If you were deep in the beauty community trenches around 2018, you remember the chaos. Makeup was loud. Highlighting was practically a competitive sport. And then Jeffree Star dropped a neon pink, faux-leather alien head on our vanities. It was the Jeffree Star Alien Palette, and honestly, it remains one of the most polarizing releases in the history of "Beauty YouTube."
Most makeup brands play it safe. They give us "Toasted Almond" or "Desert Rose." Not this. This was a literal 3D extraterrestrial skull with bulbous eyes. It was bulky. It was weird. It was impossible to fit into a standard makeup drawer.
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But even now, years after it was wiped from the shelves, people are still hunting for it. You’ll see it pop up on eBay for $150 or more. Why? Because underneath that strange packaging was a color story that actually made sense in a way most "fun" palettes don't. It wasn't just a gimmick.
The Story Behind the Alien Launch
Back in late 2018, Jeffree Star was at the absolute peak of his influence. The Alien Holiday collection wasn't just another launch; it was an event. It retailed for $52 and featured 18 shades. At the time, this was JSC’s biggest launch to date.
The hype was massive. I remember watching the reveal video where he talked about wanting to move away from the warm, sunset-toned palettes that were suffocating the market. He wanted something cold. Something "otherworldly."
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It sold out almost instantly. Fans were obsessed with the 3D alien head. Detractors called it "tacky" and "childish." But the numbers didn't lie—people wanted it. It briefly became part of the permanent collection, but that didn't last as long as fans expected.
Breaking Down the Shades (and the Formula)
Basically, the Jeffree Star Alien Palette was a masterclass in greens, purples, and cool-toned neutrals. You had your mattes and your shimmers, but they weren't your average transition shades.
- The Greens: This is where the palette earned its keep. "Abduction" was this sharp, chartreuse lime that shouldn't have worked but did. Then you had "Flying Saucer," a deep, moody teal-green that was notoriously a bit tricky to blend but packed a punch.
- The Metallics: Shades like "UFO" (a true gold) and "Alien" (a neon green shimmer) felt buttery.
- The "Weird" Neutrals: "X-Files" was a grayish-khaki that looked like nothing else in a makeup bag.
Honestly, the formula was typical of that era of JSC—extremely pigmented. Maybe too pigmented for some. If you weren't careful with "Area 51" (that deep royal purple), you’d end up with a stained eyelid for two days. That’s just the reality of pressed pigments.
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Why Was the Alien Palette Discontinued?
It feels like one day it was there, and the next, it was gone. In early 2020, Jeffree took to Twitter to confirm the rumors. He was axing two major palettes: Thirsty and Alien.
His reasoning? "Time to make room for all the new sh*t dropping in 2020."
Business-wise, it makes sense. The Alien head packaging was likely a nightmare to produce and ship. It was heavy. It took up three times the space of a "Blood Sugar" palette. When you're running a massive beauty empire, those logistics start to hurt the bottom line.
Plus, the "Cremated" and "Blood Money" palettes were on the horizon. Jeffree was shifting toward more cohesive, monochromatic themes. The Alien palette, with its chaotic mix of greens and purples, didn't fit the new "aesthetic" of the brand moving into the 2020s.
Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?
You've probably seen these on Resale sites. Before you drop $200 on a used palette, let's get real for a second.
- Expiry Dates are Real: This palette launched in 2018. If you find a "New in Box" version today, those powders are nearing eight years old. While powders last longer than creams, the binders start to break down. The shimmers might get crumbly. The mattes might lose their "blendability."
- The Counterfeit Problem: Because this is a "collector's item," the market is flooded with fakes. If the price looks too good to be true, it’s because it’s probably made with ingredients you don't want near your eyes.
- The Controversy Factor: You can't talk about this brand without acknowledging the drama. From the Shane Dawson "Conspiracy" era to the various public fallouts, many people have moved away from JSC entirely.
If you're a collector who just wants the packaging for a shelf display? Go for it. But if you're looking for the best green eyeshadow on the market, there are modern palettes from brands like Natasha Denona or even indie brands like Terra Moons that perform better without the 2018 baggage.
Actionable Tips for Collectors
If you are dead-set on finding an original Jeffree Star Alien Palette, don't just click "buy" on the first eBay listing.
- Check the batch codes. Ask the seller for a photo of the back of the palette.
- Look at the eyes. On the fakes, the 3D eyes on the front are often misaligned or have a weird, dull finish. The real ones have a very specific, glassy sheen.
- Smell it. (If you already bought it). JSC shadows usually have a very distinct, slightly chemical but clean scent. If it smells like industrial glue, toss it.
- Sanitize everything. If you buy a used one, use 70% isopropyl alcohol to mist the pans. It won't kill everything, but it's better than nothing.
The Alien Palette was a moment in time. It represented an era where makeup was about being "extra" and breaking the rules of what a palette should even look like. Whether you love the man behind the brand or not, you have to admit—nobody else was brave (or crazy) enough to sell us a giant pink alien head.
Next Steps for Your Collection
If you're looking for that specific Alien vibe without the resale price tag, look into the "Blood Money" palette for those deep greens, or check out the "Pricked" palette if you want to see how the formula evolved. If you manage to snag an original Alien, keep it away from direct sunlight; that neon pink faux leather is notorious for fading over time.