ColourPop x NBA Boston Celtics Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Boston Celtics
ColourPop Boston Celtics 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($14.00 for 0.32 oz.) is a new, limited edition nine-pan palette that featured three shimmery eyeshadows with six more matte eyeshadows in the team’s colors. The majority of the eyeshadows were pigmented, blendable, and lasted around eight hours, though there was some powderiness or light fallout to contend with overall.
Ingredients
Boston Celtics
LELimited Edition. $14.00.
17 Rings
17 Rings is a bright white with a subtle, blue-green shifting pearl. It had mostly opaque pigmentation that applied well to bare skin and blended out without difficulty. The texture was soft, more loosely-pressed but not dry. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop The Big 3 (P, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Emerald (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Astral Blue Star (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Scooch In (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Spell Breaker (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Dial Up (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Switchback (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Philosophy (PiP, ) is more shimmery (85% similar).
- Viseart Wink (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Prince Charming (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (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.
17 Rings
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Lucky
Lucky is a light green with moderate, warm undertones and a frosted finish. The consistency was drier, more loosely-pressed, so there was light fallout and a tendency for the eyeshadow to apply a little unevenly and with more semi-opaque coverage. I’d recommend using it with a fingertip or a dampened brush to improve application and coverage. 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
- Urban Decay Prickly (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mintea (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Atmosphere (P, $8.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Minty Dream (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Springtime (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Abracadabra (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Coy #10 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop The Fish (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Freshman (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Give Me Glow Electric Mint (P, $7.00) 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.
Lucky
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Back Bay
Back Bay is a light beige with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was almost cream-like as it had slip and felt velvety, which gave it a substantial feel on my skin–rather than being really powdery–and had opaque coverage. It wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Merry Go Go (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hear Me Out (P, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Trip (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Crave (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Date Night (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Hot Spot (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Smashbox Barre It All (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Orb (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Bare (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
- MAC Blanc Type (DC, $17.00) is lighter, 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.
Back Bay
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Celtic Pride
Celtic Pride is a medium taupe-brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and matte finish. It had rich pigmentation paired with a smooth, velvety texture that applied evenly and blended out well. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Smoky Taupe (P, $34.00) is less pigmented, lower quality (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M549 Dark Taupe (P, $17.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Mythosaur (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Vertigo (LE, $36.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Vow (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Home (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Sweet as Candy #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Comfy (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Dog Days (DC, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild VI Purple #6 (PiP, ) is warmer (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.
Celtic Pride
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Rivalry
Rivalry is a bright, minty green with strong, cool undertones and a metallic finish. The eyeshadow had opaque color payoff in one layer, which applied evenly to my lid and diffused nicely along the edges without being prone to fallout or sheering out. The texture was smooth to the touch, dense without being overly firm, and picked up well with a dry brush. It lasted well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop World Traveler (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Sweet Tooth (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Imp (P, $8.77) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Big Banks (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- City Color Beach Cottage (P, $6.99) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- By Beauty Bay Breeze (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Designer (P, $5.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Current (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace The Shallows (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Milk Makeup Mermaid Parade (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, 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.
Rivalry
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Tradition
Tradition is a light, pastel green with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was smooth, more velvety, and only lightly powdery, which helped it achieve full pigmentation in a single layer while remaining blendable. It wore well for seven and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop De Menthe (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Void (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Terra Moons 4th Dimension (P, $6.00) is brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Mantis (LE, $5.25) is warmer (90% similar).
- By Beauty Bay Mint (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Honeydew (P, $5.25) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Don't Care (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sugarpill Twitch (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Silico (LE, $4.50) is darker, brighter (85% similar).
- Anastasia A2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 2) (LE, $12.00) is 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.
Tradition
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Shamrock
Shamrock is a medium-dark grass green with subtle, warm undertones and lighter, cooler blue sparkle over a matte finish. The sparkles didn’t translate onto my lid, but they didn’t seem to wind up as visible fallout (I’d guess they got trapped in my brush). The texture was moderately powdery, and the fallout was more from the underlying green powder than the sparkles as a result. It had opaque color coverage that sheered out somewhat in practice. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Hawkins High (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Kiss My Hass (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Transform (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Moskova #2 (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- By Beauty Bay Forest (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Gloom (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay G Train (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Give Me Glow Kelly Green (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Too Faced Mint Chocolate (White Chocolate) (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, more muted (80% similar).
