LORAC Unzipped Desert Sunset Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Unzipped Desert Sunset
LORAC Unzipped Desert Sunset Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.58 oz.) includes ten shades in hues of warm neutrals to the tune of copper, bronze, and brown with pops of purple, red, and berry. This was the best performing palette of the Sunset series, which was not a surprise given that warmer neutrals tend to be more pigmented/less difficult to do given the plethora of well-rated warm eyeshadow palettes out there!
From my experience with LORAC’s formulas, the one in the Unzipped Sunset series seemed more like a hybrid between their Pro and Unzipped formula, as the Sunset palettes did not seem to have the same denseness (particularly in the shimmers) as the permanent Unzipped palettes. The mattes, however, were more substantial (less thin) compared to the Pro formula, which also meant less powderiness/sheering out during application.
Look Using this Product
Unzipped Desert Sunset
LELimited Edition. $42.00.
Mirage
Mirage is a osft, pinky beige with warm undertones and a frosted finish. It had opaque color coverage with a soft, smooth consistency that applied well to bare skin. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- MAC Summer Honey (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- NYX Girl Talk (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Becca Rose Quartz (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Eternal Opulence (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty (Brighten) (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop The Knot (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Extravaganza (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Black Tie Attire #2 (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- theBalm D2 (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Posey (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Mirage
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Sandstorm
Sandstorm is a rich, medium-dark brown with warm, reddish undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was opaque, while the texture felt soft, lightly dusty, but more substantial than the Pro mattes, so it adhered better to bare skin. It blended out easily and lasted for seven and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Flammable (LE, $6.99) is brighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop That's Life (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- Zoeva Eerily Empty (PiP, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- ColourPop Freckles (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Red Ochre #4 (P, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Clay (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay 7 and 7 (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Castille (DC, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Sea Stars (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Bengal (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Sandstorm
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Cirrus
Cirrus is a medium peach with warm undertones and a metallic finish. The texture was incredibly smooth and velvety with moderate density. It had opaque pigmentation that applied evenly to bare skin and lasted for eight hours.
Top Dupes
- bareMinerals Ball Gown (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Last Sin (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Unsupervised (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Cheers! (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Golden Egg (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Pont des Arts (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #9 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Kylie Cosmetics Seashell (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Mauve #3 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Nude Awakening #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Cirrus
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is a deep brown with subtle, warm red undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had good color coverage, which was buildable to opaque coverage in two layers. The texture was a touch dusty in the pan, but it applied well to the lid and blended out without issues. It stayed on well for seven and a half hours.
Top Dupes
- Blackbird Cosmetics Beau (DC, $8.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Violeta (LE, $12.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sephora Cocoa (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Deep Shade (PiP, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Moonchild (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Good Spirits (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Corduroy (P, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Tree-Hugger (301) (P, $9.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Coco (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia E4 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Joshua Tree
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Meditation
Meditation is a bright, medium purple with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It had medium pigmentation, which was buildable to semi-opaque coverage–a dampened brush would help get it closer to full coverage. The consistency was drier and looser in the pan, which caused some excess product to get kicked up in the pan. It wore well for seven hours on me.
Top Dupes
- MAC Violet Impact (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Wham Bam (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Journey (P, $18.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Follow Me (LE, $16.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Saturn (P, $5.00) is darker (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #26 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Once in a Lifetime (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora 1980's (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Hex Remedy (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Darkroom (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Meditation
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Sunrise
Sunrise is a brighter, medium red with warm, orange undertones and a pearly sheen. It had good color payoff, though not quite opaque in a single layer, that was easy to work with on the lid as it had a smooth, velvety consistency that blended out nicely. This shade stayed on well for seven and a half hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Viseart Boundless (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Smitten (-, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Juvia's Place Calabar (P, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Trafalgar #3 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Rainbow Life (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sephora Miss Minnie (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Peace of Mind (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Wiggalese (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Salazen Grum (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Sunrise
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Shadow
Shadow is a dark brown with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The eyeshadow was intensely pigmented with a creamy, moderately dense texture that felt like silk. It applied beautifully and blended out effortlessly. It lasted for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Outlandish (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Budding Passion (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Maroon (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia NYC (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop West Star (P, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Truffle (P, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Comfort (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Brown Sugar (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Riviera #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Stila Twig (LE, $24.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Shadow
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Illusion
Illusion is a bright, medium copper with strong, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The color payoff was fantastic, while the eyeshadow had a very smooth, creamy texture that was moderately dense but not at all stiff or difficult to pick up. It wore well for eight hours before fading slightly.
