Sydney Grace Taupe (Light) Mystery Bag Review & Swatches (2021)
Taupe (Light) (2021)
Sydney Grace Taupe (Light) (2021) Mystery Bag (2021) ($30.00) includes five new eyeshadows and a new highlighter, which are intended to remain the same across all Taupe (Light) mystery bags, while two to three other products are also included that can vary (my bag contained a cream shadow and a loose glitter, which are both from the permanent range).
I was a little surprised that the highlighter was so, so warm-toned for a bag that’s called taupe; not that I would have expected a taupe highlighter per se, but I’d have guessed something in the pink, lavender, or plum family. The quality of the new eyeshadows and highlighter was high and consistent with past Sydney Grace products!
The following shades are the same in both the Light and Deep versions of the Taupe mystery bag: Opulence, Eiffel Tower, and Pecan Pie.
Taupe (Light) (2021)
LELimited Edition. $30.00.
Fallen Empire
Fallen Empire is a deep, grayish-taupe with cool undertones and a metallic finish. It had opaque color payoff paired with a smooth, almost cream-like texture that was dense without being overly thick. It blended out with ease and stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Albert (PiP, $6.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Eleganza (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Divine Mink (PiP, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- LORAC Luna (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Frosted Morning (P, $6.25) is warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Soft Cashmere #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Maxi (458M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Traveling Elegance (LE, $6.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Charming Chaos (LE, $6.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Platinum Dusk (PiP, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.25/0.06 oz. - $104.17 Per Ounce
The shimmer eyeshadows are more consistent in pigmentation with the majority of shades having opaque color coverage. The more metallic/sparkly the shade is, the creamier and more emollient the eyeshadow felt in the pan, which often yielded really smooth application and good adherence to the lid, though a few worked better with a fingertip or a dampened brush for true-to-pan color or to get a truer finish/sheen.
Most shades, however, worked well with brushes, and I didn't have trouble applying or blending out most of the shimmer shades. The more satin to pearl like finishes tend to feel a little thinner but blend out well. These shades wore between eight and nine hours on me with some of the more foiled-like shades creasing noticeably at the end (and the less foiled-like ones fading).
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Fallen Empire
LELimited Edition. $6.25.
Opulence
Opulence is a medium-dark taupe with subtle, warm brown undertones and a cooler, almost silvery metallic sheen. The texture was moderately dense, slightly cream-like but not too thick or too firmly-pressed into the pan. The eyeshadow had opaque pigmentation that lasted well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Argente (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Mushroom (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Platinum Dusk (PiP, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Somber (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Gray-Brown (38M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Soft Cashmere #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME554 Gunmetal (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Libra (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Fallen Empire (LE, $6.25) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Albert (PiP, $6.25) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.25/0.06 oz. - $104.17 Per Ounce
The shimmer eyeshadows are more consistent in pigmentation with the majority of shades having opaque color coverage. The more metallic/sparkly the shade is, the creamier and more emollient the eyeshadow felt in the pan, which often yielded really smooth application and good adherence to the lid, though a few worked better with a fingertip or a dampened brush for true-to-pan color or to get a truer finish/sheen.
Most shades, however, worked well with brushes, and I didn't have trouble applying or blending out most of the shimmer shades. The more satin to pearl like finishes tend to feel a little thinner but blend out well. These shades wore between eight and nine hours on me with some of the more foiled-like shades creasing noticeably at the end (and the less foiled-like ones fading).
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Opulence
LELimited Edition. $6.25.
Illusion
Illusion is a very light grayish-taupe with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff that was buildable to full coverage with a second layer. The consistency was soft, blendable, and a touch powdery in the pan with a slightly thinner feel compared to most shades by the brand, though it didn’t impede application. It wore well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Parallax (Light) (P, $5.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Success (P, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Harley (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sarah (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Thunderbird (P, $5.25) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Kaleidos Black Jasmine (Base) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Whisper (DC, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- LORAC Valet (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Butterfly Beach (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is lighter, brighter, cooler (80% similar).
- LORAC Mist (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.25/0.06 oz. - $87.50 Per Ounce
The matte eyeshadows tend to be pigmented (typically semi-opaque or opaque, often buildable if they aren't opaque) with a soft, more velvety texture that has slight slip but isn't so thick that it gets difficult to use, applies unevenly, or has a lot of fallout. I've found that most of the matte eyeshadows apply and blend out without much effort but a few may take a bit more effort to diffuse along the edges. The matte formula tends to wear between eight and eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Matte Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Illusion
LELimited Edition. $5.25.
