Sydney Grace Colorful (Deep) Mystery Bag Review & Swatches
Colorful (Deep)
Sydney Grace Colorful (Deep) Mystery Bag (2020) ($25.00 for 0.89 oz.) is a new, limited edition set that included five eyeshadows, one blush, one loose highlighter, and one loose glitter. This is the deep version of the bag, which had an exclusive blush, loose highlighter, and two eyeshadows (Truth and Beauty and Once in a Lifetime) included in it.
I hope the brand either restocks the sets (looked like all the bags were sold out last I checked) or allows people to purchase the shades individually! The quality was consistent with the brand’s formulas; everything was very pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing–no real complaints. Pink Fury was weakest in texture but by no means bad.
Look Using this Product
Colorful (Deep)
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Pink Razz
Pink Razz is a bright, deep pink with cooler, blue undertones paired with contrasting, warmer gold shimmer throughout. It was incredibly pigmented–where a little went a very long way–but was very blendable, so it was easier to work with than anticipated.
The consistency was soft and smooth to the touch without being too softly nor too firmly-pressed into the pan, and I was able to pick up a smaller amount without having to do the barest tap of my brush. This shade wore well for nine hours on me before I noticed signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Jingle All the Way Blush (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Sangria Sunset (PiP, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Pink-Champagne (PiP, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Proud Pink (P, $25.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop At First Blush (LE, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Carnation (P, $15.50) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop I Wish I Wish (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Sol Body Wild Orchid (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- ColourPop U Got Mail (LE, $10.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$9.00/0.25 oz. - $36.00 Per Ounce
It's a more pigmented blush, so it favors those who need or want richer coverage achieved with less product or in one layer, but those who prefer sheerer, more buildable blush may find there is a learning curve. The formula was very blendable and easy to work with, so I think it is more forgiving, particularly shades with some shimmer in them. The matte shades can be slightly powdery but do not look dry or dusty when applied, though they can darken a bit if not applied over drier or more matte skin (or a base). They wore between eight and 10 hours on me before fading noticeably.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Blush swatches.
Look Using this Product
Pink Razz
LELimited Edition. $9.00.
Making Jam
Making Jam is a rich, medium-dark gold with strong, warm golden undertones and a slightly reddish base that one could see at an angle paired with a shiny, metallic finish. It had rich color coverage in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out easily.
The texture was finely-milled with enough weight to the loose powder to keep it from puffing up and away during use. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading a bit.
Top Dupes
- Guerlain Electric Look #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Golden (P, $12.99) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Becca Prosecco Pop (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Maldives (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Apricot in the Act (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife (P, $36.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Reflects Gilt (Top) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Gold is the New Black (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Golden Dawn (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Xtreme Gold 002 (LE, $60.00) is cooler (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Making Jam
LELimited Edition. $8.00.
Truth and Beauty
Truth and Beauty is a brighter, medium copper with moderate, warm orange undertones and flecks of pink and gold micro-sparkle over a metallic finish. The eyeshadow had rich color payoff paired with a smooth, lightly creamy texture that was dense but not too thick or too firmly-pressed into the pan. It wore well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Wet 'n' Wild Stop Ruffling My Feathers #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Full Circle (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Chameleon #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Mirror (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Earth Bae (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Main Attraction (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop The Razzi (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Moira Glace (P, $7.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Guerlain Golden Stars #1 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Tea Time (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.25/0.06 oz. - $104.17 Per Ounce
The shimmer eyeshadows are more consistent in pigmentation with the majority of shades having opaque color coverage. The more metallic/sparkly the shade is, the creamier and more emollient the eyeshadow felt in the pan, which often yielded really smooth application and good adherence to the lid, though a few worked better with a fingertip or a dampened brush for true-to-pan color or to get a truer finish/sheen.
Most shades, however, worked well with brushes, and I didn't have trouble applying or blending out most of the shimmer shades. The more satin to pearl like finishes tend to feel a little thinner but blend out well. These shades wore between eight and nine hours on me with some of the more foiled-like shades creasing noticeably at the end (and the less foiled-like ones fading).
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Caranuba Mica (Mica 77019 and Caranuba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (Mica 77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, *Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol)), aluminum powder
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
Truth and Beauty
LELimited Edition. $6.25.
Under the Sea
Under the Sea is a medium, olive green with muted, warm undertones and lighter, golden shimmer that gave it a metallic finish. It had nearly opaque color coverage in a single layer, which adhered well to bare skin and blended out without difficulty.
The consistency was lightly creamy, dense but not thick, and easy to work with. It lasted nicely for eight and a half hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Scheme (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Facile (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Eye Candy (PiP, $6.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Forest Floor (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Icon Disco Eyes #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dior Night Bird #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cadet (P, $6.25) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath VR Emerald (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, brighter (85% similar).
- NARS Hellcat (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Psych (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.25/0.06 oz. - $104.17 Per Ounce
The shimmer eyeshadows are more consistent in pigmentation with the majority of shades having opaque color coverage. The more metallic/sparkly the shade is, the creamier and more emollient the eyeshadow felt in the pan, which often yielded really smooth application and good adherence to the lid, though a few worked better with a fingertip or a dampened brush for true-to-pan color or to get a truer finish/sheen.
Most shades, however, worked well with brushes, and I didn't have trouble applying or blending out most of the shimmer shades. The more satin to pearl like finishes tend to feel a little thinner but blend out well. These shades wore between eight and nine hours on me with some of the more foiled-like shades creasing noticeably at the end (and the less foiled-like ones fading).
