LORAC Unzipped Mountain Sunset Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Unzipped Mountain Sunset
LORAC Unzipped Mountain Sunset Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.58 oz.) includes ten shades in a “cooler” set of neutrals with a few less neutral shades. I wouldn’t describe it as a genuinely cool-toned palette, but they were not nearly as warm-toned as most palettes are these days.
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.
Unzipped Mountain Sunset
LELimited Edition. $42.00.
Storm
Storm is a medium, golden beige with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had opaque color payoff with a smooth, soft consistency that wasn’t dusty in th epan. The eyeshadow blended out nicely and lasted for seven and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Hello Kitty Bright (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Power Eyes (Prime) (LE, ) is less shimmery, brighter (95% similar).
- MAC Photosphere (LE, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Gabrielle #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Exuberante #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Fresh Blade (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Power Eyes (Enhance) (LE, ) (90% similar).
- Chanel Mystere #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- YSL Saharienne #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Entrelacs #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Storm
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Ametrine
Ametrine is a medium, rosy mauve with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied evenly and was buildable on the lid. This shade seemed to fade slightly after initial application so it appeared more muted and less metallic. The color (from there) stayed on well for seven hours.
Top Dupes
- MAC Mad Mod (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Hourglass Exposure #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Tokyo Drifter (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Bisous (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Stone Cold (LE, $36.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tinsel (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Clarins Silver Pink (05) (P, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Free Hug (DC, $10.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Makeup Junkie (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Sterling (Amethyst #5) (P, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Ametrine
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a muted, medium-dark taupe brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a satin finish. The eyeshadow had good color coverage that applied evenly to the lid. The texture was smooth to the touch but was thinner and more firmly pressed in the pan, though I would not have described it was stiff, as it blended out without issue. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- MAC Rising Passions (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- LORAC Java (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- theBalm Fine (P, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Ursa Major (LE, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Witch (LE, $12.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Substance (PiP, $25.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Burberry Gold #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Aromatic (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Dark Sepia (47P) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Twice Baked (DC, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Mahogany
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Earth
Earth is a dark brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. There was nearly imperceptible shimmer strewn through it that I could only detect in the swatch image but not in person. The consistency was smooth, velvety, and blendable, while it yielded opaque pigmentation that was easy to apply to bare skin. It lasted for seven and a half hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Almond Mocha (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- NYX Betrayal (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Teddy Bare (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Victory (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Schemer (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Charmed, I'm Sure (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Adele (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- LORAC Dark Brown (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Eiffel for You (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Guerlain Tonka Imperiale #5 (DC, ) is cooler (95% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Earth
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Blackout
Blackout is a muted, blackened green with subtle, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. Again, there was barely-there shimmer throughout the eyeshadow that wasn’t noticeable in person. It was richly pigmented and had a velvety texture that was soft, blendable, and easy to work with, though it appeared less greenish in practice. This shade wore nicely for seven and a half hours.
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Hot Box (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Utopia (P, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Enviously (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Shade V (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Enchanted Forest (DC, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Black Ivy (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Cocktails (PiP, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sage (Define) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Dior Emerald #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- YSL Indie Jasper #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Blackout
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Stone (Mountain Sunset)
Stone (Mountain Sunset) is a light peach with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation in a single layer, while the consistency was smooth, soft, and more substantial than most LORAC matte eyeshadows so it never felt thin and did not sheer out too readily on the skin. The eyesahdow started to fade on me after seven hours of wear.
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Ambrosia (LE, $16.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Dior Exuberante #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Pastel (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- L'Oreal Little Beige Dress (P, $5.99) is darker (95% similar).
- Smashbox Naked (LE, ) (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Sorbet (DC, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Whiskers on Kittens (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Flamingo (57V) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Europa (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Cowboy Take Me Away (PiP, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Stone (Mountain Sunset)
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Cliffside
Cliffside is a soft, golden brown with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The eyeshadow had rich color payoff that applied evenly and smoothly on bare skin. It felt soft, smooth, and moderately dense without being too firmly pressed in the pan. It wore well for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Chantecaille Seashell (P, $34.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Starlight (DC, $37.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Petit Pro #5 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Rose Ashes (11) (DC, $39.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Stardust #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Crystal Spark (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- theBalm Stand-offish (P, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Ginger Sugar (LE, $14.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Rose Ashes (11) (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Era (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Cliffside
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Sienna is an intense, medium-dark copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a metallic finish. It was intensely pigmented with a smooth, almost cream-like consistency that was denser but not firm or stiff to work with. This shade wore well for eight hours before fading on me.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Arrow (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #27 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Fin (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Seine (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Stila Rose Gold (LE, $18.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Sequin (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Do It (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Juvia's Place Boronu (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Main Attraction (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Gamma (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Burnt Sienna
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Graphite (Mountain Sunset)
Graphite (Mountain Sunset) is a dark, grayish taupe with cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. There was that imperceptible shimmer in it that I could see in the pan and in close-up photos but not in person. The texture was thinner with moderate dustiness, and it was reflected in the sheer coverage. I tried to build this shade up, but I was not successful–even over primer. It lasted for six hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Haze (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Stila Fog (LE, $18.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Exhale (LE, ) is darker, more muted (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Password (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Natural Chestnut #5 (P, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Bedrock (DC, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Clinique Portobello (PiP, $15.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Hard Currency (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Punked (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain Two VIP #2 (LE, ) (90% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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.
