Sublime

Pat McGrath Sublime Mothership Eyeshadow Palette ($125.00 for 0.47 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features 10 eyeshadows in a variety of finishes in a warmer-toned set of shades and seemed to be less glittery compared to the other two palettes. The brand has divided their eyeshadows into two finishes: Powderluxe Pressed Eye Shadows (matte, pearl, and sparkle finishes) and "modern, hybrid pigmented formulas" (I'm not sure why one type got an official name and the other did not!) with the latter having "metallic, satin sheen, iridescence, and holographic brilliance finishes."

The key to determining which is which is to look at the shape of the eyeshadow--the "hybrid" shades are domed, and they tend to have a lot more sparkle in them, too. These shades are often recommended to be applied with a "dampened brush to achieve an eye-opening effect" or with "fingertip[s]," though some of the Powderluxe shades can be used wet or dry, too (per the brand). Pat McGrath actually breaks down how to apply each shade here. It's all I ever wanted from a brand: to actually be more specific on a shade-by-shade level if, in fact, they intend for shades to differ in pigmentation or application!

There's something about the way the palettes in the Mothership line are designed that makes me think they're artistic, conceptual palettes that will be most versatile when paired with other eyeshadows and palettes one might have in one's stash. There were definitely looks to be done within the palette, but I often wanted to reach for outside shades to bring looks to their fullest potential. It will also perform the best if you already use dampened brushes with high-sparkle/high-shimmer eyeshadows.

The packaging is hefty; there's no question that some of the high price tag is due to the heavier packaging and the metal-esque plate on the exterior and the faceted mirror inside. I do, however, wish the brand had labeled the eyeshadows somewhere on the palette along with the palette's name.

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