Nocturnal Nirvana

Pat McGrath Nocturnal Nirvana Blitz Astral Eyeshadow Quad ($65.00 for 0.2 oz.) is a new, limited edition foursome that features all shimmer shades in the Blitz and Astral-based finishes in the brand's range. These are often referred to as the "dome-shaped" shades as they tend to have more "effects" than the typical, pressed powder eyeshadows (that are flat). Under how-tos, these types of finishes are often recommended to be applied using fingertips or with wet brushes, though they aren't always listed that way, and some shades can be used dry/as-is. If you like more pigmented, shimmery eyeshadows, they're all quite nice--easy to work with, blendable, and long-wearing.

Here's some official details on the "domed" finishes:

These hybrid formulations combine all of the best features of baked, powder, cream and fluid textures for high pick-up and opulent payoff. Created to ensure the perfect suspension of pigments for a range of finishes that radiate pure colour reflection and dramatic shine.

BLITZ / This revolutionary formulation perfectly captures pearlescent pigments while releasing a burst of high-definition chromatic colour. Its smooth, satin, sensorial sheen is easily blendable and buildable without being powdery, for a highly polished, metalized, pure chrome finish.

METALMORPHOSIS / This Metalmorphosis-inspired formulation features next generation pigments that release a cascade of molten metallic effects and unprecedented colour performance. Dramatic light effects radiate pure metallic colour and shape eyes with blinding luminosity.

ASTRAL / This intense, crystalline formula unleashes a wave of star-like pigments with infinite pearlescence. Infused with a bright, lustrous, glass-like powder, it adds extreme visual depth and dimensionality, gliding across the lids with exquisite blendability and the purest colour effects.

I think the brand could position/describe their shades a bit better on a per-shade basis because the information often has a general take of "one-stroke, fully pigmented, opaque color saturation" and things like "pure colour intensity" but then other shades are to be built up using fingertips or a wet brush, so there can be confusion on what to expect. Sometimes they have a list of each shade and give better (clearer) details on how to use, but it doesn't always occur.

Based on experience, the more glittering a shade, the less base pigment it has, but a lot of the Blitz and Metalmorphosis shades are more pigmented than they are buildable to begin with. As is the case with most pigmented eyeshadows, you can use a lighter hand or a fluffier brush to achieve sheerer and more buildable coverage.

• Brand Description