Overview

The ColourPop After Hours Eyeshadow Palette 0.65oz arrives with a clear point of view: cool nudes, smoky mauves, and deep burgundies built for anyone who gravitates toward that moody, after-dark aesthetic. It's a focused shade story — not a rainbow, not a neutral-only snooze — and that intentionality is genuinely refreshing. At 0.65oz, the palette stays slim enough to toss into any bag without adding bulk, and the price sits comfortably in the mid-range without stretching your wallet. If your everyday looks trend sultry rather than bright and graphic, this smoky mauve palette is worth a serious look. Vivid color lovers, though, should look elsewhere.

Features & Benefits

What makes the After Hours palette genuinely useful day-to-day is the mix of four finishes packed into one slim compact. Matte, metallic, matte sparkle, and pearlescent glitter all live here, so you can build a sheer wash, a deep smoky lid, or a foiled metallic look without reaching for a second palette. The pressed powder formula is noticeably well-pigmented — most shades show up in one or two passes without patchiness. Blending is forgiving, which matters when working with dark mauve and burgundy tones that can muddy easily. ColourPop develops everything in-house and cruelty-free, and that consistency in quality control tends to show in the texture.

Best For

This ColourPop eye palette makes the most sense for smoky eye enthusiasts who want one well-rounded tool rather than a sprawling 20-pan situation. Beginners will appreciate how the shade count stays manageable — fewer choices means less room to build a muddy mess. The day-to-night versatility works well for people who commute in a nude lid and need to deepen things up before a dinner out without carrying a second palette. It's a strong pick for budget-conscious, cruelty-free shoppers, and the slim profile makes it a natural fit for anyone who refuses to check a bag on a weekend trip.

User Feedback

Buyers consistently highlight pigment and blendability as the standout strengths, with many noting the mattes perform well above what you'd expect at this price. The metallic and matte sparkle shades also earn solid praise for closely matching their product imagery. Where things get more nuanced: the pearlescent glitter finish can shed throughout the day, especially without a sticky primer underneath, so managing fallout falls on you. A few reviewers on the cooler or deeper end of the skin tone spectrum note the shades don't translate equally for everyone — the palette skews cool-toned. Packaging durability draws mixed reactions, though most find the pan layout intuitive for daily use.

Pros

  • Matte shades are genuinely well-pigmented and show up in one or two passes without patchiness.
  • The four-finish variety — matte, metallic, matte sparkle, and glitter — covers a real range of looks from one compact.
  • Blending is forgiving, which matters a lot when working with deep mauve and burgundy tones.
  • The slim profile slides easily into a small bag, making the After Hours palette a practical travel companion.
  • Metallic and matte sparkle shades closely match product imagery, which is not always a given at this price point.
  • The focused shade count makes the palette approachable for beginners without feeling limiting for everyday use.
  • Entirely cruelty-free and developed in-house, giving shoppers confidence in consistent formula quality.
  • Day-to-night transitions are genuinely doable within a single palette — no second compact needed.
  • The pan layout is intuitive and well-organized, making shade selection quick during an on-the-go routine.

Cons

  • The shade range skews distinctly cool-toned, leaving warm-palette lovers with little to work with.
  • Pearlescent glitter fallout can be noticeable throughout the day without a sticky eyeshadow primer underneath.
  • Deeper skin tones may find several of the lighter nude shades too sheer or low-contrast to be practical.
  • Packaging durability has drawn mixed reactions — the compact feels functional but not particularly sturdy.
  • The palette covers only one aesthetic lane, so it cannot replace a broader, multi-category palette for versatile users.
  • Longevity without primer is inconsistent — some buyers report fading or slight creasing by mid-afternoon.
  • The glitter finish requires a more deliberate, careful application technique to avoid messy fallout on the cheeks.
  • Fairer skin tones may find the deeper burgundy shades overpowering and difficult to use subtly.

Ratings

The scores below for the ColourPop After Hours Eyeshadow Palette 0.65oz were generated by our AI engine after analyzing thousands of verified buyer reviews from global markets, with spam, bot-submitted, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out. Every category reflects the real distribution of user sentiment — not an average skewed by outliers — so both the genuine strengths and the recurring frustrations are represented honestly. Where buyers consistently disagreed, the score lands in the middle and the reasoning explains both sides.

