Pat McGrath Midnight Sun Mothership Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Midnight Sun
Pat McGrath Midnight Sun Mothership Eyeshadow Palette ($125.00 for 0.47 oz.) is new, permanent palette that features 10 shades across a myriad of finishes. There are three matte finishes, while the rest of the shades are shimmers with four (on the right side) being the more sparkly, dome-shaped variety. The mattes were very pigmented, silky, and blendable, while most of the shimmers were pigmented, blendable, and easy to work with. I did have a bit of fallout with some of the more sparkly shades, and one of the sparkling shades was sheerer unless used with a wet brush.
Ingredients
Looks Using this Product
Midnight Sun
PPermanent. $128.00.
Skinshow Moon Glow
Skinshow Moon Glow is a light, peachy beige with warm undertones and a bright, pearly sheen. It had very fine shimmer throughout, but it was quite brightening when applied. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer, which applied evenly and blended out beautifully. This shade stayed on nicely for 10 hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior House of Dreams #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Luna (P, $8.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Sephora Satin Corset (281) (P, $9.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Sephora Feather (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Soie (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Champagne Toast (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Meteoric #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Crystal Spark (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Vendome #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
Skinshow Moon Glow
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Bronze Eclipse
Bronze Eclipse is a golden bronze with warm undertones and a bright, metallic finish. It was intensely pigmented where a little went a very long way. The texture was smooth to the touch, creamy without being heavy, and it “melted” when applied to my skin for a very flattering, shiny finish that was smoothing as well. It wore well for 10 hours before creasing very faintly on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- JD Glow Deep Bronze (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peanut Butter Cup (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Copper #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Brav-O (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Tequila Nite (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Tiki (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Woodwinked (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME644 Iced Brown (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Anastasia A4 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Save It For Later (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zinc Stearate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Talc, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Isododecane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
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.
Looks Using this Product
Bronze Eclipse
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Vermillion Venom
Vermillion Venom is a rich, reddish burgundy with warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had rich pigmentation in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out nicely along the edges. The consistency felt velvety, slightly denser and more substantial, and there was a bit of fallout if I wasn’t careful to tap off excess prior to applying. There were signs of fading after 10 hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Wet 'n' Wild My Glamour Squad #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Maintenance (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Realness (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia C5 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Red Bottoms (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Tunnel (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Dusk (LE, $6.99) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia E5 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Clove (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Oud (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
Vermillion Venom
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Blood Moon 005
Blood Moon 005 is a rich, medium-dark copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had good pigmentation applied dry but applied more smoothly and had fully opaque coverage when applied with a dampened brush or a fingertip. The texture felt drier, more sparkly to the touch, though it applied smoothly when I pressed and gently patted it into place. There was light fallout when I worked with it dry, but I didn’t have issues with continuous fallout during the 10 hours it lasted for.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Tea Time (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Puppuccino (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Fiery (Minx #5) (P, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Mimolette (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Copperazzi (86) (P, $26.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Lightning Bug (PiP, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Tarte Citrine (LE, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Campfire Girl (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Cointreau (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Gamma (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
Blood Moon 005
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Jubilee
Jubilee is a light-medium gold with muted, warm yellow undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had opaque color coverage applied dry as well as wet, though the dampened application yielded a slightly smoother finish and didn’t have any fallout (dry application had light fallout if I wasn’t careful). The texture felt smooth to the touch, wasn’t powdery nor too firmly pressed in the pan, and the edges blended out well. It stayed on nicely for 10 hours before creasing noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Spoiled (PiP, $6.99) is lighter (95% similar).
