ColourPop SWAK Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

Christine — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000

SWAK

ColourPop SWAK 5-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($10.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, limited edition five-pan palette that included two true mattes, one sparkly matte, and two shimmer shades. The palette performed consistently with recent eyeshadows released by the brand, such that the mattes were a little more powdery and shimmers weren’t as cream-like (instead, they were looser). The majority of the shades applied without a lot of effort and were pigmented.

SWAK

LELimited Edition. $10.00.

B+

8.5

Product

9.5

Pigmentation

8.5

Texture

Longevity

4.5

Application

87%

Total

Besos

Besos is a light, yellowy gold base with flecks of pink and peach shimmer throughout a more frosted finish. The texture was slightly thicker, which resulted in some emphasis of lid texture when applied dry, so applying it with a fingertip or a dampened brush helped to smooth it out and make it appear metallic but less frosted. It had opaque color coverage paired with a soft, more loosely-pressed texture that had light fallout during application. It stayed on nicely for seven and a half hours before fading a bit.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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Formula Overview

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MAC Rags to Riches (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
Anastasia B1 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, $12.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
MAC So, So Saucy (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
ColourPop Lace Up (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
Natasha Denona Queen (262M) (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
Dior Eden-Roc #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Kaleidos Penthouse (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Charlotte Tilbury Icon Day Eyes #1 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
NARS Silk Road I (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Natasha Denona Dune (186S) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).

View Swatches

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.

Besos

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

B+

8.5

Product

Pigmentation

8.5

Texture

Longevity

Application

89%

Total

Smooch

Smooch is a darker, brownish-peach with muted, warm undertones and flecks of micro-sparkle over a matte finish. Those sparkles didn’t bind with the base product, so they resulted in a lot of fallout during application, even after tapping off excess with my brush prior to trying to lay it down. The texture was more loosely-pressed, powdery, though blendable, but the opaque coverage tended to sheer out in practice. It lasted decently for seven and a half hours on me and had light fallout over time.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes
Formula Overview

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ColourPop Paired (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Ciate Nini (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Moira Cinnamon (P, $7.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Smashbox Supermodel (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
ColourPop Come-Hither (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
ColourPop Ready or Not (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Tarte Different Strokes (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Sydney Grace Honesty (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
ColourPop Hollywood Canteen (LE, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Makeup by Mario N4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).

View Swatches

Formula Overview

$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.

Smooch

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

B-

7.5

Product

Pigmentation

7.5

Texture

7.5

Longevity

4.5

Application

82%

Total

XX

XX is a soft, rosy coral with warm undertones and a metallic finish. The eyeshadow had rich pigmentation with a soft, lightly creamy consistency that wasn’t too dense nor too firmly pressed into the pan. It applied evenly to my lid and blended out well along the edges. There was fading present after eight hours of wear.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes
Formula Overview

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ColourPop Rare Earth (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Stila Enchantress (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Juvia's Place Osun (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
NARS Firenze (P, $22.00) is warmer (90% similar).
LORAC Begonia (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Tarte Sway (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Sephora Rose (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
NABLA Cosmetics Vanitas (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Tarte Pop Rock (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
ColourPop Twitterpated (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).

View Swatches

Formula Overview

$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.

XX

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

A-

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

8.5

Longevity

Application

92%

Total

Canoodle

Canoodle is a muted, medium-dark rusty copper with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, lightly powdery texture that felt smooth to the touch and wasn’t too dry. It applied evenly and blended out without difficulty. This shade stayed on well for eight hours before fading visibly.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes
Formula Overview

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Melt Cosmetics 1 Upper (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
Urban Decay Foxfire (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
Dose of Colors Rose Berry (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
MAC Flaming Femme (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
MAC Louvre at First Sight (PiP, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
Sephora Rust (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Lethal Cosmetics Fahrenheit (P, $6.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
Tom Ford Beauty Cherry Smoke #1 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Anastasia Edges (LE, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
ColourPop Drizzled (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).

View Swatches

Formula Overview

$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.

Canoodle

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

A-

Product

9.5

Pigmentation

Texture

8.5

Longevity

Application

91%

Total

Mack

Mack is a deep red with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The product had a lot of pigmentation, but it wasn’t quite as blendable as it could have been, so I would recommend using less and building up coverage (if needed) to make it easier to diffuse the edges. The texture was smooth to the touch, slightly powdery but a bit firmer compared to more recent matte shades by the brand. It lasted for eight hours before fading a bit and did stain my lid slightly after removal.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes
Formula Overview

Top Dupes

View Swatches View All Dupes

ColourPop My Everything (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
Viseart Louvre (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
Natasha Denona Rebellion (403CP) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, more muted (95% similar).
NABLA Cosmetics Botanic Juice (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
Viseart Groseille (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
Ace Beaute Soil (DC, ) is darker (95% similar).
Tom Ford Beauty Cherry Smoke #3 (LE, ) is more muted, warmer (90% similar).
ColourPop Dynasty (PiP, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Makeup Geek Mars (LE, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
Makeup Geek Berries (LE, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).

View Swatches

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." The way the Pressed Pigments differ is that they're not intended for usage on the immediate eye area.

The majority of the shades are semi-opaque to opaque in coverage, blend out fairly well, and can sometimes be a bit drier/more powdery compared to typical matte shades. They often wear eight to nine hours on me before fading, but many shades in the Pressed Pigment family leave some staining behind.

Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Pigment swatches.

NOTICE: All products categorized under "Pigment" carry a warning in the US that the product is "not intended for use in the immediate eye area." Brands in the US typically market these products as "Pigments" (instead of "Eyeshadow"), and there is often a warning on the back of packaging or the label. The product includes color additives that are not approved for usage on the eyes per the FDA. Some color additives in "Pigments" have no usage restrictions in the EU, per CosIng, and can be used on the eyes. We recommend checking ingredients to confirm current safety assessment/restrictions: FDA/CosIng.

Mack

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

B+

8.5

Product

Pigmentation

8.5

Texture

8.5

Longevity

4.5

Application

89%

Total

ColourPop SWAK 5-Pan Pressed Powder Palette

ColourPop Besos Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop Smooch Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop XX Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop Canoodle Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop Mack Pressed Powder Pigment

ColourPop SWAK 5-Pan Pressed Powder Palette

ColourPop Besos Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop Smooch Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop XX Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop Canoodle Pressed Powder Shadow

ColourPop Mack Pressed Powder Pigment

Temptalia

ColourPop SWAK Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

SWAK

SWAK

LELimited Edition. $10.00.

Quick Shop: Ulta, ColourPop

Besos

Top Dupes

Formula Overview

Besos

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

Quick Shop: Ulta, ColourPop

Smooch

Top Dupes

Formula Overview

Smooch

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

Quick Shop: Ulta, ColourPop

XX

Top Dupes

Formula Overview

XX

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

Quick Shop: Ulta, ColourPop

Canoodle

Top Dupes

Formula Overview

Canoodle

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

Quick Shop: Ulta, ColourPop

Mack

Top Dupes

Formula Overview

Mack

LELimited Edition. $4.50.

Quick Shop: Ulta, ColourPop