ColourPop x Mulan Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Mulan
ColourPop Mulan 15-Pan Shadow Palette ($22.00 for 0.60 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that launches on March 19th at 10AM PT. The matte eyeshadows were pigmented, blendable, and wore between seven and eight hours with a few shades being a little powdery. The shimmers varied a bit more in performance with some having full coverage and being easy to use while others had a bit of fallout during application and/or wear.
There were a few shades in the palette that seemed to contain glitter (to my eye/by feel), though smaller in particle size, so I read through the ingredient list more thoroughly. That being said, only Be Swift had an asterisk and a warning that it was not intended for the eye area.
I’m not sure what makes polybutylene terephthalate, or PBT, which is also a thermoplastic like PET glitter, more/less safe for eyes other than what I’m seeing: smaller particle size and a smaller percentage of the product is made up of that single ingredient. There was also PET glitter listed (further down in the ingredient list) for Like a Girl, Brave, and Legacy. Based on some of the other mainstream brands (MAC, NARS, Urban Decay, to name a few) that have released eyeshadows using PET glitter (and saying they’re to be used on eyes), smaller particle sizes and/or a smaller percentage of PET glitter are often the commonalities.
Ingredients
Mulan
LELimited Edition. $24.00.
Imperial
Imperial is a light, taupe-brown with muted, warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had rich color payoff that adhered evenly to bare skin and blended out with ease along the edges. The texture was smooth, almost velvety, and substantial without being too powdery. It lasted well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Cherish (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Nudie (PiP, $16.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Smokey Eye Beauty (Enhance) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Lucy (464CM) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Soleil, So Lovely (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Divergent Radiant Initiation (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sandstone (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Flint (184CM) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Coolada (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Hide & Seek (PiP, ) is lighter, 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.
Look Using this Product
Imperial
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Strike a Match
Strike a Match is a bright, creamy white base with flecks of bluish-aqua micro-glitter over a metallic finish. The texture felt lightly creamy, dense and a little thick, but it had enough binder to keep the glitter from migrating/dropping during application. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied best with a fingertip (which yielded more opaque coverage) or a dampened brush. It wore well for eight hours with very minimal fall out.
It contained polybutylene terephthalate, or PBT, which I’m less familiar with but know it was part of the study done by CIR on cosmetic glitter and testing for ocular sensitivity. There were no warnings listed on the palette, so the brand is signifying it is intended for eye usage as far as I can tell. From a visual inspection, the particle size on the smaller end.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Beak-a-Boo (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Milky Way (P, $18.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sterling (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Harsh Stone White (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- Viseart Cashmere #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Bailey's Bliss (P, $6.25) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Dazzlelight (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mojave Moves (LE, $9.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Lights Out #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Bang (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (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.
Look Using this Product
Strike a Match
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Be Swift
Be Swift has a more translucent base packed full of smaller and medium-sized, gold glitter particles. It had good “coverage” from the glitter in a single layer, and it was easy to pack into place for fuller coverage. The texture felt moderately emollient and could be pushed around slightly in the pan, which prevented a lot of fallout. It contained smaller glitter than ColourPop has put in a lot of their Pressed Glitters in the past, though it still contained plastic glitter and was listed as not intended for the eye area. There was migration/fallout of glitter after seven and a half hours (worn on cheeks).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Smile (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Libertine (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Stargazer (DC, $20.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Arendelle (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Gold Star (PiP, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Reignbow (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Ritual (PiP, $6.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Put U on Gold (LE, $21.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Puh-lease (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Golden Touch (LE, $6.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Be Swift
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Fighter
Fighter is a medium peach with strong, warm orange undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque color payoff in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and didn’t sheer out too readily but had light fallout if I wasn’t careful during application. The texture was moderately powdery, so I’d recommend using a lighter hand with it. The eyeshadow lasted nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Hustler (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Honey Splash (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Flock Party #1 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Sand Haze #7 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Pivot (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Fringe (LE, ) is darker, more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Soft Chill (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Take Two (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Antidote (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Ciambella (LE, ) is more muted (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.
Fighter
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Like a Girl
Like a Girl is a light-medium, pink-peach with moderate, warm undertones and a glittering, metallic finish. The texture felt creamier but more loosely-pressed in the pan, so it was easy to pick up too much product and have not enough space for it. I’d recommend using a firmer, flatter brush for application and gently pressed/patting into place to minimize fallout and ensure a smooth lay down of product. It had good color coverage in a single layer that stayed on well for eight hours with light fallout over time.
