Essential Natasha Denona Makeup Products That Belong in Your Ulta Beauty Cart

Jun 01, 2023

By Allure

When it comes to glam, there are few who understand the sheer shine, wattage, and concentrated impact as well as Natasha Denona. Her palettes set the bar for swatch videos that were so pigmented, the clips looked photoshopped — and subsequently became one of the brands responsible for the palette-palooza of the mid- to late-aughts, wherein people were more than happy (clamoring, even) to part with upwards of $60 for a little case of 15 eye shadow shades, all available at Luxury at Ulta Beauty, of course. The makeup artist formulated the shades herself, using crushed chroma crystals and pearls to create the richest, super-saturated powder eye shadows you’ve laid eyes on (or have laid on your eyes, more accurately). Whether with a brush or fingers, the shadows apply gorgeously, look great on skin, and stay put for hours.

The rest of Natasha Denona's offerings follow a similar doctrine: luxurious formulas, unique colors, professional formulas, and foolproof application. That's all you really want from makeup, right? Denona's talent for creating smokeshow eyes, glowing skin, and nude lips fleshed out her line to provide her disciples with a full makeup range for recreating her signature looks, however you like, on yourself.

Not sure where to start? Check out the below:

Sable Yong, Allure Contributor

Glam Face & Eye Palette

"I personally love a one-and-done palette, but find that the edited selection of shades is key to making it either a mainstay or a fossil banished to the corners of your makeup stash. This one offers five eye shadows — three mattes and two shimmers — for you to create tons of eye makeup looks, from subtle definition to full-on smokeshow. The highlighter has the most microshimmer particles that glint every-so-subtly on your cheeks with just a light dusting, but it can also be built up to strobe. The blush is a sheer, matte cream formula you can swipe on with fingers or a brush, making this a truly versatile palette for on-the-go use, especially when space is limited. This is definitely coming with me on weekend trips and vacations where I’m not sure what the itinerary will call for — casual no-makeup makeup or up-all-night-until-we-watch-the-sunrise glam. Either way, I’ll be prepared." —Sable Yong

Macro Tech Eyeliner Crayon

"I’ve been swapping all my liquid liners for pencils lately because I find them both more versatile in effect and more forgiving for uneven wings (and my shaky hands). A good eye liner pencil is a staple in every makeup bag; all it takes is one good liner to make a whole eye statement sometimes (me, most days of the week). These liners have a firm, yet malleable texture that leaves ample pigment in its wake without dragging your skin as you swipe it across your eyelids. They also stay put on my waterline and play well with the shadows, blending seamlessly together. I love swiping this on my top and bottom lash lines, softening the line with a cotton bud (or my fingers if I’m being lazy) for minimal-looking, everyday eye definition. Sometimes, I’ll wing it out for a more dramatic effect." —S.Y.

Kayla Greaves, Allure Contributor

I Need a Nude Lip Crayon in NB5 Lala

"There's nothing worse than a dry, chalky lip liner, which is why it was so easy for me to fall in love with the Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lip Crayon formula. The super-creamy stick glides on seamlessly, leaving my lips beautifully defined with gorgeous color payoff in just one swipe. I typically reach for this product whenever I want to wear a red lip (which is often), and opt to only line the perimeter of my lips. Afterwards, I’ll go in with a sultry red, so I’m left with an ombré effect. But the formula is so similar to a traditional bullet that you can technically use it as your stand-alone color — it's totally up to you. Oh, and you can expect it to last all night." —Kayla Greaves

I Need a Rouge Lip Styletto in Gigi

"I’m a sucker for a red lip, but not all shades (or formulas) are created equal. Gigi is a gorgeous cherry hue that not only works across all skin tones and gives me stunning color payoff in one swipe, but with moisturizing ingredients like algae extract and milk thistle seed oil, it also doubles as a balm. I love to layer this creamy shade over a deep brown lip pencil to create a sexy, multi-dimensional finish — perfect for a night out or a late dinner date. The formula is long-lasting on its own, but when I want to make sure it will really stick around, I like to apply one layer, blot, then add another on top. Thank me later." —K.G.

Hannah Baxter, Allure Contributor

Puff Paint Liquid Blush in Bloom

"As a certified blush fanatic, I’m always on the lookout for a formula that can provide me with that perfect wash of color that looks as natural as possible — we’re definitely not after the cherub cheek vibe. And although I prefer a cream formula over a traditional powder, they do have a tendency to wear off throughout the day. That's why I’m so pumped about Natasha Denona Puff Paint. I’d equate the finish to your favorite lip stain, down to the doe-foot applicator. It blends like a dream and leaves you with a second-skin finish that's reminiscent of a post-sex flush (you know the one), and it does not budge. To apply, I use three small dots along my cheekbone and the bottom of my temples and lightly tap it in with my fingers. The warmth of your fingers helps the formula melt into your skin, and keeping the color on an upward slant helps to lift and define your cheekbones for a sculpted effect. Pair it with a gloriously fluffy brow, a swipe of mascara, and an ultra-glossy lip, and you’re ready to take on the day." —Hannah Baxter

Glam Eyeshadow Palette

"Even though I’ve been in the beauty industry for nearly a decade, I still get overwhelmed with an eyeshadow palette that features a ton of different shades. I do like the option of playing around with different colors, however, so I appreciate that this product is labeled with suggested eye placement. The powders are fine and blendable, with no harsh line of demarcation as you work it into your crease or define your wing. In terms of shades, all the heavy hitters are covered, with plenty of neutral mattes and shimmery rose, champagne, and bronze. Getting that sultry smokey eye for date night is a piece of cake with this product, and for someone who doesn't love spending hours in the mirror perfecting her makeup, the seamless finish feels like it's working for me, not against me. Pop on a primer, gather a few of your favorite brushes, and enjoy playing with the various shades — you really can't go wrong with any of them." —H.B.