Pat McGrath Sunlit Seduction Mothership Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Sunlit Seduction
Pat McGrath Sunlit Seduction Mothership Eyeshadow Palette ($128.00 for 0.68 oz.) is a new, seemingly-permanent addition to the Mothership range. It features three matte eyeshadows along with three standard shimmers and four “special” shades. Those special shades are high-sparkle, flakier/shinier, and have a chunkier (but a very high impact finish) feel compared to past Blitz/Astral shades (that have been domed). They are the same type of formula as seen in the Moonlit Seduction palette.
I think the formula should have come out with its own naming convention(s) as they aren’t really like the Blitz/Astrals of the past, which isn’t a bad thing, but they are pretty dissimilar, so it would be better to set expectations that they are different! They are more prone to fallout and tend to be best applied with a dampened brush or paired with an adhesive spray/tacky base to minimize fallout, improve adhesion and evenness, and ensure longevity. The brand’s new eyeshadow primer did not really do a lot for me with respect to fallout or adhesion; it was the type of primer that worked well with most traditional eyeshadows but didn’t go the extra mile with respect to tackiness.
Subjectively, I had issues with the shades muddying on me; the three mattes ran together, while the shimmers didn’t offer a lot of differentiation so I think this palette is more suited for someone who does one or two shades at a time or will pair this with another palette.
Ingredients
Sunlit Seduction
PPermanent. $128.00.
Skintense Radiance
Skintense Radiance is a light, pinky-peach with warmer undertones and a smooth, metallic sheen.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Lightly creamy, dense without being too thick
- Picked up well and applied evenly on skin
- Long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Posse (LE, ).
- Too Faced Silk Teddy (PiP, $16.00).
- Viseart Rendezvous (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Ladybird (LE, $6.00).
- ColourPop The Cancer (P, $4.50).
- Melt Cosmetics Manipulative (LE, ).
- Wet 'n' Wild Stop Ruffling My Feathers #2 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Falling Up #2 (LE, $6.00).
- Lisa Eldridge Cressida (P, $27.00).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Hey Girl Hey (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.
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Myristate, Hexylene Glycol, 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.
Skintense Radiance
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Nude Rose
Nude Rose is a medium pink with moderate, warm yellow undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, velvety, lightly powdery
- Applied evenly and blended out well
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Kaja Ruby Skies (PiP, ).
- NABLA Cosmetics Bolero (PiP, $8.00).
- ColourPop Poodle (P, $4.50).
- Make Up For Ever M860 Powdery Pink (DC, $17.00).
- Anastasia Supreme (LE, ).
- Dior Rosy Canvas #3 (LE, ).
- Anastasia Monte Carlo (LE, $12.00).
- About Face La Zona Rosa (P, $16.00).
- Huda Beauty Neon Pink #3 (LE, ).
- Dominique Cosmetics Wildflower (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Mica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Maltodextrin, Diisostearyl Malate, Hexyl Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Zinc Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Carmine (CI 75470), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Nude Rose
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Hypnotic Bronze
Hypnotic Bronze is a medium-dark bronze with warm, reddish undertones and a smooth, pearlescent finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Lightly creamy, dense without being too thick
- Picked up well and applied evenly on skin
- Long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Riviera #4 (LE, ).
- Natasha Denona Sense (384M) (PiP, $29.00).
- Natasha Denona Rosewood (51M) (PiP, $29.00).
- Makeup Geek Lucky Penny (DC, $6.00).
- Pat McGrath Sienna Rose (LE, $25.00).
- Sephora Espresso (377) (P, $9.00).
- Natasha Denona Supernova (114DC) (PiP, $29.00).
- MAC Budding Passion (LE, $17.00).
- LORAC Tails & Top Hats #7 (LE, $19.00).
- KKW Beauty Blossom (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.
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Myristate, Hexylene Glycol, 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.
Hypnotic Bronze
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Astral Pink Fetish
Astral Pink Fetish is a bright, cotton candy pink base with lighter, warmer gold and pink sparkle throughout that gave it a high-shine, metallic finish and moderate sparkle.
- Opaque pigmentation pressed on but sheered out somewhat
- Lightly emollient, somewhat more loosely-pressed
- Had some fallout during application, best applied with a tacky base
- Base color was long-wearing (10 hours) but had noticeable fallout after seven hours of wear
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Lethal Cosmetics Heather (P, $7.50).
- Terra Moons Halley's Comet (P, $8.50).
- MAC Explosive Chemistry (LE, $21.00).
- ColourPop Sweet Fantasy (PiP, $4.50).
