Sydney Grace Cream Shadows Reviews & Swatches ("In the Metal of Things" Look)
Candlelight
Sydney Grace Candlelight Cream Shadow ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a light-medium, rosy peach with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had rich pigmentation to the point where one needed the barest dab of product to achieve that level of opacity. The consistency was smooth, lightly creamy, and spreadable for the first 15 to 30 seconds (so work one eye at a time); after that time, it dried down and had a mostly set look and feel, but I could manipulate the edges to soften (though not sheer out). It stayed on well for nine hours on me before creasing faintly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Mercurial #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Wild Rose (P, $29.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Candlelight (P, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Body Heat #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Just Imagine (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Stila Kitten (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Clinique Ballet Flats (PiP, $15.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Ile Ife (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- PIXI Beauty Antique Rose (PiP, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Ciate Blaze (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.33 oz. - $24.24 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to "dry down to a smudge proof finish" that isn't waterproof but "will last all day on the lids." The brand recommends working "one eye at a time" as the formula "dr[ies] fairly quickly." It is a very pigmented formula where the merest dab of product--like as little as one can physically squeeze out of the tube--is enough for most of the mobile lid.
If you're someone who tends to use their cream eyeshadows as sheer washes of color, I think this formula is "too" pigmented and dries too quickly to make sheer application as effortless as you'd want. If you love the effect of and finish of creamier, metallic eyeshadows and want true, full coverage application, these are worth looking into. I recommend squeezing out the smallest amount of product on the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette, and then using fingertips or a flat, synthetic brush to apply to the lid. I prefer a brush as it gives more working time than when I used my fingertips.
The texture was smooth, like a liquid-cream hybrid as it wasn't runny but it was more spreadable than a cream eyeshadow you'd find in a jar. The majority of shades applied evenly to bare skin with little effort, and the edges remained blendable enough (even as it was mostly dried down) to soften and fuse with other shades. They're very lightweight and the majority of them sat well on my lids without emphasizing lines or texture (sometimes an issue with liquid/cream, more metallic products).
It didn't have that dry down that felt so set and locked in that if you kept trying to blend it out (after it was dry) you'd get flaking; these never flaked or lifted. Based on past experiences--in general with cream eyeshadows--I recommend working with your powder eyeshadows first (unless you're using it as a base), and then going in with the cream eyeshadows and going back over any areas to further blend if necessary. That being said, I was able to layer powder eyeshadow over them without them lifting or becoming patchy. They're some of the easiest cream eyeshadows I've worked with to incorporate into multi-shade looks. The wear varied from eight to ten hours on me before there was slight fading or a bit of creasing.
My only complaint is that with a six-month shelf life paired with so much color payoff... one tube is so much product. These could be sold half-sized tubes and still stretch for many, many uses. I really enjoy the squeeze-tube packaging along with the smaller opening, as it made it much easier to control than some other liquid/cream products.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Candlelight
DCDiscontinued. $8.00.
Suntan
Sydney Grace Suntan Cream Shadow ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a light, golden copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It was intensely pigmented with a smooth, lightly creamy texture that wasn’t too runny nor too thick, so it spread easily across my lid and blended out well along the edges. A little went a long way, so I preferred to use a flat, synthetic brush to pick up product off of the back of my hand to ensure I only had what I needed (I also work with three to four in a look, so the area I’m covering is quite small!). It wore well for 10 hours on me before creasing faintly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Suntan (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia Bronze (PiP, $12.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Vegas Past (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Hoopla (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Half Baked (DC, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Limoncello (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Tarte Irrelephant (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Golden Fleece (LE, ) is brighter (90% similar).
- Tarte You're Lion (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- PIXI Beauty Chestnut Glimmer (PiP, $20.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.33 oz. - $24.24 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to "dry down to a smudge proof finish" that isn't waterproof but "will last all day on the lids." The brand recommends working "one eye at a time" as the formula "dr[ies] fairly quickly." It is a very pigmented formula where the merest dab of product--like as little as one can physically squeeze out of the tube--is enough for most of the mobile lid.
If you're someone who tends to use their cream eyeshadows as sheer washes of color, I think this formula is "too" pigmented and dries too quickly to make sheer application as effortless as you'd want. If you love the effect of and finish of creamier, metallic eyeshadows and want true, full coverage application, these are worth looking into. I recommend squeezing out the smallest amount of product on the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette, and then using fingertips or a flat, synthetic brush to apply to the lid. I prefer a brush as it gives more working time than when I used my fingertips.
