Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash, Glamethyst, Glam Noir See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches
Topaz Flash
Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow ($28.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a smoldering, medium-dark taupe with subtle, war, reddish undertones and multi-colored glitter and sparkle. It had rich, opaque pigmentation with larger glitter particles with a mix of smaller sparkle and glitter. The texture was loosely pressed with a soft feel with some chunkiness coming through from amount of glitter in the product itself. With a flat, synthetic brush, the eyeshadow applied well with pressing motions, and I was surprised at how little fallout there was but did find that a little went a long way so using less than I thought I needed seemed to help with minimizing fallout. It wore well for nine hours before creasing faintly, and there was slight fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Force of Nature #2 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Jude (394M) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Kaja Tiger's Eye (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Spaced (LE, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash (90) (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Envie (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Love Lace (LE, $25.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Dark Force (DC, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Daydream (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- L'Oreal Bronzed Taupe (P, $7.99) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$28.00/0.12 oz. - $233.33 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to add a "super-shimmering dimension to any look" with a "demi-pressed process" that has "high-impact dazzle with smooth glide and bold color." Per the brand, it can be "packed on for intense glitter or blended for a soft wash of sparkle." They recommend packing it on with a fingertip or using a flat, synthetic brush in a "gentle pressing motion."
I was surprised at how well they applied with a flat, synthetic brush, as I was able to apply all six shades using a flat, synthetic brush (MAC 247s and 242s) and gently pressed the product against my lid and have most of the product adhere without lots of fallout. When I pressed on an eyeshadow, I gently press and then pull in a direction (depending on what and where I'm applying). The formula yielded very shiny, sparkling color that was intense and bright while still offering pigmentation from the base color, too.
They have a very loosely-packed texture--they seem more like a 40-60% loose product, and it was important to use the included "pigment press" to keep the surface flat. I also found that a little went a long way with most shades, and I could see fallout becoming an issue if too much product was on the brush. I usually just pressed the brush gentle on the surface and that was good enough for coverage on my lid. They lasted for eight and a half hours on me before creasing faintly, and there was slight fallout over time but nothing that reached the point where it seemed distracting/noticeable to anyone looking at me. Frankly, I was extremely impressed with how easily they applied, adhered, and lasted on me while delivering on high impact dazzle and bold color. Using fingertips worked for getting even adhesion, but I have always found it harder to be precise with my fingertips on my lid, and I did feel like my fingertip was picking up more product than I needed so there was a bit more fallout when I attempted using my fingertips.
Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Talc, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearyl Malate, Magnesium Myristate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyurethane-11, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hexylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77499), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000).
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.
Looks Using this Product
Topaz Flash
PPermanent. $28.00.
Glamethyst
Marc Jacobs Beauty Glamethyst See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow ($28.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark purple with warm undertones and a glittery finish with multi-colored sparkles and larger glitters. It had a loosely-pressed consistency that was soft and yielding, so it was key to use the included presser to flatten and smooth out the surface prior to using to avoid over-applying product as a little went a long way. It was quite pigmented and applied with minimal fallout when pressed and gently patted onto the lid. The texture of this shade felt slightly drier compared to the other five I tried in the range. It lasted well for eight hours with slight fallout over time (impressive with how little given the glitter amount, though).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Smokin' Purp (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Space Owt (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Agate (GPV2 #10) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Abigail (Deep) (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Temptation (184) (P, $29.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Pinkluxe #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Ciate Wicked (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Clionadh Nic No 1 (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Awakening (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Brilliant (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$28.00/0.12 oz. - $233.33 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to add a "super-shimmering dimension to any look" with a "demi-pressed process" that has "high-impact dazzle with smooth glide and bold color." Per the brand, it can be "packed on for intense glitter or blended for a soft wash of sparkle." They recommend packing it on with a fingertip or using a flat, synthetic brush in a "gentle pressing motion."
I was surprised at how well they applied with a flat, synthetic brush, as I was able to apply all six shades using a flat, synthetic brush (MAC 247s and 242s) and gently pressed the product against my lid and have most of the product adhere without lots of fallout. When I pressed on an eyeshadow, I gently press and then pull in a direction (depending on what and where I'm applying). The formula yielded very shiny, sparkling color that was intense and bright while still offering pigmentation from the base color, too.