While it didn’t have any asterisk to indicate it wasn’t intended for the eye area, the ingredient list did include PET glitter for this shade (later on the list than for the typical Pressed Glitter shades). It was also a finer particle size compared to the Pressed Glitters (typically).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Mint #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Buxom Champagne Buzz (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Can't Stop (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Heat Wave (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Jouer Bikini (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Custom Made (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Frappe (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Moira Jupiter (P, $7.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Walk on Air (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Galaxia (112K) (Retro) (PiP, ) is less 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.
Look Using this Product
Like a Girl
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Warrior
Warrior is a light-medium, plummy brown with warm undertones and a very subtle, blue-to-green shifting shimmer. The texture was soft, lightly emollient, but a little drier to the touch so there was a bit of fallout when I worked with it. It had opaque coverage that wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NABLA Cosmetics Absinthe (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Create (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mr. Sandman (P, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace My Bond (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Solstice (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, darker, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Calypso Blue (05M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Hydra (P, $8.50) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Kaja Magic (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Exploit (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Terra Moons Terra Borealis (P, $8.50) is lighter, brighter (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.
Warrior
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Honor
Honor is a light-medium brown with muted, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had good color payoff that had to be built up with a second layer for full opacity. The texture was soft, slightly drier than other shades, but it remained blendable and easy enough to use in practice. It lasted well for seven and a half hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Tan-gled Up in You (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace San Diego (P, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- Milani Crazy for Cocoa (PiP, $5.99) is lighter (95% similar).
- NYX Tryst (P, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow #4 (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Head Over Heels (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Faux Fur (P, $7.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Wanderer (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS St-Paul-de-Vence II (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop $10 Latte (LE, $4.50) 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.
Look Using this Product
Honor
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Loyal
Loyal is a medium-dark red with moderate, warm undertones and flecks of red and gold glitter over a smooth, metallic finish. It had rich color payoff in a single layer, which adhered evenly to bare skin with light glitter fallout. The texture felt denser, lightly creamy, but it was thick and emphasized lid lines/texture slightly. I would be careful blending it out with a fluffy brush as this caused more of the glitter to come away from the base color and distribute unevenly or result in fallout. It stayed on well for eight hours with light fallout over time.
It contained polybutylene terephthalate, or PBT, which I’m less familiar with but know it was part of the study done by CIR on cosmetic glitter and testing for ocular sensitivity. There were no warnings listed on the palette, so the brand is signifying it is intended for eye usage as far as I can tell. From a visual inspection, the particle size on the smaller end.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Clionadh Poinsettia (P, $5.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Viseart Lava (GPV2 #26) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Infatuation (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Call U Mine (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Desert Rose (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tis Firm (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Fired Up (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Seduced (LE, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Sand Haze #8 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Lost Summer (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (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.
Look Using this Product
Loyal
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Brave
Brave is a light, peachy brown with strong, warm orange undertones and flecks of gold glitter over a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with light fallout (both a bit of powder as well as some sparkle) paired with a soft, somewhat powdery texture. I’d recommend using a primer with this shade as that would help minimize some of the powderiness. It wore well for seven and a half hours before fading visibly.
While it didn’t have any asterisk to indicate it wasn’t intended for the eye area, the ingredient list did include PET glitter for this shade (later on the list than for the typical Pressed Glitter shades). It was also a finer particle size compared to the Pressed Glitters (typically).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Back to Surreality (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop The Taurus (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Bamboo (DC, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Warm Mattes #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Glasswing (DC, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Caramel (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Wilshire (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- LORAC Tawny (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC What Clout (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Take Cover (PiP, ) is less 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.
Look Using this Product
Brave
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Strength
Strength is a medium-dark, coppery brown with warm, orange undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, moderately powdery texture that had some fallout. The eyeshadow applied evenly and blended out well but would perform better over a primer. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Saffron (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Chromosphere (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever Wealthy (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Smolder (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Rustic (P, $18.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fearless (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Amber (LE, $4.50) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Gingerbread (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fleecy (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Gold Rush (PiP, $4.50) is darker (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.
Strength
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
True
True is a muted, medium-dark olive green with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. Again lighter, warmer tones, it looked greener, whereas against darker, browner shades, it looked more taupe. The texture was soft, blendable, and smooth without being too powdery nor too firmly pressed in the pan. It had opaque color coverage that lasted well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Robert (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Rubia (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario N11 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Downtown (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Cult Clastic (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Persuade (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Robert (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora About Last Night (360) (P, $9.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Give Me Glow Americano (P, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Influential (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (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.
