se (135CM) (DC, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild VI Purple #6 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Makeup Geek Faux Fur (DC, $6.00) is darker (80% similar). ColourPop Lil Dipper (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Concrete (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Vega (111CM) is a bright, light-medium peach with subtle, pink undertones and a matte finish. It had mostly opaque color coverage with a soft, smooth, and lightly dusty texture that applied well to bare skin and blended out nicely. It started to fade noticeably after seven hours of wear. Kaleidos Lunar (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Flutterbye (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). Natasha Denona Bermuda (130CM) (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Ready or Not (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Was That a Cellphone (LE, $4.50) is darker, brighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty Fringe (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Kennedy (P, $6.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Demitasse (LE, $17.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Champs (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Moira Cinnamon (P, $7.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Big Spoon (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Paper Straw (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Come-Hither (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). Smashbox Supermodel (PiP, ) is more muted (95% similar). Urban Decay Reflection (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Georgia (PiP, $16.00) is more muted (95% similar). Ciate Nini (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). Sydney Grace Payton's Puppy (P, $5.25) is cooler (85% similar). Makeup by Mario N4 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Elemental #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Galaxia (112K) is a light pinky-beige with large, chunky iridescent sparkle. The texture was looser in the pan and felt crumbly as the glitter separated from the sheerer base color. It was incredibly difficult to use this on its own, as it resulted in a ton of fall out during application and very little on the lid. Even when I tried applying it damp, it looked uneven and clump on the lid, and then within an hour, it seemed like half of it had dropped below the lid. This one performed better over a glitter adhesive, but it is best as a layering shade over a stronger base color as this still had sheer coverage over a primer/adhesive base. LORAC Peony (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Fizz the Season (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury The Uptown Girl #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Nude Beach (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Melt Cosmetics Manipulative (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #2 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Exquisite Ego #1 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Fabulous Three #2 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Alchemy (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Pastelluxe #2 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Stila Nude Shimmer (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Natasha Denona Piggy (80M) (PiP, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury The Uptown Girl #3 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Ice (LE, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Pop (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Champagne Bubble Bath (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Guerlain Les Precieux #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). LORAC Dream Girl #10 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Summer Honey (LE, $21.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Natasha Denona Golden Beige (52M) (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Flesh (104CM) is a medium, orange brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation with a soft, smooth consistency that was a touch dusty but applied better than anticipated to the skin. I had no trouble blending or applying the eyeshadow to my lid, and it wore for seven and a half hours on me. LORAC Melon (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Latte (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar). LORAC Nude #3 (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). LORAC Camel (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Rope (256CM) (LE, ) is darker, brighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M650 Cookie (DC, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar). Anastasia New Yawker (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). Natasha Denona Quoin (211CM) (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Wind (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Guava (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia B5 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, ) is darker, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Natasha Denona Prairie (215CM) (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M726 Sienna (DC, $21.00) is darker, brighter, less pigmented (85% similar). Viseart Russet (6) (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). MAC Satin Ochre (Right) (LE, ) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Makeup Geek Early Bird (DC, $6.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Orion (105DC) is a deep, reddish brown base with a greenish-teal frosted shimmer. There was less of a shift as there was a different base color and contrasting shimmer/overtone to it, but it lost a lot of the nuance once on the lid as it seemed prone to fading upon application, despite the seemingly rich pigmentation. The color wore for seven hours before creasing (after that initial bit of fading). ColourPop Wishful Thinking (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). Give Me Glow Gifts Galore (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Sydney Grace Scarab (LE, $6.25) is lighter (95% similar). Ardency Inn Peacock (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Sponsored (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Buxom No Faux (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). Terra Moons Illusion (P, $6.25) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Wishful Winking (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Starry Night (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC I've Got a Crush on You (LE, $32.50) is cooler (90% similar). Sydney Grace Red Chameleon (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek Insomnia (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Lounge (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty Queen (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Photosynthesex #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Glaminatrix Peacock (P, $8.77) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Pat McGrath Dragonfly (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Phytosurgence Deeply Rooted (P, $17.07) is less shimmery (85% similar). Kaja Magic (P, $16.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Insomnia (P, $9.99) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Gemma (106CM) is a subdued, dark reddish brown with cooler undertones and a satin finish. I’m not sure why this is listed as a Creamy Matte, because there was a definite sheen to it, and it felt different from most of the other Creamy Mattes in the palette. It had good pigmentation with a slightly firmer consistency, but it didn’t have any powderiness to it. The color blended out fairly well on the lid and lasted for seven and a half hours. Chanel Codes Elegants #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Guerlain Royal Jungle #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar). Dior Pink Glow #5 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Quasimodo (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Huda Beauty Warm Browns #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia E4 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Affogato (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Pat McGrath Disobedient (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Potting Mix (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). Persona Brave (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Jardins Eclatants #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Whiplash (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Played Out (LE, $4.50) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Rouge Contraste (132) (LE, $32.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Sparks Fly (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Desert Haze (Define) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Giorgio Armani Fatal #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Too Faced Fingers Crossed (LE, $16.00) is more muted, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia Palm (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Givenchy Tentation #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Phoenix (113CM) is a soft, medium-dark reddish berry with subtle, neutral-to-warm undertones and a satin finish. This wasn’t quite as shimmery as Gemma, but it wasn’t as matte as the other shades in the palette either. It was much sheerer, too, and I had a lot of trouble layering and blending this shade in practice. I kept building it up, and it kept going nowhere. The first time I tried to use this, I removed everything and started anew, as it looked utterly disastrous (and it never did look great). It started to fade after six hours of wear. MAC More Amour (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Get Out (P, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Dionysus (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Dior Devilish #4 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Huda Beauty Mauve #6 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty O Mercy (P, $29.00) is darker (90% similar). Viseart Louvre (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Saffron (PiP, ) is brighter (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Fahrenheit (P, $8.00) is cooler (90% similar). Chanel Candeur et Seduction #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop 500 (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Venetian Red (PiP, $12.00) is darker (85% similar). Viseart Brick (Warm Mattes #12) (P, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia C4 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Icon Day Eyes #3 (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). Sydney Grace Princess (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Stay Golden (P, $4.50) is darker, brighter (85% similar). ColourPop Missbehave (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Huda Beauty Warm Browns #1 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar). Makeup Geek Mars (LE, $6.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Supernova (114DC) is a medium brown with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had excellent pigmentation with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture that wasn’t too firm or too soft in the pan. The color started to crease on me after seven and a half hours of wear. MAC Twinks (P, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar). Sleek MakeUP Python (PiP, $9.99) is darker (95% similar). Cle de Peau Grounded (Left) (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Chanel Jardins Eclatants #3 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Coloured Raine Intergalactic (DC, $6.99) is lighter (95% similar). LORAC Tails & Top Hats #7 (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever S606 Pinky Earth (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Dior Terra #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Pink Sensibilities #1 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Moira Satin Plum (P, $7.