Pigmentation
88%
The matte and metallic shades are where most buyers feel genuinely impressed — several reviewers noted they stopped reaching for their higher-end palettes for everyday smoky looks because the color payoff here is comparable. Even the mid-tone transition shades show up with enough intensity to be useful rather than just decorative.
A handful of buyers on deeper skin tones reported that the lighter nude shades sit almost invisibly on the lid, contributing very little to a blended look. The glitter shade also underperforms in raw pigmentation compared to the other finishes in the palette.
Blendability
91%
This is arguably the After Hours palette's strongest suit. The pressed powder texture is smooth enough that even beginners report being able to diffuse the deep mauves and burgundies without hard edges, which is genuinely difficult to pull off with dark shades at this price point. Fluffy brushes in particular work exceptionally well.
A small number of buyers noted that over-blending the darker shades can pull up too much product and muddy lighter transition areas, requiring a clean brush to correct. This is a technique issue more than a formula flaw, but it does affect users who are still developing their blending skills.
Shade Range
74%
26%
For anyone whose makeup rotation is anchored in cool-toned neutrals and moody evening looks, the curated shade story feels well thought out rather than randomly assembled. The progression from soft nudes through mauves into deep burgundy gives a logical build that works for both subtle daytime and full smoky-eye applications.
The palette's cool-toned focus is also its biggest limitation — buyers who work across warm and cool tones regularly find this ColourPop eye palette too narrow to justify as a standalone option. There are no warm browns, no oranges, and nothing that bridges the gap for users who want one palette to do it all.
Longevity
76%
24%
With a solid eyeshadow primer underneath, the majority of buyers report the shades holding cleanly through an eight-hour workday without significant creasing or fading. The darker mattes and metallics in particular earn consistent praise for their staying power even in warmer or more humid climates.
Without primer, results drop off noticeably — lighter shades tend to fade within three to four hours, and the lightest nudes can look almost absent by mid-afternoon. Buyers expecting all-day wear with no base coat are likely to be underwhelmed.
Glitter Performance
61%
39%
When applied deliberately over a sticky primer or with a damp brush, the pearlescent glitter shade delivers a reflective, dimensional finish that looks more expensive than the palette's price suggests. Several buyers specifically call it out as a favorite shade for evening looks and holiday makeup.
Fallout is a consistent complaint — multiple reviewers describe glitter particles migrating onto the cheeks and under the eyes throughout the day, even with primer. The glitter shade requires more effort and maintenance than the rest of the palette, and buyers who prefer low-fuss application will likely find it frustrating in a daily routine.
Matte Finish Quality
89%
The matte shades are where the After Hours palette most consistently punches above its price bracket. Buyers frequently describe them as buttery and smooth on application, with very little kickup or powderiness that can sometimes plague affordable pressed mattes.
A few buyers noted slight chalkiness in the two lightest matte shades when applied to drier eyelids without a primer, which can make blending feel slightly draggy rather than effortless. This is less common on normal-to-oily lids.
Metallic Finish Quality
83%
The metallic shades deliver a convincing foiled look when packed on with a flat brush, and buyers consistently note that they match product imagery closely — a bar that cheaper palettes often fail to clear. The cool-toned metallic tones complement the surrounding matte shades in a way that feels cohesive rather than mismatched.
Applied with a fluffy blending brush, the metallics read more like a soft shimmer than a true metallic, which can disappoint buyers expecting a bold, foiled effect from a casual swipe. Technique matters more with these shades than with the mattes.
Value for Money
87%
Across reviews, the phrase that appears most often in positive feedback is some variation of being surprised by the quality relative to the price. Buyers who have previously used mid-range and premium palettes routinely describe the After Hours palette as significantly overdelivering for what it costs, particularly in matte pigmentation and blendability.
Buyers who purchase without understanding the palette's focused aesthetic — and then find themselves limited by the cool-toned, moody shade story — tend to feel less satisfied with the value, since a narrow palette only feels like a good deal if most of the shades are actually usable for your everyday style.
Packaging & Build
66%
34%
The slim profile and compact footprint make it easy to store in a makeup drawer or slip into a travel pouch without wasted space. The pan layout is clean and logically organized, which makes shade selection quick and intuitive even when applying in poor lighting.
The outer casing is not particularly durable — buyers who carry the palette loosely in a gym bag or everyday tote report visible wear and cosmetic damage to the compact over time. The closure mechanism functions adequately but lacks the satisfying solidity that even slightly pricier palettes tend to offer.
Travel Friendliness
92%
At 0.5 inches thin and roughly 5.6 inches square, this smoky mauve palette is one of the slimmest options in its class, and buyers consistently highlight it as a go-to for weekend trips and carry-on-only travel. The contained shade range actually works in its favor here — everything you need for eye looks is in one slim compact.
The lightweight casing, while great for portability, does raise minor concerns about impact resistance for buyers who pack aggressively. A few reviewers mention the compact showing signs of damage after being jostled in a checked bag, though pan damage appears to be rare.
Beginner Friendliness
84%
The curated shade count removes the decision paralysis that comes with larger palettes, and the shades flow naturally into one another in a way that makes accidental color clashes difficult. Most beginners report being able to build a complete eye look within a few practice sessions, which is a realistic benchmark for a focused palette like this.
Working with deep mauve and burgundy shades does require some blending technique — beginners who apply with too heavy a hand early in the look can end up with a muddy lid that is difficult to correct. The palette rewards patience more than it rewards speed.
Skin Tone Versatility
58%
42%
Medium skin tones get the most out of the full shade range, with both the lighter transition shades and the deeper anchor shades contributing meaningfully to a complete look. The rich mauves and burgundies also translate with strong payoff on deeper complexions.
The palette struggles at both ends of the skin tone spectrum. Lighter nudes disappear on deeper skin tones, while the darkest burgundy shades can feel overpowering and hard to blend back on very fair complexions. Buyers with these concerns may find themselves using only a portion of the available pans.
Cruelty-Free Credentials
96%
ColourPop's cruelty-free commitment is well established and independently recognized, and buyers who prioritize ethical cosmetics consistently cite it as a key reason for choosing this brand over similarly priced competitors. The in-house development and manufacturing model further reassures buyers who are skeptical of outsourced ethical claims.
ColourPop products are not certified vegan across the board, so buyers seeking full vegan formulations should verify individual product ingredient lists rather than relying on the cruelty-free status alone as a proxy for vegan compliance.
Day-to-Night Adaptability
81%
19%
The progression from light nudes through to deep burgundies within a single compact makes the transition from office-appropriate to evening-ready genuinely practical without needing to carry a second palette. Multiple buyers specifically mention achieving two distinct looks in a single wear day without restarting from scratch.
The lack of any truly neutral warm shades means that building a softer, daytime-appropriate look requires deliberate restraint with the darker shades rather than having a dedicated warmer, lighter half of the palette to anchor a daytime build. It works, but it takes more care than a palette with a more tiered shade architecture.

