Sydney Grace Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches ("A Garden of Opalina" Look)
Baby Cheeks
Sydney Grace Baby Cheeks Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a soft pink with subtle, cool undertones and a pink-to-violet shifting pearl. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, which was buildable to full coverage with a second layer. The consistency was soft, lightly powdery, and blendable on my skin. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Rave (DC, $25.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Sephora Dew Drop (PiP, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- Sephora Illusion (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Ciate Paradise (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D914 Crystalline Mauve (DC, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Illusionism (P, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Prowlin' (P, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- LORAC Unicorn (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Touch of Lilac (P, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Verona (P, $19.00) is more muted, 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
Baby Cheeks
PPermanent. $6.25.
Fin
Sydney Grace Fin Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a muted, light-medium blue-teal with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It had excellent color payoff with a smooth, lightly creamy consistency that was a smidgen firmer than ideal as I needed to use a heavier hand to get product onto my brush easily. The eyeshadow applied evenly and blended out without difficultly on my skin. It lasted well for eight hours before I noticed any fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Deep End (LE, $29.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Hello Kitty Kawaii (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Glass Slipper (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia Seychelles (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Flow (377M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (95% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #11 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Ignite (DC, $21.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Steamy (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Juvia's Place Zulu #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Bella Teal (21) (P, $4.49) is darker, cooler (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.
Look Using this Product
Fin
DCDiscontinued. $5.00.
Officer
Sydney Grace Officer Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a medium-dark, purplish taupe with cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had rich pigmentation with a soft, velvety consistency that applied evenly and blended out with ease. What I was most impressed by was that it retained its tone and depth as these types of shades sometimes get warmer or look chalky. It stayed on nicely for eight hours before it started to fade on my eye.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Shisha Smoke (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Mashup (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Yours (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Tease #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Ignite (DC, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Jungle (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Espresso (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Infinite Echoes (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Cool Matte #10 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Rose Blend #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (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), 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), Allantoin, Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Carmine, 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))
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.
Officer
PPermanent. $5.25.
Troops
Sydney Grace Troops Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a medium, plummy taupe with subtle, cool undertones and warmer, golden shimmer that gave it a metallic finish. The eyeshadow had opaque color coverage in a single layer, while the consistency was soft, a little too loosely-pressed in the pan (so use a lighter touch), but the color went on well on my skin and looked almost “melted” as the powder sat on my lid. This shade wore well for eight and a half hours on me before creasing faintly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Clarins Rosewood #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Romantic Voyage #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Up Too Slate (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Stila Boheme (LE, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Golden Glow #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Lilac Dream #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Chantecaille Triton (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Silent Night (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Laura Mercier Intense Amethyst (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (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
Troops
PPermanent. $6.25.
Velvet
Sydney Grace Velvet Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a bright white with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had rich pigmentation with a smooth, denser consistency that was firmer but not difficult to pick up with a brush. It applied well to bare skin and blended out without issues. It lasted for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Black Tie Attire #1 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Overdrive (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Baddie (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Neige #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Air (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Burberry Optic White (000) (P, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Permanent Press #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #15 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Icicle (P, $7.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Galactic #3 (LE, ) is darker (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), 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
Velvet
PPermanent. $6.25.
Winter Wonder
Sydney Grace Winter Wonder Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a soft, light-medium mauve with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was opaque in a single layer, which was impressive as these types of hues in a matte finish tend to be very powdery and prone to sheering out. The eyeshadow had a soft, blendable texture that was a smidgen powdery in the pan but not prone to sheerness nor fallout. It stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me before it started to fade noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Breeze (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Big Moves (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Quite Spoiled (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Floral Affair (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- NYX Undress Me (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Ciate Toon Kisses (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Marzipan (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Circle (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
- Tarte Skipper (LE, ) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
- ColourPop Clubhouse (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (80% 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), 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), Allantoin, Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI77289), Chromium Green (CI77288), Carmine, 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))
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.
How nice to see a matte purple that performed well. Some lovely shades here.
OMG Christine – your eye looks with these shades are so inspiring! Just love that Troops shade – so versatile on both warm and cool complexions.
I want so many of these Sydney Grace eye shadows. Such gorgeous, pigmented, unique colors.
Officer and Troops are both exactly the type of purple-tinged tapes that *always* get me hooked! I’m also loving Fin, too. For Fin I actually do have a few dupes.
I really like all of these shades and the look is beautiful. That blue really brightened the whole look.
Thank you!!
Love these shades and your look. Is there a way to view all of the Sydney Grace shadow singles in the swatch/product gallery? I only see it separated by finish.
They’re separated by formula, e.g. the Matte, Shimmer, and Pressed Pigment are separated out because of ingredient lists (and price point between Shimmer and Pressed Pigment), and you can’t combine formulas in a single view. You could refine by brand+type (eyeshadow>powder), which would show all of the powder eyeshadows by them. If you further refine to permanent only and not permanent in palette, then it would take out any palette-only shades.
Thanks so much for explaining to me how to get the view I’m looking for! 🙂
I cannot find Fin on the website at all. Officer and Troops appear to be sold out for now as there is no ‘add to basket’ option. Are these LE by any chance?
I’m not aware of any of them being LE. Officer/Troops are new this year, so I’m guessing those just sold through in terms of stock but would expect them to be restocked!
Thanks, Christine! Can someone is the US please let me know if Fin is showing on the website in USA and avail for purchase.. I’m wondering if I am not seeing it due to border limitations on certain ingredients. Thank you!!
I’m not seeing it either 🙁
Crap! I’m thinking I will dupe it out with something more easily avail, like MAC steamy. They are not the same, but it could certainly work for the amount of time and space on my eye where I would use this type of colour. Thanks for checking for me, Christine!
Love your continued Sydney Grace reviews! Quite enjoyable, I want to purchase so many.
You have a great talent for making colour palettes as well!
Winter Wonderland, Officer, and Troops are all wonderful plum/lavender-tinged colors that I must get my hands on.
Ahhhh, Troops was OOS last time I looked but I’m definitely going to have to get my hands on it soon! It is GORGEOUS. Officer too, a deep taupey purple is hard to find…
I got Winter Wonder in my last order and layered Winter Garden over it with a dab of Immortal in the inner third and it looked beautiful 🙂
OoO! that sounds gorgeous!