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
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.
Under the Sea
LELimited Edition. $6.25.
Aqua Fever
Aqua Fever is a darker, blue-leaning teal with cooler undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque color payoff that applied evenly to bare skin and diffused easily along the edges without losing its intensity.
The texture felt lightly creamy, not quite as dense as other shades in the formula and felt more firmly-pressed into the pan (just a bit). It stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Gallerina (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Aether (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Junkie (LE, $19.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Autumn Breeze (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Ice Blue (143CP) (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Sequin (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Master Metallics #4 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Night Owl #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Deep Teal (19M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Azure Sun (Cream Color) (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.25/0.06 oz. - $104.17 Per Ounce
The shimmer eyeshadows are more consistent in pigmentation with the majority of shades having opaque color coverage. The more metallic/sparkly the shade is, the creamier and more emollient the eyeshadow felt in the pan, which often yielded really smooth application and good adherence to the lid, though a few worked better with a fingertip or a dampened brush for true-to-pan color or to get a truer finish/sheen.
Most shades, however, worked well with brushes, and I didn't have trouble applying or blending out most of the shimmer shades. The more satin to pearl like finishes tend to feel a little thinner but blend out well. These shades wore between eight and nine hours on me with some of the more foiled-like shades creasing noticeably at the end (and the less foiled-like ones fading).
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
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.
Aqua Fever
LELimited Edition. $6.25.
Once in a Lifetime
Once in a Lifetime is a medium purple with strong, warm pink undertones and a pearly sheen. The eyeshadow had excellent pigmentation that applied well to bare skin with a smooth, even lay down of color.
The consistency was lightly creamy, dense but not too thick or too firmly-pressed into the pan, which made it easy to work with. The color wore nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop YOLO (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Juvia's Place Makeda (P, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Wham Bam (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Journey (P, $18.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- LORAC Meditation (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #26 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, more muted, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Gravity (Wired) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia DDG (LE, $12.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Amethyst #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Fierce (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.25/0.06 oz. - $104.17 Per Ounce
The shimmer eyeshadows are more consistent in pigmentation with the majority of shades having opaque color coverage. The more metallic/sparkly the shade is, the creamier and more emollient the eyeshadow felt in the pan, which often yielded really smooth application and good adherence to the lid, though a few worked better with a fingertip or a dampened brush for true-to-pan color or to get a truer finish/sheen.
Most shades, however, worked well with brushes, and I didn't have trouble applying or blending out most of the shimmer shades. The more satin to pearl like finishes tend to feel a little thinner but blend out well. These shades wore between eight and nine hours on me with some of the more foiled-like shades creasing noticeably at the end (and the less foiled-like ones fading).
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Caranuba Mica (Mica 77019 and Caranuba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (Mica 77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, *Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol)), aluminum powder
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
Once in a Lifetime
LELimited Edition. $6.25.
Pink Fury
Pink Fury is a brighter, medium-dark fuchsia pink with cool undertones and fine, bluish pearl. It appeared slightly deeper and less vibrant when applied to my skin, and it worked more as a satin finish in practice.
The texture was smooth to the touch, dense and slightly firmer than most of the brand’s shimmery eyeshadows. It lasted 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
- JD Glow Sprung (P, $7.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fame Game (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Moira Supernova (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Bubblegum (P, $8.77) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Winter Berry (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Jump Turn (LE, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Avatar (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Christmas Town (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Rosa (LE, $5.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sweet Dreams (P, $5.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.00/0.06 oz. - $83.33 Per Ounce
The shimmer eyeshadows are more consistent in pigmentation with the majority of shades having opaque color coverage. The more metallic/sparkly the shade is, the creamier and more emollient the eyeshadow felt in the pan, which often yielded really smooth application and good adherence to the lid, though a few worked better with a fingertip or a dampened brush for true-to-pan color or to get a truer finish/sheen.
Most shades, however, worked well with brushes, and I didn't have trouble applying or blending out most of the shimmer shades. The more satin to pearl like finishes tend to feel a little thinner but blend out well. These shades wore between eight and nine hours on me with some of the more foiled-like shades creasing noticeably at the end (and the less foiled-like ones fading).
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Shimmer Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silk Mica (Mica (77019), Boron Nitride, L-Lysine Mica (Mica 77019 and Lauroyl Lysine), Carnauba Mica (Mica 77019 and Carnauba Wax), Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate ((+/- Mica (77019), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (77007), Silica, Synthetic Flurophylogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Nylon 12, Carmine (75470), Aluminum (77000) Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol
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.
This is a wonderful selection of colors for deep skin tones. I like that everything was great quality–makes it fun to unravel the mystery of what SG thinks would work for you.
100% in agreement with you that these should be rereleased as singles. I would so buy both Under The Sea and Once In A Lifetime in that case!
I hope they listen to you, Christine, and reissue mystery bags, as well as make some of the shades available as singles. These were all true winners. Like i need another SG green! Devil is saying, ~but you don’t have Cadet~
Aqua Fever and Under the Sea are the most impressive blue/teal and green shades I have seen for awhile. Timeless.
This is an excellent mystery bag for those with deeper skintones – all the products have rated so well.
Obviously, I don’t have the complexion for Making Jam, but…Wow! What a gorgeous, gorgeous product! I love the eyeshadows from this set.