Star (2020)

Natasha Denona Star (2020) 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($169.00 for 1.44 oz.) includes a mix of metallics and mattes across a mix of earth tones paired with pops of red and berry. All 18 eyeshadows were pigmented, blendable, and easy to work with and had good longevity (without a primer). There were no misses or duds, unlike the original version I have (which received a B-).

The more sparkly shimmers were smoother, while the mattes were more pigmented and less powdery/dry; the metallics were not as emollient but still very pigmented, blendable, and flattering on skin but had improved longevity. The performance of the formulas in the current version are more in line with more recent releases from the brand.

The formulas went through some refinements in the last two years (I'm not certain the exact cut-off, and the one I'm reviewing was purchased in June 2020), and one major difference is that some of the shades from the original palette contained plastic (PET) glitter particles, and the current palette does not. I did feel like the majority of the shades were better in the current formula compared to the original as there was less fallout, better pigmentation, better longevity, and they were, overall, easier to work with. The mattes were smoother, more substantial and less powdery, while the shimmers held up better over time on my lids (without primer).

There were nine shades that I felt differed enough to warrant being listed as a second shade; a few of the shades may have appeared similar in color but no longer contained plastic glitter, which I felt was worth differentiating from. There were a few that were noticeably different in color and/or undertone (so dupes could not carry over from the original shade).

I wish the packaging got updated, though! Still loathe that overhead projector sheet with the names...

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