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Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Colors Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Color ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is supposed to be a “richly pigmented,” “high shine, crease-proof” formula that can be used “wet or dry.” I initially thought it was a cream eyeshadow when I bought it, but it is actually a loosely packed powder–not unlike Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows or L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows. The feel and performance was similar across the four shades. The formula was richly pigmented, smooth, blendable, and easy to apply on the lid, but the one area that was less impressive was wear–I did get noticeable creasing after six hours. I tried it over an eyeshadow primer (Smashbox 24-Hour), and it seemed to solve longevity issues, as it lasted until I took it off (12 hours later). They can be used wet or dry, but I did not really find the two methods to differ in terms of results or ease of application.

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a muted, light-medium golden beige with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It was richly pigmented both wet and dry, and the texture was soft, silky, and dense, so a little went a long way on the lid. The color blended out easily but showed signs of creasing after six hours of wear. LORAC Cliffside (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). bareMinerals Ginger Sugar (LE, $14.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Black #2 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Rich Glance (LE, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Champagne (was Norma Jean) (P, $34.00) is warmer (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Gold Ashes (12) (DC, $39.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Fashion Beat (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Koosh (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Pineapple Cooler (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (85% similar). Stila Kitten (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Red Harness #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Secret Garden Rendezvous #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Make Up For Ever #13 (P, $23.00) is cooler (80% similar). Anastasia Blush (LE, $12.00) is lighter (80% similar). Tarte Crystal Spark (LE, ) is lighter (80% similar). Urban Decay Sin (DC, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). Too Faced Devotion (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a medium taupe with cooler, gray overtones and warmer, brown undertones paired with a metallic sheen. It was opaque applied both dry and damp, but the damp application made the base color appear deeper and more intense. The powder was smooth to the touch, dense, and adhered well to bare skin while still blending out nicely. On me, it wore well for six and a half hours before creasing. Make Up For Ever ME554 Gunmetal (P, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Silent Treatment #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Silent Night (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Anastasia Libra (LE, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel City Lights #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Stroke My Ego (DC, $23.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Cool (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #3 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). elf Galaxy (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #16 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Intense Amethyst (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Love Ritual (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Ciate Ellie (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Dior Golden Snow #4 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Silver Mauve (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Who Has Time (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Cloudy Afternoon (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Zoeva Outline (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Cle de Peau Champagne Supernova #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Tarte Uncommon (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Make Up For Ever I550 Olive Gray (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a deep burgundy-brown with warm, red undertones and a metallic sheen. The texture had a really dense, but smooth, feel to it. As the powder loosened from the surface, it felt more like a loose pigment when applied with how intense the coverage was. This shade wore well for six hours on me. Too Faced Love Bug (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Real Surreal (LE, $28.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Roach (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics She's in Parties (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I834 Grape (P, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Like a Butterfly (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). MAC Universal Appeal (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Hung Up (P, $4.50) is cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Drunk Dial (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Chanel Fatal (837) (LE, $32.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). NARS Pointe Noire (LE, $22.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Laura Mercier Plumifique (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). LORAC Sea Urchin (LE, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar). Anastasia Rose Gold (Norvina) (LE, $12.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Incinerated (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Smashbox Headline (PiP, ) is cooler (80% similar). KVD Beauty Queen (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (80% similar). MAC Oh My Mocha! (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (80% similar). Giorgio Armani #27 (DC, $33.00) is cooler (80% similar). NARS Montparnasse (Right) (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a deep green-leaning teal with warm, red-brown undertones and a pearly sheen. This was the least shimmery of the four shades. I didn’t notice a difference in coverage or application when applied dry as compared to damp. The texture was smooth, blendable, and dense as it loosened from the surface of the powder. It was fully pigmented and applied well to bare skin. I saw signs of creasing after six and a half hours of wear. Anastasia Throne (LE, $12.00) is more muted (90% similar). Too Faced Storm Cloud (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty For Once (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Coloured Raine Forbidden (DC, $6.99) is lighter (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Cleopatra (DC, $34.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Water Me (LE, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar). Buxom Twilight Tryst (P, $12.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Fishy (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Smashbox Roll Deep (PiP, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). MAC Deep Blue Green (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). KVD Beauty Vestment (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Houdini (P, $9.99) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). Dior Denim #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Siren #7 (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (80% similar). bareMinerals Editor's Pick (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Seashell

PPermanent. $34.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
6.5
Longevity
5
Application
90%
Total

Triton

PPermanent. $34.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
7
Longevity
5
Application
91%
Total

Starfish

PPermanent. $34.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
6.5
Longevity
5
Application
90%
Total

Lagoon

PPermanent. $34.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
7
Longevity
5
Application
91%
Total

See more photos & swatches!