- Kaja Buttered Rum (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The One (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Incandescent Gold 003 (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, more muted, cooler (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Refined Gold 002 (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Moira Sending Me (P, $8.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Quintessence #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Miga de Pan (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Dior Celebrate in Gold #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Guerlain Golden Stars #2 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
Jubilee
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Xtreme Dusk
Xtreme Dusk is a deep taupe with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had rich pigmentation when applied to my lid and crease in a single layer, while the texture was soft, silky, and blendable without being too firmly nor too softly pressed in the pan. This shade lasted well for nine and a half hours before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC First Class (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- Buxom Unapologetic (P, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Chanel Blurry Grey #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Espresso (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Jouer Ash Brown (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Gagging for Gifts (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sad Girl (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Charcoal Sketch (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Everywhere (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Ptfe, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Polyethylene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Looks Using this Product
Xtreme Dusk
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Taboo
Taboo is a light-medium brown with warmer, slightly yellower undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was nearly opaque in a single layer, and it was buildable to full coverage with less than half of a layer on top. The texture was silky, smooth, and substantial without being too heavy or too powdery, so it blended out easily but retained its intensity and coverage. It lasted well for nine and a half hours on me before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Fur Baby (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Daddi-O (P, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Bucked (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Hollow (P, $6.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Luna (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Oak (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Mocha (Mega Pro 4) (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Preppy (DC, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Cream Puff (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Polyethylene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alumina, Glycerin, Silica, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
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.
Looks Using this Product
Taboo
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Wicked Envy
Wicked Envy is a muted, medium-dark olive green with subtle, warmer undertones and a pearly sheen with faint sparkle throughout. The texture felt more cream-like with a thicker, denser consistency that took a heavier hand or a flat, synthetic brush to pick up well. It applied better with a fingertip, as the warmth of my fingertip did a better job dispersing the product on my lid than a dry brush, but it was workable with a dry brush and more improved with a wet brush. It had opaque pigmentation that stayed on well for 10 hours before creasing a touch on me, and I didn’t notice any fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Emerald #8 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Byredo Strap (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Take Two (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Velours Khaki #3 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Auric Entice (Cream) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Trinidad (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Gold Earth (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Rule Breaker (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Hourglass Color Field #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Immaculate (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
Wicked Envy
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Blitz Violet Orchid
Blitz Violet Orchid is a light-medium purple with cooler undertones and flecks of blue and violet iridescent sparkle and micro-shimmer. Per the brand, it can be used with a dampened brush for greater intensity, which was accurate; it had mostly opaque coverage applied dry, but it was much brighter, richer, and had more of a metallic finish and full opacity when applied with a wet brush. The consistency was smooth, almost cream-like; it felt more emollient and almost squishy compared to most of the brand’s more dome-shaped formulas. The color applied well to bare skin and stayed on nicely for 10 hours before creasing faintly on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Interstellar (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Kaleidos Flowing Haze (Radiate) (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Stilazzi Genesis (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Alien Babe (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Hypnotique (LE, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Too Faced Villain (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Blueberry Fizz (PiP, ) is lighter, more muted, cooler (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Blue Dahlia (181DC) (LE, $29.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Cross Faded (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Iris (P, $27.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
Blitz Violet Orchid
PiPPermanent in Palette. $25.00.
Astral Solstice
Astral Solstice is a bright, golden beige that was primarily made up of shimmer and sparkle rather than a base color, as it was more transparent when applied dry. When applied with a dampened brush, it had opaque color payoff and more metallic finish. This shade is recommended to be applied with fingertips, and when done so, it had more medium coverage that added a lot of sparkle and faint shine.
There was light fallout when applied with a dry brush, none with a wet brush, and minimal with a fingertip (dry). The texture felt surprisingly smooth despite how much sparkle and shimmer was in it, and it sat well on my skin with good adhesion through the nine hours it lasted for–there was only a touch of fallout over time. The swatch of this shade, as shown by the brand, was opaque, and while pigmentation was definitely more semi-sheer to medium coverage with fingertip (as recommended), it wasn’t opaque either and only built up to full coverage applied wet. Past shades in the Astral family have had stronger base color (or more “pigment” from sparkles/shimmers) initially and were buildable.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Getaway (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors New in Town (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Lumiere et Opulence #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Balloon Pop (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Opal (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Moira Literally (P, $7.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Iced Latte (P, $7.99) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Cold Copper (9) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- PIXI Beauty Metal Mauve (PiP, $20.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Sunstone (LE, $38.00) is cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
c+ on a PM shade. Wow! I think that might be a first from you? This is the first PM palette that I’m not crazy about. I think the only shade I really love is Harvest Moon and it looks like I have some dupes. Thanks for the speedy review.
