YSL Scandal Couture Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette ($60.00 for 0.18 oz.) is an interesting mix of shades that falls short when it comes to quality. The brand may tout the formula as pigmented, long-wearing, and crease-proof, but this palette really doesn’t work without a solid primer underneath it, as the palette was under-pigmented, shorter-wearing, and dusty in consistency, which made some shades appear even sheerer when blended out than they already were to begin with.
Scandal #1 is a muted, dark olive green with warm undertones and a satin shimmer. It had semi-opaque coverage that went on evenly and smoothly, but it wasn’t buildable beyond that. The texture was soft and finely-milled but ran dusty, so it was prone to sheering out (which made it appear even softer and more subdued). It lasted for six and a half hours on me before fading noticeably. theBalm D4 (LE, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar). Anastasia Bronx (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC In the Meadow #4 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Chains (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Green Clean #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Atelier Amazon #3 (P, ) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Jade (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Make Up For Ever #148 (DC, $20.00) is warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek High Tea (DC, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Snakeskin Dress (02) (DC, $10.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Noir Supreme #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I628 Reptile (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Bad Habit Laurel (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). MAC Olive Blend #2 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Lancome Misty Morning (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Dior Bonne Etoile (384) #1 (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). Givenchy Kaki Brocart (6) (P, $23.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). bareMinerals Couture (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). theBalm Lead Zeppelin (P, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Scandal #2 is a very light peach with warm undertones and a sparkly, frosted finish. It had very sheer coverage, which was not buildable, and it didn’t improve over primer–the only way for me to work with this one so it would show up on my lid was to use a damp brush. The texture just felt dry and loose in the pan, so it didn’t adhere well or bind together. It started to fade after six hours. Chanel Tisse d'Automne #2 (P, ) is lighter (95% similar). LORAC Beige (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Jest (P, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC A Natural Flirt (P, $20.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Smokeluxe #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Vermeer (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Sellout (DC, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Grain (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Soie (P, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). NYX Girl Talk (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). theBalm #18 (P, $6.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). YSL Indie Jasper #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Summer Honey (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Seashell (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Champagne Bubble Bath (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Chanel Seduction #2 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever Jewelry (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). LORAC Peony (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty (Brighten) (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Scandal #3 is a muted, dark berry with subtle cool undertones and a satin sheen. The texture was dry and grainy, where some of the color looked chunky (and it wasn’t sparkle!). It had semi-opaque coverage that went on evenly, but it was a mess to use as the color sheered out and a lot fell below my lid (after applying–it wasn’t a case of too much being on the brush). The color started to fade after six and a half hours. Disney by Sephora Sha La La (LE, ) is brighter (90% similar). Too Faced Funtasy (LE, $16.00) is lighter (85% similar). LORAC Sunset (LE, $19.00) is brighter (85% similar). Ciate Fierce (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Sleek MakeUP Honeymoon in Hollywood (LE, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). ColourPop Porter (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Sephora Spellbound (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Scandal #4 is a medium-dark copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque pigmentation that applied evenly to the lid and looked better after a minute or two than it did initially, as the consistency is slightly dusty. This shade wore well for seven and a half hours on me. ColourPop Campfire Girl (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Sequin (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Makeup Geek Roulette (DC, $6.00) is darker (95% similar). LORAC Cider (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). KKW Beauty Bronzy (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Kylie Cosmetics Duchess (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 13 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Natasha Denona Bronzage (124K) (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop La-La (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Coloured Raine Who Me (DC, $6.99) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Inglot J339 Copper (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Make Up For Ever D708 Pinky Copper (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). City Color Cheers to Life (P, $6.99) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Paradiso (Eye Color) (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Lightning Bug (PiP, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). bareMinerals Tan Lines (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Diva (LE, $4.50) is brighter (90% similar). Viseart Melonie (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Peanut Brittle (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Scandal #5 is a deep teal with cooler undertones and a satin shimmer. The texture was fairly soft and smooth, but it wasn’t the easiest shade to blend out; I had the best results when I dabbed it in sheerer layers and built up the color rather than attempting to diffuse the edges a lot. It had nearly opaque color coverage, though, and it wore for a solid eight hours (one of the longest-wearing shades from recent YSL Couture palettes for me). NARS Big Sur (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Tonight's the Night (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Blurry Blue #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Natasha Denona Python (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Natasha Denona Deep Pacific (03V) (PiP, $29.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Burnout (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Rhinestone (LE, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Pea-cocky (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Totally Crushin' (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Lancome My French #8 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Road Movie #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Quiet Revolution #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Make Sure (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Sporty (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Sydney Grace Thrilled (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Giorgio Armani Scarab (37) (P, $30.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). NARS Ganges (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Cle de Peau Les Annees Folles #5 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Sephora Capri (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Duelo (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Scandal
LELimited Edition. $60.00.
Scandal #1
LELimited Edition.
Scandal #2
LELimited Edition.
Scandal #3
LELimited Edition.
Scandal #4
LELimited Edition.
Scandal #5
LELimited Edition.
See more photos & swatches!
