Radiant Reflection (Deep)

The concept of this palette was to create something rich in jewel-tones and almost rainbow-like, but I didn't want it to be a neon rainbow or use typical rainbow hues we've seen in past palettes. I wanted more depth and interest, so a lot of the richness comes from the more shimmery shades, while the depth comes from slightly muted mattes, which are more to ground the palette than add to the richness.

This was the hardest color story to create and develop because there are so many different colors and undertones, so it was harder to unify them in a way that made sense. It is still a palette designed more as a complementary one than standalone, though it can be used on its own but will be best paired with some of your favorite neutrals and transition hues.

I knew from the beginning that I’d be pushing the possibilities as I had berry-purple and violet purple mattes that likely would require adjustments over time to use them with FDA-approved color additives only.

When I described the colors I wanted for each palette, I provided a written description along with links to swatches of similar shades that were closer (either in color or in the “vibe”) and referenced Sydney Grace’s existing line if there was anything nearby (like “A deeper, darker version of A with a cooler undertone and more of a metallic shine with less sparkle”), which I figured would give them a good reference point to start from visually.

Note: Palettes are being sent to official swatchers this week, but as I was first to receive palettes (duh), I figured I'd recruit my husband's and my sister's arms for swatching, so I have those ready now. We will have very light, light/light-medium, medium, medium-dark, and dark skin tones represented before launch.

P.S. -- I did not intend to rate the products from my collaboration, mostly because who would believe my ratings? It felt almost silly, but I had SO many requests to rate. Sydney Grace eyeshadows are fairly consistent (one of the reasons I wanted to work with them), so you can also check out past reviews that were written well before the collaboration process started as well.

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