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower is a medium-dark taupe-brown with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had rich color coverage in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out well. The texture was a touch firmer than the usual matte shade by the brand, but I had no trouble picking up product or diffusing it as it was still smooth and finely-milled. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop The Virgo (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Grounds (P, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Revelry (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Horizon (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Erotica (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Malibu (PiP, $5.25) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Parallax (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is cooler (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Per Se (135CM) (DC, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Bearish (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Belladonna (DC, $25.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.25/0.06 oz. - $87.50 Per Ounce
The matte eyeshadows tend to be pigmented (typically semi-opaque or opaque, often buildable if they aren't opaque) with a soft, more velvety texture that has slight slip but isn't so thick that it gets difficult to use, applies unevenly, or has a lot of fallout. I've found that most of the matte eyeshadows apply and blend out without much effort but a few may take a bit more effort to diffuse along the edges. The matte formula tends to wear between eight and eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Matte Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Eiffel Tower
LELimited Edition. $5.25.
Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is a deep taupe-brown with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was slightly thinner and more firmly-pressed into the pan, but it picked up well with a brush and blended out with ease. In practice, it seemed to have more semi-opaque, buildable coverage. This shade showed signs of fading after eight and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Romantic Voyage #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Wild Horses (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sad Girl (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Grand Bal #3 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
- Tarte Charcoal Sketch (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Ciate Mecha (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Espresso (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is darker (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Xtreme Dusk (PiP, $25.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Cocktail Black (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.25/0.06 oz. - $87.50 Per Ounce
The matte eyeshadows tend to be pigmented (typically semi-opaque or opaque, often buildable if they aren't opaque) with a soft, more velvety texture that has slight slip but isn't so thick that it gets difficult to use, applies unevenly, or has a lot of fallout. I've found that most of the matte eyeshadows apply and blend out without much effort but a few may take a bit more effort to diffuse along the edges. The matte formula tends to wear between eight and eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Matte Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Pecan Pie
LELimited Edition. $5.25.
Ancient History
Ancient History is a rich, medium-dark gold with strong, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, moderately dense texture that picked up evenly with a dry brush and deposited color evenly. The highlighter blended out with ease and didn’t emphasize my skin’s natural texture. It wore nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- OFRA Rodeo Drive (P, $29.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Instant Replay (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Light #4 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Nude (PiP, $38.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- LORAC Twilight (P, $23.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Estee Lauder Heat Wave (LE, $47.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Radiant Glow (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Looxi Beauty Centerfold (P, $7.50) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC House of Petunia (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Lovegasm Highlight (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$9.00/0.25 oz. - $36.00 Per Ounce
The highlighters are supposed to be "smooth and pigmented" that "blend like a dream" and "last all day long." The majority of the shades in the range are incredibly pigmented with a creaminess to the texture that makes them a cinch to apply and blend out on my skin.
I was most impressed by how soft, almost cream-like the powders were, yet they weren't too loosely-pressed nor were they prone to powderiness. Some of the finishes are very metallic or frosted, so when worn at semi-opaque or higher coverage levels, they can emphasize my skin's natural texture slightly. They have worn between eight and nine hours on me.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Highlighter swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Ancient History
LELimited Edition. $9.00.
The Scoop
The Scoop is a medium-dark, olive-bronze with warm undertones and a metallic finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, creamy consistency that was lightweight, thin, and easy to work with as it remained opaque when applied to bare skin.
The edges were blendable, even after it dried down, as it felt and performed more like a powder eyeshadow after it set. It wore nicely for nine hours before creasing and closer to 10 hours before fading.
[I did not re-test this shade as I reviewed it recently.]
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace The Scoop (DC, $8.00) (100% similar).
- Anastasia Ember (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Brokedown (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Starlight #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Gigabyte (PiP, $25.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Chanel Mediterraneen #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Spectrum (101K) (2020) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Zoeva Queen For a Day (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Golden Snow #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Dubai (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.34 oz. - $23.53 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to "dry down to a smudge proof finish" that isn't waterproof but "will last all day on the lids." The brand recommends working "one eye at a time" as the formula "dr[ies] fairly quickly." It's an incredibly pigmented formula in most instances, where a little dab is more than enough to cover the mobile lid. I always find squeezing out product onto the back of my hand or onto a metal palette is the best way to get going with these.
It was recently formulated to extend the shelf life, which went from six months to 12 months, but there were changes to the base formula, which I found shortened the wear time for me overall--by an hour or two. Previously, they wore between eight and 10 hours on me with most shades on the longer end of that range.
With the updated formula, the wear was more eight to nine hours with a tendency to crease over fade, so if I applied it to the inner tearduct or the brow bone, the wear was more like nine hours or even ten hours, but if I wore the same shade in my crease, it would have creasing by eight hours. Otherwise, the formula tended to apply, blend, and work like the original formula--I just noticed that the wear time was a little reduced.
The texture was smooth, like a liquid-cream hybrid as it wasn't runny but it was more spreadable than a cream eyeshadow you'd find in a jar. The majority of shades applied evenly to bare skin with little effort, and the edges remained blendable enough (even as it was mostly dried down) to soften and fuse with other shades. They're very lightweight and the majority of them sat well on my lids without emphasizing lines or texture (sometimes an issue with liquid/cream, more metallic products).