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tarte On the Monet (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Rose in the Air #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever S560 Taupe (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Haze #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Dior Sugar Shade #5 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Chanel City Lights #1 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Mocha (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Codes Subtils #3 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay 180 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Le Metier de Beaute Champagne Shimmer (P, $28.00) is cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Electra (115CM) is a deep berry with cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. The texture was dry, almost grainy, and very prone to sheering out–I could not keep this shade on the lid without primer, as it just seemed to blend into nothingness. I piled it on and on and on, and it looked like the faintest tint of pink (maybe more from all the blending…). Over primer, it was somewhat workable, but I still had to apply several layers to get a decent amount of color to show up. It started to fade on me after six hours. ColourPop Stuck On You (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Reckless (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Going Steady (P, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (P, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (DC, $21.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Confident Eyes (Smoke) (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Absurdly Pretty (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Look See (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar). Too Faced Figgy Pudding (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Dedicated (P, $9.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Tell Tail (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Pat McGrath Paranormal (LE, $25.00) is cooler (90% similar). Give Me Glow Grunge (PiP, $7.00) is darker (90% similar). Natasha Denona Maasai (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Make U Mine (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Dead Man's Toe (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Feminine Charm (LE, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Ciate Phlox (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Disney by Sephora Sha La La (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Mystere et Intensite #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Atria (107M) is a bright, medium golden copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish. The texture seemed thicker, but it was also loosely packed in the pan, so a lot of product came away from the surface with a light touch, which made over-applying the color a very real issue. I would prefer using a texture like this with a damp brush, which helps to keep the product on the brush and not all over everything else. It was intensely pigmented, though, and once on, it did blend out nicely. I noticed creasing after seven hours of wear. Viseart Petit Pro #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarina Tarantino Amber (DC, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Beach Bae (P, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Maybelline Breaking Bronze (P, $6.99) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Candlelit Dinner (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Vintage (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC A Glimmer of Gold #3 (PiP, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Exquisite Ego #2 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Huda Beauty Smokey #6 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Moira Top Notch (P, $8.50) is cooler (95% similar). Ardency Inn Copper (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Zoeva Pure Ganache (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). NYX Liquid Gold (P, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Huda Beauty #Blessed (LE, ) is darker, more muted, cooler (90% similar). Anastasia Adorn (DC, $12.00) is more muted, cooler (95% similar). Too Faced Old Money (LE, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Aubade (126K) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sephora Some Like It Dot (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Sunset (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Huda Beauty Limitless (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Titania (108CM) is a muted, medium-dark brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was great, while the texture was soft, smooth, and not powdery or dusty at all. It applied and blended out well, and it only started to fade after seven and a half hours of wear. Viseart Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #4 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Bengali (P, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). Dior Feel #3 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Faith (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Pretty Vulgar Nest Egg (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). Viseart Warm Mattes #9 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Viseart Latte (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Dimmer (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Clair-Obscur #1 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Laura Mercier Café au Lait (PiP, $23.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Hot Chocolate (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). LORAC Taupe (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Too Faced Sexpert (PiP, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Zand (189CM) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Dior Cuir Cannage #3 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Viseart Nue (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Tiki Hut (DC, $6.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Princess of Soul (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Charming #2 (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Makeup by Mario Master Mattes #6 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Cosmo (109K) is a medium-dark, golden bronze with a sparkling, metallic finish. It is more similar to Spectrum than I would have expected, given they’re in the same palette; this is like a lighter, less glittery version (so it was easier to work with). The texture was smoother and more cream-like, which led to less fallout and better blending. It wore for seven and a half hours before creasing, but there was some fall out over time. Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) (2020) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Jouer Tan Lines (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Dose of Colors Dirty Money (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Dose of Colors Heart of Gold (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Spectrum (101K) (2020) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted, cooler (90% similar). Huda Beauty Dubai (Remastered) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Girls Night Out (03) (DC, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Iskandar (P, $25.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Lisa Eldridge Titania (P, $27.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Smog (DC, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Liquid Gold (P, $12.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Telepathic Taupe (DC, $25.00) is lighter (80% similar). Coloured Raine Nightingale (LE, $6.99) is lighter (85% similar). Maybelline Bold Gold (P, $6.99) is lighter (85% similar). Too Faced Spice of Life (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Amber Gold (was Bette) (P, $34.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). MAC Suede (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Dose of Colors Lock and Key (P, $20.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Anastasia Ember (LE, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Bouncy (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Polaris (116K) is a medium, golden beige with warm undertones and large, gold glitter over a metallic finish. The texture was an odd mix of a firmer base color and chunky glitter, where the glitter completely separated from the base color, so it was mostly a metallic golden beige in practice with glitter underneath the eye or in the brush. It lasted for seven hours, and I didn’t really notice fall out over time as there was hardly any glitter on the lid after I had finished blending/applying it. ColourPop Bouncy (P, $6.00) is darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Dirtysweet (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Crème Brulee (PiP, $16.00) is brighter (90% similar). Burberry Gold #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). MAC Silk Stocking (LE, $32.50) is lighter (90% similar). Tarte No Champagne, No Gain (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Stila Wanderlust (P, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC Joy Toy (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Anastasia Amber (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC Patina (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). bareMinerals Stay Golden (LE, $14.00) is warmer (85% similar). Dior Night Golds #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Chanel Harmonie du Soir #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Atik (117CM) is a medium brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had intense color payoff with a smooth, almost cream-like texture (though there was a dryness present… a sort of noisy texture) that adhered particularly well to bare skin. The color blended out without issue and lasted for seven and a half hours on me. Chanel Charming #2 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). LORAC Black Tie Attire #5 (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Dose of Colors Churro (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Incense (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar). Urban Decay Tyranny (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M646 Latte (DC, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar). Pat McGrath Taboo (PiP, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Sand Bar (LE, $22.00) is glossier (90% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Hollow (P, $6.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Latte (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). KVD Beauty Glasswing (DC, ) is lighter (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Daddi-O (P, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar). Clarins Brown Sugar #4 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Viseart Warm Mattes #9 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). NARS Shadow Hill (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tarte Hazelnut Bon Bons (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Coloured Raine Royal Prerogative (PiP, $6.99) is warmer (95% similar). Pat McGrath Burning Desire (LE, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). Viseart Sable (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Bel Air (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Rhea (118M) is bright, medium coral with warm, orange undertones and a metallic finish. The consistency was denser and a bit thicker than other shades, and, as a result, seemed to emphasize some of the texture of my lids if I wasn’t careful with how much I applied. It was richly pigmented and easy to blend out on the lid. It wore for seven and a half hours before creasing on me. Sleek MakeUP Sunset #11 (PiP, $9.99) is less shimmery (95% similar). Dose of Colors Shell We Dance (P, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Rubenesque (DC, $23.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Unpredictable (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Inglot #407 (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Milani Bella Champagne (16) (P, $4.49) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). ColourPop Shark Attack (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Dreamer #6 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Cosmopolitan (DC, $6.00) is darker (85% similar). Too Faced Marzipan (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery (85% similar). Gucci Beauty Autumn Fire #2 (DC, ) is less shimmery, cooler (80% similar). Anastasia Intense Gaze (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). Sephora Mrs. Baily (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). Buxom Glitz Factor (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (80% similar). MAC Sun Tweaked (PiP, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar). MAC Summer Sun (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (80% similar). MAC Expensive Pink (P, $17.00) is darker, brighter, cooler (80% similar). NYX Golden Peach (P, $6.00) is cooler (80% similar). MAC Suspiciously Sweet (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (80% similar). Make Up For Ever D750 Frosted Peach (DC, $21.00) is cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Star
PPermanent. $169.00.
