Lethal Cosmetics Alchemy Collection Reviews & Swatches
Calcination
Lethal Cosmetics Calcination Pressed Powder Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a light, purple-taupe with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage that was buildable to full coverage with a second layer. The consistency was soft, velvety, and finely-milled but was moderately powdery so there was excess product kicked up in the pan, though not too much fallout. It wore nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Sweet Foam (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Quarry (P, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Bucket List (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Pricey (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Tarte Misty Mauve (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop So Fated (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Fascinated (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Douceur et Serenite #1 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Long Journey (P, $5.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Dreams (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.06 oz. - $100.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "extreme pigmentation" and "effortless blendability" ... "that [will] last all day." There are two primary finishes: mattes and metallics, and the latter can also be used wet.
The matte finish has semi-opaque to opaque color coverage with moderate powderiness; it's a formula that is best used with a lighter hand. There was light fallout with some shades, though not at all, and they were blendable for the most part. Even with a light hand, there was still a bit of powderiness present--the brand did warn about using less with their formula--in the pan.
There were a few darker shades that had a tendency to sheer out when applied or did not apply as evenly, especially when layered over a lighter shade but most of the mid-tone and lighter shades were easy to apply and blend out. As a result, I found myself having better results by going dark to light rather than light to dark (which is more in line with how I typically work).
The metallic finish ranged from creamier, denser, and a bit thicker to softer, dense but still a little powdery (usually the lighter, more white-based shades). They were mostly opaque to fully opaque in a single layer, so they didn't need to be applied with a wet brush to achieve coverage or adhesion. I found that some of the more powdery, shimmery shades were more flattering on the lid when used with a fingertip or a dampened brush, though.
The matte eyeshadows tended to wear around eight hours on me before fading, while the shimmer shades lasted eight to eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Lethal Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77019 (Mica), Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 778161 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Calcination
PPermanent. $6.00.
Arsenic
Lethal Cosmetics Arsenic Pressed Powder Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a bright, pale pink with iridescent shimmer and faint micro-sparkle that gave it a more frosted finish. The base seemed to be a bit powdery, so the texture was more loosely-pressed/giving compared to some of the other metallic shades. This resulted in slight fallout during application if I wasn’t careful to press/pat it into place.
It had good color coverage in a single layer–it was described as sheer but it was far from it!–which was buildable and blendable. 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
- MAC Let's Skate (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Neon Pink #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Pink Freeze (DC, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Andromeda (P, $8.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Clionadh Utopia (P, $5.25) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Let's Sparkle (LE, $4.50) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Sephora Ex-boyfriend (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Pink Frosting (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Illuminate (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Tarina Tarantino Violet Storm #2 (DC, ) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.06 oz. - $100.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "extreme pigmentation" and "effortless blendability" ... "that [will] last all day." There are two primary finishes: mattes and metallics, and the latter can also be used wet.
The matte finish has semi-opaque to opaque color coverage with moderate powderiness; it's a formula that is best used with a lighter hand. There was light fallout with some shades, though not at all, and they were blendable for the most part. Even with a light hand, there was still a bit of powderiness present--the brand did warn about using less with their formula--in the pan.
There were a few darker shades that had a tendency to sheer out when applied or did not apply as evenly, especially when layered over a lighter shade but most of the mid-tone and lighter shades were easy to apply and blend out. As a result, I found myself having better results by going dark to light rather than light to dark (which is more in line with how I typically work).
The metallic finish ranged from creamier, denser, and a bit thicker to softer, dense but still a little powdery (usually the lighter, more white-based shades). They were mostly opaque to fully opaque in a single layer, so they didn't need to be applied with a wet brush to achieve coverage or adhesion. I found that some of the more powdery, shimmery shades were more flattering on the lid when used with a fingertip or a dampened brush, though.
The matte eyeshadows tended to wear around eight hours on me before fading, while the shimmer shades lasted eight to eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Lethal Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77019 (Mica), Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 778161 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Arsenic
PPermanent. $6.00.
Transmutation
Lethal Cosmetics Transmutation Pressed Powder Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a medium-dark black with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It was a softer black, though it initially appeared a bit richer, but the moderately powdery texture resulted in a bit of sheerness and intensity softened after being spread out/blended out.