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Lucky (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Powder Trip (LE, $20.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Juvia's Place Senegal (P, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Level Up (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Juvia's Place Nubian #6 (P, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Juvia's Place Boronu (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- KKW Beauty Bronzy (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Viseart Boheme Dream #5 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (95% similar).
- ColourPop Dragon (LE, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Illusion
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Sunset
Sunset is a medium-dark, pinkish berry with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It had rich color coverage in a single layer, but the texture was slightly dusty, so it sheered out a bit over bare skin. It was easiest to work with in thinner layers to build up coverage or else it was a touch more challenging to diffuse along the edges. The eyeshadow stayed on well for seven and a half hours.
Top Dupes
- MAC Lit My Sparkler (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Shade (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Alchemy (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- City Color It's a Girl (P, $6.99) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Fyrinnae Feline Pretty Femme (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Blank Canvas (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Bijoux Royal #9 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Rosary (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Orion Nebula (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Going Steady (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
Sunset
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Dunes
Dunes is a light-medium peachy orange with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation that applied evenly to bare skin and did not sheer out too readily. The texture was smooth, a bit denser and “thicker” than other mattes from LORAC, which helped it adhere better to the lid without need of a primer. It lasted for seven hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Kaleidos Lunar (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie (DC, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Angel Face (DC, $6.99) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Biscotti (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Bailout (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Issues (P, $4.50) is darker, brighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Soft Peach (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Kaja Rosy Velvet (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Strike a Pose (P, $20.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Spread the Love (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica (CI 77019), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE (CI 77499) BLACK, IRON OXIDE (CI 77491) RED, IRON OXIDE ( CI 77492) YELLOW, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)
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.
I live for LORAC’s eyeshadow palettes! I lost my Pro palette recently so I’ve been adding these Unzipped palettes to my wishlist! Can’t wait to pick them up the next time I’m in the States!
Oh no, poor lost Pro palette!
The shades are very peculiar but I think Lorac has done a great job… I like the package (simple but with huge pans) and the sultry-daring, summery and warm selection of colours! I would be able to wear and wear sunset for days despite is a vivid colour!
Well done, Lorac, I would say!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the way it looks, Valentina!
As soon as I saw the purple, I thought, hope the other colors score well to make up for that purple LOL But some beautiful colors here. Those mega palettes are too overwhelming for me, I like how Lorac broke this out into smaller palettes
Yeah, I like the size of these – good value and variety but not overwhelming!
Gorgeous palette! How would you say this compares to ABH Modern Renaissance…would it be redundant to get it if I already have the MR palette?
I don’t think it’s necessary if you have MR, but it might complement it since there are more shimmers here! I’d say it ultimately depends on your stash/preferences – do you need something this similar or would more diversity be better?
I try to stay away from shimmers, except on the center or inner lid, because they mostly don’t work well on my hooded eyes, whereas mattes can add the llusion of depth. So as pretty as this palette is, it might not work for me. I have my eye on the Tartelette all matte palette right now.
Wow, this immediately had me feeling a Modern Renaissance vibe; but mostly shimmer! I like it a lot! And love the eye look you did using this one, too. Very apropos for channeling our gorgeous monsoon season sunsets!
Oh yeah, it definitely has that vibe – probably a little warmer, more molten in a way! 😉
This is a perfectly sized palette, not overwhelming as some of the huge ones can be, with versatile shades and generally a great rating.
C+? Lame… All around I love it though!
This reminds me of the Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly palette, though I think I prefer the purple in this one. Definitely going on my wishlist along with the Mountain Sunset!
I think this will fit in nicely in the collection.
I wonder if I’m the only one who ended up really disappointed in this one. I’ve used it seven or eight times and it always fades/creases even with primer before the end of the day in a way other shadows I have don’t.