Spectrum (101K)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Earth (102CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Bellatrix (103M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Diadem (110CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Vega (111CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Galaxia (112K)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Flesh (104CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Orion (105DC)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Gemma (106CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Phoenix (113CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Supernova (114DC)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Electra (115CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Atria (107M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Titania (108CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Cosmo (109K)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Polaris (116K)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Atik (117CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Rhea (118M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Spectrum (101K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Spectrum (101K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Diadem (110CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Diadem (110CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Vega (111CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Vega (111CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Galaxia (112K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Galaxia (112K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Flesh (104CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Flesh (104CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Gemma (106CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Gemma (106CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Phoenix (113CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Phoenix (113CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Supernova (114DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Supernova (114DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Electra (115CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Electra (115CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atria (107M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atria (107M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Titania (108CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Titania (108CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Polaris (116K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Polaris (116K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Rhea (118M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Rhea (118M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette (with Primer)
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette (with Primer)
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Eyeshadow Palette
Lol! Your review is pretty much exactly how I expected it to be! However, I realized after working with the reds a bit that I actually like them and they aren’t too bad. I’ll keep playing around and see what I decide to do. I want to keep the palette, but at the same time I shouldn’t keep it just because I love some of the mattes. $169 is a lot for just loving a few shades.
I am a bit surprised though that your mattes have ratings lower that I expected (but hey, it also comes down to personal preference as well). I am in LOVE with vega and atik, they worked perfectly on my lid and felt so nice to work with!
How did you get the redder shades to work? They are some of the fussiest mattes I have tried in awhile (other than ones that are just ridiculously stiff).
With respect to Vega/Atik: if you use primer, I think they are great, but without, there is still room for improvement on both 🙂
All I used was a synthetic crease brush (one of the IT for ulta ones) and it worked amazingly well for both of the reds! I used them over UD primer potion and just did the usual sweeping motion in my crease, didn’t have to go over them again either to get more intensity, nor did I have to jam my brush in the pan, just swirled a bit! I posted a quick and sorta crummy look on the Sephora beauty boards under the “Natasha Denona” thread if you want to see!
I was going to post again on Reddit but figured that most people there have totally lost interest in the palette so I won’t bother lol.
Will have to try it with them next time! I don’t normally use synthetic with mattes, just because I find they tend to kick up more product than natural hair. Definitely worth a shot 🙂
I actually just wore them over UD primer potion! I applied them with a synthetic crease brush (one of the IT cosmetics for Ulta ones) and just did my usual sweeping back and forth motion to blend. I had no patchiness or lack of color! If you want to see, I posted a (very unattractive) photo on the Sephora Beauty Boards under the Natasha Denona thread!
I will check it out! Thank you, Sabrina 🙂 It sounds like you’ll be keeping the palette!
Yeah I think its a keeper for me 🙂 ps sorry for the two posts of basically the same thing lol! I thought one didnt go through!
Your rating does not surprise me. Honestly I’m confused by all the fuss about her products. Every single product of hers I’ve bought, I’ve tossed. I feel that her line is very hyped with little to back it up. But glad her line has become more available for those that like her products I suppose.
Tossed! Ouch!
Yup. I was just talking to my beauty buddy about it. The eyeshadows weren’t even close to their descriptions in shade and they creased and faded in about 2-3 hours. The Glow simply made my cheeks look greasy! (And I’m not oily on my cheeks at all.)
That’s crazy! Two to three hours is horrible wear time, lol!
Hey Michele!! Im sorry this is off topic, but I wanted to let you know, from last free for haul Friday post. You gave me your Facebook link! And I DID send you a message!!
It won’t show up in your regular messages I don’t think!!
It’ll be under message requests i think!!
Just wanted to comment and let you know I didn’t blow you off!! 🙂
I’m glad you mentioned it. I totally missed it! Just responded 🙂
B-, well that keeps me from getting it. I was hoping it would be an A so I could add it to my Sephora order. Some of shades look so nice and others pretty meh. Thank your timely review 🙂
It’d be tough for a Natasha Denona palette to get an A, I think, because the formula has (in general) been shorter-wearing on me historically, so it’d probably have to score almost perfect everywhere else, lol!
Color me shocked! I expected this palette to perform sooooo much better based on the initial swatches (besides Electra)! What a shame for the price. Hopefully not too many people invested, there are better palette options out there worth the money! It’s such a shame the quality isn’t there, the color selection when you look at the palette is really stunning in my opinion!
There are some misses in it!
Christine, I really take in not only your review of products, but trust your help to guide us toward value. As I have said before, I’m really looking to add to my eyeshadow collection (preferably in palette form), and I want to make careful choices. This is another big NO to add to Tarte Pro and any number of others over the past few months. I would have been SOOOO disappointed to have purchased this at the price point it’s at and then be confused dealing with the low-quality issues you describe. Thanks again.
Happy to help, Linda! I think this is best for someone who loves glitter and is okay with use a good adhesive with it, otherwise everything else is more dupable than not!