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Seashell Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Triton Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Starfish Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color

Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color
Chantecaille Lagoon Mermaid Eye Color

45 Comments

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MGH Avatar

Christine,

Thank you for reviewing these and I am SO HAPPY that I purchased all 4 of them when they came out. They are one of my favorites from the summer. Do you know if these will be permanent? I really enjoy when you review luxury/higher end brands such as Chantecaille, Cle de Peau, etc.

Thanks,
-M

Christine Avatar

Happy to hear you’re enjoying them, MGH! They seemed to indicate they were permanent on the website – it was, at least, not clear they were limited edition. They have also been restocked on other retailers’ websites. I’m sorry I am so unhelpful; Chantecaille doesn’t provide press releases to me, so I can only go by what it is listed on the retailers/their site 🙁

Mariella Avatar

Sigh….this is what I’ve been waiting to see….though, lovely as they are (and hard to get hold of for me…means a trip to Holt’s in Toronto and I’m not willing to make that drive), they look pretty dupe-able (and I probably already have dupes for all of ’em. But I do love how they look and also the look you did with them – totally the sort of eye shadow effect I like best for myself.

Mariella Avatar

Oh, Christine, I’ve only just read the full description of the formula and it has me wondering if the other shadows you mentioned (L’Oreal and Armani) could also be used wet, though I know neither of those companies make any claims that way but now it’s got me thinking that maybe I could try it with my dried out Ebloui, one of the Chanel Illusion d’ombre shadows. It’s dried out (maybe “shrunken” is a better description) so not a lot at stake and it might actually help.

Christine Avatar

Yes, you can definitely use both Giorgio Armani and L’Oreal’s wet 🙂

Chanel’s Illusion d’Ombres, though, are a different formula (they are a cream – Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense and L’Oreal Infallibles are packed powders… not quite the same pressed powder but not truly loose). But I’m pretty sure the Illussion d’Ombres can be used damp! I think some of the original copy may have been wet/dry.

Mariella Avatar

It’s me…I need to see stuff in person and prefer to try and then buy, especially with stuff like this, for which I think I have myriad dupes. Part of the fun for me in shopping for makeup (or clothing or shoes) is trying for myself. As for the “enabling” – I am trying SO HARD to be “good” because my makeup really has got out of hand to the point where it’s not so much fun any more….hard to believe!

Another Deb Avatar

Thank you for reviewing these! I’m tempted. Seashell and Triton are right up my neutral-loving alley, if Triton is warm enough for me. I love the complexity. Kind of an odd shade selection, though; it looks as if they left out a shade or two, or maybe I just want a warmer taupe (which they could have called Driftwood for their ocean theme).

Nika99 Avatar

I ordered these from Nordstrom several weeks ago.I sent Seashell back.I have so many golds and bronzes in my collection and I thought it was going to be way more metallic..I have Starfish which I’ve worn and it’s a nice color I also have Lagoon but I haven’t wore it yet.

Ruby Avatar

Excited to see this here. I bought Triton awhile ago on a whim — having never tried Chantecaille eyeshadow before — and really enjoy it. It’s a complex color that works for me as a single wash with a bit of eyeliner. Super easy and fast. I found it applied best with a synthetic brush and a dash of eye primer. Love the look you created with the others. Understated yet full of color.

Aj Avatar

They’re so pretty! I love Starfish the most, but thankfully I have the dupe in UD Roach I picked up earlier this year. I really like Triton too, but I need to check if I have a dupe or two in my collection. They are permanent so I may pick them up later on.

Lea Avatar

Love these!! Nice to see Chantecaille on the blog too! I have Seashell and Triton and I enjoy the formula (I have a bunch of the Armani ETK shades as well). They can be very subtle or applied heavier to pack a punch. I haven’t had the creasing/wear issues you mention, but I’m sure that varies eyelid to eyelid for everyone.

Katherine T. Avatar

Oh wow, I had no idea these were loose powders! They swatch like cream shadows. The swatches are pretty, but I’ve had no luck with loose shadows. I’ve tried 3 of the L’Oreal Infallibles (both matte and shimmery shades), and even with the Fergie WNW primer, had tons of fallout within minutes. It seems like my oily lids just eat thru the primer and powder, since there’s nothing binding the powder together. And it can be a mess dealing with loose powder. I’ll stick to my regular powder and cream shadows.

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