Wayne Goss Pearl Moonstone Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Pearl Moonstone
Wayne Goss Pearl Moonstone The Luxury Eye Palette ($55.00 for 0.57 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that launches November 18th at 10AM PT. It includes three matte eyeshadows, one more shimmery shade, one more satiny shade, and one sparkly shade. As the brand previously noted, a black eyeshadow will be included in every palette, though this particular version performed better than the first version I tested.
Four of the six shades were thinner and dustier, which had a tendency to bring out skin texture or to fade more readily/settle into fine lines. The mattes are very reactive to any natural oils or tackiness on the skin, so I’d highly recommend setting with translucent powder. I tried this palette over a drier primer, and it was still a very ho-hum experience as there was still patchiness in application (that I could not seem to build up evenly).
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Pearl Moonstone
PPermanent. $55.00.
Pearl Moonstone #1
Pearl Moonstone #1 is a light-medium peach with moderate, warm undertones and a soft, frosted finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, smooth consistency that was lightly dusty in the pan. This shade stayed on well for seven hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Dream Maker (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC MACnificent Me (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Jest (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Manipulative (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever Jewelry (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Calm (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Midas (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- theBalm D2 (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop My Treat (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The eyeshadow formula is supposed to "blend with the lightest touch--no special techniques needed" that have a "silky feel." The brand recommended that the eyeshadow formula be used "dry only" and the sparkly shades be "patted onto the lid with your finger." In the point of sale description, there was nothing that mentioned pigmentation, but all promotional swatches show really intense coverage (almost running deeper, too, than they appear in pans).
There aren't too many shades released at this time, but the performance depended on the finish. I had good luck with two shimmer shades--pigmented, blendable, long-wearing--while one was drier, sheerer, and harder to build up. The matte black eyeshadow (which the brand said would be included in each palette going forward) was stiffer and drier, which made it harder to blend out, while the other matte eyeshadow available was more blendable but definitely not blended with "the lightest touch." The mattes lasted around eight hours on me on average.
Browse all of our Wayne Goss Luxury Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Zea Mays (corn) Starch [zea Mays Starch], Zinc Stearate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium Edta, Silica, Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Iron Oxides (ci 77491, Ci 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (ci 19140), 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.
Look Using this Product
Pearl Moonstone #1
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Pearl Moonstone #2
Pearl Moonstone #2 is a light-medium gray with cool, purplish undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer coverage that built up to medium (bare skin) to semi-opaque coverage (over primer), though there was a fair amount of fallout to accomplish that. The texture was soft and finely-milled but somewhat powdery and more prone to sheering out. I found that this shade was the better blending out of the six in the palette. This shade wore decently for seven hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Marc Jacobs Beauty For Less (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Cool Matte #11 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Scene (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Zoeva MT110 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Hello Kitty Playdate (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Purple Rain (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Rumor Mill (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Cubism (PiP, $8.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Harley (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Stealth (DC, $6.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The eyeshadow formula is supposed to "blend with the lightest touch--no special techniques needed" that have a "silky feel." The brand recommended that the eyeshadow formula be used "dry only" and the sparkly shades be "patted onto the lid with your finger." In the point of sale description, there was nothing that mentioned pigmentation, but all promotional swatches show really intense coverage (almost running deeper, too, than they appear in pans).
There aren't too many shades released at this time, but the performance depended on the finish. I had good luck with two shimmer shades--pigmented, blendable, long-wearing--while one was drier, sheerer, and harder to build up. The matte black eyeshadow (which the brand said would be included in each palette going forward) was stiffer and drier, which made it harder to blend out, while the other matte eyeshadow available was more blendable but definitely not blended with "the lightest touch." The mattes lasted around eight hours on me on average.
Browse all of our Wayne Goss Luxury Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Mica, Silica, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Boron Nitride, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium Edta, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Iron Oxides (ci 77499), Black 2 (ci 77266) [nano].
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.