Natasha herself recommends a sticky base like a glitter glue to pair with the chroma shades so to give a product an F rating when you aren’t using it the way the vendor recommends seems pretty outrageous. I would love to see you review your eye shadows a different way instead of expecting a pressed glitter pigment to perform the same way as a matte. It makes no sense
Hi Kimberly,
I did the same thing with Natasha Denona’s eyeshadows as I do for all products featured on the blog – I went through the claims made by the brand. Here is what is on Natasha Denona’s website for the Star palette:
“REAL CHROMA CRYSTALS – a new breed of sparkling eyeshadow created with crushed diamond pearls for extraordinary reflection” (note: there is NOTHING stated that they require a sticky base)
Then, under properties: “Long last, with super strong color payoff due to outstandingly high percentage of pure pigments” – and nothing that says primer is required, sticky base is required, etc.
From Beautylish’s website: “Super-saturated pigments deliver intense color payoff that stays vibrant from pan to skin. No fading, creasing, or smudging—even without primer” and “Moisturizing botanical oils create a velvety texture that sweeps over delicate skin without any fallout.” (Emphasis added.)
From Sephora’s website: “This Eyeshadow palette features a unique concept to easily create gorgeous eye looks. It includes four Crystal Eyeshadows, nine Creamy Mattes, three Metallic, and two Duo-Chromes with silky-soft textures. These shadows are long-Lasting, with strong color payoff, thanks to a high percentage of pure pigments. Extremely buildable and blendable, these shades will not crease, and they easily adhere to the eye—without having to use primer. ” (Emphasis added.)
From Sephora’s website under “how-to”: “For the Crystal Eyeshadows, pat on with tip of finger or pat on it with a flat stiff brush. ” I don’t see anything that mentions to use a sticky base; I tried applying it with both fingertips as well as a flat stiff brush, as mentioned in the review.
I look at what is said at the point of purchase. I don’t actually expect a glitter bomb like the ones in here to perform like a matte; that’s not my personal expectation – that is why I mentioned how to make them work – but the expectation set by the brand and by the retailers that they work with says nothing about using a sticky primer from what I could see, all shown above, at the time of the review. The latter expectation is what I rate and review products by, not what I personally want.
Christine, that was an excellent response to the original post. As someone who has followed you from the start–or even if I just recently started following you–you have always stated clearly that you rate products based off of the product description, not personal expectations. I, too, know that super sparkly shadows will always require a glitter adhesive or a tacky base–I think most people know that–but if someone just starting out is buying based off the expectations that they won’t have to use any primer at all, then they’re going to be let down. I know plenty of people who don’t use primer. I believe that’s why you rating methodology is reliable. As a reader, we just have to keep in mind that things would perform differently with a primer.
I wish brands didn’t all say long-wearing on their own, LOL! Life would be so much easier if I could use primer during testing, haha!
That’s also why I grab my info/claims from the brand’s site first and foremost, because to me, that’s where you’d SEE the info if you were like, “How do I use this?” or “What does this product do?”
I very much appreciate that you don’t use primer during testing. A true test of how high quality an eyeshadow is requires testing it without anything acting as aid or crutch for better performance. Sure, a lot of us use primer regularly (my eyeshadow always creases without it, no matter what shadow it is), but a great shadow is one that can stand on its own legs without help! Even if the brand claims use primer or glue with it, that’s because it doesn’t do well enough on its own and they know it.
It is true – unless a brand were to specifically state “use with xyz,” I still test without, because as you said, it is hard to judge the wear and application with primer since the primer is doing its job…
I agree with Christina. Christine, you have always been honest in your reviews and I feel you have been unjustly criticised, and it was done quite rudely too.
It’s all good! 🙂
I think your review is spot on, Christine. I really love the Natasha Denona palettes, and I was very excited about the new Crystal formula. I like the Creamy Mattes that I’ve tried so far (I’ve done three looks so far), but I haven’t tried the red ones yet. I have tried two of the Crystal formula eyeshadows so far. Yesterday I wore Galaxia (over a primer) and had a similar experience to you. I got glitters all over the place. So today I tried Polaris, but I started with a drop of MAC Fix +. It really did not make a big difference. I also tried to pat it on with my finger (which I found sometimes works with little glitters), but alas, I still ended up with glitter all over my cheeks and dress. I think I’ll have to get some glitter glue, because that is the only thing that is going to make these things stick. I will mention again, that I LOVE the other Natasha Denona palettes, and I’m still excited with this palette. I really like the idea of the different looks with any 3 eyeshadows in a row. The three looks I’ve tried have been fun. I just need to control those Crystal shadows.
Are you using any primer with the Creamy Mattes, Sherri? If so, which one? I’m curious if one might work better with it over another.
Actually on the Beautylish website if you click on the ND Lookbook page, under FAQ there is this;
How should I apply the crystal shades?
Their response is as follows: “Due to the intensity of the Chroma Crystals we suggest pressing them onto a primed lid with your fingers or packing them on with a flat brush using glitter glue as a base”.
Why Sephora chose to post only part of the recommended technique is a good question. I do realize that there are only a few Chroma shadows which is I believe double speak for an eye safe glitter product.
That’s interesting, because the info I show above is pulled from Beautylish’s listing as well as the Look Book, so it seems like there are some contradictions. Even now, the regular product page (not the look book) says “How to Use … Using a brush or your finger, sweep the shade of your choice over your eyelid and blend well. The Crystal shades work best when applied with a finger.”
It makes me think that the info is coming from Beautylish vs. the brand in the FAQ (which means it is not the brand saying it), given that the marketing info is largely the same between Sephora and Beautylish (which would have been provided by the brand), because otherwise, they completely contradict themselves by saying, “The Crystal shades work best when applied with a finger.”
Hi Trish,
I also wanted to update and say that I don’t know when that was put on the Look Book, because it was definitely not part of the original FAQ that Beautylish sent out to the Natasha Denona Star Palette early access list (sent to customers the day before it was available to purchase). The question about how to use it is actually completely MIA in that email (it is also missing the questions about what makes the Crystal shades special and why it costs more than other palettes), so I wonder when it was added or if it was added after initial feedback/reviews or questions from customers who received their palettes?
Also, for $169, why should anyone have to go out and buy something else just to get the product to work? Doesn’t make any sense to me.
Hiya Christine- I honestly don’t know when the FAQ section went up on the Beautylish website. I ordered over the phone and never looked @ the online webpage until I was trying to figure out if the pearl dust or diamond dust- whatever it’s called was synthetic or natural.
I’m more concerned with ingredient claims than application techniques usually. I can kinda figure it out you know!
Right now I’m not curious enough to email Beautylish to ask if the FAQ section was an afterthought, although what you are saying may well be true. It’s possible that the poor performance of the one shadow in particular wasn’t expected. Beauty products developed for the US market have to deal with 90,000 FDA regulations ( I’m exaggerating) that can vary greatly from what is allowed overseas.
Obviously something was lost in translation…because there’s definitely a product fail going on.
I do think the recommendations for using an adhesive should have been listed on both retailers site and the press release. Maybe it was supposed to be and someone left it out.