The texture was smooth, like a liquid-cream hybrid as it wasn't runny but it was more spreadable than a cream eyeshadow you'd find in a jar. The majority of shades applied evenly to bare skin with little effort, and the edges remained blendable enough (even as it was mostly dried down) to soften and fuse with other shades. They're very lightweight and the majority of them sat well on my lids without emphasizing lines or texture (sometimes an issue with liquid/cream, more metallic products).
It didn't have that dry down that felt so set and locked in that if you kept trying to blend it out (after it was dry) you'd get flaking; these never flaked or lifted. Based on past experiences--in general with cream eyeshadows--I recommend working with your powder eyeshadows first (unless you're using it as a base), and then going in with the cream eyeshadows and going back over any areas to further blend if necessary. That being said, I was able to layer powder eyeshadow over them without them lifting or becoming patchy. They're some of the easiest cream eyeshadows I've worked with to incorporate into multi-shade looks. The wear varied from eight to ten hours on me before there was slight fading or a bit of creasing.
My only complaint is that with a six-month shelf life paired with so much color payoff... one tube is so much product. These could be sold half-sized tubes and still stretch for many, many uses. I really enjoy the squeeze-tube packaging along with the smaller opening, as it made it much easier to control than some other liquid/cream products.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Suntan
DCDiscontinued. $8.00.
Cliff Jumping
Sydney Grace Cliff Jumping Cream Shadow ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a light taupe with subtle, warm undertones and more silvery sparkle over a metallic finish. The pigmentation was opaque in one layer when I applied it to my lid, though it seemed almost just shy of full coverage in my initial swatches (on my arm). The texture was more fluid compared to most shades I tried, so it was a bit harder to squeeze out just the smallest amount (see photo where it’s sliding down the opening!), though it didn’t impede the application. It was still easy to apply in an opaque layer that was even and smooth, and it dried down quickly without getting into my fine lines or emphasizing lid texture. The color lasted well for 10 hours before creasing very faintly on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Sediment to Be (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cliff Jumping (P, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Moonswirl (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Her Style (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Starlight #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Halo (46) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Carmel Beach (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Whirling (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME554 Gunmetal (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Thistle (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.33 oz. - $24.24 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to "dry down to a smudge proof finish" that isn't waterproof but "will last all day on the lids." The brand recommends working "one eye at a time" as the formula "dr[ies] fairly quickly." It is a very pigmented formula where the merest dab of product--like as little as one can physically squeeze out of the tube--is enough for most of the mobile lid.
If you're someone who tends to use their cream eyeshadows as sheer washes of color, I think this formula is "too" pigmented and dries too quickly to make sheer application as effortless as you'd want. If you love the effect of and finish of creamier, metallic eyeshadows and want true, full coverage application, these are worth looking into. I recommend squeezing out the smallest amount of product on the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette, and then using fingertips or a flat, synthetic brush to apply to the lid. I prefer a brush as it gives more working time than when I used my fingertips.
The texture was smooth, like a liquid-cream hybrid as it wasn't runny but it was more spreadable than a cream eyeshadow you'd find in a jar. The majority of shades applied evenly to bare skin with little effort, and the edges remained blendable enough (even as it was mostly dried down) to soften and fuse with other shades. They're very lightweight and the majority of them sat well on my lids without emphasizing lines or texture (sometimes an issue with liquid/cream, more metallic products).
It didn't have that dry down that felt so set and locked in that if you kept trying to blend it out (after it was dry) you'd get flaking; these never flaked or lifted. Based on past experiences--in general with cream eyeshadows--I recommend working with your powder eyeshadows first (unless you're using it as a base), and then going in with the cream eyeshadows and going back over any areas to further blend if necessary. That being said, I was able to layer powder eyeshadow over them without them lifting or becoming patchy. They're some of the easiest cream eyeshadows I've worked with to incorporate into multi-shade looks. The wear varied from eight to ten hours on me before there was slight fading or a bit of creasing.
My only complaint is that with a six-month shelf life paired with so much color payoff... one tube is so much product. These could be sold half-sized tubes and still stretch for many, many uses. I really enjoy the squeeze-tube packaging along with the smaller opening, as it made it much easier to control than some other liquid/cream products.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Cliff Jumping
DCDiscontinued. $8.00.
