Sydney Grace Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches (An Assortment, Part 1)
Coral Reef
Sydney Grace Coral Reef Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a bright, medium orange with a pearly, pink shift. It had opaque pigmentation but it was denser and somewhat stiff in the pan, so it had to be used with a firmer hand–I preferred a synthetic brush and pushing against the surface. It blended out better than anticipated on my skin, though it wasn’t as blendable as the majority of the brand’s shimmer shades have been. It stayed on well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever Smelted (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia D4 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #20 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop The Aries (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Inglot J337 Pumpkin (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Get Closer (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Morphe Sauce (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Too Faced Macaron (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Mischief Minx (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Fantaisie #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.06 oz. - $100.00 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
Coral Reef
PPermanent. $6.00.
Princess
Sydney Grace Princess Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a medium-dark, slightly muted red with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had rich pigmentation that adhered well to bare skin with a smooth, even application. The eyeshadow had a soft, velvety consistency that blended out easily but did not lose its intensity. This shade lasted well for eight and a half hours before I noticed fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Quintessence #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nude Rich #8 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Iberis (LE, $6.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Get Out (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Hot Tamale (LE, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Vigor (380CM) (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Matte Red (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Zoeva MT090 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Three's a Party #2 (DC, $2.29) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Saffron (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (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), Silk Powder, 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.
Princess
PPermanent. $5.25.
Regal
Sydney Grace Regal Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a medium lavender with cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that was buildable to full coverage with a second layer. The texture was soft, blendable, and not too firmly nor too softly pressed in the pan, which made it easy to work with. It wore well for eight hours before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Jam Session (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Purple Haze (DC, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Violet Blend #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Fairytale (DC, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Burberry Lavender Blue (13) (DC, $29.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #8 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Trust Fund (P, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Glamour Eyes (Cream) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Strada (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Very Bad (318) (P, $9.00) is darker (85% 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), Silk Powder, 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.
Regal
PPermanent. $5.25.
Redeemed
Sydney Grace Redeemed Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a medium-dark purple with soft, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was drier and difficult to apply evenly to my skin, as it looked patchy, didn’t build up too well, and had fallout as I tried to build up the coverage. It had more medium pigmentation, which improved to semi-opaque coverage (and was at least workable in terms of blendability) over an eyeshadow primer. It stayed on well for seven hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Pink Vibration #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Curfew (DC, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Autumn Breeze (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Circuit (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop New Realm (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Buddies (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Neo (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Orchid (LE, ) is darker (85% similar).
- Tarte Still Life (LE, ) is darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Dynamo (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% 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), Silk Powder, 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.
Redeemed
DCDiscontinued. $5.25.
Predictable
Sydney Grace Predictable Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a soft, medium lavender with warm, pink undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had a thinner consistency that felt drier to the touch, which seemed to result in more medium coverage that was somewhat buildable but difficult to get full coverage out of it. It blended out without too much effort but was still a let-down. This shade lasted well for seven and a half hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #19 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Lace (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Rosy (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sleek MakeUP Acid #7 (PiP, $9.99) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Buxom VIP (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (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), Silk Powder, 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.
Looks Using this Product
Predictable
PPermanent. $5.25.
Berry Fizz
Sydney Grace Berry Fizz Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a muted, brick red with warm undertones and a matte finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, velvety consistency that had a smidgen of powderiness in the pan but wasn’t prone to fallout. I found it so pigmented that I highly recommend using a lighter hand with this shade to ensure it doesn’t take over one’s look! It wore well for eight and a half hours before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Nude Rich #8 (PiP, ) is brighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Dearest Constant (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is more muted (95% similar).
- ColourPop In My Tumbly (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Morphe Chestnut (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Ashanti (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia Edges (LE, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Guava (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace You Can (PiP, $5.25) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pipers Piping (P, $5.25) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Temptress (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (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), Silk Powder, 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.
Berry Fizz
DCDiscontinued. $5.25.
Haystack
Sydney Grace Haystack Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a darker mustard with warm, yellowy-brown undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation with a soft, lightly powdery consistency that had a little bit of excess product that kicked up in the pan. It blended out nicely along the edges but did seem to darken slightly on my skin, even to a small degree over primer. It stayed on nicely for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Nature's Crown (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Rule the Roost (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Drama Queen (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Cooler (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Dijon (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Contemplative State (P, $23.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Dirt Road (PiP, $5.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Trooper (P, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Electric #5 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Edge (DC, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (85% 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.
Redeemed: Ouch! That’s awful. SG is redeemed by the beautiful Berry Fizz, though. That looks like a must-have.
I just got it and it is wonderful! Hurry if you want it! I believe it is being discontinued, so it is on sale. Enjoy!
Thanks for the heads up!
Generally, a reasonably good set of mattes, a shame that Redeemed wasn’t of better quality though. Haystack is a lovely mustard shade that would look pretty paired with many other darker colours – navy, dark grey, purple etc.
Thank you for reviewing all of these so quickly Christine.
Thanks to a lil’ lull in mainstream eyeshadow releases, really! Kind of a lightweight palette season at the moment…
thank goodness for our wallets!
Berry Fizz, Coral Reef and Haystack are the most appealing ones to my eye, but I probably don’t need them? Although I don’t believe I have anything quite like Coral Reef. Not even remotely!
Truly feel something was amiss with this pressing of Redeemed and Predictable as I just swatched my original purchase personal pans and my BU pans and they are buttery, pigmented with intense payoff without excess kickup just like the other matter shades. I use mine frequently. I’d reach out to the sisters and they will send out product that meets their regular standards if a problem arises.
They used to press the shadows by hand and then bought a pressing machine last summer. I think that’s caused some consistency issues.
Hey Christine!!
Thank you so much for your reviews and for answering my questions about the sydney grace shadows (lol and my fear of powdery shadows)! I ended up ordering all the shadows and buying some magnets and sticking them in a 15 well mac pan! They look gorgeous and I’m so excited to try them (I’m waiting to use the palette after I finish my exams as a reward lol).
here is a imgur link to a pic of the palette I ended up making:
https://imgur.com/He6YjVi
Oooh, hope you love them – keep me posted either way! Always enjoy hearing how readers like various products/brands!
I’ll keep u posted! I’m going to try them hopefully this weekend!!
I am still holding the line regarding purchasing any e/s until I get a little further into the year since I am severely limiting myself to just two this year. While several of the shades here are really beautiful, I am going to remain strong in my resolve. Thank you for such a quick review Christine.
was princess (matte) discontinued? i cant seem to find it on the site