Sorry I took so long to respond- I have every distraction known to man nipping at my heels as of late.
Thanks though Christine for all your hard work- we do appreciate all the torture you put your beautiful complexion thru for us!
They probably had the FAQ section there, but it definitely has more questions in it than the FAQ that they emailed out to the early notice list – and even though a FAQ is good, it is also at the end of a long page so it would be easy to miss regardless! I had already read through it (via email), so it didn’t occur to me to read it a second time!
i have never tried a natasha denona palette and i was so curious after all the hype on youtube ! Now i am happy i didn’t buy it 🙂
If you are curious, I would definitely point you towards the 5-pan palettes as a way to try the brand’s formula and see how you like it 🙂
As suspected. I saw Tati review this on YouTube and she used a shade – I think it was Galaxia – that clearly was terrible. It was a mess to apply. She then wholeheartedly raved about the palette. Anyway, I thought it was pretty bad for the palette to (1) be missing a matte brow bone shade and (2) for at least one of the shades to be a disaster to apply. For $169, every shade should be out of the park outstanding.
I think the funny thing about the glittery eyeshadows in this palette and ones like it by other brands is that I feel like brands are very reluctant to admit that… they have a ton of fall out and you’re going to need a glitter adhesive.
Perhaps if they had more of an emollient base like UD’s Moondusts, they would be better as a standalone shade (better with glitter adhesive/primer but still workable on their own, usually).
Missing a matte brow bone shade seems to be the “new thing” – I mean, just look at the ABH Mario Palette (and I think Modern Renaissance was similar in this; the Estee Edit Gritty & Glow also, though I guess the highlighters from the “Glow” part of the this pairing can be used but still….) Seems to be common to skip the highlight shades and then put in 3 or 4 almost identical mid-tone pinky/brown dark flesh colours!
I thought the same thing. She’s never liked glitter fall out and that day she had so much, yet she loved the palette. Her review really didn’t help this time round.
Oh yikes. I knew this was coming, I was just in denial! I’ve had it in and out of my Sephora cart, in and out of my “loves.” There are some good YouTube tutorials that show just how chunky and terrible those Crystal shades are and it is horrifying how they just crumble out of the pan and don’t stick to anything. I would be very upset if I bought this thinking it would have smooth application and zero fallout like the brand claims. Definitely giving up on this one, there are much better ways to spend my money ?
Yeah, they absolutely require glitter adhesive (and not just regular primer) to perform, and the texture is fragile for sure – you will want to be careful digging in there, lol!
Me too! I first had it in my Beautylish cart but then decided to wait for Sephora’s VIB sale tomorrow. It’s currently in my cart now but, at that price point, I feel like I have to return it. I’ve loved my ND 5 pan palettes though. Maybe I’ll get the ABH Renaissance instead? They look similar. Thoughts, Christine?
I’ve reviewed the Modern Renaissance palette, so you can check out that review! 🙂
Ooh, which 5-pan palettes do you have? I’m still considering dipping my toes in with one of those instead.
This palette needed to be a slam dunk for the price….why do I still want it ugh. I really hope you will review the Huda palette!
I tend to agree – $169 doesn’t leave much room for error!
It’s a great palette the crystal formulas work for me with glitter glue – it takes some extra effort but the looks are amazing.
Considering the price point these should all be impeccable and a bit more unique. These shades are all so dupable that if you are a palette hoarder, like myself you have these colors already. Thanks for your honest review!! Given the myriads of “influensters” out in the blogosphere if it wasn’t for blogs like yours we’d never get a real opinion!!
They should certainly be perfect in quality!
I was just about to put this in my cart, so thank you! I went with one of the five pan palettes instead.
Good idea! I think the 5-pans are going to be a little easier to swallow if they aren’t quite A+++ vs. a larger palette! It’s also a good way to try the brand’s formulas to see how they work for you.
This is one brand that I think is just so overhyped. I have tried a few of her products based on youtuber raves and was sooooo disappointed, and they are expensive. I think some of these shadows look beautiful, but at a $169 price tag, hit and miss just isn’t acceptable. For that price I could fill a palette with MUFE artist shadows or Anasasia Beverly Hills singles, and while I wouldn’t end up with 18 shadows (you could get about 12 ABH singles and a Z-Palette for that price), I would at least have a collection that is exactly what I want and performs well.
I’m sad to hear you were disappointed in your purchases, Michelle! Hopefully you found a way to enjoy them or returned them!
Aww, I’m sad this didn’t get a better review, but if you’ve had problems with Natasha Denona products before, this doesn’t really surprise me. I haven’t had any trouble with it so far, but I am looking on investing in a decent glitter adhesive because the super chunky pressed glitter scares me a bit.
The biggest issue I’ve had with ND’s formula is mostly that it doesn’t wear as well without primer (and they make a big deal about them being great on their own), but glittery shades are definitely a different breed compared to her other eyeshadows – so I’d say a glitter adhesive should help a lot! 🙂
I think you need to treat it as you would loose glitter. Then it works beautifully.
I am so glad you reviewed this before the VIB sale. Thank you!!!
Now the only question is: what palette to get instead? I am leaning towards the MJ holiday palette or maybe something from ABH.
Maybe build your own BUXOM/ABH palette!
THIS!!!! The Buxom palettes are amazing value and quality (at least the shadows I’ve purchased) and you can customize – how great is THAT? I knowingly purchased one shadow that didn’t have a great rating here but I knew that going in and I’m pleased with it in any case. I’m surprised more people don’t buy the Buxom customizable palettes – they are great. Ditto the ABH quads, though it’s a LOT of eyeshadow (I actually prefer the size of the pans in her premade palettes just because I don’t need large pans of shadow; the same goes for the MUFE pre-mades – I prefer more colours and smaller pans for the money)
Oh dear, I’m getting a headache just reading all the hoops you had to go (using glitter glue, damp brush, layering the right kinds of shadows over each other, wiping away fallout, etc etc) to get the best out of this palette. For $ 170, I expect this to apply and blend itself. I have 2 of her metallic singles ( $29 a pop), and while the colors are pretty, I’m not a fan of her formula -they fade within an hour on my oily lids, even with strong primer on. But I was very curious about this palette, so thanks for the review. Now I can check your dupe list for Spectrum, Electra, and Cosmo. Love the dupe list!
Oh man, an hour with primer is just unfathomable! So bad.
For me, there is a lot to like here in terms of the shades themselves and the mix of matte and shimmers. However — for this cost, I’d really have to have all of them perform well to very well to overcome the fact I have enough dupes for many of these. $169 is a straight out big number for me.
$169 is a lot to invest in a single item, IMO.