They have a very loosely-packed texture--they seem more like a 40-60% loose product, and it was important to use the included "pigment press" to keep the surface flat. I also found that a little went a long way with most shades, and I could see fallout becoming an issue if too much product was on the brush. I usually just pressed the brush gentle on the surface and that was good enough for coverage on my lid. They lasted for eight and a half hours on me before creasing faintly, and there was slight fallout over time but nothing that reached the point where it seemed distracting/noticeable to anyone looking at me. Frankly, I was extremely impressed with how easily they applied, adhered, and lasted on me while delivering on high impact dazzle and bold color. Using fingertips worked for getting even adhesion, but I have always found it harder to be precise with my fingertips on my lid, and I did feel like my fingertip was picking up more product than I needed so there was a bit more fallout when I attempted using my fingertips.
Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Talc, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearyl Malate, Magnesium Myristate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyurethane-11, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hexylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77499), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000).
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
Glamethyst
PPermanent. $28.00.
Glam Noir
Marc Jacobs Beauty Glam Noir See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow ($28.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark black with neutral undertones and mostly silver glitter and sparkles, though some seemed to flash almost bluish/teal at times. The consistency was soft, loosely pressed, but dense enough that it seemed to have more base pigment/payoff and not quite as much of the larger glitter particles as some of the other shades. As a result, it wasn’t quite as sparkly compared to the other shades, and when I used it with a small crease brush, I was able to use it in my crease a darkening shade with very little fallout. For application on the lid, it applied best with a pressing motion, which yielded opaque coverage and just a touch of fallout. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before creasing faintly, and there was a smidgen of fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Full Metal Black (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Chanel Or Noir (17) (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Industrial (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Olivia Palermo Black Tie (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Black Hole (P, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Black Metal (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty SS18 (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Crazy Abandon (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Darkside (P, $8.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Gun Metal (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$28.00/0.12 oz. - $233.33 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to add a "super-shimmering dimension to any look" with a "demi-pressed process" that has "high-impact dazzle with smooth glide and bold color." Per the brand, it can be "packed on for intense glitter or blended for a soft wash of sparkle." They recommend packing it on with a fingertip or using a flat, synthetic brush in a "gentle pressing motion."
I was surprised at how well they applied with a flat, synthetic brush, as I was able to apply all six shades using a flat, synthetic brush (MAC 247s and 242s) and gently pressed the product against my lid and have most of the product adhere without lots of fallout. When I pressed on an eyeshadow, I gently press and then pull in a direction (depending on what and where I'm applying). The formula yielded very shiny, sparkling color that was intense and bright while still offering pigmentation from the base color, too.
They have a very loosely-packed texture--they seem more like a 40-60% loose product, and it was important to use the included "pigment press" to keep the surface flat. I also found that a little went a long way with most shades, and I could see fallout becoming an issue if too much product was on the brush. I usually just pressed the brush gentle on the surface and that was good enough for coverage on my lid. They lasted for eight and a half hours on me before creasing faintly, and there was slight fallout over time but nothing that reached the point where it seemed distracting/noticeable to anyone looking at me. Frankly, I was extremely impressed with how easily they applied, adhered, and lasted on me while delivering on high impact dazzle and bold color. Using fingertips worked for getting even adhesion, but I have always found it harder to be precise with my fingertips on my lid, and I did feel like my fingertip was picking up more product than I needed so there was a bit more fallout when I attempted using my fingertips.
Browse all of our Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Talc, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearyl Malate, Magnesium Myristate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyurethane-11, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hexylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77499), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000).
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.
Was dying to hear your thoughts on these. Even more excited to try them! Thank you!
Keep me posted! They are getting mixed reviews but I really enjoyed them (enough so that I bought the one LE fall shade that came back in stock, lol).
I don’t have a dupe for Topaz Flash, so I may give that a try since you enjoy this formula better than the Hourglass ones. I can dupe out Glamethyst with Fenty’s Space Owt and Glam Noir with Pat McGrath’s Black Metal & Melt Cosmetic’s Gun Metal stack.
Off topic, but the more dupes I find for things the more I realize that I have got to go on a “no buy” or “ridiculously special/unique” buy.
Yeah, Glamethyst/Glam Noir are less interesting, IMO! Topaz Flash is definitely way more complex/harder to dupe (for the reflects).
