Hello, stargazers and makeup lovers!
Have you ever gazed at a starry night sky and wished you could capture that exact magic—the ethereal glow of the moon, the twinkle of distant stars, the deep jewel tones of the galaxy—and wear it on your face? For many of us in the UK, where clear nights can be a rare treat, this dream feels especially potent.
Well, prepare to have your wish granted. Welcome to the enchanting universe of Lunar Beauty, a makeup brand where cosmic dreams become a stunning reality. Founded by mega-influencer and master makeup artist Manny MUA (Manny Gutierrez), this isn’t just another celebrity brand. It’s a meticulously crafted, passion-fueled project that blends high-drama glamour with a heartfelt love for all things celestial.
But with such mesmerising packaging and hype, it’s fair to wonder: does the performance match the fantasy? Is it worth navigating international shipping to the UK? After months of testing their most iconic products, I’m here to be your guide. This deep dive will explore my top picks, who they’re perfect for, and how to build truly otherworldly looks that will make you feel like you’ve stepped right out of a fairy tale.
Also Read: A Deep Dive into Beauty Bakerie’s High-Performance Formulas
The Man Behind the Magic: Why Manny MUA’s Brand Stands Out
Before we explore the products, it’s essential to understand the creator. Manny MUA isn’t just a famous face; he’s a certified makeup artist with a genuine, infectious passion for the craft. He rose to fame on YouTube, sharing detailed tutorials and honest reviews, building a community based on trust and a shared love for bold, beautiful makeup.
This background is why Lunar Beauty feels so authentic. Manny created the brand he wanted to use himself: high-pigment, blendable, thematic, and, most importantly, inclusive. The brand celebrates creativity and self-expression, encouraging everyone to find their own unique sparkle. It’s this foundation of expertise and community that sets Lunar Beauty apart from countless other influencer-led lines.
My Number One Pick: The Moon Spell Eyeshadow Palette
If you invest in one item from Lunar Beauty, let it be one of their eyeshadow palettes. They are the crown jewels of the collection, and the Moon Spell Palette is a perfect example of their genius.
- The Theme & Packaging: Inspired by witchcraft, fantasy, and lunar magic, the palette is housed in a gorgeous, deep purple box with a holographic, spellbook-inspired design. It feels luxurious and special before you even open it.
- The Shade Breakdown: This palette is a masterclass in balance. It contains:
- Essential Mattes: Shades like “Tarot” (a warm transition brown) and “Wand” (a cooler taupe) are perfectly formulated for effortless blending in the crease.
- Metallic Marvels: The stars of the show. “Crystal Ball” is an intensely foiled silver, and “Sorcery” is a duochromatic purple-pink shift. They apply best with a finger or a damp brush for maximum impact.
- Dramatic Depths: “Blood Moon” (a rich burgundy) and “Black Cat” (a deep black) allow you to add depth and create smoky, dramatic looks.
- The Formula in Action: The mattes are pigmented but buildable, meaning they’re forgiving for beginners but still pack a punch. The shimmers are creamy and have minimal fallout, adhering to the lid with incredible intensity.
- UK User Tip: This palette is incredibly versatile for the UK climate. The neutral mattes are perfect for a daytime look that can withstand a drizzly day, while the shimmers are ideal for adding drama for a night out.
- Find it here: Lunar Beauty Moon Spell Palette
Also Read: Your Deep Dive into the One Size Beauty Universe
Achieve a Lit-From-Within Glow: The Moon Prism Highlighter
A celestial look is incomplete without a highlight that mimics starlight. The Moon Prism Highlighter is exactly that.
- The Aesthetic: The product itself is pressed into a beautiful, detailed star shape, making it a stunning addition to any vanity.
- The Shade “Luna”: This is a universally flattering, opalescent white with a subtle pink shift. It lacks chunky glitter, instead offering a smooth, wet-looking sheen that looks like natural light hitting your skin.
- Performance & Wear: The formula is incredibly soft and blends seamlessly into the skin. It doesn’t emphasise pores or texture, which is a common issue with many highlighters. You can achieve anything from a subtle daytime glow to a blinding beam for photographs.
- How to Use It: Apply with a fluffy brush to the high points of your face: cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and the inner corners of your eyes. For an extra-otherworldly effect, dab a tiny amount on the centre of your eyelids over a matte shadow.
- Best For: Anyone seeking a highlighter that is both intense and refined, especially those with pale to medium skin tones.
- Find it here: Lunar Beauty Moon Prism Highlighter
Also Read: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream: The Ultimate Moisturizer for Dry & Sensitive Skin?
The Perfect Pout: Lunar Lip Gloss in “Astrology”
Glossy lips are a key component of the modern, ethereal makeup look, and Lunar Beauty’s offering is a standout.