…And this palette is coming out of my Sephora basket. Just in time. Once again, thanks for saving me a whole bunch of money. I only wish I would have held off for your review of the Tarte Pro palette before purchasing. Ahhh–patience is not one of my strong-suits.
No problem, Nique! 🙂
Nique, I felt the same way about the Tarte Pro after I read Christine’s while mine was in the mail. I looked at the box for a couple of days debating whether to send it back, and I ended up deciding, “What the heck, since I have it I’ll try it out for myself.” I did, and I was so happy with how it worked for me with Urban Decay Primer Potion. Even the colors that got poor ratings here worked much better for me. So don’t give up on it yet!
Good to know, Jaime. Mine still hasn’t arrived, so I haven’t had a chance to check it out for myself.
I agree I love the palette personally.
Do you consider the quality of the matte shades in the Star palette as good as the Viseart one? I have already the Viseart neutral Matte 01 palette and some Natasha Denona metallic shades and I’m not sure if I really need this palette (My Viseart palette has more colors for the eyebrow bone)
No, I don’t – I think Viseart is better balanced in softness/firmness, density, and blendability. I find Viseart to be more forgiving, too! Some of the Natasha Denona mattes are nice, though, but I’ve never felt hopeless blending out a Viseart eyeshadow vs. I have felt that way with some of these.
Thank you 🙂
That’s good to hear actually. Next time I will get a Viseart palette during the spring sale or IMATS beause the are $100CAN normally.
Considering this is 3x the price Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette I just got and feeling less bad about waiting for a review on this one. 🙁
I know that the shadows break down to $9.39 each in this palette… but you can build an Inglot palette for that price range ($10 a pan) and have more consistent shadows in it.
There are so many alternatives, I think, if you’re spending $150+ on eyeshadow. The big thing for me is spending $150 on something that’s pre-made – I feel like it is usually better to spend $150 and get 10 eyeshadows you’d LOVE and use.
Hi Christine, I was just wondering what your background is – are you a professional makeup artist? Thank you ?
No, I’m not a makeup artist.
Uh…just nope. This palette has an uber inflated price tag for very inconsistent quality with around half the shades being ridiculously subpar. And it *could* have been a real winner in this season’s red and berry eyeshadow trend obsession! Oh well.
But; if Spectrum (using Glitter Glue, of course!) or Cosmo, and Gemma were available as singles, I’d jump on getting them!
I wish it was better, and that the brand went for a more refined take on sparkle and used more binder with them!
Actually glad this gotime a low grade. I was eyeing it, but I don’t need anymore eyeshadow.
Phew! 🙂
Haha, same! Not sure if I was more disappointed or relieved!
Something this costly should perform at an A level at the very least. And while there are some stunner shades in here, there are others that leave me “blah”. I’ll check out what dupes I have for Specktrum, Earth, Bellatrix, Cosmo, Orion (I actually have a student of that name!), Polaris and a few others….most look pretty “familiar” so I’m guessing I have similar shades already and can save myself the money (can you believe it’s $215 in Canada????)
Orion, while cool, is sooo dupable! I would say that it appears deeper/darker in its base, but if you had any of the dupes and layered on top of a black eyeshadow or added a touch of black on top, you’d be right there.
so happy you reviewed this. for that price, there cant be any F products! I also think her packaging is too cheap to justify her price tag. i would rather invest in a good TF quad or a high end product with lots of product and sturdy, glamorous packaging than something like this
No problem, Allison! 🙂
Dang, two of the shades that I rrreally liked the look of turned out to be poor in quality 🙁 Still, overall it looks like a gorgeous palette!
The color scheme is nice!
there are certainly a few beautiful shades, and I might even get this if it wasn’t so expensive. But, for this price, big pass!
It is steep!
This is such a weird palette…it swatches so well (except for the reds, of course) yet seems really fussy in performance. The (non-red) Creamy Matte shadows look rich and pigmented and smooth in swatches, but in practice they like…repel all other shadows and you can’t layer anything on top of them? Man, it’s bizarre. Can you name any similar formulas from other brands? I just feel like I need a reference point to understand this particular strain of weirdness.
also there’s nothing wrong with pressed glitters, but brands really need to stop pretending they’re the same as regular eyeshadows. Like, what is the point.
I’ve had that issue with some of the more powdery ones like Too Faced/Tarte – it’s like they dry out the skin to the point where nothing wants to layer on top. I find it is more common with matte + shimmer than matte on matte!
And yesss! The closest I have see are formulas like UD Moondust/MAC Pressed Pigments that definitely have a more emollient base but certainly aren’t foolproof!
temptalia – do you know if these shadows are similar (if at all) to the Huda beauty palette? trying to decide between the two!
Sorry, I haven’t tried that!
Some of those shades are just gorgeous. If I ever decided to splurge on a palette of hers I’d have to expect every shade to be a big hit though.
Yeah, I agree that at this price point, you should love just about every shade!
I love the shiny ones but at that price, I can’t even consider it. I might look at some of the dupes, tho.
Hopefully there are some good dupes for you, Kelly!
Hopefully there are some good dupes for you, Kelly!
Thank you so much for your honest review; I have been waiting for this! I fell in love with this palette but after seeing some reviews on YT, I was quite disappointed. I thought I could maybe justify it since I really wanted it but after reading your review, seeing 2 Fs in one palette priced at $169 US (which is over $200 CAD) is just too much. Even with Sephora’s 20% off it would still be too much. I have a few dupes for Orion which I absolutely love! Thank you again for such a thorough and honest review!
Happy to share my experience, Remika!
Thank you for reviewing this before the Sephora sale. I have decided to not get this now. I saw the customer reviews complaining about fallout ,etc and was thinking secondly. $169 is pretty steep for a shadow palette and esp since it’s not perfect. I can’t do it.
My pleasure, Nicole! xo
I avoided clicking on this and the preview for the longest because I knew your review would turn out this way. I would say I would never spend so much on a palette but that Tom Ford Soleil Eye and Cheek Palette has me ohhhh so tempted. Late bday gift to myself perhaps.
Also, Christine, please don’t *ever* doubt yourself (not saying that you have)! Your reviews are the most thorough, on-point, transparent, and honest reviews out there!!
Thank you, Indya! 🙂
I’m sorry, but the price point on these is just ridiculous. It really raises my eyebrows when a brand asks for so much and performs so little. It makes me feel like the margins are surely huge and like someone is raising price in an Emperor’s-new-clothes- like attempt to pull the wool over consumers’ eyes.
With $169, I could buy both the Mi Vida Loca AND Metalmatte over again and have money for a lipstick or two on top. Or all 3 Naked palettes at regular price.
