Tarte Maneater After Dark Volume II Eyeshadow Palette Review

If you’re a fan of sultry, neutral eyeshadow palettes with a touch of drama, the Tarte Maneater After Dark Volume II Eyeshadow Palette might just be your next obsession. This limited-edition palette promises a mix of everyday mattes and shimmery, smoked-out shades that can take you from desk to dusk. In this review, we’ll break down the pigmentation, blendability, shade selection, and overall value to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your collection.

Tarte Cosmetics is known for its high-performance, cruelty-free formulas, and the Maneater line has developed a cult following. Volume II builds on the original with a deeper, more daring color story. Whether you’re a neutral lover or someone who likes to experiment with smoky eyes, this palette aims to deliver. Let’s dive into the details.

Packaging and First Impressions

The Tarte Maneater After Dark Volume II Eyeshadow Palette comes in a sleek, compact case with a magnetic closure. The exterior features a bold, animal-print design that feels edgy and luxurious. Inside, you get 12 eyeshadows arranged in a thoughtful gradient from light to dark. The palette also includes a large mirror, making it travel-friendly. The first thing you’ll notice is the rich color payoff—even the lighter shades appear vibrant in the pan.

Compared to the original Maneater palette, Volume II leans cooler and smokier, with more charcoal, plum, and taupe tones. The shade names—like "Feline" and "Midnight"—fit the sultry theme. The palette weighs 0.42 oz, which is standard for a 12-pan palette. It feels sturdy and well-made, perfect for tossing in your makeup bag.

• Tip: Store the palette upright to avoid powder fallout during travel.

Shade Range and Pigmentation

The palette offers a mix of finishes: six mattes, five shimmers, and one satin. The mattes are buttery and blend effortlessly, while the shimmers have a wet-look effect that applies beautifully with a finger or a damp brush. Standout shades include "Stiletto" (a warm bronze shimmer) and "Shadow" (a deep charcoal matte). The lightest shade, "Whisper," works well as a brow bone highlight or inner corner pop.

Pigmentation is consistent across the board. Darker shades like "Obsidian" (a black with silver micro-glitter) are richly pigmented but may have slight fallout—tap off excess before applying. The mid-tone neutrals, such as "Cougar" (a matte taupe), are ideal for crease work. Overall, the color story is cohesive and perfect for creating both subtle daytime looks and intense smoky eyes.

• Swatch tip: Use a primer to enhance shimmer longevity and prevent creasing.

Blendability and Wear Time

One of the standout qualities of the Tarte Maneater After Dark Volume II Eyeshadow Palette is its blendability. The matte shades diffuse seamlessly on the lid without patchiness. Even the darkest shades blend out smoothly, which is impressive for a palette in this price range. The shimmers stay put for 8+ hours without significant creasing when used with an eyeshadow primer.

We tested the palette on oily lids, and with a primer, the colors remained vibrant for a full workday. Without primer, the shimmers showed minor fading after 6 hours. The mattes held up well. For best results, pair this palette with a good eye primer and set with a light dusting of translucent powder.

• Pro tip: Use a flat synthetic brush to pack shimmer shades for maximum impact.

Comparison to Other Tarte Palettes

How does the Maneater After Dark Volume II stack up against other Tarte eyeshadow palettes? If you own the original Maneater palette, Volume II offers a distinctly cooler, smokier vibe—more taupes and plums versus the warm bronzes of the first. It also complements the Tartelette In Bloom palette, which is warmer and more rose-toned. For a complete eye look, you can pair this palette with the travel-size Key Largo glow bronzing drops for a sun-kissed glow.

For those who love bold lashes, the travel-size maneater waterproof mascara is a perfect companion to this palette, adding volume and length without smudging. The palette itself is versatile enough to create both natural and dramatic looks, making it a great addition to any makeup collection.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Tarte Maneater After Dark Volume II Eyeshadow Palette has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

• Pros: Excellent pigmentation, smooth blendability, versatile shade range (cool neutrals and smokey hues), sleek packaging with mirror, cruelty-free.
• Cons: Some fallout with darker shimmer shades, limited warm-toned options, not ideal for very fair skin (lacks a true matte white).

Overall, the Tarte Maneater After Dark Volume II Eyeshadow Palette is a must-have for anyone who loves sultry, neutral-to-smoky eye looks. Its blendable formula, rich pigmentation, and thoughtful shade selection make it a standout in the crowded neutral palette market. If you’re ready to elevate your eye game, explore the Tarte Maneater After Dark Volume II Eyeshadow Palette and see why it’s earning rave reviews.