It was the coverage that lost the most points, and normally, the brand does a good job of what to expect for these types of shades, but I feel like that wasn’t the case here. Normally, the palettes have a “Palette Shade Application” section (see Bronze Seduction) that gives a better idea of how they’re supposed to be used (e.g. with fingertips or wet). This time around, that list of information is missing for the Midnight Sun palette. There’s suggestion that it might be sheer (because it says to pat over desired shade with fingertip, e.g. as a topper/layering product), but then their promotional swatches show it fully opaque. I don’t think there’s been another one of the domed shades that has been quite this sheer dry, though.
The press release doesn’t really indicate it being particularly or unusually sheer/less pigmented (“opulent payoff” and “pure colour reflection” and “purest colour effects” – reads like a lot of PMG press, usually somewhat confusing):
These hybrid formulations [editor’s note: refers to all of the domed shades] 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.
ASTRAL LIGHT / 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. ASTRAL LIGHTS SHADE: āASTRAL SOLSTICEā
I’m surprised by the C+, tbh. Astral Solstice wouldn’t really work as opaque shade. It’s meant as a topper and to be applied with fingers. The instructions may be missing from the site, but this has been the case with pretty much all Astral shades.
As example from Mothership V: “Astral Luna Gold ā Pat over desired shade with the fingertip for colour morphing sultry shine.” The Astrals all share the same formula, and coverage shown on the site is the same I’d get at home by layering 2-3 swatches. It doesn’t look opaque to me on there either, it just looks like a sparkly topper applied over sticky primer, much like Astral Luna Gold does in their promotional swatch video.
That’s a valid point. None of the previous astrals were advertised properly either, yet somehow this is the one got penalized. And among the astrals I think this one is the best.
For the record, past Astral ___ shades have been rated as follows, so I’m not sure what you mean by “not penalized”; the only one that was mostly opaque with fingertip application (as described) was last year’s Astral Luna Gold (A-). Astral Ghost Orchid = B and Astral White – B. Astral Solstice had more fallout during application than Astral Luna Gold, and it was one of the sheerer of the four shades released to-date, which is why it was rated lower than the previous three shades. However, three instances of the Astrals (Astral Ghost Orchid is in two palettes) were Bs, so by no means was Astral Solstice singled out – I think that’s an unfair assessment.
I’m happy that you’re enjoying the shade yourself, and I’m happy to have your insight into how you use it for others to learn from.
These are 1 finger swatches of all 4 astral shades: https://i.imgur.com/dOkGaJJ.jpg
Top to bottom: Astral White, Astral Solstice, Astral Ghost Orchid, Astral Luna Gold.
Astral Luna Gold IS slightly more opaque than Astral Solstice, but the other two are definitely more sheer. It’s absolutely at least on par with Astral White. Astral Ghost Orchid is the weakest out of them all by far.
Hi Mandy,
I have all of them, so I am going off of my personal experience since that’s what I know and can verify on my end (consistent with how I test other products) – if I was relying on other people’s swatches or experiences, it wouldn’t be my review, you know? It’s great that yours is performing well for you and sharing how yours is performing is useful for other readers!
I believe a reader if they say they have a better or worse or different experience than I do – you don’t have to prove it to me! ? This is why I just ask everyone to respect our individual experiences – you can share your experience without negating someone else’s.
I’m very excited for mine to get here! I think this will be like the Sublime for me as far as an everyday go-to.
Hope you enjoy it, Pearl! Keep us posted.
Thanks, Christine! I trust your reviews above any other. I ordered mine during the 10% off sale Friday. Hopefully it’ll ship soon and we won’t have another disaster like we did with the foundation.
I feel both that this palette, compared with her other Mothership palettes, is both more wearable and somehow more unjustifiably expensive for these ten shades. Maybe she’ll do a Mthrshp 6-pan palette down the road too.
Xtreme Dusk is such a nice, deep cool toned brown. I will likely get this but since it is permanent I think I will hold off. I just picked up the mini Subversive palette so I will play with that for awhile.