Some people really love the formula of Natasha Denona’s eyeshadows – I like the feel and pigmentation of some of them, but they don’t wear as well as other some other quality brands do for me, so the extra hike in price is harder to justify as a result.
Thank you sooo much for this review – saved me some $. I trust your opinion and have bought a lot of the palettes you recommend and have yet to regret it. I was curious about this one, but am happy I didn’t spend the money. Curious as to how the Huda palette will score. Just waiting for your review on that one!
We shall see! 🙂
Good thing I wasn’t in love with this palette to begin with!
Phew! 🙂
Is this an expensive take on the ABH Renaissance palette with so many pinks and reds? The ratings are, on average, fairly poor for such an overpriced palette and it seems that quite a few of the sparkly shades are tricky to use. An easy pass.
It seems like ABH was really ahead of the trend towards plum/berry/burgundy!
Gee. Not surprisingly, not so hot. This might even disappoint ND fans. But, there is always a good takeaway from your reviews. Mighty love for Diadem, but it just pushes Quarry further towards the front burner. We knew what to expect with this ND, but that doesn’t stop the wish that something so luxe would perform like a dream, and we could covet it, even if we couldn’t buy it. Sure glad Beautylish sent you this one. I plan to add a Viseart and will be thrilled by the simple packaging and better overall quality. ND does not seem to hold a candle to Viseart. V has buzz, but not the hullabaloo that ND does. Maybe that’s a good thing.
The packaging on ND really doesn’t feel high-end to me at all – the foamy cardboard or whatever they use on the interior just seems cheaper, and the plastic insert is so annoying, I always cut mine out!
I wanted to buy the palette so bad. Now i’m doubing because of your review christine.
I have never tried any of her product and the 5 palette was kinda small, so i though this is a good in between palette. But I just dont know at the moment anymore.. decisions.. decisions..
I guess it depends on what you’re looking for out of the formula, how many shades would you use in the palette, which shades would you use the most, etc. I think ND is pricey enough that I tend to say try a 5-pan to see if it wears well for you first.
More money saved!
Yay!
I am SO glad I dodged that bullet! I put it on my cart to take advantage of the Sephora sale, until I realized I could buy almost four Anastasia Beverly Hills palettes if I wanted with the money I’d spend on just one. 😉
Also, with such close ups, I noticed that I might have a lot of dupes for the shimmery shades here, I think most of them are from Looxie, so yeah, money saved ;D
Glad you have plenty o’ dupes to keep you busy 😀
So three 3 fails in a palette of 18 is what? Catastrophic? If I did my math correctly these price out at approximately $9.40 per pan. That is a fair price and it’s equal if not less than what other HE brands charge per gram. The Galaxia fallout is annoying, but the 2 reds perform the same for me as most of the listed dupes.
I think the dual concept of separated warm vs cool shades to be a smart idea. For myself, I would be hard pressed to find a reason to use most of the warm shades (left side) and I will burn through the cool ones like mad. For my coloring- that right side is perfect.
Absolutely if you are a professional MUA having this mix is great- otherwise for the average consumer this is too far of a stretch to be worth your investment.
Just because you like a shade doesn’t mean you can carry it off successfully!
One thing the ND company needs to do is lighten up on the hard sell. Your product needs to do what you say it will- period. Not every consumer wants an eyeshadow that lasts 16 hours and requires a chisel to remove it.
I want eye products with a lean list of ingredients- and that ND delivers on. Also I don’t do the kaleidoscope look, so learning to work with her products isn’t a deal breaker for me.
I’m happy I bought this but I’d actually like to cut off that left side and give it away-it’s beautiful but so wrong on me.
I’m glad you are enjoying your palette, Trish!
I believe you can remove the pans, actually.
The price is absolutely crazy to me tbh. It just seems like a “how much can we charge people until they won’t buy it” price grab. However that could be forgiven if the palette was something unique and preformed consistently with high quality. Some of these shades look absolutely amazing but the other shades make it worth nowhere near its price.
If everything was A++, I think people would complain less about the price, because I remember Viseart getting complaints about the $80 price point but many have come around with, “Well, they are really good,” so it softens it.
Just by looking at the palette I feel like you could almost play memory. 2 similar golds, browns, nudes, light pinks, reds. Okay different finishes, but it doesn’t really feel like 18 dufferent eyeshadows.
There is some overlap, I think – at least in an 18-pan palette that isn’t necessary.
I got this with the help of Beautylish’s Flexi-pay thing, & I love it! The chunkier chroma-crystal (idk how she spells that) shades on the right side of the palette apply so beautifully w/a finger! Galaxia in particular has so much depth to it when you get it warm & pat it on. I could just stare at it all day! I know a lot of ppl don’t like to use their fingers though bc of nails or germs.
I get what you mean about the mattes having a dry feeling to them, & they don’t perform like any other mattes that I own. They’re definitely way better than her old matte formula, though. I think the main reason for the strange feeling is the missing fillers. They may not feel nice to the touch but they perform so well for me!
The only issue I have is that Spectrum & Cosmo are wayyyyy to similar to have in one whole palette! Spectrum is darker, but did there really need to be two of such a similar shade?? Some of the shades listed as warm/cool are a bit confusing to me, bc I don’t see them that way, but that’s no biggie.
All in all I love this palette. I love the concept, & I love how they perform. I also don’t mind using my finger and/or a glitter adhesive for Galaxia & Polaris…
* too similar, not “to similar”! ?
Happy to hear it, Cory! 🙂 Enjoy your new palette! I had sooo much trouble trying to use the Crystal shades with fingertips – what’s your secret?
Well, I wouldn’t call it a secret, but I keep my nails are extremely short (they drive me nutty otherwise), & with the most difficult one, Galaxia, I pat my finger into the pan, then pat onto my lid, & keep patting until the warmth (or oils, or both) of my finger has spread it the way I like it (I actually do this w/all 4 of the Chromas, but the cool side ones are my favs). Patience is also key w/Galaxia & Polaris. Pat in & pat on. You can get unbelievable depth from these shades, it’s honestly unlike anything I can think of seeing before. They’re almost like a hard pressed ultra-fine glitter, but so much finer than the finest/smallest glitter.
You can always spray your finger with some fix+ if your going for an all over blinding look, & then add w/your finger on top for extra, but I just like using my ring finger & my pinkie! ?What can I say? I’m a heathen!✨
My apologies for the novella, I’m in love! ? (Where’s the emoji w/stars in the eyes??!)
I have this palette and I love mine! My reds blend wonderfully and are less pigmented but are very pigmented still. They are better this way so I can use them like normal eyeshadows without worry that I have too much. The colors blend very well and is the best eyeshadow I have used. The chunky shades need a glitter primer and will have fallout. I saw Natasha use them and she said they have fall out initially but does not after the are applied. i think that this is a confusing thing since she labeled her palette as no fallout. If she meant once applied it should be noted. I do recommend this completely and think only two crystal shades really need glue.
