Makeup By Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette Review

I fell in love with Makeup by Mario’s Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette when I saw it online. I took a screenshot and hoped that it would eventually become available in Spain, which finally happened earlier this month. But is it worth the hype and the price? Let’s find out!

I am a big fan of neutral matte shades and shimmery eyeshadows. So, Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette seemed right up my alley from the very first moment.

On paper, it had everything that I could look for on an eyeshadow palette: light matte shades, slightly darker matte shades, shimmery shades, and wet-effect eyeshadows.

Despite not having tried any eyeshadows from Makeup by Mario before, I decided to take the plunge and spend 75,99 euros on this eyeshadow palette. Yes, it’s a lot for an eyeshadow palette. And no, I have never spent that much - until now.

But are the formulas incredible and worth such a hefty price tag?

What does the brand say about the Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette?

According to Sephora’s website, this eyeshadow palette has 12 unique shades and multiple finishes: velvety mattes, natural metallics, and incredible shimmers.

Create ethereal looks effortlessly with this limited-edition eyeshadow palette.

The velvety mattes offer a better adhesion for intense color, the natural metallics have micronized pigments for a flawless and luminous glossy application, and last but not least, the shimmery formulas (a new formula within Makeup by Mario’s portfolio) are infused with pearls coated with emollient binders to create a reflective and dewy glow.

How to apply these?

Each eyeshadow is adjustable in color. Use your favorite Makeup by Mario brush for a flawless application.

What were my expectations with this eyeshadow palette?

Even though I don’t have a comparison point within the Makeup by Mario portfolio, I was expecting high-quality formulas with great pigmentation, which allowed me to create beautiful, multidimensional eye looks.

In terms of quality, I was expecting something between Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath - given the price point.

Also, given the product description, I hoped that this eyeshadow palette would allow me to have everything that I love (in terms of eyeshadows) in one place.

My experience using the Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette?

I had high expectations for this eyeshadow palette mostly because I’d expected it for months. MONTHS! From the day I initially saw it only until the day it was launched on the Sephora Spain website. 

As a good independent beauty journalist and eyeshadow lover, I constantly refreshed Sephora’s page in the morning it was supposed to launch. Why? Two reasons: I wasn’t sure how many people was interested on it (but I knew there was some hype) and I didn’t know how many palettes they would have available - given it’s limited edition. And I really wanted to get my hands on one of these.

Fortunately, they had many of these. This product is still available online. So, if you still want to purchase it after reading this review… visit Sephora Spain’s website.

Now, let’s get to the point. That’s why you’re here, anyway.

First impressions: this eyeshadow palette is even more beautiful in person than online (and it already looks impressive online). It’s incredibly stunning!

I was immediately surprised by the first swatches, especially the special wet-effect eyeshadows. These are unbelievable!

I’ve noticed immediately that the matte shades are a bit powdery, but not as powdery as the ones from Tarte, which is a big plus for me. I was also scared that there would be some fallout during the application process, but none of this happen. Probably because I always tap off the excess before applying this on the eyelid, which I definitely recommend you to do the same.

What caught my attention the most was how easy it was to blend out the formulas and how good these looked together, both the mattes and the wet-effect ones. Especially if you’re using the perfect brush combo. Here’s mine: Lylak Beauty’s Nº2 (primer), followed by Beter Blender Brush Nº14 (matte shades) and Lylak Beauty’s Nº1 (shimmery or wet-effect shadows).

As you can see, I haven’t used any of the Makeup by Mario eyeshadow brushes because I don’t have them. However, if I ever purchase one, I’ll test it using this palette and update the review.

I dare say that the best eyeshadow looks I ever created were with this eyeshadow palette. The color story works perfectly together, and the formulas look incredible when layered.

I always apply a light layer of eyeshadow primer (currently the one from Pat McGrath) using Lylak Beauty’s Nº2 Eyeshadow Brush.

I would also like to talk about the size of this eyeshadow palette. Despite its 12 pans, this eyeshadow palette is very convenient—especially when compared with the most high-end eyeshadow palettes out there. It’s square and not very bulky, making it perfect for bringing along on getaways and vacations.

Would I recommend it?

This is the most special eyeshadow palette I've ever tried and currently own. If there's one thing my makeup collection is substantial on, it's eyeshadow palettes, especially from high-end brands.

I still haven’t used any other palette ever since I got this one from Makeup by Mario.

Why? Because it's one of those eyeshadow palettes that are incredibly versatile. From day looks to evening looks and even special events. It has it all. Plus, the formulas are incredibly easy to combine and blend out. Even if you're not the most experienced eyeshadow user.

So, in case you’ve been eyeing this eyeshadow palette, and you’re in doubt if you should get it… my recommendation is for you to go for it. Despite the hefty price tag, this palette is one of a kind and something that you’ll cherish.

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette vs Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette - which one do I recommend? 

Well, I have both, and they’re both incredible eyeshadow palettes. 

The main difference is that the one from Natasha Denona has 15 eyeshadows (3 more than the one from Makeup by Mario) and retails for 74,99 euros. Overall, better value for money.

The formulas on the Natasha Denona one are slightly creamier, while those on the Mario one are more powdery. But when it comes to the application, you can’t tell the difference.

However, in my case, there are two things that make me prefer the Makeup by Mario one: the color story (more lighter shades and less greyish ones) and the format (smaller and slightly more compact).

Even though I love Natasha Denona’s formulas (yes, they’re incredible), I find their full-size eyeshadow palettes to be a bit big for me (or my liking). And unfortunately, I end up rarely reaching out for these.

So, which one should you pick? If you’re more into lighter shades or convenient packages, the one from Makeup by Mario. And if you prefer cool-tone eyeshadows or more options in a single product, the one from Natasha Denona will suit you best.

10/10