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Subversive by Pat McGrath Labs

A Review

By Heeta JoshiPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Disclaimer: Critiquing a brand is not a crime. Threatening someone over it, however is. I bought this eyeshadow with my own hard earned money, therefore I have the right to form an opinion on it. I consider myself to be a neutral reviewer, where I talk about both the pros and cons based on my experiences. Trust me that I can find at least one of each in an overall good or bad item. I am a medium-tan girl with a pale undertone and oily skin. It’s still available on the market for those who would like to pick up this limited edition palette.

Hey Guys! Let’s get started.

I feel that Pat McGrath is that brand where most, if not all, despite their financial status, find the price tag to be really steep. Initially when I came across the brand, I never thought I’d actually end up buying something from them. I am still kinda flabbergasted months later that I dared to splurge on her palette. But it’s already been said and done. Time to move on.

I ordered this palette online without having the chance to test it in a store. I went on to buy this by being extremely impressed by her mini Sublime palette. However, I could not justify buying something at a price that I could not hope to pan having so many neutral shades in my collection.

Let’s start with my personal grievances:

  1. That old school envelope-like string “lock,” while pretty, is kind of redundant/annoying for someone who would use the palette regularly.
  2. The shades names are not under the shadows but on the protective plastic. At $55 USD/ $70 CAD? It’s not too much to expect the shades not on a plastic, or on the back of the palette.
  3. I wish there was a black shadow matte/shimmer instead of the champagne, it would’ve fit the theme a little more aptly.
  4. The shades between the large palette and the mini palette do not match.

On a Positive Note(s):

  1. I am really digging the cardboard (surprisingly) even if I’d hoped for a mini version of her sleek black packaging.
  2. The overall colourstory, I think, is very cohesive and fit well together.
  3. I like that there’s a usable mirror in here. It’s designed in such a way that having a mirror is quite useful.
  4. The ingredients are thoroughly printed on the back of the palette.
  5. Made in the U.S.A.

Some Neutral Notes (Things You May Care About):

  1. It is limited edition.
  2. Most pigment with fingers.
  3. Price per shadow is $9.2 USD/ $11.7 CAD (not including taxes) approximately.
  4. Price per gram is $4.58 USD/ $5.8 CAD, the net weight being 12g.
  5. Durability: 12 Months
  6. The scent, nothing to rave about.
  7. I do not believe it came with an outer sleeve.

The Shades (All These Shades by Finger Swatch/Finger Application are Super Pigmented and Creamy)

  • Pale Fire: Looks peachy in the pan but shift from peach to almost pinkish.
  • Purple Reign: Deep purple shimmer. Enough said.
  • Gold Nectar: This has to be my favourite gold, with almost a burnt tone to it.
  • Paranormal: A matte mauve like purple. You have to build this up, but be careful because it can stain. Don’t underestimate it.
  • Rose Risqué: Pigmented pretty, hot pink/magenta with a. Satin finish.
  • Euphoria: This is my favourite in the palette. A darkish lilac shimmer, so pretty!

Conclusion: The shades in themself are good quality. However, the price point is way too high for what it is. I honestly think, you’re paying for the brand name rather than brand quality you expect from high-end brands. Some bang for your buck (BFB) alternative price savers on the overall palette are listed below:

  1. Norvina by ABH (I like the palette in itself, just not together what what they already have). I think the price point per gram is similar (I could be wrong), but you do get eight shades more.
  2. Natasha Denona’s Lila Palette. I think this more expensive per gram (I could be wrong), but it’s an alternative shade range in the purple family. It’s obviously a smaller palette, but half the price for a “fun” palette that you might not use regularly. I would’ve most definitely picked this up but it seems that I already have enough purple. I am pretty sure there’s another alternative in her big five pan palettes.
  3. Masquerade by Juvia’s Place. (Read my review post for it).
  4. Pretty Much, My Little Pony, and Feel A Way by Colourpop
  5. Huda Beauty’s Electric + Gemstone. Too lazy to look up the deets. But I am dragging your attention.

Side Note: ND’s Tropical Palette is on sale on the US Sephora by a discount of $50 USD (hmmm).

Au Revoir Mes Amis,

XOXO!

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About the Creator

Heeta Joshi

#Freespirit #Humanity #Objectivity #Peace #Love

IG: heeta.joshi

Twitter: joshi.heeta

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