Look Using this Product
Pearl Moonstone #2
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Pearl Moonstone #3
Pearl Moonstone #3 is a medium-dark black with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque color coverage with a firmer, slightly stiff texture that was thin but not powdery, so there wasn’t fallout when I worked with it. The eyeshadow could have been more blendable in practice, as it had a tendency to go on evenly and adhere more strongly to certain areas of the skin; it benefitted greatly from a dusting of translucent powder (even when it was used over primer). It lasted for seven hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- UOMA Beauty Wake Up (LE, ) (100% similar).
- Dose of Colors Berry Black (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Sugarpill Bulletproof (P, $13.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Bad Habit Pagan (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Bonnie (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia Noir (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Stilazzi Asphalt (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Nablack (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia D5 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty That Deep (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The eyeshadow formula is supposed to "blend with the lightest touch--no special techniques needed" that have a "silky feel." The brand recommended that the eyeshadow formula be used "dry only" and the sparkly shades be "patted onto the lid with your finger." In the point of sale description, there was nothing that mentioned pigmentation, but all promotional swatches show really intense coverage (almost running deeper, too, than they appear in pans).
There aren't too many shades released at this time, but the performance depended on the finish. I had good luck with two shimmer shades--pigmented, blendable, long-wearing--while one was drier, sheerer, and harder to build up. The matte black eyeshadow (which the brand said would be included in each palette going forward) was stiffer and drier, which made it harder to blend out, while the other matte eyeshadow available was more blendable but definitely not blended with "the lightest touch." The mattes lasted around eight hours on me on average.
Browse all of our Wayne Goss Luxury Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Mica, Silica, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Boron Nitride, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium Edta, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Iron Oxides (ci 77499), Black 2 (ci 77266) [nano].
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.
Look Using this Product
Pearl Moonstone #3
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Pearl Moonstone #4
Pearl Moonstone #4 is a medium, bluish-gray with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had sheer color coverage that could be built up to medium coverage at best. Over primer, I was able to get slightly above medium coverage. I had to try it over primer as it was patchy and difficult to build up evenly when I tried it over bare skin as it was more reactive to any natural oils on the skin. The texture was soft and silky to the touch, but it was moderately powdery and prone to fallout. There were signs of fading after six hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Smoke (Contour) (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Numb (P, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Cloud (LE, $22.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Jet Lag (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- L'Oreal Meet Me in Paris (P, $5.99) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Gata (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #6 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Thunderbird (P, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Fiction (DC, $8.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Space Dust (P, $7.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The eyeshadow formula is supposed to "blend with the lightest touch--no special techniques needed" that have a "silky feel." The brand recommended that the eyeshadow formula be used "dry only" and the sparkly shades be "patted onto the lid with your finger." In the point of sale description, there was nothing that mentioned pigmentation, but all promotional swatches show really intense coverage (almost running deeper, too, than they appear in pans).
There aren't too many shades released at this time, but the performance depended on the finish. I had good luck with two shimmer shades--pigmented, blendable, long-wearing--while one was drier, sheerer, and harder to build up. The matte black eyeshadow (which the brand said would be included in each palette going forward) was stiffer and drier, which made it harder to blend out, while the other matte eyeshadow available was more blendable but definitely not blended with "the lightest touch." The mattes lasted around eight hours on me on average.
Browse all of our Wayne Goss Luxury Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Mica, Silica, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Boron Nitride, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium Edta, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Iron Oxides (ci 77499), Black 2 (ci 77266) [nano].
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.
Look Using this Product
Pearl Moonstone #4
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Pearl Moonstone #5
Pearl Moonstone #5 is a light-medium gray with warmer undertones and a satin shimmer. It had sheer color coverage, which did not build up and did not improve over eyeshadow primer. The texture was thin, almost dusty, and was prone to applying unevenly to my lid. This particular shade was totally gone from my lid after five hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Well Past Midnight (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Tzarine II (PiP, $19.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Dior Volcanic #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
- Buxom Graphite Glam (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
- Viseart Cool Matte #8 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The eyeshadow formula is supposed to "blend with the lightest touch--no special techniques needed" that have a "silky feel." The brand recommended that the eyeshadow formula be used "dry only" and the sparkly shades be "patted onto the lid with your finger." In the point of sale description, there was nothing that mentioned pigmentation, but all promotional swatches show really intense coverage (almost running deeper, too, than they appear in pans).