Look Using this Product
True
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Undefeated
Undefeated is a medium red with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted finish. It had rich color payoff in a single layer with a soft, smooth texture that had a bit of slip but didn’t feel too emollient, so it adhered evenly and blended out well. There were signs of fading after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Poppy (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Mauve #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Siren #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Viseart Clove (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Raspberry Beret (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sephora Spiced Plum (379) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Sizzle (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Heatin' Up (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Delightful Spark (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Ladylike (P, $6.25) is 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.
Look Using this Product
Undefeated
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Defiant
Defiant is a deeper black with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had very fine, multi-colored shimmer throughout more of a matte finish, but some of the shimmer did translate when applied to bare skin. The eyeshadow was richly pigmented with a smooth, soft, and blendable texture that wasn’t too powdery nor too firmly pressed into the pan. It stayed on nicely for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Midnight Curfew (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Les (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- LORAC Ink (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Nothing's Impossible (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace My Person (PiP, $5.25) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Lil Smokey (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Faraway (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Tonight (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Moon Child (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Date Eye (Smoke) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% 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.
Look Using this Product
Defiant
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Guiding Spirit
Guiding Spirit is a medium-dark brown with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had excellent pigmentation with a smooth, velvety texture that was a little powdery in the pan but wasn’t prone to fallout when applied to bare skin. It lasted well for eight hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Livin' (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Paradiso (LE, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Want U Back (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hubba Bubba (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Dali Wood (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Mindful (374CP) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop HWY 1 (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine First Kiss (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nude Medium #6 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Not For Sale (LE, $19.00) 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.
Look Using this Product
Guiding Spirit
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Legacy
Legacy is a dark brown with subtle, warm red undertones and flecks of fine glitter over a matte finish. It had a fairly soft, blendable texture but was prone to a bit of fallout due to the added sparkle that didn’t bind as much with the base color. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer that wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
While it didn’t have any asterisk to indicate it wasn’t intended for the eye area, the ingredient list did include PET glitter for this shade (later on the list than for the typical Pressed Glitter shades). It was also a finer particle size compared to the Pressed Glitters (typically).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Disobedient (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Sippy Sippy (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Hammered (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Ganache (LE, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Rust (Define) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Angles (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Knockout (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Deep Velvet (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Edgy (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Feisty (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (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.
Because it’s Mulan, I’m very tempted to get it. But do I love the palette? Meh. It’s not bad, and I can see that you got very good looks out of it, but it’s not exactly exciting either.
These look lovely, but as someone who leans cool tone, I don’t think they will work!
As I suspected, there are just too many iffy shades in this palette – the brand would have been better to make them all a soft shimmer in the formulas we know and love well. There are a few duplicates of the matte brown shades too.
Beautiful eye looks Christine, really stunning.
Yes, I’m afraid of the plastic glitter. Wish they would stop doing this. The palette looks pretty to me, but is a no.
This is a rare item that I want just for the packaging, but I’m glad to see the shadows are nice. I can live with the glitter shades.
I’d rather not have plastic in make up ingredients at all. :/
Meh, nothing appeals to me except for the packaging and I know better from this site not to be lured in by packaging!
I almost never care about eyeshadow palettes anymore, but something about this makes me feel like I would’ve really wanted it ten years ago. Particularly the shades True and Undefeated.
I like your eye looks, but performance and glitter make this palette a pass.
I’m normally the first one to avoid buying more eyeshadow, but I ended up picking this up because I think it could be very easily integrated into my collection. I enjoy the neutral/cooler toned browns, which has been more my style lately!
1. Stop manufacturing plastic just for eyeshadow – we already have glitter alternatives
2. If this didn’t have plastic glitter in it I would 100% have purchased this palette.
Sorry, but looks much like Tati’s palette with a gold. Did I miss something? I didn’t purchase hers (and I here great things about it) so I definitely won’t go here. The colors just don’t do much for me. Like Mulan though, on of my FAVS of all time!
Did a tiny bit of research on polybutylene tetraphthalate, since this is the first I’ve heard of it being used in eyeshadow. According to the American Polymer Standards Corporation ( http://www.ampolymer.com/SDS/PolybutyleneTerephthalateSDS.html ), it “May be harmful if absorbed through skin. May cause skin irritation” and “May cause eye irritation.”
It’s really troubling to me that ColourPop and other companies keep using these microplastics in their eye products. It really shows me that they’re willing to make a quick buck off of uninformed consumers who are drawn in by dazzling, shiny shadows, without actually caring about the safety and health of these consumers.