Pat McGrath Bronze Borealis Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad Review

Compact, versatile and unique. My honest review of Pat McGrath’s limited edition Bronze Borealis Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad is here.

Yes, besides being just a quad eyeshadow palette, the name of this product happens to be quite large. That’s a thing among Pat McGrath’s eyeshadow palettes.

If you’re into makeup, there’s a chance you might run into any of their products online. Pat McGrath is a renowned British makeup artist, and her product line is just as remarkable as her career.

Even though I’ve only been using Pat McGrath’s products for about a year now, everything I’ve used so far has been a pleasant surprise: from liquid lipsticks to eyeshadow quads. So, when I first saw the Bronze Borealis Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad on their Instagram account, I knew it had to be part of my small makeup collection.

What does the brand say about the Bronze Borealis eyeshadow palette?

According to a quote from Pat McGrath on the brand’s website, “these shadows are some of the most versatile I’ve ever created. They let you smoke, scintillate and softly smolder on demand. So effortless!”. 

This Limited Edition curated quartet of infinitely versatile bronze hues in three finishes, including velvet matte, sateen shimmer, and two foiled metallics. These luxuriously next-generation formulas glide on with a soft, even layer of sumptuously saturated color that blends effortlessly. Discover an infinite array of beguilingly bronzed looks for high artistry. 

The formulas are described as creamy, ultra-blendable, rich, and highly saturated.

How to apply?

These eyeshadows can be applied dry or wet with a one-stroke application.

What were my expectations with this palette?

Despite this one being my third eyeshadow quad from Pat McGrath, I had high expectations with this one. Not only because of Pat McGrath’s incredibly unique eyeshadow formulas but mainly because of the color story and how I could use these shades. 

Given the price of Pat McGrath eyeshadows, I had to give this purchase some thought before placing an order. And I was only able to make up my mind after watching a video review from Morgan Turner. 

Even though this eyeshadow quad is no longer available on Pat McGrath’s website, I was able to purchase it at my local Sephora. So, if you have had your eye on this eyeshadow palette for quite some time now - there’s a chance you can still purchase it at your local beauty or department store.

How would I describe this eyeshadow quad? 

Probably, as one of the most versatile from Pat McGrath. You can go from something fundamental and neutral (Lunar Legend) to something smokey and intense (Mink Dusk). At first sight, the color scheme can seem a bit unusual (from beige to dark purple), but the fact is all the shades blend and work perfectly together. 

It comes with four unique shades:

Lunar Legend: this beige shimmery tone happens to be my absolute favorite. I’ve been using this one regularly. All over the eyelid with some mascara coats on top. Even though it feels pretty dusty when you’re taking it from the pan, there wasn’t any problematic fallout when I applied it.

Cyber Bronze: is a bit darker than the previous one, and the two work perfectly together. It’s a stunning and exceptional shade. Even though I can ideally wear it these days, I believe it will look even more fantastic on my skin tone when I get some tan (Summer 2022, I am waiting for you).

Sienna Rose: it's such a unique eyeshadow. It reminds me of the shade Hello from Natasha Denona's Retro Palette, but more shimmery and long-lasting.

Mink Dusk: the only matte shade in this eyeshadow palette. Highly pigmented and Sienna Rose's perfect combo.

How do I apply these?

Besides the different hues, they all work well together, as I've mentioned before. So, if I want to use all of the shades, I start by using the darker tones in the outer corner of my eyes (creating a smokey look), followed by the lighter shades in the inner corner.

However, when I want to create a very neutral and no-makeup makeup look, I apply some eyeshadow primer and then the Lunar Legend tone all over the lid.

My experience using the Bronze Borealis eyeshadow palette from Pat McGrath?

I was expecting to have an outstanding experience, and that’s what happened. Even though Pat McGrath eyeshadows are known for being expensive and high-end, their quality is far superior to any other eyeshadow I’ve tried so far, and their formulas are one of a kind.

Besides being creamy and highly pigmented, the formulas had also proven to be long-lasting (even when I wasn’t using any primer). Not only have they lasted all day, but they’ve also survived an intense workout. And that’s value for money!

In terms of application, the formulas are pretty easy to blend out. I usually apply these with the tip of my finger - to get the most of its pigmentation.

Pros: the quality of the eyeshadows and how unique these are. You won’t be able to get anything similar from any other brand in the market.

Cons: the amount of product per pan is lower than the one on previous eyeshadow quads from Pat McGrath (Blitz Astral Quad: Ritualistic and Divine Rose Luxe Quad Eternal Eden) same price. 

While an eyeshadow palette will last you forever, I know this can be a con for many people, even if you use it every day. Mainly because, in this particular case, we’re not getting any benefit in return like a unique, never before seen texture.

Despite Pat McGrath eyeshadow formulas being one of the most uniques in the market, and even though how excellent this quad is, in my humble opinion, the formulas aren’t as incredible as the ones from the Blitz Astral Quad: Ritualistic.

Would I recommend it?

Yes! Despite the cons I’ve just mentioned, I would still highly recommend this eyeshadow quad. Why? Because of all the Pat McGrath quads that I own, this is undoubtedly the most versatile, and the one I used the most is by far.
It allows me to create a simple yet chic look in a heartbeat or create an intense and polished look effortlessly with my fingertips. And that’s something you don’t usually get from most eyeshadow palettes out there.

As I’ve mentioned before, Pat McGrath's eyeshadow products are expensive. So, if you want a better value for money: invest in one of their more extensive eyeshadow palettes. The price difference isn’t that big, and you’ll get way more shades to play with.

Also, if you're really into Pat McGrath's products but can't (or don't) want to pay the total price: you can find excellent deals at Pat McGrath's website (don't forget to subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on Instagram). Plus, discount codes apply now and then on Pat McGrath products at Sephora.

8,5/10