Pat McGrath Subversive Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

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Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details
Pat McGrath Subversive | Look Details

Subversive

Pat McGrath Subversive Eye Ecstasy Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($28.00 for 0.18 oz.) is a rich, more jewel-toned combination of shades. Two of the shades (Crimson Fire and Synthetica) in the palette are available as single eyeshadows, while the other three are from the Decadence palette (the one I rave about incessantly). I’m pleased to report that the eyeshadows are fantastic: pigmented, creamy, blendable, long-wearing, and all-around a dream to work with; they were fairly consistent with the original releases–I’d argue that Synthetica was a bit smoother (but slightly less sparkly).

The packaging is functional; it’s by no means luxe or weighty like the Mothership Palettes, but it seems like it would hold up for travel to me. The cover will give a little if you pushed firmly on the center, but it has a good click to stay shut. If you’re someone who would rather more of the cost go toward the actual product than the packaging, this is that–it contains $113.64 worth of eyeshadow! I would have liked to have seen something more in line with Natasha Denona’s mini palettes re: packaging — it doesn’t feel like a departure from the brand, though, and it’s more space-efficient!

Subversive

LELimited Edition. $28.00.
A
A
9.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
98%
Total

1 of 2
Pat McGrath Lapis Luxury EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Lapis Luxury EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Lapis Luxury EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Lapis Luxury EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Lapis Luxury EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Lapis Luxury EYEdols Eyeshadow

Lapis Luxury

Lapis Luxury is a rich, medium-dark blue-teal with cool undertones and a bright, metallic finish. The eyeshadow had a creamy consistency that was smooth to the touch, dense but not too thick or too stiff that it became difficult to pick up product with a dry brush. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, which wore nicely for 10 hours before creasing slightly. It performed consistently with past releases.

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.

Ingredients

Mica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Stearyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Behenate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Octadecene, Sorbic Acid, Tin Oxide, Aluminum Dimyristate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Talc, Water/Aqua, Honey Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510).

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.

Lapis Luxury

PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
A+
A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
10
Longevity
5
Application
100%
Total
1 of 2
Pat McGrath Blue Blood EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Blue Blood EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Blue Blood EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Blue Blood EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Blue Blood EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Blue Blood EYEdols Eyeshadow

Blue Blood

Blue Blood is a deep plum with muted, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, lightly creamy consistency that was dense without being too thick or too firmly pressed in the pan. The color applied well to bare skin, blended out easily along the edge, and stayed on well for nine and a half hours on me before fading a touch. It performed consistently with past releases.

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.

Ingredients

Mica, Phenyl Trimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Talc, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499, Ci 77491), 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.

Blue Blood

PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
A+
A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
10
Longevity
5
Application
100%
Total
1 of 3
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Gold Standard EYEdols Eyeshadow

Gold Standard

Gold Standard is a bright, medium gold with strong, warm undertones and a metallic finish. The color payoff was opaque in one layer, while the texture felt smooth to the touch, creamy without being too dense or too thick in the pan, and blended out beautifully over bare skin. The color lasted well for 10 hours on me before fading a touch. It performed consistently with past releases.

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.

Ingredients

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492).

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.

Gold Standard

LELimited Edition. $25.00.
A+
A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
10
Longevity
5
Application
100%
Total
1 of 3
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Synthetica EYEdols Eyeshadow

Synthetica

Synthetica is a medium purple with a subtle, cooler undertone paired with multi-colored flecks of sparkle. It seemed almost like it had a blackened base and lots of lighter, brighter lavender and purple sparkle that gave it a lighter color (overall). I felt like it was a bit less sparkly compared to the previous version, though this seemed to have a more finely-milled, smoother consistency (which would make sense). It had full pigmentation in a single pass, and the color applied well to bare skin without fallout and blended out with ease. It wore well for nine and a half hours on me 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.

Ingredients

Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Silica, Zinc Stearate, Mica, Talc, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, Sorbic Acid, Aluminum Dimyristate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Iron Oxides (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.