- Haus Labs Mint Matte (P, $24.00) 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.
Shamrock
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Dynasty
Dynasty is a bright, medium green with strong, cool undertones and a pearly sheen with faint gold contrasting pearl. It had opaque color payoff in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out nicely. The texture was moderately dense, slightly thinner when picked up but not powdery or chunky. It lasted nicely for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics Sweet Tooth (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Marine Waters (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lighthouse (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Milk Makeup Mermaid Parade (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- By Beauty Bay Breeze (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace The Shallows (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hummingbird (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Seashore (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Big Banks (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Release (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (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.
Dynasty
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
1946
1946 is a rich, emerald green with strong, cool undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had a slightly drier, somewhat powdery texture, though it managed to yield full color payoff that blended out without too much extra effort. It wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics Meltdown (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Water Landing (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Smashbox Ultramarine (P, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sublime Reverie (PiP, $6.25) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia B3 (Norvina Mini Vol. 2) (LE, $12.00) is lighter (80% similar).
- Pat McGrath Altered State (LE, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Runnin' Thru the Six (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Give Me Glow Seaside (P, $7.00).
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.
Not from Boston. Not a basketball fan. Have CP’s The Child and Tinkerbell palettes. But, HOT DAYUM, I freakin’ love this palette!
A wide variety of lovely green shades on offer here, they are beautifully co-ordinated and look to be reasonably good quality.
I think the grounding shades Back Bay and Celtic Pride are a great fit for these greens. Unlike, say, that deep matte red Byte in the Cyber palette, which left many readers saying ‘huh?’ These are great neutrals which could even do a twofer eye for work, without even thinking of the greens. The Celtics have a second set of uniforms in blue and yellow, for the BAA (Boston Athletic Association/the marathon) in memory of the bombing. Just sayin’. If these go to Ulta, this’ll sell out instantly south of Boston.
As you all know, I am really a green person. I love every shade of green that exists. Having said that, I am not moved by this palette. Not sure why but just isn’t speaking to me. I do like the very deep 1946 but not enough to purchase the palette. I am a Boston Celtics fan, although not as much as when Larry Bird was playing. I haven’t followed basketball much since I moved to the back woods of Montana. Maybe when I relocate I will get back into following teams.
I feel like i need this cause I’m from Boston. I do love the color story, also
The quality difference between the NBA eyeshadow palettes and the NBA eyeliner duos seems astounding!
I’m a C’s fan, I have this palette, and of course I’m biased but it’s very good so I’m just going to write an overly long comment about what I think would have made it perfect re: shade names, which seem low-effort (ColourPop, next time you have a Boston or Massachusetts themed palette, I expect to be consulted).
Other NBA palettes have a shade named for the local area code, and being that Boston has an iconic one–617–I feel like that should have been a shade instead of a generic one like RiVaLrY. Next, why they chose Back Bay is a little mystifying when the Garden is in the West End.
In the liner set, I have no idea why they chose Acorn Street when Causeway Street or Atlantic Avenue would have made more sense. At very least if you’re going to pick a street in Beacon Hill, pick Charles Street, Beacon Street… something a little more recognizably Boston.
Alternative fan-approved shade names: The Hub (or The Hub of the Universe, if you like), North Station, Banners, The Garden, Parquet Floor
Additionally, should there ever be a second installment of the NBA collab and the Phoenix Suns get a palette, I have some ideas for shade names because I lived there for a long time (perhaps Christine can chime in too 😉
If there must be an area code shade, gotta go with the original one–602.
Others: South Mountain, America West or America West Arena, Biltmore, Sonoran, Saguaro, Hohokam, Superstition Wilderness (or Four Peaks), Loop 202 (or 7th Ave), Suicide Lane (too controversial to be realistic because of the word suicide but really the best Phoenix reference), Monsoon, Papago, Gila Monster (or Chuckwala!). Just avoid annoying ones like DrY hEaT or GoLdWaTeR.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk