City Color Shimmer Shadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches (Part 1)
City Color Pharaoh Shimmer Shadow
City Color Shimmer Shadow ($6.99 for 0.13 oz.) is supposed to have “intense color payoff” with a “heavy metallic finish” that also has “long-wear.” There are 16 shades in the range, and this post features six of them. The majority of the shades in the formula have a very dense, thick, and cream-like consistency–I have best results using a firmer, flatter and synthetic brush than I do with a really soft, natural hair brush, though natural brushes offer a little more control over how metallic the finish gets and my MAC 239s were just fine with it (and those are natural hair). They are intensely pigmented, and they blend out and apply well to bare skin. The formula wore for around eight to eight and a half hours on me with very slight creasing. A few of the very frosted, metallic shades seemed to emphasize the natural texture of parts of my lid and need a little extra blending to smooth out. These reminded me of Makeup Geek Foiled Eyeshadows (but City Color’s are much denser) as well as Sleek’s more metallic eyeshadows.
City Color Pharaoh Shimmer Shadow ($6.99 for 0.13 oz.) is a bright, yellow gold with warm undertones and a frosted, slightly metallic, finish. It had intense color payoff with a cream-like, dense consistency that applied well to bare skin. It blended out without issue and wore for eight hours. NARS Corcovado (P, $24.00) is brighter (95% similar). Sydney Grace Deep Desire (P, $6.25) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Here We Go Again (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Give the Brut (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Sleek MakeUP Sunset #5 (PiP, $9.99) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Urban Decay That's Dope (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Sinful (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Mrs. Potts (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Sleep In (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty TFX14 (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Guerlain Golden Stars #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). KVD Beauty Egypt (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Gucci Beauty Oro (DC, $37.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Heart 2 Heart (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar). Viseart Buillion (GPV2 #12) (P, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Cool Breeze (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Sydney Grace The Dream (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Magic City (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Waking Dawn (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Rascal (P, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow ($6.99 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark copper with warm, reddish-orange undertones and a metallic sheen. It was richly pigmented with a very dense, thick consistency that blended out well but can emphasize the texture of the lid (particularly the inner lid for me). The eyeshadow lasted for eight hours before creasing very slightly on me. Huda Beauty Manifest It (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Drizzle (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Pat McGrath Bronze (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Natasha Denona Bronze Foil (437M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Too Faced Friendspiration (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Anastasia Wine (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). YSL Scandal #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Whippersnapper (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Hammer Time (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Nude #2 (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). NARS Belle-Ile (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Warm Gold (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Bayadere #1 (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Pull Over! (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Cool Bronze (31M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). LORAC Illusion (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Touch in Sol Golden Tangerine (3) (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). KVD Beauty Hieroglyph (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay HBIC (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Weekend (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
City Color Homecoming Queen Shimmer Shadow ($6.99 for 0.13 oz.) is a muted, medium coppery-brown with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had totally opaque color payoff with a smooth, creamy texture that was dense and thick. I feel like the thicker consistency should make it hard to work with, but as long as I treat it more like a cream eyeshadow (so using it with a synthetic brush), everything maneuvers and blends on the skin nicely. This shade wore well for eight hours on me. Marc Jacobs Beauty Cause a Fuss (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #16 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Rose Gold (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Spill the Tea (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar). KVD Beauty Quartz (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pink Haze (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 06 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Cover FX Soleil (P, $28.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Fishnets (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Tym (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). LORAC Aurora (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). bareMinerals Bare Skin (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Rigel (P, $29.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). Make Up For Ever D712 Crème Brûlée (P, $17.00)(90% similar). MAC PatrickStarrr (LE, $21.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Day Eyes (Enhance) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Viseart Melonie (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Chanel Splendeur et Audace #1 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Magic Moment (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #6 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
City Color Ladylike Shimmer Shadow ($6.99 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark, rosy plum with warm, copper undertones and a frosted finish. It had great pigmentation with a creamy, smooth texture that was one of the shades that seemed to look a little thick on the lid. The color lasted well for eight and a half hours. Sephora Rosewood (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Anastasia Sangria (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Danessa Myricks Romance (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar). Huda Beauty Provocative (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pink Glow #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace The Ballet (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Libra (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Dainty (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Shine Bright (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty TFX13 (LE, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Come and Get It (P, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Sephora Rose (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). ColourPop Candygram (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Inglot #399 (P, $7.00) is cooler (85% similar). Buxom Wild Nights (P, $12.00) is cooler (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Violet Argente #2 (Eye Color) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). MAC After Dusk (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (85% similar). Dior Fusion (764) (P, $29.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Buzz (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). Smashbox Posh (PiP, ) is lighter (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