That is great, Lisa! I’m so glad you love yours!
I love how they have a soft, already blended look upon first application! Plus you can build them to any intensity you’d like! This palette is truly enjoyable. ⭐️??
Cory, I agree with you. I’m answering late in the game here on this palette, but after watching Natasha’s techniques on applying eyeshadow using this palette as well as her other larger palettes (which I don’t have), I was able to work this palette almost like a pro. I get the most diverse looks (day and night) and my very first comment that my eyeshadow looked great using this palette. And I enjoy being able to get so many combos in one palette without a lot of thought. Definitely though you need a fixer or oil to get a highly pigmented look with the crystal/glitter shades, but a beautiful subtle look is possible with the finger pat in & on technique mentioned by another person who commented earlier. What could make this palette better: one lighter brow bone highlighting shade. BTW I’m a NC42/43, medium to medium tan, neutral-to-yellow undertones skinned color.
I have this palette. I love it. Use with primer as I do with all eyeshadows. I use my fingers or a brush depending on the intensity I want from the crystal shades.
What primer do you normally use, Laralie?
HI Christine.Right now I am using Lorac behind the scenes.No reason for that, I am just out of the one I normally use.That is the only primer I have used with it.I will try a different one see if it makes a difference.Just for curiosity.
Thank you!!
Dude your makeup skills are horrible. And what made you think glittery shadows would ever apply well with NO glitter glue? Come on now someone like you who’s been reviewing makeup for a while now should know better then that. I can’t believe you rated the shadows an F knowing it was your own fault why they applied shitty (because you didn’t use a glitter glue) that’s like using glitter but not applying glitter glue of course it’s not gonna apply right. This review just totally made me look at you differently. You’re not doing a proper job with your reviews yet you’re giving horrible scores because of your lack of education on properly applying makeup. I hope everyone else noticed that your horrible ratings weren’t the palettes fault but they were actually your fault ??
Hi Cynthia,
I’m not sure where you are getting that I personally expected them to apply flawlessly – I was skeptical, but there are more glittery eyeshadows that have at least decent wear on their own (see Urban Decay Moondusts, Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, ColourPop), but as always, I rate based on what the claims are, not what I want or what I think will work. I’m copying and pasting this from another comment I made… Here is what is on Natasha Denona’s website for the Star palette:
“REAL CHROMA CRYSTALS – a new breed of sparkling eyeshadow created with crushed diamond pearls for extraordinary reflection” (note: there is nothing stated that they require a sticky base)
Then, under properties: “Long last, with super strong color payoff due to outstandingly high percentage of pure pigments” – and nothing that says primer is required, sticky base is required, etc.
From Beautylish’s website: “Super-saturated pigments deliver intense color payoff that stays vibrant from pan to skin. No fading, creasing, or smudging—even without primer” and “Moisturizing botanical oils create a velvety texture that sweeps over delicate skin without any fallout.”
From Sephora’s website: “This Eyeshadow palette features a unique concept to easily create gorgeous eye looks. It includes four Crystal Eyeshadows, nine Creamy Mattes, three Metallic, and two Duo-Chromes with silky-soft textures. These shadows are long-Lasting, with strong color payoff, thanks to a high percentage of pure pigments. Extremely buildable and blendable, these shades will not crease, and they easily adhere to the eye—without having to use primer. ”
From Sephora’s website under “how-to”: “For the Crystal Eyeshadows, pat on with tip of finger or pat on it with a flat stiff brush. ” I don’t see anything that mentions to use a sticky base; I tried applying it with both fingertips as well as a flat stiff brush, as mentioned in the review.
I would really, really encourage you to take the time to read the review rather than resort to insults, because I explicitly stated that glitter adhesive was necessary and works better, which are the things I tried after it did not work as the brand claimed. Additionally, the palette did not merely get a lower rating because of the glitter shades – there were issues with other shades, like Phoenix (D+) and Electra (F). The glitter shades like Spectrum (B), Cosmo (B+), and Polaris (B) were far better than Galaxia (F) — e.g. not all shades were created equal, and three of the four glittery shades actually weren’t “horrible.”
Please note, there’s a zero tolerance policy for insulting me or readers, per our comment policy. It’s completely unnecessary and does nothing to facilitate discussion. You are welcome to disagree with how I’ve tested or rated a product, and I’m happy to hear about your experience, regardless if it was better or worse than mine.
You are such an amazing person for responding with all the claims and explanation though you did not have to.
Thank you for your honest reviews! You are the only beauty blogger I trust 100%. So many products are over hyped, but your reviews are always systematic and consistent. I’ve read your blog for many years and always refer to your site before I buy any product. Talc being in this product makes it seem low end since there are many brands without talc in it that still work great.
Always happy to share my thoughts! 🙂
Thank you!
We love you, Christine! Been here since 2009 & I’m still here! ?
There’s no talc in these shadows. No parabens either 🙂
I think it depends on the palette. The other ones I looked at have talc like the smaller ones: http://www.sephora.com/eyeshadow-palette-5-P411826?skuId=1875160&icid2=products%20grid:p411826 I don’t really have an issue with talc but have higher expectations with high end. I think the star palette may be the only one without talc but I’d rather try small than get a huge palette off the bat. I did end up getting a small one 🙂
Yeah, some of her first shades do have it. I think it’s her old velvet/matte formula that has the talc. The very 1st ND palette I purchased was a 5-pan in 02, & wow those metallics are amazing! Not so much for the matte in there, 64V Shell? It’s super patchy. I really didn’t like that old matte formula, so I’m psyched that she changed it. & I totally hear ya! I don’t usually buy the high end makeup, Dior foundation is about as high end as I go lol but I researched this before making the plunge (plus I got it w/Beautylish’s 3 flexible payment thing, which takes some of the sting out of the price tag).
Also, I totally agree, starting out w/something small is the best & smartest way to try an expensive brand out, imo. My friend bought a 28-pan as her 1st purchase & regretted it so much that she returned it to Beautylish. So which 5-pan drew you in?? 🙂 The others I like are all even numbers, 4, 8, & 10 lol
I ended up getting: COLOR 8 – Glaze, Smoky Quartz, Golden Rose, Dark Sepia and Golden Beige Loving all the browns and pinks and I’d get more use out of those colors on a daily basis 🙂 I wouldn’t have gotten it, but usually with Sephora’s VIB yearly sale I always splurge. I don’t really buy so much the rest of the year and just save all of what I want until then lol
I was also eyeing 10 and 12! Love purple.