Sydney Grace Colorful (Light) Mystery Bag (2020) Review & Swatches
Colorful (Light)
Sydney Grace Colorful (Light) Mystery Bag (2020) ($25.00 for 0.89 oz.) contains five eyeshadows (one matte, four shimmers), one pressed blush, one loose highlighter, and one loose glitter. All of the products were pigmented, blendable, long-wearing, and easy to use. Pink Fury looked less vivid after the initial application but held that more faded hue for the remainder of its wear.
This is the Light version of the bag, and I don’t have the Deep version, so I am not sure what is different between the two bags exactly at this time. I did purchase it yesterday, so we shall see later on!
FYI, I did not review the loose glitter as it is pure loose glitter and has no real characteristics (e.g. pigmentation, adhesion, longevity, etc.) without being used with another product (adhesive base).
Colorful (Light)
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Pink Lemonade
Pink Lemonade is a bright, cotton candy pink with cooler undertones and warmer, more contrasting golden pearl woven throughout that gave it a luminous sheen.
It was intensely pigmented with a smooth, blendable texture that was a smidgen powdery in the pan, but it applied evenly and was easy to work with. The color lasted 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
- MAC Flowerescent (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- By Terry Tan & Flash Cruise #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Quickie (DC, $26.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Velvet Bloom (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Better Together (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Pink (001) (P, $37.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Peony Petal (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Robotic (LE, $30.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Ecstasy (52) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Too Faced Chocolate Covered Strawberry (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% 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.
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.
Pink Lemonade
LELimited Edition. $9.00.
Whipped Berry
Whipped Berry is a medium-dark peach with warm, pinkish undertones and warmer, golden shimmer that gave it a metallic finish. The pigmentation was opaque, while the texture was soft, finely-milled, and blendable with enough weight to the loose powder to prevent it from flying away easily.
The product applied nicely to bare skin and diffused well. It stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Girl Next Door (PiP, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Becca Smoky Quartz (LE, $38.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Lancome Rose Twinkle #3 (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Viseart Highlight #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Quantum (P, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sweet Peach (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Chanel Metal Peach (LE, $80.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Party Foul (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Light Rose (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Milani Moon Glow (P, $10.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
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.
Whipped Berry
LELimited Edition. $8.00.
Electric Lime
Electric Lime is a bright pop of chartreuse green that leaned slightly greener (rather than yellower) paired with a matte finish. It had rich color payoff in a single layer, which adhered evenly to bare skin and blended out nicely.
The texture was soft, smooth, and finely-milled without being too powdery nor too firmly-pressed into the pan. This shade wore well for eight and a half hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Thyme is Money (LE, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia A4 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Viseart Sprout (21) (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Dry Martini (PiP, $7.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Glaminatrix Field (P, $7.30) is brighter (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S336 Lime (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia D3 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sips Tea (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC What's the WiFi (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Vinyl (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.25/0.06 oz. - $87.50 Per Ounce
The matte eyeshadows tend to be pigmented (typically semi-opaque or opaque, often buildable if they aren't opaque) with a soft, more velvety texture that has slight slip but isn't so thick that it gets difficult to use, applies unevenly, or has a lot of fallout. I've found that most of the matte eyeshadows apply and blend out without much effort but a few may take a bit more effort to diffuse along the edges. The matte formula tends to wear between eight and eight and a half hours on me.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Matte 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.
Electric Lime
LELimited Edition. $5.25.
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).
- Dior Night Bird #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Icon Disco Eyes #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% 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).
- Sydney Grace Cadet (P, $6.25) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Clionadh Vortex (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Trinidad (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath VR Emerald (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, brighter (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
- Lethal Cosmetics Aether (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Gallerina (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- Too Faced Sequin (LE, $16.00) is darker, 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.
Masquerade Ball
Masquerade Ball is a bright, medium-dark purple with subtle, warm pink undertones and cooler, slightly more violet shimmer. It read cooler than a lot of similarly-based purples but was slightly warmer (from the pink) than true blue-based purples.
The texture was smooth, lightly creamy, and dense but not overly thick or too firmly-pressed into the pan, so it picked up easily with a dry brush and had good, even adhesion to bare skin. It was richly pigmented and wore well for eight and a half hours before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Gemstone #9 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Chameleon #7 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Zeus (GPV2 #20) (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- By Beauty Bay Ace (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Dr. Finkelstein (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Ardency Inn Royal (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Terra Moons Grapetini (P, $6.25) is darker, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Hazmat (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Glaminatrix Cabaret (P, $8.04) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Flannel (P, $6.25) 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.
Masquerade Ball
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
- ColourPop Shock (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sweet Dreams (P, $5.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sleek MakeUP Acid #1 (PiP, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Grafting (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Milky Way (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- 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).
- ColourPop Jump Turn (LE, $8.00) is lighter (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 beautiful as well! I’m so excited…love the greens. :o)
These bags are all so lovely!
Under the Sea, gorgeous and wish I were, but scattered T storms and massed people? Fuggedaboutit. I was checking SG this am, and EL light is out till fall. I assume you can get mystery bags any day, rather than on their discount day? That’s a lovely colorful look with the green surprise!
The mystery bag day was actually get a free mystery bag with a $55+ order! 🙂
But you can get it and pay for it on other days, right? If I can’t get the EL light, why not the light gray bag (mmmmm!) and kill off my lemming for J*’s Cremated palette? If Morphe cancelled him, I ought to limit him to those 2 mini lips that I had admired on others. J* is so divisive, invested in drama, and often mean. Contrast that with the lovely family at SG. You can feel good about supporting them and getting quality product.
Yes! You can buy each bag for $25! 🙂
Thanks. I’m in, unless it too sells out.
Pretty set of colours. I’m tempted, for sure!
These are some really well made more colorful shades. Again, though, I’m more inclined to purchase some of the shades as singles. Especially Whipped Berry h/l and Under The Sea e/s.
Love the two shades of Under the Sea and Aqua Fever and I think the highlighter shade would be lovely as an eyeshadow shade….
Why on earth would they include a “medium-dark” pink highlighter in a mystery bag marked “light”? The green eyeshadows are very pretty though!
I’m fairly light and it works just fine as a highlighter on me? It is peach, btw!
My bag had:
* XOXO instead of Pink Fury
* Fairy Wings instead of Under the Sea
Anybody else’s also different? I am curious.
Very pretty. I ended up getting this one!