April 12, 2013

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadows

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow have launched for Summer 2013 in six delightfully sparkly shades.

Moondust Eyeshadow is thee quintessential shimmer eyeshadow. These are packed with sparkle which translates as you’re either going to really, really love ’em or really, really hate ’em.

I eat sparkle on my cornflakes in the AM but even I can admit that these are super overkill in the shimmer department. Some folks including myself have likened them to Urban Decay’s Stardust Eyeshadow and on a certain level they are similiar. But I prefer thinking of them as a reformulated and better version of Stardust Eyeshadow.

Let’s take a look!

Urban Decay Moondust Eye Shadow Swatches

Zoadiac, Space Cowboy, Stargazer

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Swatches

Diamond Dog, Moonspoon, Glitterrock

Put away your fancy brushes and take out your cheap sponge tipped eyeshadow applicators because Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow need to be patted on to get the most bang out of the formula. Brushes are not going to work with this formula and you’re going to suffer from a mediocre eye look with a ton of fall out if you decide to get your blending and eyeshadow brushes mixed up in a showdown with Moondust Eyeshadows. Your best bet is to use sponge applicators for the best results as this prevents glittery fall out and also allows you to build color up on lids for a smooth, even application of the shadow formula.

These are annoying to use and very challenging but if you spend a little time with them, show a little patience, and give them a little love you’ll have yourself a gorgeous, stunning sparkly eye look. They are possibly thee most shimmering eyeshadow I’ve own and that’s saying something considering 99.9% of my monster stash is made up of sparkle/shimmer finishes.

Urban Decay says they are a sophisticated shimmer but if I’m honest, well, it really isn’t a mature/sophisticated look that they create. It is however fun and edgy which is what Urban Decay is all about so a product like this is perfectly fitting for their brand image.

Although at first I was leaning towards saying they are much like the Stardust formula I have to take that back. The Stardust formula had a more refined shimmer where as Moondust is all about really heavy, healthy silver sparkle. Although a finer sparkle it still pretty much gets everywhere. Fall out is a bitch even when using a sponge applicator. You have to really spend some extra time with these to avoid getting them all over your face, your neck, even your bosom. The shimmer just gets everywhere. I strongly recommend a nude shadow base of some sort like Bobbi Brown Long Wear Eyeshadow Stick in Vanilla or MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study, etc….follow up with eyeshadow primer, and finally you can pat these gently onto your lid. Using this method I get long, strong wear and no issues with fading, creasing, or fall out ONCE they are on my lid (it’s during application that it becomes an issue). I had to reapply a little concealer under my eyes to deal with the fall out as I had a hard time dusting it away…a little piece of tape on the back of your finger and patted gently under your eyes and on your face will also whisk away excess sparkle.

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Moonspoon Face of the Day

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow MoonSpoon FOTD

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Moonspoon

Moonspoon

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Diamond Dog Face of the Day

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Diamond Dog FOTD

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Diamond Dog

Diamond Dog

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Glitterrock FOTD

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Glitterock Face of the Day

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Glitterrock

Glitterrock

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Space Cowboy FOTD

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Space Cowboy Face of the Day

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Space Cowboy

Space Cowboy

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Zodiac

Zodiac

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Stargazer

Stargazer

I think the Stardust shadows also had a flakier texture where as Moondust has more of a creamy base. There is pigment to be had here which was something lacking in the Stardust shadows, you really had to build to get color pay off with those. The Moondust formula definitely has more pigmented but don’t expect them to have the same texture or color pay off as the regular line of Urban Decay Eyeshadow as they do not.

In the end, I admit, Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow are a difficult formula to work with. If you love shimmer I’d recommend trying at LEAST one. They are super fun if nothing else. Yes, they have application issues, yes, they are way too shimmery. But they could prove fun if you have the time, patience, and love to give them.

P.S. These are pop outs so you can use them with the Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette compacts!

These are available now at www.urbandecay.com

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Agata

    I cannot decide which shade to get but I have to say Moonspun with that red lipstick looks absolutely gorgeous on you Muse!

  • Michelle

    These shadows look so fun, but I hate, loath and abhor fallout, especially sparkly fallout. I may just have to drool over these from a distance.

    Love your lip color in these photos! I know you say you can’t wear reds, but the first picture is very flattering – especially with the orang-red color 🙂 What colors are you wearing for these shots?

  • Nadia

    You look stunning Muse! My favorite look is the first one with the red lips! I don’t think I would have the patience to apply these eyeshadows but they look really nice!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks nadia you’re too kind! they really do take a hot second to apply correctly because man fall out is cra!

