Pat McGrath Lunar Nightshade Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Lunar Nightshade
Pat McGrath Lunar Nightshade 5-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($36.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, limited edition cooler-leaning color story that included one semi-matte shade paired with four more shimmery shades. The formula was creamier across the board with the mattes having a smoother, more velvety texture (less like a traditional matte), and the shimmers being very cream-like and a touch thicker, though I had great wear, pigmentation, and experienced good application with all the shades.
Ingredients
Lunar Nightshade
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Platinum Moonlight
Platinum Moonlight is a light, golden beige with strong, warm undertones and a bright, metallic sheen.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, emollient consistency, almost cream-like
- Picked up well dry or dampened brush; applied evenly without fallout
- Long-wearing (10 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Platinum Moonlight
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Midnight Iris
Midnight Iris is a medium berry-purple with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish with faint iridescent pearl.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, velvety texture; finely-milled without being powdery
- Applied evenly and blended out with little effort
- Long-wearing (10 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Midnight Iris
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Pale Amethyst
Pale Amethyst is a medium, pinky-peach with subtle, warm undertones paired with an intense, sparkling metallic finish.
- Nearly opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, emollient consistency, almost cream-like
- Picked up well dry or dampened brush; applied evenly without fallout
- Long-wearing (10 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Pale Amethyst
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Noir Nebula
Noir Nebula is a deep, bluish-black base with teal, blue, and greenish-gold micro-sparkle throughout.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, velvety texture; finely-milled without being powdery
- Applied evenly and blended out with little effort
- Long-wearing (10 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics Dead Inside (LE, ).
- Sydney Grace Moonlit Kingdom (PiP, $6.25).
- Pat McGrath Dark Destiny (LE, $25.00).
- MAC Aphrodisiatic (LE, $25.00).
- Dior Reveuse (271) (2016) (LE, $31.00).
- Urban Decay Frostbite (LE, $19.00).
- Charlotte Tilbury Icon Disco Eyes #2 (LE, ).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Noir Nebula
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Neptunian Orchid
Neptunian Orchid is a light-medium, steely bluue with strong, cool undertones and gold and blue reflective sparkle over a high-shine, metallic finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, emollient consistency, almost cream-like
- Picked up well dry or dampened brush; applied evenly without fallout
- Long-wearing (10 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NABLA Cosmetics Fantasize (PiP, ).
- Clarins Midnight #2 (PiP, ).
- Sydney Grace Cool Breeze (P, $8.00).
- Urban Decay Indigo Nights (LE, $19.00).
- Anastasia Mediterranean (LE, $12.00).
- Urban Decay Skywalk (DC, $20.00).
- MAC Tilt (P, $17.00).
- Glaminatrix Blue Jeans (P, $8.04).
- ColourPop Billie Jean (PiP, $4.50).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #23 (PiP, ).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Since it has some of my absolute favorite shades in it with teal(ish) and purples, I’m on this bad boy! Added plus? It’s earned recommended status!
Another excellent 5 pan from Pat – I love the blue elements in this one – particularly Neptunian Orchid.
This is my palette so I am ordering it before it sells out. If she has a sale later I may pick up more but don’t want to wait and risk losing it. I knew it would review well but a Temptalia Recommends is great. There are a couple of shades here that will make really nice one and done looks and I don’t hate any of the colors so there is that!
Just got home. What a trip. Thankful for my safe trip and am pretty exhausted. I am getting too old to spend so many days on the road by myself so no one to spell me. Also, we were up late because of the concert and then up early to take Aislinn to the airport and then I hit the road. I am not use to getting up early anymore. At home there isn’t any reason to get up at the crack of dawn so I am never out of bed before 8 AM and certainly not after a late night, or should I say, early morning going to bed!
I loved the look of these colours, but they creased so so badly on me. I always use primer and none of my other PM shadows have done this. What a bummer!
To me this is the most interesting palette that she has done in a while. But I have a five pan bundle from sydney grace from like four years ago with almost this exact same color story. Man, I remember when Pat was cutting edge. Still love my ultra violet kit from her. Never seen anything like it since.
This palette is stunning. I just ordered it after seeing you gave it an A grade.
Wow! What’s not to like about this palette? I’ll go grab mine right now ….
This looks lovely! The Midnight Iris seems a tad pinkish, but perhaps with a little more coverage, it stays closer to what you see in the palette.