This is a very “safe” palette compared to Mothership V or Subversive. It is sooo tempting for me until I realized that I have dupes for every single shade. Since it’s always been Subversive in the back of my mind to get next, that’s most likely what I will be getting in November (Rouge sale). Not 100% decided against this one, but Subversive is more “me”.
For what its worth, I bought mine on PML with the 10% off code. With free shipping and no tax. It quite literally cam out being the exact price difference if I were Sephora Rouge. Any yes, Ithink it’s a combo of Mothership V and ND Biba. But, I am still looking for ward to it.
I would just like to point out that I called it as an A-. Thank you, thank you very much. I’ll let myself out now…
AND that astral solstice would pull that rating down. Christine’s swatches are legend.
I like Wicked Envy and that’s about it.
Same here!
Blood Moon looks good too but I already have a few dupes of it.
Like all of PMG’s eyeshadow palettes, it is a beautiful mix of stunning shades and finishes. But for me, at least half of the shades I wouldn’t use at all. I do wonder why the brand has included to put in the shade Astral Solstice with the finish it has, being tricky and difficult to use.
Beautiful eye looks Christine and thank you for the review.
Astral Solstice is incredibly easy and simple to use. It is a topper shade. Unfortunately, the marketing info didn’t state that outright. But this is truly one of the best (if not THE best) toppers I’ve ever used. It’s been sitting on top of another shade on my lids the past 12 hours. I simply touched it with my finger this morning and tapped my eyelid and bam – an incredible eyelid highlight.
The only shade I like is the purple…hee. But thank you for the review! It makes me want to pull out my palette from last year to play with…I’m blanking on the name but it has the pretty grey in it and is a six pan PM.
Love these colors and the looks you created. The gold on the center lid in the plum/purple eye was amazing. Loved the gold and bronze eye too.
This is the first of all of Pats palettes I’ve not been feeling the absolute need to get feeling. I have dupes for quite a lot of the shades and the only one I really, really want is Blitz Violet Orchid, I do love the purples.
It’s a palette that will work well for a lot of people, it’ll probably be very popular. For me it’s a pass, quite an easy one. There must be something very special for me to first pay the cost for the palette itself, then the tax, though the company collects it so there’s no extra fee from the local post service, and then the rather costly postage. This palette isn’t special enough.
That said, I want it, but I have finally managed to get my wants under some kind of control. Yay me and my wallet! š
I kind of hate that this scored so well because I love it and I’m tempted by it. But at least it’s permanent so I don’t have to get it immediately.
Only Blue Orchid is appealing to me and since I wasn’t “wowed” by the only palette I purchased from Pat McGrath (Subliminal, though I do very much like it), I know this is a pass for me. ND’s latest is looking like my holiday palette this year (unless someone just knocks our socks off with some great winter color scheme, for which I’m STILL waiting. š )
Hi Christine,
Iāve had a chance to play with this palette and astral solstice is quite obviously a topper – not meant to add color but rather a shine. It is absolutely spectacular as a topper and may be the best one Iāve ever tried – best even among her other toppers. Iām sure if you reached out to the brand they would tell you this. Itās very undeserving of a C+. Itās nowhere in the same league as any other C+ shadows youāve rated. I say this as someone who has collected and worn single PMG, ND, and Suqqu shadow. I agree with you on 99% of your ratings so this is quite an odd disparity.
You should see how this just glorified my mobile lid and added an indescribably shine to my browbone. Itās absolutely stunning and undeserving of a C+. I would understand a B+ (though I personally think itās a solid A as a topper) and ask you to reconsider.
Hi Valerie,
I looked through the press release and the product descriptions and information provided by the brand on the website (where customers would find the information that might help them determine a purchase). Please look at the promotional swatches they are using to sell the product – it is opaque along with the rest of them; if I was a customer and visited their site, I just don’t know how you’d come away thinking “that’ll be sheer even though it’s opaque here!” Their description for the palette starts with “ten richly pigmented shades” and does not provide any detail about Astral Solstice being a deviation other than providing the instruction to apply with a fingertip. Jubilee is also similarly described as Astral Solstice (both “glittering” and can be used with fingertips) but Jubilee is much more pigmented!
