Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

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Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette | Look Details
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette | Look Details
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette | Look Details
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette | Look Details
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette | Look Details
Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette | Look Details

Star

Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette featuring shades from the Star palette. While the mini eyeshadow palette didn’t perform poorly, it wasn’t consistent with the shades in the original Star palette, which is permanent, so I’m not sure why there was any inconsistency or why the ingredient lists aren’t the same between the two. Most notably, Orion was much, much creamier and deeper in color, while Atik changed in depth and undertone. The other three shades were more similar in color, but Cosmo was a bit lighter depending on how it reflected the light.

If you liked Natasha Denona’s shimmer formula in the past because of how cream-like they were, you’ll likely be disappointed with this palette as the formula has changed to be denser/firmer with less creaminess (though I do find they wear better than the creamier formula but that’s without primer; with primer they’re comparable).

Star

PPermanent. $27.00.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
88%
Total

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Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Orion (105DC) Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow

Orion (105DC)

Orion (105DC) is a medium-dark, plummy brown base with warm undertones and a cool, green-to-teal shifting sheen. It had good color coverage in a single layer, but the consistency was denser and more firmly-pressed to the point where it was a bit stiffer and I had to push my brush against the surface to loosen product for the first few uses (and then it seemed to soften a bit). It was much lighter than the version in my Star palette, and the texture was quite different as the original was very smooth, creamy, and a bit thicker/denser applied. The mini Star version did wear longer on me at eight hours before fading (instead of creasing).

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Formula Overview

$29.00/0.08 oz. - $362.50 Per Ounce

The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.

The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.

Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.

Browse all of our Natasha Denona Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow swatches.

Ingredients

MICA, POLYETHLENE TEREPHTHALATE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, SILICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, QUARTZ, LAUROYL LYSINE, ACACIA DECURRENS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED CERA/POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS [ACACIA DECURRENTS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED WAX POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS], POLYURETHANE-11, TIN OXIDE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER. MAY CONTAIN +/-: CI 77891 [TITANIUM DIOXIDE], CI 77491 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77499 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77492 [IRON OXIDES], CI 16035 [RED 40], CI 19140 [YELLOW 5], CI 75470 [CARMINE], CI 77000 [ALUMINUM POWDER].

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.

Orion (105DC)

PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
C+
C+
7
Product
9
Pigmentation
7
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4
Application
79%
Total
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Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) #2 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) #2 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) #2 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) #2 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) #2 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) #2 Creamy Matte Eye Shadow

Atik (117CM) #2

Atik (117CM) #2 is a soft brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had excellent pigmentation with a soft, velvety consistency that wasn’t too softly nor too firmly pressed in the pan. I had no trouble applying or blending out this shade on bare skin. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me before fading a bit. However, the color of this shade was much lighter and rosier compared to the original Atik (to the point where I added it as a separate shade) in the Star palette.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

Atik (117CM) #2

PiPPermanent in Palette.
A
A
9.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
9.5
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
96%
Total
1 of 2
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Bellatrix (103M) Metallic Eye Shadow

Bellatrix (103M)

Bellatrix (103M) is a soft copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer, while the texture was soft, dense, and lightly creamy; I found that it wasn’t quite as soft and cream-like as the original version in the Star palette but this shade adhered just as well and looked the same on. It blended out easily and lasted well for eight and a half hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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

MICA, POLYETHLENE TEREPHTHALATE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, SILICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, QUARTZ, LAUROYL LYSINE, ACACIA DECURRENS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED CERA/POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS [ACACIA DECURRENTS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED WAX POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS], POLYURETHANE-11, TIN OXIDE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER. MAY CONTAIN +/-: CI 77891 [TITANIUM DIOXIDE], CI 77491 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77499 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77492 [IRON OXIDES], CI 16035 [RED 40], CI 19140 [YELLOW 5], CI 75470 [CARMINE], CI 77000 [ALUMINUM POWDER].

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.

Bellatrix (103M)

PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
A
A
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
9
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
93%
Total
1 of 2
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Earth (102CM) Creamy Matte Eye Shadow

Earth (102CM)

Earth (102CM) is a deep brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation that was buildable to full coverage in two layers. The texture was soft, blendable, and a smidgen dusty in the pan, but it didn’t sheer out too readily on my lid when applied. It stayed on nicely for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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

MICA, ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, OCTYLDODECANOL, STEARYL STEARATE, CERA ALBA [BEESWAX], METHICONE, MICROCRISTALLINA CERA [MICROCRISTALLINA WAX], BEHENIC ACID. May Contain +/- : CI 77891 [TITANIUM DIOXIDE], CI 77491 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77499 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77492 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77288 [CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS].

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.

