Velvet Liaison
Pat McGrath Velvet Liaison MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette ($65.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition all-matte, neutral eyeshadow palette. I’ve always wanted to see the brand do an all-matte neutral palette, though I envisioned it was a larger Mothership as well as permanent–it’s just an odd launch (basics, which can be a solid release even if “boring” to some) for a limited edition collection, though. Five of the six mattes were exceptionally lovely to work with: finely-milled, smooth, and blendable with rich pigmentation, while one (the lightest) was a little more powdery than I’m used to from the brand but by no means really bad.
Worth noting, just by touch, initially, there felt like there was a slight firmness to the mattes that gave away immediately, so not at all a real issue, but it was not something I’ve normally experienced with the brand’s eyeshadows in the past.
Ingredients
Beige Bliss
Beige Bliss is a light-medium, yellowed peach with moderate, warm orange-leaning undertones paired with a matte finish. It was more powdery than most of the brand’s mattes.
- Semi-opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, finely-milled, moderate powderiness
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (8.5 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Fave Things (P, $6.00).
- NARS Windsor (DC, $25.00).
- NABLA Cosmetics Chamomile (PiP, $8.00).
- MAC Totally Obsessed (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Creme Brulee (LE, $4.50).
- LORAC Butterscotch (LE, $19.00).
- ColourPop No Worries (PiP, $4.50).
- MAC Best of Me (P, $20.00).
- Tarte S’more (PiP, ).
- Urban Decay Blur (Naked Reloaded) (PiP, $19.00).
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.
Enamoured
Enamoured is a medium brown with moderate, warm reddish-orange undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, finely-milled, very little powderiness
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Milani Spice It Up (PiP, $5.99).
- Too Faced Gingerbread Glam (LE, $16.00).
- ColourPop Fur (P, $4.50).
- ColourPop Cherub (LE, $4.50).
- Urban Decay 7 and 7 (LE, $19.00).
- NABLA Cosmetics Burnt Sienna (PiP, $8.00).
- Natasha Denona Terra (129CM) (2018) (PiP, ).
- NARS Noumea (P, $19.00).
- Lethal Cosmetics Catatonic (P, $6.00).
- NARS Dune (LE, $19.00).
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.
Plum Provocateur
Plum Provocateur is a darker mauve with warmer undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, finely-milled, slight powderiness
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Sephora Stone (PiP, ).
- Anastasia Bybel (LE, $12.00).
- Sephora Cloak (PiP, ).
- Huda Beauty Tease (PiP, ).
- NARS Hot Stuff (LE, $19.00).
- Viseart Fusion (PiP, ).
- Make Up For Ever M546 Dark Purple Taupe (DC, $21.00).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Otherwise (PiP, ).
- Anastasia Dusty Rose (P, $12.00).
- ColourPop So Fine (PiP, $4.50).
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.
Midnight Mink
Midnight Mink is a rich, deep brown with subtle, warm red undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, finely-milled, very little powderiness
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Dominique Cosmetics Coffee Beans (PiP, ).
- Chanel Contour Brun (34) (P, $34.00).
- NABLA Cosmetics Anyway (PiP, $8.00).
- Tarte Edgy (PiP, ).
- Pat McGrath Deep Shade (PiP, $25.00).
- Giorgio Armani Avant-Premiere #4 (PiP, ).
- Huda Beauty Tiger #3 (LE, ).
- LORAC Bark (LE, $19.00).
- ColourPop Cafecito (LE, $4.50).
- Wet ‘n’ Wild Not a Basic Peach #7 (PiP, ).
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.
Barely Veiled
Barely Veiled is a very light brown with muted, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, finely-milled, very little powderiness
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- MAC Making Mauvey Moves (LE, $17.00).
- ColourPop Vagabond (LE, $4.50).
- Laura Mercier Au Naturel (PiP, $29.00).
- Inglot J329 Taupe (LE, $10.00).
- Too Faced Fuzzy (PiP, $16.00).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #5 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Fairycore (LE, $4.50).
- Tom Ford Beauty Sous Le Sable #3 (PiP, ).
- Lethal Cosmetics Midway (P, $6.00).
- bareMinerals Come True (LE, ).
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.
Voluptuous Rose
Voluptuous Rose is a medium, reddish-plum with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, finely-milled, very little powderiness
- Applied evenly and was blendable
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Fly By Night (LE, $4.50).
- Chanel Noir Supreme #3 (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Bloomin’ (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Sip Sip (LE, $4.50).
- Sydney Grace Darcy (Light) (PiP, $5.25).
- Sydney Grace Lolli (LE, $5.25).
- Ciate Bijou (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Missy (LE, $4.50).
- Urban Decay Devilish (PiP, $19.00).
- ColourPop Mixer (LE, $4.50).
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.
