This Urban Decay palette is my 30-second secret to twinkling eyes, and it's £11 off right now

Nothing makes my eyes sparkle quite like this palette...

On the left is a close-up of Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson's hand holding up the Urban Decay Moondust eyeshadow palette, which features four shimmer eye shadow shades/ in a cream template with pink and gold sparkly eyeshadow swatches
(Image credit: Future)

Consider all your occasion makeup looks sorted from here on out, as I've found the perfect, low-maintenance eyeshadow palette that literally glistens with luxury - and it's 29% off right now.

Forget what you think you know about the glitter eyeshadows. They don't have to feel dry, scratchy, or cascade down your cheeks when applying. There is such a thing as a comfortable and no-fuss shimmer. In fact, there are several, but I know of four, in particular, that come housed in one very convenient palette. Urban Decay's Space Rider Moondust quad has swiftly become my go-to for a quick and chic, light-catching eye look. I'm talking 30 seconds to sweep it across the lid and chase with my best mascara.

And though it might seem a little out there upon first glance (after all, the shades are inspired by space), despite their otherworldly gleam, they're surprisingly versatile and wearable. If you remain unconvinced, here's why this gilded palette is actually quite the game-changer, especially with party season inbound.

Urban Decay Space Rider Moondust Quad Eyeshadow Palette
Save 29% (£11.59)
Urban Decay Space Rider Moondust Quad Eyeshadow Palette: was £40 now £28.41 at Amazon

Right now, you can save £11 on this eyeshadow quad from Urban Decay, which features the brand's best-selling Space Cowboy shade, along with three others inspired by it.

Why Urban Decay's Moondust palette is my secret to sparkling, party-ready eyes

As mentioned, I'm not usually an eye makeup person. I tend to call it a day at just curling my lashes and applying a quick coat of mascara, because often I find that eyeliner and shadows can quickly overwhelm my eyes and look too heavy. So, if I do wear either, I err on the side of caution, with just a very subtle solo colour or thin wing applied.

Urban Decay's Moondust palette, though, is the glittering exception. I don't fear the glisten; in fact, I've been known to wear it to work and just out and about, no occasion needed.

Now, if you've been following our makeup content for some time, especially around festive looks, you'll know our team's love for Urban Decay's Space Cowboy eyeshadow runs deep. This palette features the cult-favourite champagne-y hue, along with three other shades: Star Cowgirl, which is a soft nude shimmer, Wild Dipper Rides Again - a rose-gold - and Cosmic Space Dust, a glistening taupe brown.

So what makes this palette of shimmers so appealing, even to someone who has just stated that they tend to avoid eyeshadow, I hear you ask? Well, for starters, look how pretty...

A gif showing Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson, moving her arm to show the shimmer of the four Urban Decay Moondust eyeshadows swatched on her skin.

(Image credit: Future)

Then there's the matter of texture. These shadows feel like silk, and there's no grittiness or patchiness when you apply them. Their creamy formulas just glide across your lid without any tugging. Personally, like with many of the best cream eyeshadows, I recommend applying them with your finger, as I find this prevents any glitter fallout and really sheers out the colour, but you can also use a brush.

As for the colours themselves, while they may look very sparkly and perhaps a tad bright and youthful, they're buildable. Space Cowboy, for instance, offers a flattering tint of champagne, but it's initially very subtle and can be blended out to appear more sheer. Of course, you can also create a statement look by applying more of it, or you can add it over top of another pigmented shadow, depending on your preference.

I find that just one quick dusting with my finger is enough to add a very literal twinkle to my eyes, though, without looking too 'done' or occasion-y.

, followed by a picture of the palette open, to show the four shades, and finally, on the right, is a picture of the shadows taken with flash, to show their metallic shimmer.

(Image credit: Future | Product: Urban Decay)

While the actual tint of these shades is, as discussed, quite versatile and buildable, the shimmer is very much there from first swipe, and downright hypnotising. The teeny tiny glitter particles recreate a 'wet' look sheen across your lids, which again feels more approachable than a chunky glitter and can be layered for a more blinding gleam.

How to apply Urban Decay's Moondust eyeshadows

My favourites of the four are Space Cowboy and Cosmic Space Dust; the former looks quite coppery on my pale skin, while the latter leaves a soft, muted-brown sheen, which I love for a more sultry, evening feel.

When I wear these shadows, I just blend them across my entire lid with my ring finger. This gives my eyes the most gorgeous, subtle veil of shimmer with very little effort involved, which then catches the light every time I move my head or blink.

I then finish the look with mascara, though you can of course add your best eyeliners (as I have in the fourth picture), or create more of a gradient, smoky eye.

On the left are two pictures of Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson, wearing the Space Cowboy eyeshadow on her eyelids, followed by a picture of her wearing the shade Cosmic Space dust with just mascara and then another picture of her wearing this shade with brown eyeliner.

(Image credit: Future)

I prefer natural makeup, but find I reach for this palette every time I want to change things up a bit, be it for a dinner out or party, as they add just the right amount of oomph to my look. I feel confident when I wear them, which is the most important thing, and to be honest, I forget I'm even wearing eyeshadow at all - that's how lightweight, low-maintenance and long-lasting they are.

Their creamy formula is also perfect for transforming your makeup from day to night, and they photograph beautifully too, especially with flash - something to keep in mind with party season on the way.

All in all, despite being a tad pricey, I think the versatility of this palette makes it well worth the spend - and you can often find it discounted at retailers like Amazon and Sephora.

Naomi Jamieson
Digital Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she covers everything from makeup to skincare but specialises, particularly, in fragrance and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi shares her trend expertise and personal product recommendations. She is also a judge for woman&home's annual hair, skincare and beauty awards.

Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products.

Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, to pursue her passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee and probably online shopping...

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