Suitable for:

The ColourPop After Hours Eyeshadow Palette 0.65oz is a strong fit for anyone whose makeup comfort zone lives in the smoky, sultry, and moody end of the spectrum. If you regularly reach for cool nudes and deep mauves over bright or playful colors, the curated shade range here will feel like it was built with you in mind. Beginners will benefit from the focused pan count — fewer shades means fewer ways to accidentally muddy a look — while the four distinct finishes give more experienced users enough to work with for varied results. The slim, travel-friendly profile makes it a practical choice for people who pack light but still want a capable eye palette on hand. Cruelty-free shoppers who are tired of paying luxury prices for ethical cosmetics will also find genuine value here without compromise.

Not suitable for:

The ColourPop After Hours Eyeshadow Palette 0.65oz is not the right pick if your usual eye looks lean warm, colorful, or editorial — the palette's entire identity is cool-toned and moody, so it offers very little for those who prefer terracottas, warm browns, or vibrant pops of color. Deeper skin tones may find that some of the lighter nude and mauve shades do not translate with enough contrast or payoff to be useful, and very fair skin tones might find the burgundy shades more intense than wearable for everyday use. If glitter fallout is a dealbreaker for you, the pearlescent glitter finish requires deliberate technique and a solid primer to behave — it is not a hands-off, low-maintenance shade. Buyers looking for a large, versatile palette that covers multiple color families or skin tone ranges in one purchase should look at more expansive options. Those who prioritize ultra-rigid, luxury-grade packaging will also likely feel underwhelmed.