It had nearly opaque color payoff in a single layer, which was buildable, and the edge was very blendable. I would recommend using a lighter hand to pick up product to avoid kicking up too much excess product in the pan, though there was very minimal fallout. It lasted well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Stone (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace My Person (PiP, $5.25) is cooler (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Catwalks (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Ink (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Purpose (PiP, ) is darker, glossier (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Nude Awakening #7 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Smashbox Dracula (LE, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Les (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Perversion (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Black Mirror (P, $23.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.06 oz. - $100.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "extreme pigmentation" and "effortless blendability" ... "that [will] last all day." There are two primary finishes: mattes and metallics, and the latter can also be used wet.
The matte finish has semi-opaque to opaque color coverage with moderate powderiness; it's a formula that is best used with a lighter hand. There was light fallout with some shades, though not at all, and they were blendable for the most part. Even with a light hand, there was still a bit of powderiness present--the brand did warn about using less with their formula--in the pan.
There were a few darker shades that had a tendency to sheer out when applied or did not apply as evenly, especially when layered over a lighter shade but most of the mid-tone and lighter shades were easy to apply and blend out. As a result, I found myself having better results by going dark to light rather than light to dark (which is more in line with how I typically work).
The metallic finish ranged from creamier, denser, and a bit thicker to softer, dense but still a little powdery (usually the lighter, more white-based shades). They were mostly opaque to fully opaque in a single layer, so they didn't need to be applied with a wet brush to achieve coverage or adhesion. I found that some of the more powdery, shimmery shades were more flattering on the lid when used with a fingertip or a dampened brush, though.
The matte eyeshadows tended to wear around eight hours on me before fading, while the shimmer shades lasted eight to eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Lethal Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77019 (Mica), Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 778161 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Transmutation
PPermanent. $6.00.
Aether
Lethal Cosmetics Aether Pressed Powder Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a deep teal with subtle, green tones that gave it a neutral-to-cool undertone paired with a pearly sheen. It had opaque color coverage in a single with a moderately dense, slightly thicker consistency that applied best with a flatter eyeshadow brush and pressed/patted into place (rather than swept).
It was better layered under matte eyeshadows as I found blending out the edge seemed to diffuse the matte near it instead. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Affresco #4 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Boheme Dream #10 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Aqua Fever (LE, $6.25) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Junkie (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Deep Teal (19M) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Night Owl #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Gallerina (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Fringe (DC, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Ice Blue (143CP) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Too Glam (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.06 oz. - $100.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "extreme pigmentation" and "effortless blendability" ... "that [will] last all day." There are two primary finishes: mattes and metallics, and the latter can also be used wet.
The matte finish has semi-opaque to opaque color coverage with moderate powderiness; it's a formula that is best used with a lighter hand. There was light fallout with some shades, though not at all, and they were blendable for the most part. Even with a light hand, there was still a bit of powderiness present--the brand did warn about using less with their formula--in the pan.
There were a few darker shades that had a tendency to sheer out when applied or did not apply as evenly, especially when layered over a lighter shade but most of the mid-tone and lighter shades were easy to apply and blend out. As a result, I found myself having better results by going dark to light rather than light to dark (which is more in line with how I typically work).
The metallic finish ranged from creamier, denser, and a bit thicker to softer, dense but still a little powdery (usually the lighter, more white-based shades). They were mostly opaque to fully opaque in a single layer, so they didn't need to be applied with a wet brush to achieve coverage or adhesion. I found that some of the more powdery, shimmery shades were more flattering on the lid when used with a fingertip or a dampened brush, though.
The matte eyeshadows tended to wear around eight hours on me before fading, while the shimmer shades lasted eight to eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Lethal Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77019 (Mica), Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 778161 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Aether
PPermanent. $6.00.
Unity
Lethal Cosmetics Unity Pressed Powder Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a deep berry with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had medium pigmentation in a single layer, which could be built up to more semi-opaque coverage but was hard to get to full opacity as it was quite powdery.
One issue I had with this shade was that as I blended it out, the color lifted slightly, so it became challenging to get even coverage. When I tried to blend a metallic shade (Spirit) into the edge of this shade, the color started to lift and shift a bit, so I had to go back over it afterward. The texture also seemed a little drier as it accentuated my skin texture a bit (though it didn’t actually feel dry to the touch). 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
- Dior Pink Corolle #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Sleeper (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Love Bite (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M928 Eggplant (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Feminine Charm (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Stuck On You (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Psychic (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hello Billy (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Ladyship (DC, $6.99) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tell Tail (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.06 oz. - $100.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "extreme pigmentation" and "effortless blendability" ... "that [will] last all day." There are two primary finishes: mattes and metallics, and the latter can also be used wet.