There aren't too many shades released at this time, but the performance depended on the finish. I had good luck with two shimmer shades--pigmented, blendable, long-wearing--while one was drier, sheerer, and harder to build up. The matte black eyeshadow (which the brand said would be included in each palette going forward) was stiffer and drier, which made it harder to blend out, while the other matte eyeshadow available was more blendable but definitely not blended with "the lightest touch." The mattes lasted around eight hours on me on average.
Browse all of our Wayne Goss Luxury Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Zea Mays (corn) Starch [zea Mays Starch], Mica, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Isostearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium Edta. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Iron Oxides (ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Ultramarines (ci 77007), 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.
Look Using this Product
Pearl Moonstone #5
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Pearl Moonstone #6
Pearl Moonstone #6 is a light blue with “warm” undertones paired with a sparkling finish and a high shine. It had semi-opaque, buildable color coverage paired with a lightly emollient consistency. Per the brand, it was to be applied with fingertips, which was really the only way to manage it. It had light fallout when applied with a fingertip, but the majority of it applied and stuck to the lid. There was moderate fallout throughout wear and faint creasing apparent after seven hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Mint 4 U (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Islamorada (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Moolah (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- JD Glow Varsity (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Pegasus (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Clionadh Spruce (P, $5.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Lancome My French #7 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Mint Frost (170SM) (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Durty Denim (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Anastasia B1 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, $12.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The eyeshadow formula is supposed to "blend with the lightest touch--no special techniques needed" that have a "silky feel." The brand recommended that the eyeshadow formula be used "dry only" and the sparkly shades be "patted onto the lid with your finger." In the point of sale description, there was nothing that mentioned pigmentation, but all promotional swatches show really intense coverage (almost running deeper, too, than they appear in pans).
There aren't too many shades released at this time, but the performance depended on the finish. I had good luck with two shimmer shades--pigmented, blendable, long-wearing--while one was drier, sheerer, and harder to build up. The matte black eyeshadow (which the brand said would be included in each palette going forward) was stiffer and drier, which made it harder to blend out, while the other matte eyeshadow available was more blendable but definitely not blended with "the lightest touch." The mattes lasted around eight hours on me on average.
Browse all of our Wayne Goss Luxury Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Talc, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Mica, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Hydroxystearate, Soybean Glycerides, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) Butter Unsaponifiables [butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables], Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium Edta, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Iron Oxides (ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Ultramarines (ci 77007), Ferric Ferrocyanide (ci 77510), Yellow 5 Lake (ci 19140), Blue 1 Lake (ci 42090).
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.
Yikes! How disappointing 🙁
WG? Seriously? We’d expect better by WNW. I appreciate him trying to do a cool palette, but this is shameful
Dear lord, this is an atrocious performing palette. I cannot even think of a drugstore or low end eyeshadow formula as horrid as this. Really a shame.
This seems like a really unique colorway so it’s a real shame that it’s such poor quality. I really like shade #2 and I don’t have any of the listed dupes.
Shade 2 caught my eye as well. That dusty purple grey would be welcome workhorse in my stash..
Quite a strange color story and what poor performance! I only own one of his brushes but absolutely adore the quality and the lip products all seem pretty nice. Surprised at how underperforming the eyeshadows are as well as the inclusion of a massive pan of black eyeshadow that will be in every single palette.
I never use black eyeshadow and while cooler tones don’t do at all well on me, I can appreciate what he’s going for here…. however, the actual execution is a let down, which is a shame because those 2 greys and the shimmery blue are beautiful colours together.
This is nuts! I so appreciate your ratings on these palettes. It’s hard to judge how these will perform from youtube reviews sometimes, though I am truly shocked at the lack of blendability, uneven laydown, and patchiness when it seemed to go pretty well for YTers…
I’m fine with passing on these for better-performing releases.
