Have you ever stared at a Natasha Denona palette online, felt a small gasp at the price, and then convinced yourself that you could absolutely recreate that luminous mauve halo for a fraction of the cost using items from a drugstore stack I swear I’ll stop hoarding next month?
Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette Dupe
I have a confession: I own a palette I bought after convincing myself that paying luxury prices was an investment in my face’s future. The packaging looks like it will file my taxes and the shadows truly are buttery. Still, I am not made of money, and I like to have options. This article is my long-winded, honest, slightly neurotic guide to finding dupes for Natasha Denona eyeshadow palettes — how to think about close matches, how to recreate specific finishes, and how to get similarly polished results without an entire mortgage payment attached.
Why Natasha Denona palettes are so coveted
I can describe the appeal like this: Natasha Denona palettes often feel like couture for your eyelids. They marry very specific color stories with finishes that range from soft mattes to ultra-reflective glitters, and the formulas are frequently praised for pigmentation, blendability, and minimal fallout. Those qualities make them a sweet spot for pros and enthusiasts, and it’s also why I kept one under my bed like an illicit snack.
Why hunt for a dupe?
For me, the dupe hunt is partly practical and partly a sport. Practical because not everyone wants to spend high-end prices on every color story, and sport because there’s a special thrill in finding a $12 shadow that makes me feel stylishly fraudulent. Beyond price, some people want better availability or prefer different brand ethics, and dupes can satisfy those needs.
How I define a “dupe”
I’m ruthless and silly when I say “dupe.” To me a dupe should do at least one of these convincingly:
- Match the core color story (the set of shades and the overall vibe).
- Provide similar finishes (velvety matte, metallic, glitter topper).
- Deliver comparable performance on a primer (pigment payoff, blendability, minimal fallout).
If a product hits all three, I am both triumphant and suspicious of my own luck.
What I don’t expect from a dupe
Dupes are not clones. Packaging, subtle formula nuances, proprietary pigments, and sometimes a single unique shade will remain exclusive. I’m fine with that, which is why I keep both expensive and bargain palettes — one for show and one for a very practical life.
My testing methodology
I am neither a lab technician nor a saint. Here’s how I test dupes in a way I can live with:
- I swatch on the inner forearm and on a standard eye primer (I like a tacky base).
- I test with both finger and flat synthetic brush to simulate how most people apply metallics vs. mattes.
- I compare finishes under a daylight lamp and then take a walk outside. If I feel justified spending money after seeing both settings, that is my personal metric of success.
I write down notes and occasionally feel dramatic about color names. I may have given a matte brown a nickname once. It was called “Buried Midday Coffee.”
The categories of Natasha Denona palettes and how to find their dupes
Rather than chasing a single original palette, I break recipes into categories. That’s how I trick my brain into seeing multiple dupes for one expensive palette.
Warm bronzes and sunsets
Natasha Denona’s warm palettes — the kind that smell like toasted marshmallows in pigment form — often combine deep browns, rusty oranges, and gold shimmers.
- What to look for in a dupe: rich, layered matte browns; vibrant orange-red transition shades; buttery shimmers with minimal fallout.
- Typical dupe brands: ColourPop, Makeup Revolution (Revolution Beauty), Wet n Wild, and some mid-range palettes from Huda or Tarte.
Neutral mauves and nudes
These are the palettes that make me look like I have my life under minimal control. They rely on soft mauves, cool taupes, and sheer shimmers.
- What to look for in a dupe: muted mauve transition shades, cool-toned browns, and soft satin finishes.
- Typical dupe brands: ColourPop, NYX, Zoeva, e.l.f., and Salted mid-range lines.
Brights and chromatic collections
When Natasha Denona goes theatrical, the palettes are often packed with saturated pigments and complex metallics.
- What to look for in a dupe: high-stain primary pigments, densely-pressed metallics, and creamier formulas for color payoff.
- Typical dupe brands: Juvia’s Place (for pigmentation), ColourPop pressed powders, and some indie lines that focus on pigment intensity.
Pearlescent and toppers
ND toppers are famously reflective and sometimes otherworldly.