City Color It’s a Girl Shimmer Shadow ($6.99 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark, berry-red with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. The consistency was smooth in the pan with a dense, cream-like feel that blended out well without actually losing its intensity. This shade lasted a bit longer than most at eight and a half hours. I didn’t notice any staining. Ciate Fierce (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Sprinkles (Holiday 2016) (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). KVD Beauty Rosary (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Shade (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Lit (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). Viseart Bijoux Royal #9 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Alchemy (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). LORAC Sunset (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Sangria (P, $12.00) is more muted (90% similar). Viseart Framboise (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Buxom Wild Nights (P, $12.00) is lighter, more muted, cooler (85% similar). Sleek MakeUP Marry in Monte Carlo (LE, $9.99) is cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Porter (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (80% similar). Sydney Grace Sweetheart (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Huda Beauty Amethyst #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). MAC Plum Dressing (DC, $17.00) is darker (80% similar). Gucci Beauty Azalea (Right) (DC, ) is darker, more muted (80% similar). Stila Next to Notte (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (80% similar). LORAC Merlot (PiP, $19.00) is darker, more muted (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
City Color Marsala Shimmer Shadow ($6.99 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark plum with warm, orange-brown undertones and a pearly sheen. This was one of the shades that was much thinner and slightly powdery–it felt noticeably different in the pan as well as when applied to the lid compared to the other shades in this review. It felt more like a traditional powder eyeshadow. It had good pigmentation and blended out well but sheered out slightly. This one wore for eight hours. Makeup Geek Enchanted (P, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Anastasia Pink Sapphire (LE, $12.00) is darker (95% similar). Gucci Beauty Azalea (Right) (DC, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Gucci Beauty Autumn Fire #3 (DC, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sleek MakeUP A Vow in Venice (LE, $9.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Cle de Peau Les Annees Folles #1 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Plummed (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). KVD Beauty Queen (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Sangria (P, $12.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pink Glow #3 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Desdemona (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Plum Away With Me (LE, ) is darker, more muted (85% similar). MAC Heritage Rouge (PiP, $21.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Sydney Grace Forever Enough (P, $6.25) is darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC Star Violet (P, $17.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Pharaoh
PPermanent. $6.99.
Cheers to Life
PPermanent. $6.99.
Homecoming Queen
PPermanent. $6.99.
Ladylike
PPermanent. $6.99.
It's a Girl
PPermanent. $6.99.
Marsala
PPermanent. $6.99.
See more photos & swatches!
City Color Pharaoh Shimmer Shadow
City Color Pharaoh Shimmer Shadow
City Color Pharaoh Shimmer Shadow
City Color Pharaoh Shimmer Shadow
City Color Pharaoh Shimmer Shadow
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow
City Color Homecoming Queen Shimmer Shadow
City Color Homecoming Queen Shimmer Shadow
City Color Homecoming Queen Shimmer Shadow
City Color Homecoming Queen Shimmer Shadow
City Color Homecoming Queen Shimmer Shadow
City Color Ladylike Shimmer Shadow
City Color Ladylike Shimmer Shadow
City Color Ladylike Shimmer Shadow
City Color Ladylike Shimmer Shadow
City Color Ladylike Shimmer Shadow
City Color It’s a Girl Shimmer Shadow
City Color It’s a Girl Shimmer Shadow
City Color It’s a Girl Shimmer Shadow
City Color It’s a Girl Shimmer Shadow
City Color It’s a Girl Shimmer Shadow
City Color Marsala Shimmer Shadow
City Color Marsala Shimmer Shadow
City Color Marsala Shimmer Shadow
City Color Marsala Shimmer Shadow
City Color Marsala Shimmer Shadow
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow
City Color Cheers to Life Shimmer Shadow
I placed an order using that 50% code that a kind reader posted. They still haven’t sent me a shipping notice, but their confirmation said it could take up to 7 business days (this was on Monday). Hopefully they send them to me soon, I’m eager to try them!
I did get the Intense Shine eye palette on Amazon for a song and it’s fantastic. If that’s the same formula as their single Shimmer Shadows, I’m going to be a very happy lady.
Good to hear that the palette you tried was nice, though! I was surprised at the overall performance – they were pretty easy to use (I think that the denser texture requires a slightly different technique vs. traditional powder, but it’s not a steep learning curve at all!) and wore a good length of time. I thought with oil as a higher-up ingredient they might be prone to creasing quickly!
would you mind sharing that code as well? I am loving these colors, plotting a haul!
nevermind, started at the top and didn’t realize that others have already shared! oops!
YAYYYYY!!! So glad these reviewed well 🙂 🙂 I have It’s A Girl, and it’s so gorgeous! I think this formula is very interesting–very dense and creamy powder, almost like they melted a cream shadow stick and turned into a cream-powder hybrid, but unlike Colour Pop, it doesn’t have to be kept in airtight container to prevent it from drying out. The pigment is much more intense and dense than a traditional powder, and you get the rich, smoothness of a cream shadow. Someone mentioned a 50% off code (IPSY50) that might still work. If you sign up for their emails, you get 10% off first order, and they have lots of sales –25-30% off sitewide, BOGO, value bundles (4 shadows for $20), etc.. I’ve ordered 2x and have been very impressed –they ship super fast, stuff is at my doorstep within 2-4 days, but I do live in CA, where they are located, so might take longer if you live further. The makeup was carefully packed, and well-protected. And they threw in a FREE, FULL SIZE product each time, I didn’t even ask for it. Once I got a free lipstick, then a small 3 trio shadow kit. I do caution that their other shadow formulas (mattes, regular singles, and kits) are very different, and I haven’t tried those yet, only the Shimmer Shadows, which is what they are known for.
