Natasha Denona Star Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
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).
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Star
PPermanent. $27.00.
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).
Top Dupes
- 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).
- Anastasia Sponsored (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Buxom No Faux (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Ardency Inn Peacock (DC, $21.00) is lighter (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).
- Terra Moons Illusion (P, $6.25) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Wishful Winking (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$29.00/0.08 oz. - $362.50 Per Ounce
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Duo-Chrome Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
MICA, 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.
Looks Using this Product
Orion (105DC)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop The Taurus (P, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Necessary (LE, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M647 Speculoos (P, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Take Cover (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Deja Vu (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Estee Lauder Nude (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Viseart Brioche (Warm Mattes #5) (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Tawny (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Warm Mattes #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Kaja Cool Khaki (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Atik (117CM) #2
PiPPermanent in Palette.
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).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Rose Gold (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Djali (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (95% 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).
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.
Looks Using this Product
Bellatrix (103M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
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).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Atelier Red Ochre #5 (P, ) (100% 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).
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.
Look Using this Product
Earth (102CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
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).
Top Dupes
- 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).
- 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).
- Dose of Colors Heart of Gold (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona 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.
Orion and Cosmo are the more visually appealing colors in the palette and I see they have a rating to go along with it…… /sarcasm
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??
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.
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!
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.
Not bad as a mini travel palette, provided of course that one brings along a browbone shade. I already have dupes for 4 out 5, but they are scattered across several palettes, so Idk if I’ll be hopping on this or not.
I think this is a cohesive combination of shades, but I just don’t get, like you Christine, why the formula is different from the originals in the Star palette. It seems bizarre that the brand would do this.
Lovely eye look Christine too.
I like the color story here, but it’s dupable with what I have in my stash, and those products would be better quality.
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…
It might be an aggregate rating because of how it is pulling from the database in order to get into the email automatically – which would be an average across any instances (both versions).
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.
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.
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.
There is a drop down menu when you comment that enables you to subscribe to notifications of replies to your comments!
Thanks for clearing that up for me 🙂
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.
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…
I have the full sized Star palette, and I love it! Money saved!
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.