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Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Byzance: Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad ($65.00 for 0.14 oz.) is one of the highest quality eyeshadow palettes I’ve seen the brand put out in the time that I’ve been reviewing their products (about four years). There have been standout palettes released, but Topkapi is no gimmick–it delivers. These are smooth, buttery shades with absolutely zero powderiness that apply like silk and deliver rich color payoff in a single pass.   The texture is different from normal Chanel eyeshadow quads–much richer.

The quad contains a medium-dark brown with copper shimmer (think the tone of MAC Swiss Chocolate with the richness of NARS Galapagos); taupe-brown with a frosted finish (a better, more pigmented version of MAC Caviar Dreams, very similar to Inglot #402 and theBalm Insane Jane); deep-dark brown-black with a hint of burgundy (MAC Beauty Marked seems similar, but definitely more burgundy and a pain to work with); and a bright, metallic yellow gold (similar to Urban Decay Eldorado but better quality, also Inglot #403 and MUFE #10).

As lovely as the colors are and how they coordinate with each other, the shades themselves are not particularly unique. Depending on what your personal stash looks like, it may or may not be worth the splurge. What impressed me most here was the texture of the eyeshadows themselves.  The texture is soft without being powdery, smooth and rich in color, and all of these characteristics enable the shades to blend together effortlessly.

I wish they put more product in the palette, though–it’s less than the usual (U.S.) quad, which contains 0.24 oz. compared to the 0.14 oz. weight of this quad.  Of course, it’s all in your use, whether it is realistic that you’d even use the 0.14 oz. here or not.  It’s $8 more and 0.10 oz. less than their typical eyeshadow quads.  (Keep in mind, non-U.S. locations have a different formula, and I believe the weight is much, much less, because they are baked eyeshadows.)

I found the color palette here suited my skin tone quite well–so much so that for a few seconds, I had the urge to get a second one.  If I wasn’t a beauty blogger, I could easily see this as being a go-to palette for me.  Great eyeshadows exists in a variety of textures, finishes, and shades; my personal favorites are more buttery–the smoothness of a cream eyeshadow but in powder form–like the kind found here (often found in brands like theBalm, Hourglass, Le Metier de Beaute, Urban Decay, and so on).

Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches

A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
10
Longevity
5
Application
100%
Total


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad


Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad (NARS Taos on cheeks, Giorgio Armani #502 on lips)

90 Comments

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Rissa Avatar

I already got mine! My only issue was when I forgot to put on primer and the shadows melted away in the heat 🙁 But when I use UDPP, they lasted great. I am still debating getting a second one while they are still around!

DJ Avatar

lovely review.

I keep wanting to order this quad, but then I think…well, I have Nars Courdura duo, Kalahari duo, Mekong single and Goldfinger single. Hard to justify it, although having those shades in a quad is easier lol

Dana Avatar

Love love love this! This may be my first Chanel Quad purchase! At first glance I thought that coppery shade would be too warm for me but when swatched it looks more wearable for my skintone. I am definitely checking this out in store. Thanks for the review 😀

Christine Avatar

I did mention in the review that they’re dupeable and provided possible dupes as well, but it’s going to depend on what you personally like, will wear, etc. If you don’t own any possible dupes, or maybe just one, it would cost you more to buy 4 full-sized eyeshadows (assuming mid to high end brands) than one palette 🙂 It’s all in what you think is worth it.

Lilly Avatar

I don’t know… The pigmentation looks amazing but the colors of the shadows is something I can find anywhere! And for $65! Pff… I’ve given up on Chanel and switched to Bobbi Brown and I like it a lot more… I was always trying to convince myseld that I did love Chanel products when I really didn’t… It was the thought I was in love with!

Corina Avatar

Although I find the colors absolutely gorgeous, I personaly wouldn’t pay that much money for something so shimmery, that you couldn’t wear on a daily basis. Of course, that’s just a personal thing.

Anyway, you’re doing a great job with this blog, congrats!

Eva Sofia Avatar

Awesome review as always Christine!
I was about to buy this quad but then I thought about all the similar colors that I have in my stash :S ….I’m still thinking on getting it because of the texture… Do you think it might be similar color wise to the Dior Five Golds palette? or the Urban Decay Naked palette?
Thanks!

Christine Avatar

Hi Suzy,

I know distribution is really limited – for U.S. I believe it is boutiques, very, very select counters, and online (for most of us, that’s where we’ll be able to get it). I couldn’t really get more info about locations from Chanel unfortunately!

Melanie Avatar

It is sold out online at chanel.com and I couldn’t find it at any higher end dept stores online, like NM, Saks, Nordstrom. It is on ebay for $105 (!)

Mariella Avatar

Gorgeous presentation and truly beautiful colours (I don’t usually like yellowy gold shades but this one is so beautiful) but considering the quad would probably cost close to $80 here in Canada, I think I’ll wait til we go States-side and buy it there for a lower cost, if it is still available.

Rosie Avatar

Ohhhh I want this!!!! I don’t have many browns and this pallette is TO DIE FOR!!! Not unique but the colors are great, and the look you created just looks beautiful!!!I may have to splurge on this one!!!!

neslihan Avatar

I saw the quad before but i did not realize its name is Topkapı, a palace in Istanbul, Turkey. And i love the colors, looking forward to try it.

flyavsted Avatar

Oh no! An A+, and I first decided not to get this.. tried to convince myself that I didn’t like the gold eyeshadow. Seeing you wearing the quad, it looks perfect!!!