- What to look for in a dupe: layered reflect, not just shimmer; the ability to be used dry or with a damp brush.
- Typical dupe brands: ColourPop Super Shock Shadows used creatively, Stila glitter glues with pressed glitter, and some high-street metallics pressed with binders.
Head-to-head: Palette comparisons I tried (examples and how to read them)
Below is a practical comparison table I made after spending unnecessary amounts of time with multiple swatches. This is not exhaustive; it’s a practical map.
| Natasha Denona Type | Affordable Alternative(s) | Notes on Match |
|---|---|---|
| Warm bronze/sunset vibe | ColourPop Warm It Up, Revolution Iconic 3 Warm | Colour story and orange-red tones are close; metallics need pressing with finger or primer for full effect |
| Neutral mauve/nude | ColourPop Yes, Please (if cool variants exist), NYX Ultimate Shadow Palettes (Warm Neutrals, Smokey) | Matte blends and muted tones are similar; ND shimmers are smoother and more reflective |
| High-impact chromatic | Juvia’s Place palettes, ColourPop Take the Lead | Juvia’s often match pigment intensity; finish and blend differ |
| Shifty toppers | ColourPop Super Shock Shadows used wet, Stila Magnificent Metals (smaller pans) | Toppers can be replicated by mixing pigment with a reflective base |
I will be honest: I am emotionally attached to my swatches, but the table is meant to be a practical map rather than a promise of perfection.
How to read and use this table
If you want the look but don’t need the exact texture, pick an alternative from the second column. If you need the perfect shimmer, consider mixing (instructions below) or buying a single high-end topper instead of a whole palette.
Techniques to make dupes act richer than they are
I have three techniques I constantly use to make less expensive shadows mimic higher-end formulas:
- Use a tacky primer or a thin layer of concealer that’s slightly sticky. That extra grip helps metallics bloom.
- Press shimmery shades onto the lid with a dense synthetic brush or fingertip — dragging with a fluffy brush kills the shine.
- For “shift” effects, mix a pearl pigment or a pressed glitter with a small dot of mixing medium or lash glue (careful here, I measure with the natural precision of a sleep-deprived raccoon) to intensify reflect.
Recipe: DIY luminous lid (my lazy formaldehyde-free technique)
- Start with a thin layer of emollient primer.
- Apply matte transition shade (warmer or cooler depending on palette).
- Push metallic onto lid with fingertip.
- Tap a small amount of a reflective topper into the center with a damp flat brush.
- If I want the look to survive an apocalypse: set the edges by softly buffing a matte into the crease.
Ingredient and formula differences — why some dupes still feel different
This is where I sound like a small-time scientist. High-end palettes often use higher-quality binders, different milling processes, and proprietary pigments. That means a $50 shimmer may have a finer pearl, less fallout, and a creamier application than a $6 alternative. The good news is that a primer and a careful application usually bridge the gap.
Safety note
Always patch-test if you have sensitive skin. Some budget shadows use different fillers or bases that can irritate, and I learned that the hard way after a late-night makeup session and a regretful face-slap the next morning.
Detailed dupe suggestions by look (practical combos I recommend)
Below I list some specific combos I’ve used to reproduce Natasha Denona-esque looks. These are not exact replicas but practical, wallet-kind suggestions.
Golden bronze, sun-kissed look
- Base palette: Affordable warm brown palette (e.g., Revolution or ColourPop warm palettes).
- Add shimmer: Use a pressed gold shimmer from ColourPop or a glitter topper from Wet n Wild.
- Technique: Layer a warm matte in the crease, pack gold onto lid with finger, deepen outer v with a dense brush.
Soft mauve romantic look
- Base palette: Neutral palette with mauve transitions (NYX Ultimate Cool Neutrals, ColourPop palettes with mauves).
- Add shimmer: Press a light pearl or soft pink shimmer onto the lid.
- Technique: Use light hand, diffuse edges. I like to imagine I was born with this color, which is false but hauntingly aspirational.
