Review & Swatches: Pat McGrath Blitz Astral Quad Iconic Illumination

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It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Pat McGrath makeup products, especially her eyeshadows. Last year, I made a promise to myself not to add every eyeshadow palette that took my fancy to my collection (and there were some real beauties throughout the year!). Until November, I had only bought two, which is pretty impressive compared to previous years but then Pat McGrath released three quads and as much as I tried, I couldn't help but add one to my collection. Iconic Illumination is the one that caught my eye the most due to the beautiful warm tones.


I'm delighted that Pat has decided to start selling smaller palettes because the large ones are very expensive and beyond the reach of lots of people but also not everyone wants to spend big money on palettes, even if budget allows. The large palettes are £115/ €120, this quad is £50/ €60 and there are also mini palettes, priced at £22/€26.  The packaging of the cheapest palettes is plastic with a clear lid so it is certainly more affordable to produce than the heavier, larger palettes but if you want an introduction to the brand, they are worth trying. I had a play with them in Sephora when I was in Rome in December and the pigmentation and texture was just the same as the large palettes.

Back to the Blitz Astral Quad!  The outer box is red with a brightly jewelled pattern. Inside is a heavy, sturdy black case with a gold logo. All Pat McGrath palettes that I own (but I am hoping it will change in the future) have a card insert with the shadow names on them. I personally would prefer if the names were under the shadows in the palette but it's not that big a deal.  Inside the lid is a decent sized mirror and then in the base of the case are the four shadows.

Swatches are completely unedited. From left to right: Astral Gold Allure, Blitz Bordeaux, Bronze Gold, Blitz Brown.

Each shadow is 1.5g in weight  (6g in total) - it will take forever to use them up! The formula is as I've come to expect from Pat McGrath - smooth, soft, pigmented and sublime! They apply like a cream but have the staying power of a powder. 

Astral Gold is a stunning pale gold and is more pigmented on the lid than in swatches, which tends to be the case with most glitter products. It applies beautifully with either a finger or a flat shader brush. I would recommend doing eye makeup first if using this glitter as there can be some fallout. 

Blitz Bordeaux is a beautiful burgundy shimmer shade. This is so smooth and really feels like a cream when applying. 

Bronze Gold is my favourite of the four shadows because not only is it pigmented but it's also so smooth and applies so evenly. Even just a quick wash of this on the eyes and I'm good to go as it's such a striking shade and so easy to use.

Blitz Brown is extremely pigmented and smooth. It is a medium-deep brown with a hint of bronze shimmer running through it.

Although there are only four shades in this palette, it's pretty versatile in terms of the looks that can be created. I used it both during the day and in the evening all over the festive season as it can be used for a quick and easy eye, an alternative take on the smokey eye and a full on glitter-tastic eye look. 

There's no doubt that this is a pricey palette but at least it contains a lot of product and all of the shades are very wearable and easy to work with. If you like the general tones but don't want to spend this much money, check out the Bobbi Brown Fever Dream palette, which I received in my Secret Santa exchange. It's not an exact dupe but has similar tones.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this palette and Pat McGrath makeup in general?

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Thanks for reading! 

All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been gifted without any obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.