I went to Sephora yesterday and swatched Topaz Flash and immediately scooped up the last one they had in store. Christine, your photos do not do this shadow justice and you take high quality and pristine photos so I was honestly shocked by the gorgeous swatch on my hand. I literally said “dammit! Now I *have* to buy it!” lol. This definitely fell into the ridiculously special/unique category for me.
I did a run through of my performance makeup for Saturday, and I used it with my Subculture palette and Industrial from Melt and I wanted to die with how glittery the look turned out.
I see why you like these over the Hourglass ones, they are much more foiled/glittery looking. If MJ released one that is a dupe for Smoke I would snatch it up in a heartbeat. I do plan on grabbing Copperazi, regardless of the dupe that I have b/c the formula is so nice.
Side note: I honestly became truly annoyed with how cheap the Hourglass packaging is compared to the Marc Jacobs’. Especially because the HG version is more expensive; granted, it’s only a dollar, but I can definitely see that compared to MJ, HG skimped on the packaging.
Hourglass’ being in plastic pots was really odd – this type of formula seems like it almost always comes in glass, so it was strange to see Hourglass with plastic, though it explained the more “reasonable” price on them.
I’d say HG is a little more user friendly (more cream-powder, though I don’t find it THAT cream-leaning) and maybe better for one-and-done looks where you just want a wash of sparkle. The MJB ones pack more punch both in terms of base color (they are more variable, too) and finish!
Did you find the MJB formula difficult to work with? I’m so interested because the reviews on Sephora were so mixed!
That’s true b/c Hourglass prices are very lux. I had to return a blush b/c it didn’t show up on my skin tone and I was flabbergasted that I was willing to spend that much money on a blush when I there are more reasonably priced blushes.
I found them to be comparable on difficulty to work with. Granted I always whip out the Fix+ with formulas like this b/c I already know what the deal is. But I did try both without it and I had the same experience, I got a small wash of color and some fallout. Whereas once I grabbed the Fix+ it was much easier to get it to spread on my lid and very little fallout.
However for some reason, I do tend to use my finger with the HG one and a brush with the MJB one. I think b/c the MJB is really just gently pressed flakes and it seems to me that there’s more binding ingredients in the HG one, so I can see how people would find the MJB one harder to work with. I will say that I can create a look faster with the HG ones than the MJB ones because of that.
I was really put off from the MJB ones b/c of the reviews, but your review made me decide to take the plunge and I’m really glad I did. But… I also have to remind myself that people don’t always read b/c a lot of the negative MJB reviews were about how glittery and loosely pressed the product is and MJB was very upfront that that was how they intended the product to be. So things like that always makes me wonder what people were expecting when they made their purchase.
Thank you so much for such a detailed response, Jessica! It was very interesting for me to read, and I know it’ll be useful for other readers considering the MJB formula! 🙂 Yes, I also can see why the MJB formula would be harder to work with in comparison to the Hourglass ones!
Beauty Topaz is the one that I cannot seem to leave alone whenever I am up at Sephora! By now, I think a few SA’s, possibly a few fellow customers, too, think I’m bonkers with how I cannot contain my enthusiasm for this one, LOL!
Yeah, I’m buying it!
Couldn’t help myself, I did just buy Beauty Topaz! ?
That one is very complex!
How similar are these to the Armani Eyes To Kill Shadows?
Not at all – different texture, different effect, different application method.
Not the best formula we have seen from MJ – I checked the dupes list for Topaz Flash and found quite a few DS brands performing better (L’Oreal, City Colour, Coloured Raine etc.). The other shades are easily dupable and the glittery aspect makes it more trickier to use.
I wasn’t sure about these as I only have one of the Tom Ford shadows that I can’t remember the whole name of but the one I have is Platinum. I had heard that the previous formula was being discontinued and this was a replacement formula. Sounds and looks like they are really different. I will definitely check these out in store when I go. They look beautiful on you and I don’t have a lot of dupes.
Glam Noir almost makes me wish I liked glitter.
Almost.
I’m tempted by Topaz Flash but have the L’Oreal dupe. I also like the look of Glam Noir but Sephora here only seems to have Topaz Flash and the purple one. So I’m good and saving my loonies for Friday, when the ABH palette should be releasing in-store, unless, of course, Glam Noir arrives at Sephora in the next few days.