Specifications

  • Brand: Manufactured and sold by ColourPop, a California-based cosmetics company that develops all products in-house.
  • Palette Name: The palette is officially named After Hours, reflecting its moody, evening-inspired shade story.
  • Net Weight: Total product net weight is 0.65 oz, making it lightweight and practical for daily or travel use.
  • Dimensions: The compact measures 5.64 x 5.65 inches in footprint and just 0.5 inches in depth when closed.
  • Item Form: All shades are formulated as pressed powder, delivering consistent texture and minimal mess during application.
  • Shade Family: The palette features cool nudes, smoky mauves, and rich burgundies across its shade range.
  • Finishes: Four finish types are included: Matte, Metallic, Matte Sparkle, and Pearlescent Glitter.
  • Formula Traits: The formula is described as high-pigment, buildable, and blendable, designed to deliver color payoff without excessive layering.
  • Cruelty-Free: ColourPop is 100% cruelty-free and does not test its products or ingredients on animals.
  • Manufacturing: All products are imagined, developed, tested, and manufactured entirely in-house by ColourPop with no third-party production.
  • UPC: The product UPC is 192250047888, corresponding to the After Hours colorway.
  • ASIN: The Amazon Standard Identification Number for this item is B0DV98MP71.
  • Sellers Rank: The palette holds a rank of #88 in the Makeup Palettes category on Amazon at time of listing.
  • Discontinued: This product is currently active and has not been discontinued by the manufacturer.
  • Recommended Tools: ColourPop recommends using flat or firmer brushes for maximum color payoff and fluffy brushes for blending out edges.
  • Eye Liner Use: A small angled brush is recommended for using the darker shades along the lash line as a powder liner.

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FAQ

It works well for beginners precisely because the shade count is focused and intentional rather than overwhelming. The cool nudes and mauves naturally work together, so it is fairly difficult to build a clashing combination. That said, the darker shades do require a bit of blending practice to avoid a muddy finish, so total beginners may want to start with lighter-handed applications.

Glitter fallout is a real consideration with this palette. The pearlescent glitter shade tends to shed, particularly if applied over a dry base. Using a sticky primer or a damp brush underneath significantly improves staying power and reduces fallout onto the cheeks. If loose glitter is a dealbreaker for you in general, the matte sparkle shade is a more manageable alternative within the same palette.

With an eyeshadow primer underneath, most users report solid wear through a full day without noticeable creasing. Without primer, results are more mixed — some buyers find the lighter shades fade within a few hours, especially in humid conditions. The darker mattes and metallics tend to hold up better on their own than the lighter transition shades.

It depends on which shades you are reaching for. The deeper burgundies and richly pigmented mauves translate beautifully on deeper skin tones. However, the lighter nude and transition shades tend to be quite sheer and may not show up with much contrast, which limits their usefulness for building dimension on deeper complexions. The palette is most versatile for medium skin tones in terms of the full range being usable.

The metallics lean more toward a true foiled metallic rather than a standard shimmer, though the intensity depends heavily on application. Using a flat, firm brush and pressing the shade directly onto the lid gives the most reflective, metallic finish. Blending it out with a fluffy brush softens it into something closer to a dimensional shimmer, so you do have some control over the effect.

Yes, the slim profile makes it easy to pack. At just 0.5 inches thick and roughly 5.6 inches square, it slides into most makeup pouches or even larger purse pockets without taking up significant room. It is one of the better travel-friendly options in this price range.

The darker shades work reasonably well as a powder liner along the lash line when applied with a small, angled brush. ColourPop actually suggests this use in their own application tips. It will not have the precision of a gel or liquid liner, but for a smudged, smoky liner effect it is a practical option that most buyers do not immediately think to try.

Honestly, the matte shades in particular hold their own against options priced significantly higher. Blendability and pigmentation are the main strengths that tend to surprise first-time buyers. Where premium brands still have an edge is in glitter formula complexity, packaging quality, and shade range depth — but for everyday smoky and mauve looks, the gap is smaller than the price difference suggests.

The compact is functional but not particularly rugged. The closure is secure enough for daily use, but buyers who regularly throw their palette loosely into a gym bag or backpack report some wear on the casing over time. There are no reports of pans cracking under normal handling, but the outer shell is not the most robust in its class.

ColourPop does not prominently advertise this palette as fragrance-free, so individuals with fragrance sensitivities should review the full ingredient list on the ColourPop website before purchasing. The After Hours palette, like most pressed powder eyeshadows, does contain binding agents and preservatives standard to the category — those with known sensitivities to talc or specific preservatives should check the complete formulation details directly from the brand.