Chromatic, high-impact look
- Base palette: A highly pigmented bright palette (Juvia’s Place helps).
- Add shimmer: Top with a chrome pigment layered with a mixing medium.
- Technique: Work in small sections; bright pigments stain and they carry on like unwanted guests.
Price comparison: realistic numbers
Because I am someone who likes to measure my mistakes with financial clarity, here’s a small table comparing approximate prices so you can panic correctly.
| Product | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Natasha Denona full palette | $48–$129 (varies by palette) |
| ColourPop palette | $12–$24 |
| Revolution Beauty palette | $8–$18 |
| Juvia’s Place palette | $20–$35 |
| NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette | $10–$18 |
| Wet n Wild single/duo | $3–$8 |
If I buy a cheap palette and it works — that’s a win. If it only sort-of works, I am emotionally and monetarily invested in drama.
Pros and cons of choosing a dupe
I list these like a small pros-and-cons speech I give to myself before checkout.
Pros
- Much more affordable, which means I can own more color stories.
- Easier to replace if lost or loved into oblivion.
- Often cruelty-free and widely available in drugstores.
Cons
- Finish or blendability might not match the high-end original.
- Color shift or opacity may differ, requiring more product or layering.
- Packaging and pan sizes vary — sometimes less product per dollar.
Where to buy and what to watch for
I am suspicious of bargain bins. Here’s where I shop and what I check:
- Buy from official brand stores or trusted retailers to avoid fakes.
- Look for reviews mentioning fallout, staining, and true-to-pan color.
- If buying online, check return policies. If I can’t try before I throw money at it, I at least confirm returns.
Practical tips for mixing and matching palettes
I treat palettes like musical instruments: a little harmony between brands yields richer arrangements.
- Don’t be afraid to use two palettes to recreate one: one for mattes, one for shimmers.
- Use the highest-performing shimmers on top (even from singles) and mattes from the cheaper palette.
- Create small pans of your favorite toppers in an empty magnetic palette. That tiny bit of organization is my adulting trophy.
When to buy the original instead
Sometimes I give in, and here are the reasons I justify it:
- One- or two-unique shades that are truly special and can’t be mimicked.
- Packaging or pan size is important to me (I do enjoy a sleek travel palette).
- If I need the exact color for editorial or pro work where color matching is critical.
Personal anecdote (because no article in this tone would be complete without a small shameful memory)
Once, after having a friend borrow my Natasha Denona palette (they returned it with lipstick marks that looked like a modernist map), I decided to never risk such heartbreak again. I bought a ColourPop alternative, and I was not disappointed — though I still kept the Denona locked in a drawer. The lipstick-mark palette sits on my shelf like a trophy I’m too sentimental to fully explain to guests.
Common questions I get asked (FAQ)
Are there exact dupes for Natasha Denona palettes?
Not exact. There are very good approximations in color story and performance, but the exact feel and some exclusive finishes remain unique to the original.
Can drugstore shadows match the pigment intensity?
With the right primer and application method, yes for many shades. For some ultra-reflective metallics or multi-chrome finishes, the high-end product still wins.
Is it better to buy singles or palettes as dupes?
Singles give you more control and often better quality per penny if you need only one or two special shades. Palettes are better for cohesive color stories.
How do I make a cheap shimmer look multidimensional?
Press it on with your finger or a dense brush, layer a light-reflecting topper in the center, and use a slightly deeper shade to define the outer lid.
Final thoughts and my hot take
I like to think of makeup purchases as miniature personal economies. Sometimes I splurge on a Natasha Denona for the tactile pleasure and the subtlety of a finely milled shimmer. More often, I enjoy playing the role of frugal artist, mixing drugstore goods into a look that makes me feel thoroughly prepared for whatever small social performance is scheduled. If you want the look for less, focus on color story, buy good primers, and practice application techniques that elevate formulas. If you want the feel and the exact finish? Save for the original and cherish the tiny luxury.
If you want, I can suggest specific dupe palettes for a particular Natasha Denona palette you have in mind — tell me which one and I’ll narrate my palette-buying regrets and triumphs in full technicolor.