  • ms.laura

    I also cannot stand fallout. I just don’t have the time in the morning to deal with it. Not to mention, it’s horribly embarrassing to talk to someone and you have glitter all over your freakin face. I’m an educator and students will point out every little detail to you. These are gorgeous, but I can totally see the glitter on your cheeks in your photos. Definitely not for me! But, of course, you look super cute 🙂

    • the Muse

      ha kids don’t have an edit button ;-D yeah…tried hard to clean it up but it was difficult! Phew! ;-D aw thanks laura, you’re too kind!

  • Saira

    Omg you look so gorgeous in that moonspoon swatch photo with red lipstick!!

  • Kimmwc03

    I’m going to add another compliment. You look lovely in all these photos esp. the first one. Stunning. 🙂

  • Kate

    As soon as you said these were challenging to work with, I stopped reading and just scrolled down to the pics! (I finished reading later, BTW) Why? Because I am horribly impractical, and I want to declare these must-haves in my life. I don’t want to face the reality that they might be a pita!

    And yes, the “ostrich” technique isn’t such a big deal when coping with make up issues, but you should have seen the way I used to handle my finances!

    I think Space Cowboy is my favorite on you, for sure! And I am willing to buy at least one to experiment with because they are so gorge. In my opinion, these look like they’d be worth some extra hassle for a special night time look. Urban Decay is my crack!

    • the Muse

      lol katie…the ostrich technique haha! 😀 I think they are worth trying, at the least one of them because it might just work out for you ;-D I wouldn’t write them off completely 😀 UD is def my crack too hehehe ;-D I hope you like them!

  • LINDARRAGNAR

    I’m not interested in these but, dang muse these all look great on you! Moonspun especially! (I feel like I am copying everyone else’s comments, lol but its really true, the effect is worth the effort!)

  • Miss D

    Beautiful, beautiful Muse! You look so pretty in these…I’ll definitely have to get one of these. Have a great weekend. 🙂

  • the rock Lobster

    Hi Muse!

    Are these not supposed to be super shimmery???? I read on their website that they are supposed to be packed with sparkle. I dont understand what too shimmery means? Did you like stardust better?
    This review is your first review thats left me slightly confused!

    • the Muse

      hi the rock they are quite shimmery as in lots of shimmer. I explained about the fall out problems, etc…..both are very nice eyeshadows if you like intensely sparkly eyeshadows. Hope this helps!

  • The Rock Lobster

    did you try them wet or dry?? they advise trying them wet, which would help with the fall out right?
    Obvs I’m trying to make a case as to why I need these in my life!

    • the Muse

      I used them dry over a base as stated in the review. I don’t really like using shadows wet and hardly ever do so…too messy an application for me 🙂

      • the Muse

        ps not sure where you read they recommend using wet, they recommend using fingers but hadn’t heard them advising wet….

  • The Rock Lobster

    It’s on the first page of their website it says in the ad for moondust “we recommend trying with your fingers. For extra intense colour payout, try it wet”

    http://www.urbandecay.com

    • the Muse

      yup! just saw that now. interesting! they don’t promote it as such within the description itself! perhaps they’ll work a treat wet…I’m just not a wet shadow user though :-/

  • The Rock Lobster

    You deleted my comment about the ad advising that they recommend using the shadows wet, why would you do that muse??

    • the Muse

      your comment wasn’t deleted. once you reply it heads into my dashboard and awaits moderation and reply by me. it shows a preview and disappears until I approve it. I’m not behind my computer at all times plus tons of comments to get through so sometimes it takes a second for me to reply. Hope this helps!

  • Beauty lova

    Hi muse! They advertise using these shadows wet, are you going to review them with a wet application???

    • the Muse

      probably not beauty iova, I don’t really like using eyeshadow wet, tends to be messy application for me.

      • Tania

        Hi muse! I love these looks!

        I just wanted to say that I use these wet and they’re super easy to work with that way. I just wet my brush lightly and pat on my lid! Way less fall out and definitely no fall out during the day! In love!!! Sparkle is my life! 🙂

        • the Muse

          hey tania thanks so much! Happy to hear wet worked great 😀 I don’t really like using shadows wet but def a base under these seems to limit the fall out a LITTLE bit 😀

  • Beauty lova

    Oopsie should have read your comments, they say to try them wet in the advertisement

  • Bella

    Wow! These look gorgeous on you. Glitterrock must be mine. I did read on another blog you can use these wet and it makes the colors super intense. I love shadows I can use wet or dry. So versatile! Thanks for the review

    • the Muse

      aw thanks bella you’re too kind 🙂 it’s odd, UD doesn’t say anything about wet in the details but indeed has really small print on the front page of their site saying wet. interestings!