Campfire
Sydney Grace Campfire Cream Shadow ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a medium-dark, taupe-brown with subtle, warm golden undertones and a sparkling, metallic sheen. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, and the barest amount of product was needed to achieve that, so I’d recommend putting the product onto the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette and then picking up product. The texture was lightweight with a comfortable dry down that didn’t emphasize lid texture or get into my fine lines. I was able to soften and diffuse the edges against powder eyeshadows as well as next to another cream eyeshadow. It stayed on nicely for over 10 hours without fading or creasing on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Milani The Olive of My Life (PiP, $5.99) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Anais (P, $27.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Splendor (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Flicker (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Buxom Haute Couture (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Icon (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Chiffon (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Brownie (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Campfire (P, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Bayadere #4 (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.33 oz. - $24.24 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to "dry down to a smudge proof finish" that isn't waterproof but "will last all day on the lids." The brand recommends working "one eye at a time" as the formula "dr[ies] fairly quickly." It is a very pigmented formula where the merest dab of product--like as little as one can physically squeeze out of the tube--is enough for most of the mobile lid.
If you're someone who tends to use their cream eyeshadows as sheer washes of color, I think this formula is "too" pigmented and dries too quickly to make sheer application as effortless as you'd want. If you love the effect of and finish of creamier, metallic eyeshadows and want true, full coverage application, these are worth looking into. I recommend squeezing out the smallest amount of product on the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette, and then using fingertips or a flat, synthetic brush to apply to the lid. I prefer a brush as it gives more working time than when I used my fingertips.
The texture was smooth, like a liquid-cream hybrid as it wasn't runny but it was more spreadable than a cream eyeshadow you'd find in a jar. The majority of shades applied evenly to bare skin with little effort, and the edges remained blendable enough (even as it was mostly dried down) to soften and fuse with other shades. They're very lightweight and the majority of them sat well on my lids without emphasizing lines or texture (sometimes an issue with liquid/cream, more metallic products).
It didn't have that dry down that felt so set and locked in that if you kept trying to blend it out (after it was dry) you'd get flaking; these never flaked or lifted. Based on past experiences--in general with cream eyeshadows--I recommend working with your powder eyeshadows first (unless you're using it as a base), and then going in with the cream eyeshadows and going back over any areas to further blend if necessary. That being said, I was able to layer powder eyeshadow over them without them lifting or becoming patchy. They're some of the easiest cream eyeshadows I've worked with to incorporate into multi-shade looks. The wear varied from eight to ten hours on me before there was slight fading or a bit of creasing.
My only complaint is that with a six-month shelf life paired with so much color payoff... one tube is so much product. These could be sold half-sized tubes and still stretch for many, many uses. I really enjoy the squeeze-tube packaging along with the smaller opening, as it made it much easier to control than some other liquid/cream products.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Campfire
DCDiscontinued. $8.00.
Vanilla Bean
Sydney Grace Vanilla Bean Cream Shadow ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a medium-dark, dirty gold with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It’s a “cooler” gold as it has an almost green edge to it. The texture was smooth, fluid, and creamy without being heavy or too thick on my skin. It was richly pigmented to the point where a little went a very, very long way, but this made it particularly easy to use as a lid shade or even on the lower lash line as I was able to get opaque, even coverage in one swipe. It wore well for 10 hours on me without fading or creasing noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Metallurgy (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Tiger's Eye (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Glamorous (P, $10.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Night Owl #1 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Palladium (LE, $25.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop The Gemini (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Gold Dipped (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Jouer Skinny Dip (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Glam (330M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #11 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.33 oz. - $24.24 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to "dry down to a smudge proof finish" that isn't waterproof but "will last all day on the lids." The brand recommends working "one eye at a time" as the formula "dr[ies] fairly quickly." It is a very pigmented formula where the merest dab of product--like as little as one can physically squeeze out of the tube--is enough for most of the mobile lid.
If you're someone who tends to use their cream eyeshadows as sheer washes of color, I think this formula is "too" pigmented and dries too quickly to make sheer application as effortless as you'd want. If you love the effect of and finish of creamier, metallic eyeshadows and want true, full coverage application, these are worth looking into. I recommend squeezing out the smallest amount of product on the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette, and then using fingertips or a flat, synthetic brush to apply to the lid. I prefer a brush as it gives more working time than when I used my fingertips.
The texture was smooth, like a liquid-cream hybrid as it wasn't runny but it was more spreadable than a cream eyeshadow you'd find in a jar. The majority of shades applied evenly to bare skin with little effort, and the edges remained blendable enough (even as it was mostly dried down) to soften and fuse with other shades. They're very lightweight and the majority of them sat well on my lids without emphasizing lines or texture (sometimes an issue with liquid/cream, more metallic products).