I don’t feel like I struggle with most eyeshadow formulas like I did here, otherwise I’d think I was just totally inept.
You are far from inept, Christine! It’s just so disappointing. Wayne Goss seems lovely and his brushes made FUDE more accessible for US consumers but dang, not worth it!
I know! I feel like, at a minimum, I can apply an eyeshadow and get it to go on evenly and not have weird patches… most of the time, lol!
Tara Lynn had the exact same experience as Christine, she was also one of the models on his promotion so I applauded her for her honest review unfortunately her video was only up for 3 hours then taken down, perhaps someone took the hump with her!!!!!
I just went to check out her video, and it seems to still be up!
I’m very skeptical of the reviews from his models, Mel Thompson and Michelle Wang, even though I typically trust their opinions on other products. As someone that only wears cool tones, this palette is a let down in terms of color story because in a 6 pan palette 3 are so similar and the black is both unnecessary and not all that different from the grays. I love a gray color story and have multiple gray scale palettes because the shades have noticeably different undertones like blue, purple, taupe…etc. This just seems like a failed attempt at that.
I think it is important to be skeptical of reviews and assess their veracity or potential biases, but there are definitely differences in how I review compared to a lot of others since I try to review based on what the brand markets on, which can be part of why mine might seem harsher than other reviews (in general!). I know one common example is I’ll hold a product to a wear-time claim, even if outrageous, but others may be happy if it’s long wearing enough!
In the instance of this palette, I saw/watched some reviews and reviewers approach pigmentation differently (Beautylish’s description doesn’t say sheer, and their swatches are ridiculously opaque, which are the swatches shown in the WG announcement video, and when I watched that, it was described as “beautiful” pigmentation, IIRC, which is… not a useful description, lol!) so someone could easily end up with a “better” review if sheerness or fallout isn’t something that they’d rate “downward.”
Yikes! This is so far from what I’d expect of a palette designed by a professional. The patchy application is so telling, especially given your skills! I can’t imagine having the nerve to call this a luxury palette–even the box looks cheap.
I stopped following WG ages ago now (it felt that everything he reviewed was AMAZING, which meant that, really, nothing was?), but I am a fan of his brushes. It’s a shame that his makeup has fallen flat.
However, I do want to say that the eye look you pulled together is GORGEOUS! If I just saw the picture and missed the rating, I would’ve been tempted to buy it!
Thank you, DG! I think the color story had promise!
I haven’t stopped following WG, but I do agree that it made me suspicious when he said he would review only products he likes…then talks about EVERY new release, and when he say’s he buys 2 of everything because its SO good. Really? 2 of everything? and he always goes on and on about how beauty youtuber’s have a beauty room full of expired makeup. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, with fabulous brushes; but lately he seems inauthentic (and he may have a deal with cult beauty for reviews in exchange for products…which is fine, just disclose it!)
This wasn’t a color story I was overly interested in (the three grays just seemed too similar), but I keep hope for the brand as a whole and want them to be great (and eventually in a color story that I love). But between the underwhelming performance and what seems like an odd decision to include a black in every single palette, I don’t think that’s going to happen. Or if there ever is one, including a black in every single palette means I would never buy more than one of his. I rarely use just plain black and when I do use it it’s in such a small amount – one black eyeshadow is essentially a lifetime supply of black eyeshadow for me. I’d much rather black, white, and my favorite brow bone shade just be my three singles I bring myself and that palettes don’t waste my money trying to bring them to the party.
Yes!! I hate when they always include a black or something redundant (PMG with all the golds) with the excuse that it’s for the person who’s just buying one palette & its a one and done. I’m sorry but who buys just one? And for the person that does, I can assure you that “having the perfect matte black” is not a selling factor when they do buy that one palette.