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal #1 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #1 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #2 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #2 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #3 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #3 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #4 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #4 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #5 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal #5 Couture Eyeshadow
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
YSL Scandal Couture Palette
Very sad but not surprising 🙁 I’ve only swatched YSL palettes in-store, but was never impressed with their shadow formula -so many of the shadows were sheer, dry, patchy, dusty, fallout city. It’s too bad because the colors just look stunning in the pan, screams fall. I see a lot of high end brands re-formulating their shadows (Dior, Guerlain, even Chanel depending on the kit), so I think sooner or later YSL will need to do the same, which would be great as their color combos are so intriguing
They are definitely dusty and prone to sheering out in general – some of them go on better (especially if you don’t have dry lids or use primer), but it can really be hit and miss.
a few years ago i picked up 2 ssl eye palettes, and while they are so beautiful and unique in the pan, i could never get them to show up on my eyes. Even though the company has gone through so many reformulations, i always swatch them in store and find them to be the same, poor quality shadows. At this price point its just unacceptable. Especially when you have brands like anastasia, makeup geek, and mac doing really nice shadows at a much more affordable price point
Dior and YSL are like that – pretty in the pans but often miss on the eyes 🙁
This is just ridiculous….
I wish it was better!
Yikes, quality control please!
Agreed!
So disappointing from YSL…this palette had so much potential with its unique and beautiful mix of shades!
It was such a cool combo in theory!
attractive palette, but not for almost 80 cad dollars.
$80 — ouch!
It’s such a pretty quint but all the colours look so dusty! What a pity, I don’t remember YSL releasing anything good for a long time :X
Yep, many of them are dusty 🙁 YSL still does a good job with lip products, I think, but the rest hasn’t been consistent.
I wonder why YSL’s shadow formula is so inconsitent, their summer palette was really beautiful and nicely pigmented!
No idea 🙁
What a disappointment! Looking at the shades I can see at least five really flattering looks you could make with the shades, but if quality isn’t there then it’s pointless. Dang it, YSL. I hope their new highlighting/finishing powder and lip lacquer prove to be better picks.
Here’s hoping, lol! They have been better with lip products over the years.
Beautiful packaging, beautiful colors and a beautiful eye look, Christine! It’s such a shame that the quality is so bad; and at $60 for 5 colors(and a luxury brand, to boot)…SMH
Thanks, Mary!
I feel like YSL hasn’t done nearly as good a job with their limited seasonal palettes as they did with their permanent palettes. I have the permanent palette “Les Sahariennes” and, although the dark colours don’t go on quite as intense as I’d like, it’s so nice on me that I actually get compliments when I’m wearing it. (Most people never comment on neutrals.) And it lasts forever without fading. But I’ve bought a couple of the limited ones and they just don’t have the same quality.
I’m so jealous of the wear time you get with Les Sahariennes! I love a lot of the finishes/colors in the YSL palettes, and some even go on prettily (reminds me of Chanel’s Empreinte du Desert shades – like they melt into the skin).
I was disappointed in these when I saw them just for the price alone. I get that it’s higher brand name but for $60 or less one could snag a NAKED, Tarte, Kat Von D, Makeup Geek, etc. Palettes and have way more versatility. My issue with cosmetics is the constant raise in the price for less and less product. I mean look at the little drug store eye shadow stick they give you, I just expect more for my buck on such a name brand because the name alone isn’t getting my money.
You always make the cutest looks whether a product is good or bad.
I totally agree — for the price of this palette, it should deliver on all the claims it makes!
Bummer!!! These are definitely my type of shades: teal, copper, burgundy. But the formula looks horribly sucky and anything but luxury! Thank goodness I already have lots of these type of shades already, yet to have had them all in ONE little palette would have been convenient.
It’s such a cool combo, but I wish it was better in quality!
LOVE the colour combination, will search my stash for suitable dupes. $60 US equals about 78.50 CAD, so, way overpriced just for the YSL name 🙁
Hope you can find dupes in your stash, Brenda!
Who can do a good bluey teal and screw up a light peachy beige? That doesn’t make any sense. This is a shame, bec it looks terrific in the pan. Another good example of why we need reviews. Gotta pop for Porter. Check #2 + 3.
LOL! It makes me wonder if it’s intentional, but I always wonder why they’d want it that way.
Yikes, that’s really bad! The colors remind me of the KvD Serpentina Palette.
It was SO sad trying to use it!
Such a vibrant palette, but an unusual mix of colours. I am not sure how all of these compliment each other. The teal blue and olive colours are my favourites, but I would not buy this palette because all of the other colours I would not use and already have dupes for the teal and olive shades.
Sadly this palette is an underachiever. Shame on you YSL.
By the way Christine, I haven’t received your blog in my inbox.
Thank you for the in depth review and your eye look is beautiful.
My pleasure, Genevieve!
Pretty colors in the pan. You created a very attractive look but the grades don’t justify a purchase at any price.
Thank you, Susan!
Such a shame about the performance – that is a killer combo of shades and I would absolutely use all of them, which is a rarity these days! I might test swatch it myself anyway, since I always use eye primer. But I do wish they would do something about their shadow formula. :+(
Right? It’s sooo disappointing!
I really don’t know what to say about this. I found this rather tempting, mostly for that middle colour, the berry one, and then it’s so bad. Pity as it’s such a lovely colour and I can’t get any of the very few dupes.
I’m also a bit confused, have 2 and 3 been mixed up? The description and the dupes doesn’t match. Or is it me, with my otitis and fever 🙂
Lovely eye look. I don’t understand how you manage making not very good products look good. You must have a lot of patience.
Sorry! They are fixed!
I’ve had this in and out of my Nordstrom cart ever since I heard about it. I’m glad I didn’t purchase it! I really wish it had performed better, but I’m pretty sure I have close-enough dupes of the shades I like best.
Phew! You totally escaped 😉
I’m so envious that you can take eyeshadow that you basically hate and still somehow make it look amazing!! I love your multi-color eye looks, but can never replicate them with my clumsy attempts. kudos! 🙂
Thank you so much!
My one tip would be to see if you can use separate brushes for each distinct color – I find that helps a lot 🙂