Sydney Grace Fierce, Mythical, Gold Earth, & Thrilled Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches
Fierce
Sydney Grace Fierce Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a bright, medium purple with subtle, cool undertones and a metallic sheen. There’s a subtle, bluish-violet shift/sheen to it at times, but it doesn’t look nearly as blue on as it does in the pan. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, creamy consistency that was denser but not too firmly-pressed in the pan, though you’ll want to use a denser brush with this shade to get opaque coverage. The eyeshadow blended out well and lasted for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Truth (LE, $6.99) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Chick Lit (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Purple Reign (DC, $25.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Cabaret (P, $8.04) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia DDG (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarina Tarantino Violet Storm #5 (DC, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Flannel (P, $6.25) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Celestial Bloom (PiP, $6.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Gravity (Wired) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Journey (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% 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.
Looks Using this Product
Fierce
PPermanent. $6.00.
Mythical
Sydney Grace Mythical Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a light-medium purple with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque color payoff that applied evenly to bare skin and blended out nicely along the edges. The texture was lightly creamy, dense but not thick or too firmly-pressed in the pan, so I was able to pick it up well with a brush. It lasted well for eight hours on me before creasing faintly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Iconic Behavior (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Eyes 4 U (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Romance Novel (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Kaleidos Glowing Iris (Radiate) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Ultraviolet #1 (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop AEIOU (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Dear Reader (P, $6.25) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace I Need a Vacation (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Radio Waves (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Glory (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery, more muted (90% 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
Mythical
PPermanent. $6.00.
Gold Earth
Sydney Grace Gold Earth Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark olive green with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had excellent color coverage that adhered evenly to bare skin and blended out with ease. The consistency was soft, lightly creamy, and easy to pick up and place with a brush. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours on me before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rebel (2020) #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Green Lights #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Forever Charmed (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Astral Lands (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Dream Glow (Smoke) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Dragon Scales #4 (LE, ) is more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Grunge (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC What a Pear (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Wicked Envy (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Clionadh Firewood (P, $5.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% 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
Gold Earth
PPermanent. $6.00.
Thrilled
Sydney Grace Thrilled Matte Shadow ($5.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a deep, green-leaning teal with subtle, cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. The eyeshadow was richly pigmented with a smooth, velvety texture that wasn’t too soft nor too firmly pressed in the pan. It applied with rich coverage that didn’t sheer out too readily but was still blendable on my lid. This shade wore well for eight 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
- Melt Cosmetics Space Queen (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Lunar (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Majestic Breeze (PiP, $5.25) is cooler (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Python (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Capri (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Carolyn (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Cold Brew (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Scarab (37) (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NYX Shameless (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Indigogo (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (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.
What formula would you compare this to in terms of powdery-ness? I greatly prefer almost cream-like powders like MUFE’s old shadows to ABH-type super powdery ones.
This range looks great though; would never have heard of this brand if not for your blog!
No, definitely not like ABH or LORAC. More normal-level to me; like MAC eyeshadows are some of the more firmly-pressed on the market, and then LORAC are super soft (and often powdery). Though none of these were powdery!
Their Pressed Pigment range will be most comparable to the Artist Shadows – they’re denser and a bit firmer but not too thick. They are more yielding than the average Artist Shadow, IMO.
The quality of these is so lovely! One can truly see the care and love that went into making these. The only shade above that I don’t feel like I have a good dupe of is Mythical, and it is a very “me” shade that I know I would get much usage from!
Lovely looks. Do you happen to know if the pans are magnetized on the bottom?
By that, I’m assuming you mean it’ll stick into an empty palette without having to add something to the bottom of the pan? Like they’ll stay in place in a Z palette or equivalent!
They aren’t knocking around in my Zs, but the Z is the magnetic side. The pan has the correct metallic composition to stick in a magnetized palette.
Thanks kjh. They looked like they were magnetic, but the website and product pages seem to be silent about this. I emailed the website but never heard back.
Their customer service is usually really great, but I know they were going through a tough time with the fires cause they were living in the area. If you have IG, try them there! One sister handles the IG account and another does the website – that way you’ll be sure that someone is seeing your question!
Hello,
Don’t really see anything to suggest that they have placed anything extra to make them stick, but I use MUFE 10-pan empty palettes (best IMO for traveling and keeping things really still) and they stick just fine, like any other pressed shadow in pans.