Other than the warm peach shade, a cool gray color story is right up my alley but I have no interest in this. I have many dupes for these shades in much better formulas but to me, this feels like a lazy attempt at a cool toned palette. The grays are too similar, the black isn’t intense enough to pop and the peach only seems to work as an inner corner highlight. For the cost, this palette offers very little in terms of how much you can do with it and is a missed opportunity to do a truly great cool palette. Honestly, nothing in Wayne Goss’s makeup line has interested me so far other than the blush duos and I returned the 2 I bought because the highlights didn’t work on my skintone.
I saw a YouTuber post a glowing review of this, and you also managed to eke out a pretty look, but the swatches look very patchy and I hate the type of texture you’re describing.
The looks I’ve seen with the palette look nice!
I love this color story and was considering a purchase, but I cannot – D+?! I actually gasped. I would also like to show my support for Wayne who seems like a genuinely sincere guy, but this is just disappointing.
I like Wayne Goss quite a bit, but his eyeshadow releases leave me questioning “who asked for this?” I could be wrong but I don’t think the 40+ demographic that he keeps talking about is clamoring for sheer formulas, especially if they have a deeper skin tone, or multiple pans of black. Thanks for saving us money, Christine!
It’s interesting because Beautylish’s swatches (which are what get shown in the announcement videos by the brand and what customers see when purchasing!)… are… super opaque.
Wow, I checked out the swatches on Beautylish. I almost feel like they had to have been Photoshopped. Very disappointing.
They look almost painted on! Beautylish’s swatches tend to look this way whenever they seem to be the ones doing the swatches (sometimes they use the brand’s swatches, like with the recent Viseart release), and I have no idea how they got there!
Whoa…it was lower on my list due to cost and pan size even though I love cool tones, but bummer that it scored so low. Thank you for reviewing it so I can avoid spending a lot of money on it.
I like Wayne Goss so much so I almost take it personally, in a sense, that his products are performing so poorly. I expect so much more of him and it makes me sad for him and for everyone who would like to support him and his products.
I had really high hopes for the range, since the brushes were good and makeup took awhile to release, so presumably a lot of work and time went into it!
That is so, so bad -how a makeup artist like WG can put his name to this is beyond me.
Thanks for such a honest review!
<3
Wow – I was thinking this might be my first Wayne Goss makeup purchase but now I’m thinking not. I love cool tones but the swatches do look weak. I’m confused over the significant disparity between your review and the many Youtube influencers reviews I have watched. I’m also not sold on Wayne’s “large sized pan” model for his palettes. I would rather pay less for less product.
I definitely feel like the odd one out!
Wayne seems a lovely human but he should have pulled the plug on this one…seriously disappointed this got past quality control and into production. And to all the youtubers plugging their P.R. palettes – shame, shame 🙁
It’s important to be skeptical and always listen for what someone says (or doesn’t say) and how they’re saying it compared to other kinds of reviews, but that being said… I know I’ve been the odd person out before – finding issues with products that others have not OR have really found a product to perform well and some haven’t had similar success! – so sometimes it can just come down to different experiences and products working better/worse. It may also be a result of reviews that are more subjective on purpose, so they may not be rating down for issues with pigmentation or they may test over primer (or may not consider wear time).
Bummer! I kind of had a suspicion from seeing the swatch of the peach shade that this wasn’t going to be a winner, but it’s a pretty palette and it’s a shame that it’s this underperforming. Though I do wonder about the two grey matte shades being so similar in such a small (relatively, haha!) palette.
Thank you for keeping that $55 in my pocket, Christine! I trust your objectivity when it comes to these fan-favorite brands. Goes to show you how deceiving video reviews can actually be; those girls must prime their eyelids with Elmer’s glue! Lol
My pleasure, Lydia! Not sure if I will keep reviewing the line – this was even worse than the first one!
WOW, Christine!! I was so surprised to read your review on this palette. I respect Wayne Goss so much, and it seems like his eye shadow palettes haven’t really hit the mark. The eye look you created is beautiful, but I would have expected these to blend like a dream!. The color story, although very unique, is not really my “go-to,” per se. Thank you for the review, nonetheless 🙂
I didn’t expect such a dud since the first palette was still a B-rating, so not amazing but not poor!