The matte finish has semi-opaque to opaque color coverage with moderate powderiness; it's a formula that is best used with a lighter hand. There was light fallout with some shades, though not at all, and they were blendable for the most part. Even with a light hand, there was still a bit of powderiness present--the brand did warn about using less with their formula--in the pan.
There were a few darker shades that had a tendency to sheer out when applied or did not apply as evenly, especially when layered over a lighter shade but most of the mid-tone and lighter shades were easy to apply and blend out. As a result, I found myself having better results by going dark to light rather than light to dark (which is more in line with how I typically work).
The metallic finish ranged from creamier, denser, and a bit thicker to softer, dense but still a little powdery (usually the lighter, more white-based shades). They were mostly opaque to fully opaque in a single layer, so they didn't need to be applied with a wet brush to achieve coverage or adhesion. I found that some of the more powdery, shimmery shades were more flattering on the lid when used with a fingertip or a dampened brush, though.
The matte eyeshadows tended to wear around eight hours on me before fading, while the shimmer shades lasted eight to eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Lethal Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77019 (Mica), Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 778161 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Unity
PPermanent. $6.00.
Spirit
Lethal Cosmetics Spirit Pressed Powder Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a vivid, medium-dark purple with cool undertones and a smooth sheen. It had opaque color coverage with a moderately dense, lightly creamy texture that was slightly thicker but had good adhesion and blendability along the edges.
As a standalone product, it worked really well, but the thickness didn’t always pair well with slightly drier and/or more powdery mattes (which is what I’ve found, in general, of thicker, creamier shimmer eyeshadows). It wore well for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Danzig (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Ultra Violence (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Zeus (GPV2 #20) (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Ardency Inn Royal (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Grapetini (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Deep Purple (LE, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Hazmat (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Mystique (P, $8.77) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Flannel (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Fyrinnae Queen (P, $7.00) is darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.06 oz. - $100.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "extreme pigmentation" and "effortless blendability" ... "that [will] last all day." There are two primary finishes: mattes and metallics, and the latter can also be used wet.
The matte finish has semi-opaque to opaque color coverage with moderate powderiness; it's a formula that is best used with a lighter hand. There was light fallout with some shades, though not at all, and they were blendable for the most part. Even with a light hand, there was still a bit of powderiness present--the brand did warn about using less with their formula--in the pan.
There were a few darker shades that had a tendency to sheer out when applied or did not apply as evenly, especially when layered over a lighter shade but most of the mid-tone and lighter shades were easy to apply and blend out. As a result, I found myself having better results by going dark to light rather than light to dark (which is more in line with how I typically work).
The metallic finish ranged from creamier, denser, and a bit thicker to softer, dense but still a little powdery (usually the lighter, more white-based shades). They were mostly opaque to fully opaque in a single layer, so they didn't need to be applied with a wet brush to achieve coverage or adhesion. I found that some of the more powdery, shimmery shades were more flattering on the lid when used with a fingertip or a dampened brush, though.
The matte eyeshadows tended to wear around eight hours on me before fading, while the shimmer shades lasted eight to eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Lethal Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
CI 77019 (Mica), Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 778161 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Spirit is my favorite here, I’ve been looking for a purple like this for some time now. The darker purples I have, have a black base and appear dirty on me, hope note the case here.
I love the tone of Calcination! I’m still in the process of making a palette, I feel like they release a few unique colours with every collection. Looking forward to your reviews, as always! 🙂
Le sigh. The three shades I had my eye on (and my hopes up for) are all duped in my stash. I would still consider getting Calcination due to it being a more buildable shade than my UD Tease. I do much more prefer my mattes that I use for transition or crease shades to be more buildable than BAM! pigmentation upon first brush-stroke for my aging eyelids.
I really liked the Aether teal shade – so pretty. I think the other shades can either fill up niche spots in one’s stash or be an entirely different colour to try. Generally, very good results.
I have Spirit and Transmutation, and I thought I had Aether, but I can’t find it. Maybe it was another teal or just on wish list, as Aether tends to be sold out a lot. At any rate, they’re beautiful, blendable shadows. Spirit is one of the best purples I own. I have a pre-designed build-your-own palette in shades of gray that I grabbed on sale, and they are the most flattering grays for my eye color I’ve ever found. It’s just a perfect palette.