Natasha Denona Xenon Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Xenon
Natasha Denona Xenon Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, seemingly-permanent mini gray-scale color story that includes four matte shades and one shimmer shade (which is a repromote). The palette listed three of the matte shades as “CP” or Cream-Powder, but they seemed like Creamy Mattes to me (and definitely NOT Cream-Powders!), though I’m trying to get confirmation from the brand. All five shades were pigmented, long-wearing, and easy enough to use, though the matte black was stiffer in the pan and would be better for those who want to build-up more slowly.
Ingredients
Xenon
PPermanent. $27.00.
Blackest Black Matte
Blackest Black Matte is a deep black with neutral undertones and a matte finish. The texture was thinner and firmer; it was the type of texture that would be ideal for someone who wants a lot of control and the ability to build-up their black eyeshadow rather than have full-on pigmentation in a single go.
There was very little fallout, and it was fairly blendable, but it wasn’t the most blendable black eyeshadow I’ve come across. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Xtreme Black (PiP, $25.00) (100% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Grand Dame (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Smashbox Blackout (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Obsidian (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia E5 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Smashbox Deadline (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Jet Black (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Noir (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Pandora II (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Formula Overview
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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
ISODODECANE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, C20-24 OLEFIN, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES).
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.
Blackest Black Matte
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gloom (280CM)
Gloom (280CM) is a darker gray with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow was richly pigmented with a smooth, more velvety texture that was a smidgen powdery in the pan but blended out beautifully while maintaining its intensity on my skin. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Pro-bender (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics GF (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Dynam-O (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Heartache (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Steel (LE, $23.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Your Galaxy (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Russian Blue (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Deep Space (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Slated (DC, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Split (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE , CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ALUMINA, GLYCERIN, SILICA._x000D_ (+/-)/MAY CONTAIN :_x000D_ CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 ( IRON OXIDES), CI 77492 ( IRON OXIDES ), CI 77499_x000D_ ( IRON OXIDES), CI 77007 ( ULTRAMARINES).
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.
Gloom (280CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Chromatic (04M)
Chromatic (04M) is a bright, light silver with cool undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation with a lot of sparkle in it, so it did not appear sheer in practice despite the base not being fully opaque. The texture was more loosely-pressed and had some texture due to the amount of sparkles in it.
The product applied best with a fingertip and pressed/patted into place or else there was some fallout to contend with. It stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading visibly but had a little bit of fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop First Class (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Tarte Flask (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Creeper (LE, $25.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- MAC Silver Coin (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME116 Silver (P, $17.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Shellshock (DC, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Ombre de Lune #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Tattle-Tale (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Slush Fund (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Ice (43) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (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
TALC, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, MICA,_x000D_ DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, SILICA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TIN OXIDE,_x000D_ PTFE, ZINC STEARATE, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77499 ( IRON OXIDES), 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.
Look Using this Product
Chromatic (04M)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Mist (281CM)
Mist (281CM) is a light, bluish-gray with cool undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was smooth, more velvety, and a little powdery but not prone to fallout or sheering out too readily. It had full color coverage in a single layer, which applied evenly and blended out well. There were signs of fading visible after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop The Hangar (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Chillax (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Bougie (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Mist (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop 718 (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Luv Bug (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Lost at Sea (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Stone Face (DC, $4.50) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Smoke (LE, $29.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Nite Sky (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL,_x000D_ ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER,_x000D_ TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, SILICA, ALUMINA, GLYCERIN, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77492 ( IRON OXIDES ), CI 77499 ( IRON OXIDES), CI 77007 ( ULTRAMARINES).
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.
Mist (281CM)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Puff (282CM)
Puff (282CM) is a soft, off-white with muted, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was finely-milled, smooth, and velvety, so it had enough substance that it maintained most of its color opacity when applied to bare skin, though I’d recommend applying it over an eyeshadow for smoothest and more intense results. It had mostly opaque, buildable color coverage that wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- KKW Beauty Decade (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Master Mattes #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M530 Eggshell (P, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Snow Day (LE, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Rule (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M500 Ivory (P, $17.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- IT Cosmetics Peaceful (P, ).
