Pat McGrath Sublime Smoke Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swtaches
Sublime Smoke
Pat McGrath Sublime Smoke Mini Eye Shadow Palette ($29.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a lil’ palette–really a micro palette!–that includes six previously-released shades from the brand. It is a handy, warm-toned neutral color story that performed well, so for those who love PMG’s formula or are in need of a tiny, travel-friendly neutral palette, it could be a lovely addition. For others, I can definitely see it being territory that’s been covered in the past.
Ingredients
Sublime Smoke
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
Skinshow Divine Glow
Skinshow Divine Glow is a light, peachy beige with strong, warm undertones and a metallic sheen.
- Nearly opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, moderately emollient consistency without being too dense
- Picked up readily with dry brush, blended out well
- Long-wearing (9.5 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Gingerdoodle (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Too Faced Beamin' (LE, $16.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Becca Moonstone (LE, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Juicy Apple (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Milani Bella Chiffon (28) (P, $4.49) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Snow (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Honey Brown #1 (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC In the Meadow #2 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia A2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Unlocked (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (95% similar).
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.
Ingredients
Talc, Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Tetrasodium Edta, Tin Oxide, Zinc Stearate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492), Carmine (CI 75470).
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
Skinshow Divine Glow
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Taboo
Taboo is a light-medium brown with strong, warm yellow undertones and a matte finish. It was a smidgen more powdery than the original I have.
- Opaque color coverage
- Velvety, smooth, finely-milled without being too powdery
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Fur Baby (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Daddi-O (P, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Nudy Booty (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Gravy (P, $7.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty That's Why (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Tiki Hut (DC, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Hive (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Martyr (LE, ) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Clarins Brown Sugar #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Bucked (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
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.
Ingredients
Talc, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Polyethylene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alumina, Glycerin, Silica, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
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
Taboo
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Bronze Eclipse
Bronze Eclipse is a light-medium, golden bronze with strong, warm undertones and a smooth, metallic finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, moderately emollient consistency without being too dense
- Picked up readily with dry brush, blended out well
- Long-wearing (9.5 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Tequila Nite (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Tiki (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peanut Butter Cup (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- JD Glow Deep Bronze (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Copper #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Brav-O (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Woodwinked (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Wocka Wocka (LE, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Gold Nectar (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Laura Mercier Envoutante (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
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.
Ingredients
Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zinc Stearate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Talc, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Isododecane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
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
Bronze Eclipse
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Xtreme Dusk
Xtreme Dusk is a blackened brown with cooler undertones and a matte finish.
- Nearly opaque color coverage
- Slightly firmer compared to other mattes, finely-milled without being too powdery
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC First Class (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Buxom Unapologetic (P, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Charcoal Sketch (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Everywhere (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Ur Hot (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Cocktail Black (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Bittersweet (P, $7.30) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Blurry Grey #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Jouer Ash Brown (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
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.
Ingredients
Ptfe, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Polyethylene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), Carmine (CI 75470).
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
Xtreme Dusk
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Bronze Blaze
Bronze Blaze is a rich, medium-dark copper with strong, warm undertones and a smooth, metallic finish. It doesn’t have glitter like the original release (and the glitter was removed in subsequent restocks of the palette it came in).
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, moderately emollient consistency without being too dense
- Picked up readily with dry brush, blended out well
- Long-wearing (9.5 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Petit Pro #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop The Good Life (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Terra Moons Martian (P, $8.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Generator (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Manifest It (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Selfie (P, $7.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Quiet Storm (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Ice to See You (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Alchemist (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Sandbar (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
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.
Ingredients
Talc, Mica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Silica, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Glass Beads, Zinc Stearate, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
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
Bronze Blaze
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Xtreme Mahogany
Xtreme Mahogany is a deeper, rich reddish-brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque color coverage
- Velvety, smooth, finely-milled without being too powdery
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours before fading visibly)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Moments (DC, $6.99) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia E4 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Homegrown (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Honeysuckle (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 07 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Privacy (PiP, $19.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (90% similar).
- Clarins Flame #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Mea Culpa (PiP, $8.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Choc (LE, $4.50) is brighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Koalified (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
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.
Ingredients
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyethylene, Silica, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470).
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.
Could certainly come in handy for either a stay down in Casa Grande this summer for our annual Convention or if my lawsuit winds up having to go to trial in NY state sometime later this year.
I still have never purchased a PMcG eyeshadow — warm neutral pink brown bronze gold pinkish-brown goldish-pink bronzish-brown pinkish-gold pink brown brown gold bronze brown pink. Hit me with one of these with a light-mid cool grey matte, a charcoal matte, and a few of the blue/lilac/teal/violet shifty shimmers — in this type of cute and sturdy-looking non-black packaging — and I’m all in. I simply can’t justify spending $60-$130 on an eyeshadow palette when only one or two of the 4-10 shades are things I’ll evvvvvver actually wear. Or, just, you know …. eyeshadow singles? Please? How easy are her palettes to pry the pans out of the case? Maybe I can find somebody who needs 6-8 brown/bronze/pink/gold eyeshadows and will split the bill with me…
I have seen some people depot a PMG palette, but I have never done it so I’m not sure how difficult it is, lol!
I have only one PMc palette – a 6 pan that’s one of her less warm ones (I hesitate to call it “cool”). Because it’s smaller, the price tag wasn’t quite so eye watering. I do like it but I feel very much the way that you do….most of her palettes are so warm, so pink, so orange so “not for me”.
I wish you’d taken a photo of it in the palm of your hand to give a sense of just how tiny (or not) this palette is.
It’s about a 3″ square!
Thanks, Christine!
It’s quite a lovely very little palette – my favourite shades are Bronze Eclipse and Bronze Blaze, but I do have quite a few dupes of these shades. I think the palette is too tiny and I would go through those two favourite shades in a nanosecond.
If I didn’t already have so many similar palettes and singles, I would consider this. The size is perfect for travel though. 🙂
I honestly might pick this up for my mom for Mother’s Day! She’s the kind of person who only uses one palette – she’s repurchased the UD Naked 2 Mini like three times, it’s the only thing she uses. This might be a nice complement to that for her without being intimidating!
I gave my Mothership V away, so I’ll probably get this. Mine was one of the original batch, and I got frustrated enough with two shades that it ruined the whole palette for me. Ironically, the colors I had the biggest issues with are included in this mini! And seem to be better.