Earth (102CM)

PiPPermanent in Palette.
A-
A-
9
Product
9
Pigmentation
9
Texture
8.5
Longevity
5
Application
90%
Total
1 of 2
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow
Natasha Denona Cosmo (109K) Crystal Eye Shadow

Cosmo (109K)

Cosmo (109K) is a deep gold with warm, olive undertones and a sparkling finish. The texture was soft, more loosely-pressed and not as emollient/cream-like as the original in the Star palette, which made it appear a bit lighter when initially applied as the shimmer seemed to cover the base color more. It had nearly opaque color coverage that applied evenly, blended out without issue, and wore well for eight hours with slight fallout. I have found that the less-creamy shimmer formula seems to wear better on me, as the original shade creased after seven hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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, POLYETHLENE TEREPHTHALATE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, SILICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, QUARTZ, LAUROYL LYSINE, ACACIA DECURRENS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED CERA/POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS [ACACIA DECURRENTS/JOJOBA/SUNFLOWER SEED WAX POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS], POLYURETHANE-11, TIN OXIDE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER. MAY CONTAIN +/-: CI 77891 [TITANIUM DIOXIDE], CI 77491 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77499 [IRON OXIDES], CI 77492 [IRON OXIDES], CI 16035 [RED 40], CI 19140 [YELLOW 5], CI 75470 [CARMINE], CI 77000 [ALUMINUM POWDER].

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.

Cosmo (109K)

PiPPermanent in Palette.
B
B
8
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
8
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
86%
Total

19 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Ebru Avatar

The star palette has been out of stock everywhere I’ve looked for over a month now. I wonder what’s happening with it? I hope they don’t reformulate it because I was just about to bite the bullet and now it’s nowhere to be found??

P Jill Avatar

I have the Lila and Sunset mini palettes and I love that they are the perfect size to slip into a make up bag. Unfortunately, the lightest, most shimmery shade in each of them is too fragile to do so. I am very tempted to try the Cranberry palette. The duo chrome in this is muddy looking to me. Pass.

Lyn Avatar

I loved my Lila mini palette until the gorgeous shade that you are referencing turned into dust (in the 2nd week)!!
I did have it in my purse, but it was nestled safely (or so I thought) in a small inner pouch.

I hate returning things, and I would not consider it if I had been careless, which I was not.
So back it goes, but fair warning to anyone who purchases this.

It is obviously intended to be purse size, but the gold shimmer is much too fragile to be portable.
It wouldn’t be so disappointing if the color wasn’t so darn beautiful!

thirteenthirteen Avatar

The Star palette has LONG been the ND palette I was most interested in, but the huge size and price have been prohibitive. I was super super psyched to see that a mini was coming out but the result is so disappointing to me! I think having two browns is such a mistake – don’t we all have a thousand matte browns already? The only shade in here that I really like is Orion. I think I’ll probably end up buying the MakeUp Geek dupe, which has been on my wishlist for a long time anyway. The other four shades just don’t seem that special to me.

Valerie Avatar

Christine – thank you for reviewing this palette. I have the original Star and was contemplating getting this mini as I actually hit pan on some of those colors. Good to know there is actual variation! BTW the ratings that went out in the email are different for Orion, Bellatrix, and Earth than the ones here…

Valerie Avatar

Oh that makes sense. They should’ve changed shade names since they changed the formula. Shade names are mostly useful to identify them across palettes and singles. Their role in color story and theme is secondary. ND carried over a shade from the sunset palette into the gold palette and renamed it just to match the theme but they didn’t rename a shade that was remade? Smh.

Marie-Estelle Avatar

I wasn’t tempted by the selection but I am nonetheless disappointed in this palette… Mostly because of how ND keeps reformulating regularly (for what seems to me, no good reason but that is another debate!)… It puzzles me that they attempt to recreate shades from an existing palette only to be THAT off.

Sarah Avatar

Sucks that Orion was so hard to use

Btw Christine, is there a way to show notifications when other users reply to a comment of mine? As of now, I only get notifications if the reply is from you.

dzymzlzy Avatar

I almost bought this like 5 times and now I’m glad I didn’t. I really don’t understand why they change the formula on a mini like this. The mini sunset was the same way. I’m sure a lot of people who normally wouldn’t even consider paying the exorbitant price for a full palette ran out to buy a mini and were horrified by how poorly they performed. That doesn’t make people want to buy more ND products. That makes people feel like the brand doesn’t really care for its customers unless they spend a whole lot of money.

Lulle Avatar

I bought this palette and it was my first experience with Natasha Denona eyeshadows. I’m really quite disappointed. I find Cosmo literally unusable: whether I apply it with a finger or a wet brush, the amount of fallout (not only during application but also throughout wear) is insane, and the color payoff is awful. I’m not new to this type of pressed glitter formula (I have no issue at all with similarly textured shadows from Huda Beauty), but this shade is really a complete failure for me. I like the color story with the other shades enough to keep this little palette, for now, but I certainly won’t spend my money again on Natasha Denona’s palettes…

Alison Avatar

I have four of the original Denona 5 pan palettes which I got at a Sephora sale a few seasons back. With the discount they were reasonable. In comparing her formula back then for metallics and glittery shades to the current Viseart Grande Pro 2, I feel that Denona did it so much better. But that may no longer be true. Plus, back then, Denona also did color stories that cool-neutral toned women could wear. Whereas now it’s a cool shade or two thrown into a warm palette.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!