Makeup by Mario Is Dropping a “Moonlight” Version of Its Cult-Favorite Ethereal Eyes Palette

One of the best trends of the 2020s has been the rise of the makeup artist brand. Thoughtful, innovative products created by and for makeup artists are hitting the market just as frequently as celeb brands, and its something to celebrate. The best example of this, if you ask me, is Makeup By Mario. Founded by Kim Kardashian’s go-to MUA, Mario Dedivanovic, his namesake brand is all about timeless, elevated formulas that are easy to use regardless of skill level. This comes through in everything the brand does and has gained it a truly cult-like following, but its eyeshadow palettes have a particular level of reverence in the makeup community.

The best example is the brand’s Ethereal Eyes shimmer palette, which launched as a limited-edition palette in 2022, and it amassed a waiting list of 60k and sold out in just six weeks. Last fall, the brand brought it back for yet another short window, and it was met with the same ravenous excitement (our writer even tossed all of her other palettes since it was all she needs). If you weren’t able to get your hands on Ethereal Eyes the first or second time around, I have some exciting news: On October 15, the brand is dropping a new evolution of the famous palette, the Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlight, just in time for holiday party season.

Ahead, everything you need to know about the limited-edition palette, and team Byrdie’s honest reviews.

The Palette

As a refresher, the original Ethereal Eyes Palette was a mix of soft matte, natural metallic, and glossy shimmer shades in warm toned nudes and browns. The new palette includes the same finishes plus a brand new one, sueded satin, for “a smooth suede texture with a demi-silky sheen that provides subtle luminosity to lids.” As the name suggests, the colors in the palette were inspired by moonlight, and span 12 shades that “balance neutral earthy tones with moonlit, watery shimmers” like soft gray, deep navy, light brown, and silver glitter. Each shade is buildable and bendable, and can be used alone as a wash of color or as part of an elaborate look.

The Reviews

Bella Cacciatore, news editor

“I don’t often wear eyeshadow, but if I do, it’s pretty much always Makeup By Mario. The formulas are just unmatched, and the OG Ethereal Eyes Palette is one of my go-to’s for a night out or days where I want a little extra something. However, the Moonlight palette may have just dethroned her thanks to the cooler tones, which I personally prefer. This palette has the same buttery mattes and wet-looking shimmers as the original, and it’s super easy to blend them on with a brush or your fingers. It truly gives you the most gorgeous mermaid eye effect that no other palette can, and the shades are so pretty all together or on their own. I may have to grab an extra before it leaves shelves, as I think this is going to be my new staple.”

Eden Stuart, editor

“I’m calling it now, this will be this season’s definitive holiday party palette. The color scheme is so cool—both literally and figuratively. It has the perfect balance of dusty neutrals (including a stunning and unexpected navy) and shifty shimmers. It’s all very cohesive: So many color combos jump right out when you look at the layout. I fear Mario has another blockbuster on his hands.”

Holly Rhue, editorial director

“When it comes to eyeshadow, I prefer a more edited-down palette, and Makeup by Mario’s latest edition of Ethereal Eyes is just that. Rather than packing in 30 shades that only incite decision fatigue, this palette contains a compact number of shades that are entirely wearable. The warmer tones make the perfect base, while the cooler-toned grays, silvers, and blues make for the perfect soft smoke to define my blue eyes.”

You can shop the Ethereal Eyes Palette: Moonlight on October 15 for $68 at makeupbymario.com. You’ll want to set your calendar, as the limited-edition palette won’t be around for long.