Oh, and shipping is free with min $25 order. And they ship to Canada too for flat rate, so the Canadians don’t have to miss out.
Nice! Always good to hear about positive customer service experiences. Thank you for the rec, again, Katherine!
When I find a budget or lesser-known product that performs well, I like to share with readers, plus I don’t want it to be discontinued because nobody knows about it, so thanks for reviewing these Christine! These smaller companies can get a lot of new customers if the product scores well on Temptalia. And with increased sales, they might be able to come out with more colors for us
Oh Christine, just noticed that when I hit “view dupes side by side” the scores for Pharoah and It’s A Girl don’t show up, but the others do.
I couldn’t resist these after seeing your sneak peeks last week and seeing the 50% off code (ipsy50). I ordered ladylike, pharaoh, cheers to life, new year new me, hint of mint, beach cottage, all eyes on me, and oh so naughty. They just came today, and I can’t wait to use them. Homecoming Queen and it’s a girl are already on my list to get in my next order!
Keep us posted, Tiffany! I’d love to hear what you think (even if you ended up hating them!).
Tiffany,
Did you get a shipping notice? I ordered mine on Monday and I haven’t heard from them 🙁
Omg these look INCREDIBLE! When they a sale I’m def gonna get some and more more me matte blushes!
Awesome 😀
These are beautiful! And make for a perfect, on point sunset eye look: magife!
Between these and Colourpop, they are upping the game for budget friendly creamy hybrid type eyeshadows. Which is very welcomed for those of us who either cannot or will not feel comfortable spending on the higher end versions.
It’s always nice to have options!
Love the final look! All lovely shades.
Thank you!
Great eye look with these, Christine! I am very interested in trying this brand now, the price is right and the quality sounds awesome. I do wish they would offer pans, though – I hate single compacts. Has anyone out there depotted these? They look like they might be similar to a UD depotting… i.e. a huge pain!
The pans are hugeeee, too! I wonder if they do the larger format for product stability (like the actual powder).
Christine, what do you mean they do a larger pan for “product stability?” Thanks.
So they don’t break?
OMG such a beautiful eye look! The shadows are a win! Thanks for the review!
Aw, thanks Indya!
I’ll take one of each, please. 😉
They’re quite rich!
These look gorgeous! Shame they don’t ship to the UK, I’d have to use a third party shipping company which has its risks.
In Europe you can find them on boozyshop.nl. And they’re having a 50% off right now
Ladylike is very pretty. In truth I like them all!
Awesome! I can’t wait for the rest! I see a new addiction.. 😀
I’ll take 5 of each, please.
They’re beautiful but I can clearly see that they do emphasize texture on the lid. And you have very smooth kids so these are probably only good for very young girls.
Holy Moly – these are fantastic shadows for the price – just wonderful pigmentation and shimmer. Chanel, you should be looking at this!
Great eye look Christine.
These are GORGEOUS on you Christine!
Is there any way to find out if these are made in China? It usually says on the back, but not in this case. (I’ve been trying, and mostly failing, not to buy things from China for environmental/global warning type reasons.)
Thanks you, these are beautiful!
Hey Reka,
Lucky for us I did snap one photo of a label before I realized the ingredients were underneath (the label on the back lifts up and comes away revealing the ingredient list, and I took all those off when shooting) — and that says it was made in PRC, which is China.
Thank you so much! (Though it is disappointing, It’s A Girl is gorgeous!)
This look reminds me of the Sleek sunset palette look you did a while back 🙂
These shades are brilliant, as is the look you created with them!
I’ve ordered Homecoming Queen, Beach Cottage, All Eyes On Me and Hint Of Mint. Can’t wait to experiment with them 🙂
I’m glad these are performing well! I really like the looks of Ladylike and It’s A Girl, even though pink and red eyeshadows aren’t very flattering on me.
Such pretty colours! It will be very interesting to read the rest of the reviews.
I like most love It’s a Girl, amazingly beautiful.
I feel like I always comment this on collections and I’m repetitive AF…. but I love the eye look! You have such a good eye of how to put colors together Christine.
Wow these are gorgeous and so affordable. I’d seen them get a lot of hype and was kinda wary but they swatch so beautifully. City Color does not disappoint!
My favorite is Marsala. I found it very similar to my Tom Ford wet and dry formula. I compared it to Honeymoon and it doesn’t seem so cheaper, while the other shades are thicker and in my opinion “drugstore-like”. Anyway I picked 7 shades
Hope you like these, Clidre!