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Dolce & Gabbana Gold Smooth Eye Colour Duo Review, Photos, Swatches

Holiday Glitz & Glamour with Dolce & Gabbana Gold Smooth Eye Colour Duo

Dolce & Gabbana Gold Smooth Eye Colour Duo ($36.00 for 0.17 oz.) contains two eyeshadows housed in a “gold” compact and two sponge-tipped brushes.

The two shades included are a shimmery, true yellow gold with a metallic sheen and a coppery bronze shade with a metallic/frost finish. I already know what you’re thinking — because I thought the same, too — these are exact dupes of MAC’s Goldmine and Amber Lights eyeshadows. And you know what? They are and they aren’t. The gold shade in this duo is truer gold, a little yellower (less orange), and it’s not as frosty. The coppery shade is smoother, not as coppery (slightly more golden), and also not as frosty.

At the end of the day, they are reasonably similar, though, so it’s a matter of what poison you prefer. These are ultra smooth, silky shades that blend effortlessly and both shades pack plenty of color pay off. I recommend you check out a swatch of Goldmine and see how it differs, as well as do the same for Amber Lights.

Surprisingly, Dolce & Gabbana provides you with a good amount of product in this eyeshadow duo. You get 0.17 oz. for $36 or $18.00 per 0.085 oz. eyeshadow (or $211.76/oz.). This makes Dolce & Gabbana (by the ounce) less expensive than MAC ($290.00/oz.) and NARS ($314.29/oz.). I love comparing by the ounce, because it gives you a way to compare across any and all brands and just see how much you’re getting for your money. For some of us, the amount isn’t really that important, because we know we’re unlikely to finish an eyeshadow! (You know, maybe it’s not “us” but it’s me, and I feel better if I believe I’m not alone.)

Bottom Line: Dolce & Gabbana surprised me with how high quality their eyeshadows were. When I first started trying out their products, I had a fear that they’d be gimmicky and very reliant on their name rather than their product, but I was completely wrong. I’ve been pleased with the majority of their products, and the Gold Eye Colour Duo is no exception. The eyeshadows have a smooth texture, lovely metallic finish, and color pigmentation is very true.

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  • Product: 28/30
  • Value: 9/10
  • Ease of Use: 4/5
  • Packaging: 4/5

Recommendation: I love that you’re getting your money’s worth in eyeshadow, even if I may not use it all up myself, and I happen to adore these kinds of shades (hello, I’m a total gold-eyeshadow girl!). I think if these shades appeal to you, it’s worth checking out. If they don’t, maybe check out one of their other duos!

Availability: Saks

See more photos and swatches

20 Comments

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Kristina Avatar

These shadows exemplify that not all shades are created equally. I don’t think they look like the MAC comparisons at all. The reason I never wear goldmine and amber lights is that they are too frosty. These look more sophisticated and wearable for my age, thank for swatching.

Christine Avatar

I completely agree, Kristina! I think sometimes even a change in texture or finish is HUGE! I’ve heard from several readers that MAC shadows often run too frosty — and sometimes they do — and I find higher end brands like Chanel, D&G, and Guerlain tend to do shimmer but without some of that “too much frost” feel.

Katherine Avatar

Yes, they are gorgeous! I actually bought the quad called “Stromboli” which has the two gold shades featured in the duo paired with a black with shimmer and a gorgeous reddish bronze color. Great line – glad my Saks finally got it!

Catherine Avatar

I have totally been looking for a true gold eyeshadow as I feel my collection is rather lacking without it. This duo looks so pretty… and would be cheaper than buying two MAC pots…

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