It didn't have that dry down that felt so set and locked in that if you kept trying to blend it out (after it was dry) you'd get flaking; these never flaked or lifted. Based on past experiences--in general with cream eyeshadows--I recommend working with your powder eyeshadows first (unless you're using it as a base), and then going in with the cream eyeshadows and going back over any areas to further blend if necessary. That being said, I was able to layer powder eyeshadow over them without them lifting or becoming patchy. They're some of the easiest cream eyeshadows I've worked with to incorporate into multi-shade looks. The wear varied from eight to ten hours on me before there was slight fading or a bit of creasing.
If you're someone who tends to use their cream eyeshadows as sheer washes of color, I think this formula is "too" pigmented and dries too quickly to make sheer application as effortless as you'd want. If you love the effect of and finish of creamier, metallic eyeshadows and want true, full coverage application, these are worth looking into. I recommend squeezing out the smallest amount of product on the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette, and then using fingertips or a flat, synthetic brush to apply to the lid. I prefer a brush as it gives more working time than when I used my fingertips.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow (2020) swatches.
Ingredients
Aqua (Distilled Water), Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol (Emulsifier), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Phenoxyethanol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Dehydroacetic Acid (Preservative) +/- Mica (Mica 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Carmine, Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, *Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, and Aluminum Powder))
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
I was quite surprised by the highlighter as well. I wonder if SG originally had different plans in mind for the bags. I like the eyeshadows, though I wish the lightest matte didn’t bear such a strong resemblance to something out of last year’s gray bag. My taupe picks differed from yours only in that I received the Cliff Jumping eyeshadow and a different glitter. Cliff Jumping is excellent, builds up really well on me. Typically I shy from very metallic shadows (I just can’t see the color as directly) but somehow the cream formula makes it more approachable.
I’m interested by the idea of mystery bags categorized by color stories, as opposed to broader warm/cool/vibrant classifications—I’d have to see a few more iterations on this to make up my mind on what’s more successful. Last year seemed a kind of introduction to this, and I thought those were strong offerings.
My kingdom for more blush shades! I rambled, sorry lol.
So this is a lot of lovely, especially the cream shadow. But it reinforces my mystery bag phobia. A brown and black matte eyeshadow in the Taupe bag? Feels like throwaway items items on the brand’s part
Looking through the dupes for each shade, I can very easily see that I definitely don’t need this set. However, even though we’re in summer, I oddly feel inspired to do a really rich, smokey taupe eye look!
To me none of these eyeshadows are taupe. I look at them and I see three grays and two browns. And all but one are very dark. In my bag I also got a golden-colored liquid eye shadow. I’ve been buying mystery bags for at least three years and this is by far the worst one I’ve ever recieved.
I got this bag and agree. The quality is phenomenal, but the shimmers are very dark and gray and similar to one another and the dark browns are pretty similar to one another as well. The light gray is the type of shade that just doesn’t flatter my coloring. Ironically, my favorite part of the standard items was the gold highlighter. 🤷♀️ My wildcard items were the campfire cream shadow (very pretty but a repeat from my collection) and a loose pink highlighter that’s very pretty as well. Overall not my favorite mystery bag I’ve received over the past few years. I usually get all the options but only got this one this time and wish I’d gone for one of the other sets.
These are my colors! But I have dupes and I’m on a long-term, serious (and successful) no-buy, so I’ll just admire from afar.
I also agree that the shade of the highlighter, which is quite warm and goldy, does seem out of place with all of these beautiful cool toned offerings. I do love the Opulence shade the best.
The inclusion of two dark brown matte shade is a little too ordinary, as these colours live in most neutral palettes. Something more original would have been better. I also loved the Olive cream eyeshadow shade too.
I like Fallen Empire and Pecan Pie. As I get older and realize that every single day I reach for a deep, rich brown (melt rott from the stack), I appreciate one that’s not heavily red-toned. The addition of a loose chunky glitter though? No, thank you. No thank you all day to all of that.
I bought this bag (and two others) and didn’t get any loose glitter. The six wild card items I got (the bags each had 5 shadows and a highlighter that were the same for each bag of that color/depth, plus two wild card items) were a gorgeous pressed blush, two really lovely lip creams, a cream shadow that fit the color theme but is brighter than I would wear, a pretty loose highlighter, and a loose shadow that’s not to my taste. Overall, I’m very pleased–I quite like many of the wild card items even though I’d been prepared not to! Plus, the Opulence pressed eyeshadow that is standard in this bag sheers out a bit to be much more taupe-brown than it looks in a fresh swatch. Extremely pretty! I do think the green bags were by far the strongest of this set, though.