- LORAC Blanc (PiP, $19.00).
- Makeup Atelier Red Ochre #1 (P, ).
- Too Faced BFF (LE, $16.00).
- Pretty Vulgar Nocturnal (PiP, ).
Formula Overview
-
The majority of the brand's eyeshadows are quite pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. The eyeshadows have improved over time, particularly with respect to longevity (without a primer). The original formula often creased on me within seven to eight hours, whereas the more current formula wears eight to nine hours with fading (instead of full-on creasing). The more matte finishes tend to be a bit more velvety, substantial, and less dry/powdery compared to prior iterations.
The metallic finish is often the creamiest, slightly denser in feel, but has excellent pigmentation, adhesion, and blendability. The sparkling shades can have some fallout, depending on how they're applied and how sparkly they are, so they sometimes work better with fingertips or a dampened brush; they can also run sheerer compared to other finishes.
Cream-Powders are the more unique formulation and tend to have firmer, almost stiff, consistencies and more semi-opaque, watercolor-esque coverage. They are longer-wearing, but they can take a few uses to learn how to use. This formula has also improved compared to when it first debuted--it is a bit more yielding now.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Creamy Matte Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE , CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ALUMINA, GLYCERIN, SILICA._x000D_ (+/-)/MAY CONTAIN :_x000D_ CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 ( IRON OXIDES), CI 77492 ( IRON OXIDES ), CI 77499_x000D_ ( IRON OXIDES), CI 77007 ( ULTRAMARINES).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
This is so appealing to me. Its not like anything in my collection and its so simple. I am being sold the fantasy of like “classic make up” like I’m a old hollywood star with my grey scale make up or I’m a 90’s super model with the silver eyeshadow. I do not have any Natasha Denona eyeshadow and this could be the one? which is ridiculous because all i wear is one shadow colours across the eye
I’m pleased to see it rated well and is probably a more matte alternative to the mostly cool toned shimmery Glam palette. I think it could work well with Glam. But this one is not for me.
Because I already know how these super cool toned grays would look on me, this one gets a big fat nope from me! And yet, I can use her Glam Palette and your SG palettes and look great? Go figure! 🤷🏻♀️
We could live together and never check out each other’s stash, lol. I’ve got >3 dupes for most shades here. I had to pull back the reins not to got the KVD grayscale lipsticks. I so do not need, but appreciate ND venturing on the cool side.
I am quite in love with that swatch of the black!
Do you have a deep black matte you recommend that does blend well Christine?
Viseart Carbon, Sydney Grace Midnight, and UD Blackout are all good!
thanks!
Happy to see another affordable little palette from her and one that scored well, but I already have all these colours by the truckload, it seems, so it’s a pass for me.
I have black eyeshadows, lots of them, I also have quite a few greys, butt not one dupe for any of the greys in this palette. In fact the only one I have dupes for is the silver, I have two, but then it is a very dupeable shade.
So do I want this? Yes, badly! I think it’s a lovely little palette.
Do I need it? No, not really.
As it is permanent I’ll wait, use only black-grey-silver for a week and see if I really like using these colours. If I do I may buy this later on, after my schnauzer has had his surgery, it’s on Friday, and until he is at home again I’m not capable of making rational decisions.
I saw on Morgan Turner’s video that there is an exact Colourpop dupe for this palette.
I’ll check it out, thanks!
Sorry for my typing. Of course it’s “but” with one t. 😀
It reminds me so much of Blowin’ Smoke. Do you know if it’s a pretty close comparison? I have that one already and love it.
You can compare palettes here: https://www.temptalia.com/makeup-dupe-list/
Oh WOW…that is such an amazing feature! I’m pretty blown away. Thanks for showing me. :o) So, it’s incredibly similar!
Pretty, but I’m going to skip. Gray mattes don’t look great on me, even for a smokey eyes. The silvers in the CP Blowin’ Smoke (Smoke Show) and the new gray Juvia’s Place quad work much better for me, or else slightly bluish or purplish grays.
Looks so “possibility” on screen, but like a few others, plus with my under-eye circles (even with concealer-corrector, I don’t think this is for me. My old Kat Von D Shadow+Light palettes, plus some singles are enough.