- Lethal Cosmetics Mainframe (P, $6.00).
- Give Me Glow Pink Frosting (P, $7.00).
- Sydney Grace Always Yours (P, $6.00).
- Anastasia B3 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ).
- ColourPop No Rest for the Vivid (LE, $9.00).
- Lethal Cosmetics Evoke (P, $6.50).
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, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyethylene, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba, Hexylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Carmines (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.
Astral Pink Fetish
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Blitz Crimson Ecstasy
Blitz Crimson Ecstasy had more of a copper-tinged base packed with red, copper, and pinky-red sparkle. The sparkle seemed larger in size and chunkier, which resulted in it being particularly difficult to diffuse/blend out. Even when I tried using it as an eyeliner paired with a setting spray, it was rough-looking.
- Mostly opaque pigmentation pressed on but sheered out somewhat
- Lightly emollient, somewhat more loosely-pressed
- Had some fallout during application, did not blend out/spread evenly, best applied with a tacky base
- Base color was long-wearing (10 hours) but had noticeable fallout after seven hours of wear
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Fling (LE, ).
- ColourPop Party Animal (LE, $4.50).
- Viseart Clove (PiP, ).
- Pat McGrath Crimson Fire (DC, $25.00).
- Buxom Best Life (P, $12.00).
- Viseart Nuance #6 (PiP, ).
- Fenty Beauty Bottle Service (LE, ).
- ColourPop Play to Wine (LE, $4.50).
- Sydney Grace Delightful Spark (P, $6.00).
- Sephora Spiced Plum (379) (P, $9.00).
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, Polybutene, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Mica, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, Zinc Stearate, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), 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.
Blitz Crimson Ecstasy
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Xtreme Vermillion Dusk
Xtreme Vermillion Dusk is a reddish-burgundy with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It seemed thinner and a bit dry compared to most of the brand’s matte eyeshadows.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, lightly powdery with a bit of dryness
- Applied evenly and blended out fairly well
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Chameleon #4 (LE, ).
- MAC Everyone's Darling (PiP, $17.00).
- Tarte Koalified (LE, ).
- Dose of Colors Spaced Out (PiP, ).
- Kaja Deep Jam (PiP, ).
- Zoeva Lonely City (PiP, ).
- KKW Beauty Season (PiP, ).
- Melt Cosmetics Enigma (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Aristocat (LE, $6.00).
- Huda Beauty Confident (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Mica, Maltodextrin, Silica, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Zinc Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491), 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.
Xtreme Vermillion Dusk
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Copper Dawn
Copper Dawn
- Opaque pigmentation
- Lightly creamy, slightly dense/thicker in feel, more loosely-pressed
- Best used with a lighter hand or dampened brush
- Long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Chameleon #6 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Earth Bae (LE, $4.50).
- Ciate Gilt (PiP, ).
- Natasha Denona Crest (267M) (LE, $29.00).
- Moira Glace (P, $7.50).
- MAC All That Jam (LE, ).
- Guerlain Golden Stars #1 (LE, ).
- Guerlain Mystic Peacock #3 (PiP, ).
- Tarte Citrine (LE, $22.00).
- Urban Decay Powder Trip (LE, $20.00).
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, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Zinc Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Myristate, Hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499).
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.
Copper Dawn
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Sienna Mystique
Sienna Mystique is a dusty, medium-dark coral with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, velvety, lightly powdery
- Applied evenly and blended out well
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics Sweetheart (PiP, ).
- Sydney Grace Sun Poisoning (PiP, $5.25).
- Dominique Cosmetics Strawberry Milk (PiP, ).
- Coloured Raine Unbothered (PiP, $6.99).
- ColourPop Summer Fling (PiP, $4.50).
- ColourPop Let's Go Party (LE, $4.50).
- MAC Azafran (LE, $17.00).
- Urban Decay Retro (PiP, $19.00).
- ColourPop Pokey Oaks (LE, $4.50).
- Sephora Ruby (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Mica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Maltodextrin, Diisostearyl Malate, Hexyl Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Zinc Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Carmine (CI 75470), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491).
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.
Sienna Mystique
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Astral Amethyst Allure
Astral Amethyst Allure
- Mostly opaque pigmentation pressed on but sheered out somewhat
- Lightly emollient, somewhat more loosely-pressed
- Had some fallout during application, best applied with a tacky base
- Base color was long-wearing (10 hours) but had noticeable fallout after seven hours of wear
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Nude Medium #9 (PiP, ).