- The Product: The Lunar Lip Gloss comes in sleek, weighty packaging that feels high-end.
- The Shade “Astrology”: This is a primarily clear gloss infused with fine, iridescent micro-shimmer that reflects light beautifully without being gritty.
- The Formula: This is where it shines. It’s noticeably non-sticky, a common complaint with many glosses. It feels comfortable and hydrating on the lips, thanks to conditioning ingredients.
- Versatility: It can be worn alone for a simple, high-shine look or layered over any lipstick to add dimension and a galactic sparkle. It’s particularly stunning over berry-toned or nude lipsticks.
- Find it here: Lunar Beauty Lip Gloss
Building a Complete Celestial Face: Other Stellar Products
While the above are my top three, the brand has other gems worth exploring:
- The Strawberry Dream Palette: If the Moon Spell is too dark for your taste, this palette is a beautiful alternative. It features a dreamy combination of pinks, corals, and shimmery neutrals, all with a sweet, romantic vibe. It’s perfect for creating soft, fairy-like looks. Check it out here.
- Lip Scrubs: Prepping your lips is essential for a smooth gloss application. Their sugar lip scrubs, like the Candy Necklace flavour, are effective and taste delicious, gently exfoliating away dry skin.
Step-by-Step: Creating an “Enchanted Moon Goddess” Look
Let’s put it all together! Here is a simple guide to creating a cohesive, celestial makeup look.
- Skincare First: Start with a well-moisturised face. A hydrating primer, like the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Primer, will enhance the dewy, glowing finish.
- Ethereal Eyes:
- Base: Apply an eyeshadow primer to ensure your look lasts all night.
- Crease: Using a fluffy brush, blend the matte shade “Wand” from the Moon Spell palette into your crease.
- Lid: Pack the shimmering shade “Crystal Ball” onto your eyelid using your finger for the most intense colour payoff.
- Depth: Use a small brush to softly smudge “Blood Moon” along your upper and lower lash lines.
- Finish: Apply a dramatic winged liner with a liquid formula like the Maybelline Hypereasy Liner and several coats of volumising mascara.
- Complexion & Glow:
- Apply your favourite foundation and concealer. For this look, a radiant, dewy foundation is ideal.
- Take the Moon Prism Highlighter and sweep it generously onto the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, on your cupid’s bow, and on your brow bone.
- The Final Spell:
- Complete the look with the Lunar Lip Gloss in “Astrology” applied over a nude lip liner for a plump, glossy, and magical finish.
The Essential UK Buyer’s Guide: Costs, Shipping & Customs
This is the practical part every UK shopper needs to know.
- Official Website: The only place to buy authentic Lunar Beauty is the Lunar Beauty official website.
- Shipping to the UK: Costs typically range from $15-$20 USD (approx. £12-£16). Delivery usually takes 10-14 working days, so plan ahead if you need it for a specific event.
- The Customs Threshold: This is critical. If the total value of your goods (including shipping costs) is over £135, you will likely have to pay UK import VAT (20%) plus a Royal Mail handling fee (around £8-12). To avoid this, keep your order total below £135. You can calculate potential charges using the UK Government’s import duty calculator.
- Returns Policy: International returns are often complicated and expensive. Be sure to check the current policy on the Lunar Beauty website before ordering and be confident in your shade choices.
Final Verdict: Is Lunar Beauty Worth the Investment for UK Makeup Lovers?
After extensive testing, my conclusion is a resounding yes, for the right person.
Lunar Beauty is perfect for you if:
- You love thematic, collectible makeup with stunning packaging.
- You value highly pigmented, blendable formulas that perform as well as high-end staples.
- You enjoy creating bold, glamorous, or creative looks.
- You don’t mind the process of ordering from the US and waiting for delivery.
You might want to reconsider if:
- You prefer minimal, “no-makeup” makeup looks.
- You are on a very tight budget and the additional costs are a concern.
- You need your makeup immediately and can’t wait for international shipping.
The brand successfully translates its celestial theme into high-performance products that feel special and deliver professional results. For UK beauty enthusiasts looking to add a touch of magic to their routine, Lunar Beauty is a dazzling and worthwhile discovery.
Have you tried any Lunar Beauty products? What’s your favourite celestial look? Share your thoughts and creations in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Your Guide to Lunar Beauty
You asked, and we’ve listened! Since publishing our celestial beauty guide, we’ve received so many brilliant questions about navigating the world of Lunar Beauty from the UK. I’ve compiled the most common and insightful ones here to give you all the extra information you need.
Q1: I have mature eyelids and worry about shimmer eyeshadows emphasizing wrinkles. Are Lunar Beauty’s shimmers forgiving or glittery?
