ColourPop Charm School Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Charm School
ColourPop Charm School 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($14.00 for 0.32 oz.) includes a mix of warmer tones with three cooler, grayish shades. There was a good mix of depth and finish, as the palette contained two mattes, three sparkle mattes, and four shimmer shades.
One of the sparkle mattes had enough sparkles to result in noticeable fallout, but the other three were the kind of sparkles that you could see in the pan but not so much in practice. Three of the shimmers could have been better applied dry, so I’d say the shimmer formula is more ideal for someone who tends to apply their shimmer eyeshadows with a fingertip or a dampened brush to begin with.
Ingredients
Charm School
LELimited Edition. $14.00.
Twiggy
Twiggy is a light and bright, peachy beige with warm undertones and a sparkly sheen. It ended up reading more like a warmer white than true peach on me, since it was so bright. The texture was smooth, lightly emollient to the touch, and picked up readily with a dry brush but had light fallout using this application method. It had mostly opaque color coverage that wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Double Indemnity #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Buxom Diamond Darling (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Pearl (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Black Bow #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME122 Snow (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Beep Me (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #15 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Treasure (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Blanc (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Carte Blanche (317) (LE, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Twiggy
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
I'm Sure
I’m Sure is a light-medium brown with warmer undertones and a matte finish. I noticed this shade was more prone to darkening a bit from whatever natural oils/tackiness existed on my skin–and I do wipe down my arm prior to beginning to swatch to minimize this already!–so an eyeshadow primer would likely be ideal to ensure evenness in color depth.
The eyeshadow itself was pigmented, blendable, and easy enough to work with, though the texture was lightly powdery. It wore nicely for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Coolada (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Soleil, So Lovely (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild The Night's Quad #1 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Smokey Eye Beauty (Enhance) (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- LORAC Light Brown (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cherish (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is darker (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Flint (184CM) (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Imperial (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Sandstone (P, $17.00) is darker, more muted (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
I'm Sure
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Heart Tag
Heart Tag is a soft, yellowy gold with strong, warm undertones and a metallic finish. It had rich pigmentation in a single layer, which adhered well to bare skin as the texture was smooth, dense without being too thick, and easy to work with. It lasted well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop In the Wild (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Do It Again (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Comfort Zone #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Limoncello (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Smashbox Keeper (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Sandglow (LE, $23.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Smashbox Bellini Bling (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- NARS First Taste (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Calaca (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Dior Sienna #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Heart Tag
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Romper
Romper is a light-medium, orange-brown with strong, warm undertones and barely-there micro-sparkle over a matte finish. The sparkles were both fine and sparse enough that they didn’t really translate visibly onto the lid, which meant that there wasn’t much in the way of fallout over the eight hours it wore for. The eyeshadow was pigmented, blendable, and smooth to the touch, though somewhat powdery in the pan.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Buttarum (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Morocco (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Gina (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Glaminatrix Camel (P, $7.30) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Daisy (LE, $6.99) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Estem (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Mango Tea (P, $5.25) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Stix (LE, $19.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Ardency Inn Tangerine (DC, $21.00).
- Morphe Creamsicle (LE, ).
- ColourPop Wild Soul (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Work It (PiP, $4.50).
- Natasha Denona Carnelian (PiP, ).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Romper
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
On Time
On Time is a rich, golden orange with warm undertones and a metallic finish. The eyeshadow was more loosely-pressed into the pan, so while quite pigmented, it was also more prone to powderiness and fallout when used dry with a brush. I’d recommend using a fingertip to pat it into place or a dampened brush; I preferred the latter as it also helped it lay more evenly and smoothly (physically, as in texture) on my skin. It wore well for seven and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Harmony (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Bayshore (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Monkey Business (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Gett Off (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Citrus Squeeze (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Citrus Squeeze (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- KKW Beauty North Star (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Give the Brut (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Under the Ground (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- elf Golden Goddess (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
On Time
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
That's a Wrap
That’s a Wrap is a medium-dark gray with neutral undertones and a matte finish. The texture was soft, blendable, and somewhat powdery in the pan, but it wasn’t prone to sheering out and had very minimal fallout. It had opaque pigmentation that lasted nicely for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Gata (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Tombstone (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Slated (DC, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop 1980 (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Bebe (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Your Galaxy (LE, $4.50) is darker (85% similar).
- Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #6 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Etiquette (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Jet Lag (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Heartache (PiP, $4.50) is darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
That's a Wrap
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Grace
Grace is a medium-dark brown with warm, golden undertones and gold micro-sparkle over a matte finish. The sparkles seemed to, largely, disappear when applied to bare skin, so there wasn’t that much fallout since, presumably, they got trapped in my brush or disappeared into the air when picked up.
The texture was moderately powdery, though soft, finely-milled, and blendable, but you’ll want to use a light hand to avoid excess fallout. It had rich color payoff that wore well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Chula (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop $10 Latte (LE, $4.50) is darker (85% similar).
- Viseart Latte (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Chanel Deep #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- Viseart Nue (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Viseart Café (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Chanel Candeur et Provocation #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Kaja Rich Espresso (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Head Over Heels (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- ColourPop Easy Does It (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Grace
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Jingle Jangle
Jingle Jangle is a light-medium pewter with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted finish. The consistency was drier and more powdery, which resulted in a sheerer, less even application of product that had some fallout to deal with. This shade was more workable when applied with a dampened brush as this helped everything come together more evenly and yield higher opacity (but also just better application without the fallout!). It lasted decently for seven hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace John (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Imperial Credit (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dior Party in Colours #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Clarins Jade #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- JD Glow White Gold (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty TFX1 (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics No Regrets (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Fire-Butts (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Iconic (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar).
- Natasha Denona Glam (328M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Jingle Jangle
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
And Co
And Co is a dark charcoal gray with warmer undertones and flecks of gold and silver micro-sparkle over a more matte finish. It was packed with the micro-sparkle more so than other “sparkle mattes” from the brand, so they definitely translated when applied, though they did not adhere that well and resulted in fallout both during blending as well as throughout wear–I did not notice any irritation, personally, so there was some upside.
It had opaque color coverage with a soft, somewhat powdery texture, though it retained its opacity when blended out. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading, but there was moderate fallout from the sparkles.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smashbox The Bride of Frankenstein (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Apple Picking (LE, $5.25) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay BK (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Bad Habit Siren (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #10 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- LORAC Shadow (Mega Pro 4) (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Typographic (DC, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Chanel Blurry Blue #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Tombstone (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Dior Volcanic #4 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Gonna sound strange, but as much as I love and want this one, I feel like it’s also something that I can walk away from.
These are my kinds of colours. Shame they’re not a bit better, though. But honestly, if this was available in a store near me, I’m certain I’d buy it.
Oh my gosh, I forgot how fast ColourPop churns out new releases. I was just looking at the Quartz palette and I think they have released about ten since then, LOL! Not feeling this one as it has a lot of shades that are similar to ones I already have. I am sticking with the Quartz palette, I think.
I can’t shake how much this holiday collection is reminding me of Antiquitease from MAC a million years ago.
I see it too! Still remember the white-and-gold nails in the campaign images.
Another CP palette I like and think is super wearable.
I don’t think CP could decide whether this palette was going to be warm toned or cool toned – the shades are just polar opposites of one another. And all those mid tone caramel brown shades don’t seem to work. Jingle Jangle, which could have been the hero shade of the palette, was pathetic.