Whenever we hear about a Pat McGrath palette drop, we don’t walk. We run. This time is no different. The GLAMOUR team scrambled to get their hands on the Divine Bronze Palette as they landed on my desk. Pat is no stranger to a heavy pigment, out of this world sparkle, and, an easy to blend formulation, so we expect big things from this latest drop.
With not one, not two, but four universally epic bronze-family shades, two matte bases and two shimmers, this palette will give you that golden goddess glow in an instant without needing packing up layers of eyeshadow. It’s suitable for all skin tones and covers all the bases as far as go-to bronzed eye looks go.
Fluttery lashes galore
As for texture, the matte shades glide effortlessly on the lid and blend easily, which is ideal for use around such a sensitive skin area. As for the shimmer, it's pigmented enough to make it glisten, but not so clunky that it favours chunky glitter. An epic mash-of quiet opulence.
Much like its collection namesake, the palette truly does looks divine, from its glossy slick black packaging to the pigments. However, at a staggering £55 is the quad actually worth your money? How much is tapping into your inner goddess via makeup worth? Here, five GLAMOUR staffers share their truest and most honest thoughts (and if you're keen to buy, then use our Cult Beauty discount codes to make it a little more affordable).
The product:
The verdict:
Ali, GLAMOUR’s Website Director
I couldn't resist creating a mega smokey eye with this Pat McGrath eyeshadow quad. First I swept the creamy, soft gold shimmer all over my lids with a fluffy brush, before going in with the burnt terracotta shade over my crease and gradually building up the colour. Using a smaller brush, I applied the dark umber to the outer corners of my lash line, essentially using it as a smokey eyeliner. Then it was time to pat in the *insane* gold glitter with my fingers.
And wow, that colour pay-off. As with all Pat McGrath eyeshadows, the pigment did not disappoint, and the glitter was glittering on first dab. The palette isn't cheap, and for £55, you'd be forgiven for wanting more than four shades to choose from. But in terms of quality, eyeshadows don't come much better than this.
Rating: 9/10
Shei, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Writer
I love me some aunty Pat. She really understands undertones, so you know you’ll get a luxury product that actually caters to all skin types. Having dark skin I look for intense colour deposit from one swipe and hues that compliment my golden undertones. I got just that with this quad palette.
I used all four shades, which is rare for me, as usually with ‘universal’ quads there is always at least one shade you’re bound to neglect. I’m not much of a magpie, so I’m not always attracted to the glittery, however, the golden shimmery shade was gentle on the eye lid and buildable.
All I needed was one swipe and I was good to go. The price point is steep, as are Pat McGrath products, but you’re actually paying for quality here. The fact that the packaging is opulent and looks great on your beauty cabinet is very much a bonus. I say, if you got it like that and you’re looking to treat yourself or someone near and dear, then you’re onto a winner.
Rating: 9/10
Elle, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor
Whenever Mother launches a product, I know for sure the quality is going to be off the scale and this latest eye quad is no different. Obviously I was drawn to the shimmeriest shade first, the mega-watt sparkly-gold Gilded Glamour. In just one stroke my finger was coated with silky pigment and when patted onto my lid the pay-off was immediate.
But although its statement, the fine sparkle gives a beautiful delicate glow that brought in a steady stream of compliments throughout the day. If it can look this good on a random workday I'm already looking forward to when the sunshine hits it on holiday. YUM. I'd give it a 10/10, but the only thing holding me back is the price, because Cozzie Livs.
Rating: 9/10
Luca, GLAMOUR’s Social Media Manager
When I first saw this palette, the word DELICIOUS came to mind. The golden shimmer shade, 'Gilded Glamour', looked so pigmented that I wanted to lick it. This palette has absolutely everything I reach for for my go-to eye looks.
It has a subtler shimmer for an all-over glow or a subtle inner eye highlight, the perfect nude for day-to-day wear, a deep brown for a smoked-out liner or under eye shadow and the jaw-dropping golden shimmer for when you want to give lux-ur-y. Considering I applied the shades with my finger in the office, I was seriously impressed with the pigment payoff and blendability. The price point is a little high, but you definitely get the quality you pay for and I can't wait to use this palette in so many different ways.
Rating: 9/10
Lian, GLAMOUR’s Audience Development Manager
Right off the bat, I loved how smoothly the product applied and how insanely pigmented it was, with no real fallout. Using 'sunset taupe' as a base, I blended in 'velvet eclipse' at the edges, also smudging it into the bottom corners of my eyes. To tie the look together and because it would be rude not to use the glitters in this palette, I then went in with some blissfully sparkly 'gilded glamour' on top.
I would never describe myself as a glitter girl but after this palette, I'm officially converted. This is how metallics and glitters should be done - thick particles of the most wonderfully glistening glitter apply like butter and instantly elevate any eyeshadow look. I'm going to have a very hard time going back to any other eyeshadow palette after this! A simple colour story done well, this quad is definitely one I'll be reaching for again soon.
Rating: 9/10
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