A: This is an excellent question and a common concern. Lunar Beauty’s shimmer formula is actually quite sophisticated. Rather than being made of large, chunky glitter particles that can settle into fine lines, their shimmers have a smooth, almost creamy texture that adheres to the lid with minimal fallout. They provide a metallic, foiled effect that reflects light, which can actually make eyelids appear smoother and more luminous. The key is application: use a flat, synthetic brush and press the shadow onto the lid rather than sweeping it, and always start with a good eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base.
Q2: How does the Moon Prism Highlighter perform on deeper skin tones? Is “Luna” the only shade?
A: While “Luna” is a stunning universal shade, Lunar Beauty has thoughtfully expanded the Moon Prism range to be more inclusive. They now offer shades like “Sol” (a golden bronze) and “Stella” (a peachy gold) which are absolutely gorgeous on medium to deep skin tones, providing a warm, radiant glow. “Luna” can still work as an inner corner and brow bone highlight on deeper complexions, but “Sol” or “Stella” would be the perfect choice for a cheekbone highlight. Always check their website for the latest shade range.
Q3: Are the lip glosses sticky? I can’t stand the feeling of hair sticking to my lips.
A: I completely understand this aversion! The Lunar Lip Glosses are formulated to be noticeably non-sticky. They have a smooth, viscous texture that feels comfortable and hydrating on the lips. While no gloss is 100% immune to a stray hair on a windy UK day, these are among the least sticky I’ve tried. They provide a high-shine, glass-like finish without the tacky feeling that plagues many drugstore formulas.
Q4: I’m a makeup beginner. Is the Moon Spell Palette too intimidating to start with?
A: The Moon Spell Palette is surprisingly beginner-friendly! While it has some dramatic shades, it also contains all the essential neutral mattes you need to create a simple, everyday look. The formula is blendable and forgiving, which is ideal for someone still practicing their technique. You can easily ignore the darker shades like “Black Cat” until you feel more confident and just focus on the beautiful taupes, browns, and a touch of shimmer. It’s a palette that can grow with your skills.
Q5: How does the eyeshadow quality compare to other popular brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills or Huda Beauty?
A: Lunar Beauty’s eyeshadow formula holds its own against these industry giants. The mattes are comparable to Anastasia Beverly Hills in their pigmentation and blendability. The shimmers have the intense, creamy-powder hybrid feel that Huda Beauty’s famous formulas are known for. You are absolutely getting a professional-quality product. The main difference is the unique, thematic packaging and colour stories that you won’t find anywhere else.
Q6: What’s the best way to make the eyeshadow looks last all day on oily eyelids?
A: This is crucial for longevity. The single most important step is to use an eyeshadow primer. A good primer (like the Urban Decay Primer Potion or the e.l.f. Putty Primer) creates a neutral, dry base that prevents oils from breaking down your eyeshadow and intensifies the colour payoff. After applying primer, you can also set it with a tiny amount of translucent powder or a skin-toned eyeshadow before starting your look. This will ensure your celestial creation lasts from your morning coffee to your evening out.
Q7: Has the brand ever had any major controversies or ethical issues I should know about?
A: Lunar Beauty, under Manny MUA’s leadership, has maintained a very positive reputation. The brand is cruelty-free and many of its products are vegan (always check individual product descriptions). Manny has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity within the beauty industry. While the brand itself has not been involved in significant controversies, it’s always good practice to research a brand’s current values and practices, as these can evolve.
Q8: What is the best way to sanitize the beautiful star-shaped highlighter if I want to share it?
A: It’s best not to share makeup for hygiene reasons, but if you must, the safest way to sanitize a powder product is to gently spritz the surface with 70% isopropyl alcohol (you can find this in small bottles at Boots or online) and let it air dry completely. The alcohol will evaporate quickly, killing surface bacteria without damaging the formula or the intricate star design.
Q9: I missed out on a limited edition palette. Do they ever restock sold-out items?
A: Lunar Beauty’s limited edition collections, like the “Moon Spell” or “Strawberry Dream” palettes, are often incredibly popular. While they are labelled as “limited edition,” Manny and his team have been known to listen to customer demand and occasionally bring back highly requested items for a restock. Your best bet is to follow Lunar Beauty on Instagram and enable post notifications, as they always announce restocks and new launches there.
Q10: With the shipping and potential customs fees, what’s the most cost-effective way for a UK fan to build a Lunar Beauty collection?
A: The most cost-effective strategy is to plan a collective order with friends who are also interested. By placing one larger order, you can split the flat-rate shipping cost between you. More importantly, you can carefully calculate the total basket value to stay just under the £135 customs threshold, thus avoiding the 20% VAT and handling fee. This is much smarter than placing several small orders and paying shipping multiple times.
