Natasha Denona Blackest Black Eyeshadow Matte Review, Photos, Swatches!
Natasha Denona Blackest Black Eyeshadow Matte ($29, 0.14 oz) is highly pigmented black eyeshadow that claims to provide intense color without fading. It's ideal for creating a dark smokey eye, darkening eyeshadow looks, and it can be used with an angled or smudge brush (such as the MAC #214) and applied like eyeliner.
Natasha Denona created this eyeshadow because as a makeup artist, she struggled to find the perfect black eyeshadow that applied truly black (not gray), had great blendability and didn't have massive fall-out when applied. I can totally relate, as it has always been a struggle for me as well. I've dealt with a lot of chalky, patchy, sheer shadows with a ridiculous amount of fall-out over the years, and can't say I have ever found the perfect one. Way back when, MAC Carbon Eyeshadow was always the darkest black, but the formula was dry, it didn't blend well, and it was an eyeshadow that never failed to shatter before I'd get 1/4 way through using it. Anyways, aside from losing hope in finding that perfect eyeshadow, I already own so many eyeshadow palettes that include a matte black, so I never really sought out for a separate one. That is, until this one.
So I've been using this eyeshadow for almost a year and it has been my go-to black. I use it with all of my smokey eye looks, and especially when I want to go rockstar dark on my eyes. I also grab it on days where I'm feeling a little lazy, and smudge a little on the outer corners of my upper and lower lid.
The formula is smooth, but not overly so. It's not a soft eyeshadow (like Anastasia of Beverly Hills for instance), yet it's not dry. Just an overall great formula. The color is extremely dark, and it builds well. If you want it to apply super dark, apply an eyeshadow first so the pigment will adhere to it, and you'll experience fall-out. Yes, there is fall out if you're applying it with a heavy hand or using a lot of it, but I've never used a black eyeshadow that didn't have fall-out. Most importantly, it blends extremely well. Its easy to diffuse and blend in with other eyeshadows.
Lastly, worthy of a mention – the packaging is great. It's a sturdy little compact (mirror included, but no applicator). It's great for traveling with, but I would be careful, as a little banging around did cause mine to chip and get black all over everything. I just don't have good luck with black eyeshadow.
If you're in the market for a matte black, I highly recommend checking this one out.
A peek inside my latest Rocksbox with Photos!