Pat McGrath Moonlit Seduction Mothership Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Moonlit Seduction
Pat McGrath Moonlit Seduction Mothership Eyeshadow Palette ($128.00 for 0.68 oz.) is the newest Mothership and includes three matte shades and seven shimmer shades (which ranged from metallic to intensely shiny and sparkly). In the past, the last two shades in each row have been domed and deemed “special” shades, and while the shades in these positions in this palette are named like past “special” shades, they are not domed.
I found that they were similar in look applied but the texture was more loosely-pressed, almost dry at times, and as a result, sheerer and more prone to fallout. I’ve been able to use these special shades without a tacky base as well as patted on with brushes, but I found both the Astral shades in this palette to really require an adhesive base to work well. The base seemed to have less glide and inherent smoothness when applied onto my lid, though the four “special” shades had a higher-level of shine than past “special” shades.
The matte and more metallic shades were consistent with the brand’s formula: pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing!
Ingredients
Skintense Glow
Skintense Glow is a very light gold with moderate, warm yellow undertones and fine pink contrasting pearl that gave it a metallic sheen.
- Opaque coverage
- Slightly soft feel but smooth, easy to pick up
- Blendable, applied evenly
- Long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
Rosewood Romantique
Rosewood Romantique is a muted, medium plummy brown with warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque coverage
- Smooth, velvety, not powdery
- Applied and blended out well
- Very long-wearing (9.5 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
Platinum Dusk
Platinum Dusk is a darker pewter with hints of muted olive undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish that yielded a lot of shine but was smooth (smoother in practice than the swatch might imply).
- Opaque coverage
- Smooth, lightly emollient, more loosely-pressed
- Blendable, applied evenly
- Very long-wearing (9.5 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
VR Sextasy
VR Sextasy is a rich, reddish-brown base with blue-to-purple shifting sparkle and pearl. What set it apart from others like it (this type of duochrome is very, very done) was it had an incredible about of shine and reflectivity.
- Nearly opaque coverage, though base seemed slightly translucent
- Overly soft, fairly smooth, use with lighter hand
- Light fallout, best applied with fingertip initially
- Long-wearing (9 hours with light fallout)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
Astral Gold Lust
Astral Gold Lust has a transparent base chocked full of flecks of sparkle that ranged from darker copper to lighter peachy-gold to the point where it had a bit of a shift, as it went darker and more orange-copper to light, golden peach. The finish was particularly shiny–arguably shinier than past Astrals and still quite sparkly, but noticeably more fallout and a bit of “dryness” with less of a glide in the base. I’ve been able to use past Astral shades without having to use an adhesive spray or tacky base, but I felt like this palette’s Astrals require it.
- Semi-sheer to medium coverage, best applied over tacky base
- Soft, more prone to fallout, slightly dry
- Best applied with fingertip over tacky base for evenness
- Somewhat long-wearing but had some fallout over time (8 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
Xtreme Nocturne
Xtreme Nocturne is a deep taupe with a grayish overtone and a warmer, reddish-brown undertone paired with a matte finish.
- Opaque coverage
- Smooth, velvety, not powdery
- Applied and blended out well
- Very long-wearing (9.5 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
Bronze Devotion
Bronze Devotion is a rich, medium golden bronze with strong, warm undertones and an intense, metallic finish.
- Opaque coverage
- Smooth, lightly emollient, creamy to touch
- Blendable, applied evenly
- Very long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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 Cabaret
Plum Cabaret is a medium plum with subtle, warmer pink undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque coverage
- Smooth, velvety, not powdery
- Applied and blended out well
- Very long-wearing (9.5 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
Blitz Venus
Blitz Venus is a slightly muted, light rosy copper with warm undertones and a high-shine, metallic finish.
- Opaque coverage
- Slightly soft feel but smooth, easy to pick up
- Blendable, applied evenly
- Long-wearing (9 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
Astral Lilac Aura
Astral Lilac Aura has a translucent base and was full of medium-sized sparkle particles that were very lightly lavender and cooler-toned. It could have had a more emollient base, which would have helped it adhere better on its own, but it had a very wet-like shine that I haven’t seen achieved by most other formulas.
The coverage of Astrals has been typically less-pigmented but they have ranged from sheer (like this) to more medium coverage, but the brand typically doesn’t call out the sheerness–so this did score lower as a result but if you like sheerer sparkle shades, then you might love this.
- Semi-sheer coverage, best applied over tacky base
- Soft, more prone to fallout, slightly dry
- Best applied with fingertip over tacky base for evenness
- Somewhat long-wearing but had some fallout over time (8 hours)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.