  • Themakeupism

    You look lovely in these when I seen Moonspoon on you I literally thought “Va Va Voom”. I do like the other looks on you as well, they are more soft and subtle but the lips with Moonspoon really made it pop. I really like these, along with the new shades of eyeliner they put out. *Sigh* Just when I decide I have too much make up, I see gorgeous stuff like this.

  • Nat

    Ooooh, Muse these are pretty! I guess it’s the sparkles, but they kind of make your lids look glossy, like they’re moist! I love that look 😀

    • the Muse

      nat they kinda do look like an eye gloss actually ;-D they have this sheen to them ;-D

  • amy

    After I get the KvD Ladybird palette (and maybe an Inglot 40 pan-as a 40th Bday present, LOL), I was *planning* a “no-buy” until New Years, but I don’t think I’ll be able to resist buying all of these…

  • melissa

    I feel like these are “going out” shadows and for that I have my beloved chanel’s lol. I might order one if a good sale pops up but much like pink lip gloss, if i never bought another sparkly eyeshadow, I could have enough until I die. LOL I don’t mind a damp brush on shadows but straight wet annoys me too. Anyhow thanks for the review, I agree you look best in the first look.

  • Ryou

    Looks like the formula could benefit from a sticky base like Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy or Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue. Sparkles are the prettiest when they stay where we want them, after all! 😛

  • BeautyMaven

    What concealer are you wearing under your eyes in these pictures?! It looks amazing!!

  • Celine

    Hey Muse,

    They all look gorgeous on you ! Great application job…What mascara are you wearing?
    Lashes lookin good!!!

    I was going to skip these but I cant resist shimmer and sparkle so I have to have moondust and space cowboy . For those “special nights out ” LOL!

    Youre swatches are spot on !

    • the Muse

      oh thanks celine that’s tarte lights, lashes, mascara (that name is all confused lol). I hear ya, damn shimmer is completely my downfall ;D

  • Ashley

    These are sooooooo pretty!!! And they look so good on you! I really like Zodiac on you with the red lips! Great pairing of lip colors for these in your pictures btw!
    <3

  • Gabriella

    I wanted zodiac previously… Then I saw the swatch and was like hmm maybe I don’t need it… And.THEN I saw it on your lids. Yeah. I need it. Lol your looks are fab btw

  • Janelle

    Ok just to help little ole me out. I put down bare study and then the eyeshadow primer? I have been doing primer than bare study then the ud shadow. I will try your way and hope it helps fall out

    • the Muse

      whatever you’re comfortable with janelle 🙂 either way is fine!

  • Abbey W

    Hi, Muse will you be trying these wet?

    Just kidding 🙂

    They are very pretty, and I love that first look with the red lips for a hot night out! That’s pretty much the only use I would have for these. I’ll probably wait for a friends and family sale to pick one or two up. Thanks for the review and lovely photos!

    • the Muse

      abbey 🙂 wet=not for me 🙂 aw thanks so much! my pleasure! hope the review/pics helps!

  • Melissa

    I only got diamond dog from this collection just to try it out & I used my finger as that’s what the site said to do when I bought it. I was actually surprised at the LACK of fall out with this shadow! I’m guessing it was due to the finger application so maybe that will help? I did not use this wet as I also hate using wet shadows. I layered it over a paint pot from MAC while that was still tacky, didn’t waste any time patting the Moondust over top & it worked like a charm! I tried to blend the edges with a brush & it got glitter everywhere so I’d just avoid tools altogether here, seems to work better with the finger & gives more color payoff.

    • the Muse

      hey melissa finger application def good and also sponges minimal fall out 🙂

  • Terri

    I arrived here from Temptalia and just had to comment….your eyes in that first photo look SO big and beautiful it makes me wanna put on some dark sunglasses and call it a day! 🙂
    Seriously though, you look amazing!!! And the red lips look really great on you too.

  • Lin

    OMG I love youuu! You do the best reviews ever!! I’ve been trying to find someone who can wear it seperately to show us how the eyeshadows look alone and you did a great job!!! 🙂 Thank youuu!

  • Rachel

    The space cowboy eyeshadow itself is very pretty on you. I hope you bust that back out for spring.

    • Isabella Muse

      thank you so much Rachel! 🙂 <3! Good idea! Def a nice Spring-y coor!