It didn't have that dry down that felt so set and locked in that if you kept trying to blend it out (after it was dry) you'd get flaking; these never flaked or lifted. Based on past experiences--in general with cream eyeshadows--I recommend working with your powder eyeshadows first (unless you're using it as a base), and then going in with the cream eyeshadows and going back over any areas to further blend if necessary. That being said, I was able to layer powder eyeshadow over them without them lifting or becoming patchy. They're some of the easiest cream eyeshadows I've worked with to incorporate into multi-shade looks. The wear varied from eight to ten hours on me before there was slight fading or a bit of creasing.
My only complaint is that with a six-month shelf life paired with so much color payoff... one tube is so much product. These could be sold half-sized tubes and still stretch for many, many uses. I really enjoy the squeeze-tube packaging along with the smaller opening, as it made it much easier to control than some other liquid/cream products.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Wow! These are beautiful. I’m planning on finally picking some things up from Sydney Grace during the sale later this month. I’ll have to add a few of these to my cart too.
Would you mind sharing when the sale is happening? I always *need* to add more to my SG collection! Thanks!
I saw on their social media that the sale is going to take place July 21-28.
The soft taupey eye look you did is strangely refreshing to see in our sea of orange this year! Don’t get me wrong, I still love all my orange/red/yellow e/s’s, but this is also beautiful.
And with 10 hour average weartimes on most, I’ve just decided on Campfire, Cliff Jumping and Vanilla Bean!
Lovely and reasonably priced.
Can you apply with fingers or are they brush oriented?
You definitely could apply with fingertips!
Thanks!
I love the photos of the tube with a bit of product squeezed out! I honestly don’t know why I like them so much. 🙂
All of the eye shadows are lovely, however Vanilla Bean is my absolute favourite.
Lately I’ve looking cream and liquid eye shadows. They last and look smooth on my eye lids in the Florida heat. Sydney Grace has a great reputation. I’m going to have to buy some of her stuff soon. Glad to see these beauties for a reasonable price!
Meant to say I’ve been loving cream eye shadows.
These are SOOO nice and I just went to buy a few, but I’m bummed to see they only have a 6 month shelf life (per the website). At that price point, it might be worth it, but not for me :/
I wish they were smaller because of that!
I have a question that I hope isn’t too obviously ignorant.
When you finish reviewing all of these that you have, 18?, what would be the best way for me to see them all together to compare?
Thank you!
Swatch Gallery -> By Formula -> Type in “Sydney Grace Cream Shadow”
I broke down and bought 2 of these plus the Winter bundle 2017. I’ve had my eye on that for awhile now and after reading the reviews on the site, I was convinced to give it a try. Their prices are really good, too! The bundle I bought has 13 shadows in it for $44. I’m terrible at math, but I’m pretty sure that breaks out to a bit over $3 per shadow pan.
Let us know how you like your goodies, Anne!
These are simply stunning – I love every single shade above, which is quite unusual for me. The shades are reasonably priced, as always with SG, and of excellent quality. Love your eye looks too Christine.
These are beautiful, especially Vanilla Bean. However, if they end up creasing slightly on you, they’re going to crease really badly on me. Still, I’m pleased they’re great quality for those who can wear creams.
I’ve only seen really positive reviews re: wear time, so I’m curious if they’re crease-prone on anyone (not as if there are TONS of reviews on them).
Hmmm…maybe I’ll try one next time I order. Thanks for the info.
Wow, these are stunning!!! I want Candlelight
Beautiful! They remind me strongly the Laura Mercier Metallic cream eye colours.
very beautiful and elegant eye look!
The tube doesn’t do them any justice. This is a simple beautiful beach makeup product… if you are not planning on a full dunk with the head. I presume these are not waterproof.
Not waterproof (and that’s as stated by the brand), and I can attest that they wash off pretty easily with soap and water (since I put ’em on the back of my hand usually prior to getting it onto my brush!).
Since the formula is so nice I hope she comes out with some more unique colours. These look lovely. I am going to purchase one and see how they work on older, loose skin, crepe eyelids!!
Wow, these are super pretty! I wasn’t expecting to like this this much, and their performance scores definitely heightens the interest. The eye look you did with these is really beautiful and has me itching to pick up a few colors, but I just feel like I have dupes for most of these in my existing collection, if not in texture in shade at least.
g o r g e o u s ! I immediately fell in love with your blog! 🙂 Great photos, great reviews, great layout – you’ve just earned a new follower on bloglovin’ 🙂
Thank you, Aga!
Christine – would you consider these a comparable dupe for the Stila Shimmer and Glow cream/liquid shadows? These appear to perform similarly and at $8 a tube (compared to $24 a tube for Stila), these seem like amazing substitutions!
The texture is quite different to me – like Stila’s feel quite watery in comparison, very wet, and SG’s formula is much more pigmented with a far faster dry down.
Thank you for the insight!