Graphite (Mountain Sunset)
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Smoke Signal
Smoke Signal is a muted, medium-dark blue with subtle, cool undertones and a metallic sheen. It had rich color payoff with a moderately dense texture that was almost cream-like and quite smooth. The eyeshadow applied evenly to bare skin and stayed in place well for seven and a half hours.
Top Dupes
- Ulta Teal (P, $10.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- L'Oreal Timeless Blue Spark (760) (P, $7.99) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Just Your Voice (LE, $9.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Dragonfly (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop 14 (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Fyrinnae Mermaid Masquerade (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani #18 (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Ocean Breeze (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (80% similar).
- Urban Decay Plunge (LE, $19.00) is darker (80% similar).
- ColourPop Antimatter (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
Ingredients
MICA, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ZINC STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), 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 am so torn about this palette. I received last night and tried (twice!) to do my eyes with it today. No matter what placement I used, it turned into a borderline muddy smokey eye on me. (To be fair, I think that is more my eye shape and amount of lid space than anything to do with the quality of this palette.) The colors individually are gorgeous though! (Speaking of Lorac, if anyone missed the OG Mega Pro 1 palette, Lorac is releasing a limited run on their website on July 28 starting at 9:00 am PST and it is $59.)
Hey Nicole,
Since you already have it, do you have any tackier primers? That might help!
Thanks Christine! I have never needed to use primer with Lorac (one of the only eyeshadow formulas I can do that with) but I might try that. Since Mountain didn’t work, I have been wearing the Desert Sunset all day and it is divine!
I feel like the formula is the same across the three Sunset palettes but isn’t quite the same as the original Unzipped palettes… so interesting that Desert Sunset worked for you fine but not Mountain Sunset!
I suspect it’s a case of my body chemistry doing weird things, much like how it turns all of Tom Ford’s Orchid perfumes into a smell similar to a zombie rolling around in rancid fruit. 🙁 At least Desert works for me! 😀
Oh no! I was scrolling down, so happy to see Lorac doing well, getting out of their comfort zone with some colors in purple/green/blue, then I hit Graphite 🙁
I know 🙁 Sad shade.
I’m really glad to see Mood Exposure getting love. That blush is amazing. It looks wrong for me in the pan, but I put it on my skin and it transforms into magic
Sometimes if I’m going to swatch one brand’s lipsticks all in a go, I’ll try to use their products for the rest of the face… but I remembered how much I loathed their eyeshadows, so it just ended up being the cheeks, haha.
I do believe that had it not been for Graphite rating an “F”, this palette most likely would have graded a solid “A”. And I would have readily bought it, too. I actually love this softer shade combo sometimes instead of my usual!
Yeah, Graphite was a shame!
This is so pretty for the Fall. Love the look you did. Ametrine, Earth, Blackout and Smoke Signal are very pretty. Shame about Graphite.
You’re too kind, Lorrie! 🙂
it had me until the F 🙁
LOL! That is the way of those F products…
Mine arrived today. Didn’t swatch as an F, more like. C… but tomorrow will tell, when I use it. It’s kind of remarkable that a palette with an F shade can turn out overall to get a B+. Maybe the F can be minimized by using it as a crease shade, just to get a little depth. Smoke Signals is surprisingly good. I had Nicole’s problem with UD N1, and every other brown based palette, except kvd monarch. Palettes can be tricky that way. Sometimes underblending works, sometimes not.
This is actually a lovely little palette with some gorgeous and different shades to all the oranges, reds and pinks of late. It’s a shame that graphite was such a dud, because otherwise it would have been really great. I love Mahogany and Smoke Signals the best.
A beautiful eye look Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
You know, I just got this but I actually like graphite because it can be used over another shade for gradual, subtle deepening without overdoing it like I might be prone to with a more pigmented dark… but I’m one of those weirdos that liked carbon too (for the same reason/purpose) hahaha
I can totally see it working well for that purpose – 100% pigmentation is always needed!
Such a terrible shame when an otherwise good, bordering on impressive palette (quality-wise) is killed by a single shadow. How does that happen?
I always wonder, LOL!
This is really pretty (despite having one dud). I would have totally gone for it, if not for the fact that i already have dupes of all the colors. As always, thanks for your thoughtful review!
My pleasure, Lena!
I think this is the one of the collection I want to get. Graphite does look like a terrible eyeshadow, but that is the colour of powder I like to use to fill in my brows on a natural day! So I think this would end up being a palette where I could realistically use every colour. Thank you Christine as always for your wonderful reviews!
My local Ulta finally got the three Lorac Sunset palettes in stock and I was able to play with the testers. I got this Mountain one and am happy to say that the Graphite in my palette is very pigmented with amazing coverage. Love the whole palette so much; only wish I had the coin for all three!
What colors did you use for the eye look?thanks for the review!
Sorry, I didn’t write this one down!