Can’t say I’m surprised based on the swatches. It’s too bad since some of these colors would be lovely.
I see Beautylish swatches and am dying to know how they achieved them, LOL!
Meee-ouch!! I didn’t buy his last palette either, thanks to you! What a letdown and the liners too? Yikes!
Ooooooof. I know you do your best to be impartial, and I know if it were me I’d find this a tough review to write, but I appreciate your honesty. I admire Wayne Goss so much. Having said that, I ended up returning his lipsticks to Beautylish because I was so disappointed, and I *wanted* to love them, truly. Took a pass on his first palette but thought this looked more me with the cool tones, and I guess I’ll be passing on this as well.
Oh no! I still have not tried the lipsticks (but I do have them) – I felt like I was seeing some mixed reviews on those (and perhaps, more so the glosses).
I bought one each of the lip liner, gloss and lipstick when they first came out. (Certain colors sold out really fast!) I never bought more as planned, but I did like the lipstick quite a bit.
That’s good to hear!
I have two glosses and I like them! But they’re not spectacular and are surprisingly metallic, IMO. I don’t know if the over-40 lady for whom his line is ostensibly designed would want metallic glosses, but what do I know. The two lip liners I have are also, just ok. I rushed to purchase when they first launched and was not exactly let down, but not exactly enthralled either. I would like to see your reviews if only so I can add your nice pictures to my online vanity, haha!
Thanks, Lydia!
I bought three and they were almost the same odd orange-brown shade on me, which looked wildly different from swatches I’d seen, that was the main problem. the shade was SO weird I almost felt like, is this some mistake? Okay, maybe just not my shade/undertone. But they didn’t last and I hated the way they smelled. I guess I could have “made” them work with a cooler toned liner or gloss but felt like, at this price, why should I? I should love them, and I didn’t.
Bummer!! 🙁 I agree, at the price, you should love them, though!
I purchased 3 lipsticks (the darker shades), two lip glosses, and two lip pencils when they launched. I really enjoy them. The stars to me are the glosses, and I hate lip gloss but wanted to try the formula. The Carnation shade lipstick and Antique Rose lip gloss are my favourites of the ones I purchased. I’m planning on picking up two more lip glosses when they restock plus one for a gift.
Thanks for the info, Tracey!
The glosses were awful on me. I’m 49 and rushed to purchase given his line is geared towards the more mature lady but they collected in the corners of my mouth, ugh and eeew, bloody horrible. Now the Lisa Eldridge lipglosses are amazing.
Oh no! 🙁
Oh, dear! What was he thinking? First the awful pencils and then this. I think you did a good job using the palette. I like the look you did and I admire the patience you have.
Wow, this is so surprising. The eyeshadow palette he collaborated on years ago with Paula’s Choice is one of my all time favorite palettes and I didn’t even know who he was back then. It is very neutral but the formula is amazing. I imagine the formula is proprietary to PC, but even so, I would have thought he would have had access to a good cosmetic chemist/formulator for a better formula for his own products.
Luxury-tiered products should not so easily be outstripped by cheaper indie brands. From the swatches I didn’t have high expectations, to be honest. I’m indifferent to most YouTubers and am unsurprised by their reviews of this but it makes me especially glad you are so dedicated to thorough swatching and reviews! Thanks Christine 🙂
This is so very sad. I loved your application and the colors in the pan but what a disappointing review. Wayne Goss seems like such a nice person that I would have wished him better success.
What a shame! His brushes are some of my all-time favorites, so I really had high hopes for this pretty collection. The colors would really be awesome for me. Thank you for your honest review.
👀……. 😔
Your look is still stunning though…
I’m in awe of your eyeshadow skills, no matter the palette or rating, your looks always turn out stunning!