So glad you’re reviewing these.. Don’t think I ordered any single PPs. The SG online swatches for the PPs often look like liquid metal, which may be too OTT for me. I agree that these aren’t powdery: if you use a Sonia or other ‘grippy’ type brush, there is zero left on the pan….zero. SG has such a wide range of shades and finishes, with good quality and app. Pretty excited to use these to fill in the holes in stash. Good co with good values. Think i’m In on Eastern Rise, from the other day’s look. Concrete Road and Cool Brown already shot straight to the top of my transition/crease shades. You could easily have chosen not to take these on, and i’m so glad you did. Your guidance is always tops.
These shadows are simply stupendous! What beautiful executions of these shades and how rare is it that we see a purple this well-done? Of course, Gold Earth is totally grabbing my attention. Have any Canadians here ordered from this company? I’m wondering if there is intense sticker shock when they arrive (shipping, customs, taxes and service charges).
They have a slew of earthy, muted tones that are likely up your alley. They ship via USPS for international (unless other arrangements are made) based on weight, so customs/taxes would likely depend on total value? I’m not super familiar with shipping internationally any more myself. Hopefully a non-US (or better yet, Canadian) customer can chime in!
I made the “mistake” of looking at the site and when I looked at Gold Earth, the site showed me other similar shades. Talk about more beautiful-ness. I am hoping someone in Canada has experience ordering because the site is vague at best and also seems to suggest that stuff may not arrive in pristine condition. Just more reasons why I like “in store” shopping.
It would be nice if they could tell you up front. IDK, maybe if you have ordered from CP, you could infer what the duties might be.
Hello!
You can contact them and they’ll tell you as well, but yes, as a non-US shipper, depending on your country, USPS can add around $10-15 (and upward) easily to your shipment of over $40. I had my daughter bring mine with her because of that (vs. $4 US shipment). That said, after being so pleased with their consistent quality (by that I mean I purchased a number of eyeshadow colors and they all have a high rating IMO), it may still be worth paying the shipping price by weight compared to other products.
What fabulous shades this brand is bringing out! Honestly, they are giving the HE brands a real run for the money. Love Gold Earth the best. Gorgeous eye looks Christine.
Thank you so much for reviewing these, Christine. I’m always delighted to see an indie brand perform consistently well, especially at a readonable price point.
Oh Christine , I love both looks on you , the pigment and texture are beautiful.I think I’m picking up Gold Earth , and Thrilled ,
I had been to their site a couple of times before you featured them but I found the website hard to navigate and gave up. I was interested in some of their matte shades.
All I can say here is, yes! Here’s the brand of the year for me! And for ALL the right reasons…great service, quality products, beautiful colors and the “Wow!” me effect.
I just received mine at the same time as my Pat McGrath palette (already roasted elsewhere) and 15 of these babies in the most beautiful shades of blue, purple and green, and they have won me over. I’ll be focused on SG’s palettes now versus any others.
As I’m new to the brand, so far the only thing I could see that would just blow them over everyone is having subtle shifting shadows like Pat McGrath’s VR series (but that are pigmented and give one swipe payoff unlike my recent experience with PM’s) and having great palette packaging. I could easily see them up there, even over, Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath for eyeshadow.
I definitely like the look of these purples here! Thanks Christine!
All four of these are utterly phenomenal looking! These kind of shades are right up my alley, too.
The amount of beautiful colors this company has is insane. Aaaaand they don’t have talc, which I am allergic too. I am eyeing several, but some are missing so I didn’t buy yet as I am waiting them all to be available to enjoy the one shipping charge.
Gorgeous eye looks! I’m almost tempted by Gold Earth, Fierce, and Mythical, but I will stick to my resolution and admire them from afar.
One comment on Fierce, it’s bluer in person as compared to the image here, but both are stunning!
Mine reads quite purple on me!
You’re right! I confused it with Below Zero (that I had right next to it). So sorry to everyone!
Mythical looks so different on the Sydney Grace website! It looks way more muted and lilac. Would you say the swatches that you posted are more accurate to real life? If so, it looks like my unicorn purple!
I try my best to post accurate swatches based on what I see on myself. Products can swatch and look differently based on skin tone, undertone, and lighting. I use studio lighting so that it’s consistent light (brightness, fill, temperature, etc. – more equivalent of exceptional natural light!) whether it’s 6AM or 6PM, cloudy or sunny!
Here’s a video swatch they did: https://www.instagram.com/p/BoPKGnuj5V2/
Thank you, Christine! As always, I love your work and dedication to consistency!
Wow, so rare to see purples formulated so well… the look you created with this is so pretty Christine!