Last year was all about discovery, and finding new brands to love and lust after. I stumbled across brands like Violet Voss, Colored Raine, Juvia’s Place, and of course Natasha Denona. Her products sparked the interest of millions, when Jaclyn Hill raved about her beautiful (and oh so expensive) eyeshadow palettes. Her larger palettes will run you nearly $250, but thankfully she also offers smaller palettes for a much more reasonable price.
Her five pan palettes retail for $48 (0.44 oz), and come in 13 different varieties. From bright greens, to burnt coppers, these palettes offer something for everyone – even us nude lovers. The one I chose, is the No. 2 palette. It’s got 4 shimmer shades, and a gorgeous matte.
The shimmer shades are exceptionally pretty in the pan, and even prettier to swatch. All it takes is one dip into the product, to create a fully opaque metallic swatch that will make your eyes melt. Unfortunately, that metallic goodness doesn’t translate very well to the lids. I’ve paired them primers, and cream shadows, and each time the shades fall flat. They fade throughout the day, blend away easily, and they don’t pop like I want them to.
On the other hand, the matte shade is stunnninnggg. It’s one of the best matte’s I’ve ever used. It works perfect in the crease, all over the lid, on the lower lash line. You name it. It’s not dusty, chalky, or dry. It’s creamy, and blends effortlessly. No matter what shadows I’m using for the lids or crease, I reach for this matte for my transition. Natasha seriously needs to release an all matte palette!
SHELL FOR TRANSITION & MAROON IN OUTER CORNER
As you can see, this look is pretty, but it’s not as intense as swatches make the shades out to be. My outer corner is darkened, but it’s not very dramatic.
Back to the shimmers, if you do find yourself splurging for one of these palettes, there are a few ways you can help them work better. For one, don’t try to use anything other than a synthetic flat shader brush. Fluffy brushes and natural hair brushes won’t produce any color payoff (actually your best bet is your fingers). Second, you’ll want to wet your brush with setting spray or MAC Fix +, this will help intensify the shades and produce a more foiled look.
Overall, I’m still on the fence about this palette. The way these swatch had my heart racing, but they just aren’t anything special once on the lids. I can’t speak for all her shadows, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to try her Star Palette, but for now I’m still trying to find a way to make this one work. If you’ve got tips, let me know!
What do you think of Natasha Denona’s five pan palettes? Are you surprised by my review? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Wow, these swatch so beautifully, but the look that you created is out of this world #GORGEOUS!
Thanks! I wish it was a bit more wow on the lids. If only they applied like they swatch!
Oh, what a disappointment! The swatches are gorgeous and from your photos, the colors do look great to me on your eye. But I don’t think you should have to work that hard to get a good look, plus not everyone (I’m thinking me) has the skill set to figure out how to make the shimmer shades work. Heck at that price, I think I’d prefer one of the small Viseart palettes. (On a different topic, I hope you had a good appt today)
Aw, thanks so much Allison! My appt was moved to Friday since my labs hadn’t come back. I’ll keep everyone updated once I know 🙂
Sorry you have to wait. Thinking positive thoughts 💐🌞🌈🍒
Thank you! <3
That seriously breaks my heart because I so want to splurge on one so badly! There is so much hype behind this brand, but I still haven’t pulled the trigger yet!
I’m starting to think it’s me, so many have commented saying they love these palettes. Idk they just don’t wow me on the lids 🙁
Good thing I didn’t buy this palette. I’d stick w/ Viseart!!!
I much prefer my Viseart!
Aww, what a bummer. The shadows do look great on you though.
Thanks! I’m definitely bummed.
I’ve ben tempted to et one of her small palettes but, after hearing some mixed reviews, I’m not sure they’re worth he money. I want my eyeshadows to work very well on the eyes not only when swatched on the hand.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the palette! x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Exactly! I’d rather one swatch patchy, and perform amazingly well on the eyes, than vice versa. I recently picked up a Dose of Colors and a Colored Raine palette, so I’m hoping those do better than this did!
That’s always such a bummer when the shadows don’t look as amazing on the lids as it did on your arm. The eye look is still really pretty, but I understand why you aren’t as impressed. Especially for the price!
The prices are definitely very inflated. I’m just happy I bought a small one, and not the $170 one! Yikes!
I have a five pan in #8 and I really like it. I tend to wear softer, more blended out eye looks, day to day so the shadows work for me without my having to put too much effort into them but they are easy to build up if I want a more intense look. I don’t think I’ll be investing in any of the big palettes but I would buy another five pan or two. during sale periods. 😀
So many people say they like them too, Idk why this one just underwhelmed me. I might give it another try…just to see lol
Or it may just not be your thing. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all need to use what best works for each of us and gives us the results we want. 🙂
That is a gorgeous palette. I’m absolutely loving the eye look you created, but I’m glad that I read this and now I am not so tempted to pick up this palette. I’ve onlyheard raves about it so it’s nice to read an unbiased review 😉
So many people love them, but when my eye look faded on me three times with different primers (and my lids are dry so I never have that issue), I was like nope not worth it!
I indulged in the Beautylish mystery bag and received a Natasha Denone 5 palette in it. 3 of the 5 are matte shades and now I’m more excited about trying it than I was before. Have you tried one of the glitter eyeshadow bases with this?
I have not, but that might be the trick. These fade on me badly, so a glitter glue might help bond it. The matte is exceptional though, you should love them!
As usual, you did a gorgeous job with application. I think the shade on the far right is the one that makes the palette interesting. Without it, the other shades seem kind of ordinary and similar to things I’ve seen in a zillion other palettes.
The colors are gorgeous on you! I have one palette from Natasha Denona but I don’t recall which one. Sad, but true.
Aw i love this palette! I need to try it again to see if it fades on me. I love the Rose Gold color but haven’t really paid attention at the end of the day to see if it is even still there haha!
Kate | katelovesmakeup.com