Honestly, the concept behind Wayne’s line has never appealed me. Different visions of makeup I think, moreover he is more ‘classical’ and has a totally different target of customer than me; so I’ve never been really interested in anything he released. Nevertheless, it is the same quite disappointing to see that the quality isn’t there neither
WOW … what a shame. TBH I expected more from him in regards to his cosmetics line. I LOVE his brushes and I assumed (wrongly, it seems) that his cosmetics would blow me away as well. Particularly the eye products. I hope the next launch goes better.
An additional note I’d be interested in your comments on, Christine — I read someone saying, well, he’s a professional makeup artist, these are (paraphrasing) this professional quality, that’s why the pencils are firmer, the eyeshadow is tricky, etc. To which I say 1) bs and 2) okay but THESE PRODUCTS are clearly not aimed at “pro” makeup artists, these are regular people who want a pencil they can use without poking an eye out. Also I assumed a “pro” makeup artist’s kit would have heavier products? To stay put at weddings, look good in photos, etc? What defines professional makeup products, anyway?
From what I understand, there isn’t necessarily defined lines of what is/isn’t for pros – lots of pros use plenty of consumer-driven brands – so real pro lines, say something like Kryolan, may be heavier, more pigmented, or durable/mixable. Like wedding makeup is totally different from runway makeup from theatrical makeup, so just as the needs of pros differ, so do all of the various formulas that people reach for.
I think Lisa Eldridge’s peeks into what she’s using have been helpful because she seems like she’s still (or at least, maybe until recently) a working makeup artist and does have both more editorial and more glam looks!
Here’s the thing, he’s known as a pro makeup artist but I don’t get it or see it. I mean can anyone direct me to a tutorial he’s done that’s actually any good. He’s no pro imo, he got lucky
It looks so good on you!
Thank you so much for this unbiased, non affiliated review of this palette. I only hope people jump on here before purchasing this.
I can’t se how this rated this poorly! You make it look so good on your eyes and the swatches aren’t that bad, look like a B- to me if I only went by the pictures. Wow, I really wanted to purchase this, but C+ at that price, no way.
And I meant B- at it’s worst. But patchy, no can do.
Thank you for being honest as always. The YouTube beauty community is sickening me because they are clearly lying about this palette. I know his serious it is to call someone a liar and I don’t take it lightly. It makes me really mad that they are all, at the very least quite likely lying and equally happy that you were willing to say that the emperor has to clothes. The palette is as bad as it looks like it is.
It’s more that they are just not saying anything negative. And the reason why not is that they receive so much merchandise for free, and they frankly like and want to keep Wayne’s attention. But Wayne is partly at fault here for providing the product and asking for “footage.” It was a way of controlling the narrative from these influencers who then are in a position where they can’t say anything bad. I can’t blame anyone for wanting free products and attention from brands, but it takes a lot of guts not to sell your reviewer soul out and lose credibility.
Yes I agree 1000 percent you said hat I meant to say,
Yikes, Wayne, wtf are you doing?! Bad color story? Bad formula? Is this one of the makeup revolution brands in disguise?
I have always trusted TEMPTALIA to give honest reviews on the performance of makeup. It’s saved me money and disappointment in the past. I will not be buying this palette. The colour story is too grey (I love a cool toned shadow more than a warm toned shadow) but for $5 more you can buy Natasha Denona’s Glam Palette or for $21 less you can buy Colourpop’s Stone Cold Fox palette – both of which have many more shadows to choose from and represent better quality and value for money!
The stink this review has caused has been phenomenal! There seems to be a cult following for Wayne Goss which is lovely, but doesn’t mean that you can produce inferior products Wayne and that those who are honest about it, get beaten up by the cult who follow you!
I will continue to subscribe to Wayne’s Channel, but won’t be buying this palette or the eyeliners!
I didn’t even think about how it’s not much less than one of Natasha Denona’s smaller 15-pan palettes!
Ooh, great point on the other similar palettes and their value as it relates to this WG one!!! It’s disappointing to see people feel the need to talk up the palette just because they are a part of the promotion of it. Not every palette can be an amazing A+ creation and that’s ok.