The most I can do is use the press release to get greater clarity and provide a source for nuances to claims, but the claims they make at the point of purchase are the ones are of a higher priority. The brand shouldn’t have to tell me specifically — they should be telling all of the customers that they are selling the product to.
Here is what the press release stated about the Blitz Astral shades (emphasis added by me):
Hi Christine,
Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful explanation. You’re right – I looked at the promo material and it’s sadly misleading. It does look pigmented on the swatches on her site. As for the verbiage, I don’t find any of it misleading to the same extent as the swatches except the statement, “colour effects” which is ambiguous. It’s definitely an “effect” but “colour” could be read as containing pigment when it clearly doesn’t.
And you’re right that it’s not on you to reach out to them but on them to give the consumer the best information and they clearly didn’t. Had they given proper information, this would have been a very solid “A” palette, possibly the best behind Decadence, of course (I’m not a fan of V – must’ve gotten a bad batch because two of the shadows were dry, crumbly, and impossible to use).
I just also want to comment that the quality on these shadows is phenomenal. The mattes are buttery, it’s a crazy good formula, you can wear it 10+ hours, and this is extremely wearable as a standalone palette or a supplement to other palettes. It’s on my vanity as a multifunctional palette (the other 11 main 10- and 6-pans are stashed away). Also, the violet is … different. Beautiful. My favorite PMG purple and I have them all. Applied dry, it looks like a satin finish but really isn’t. I haven’t tried it wet for its metallic potential. Mothership VI is a spectacular neutral palette that would suit virtually all skin tones and all eye colors and I can see myself hitting pan on 7-8 of the shadows within a year if I didn’t have any other palettes. Ironically, the first PMG shadow I’ll probably hit pan on is Christine’s lowest-scoring PMG shade – Astral Solstice. Provided it doesn’t dry out.
Having said all that, if I were just starting out with a makeup collection, on a budget, or looking to buy PMG for the first time, I’d get both 5-pans on the 20% Sephora sale and end up with 10 PMG shadows for under $50, some of which aren’t even available elsewhere anymore. It’s the best deal.
That’s odd, I had the same initial experience with two eyeshadows from the Mothership V. Xtreme Aubergine was very dry & patchy. Gilty Pleasure was crumbly and it wouldn’t show up on the lid. I did every method of application I could think of to make them work but they were unusable even with primer. I was so confused because tons of people in the beauty community raved about that specific palette along with the other Mothership palettes. I couldn’t find any account of a similar experience. Every shade works fine now that I’ve swatched them *tons* of times but that was a recent improvement. Ironically, it’s my new favorite palette and I like the shades that I struggled with now. Maybe we both bought from the same bad batch.
Hi Cecilia,
It was bronze blaze and gilty pleasure. Crumbly, unusable. I wrote to customer service about it and havenāt heard back yet. I was quite disappointed since no one else seemed to have that issue and those were the shades I wanted to use the most.
How did you get Gilty Pleasure to work?
Thatās so disappointing, I wouldnāt expect that from PMG. I swirled Gilty Pleasure with my finger a couple times whenever I swatched it. I did that often because I kept thinking the shade might soften eventually. It seemed to do the trick! I think that the ABH glitter primer might help for Bronze Blaze because it works for a crumbly eyeshadow that I have from a different brand.
Thanks for the tip on the ABH primer, Iāll pick it up at the VIB sale. Gilty pleasure- thats a neat idea, Iāll try. Thank you!
This palette is gorgeous!!!! I would wear every single one of those shades ?
Iām glad it is permanent so I have a some time to save up!
Initially I wasn’t excited for this one much, I’m more immediately drawn to more colourful schemes. Buuuuut. I kept looking back at it and this colour scheme is really growing on me, especially since I’ve been really into warm neutrals with a twist lately. ND Sunrise made me appreciate warm tones with a pop of purple, and that Vermillion Venom shade looks divine. I’ll need a lot of willpower to skip it during the Holiday sale.
I was just gifted this for Christmas and I’m excited to play…Thank you for your review and swatches…Im not quite ready to mess mine up yet lol
Enjoy your new palette!