Jilliterate Avatar

Holy cow. Before I read the review, I glanced at the main picture and was like, “Wow, they’re GLOWING.” I’m not in the financial state to buy making a purchase like this one, but man, do I ever want to. Those colours are right up my alley!

Sarah S. Avatar

Wow, look at those purple sparkles in the dark brown single photo! Christine, your photos often sell makeup better than the editorials do. I like your top in the FOTD pic, too!

Jennifer Avatar

Ditto…Christine, your photos (and reviews for that matter) are absolutely phenomenal and have totally sold me on many different products, haha. And even though I’m super-pale/cool-tone, your reviews have never steered me wrong and I’ve always been able to pick out colors. I wasn’t sure about this palette before because I do have some similar colors, but now I am sold. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for purchasing all of these different things to be able to give us reviews. You are the best!!!!

Chris25 Avatar

This looks so beautiful, but there’s no way I can allow myself to pay $65 for ordinary colors. I am going to check out the substitutes you mentioned. Thanks for swatching these, Christine!

Laura Avatar

I’m trying to keep my resolve to not get it, because of the dupeable shades/smaller size/higher price. But I’ll probably cave if it’s still available next time there’s a free ship code lol.

Lily Avatar

So pretty..just bought this a couple days ago. Can’t wait to get it in the mail!

Christine, what blush and lipgloss are you wearing? You look really good!

Tina Avatar

Your review is the icing on the cake. After all the fabulous reviews on this quad, I don’t think I can resist any longer. I’m placing my order now and don’t think I will regret it.

Larie Avatar

I’ve seen this on several blogs recently, but this is the first one that’s made me want it. The gold and the darkest color in particular are so gorgeous.

Chrissy Avatar

Oh dear. It’s absolutely beautiful. But it’s just so much money! 🙁 And whyyyy must it be limited edition?? Oh, my heart aches right now…

Renee Avatar

Oh my goodness.. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a complexity in the shadows and formula. This is definitely up my alley, however, I don’t see myself paying for that price tag!

Nina Avatar

Yes! I love, love this palette. This is my very first Chanel eyeshadow purchase. I’m considering buying another just because there’s so many wearable looks I can do with these shadows and they’re so darn buttery and pigmented. Almost this entire collection has been my first Chanel haul (except the byzance lipstick). Chanel has robbed me blind! “and I’m luvin it…until I’m broke” 🙂

Josie Avatar

Thank you Christine!!!!! I’ve been debating the purchase of this quad for over a week, no kidding!
Will you be reviewing the lipstick from this collection as well?

meme Avatar

Your eyes look amazing in this. I would vote for this to be a standard look for you to reach for lots of the time. It’s got a lot of colors, but blended together they look like one great smokey eye that is very complimentary.

Jill Avatar

I have this and it really is beautiful! I too was disappointed in the size of the shadows for the weight too! I had to return my first quad because a shadow wasn’t glued down when I received it. I’ve had a shadow come loose in the second palette too. Handle with care!

Aysegul Avatar

Aw man. This means that it will be over $100 in Australia, if available at all. I REALLY gotta have it.
….and the search begins. Thanks for a great review and for all your other great reviews. You rock!!!

Stacey Avatar

Chanel cosmetics will always hold a special place in my heart since I bought some of the collection when it first arrived in the U.S. and I was a teenager then….but for some reason, Chanel does not hold my interest. Possibly because the amount is so skimpy in the container…or that those colors look similar to the ones found in the Urban Decay Naked Palette.

Meheen Avatar

CHRISTINE! Why would you post such a gorgeous quad that from all the pictures will look fantastic on me (since I have the same undertone & hair color as you) but is so expensive? I feel like I’m cheating myself if I don’t get this!

Elisa Avatar

I already have the Naked palette but this looks gorgeous and I know I can get a lot of wear out of these shades. Chanel is going to make me go broke with their new collections!

Nesli Avatar

I love this palette and ordered it already!I know that you don’t do tutorials but the look that you have is gorgeous!can you please tell how did you do it?THanks!

Angela Avatar

I went looking for this but at nordstrom becaue that’s the only place around me that has Chanel abs they didn’t have it!!! So sad 🙁

Laura Avatar

Im debating If I just purchase this its such an ordeal…its like a box of decadent chocolates. To resist or not to resist that is the question. I hate how they are so dupable but the presentation is like wow!

Elif Avatar

Hey Ladies!
I just wanted to let you know that the name Topkapi is in reference to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s totally gorgeous. I know this because I lived half of my life there. If you’re into history, you should look it up! 🙂

Dana Avatar

I want to buy this so badly but when I went to Chanel’s website, it appears to be sold out!! Does anyone know for sure if this is sold out or not?

Adriana Avatar

I went to the Chanel`s website for buying this but I couldn`t find it there. Does anybody have any information on that? I want that eyeshadow quad so badly!! 🙁

toni Avatar

Hi. Would you please comment on how Topkapi would work for a 52-yo woman with very light skin and dirty blonde hair? I would say I have blue tones. I usually don’t wear heavy eye makeup on a daily basis and think this is a gorgeous combination or colors. I appreciate any thoughts you might have.
I just discovered your site and find it fascinating!

Tracy Avatar

I’m a new reader of your blog and just saw this post. I’m in love with the darkest shade and am looking for a dupe since the palette is soldout… any suggestion ??

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