Synthetica

DCDiscontinued. $25.00.
A
A
9.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
98%
Total
1 of 2
Pat McGrath Crimson Fire EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Crimson Fire EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Crimson Fire EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Crimson Fire EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Crimson Fire EYEdols Eyeshadow
Pat McGrath Crimson Fire EYEdols Eyeshadow

Crimson Fire

Crimson Fire is a rich, deep copper with warm, reddish undertones and a pearly sheen. The eyeshadow had fantastic color coverage in a single layer, which applied well to bare skin with a smooth, even lay down of product that diffused well along the edges. The texture was smooth to the touch, dense but not stiff, and easy to pick up with a brush. It stayed on nicely for nine and a half hours before I noticed slight fading. It performed consistently with past releases.

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.

Ingredients

Mica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Talc, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), 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.

Crimson Fire

DCDiscontinued. $25.00.
A+
A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
99%
Total

20 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Beth Avatar

I think Lapis Luxury might have an error. The description raves about it and all of the scores are 10, except for application which got a 0. I love all your reviews and find your website to be a great resource. I hardly ever buy anything without consulting temptalia first!

Dee Avatar

Soooo tempted! But honestly, I’ve just purchased a couple of colorful palettes, and I already don’t get enough use out of my Pat McGrath palettes. I have some of her smaller ones (in the cardboard packaging) and even though they are absolutely gorgeous, I simply don’t reach for them much. I prefer to make a look from one palette at a time, and for me, Pat’s palettes require using a couple at a time for added mattes and neutrals. I would argue that Pat’s palettes are great for people that are more artistic than I am.

Claire Avatar

This is the one I would have picked, as these are my perfect colours! I love bright shimmers!
But I have dupes for 4 of the 5 shades and the one I don’t have a dupe for, I have shades that are similar enough. So I can skip this one.

Z Avatar

I am pretty excited to see Lapis Luxury in this little guy – it’s the only color I really wanted out of the Decadance palette. The packaging is travel-friendly, unlike the big PMG palette I’ve got, and it’s got a nice collection of colors to zazz up a more basic collection. I’ll definitely be picking it up at some point.

Jessie Avatar

I havent bought much eye shadow this year at all (I have enough, thank you very much) but I definitely grabbed this since I didn’t buy Decadence. I’m excited for it!

ShariP Avatar

Mine arrived today. I swatched them, but haven’t had an opportunity to use them yet. I bought both palettes. While the quality of the shadows is there, the packaging is really a letdown. It’s a cheap looking plastic. And the shadow arrangement wastes space. And the sequins….really, should be left to the arts and crafts store. Pat McGrathneeds to rethink her packaging. In the end, it comes down to the shadows, which to me, are a great deal and I love them.

kjh Avatar

It may be a mistake to wait for holiday, as this will sell out like hotcakes. (How dumb is that expression?) Agree with Gen it could have used a bang up jewel green, but certainly I have many SGs for that. Know I will cave eventually. Your look is sublime, and the palette has infinite combos, providing you are willing to bring in your crease/transition, etc. This is one Pat that I can easily justify, even in these days of ‘just say no’ (Nancy Reagan-ing) eyeshadows. Glorious minipalette.

Alison Avatar

It’s stunning– and I am very tempted for Crimson Fire and the purple not in Decadence. On the fence for now. Meanwhile, my PMG lipstick from the sale arrived. And on Instagram, I think they are getting some feedback on the sequins so the product came embedded in static-y shredded black plastic which traveled everywhere. I, for one, vote for “forget so-called luxury in the packing materials.”

Kira Avatar

I’m very happy with my purchase 🙂 I like that the red and red plum can be used for day-looks without being too dramatic. The purple, blue, and gold are a bit too much for my office environment, but I’m wearing a hint of the purple today. I saw one blogger say you can see Pat’s sparkle from outer space and I’d have to agree haha. I will likely depot this one because of how the shadows are laid out. I’ll toss it in a MUFE empty palette when I want to use it on the go.

I hated throwing away a sack of sequins. Pat’s so quick on trends that I’m surprised she’s still using these. Glad to see someone comment that it sounds like they’re making changes, but apparently they’re still using non-recyclable single use plastic packaging. Honestly, the Natasha Denona mini tropic palette came in a tightly packed warehouse-style slim cardboard. The cardboard style was sturdy, got the job done, and is recyclable.

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!