- MAC Teboulbou (LE, $17.00).
- Anastasia Labyrinth (P, $12.00).
- NABLA Cosmetics Inception (PiP, ).
- Viseart Aster (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Burner (DC, $4.50).
- ColourPop Is This Love (PiP, $4.50).
- Ciate Phoenix (P, $24.00).
- ColourPop Mademoiselle (LE, $4.50).
- Wet 'n' Wild Bed of Roses #1 (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.
Ingredients
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyethylene, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Kaolin, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499).
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.
Astral Amethyst Allure
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Astral Gilded Aura
Astral Gilded Aura had more of a transparent base that was chocked full of copper, pink, and gold sparkle throughout. It had a shiny, almost wet-like finish with both finer and larger sparkles.
- Mostly opaque pigmentation pressed on but sheered out somewhat
- Lightly emollient, somewhat more loosely-pressed
- Had some fallout during application, best applied with a tacky base
- Base color was long-wearing (10 hours) but had noticeable fallout after seven hours of wear
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Danessa Myricks Venus (P, $18.00).
- ColourPop IRL (LE, $6.00).
- Danessa Myricks Alien (P, $18.00).
- NARS Push It (LE, $22.00).
- Anastasia B2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00).
- Give Me Glow Mystery Topper (P, $7.00).
- Charlotte Tilbury Celestial Eyes (Prime) (LE, ).
- Sephora Lou (LE, ).
- Pat McGrath CosmiK (LE, $25.00).
- ColourPop Prima Drama (-, $6.00).
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, Polybutene, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Silica, Mica, Diisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Stearate, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba, Tocopherol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491).
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.
Overall, you have to say she has a good formula. I was not excited about this palette because of the color story and after seeing the reviews, I am still not excited. There are a couple of shades I would like to have but I will wait and see if she brings out any smaller palettes based off of this one. I just want her to move on from these very predictable colors and give us some really exciting colors.
Very easy hard pass. Not because I don’t love the decidedly more coppery vibe that I’m getting from this compared to her other pink palettes, but because I have ND Retro Midi, CT Bejewelled, and other PMG Labs palettes that all fill that niche in my collection. Little wonder since copper/rose-gold/bronze and also purple/plums really bring out my blue-green eye color
Those colors are stunning with your eyes, Nancy. It is an expensive palette to get shades that you already have in other palettes. It is hard to resist as the palettes are just so beautiful and the artwork is always a draw for me. I too have more than enough of these shades and I don’t know what I want from her but I just know I want something different!
I think this is a palette where the shade colours are fairly similar to past releases, but experiments with differing finishes, not altogether successfully. Those shades with the wet look and chunkier sparkles require quite a bit of work to keep them in place, which could be annoying to many.
In total there was about three shades I liked – Copper Dawn, Hypnotic Bronze and Skintense Radiance.
Thank you for the review Christine.
Oh look – pink, pink, pinky bronze and MORE PINK. No thanks!
I do like the Hypnotic Bronze shade a lot, but I can easily pass on this palette. For one, it’s way out of my price range! For two, I think I have some similar-enough colors to create what I imagine an eye look from this palette would look like.
I hope that people who buy this palette, enjoy it. Personally though, this colorstory and the heavy-looking finishes are not at all my style. Nude rose looks more Neon rose to me.
It’s been a really long time since I was excited to see a release from PMG, sadly.
It’s way past time to move from the pink leaning palettes, after all there are a lot of other colours. I feel a bit bored and reading about fall out during wear doesn’t help at all.
I’m glad to see it reviewed, now I know for sure that this is one to avoid, for me at least.
II bought this palette with a 30% discount, and because I’d been putting a little money aside each month to buy the new mothership when it came out I just went ahead and bought it without waiting for the reviews. I’m glad that I did, because I honestly really like the palette. It doesn’t provide as wide a variety of colours as her earlier palettes, and there’s a bit of a sameness to every look. I’ll be the first to admit that I have a similar colour story across other palettes a dozen times over, but somehow this palette provides the nicest formulation. I’m saddened by the hate this palette is receiving, because if evaluated entirely on its own merits and not in the context of all the other motherships, it’s really nice, really wearable, and frankly quite beautiful.
I’m happy that you enjoy using the palette.
I wish I could be as smart as you, putting away a bit every month toward something I really want. I tend to buy candy instead, and that’s really stupid of me.
I know I may have been a bit harsh, writing my opinion, but it’s so not for me and my colouring. That said, I don’t hate it and you really have a very good point about evaluating this palette without thinking of all that came before.