Sydney Grace Gray (Deep) Mystery Bag Review & Swatches
Gray (Deep)
Sydney Grace Gray (Deep) Mystery Bag (2020) ($25.00 for 0.89 oz.) contains five eyeshadows (three mattes, two shimmers), one pressed blush, one loose highlighter, and one loose glitter. All of the products were pigmented, blendable, and longer-wearing and performed consistently with the brand’s formulations for past shades.
This is the Deep version of the bag, which includes a different blush, highlighter, and one matte eyeshadow compared to the Light version. I hope to have a review on the Deep version of the Colorful bag late next week or the following week… for completion purposes!
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).
Gray (Deep)
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Empower
Empower is a medium-dark, rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It was richly pigmented where a little went a long way, so thankfully, it had the blendability to make it easier to work with and more forgiving. The consistency was soft, smooth, and velvety with a touch of powderiness in the pan but the product did not appear dry or dusty applied. There were signs of fading after nine hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Coast to Coast (DC, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Stila Dusty Rose (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- LORAC Caribbean (LE, $23.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Phytosurgence Condensate (P, $17.07) is lighter (85% similar).
- bareMinerals The Love Letter (LE, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Cool Mauve (50) (P, $38.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Time Stops (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- MAC Sweet Enough (P, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Birthday Suit (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Pat McGrath Divine Rose (P, $38.00) is lighter, warmer (80% 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.
Look Using this Product
Empower
LELimited Edition. $9.00.
Shooting Star
Shooting Star is a bright, light-medium rose-copper with subtle, warm undertones and an intense, high-shine metallic finish. The texture was soft, finely-milled but had enough weight to it that the loose powder wasn’t prone to flying away when opened. It had rich color payoff that applied evenly to bare skin and blended out well along the edges.
The finish looked almost wet because it was so shiny and smooth; I didn’t find it emphasized my skin’s natural texture. It wore nicely for nine hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Clionadh Bellona (P, $12.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Out of Quartz (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Bathe (LE, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Rose on Ice (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 15 Golden Pink (P, $21.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Estee Lauder Modern Mercury (LE, $65.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Morphe Boom (P, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Allegro (P, $9.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Tawny Glow (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- NARS Friction (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% 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.
Look Using this Product
Shooting Star
LELimited Edition. $8.00.
Happy Accident
Happy Accident is a bright, silvery lavender with cooler undertones and a metallic finish. The eyeshadow had excellent pigmentation that adhered well to bare skin and blended out well along the edges.
The consistency was smooth, creamy, and dense without being overly thick or too firmly-pressed into the pan. It lasted 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
- Natasha Denona Aerialist (371SM) (LE, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Buxom Silver Screen (P, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Bijoux Royal #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Seaside (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Rose Platinum (16) (LE, $39.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Dior Galactic #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- LORAC Fairytale (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Kessel Run (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nebula (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
- Clionadh Filigree (P, $5.50) is 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.
Look Using this Product
Happy Accident
PPermanent. $6.25.
Storm Cloud
Storm Cloud is a deep gray with subtle, cool undertones and a smooth, metallic sheen. It had opaque color coverage paired with a soft, creamy texture that wasn’t too firmly- nor too softly-pressed into the pan. This shade stayed on well 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
- Sydney Grace Cuddle Buddy (LE, $6.25) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Guerlain Mystic Peacock #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Graphite (07M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME108 Steel (DC, $21.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Redemption (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Synergy (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Quick Silver (09M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Slayed (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Cosmic Deco #3 (DC, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Primrose (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery, darker, 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), 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.
Look Using this Product
Storm Cloud
LELimited Edition. $6.25.
Boss Babe
Boss Babe is a medium, bluish-gray with cool undertones anda matte finish. It had excellent color coverage that adhered well to bare skin as the product applied evenly and blended out well along the edges but didn’t lose its intensity or opacity. The consistency was soft, velvety, and smooth without being too powdery nor too firmly pressed into the pan. It wore 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
- Lethal Cosmetics Numb (P, $6.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 14 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Stealth (DC, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Fiction (DC, $8.00) is darker (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Meet Me in Paris (P, $5.99) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Perseus (P, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Smoke (Contour) (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Thunderbird (P, $5.25) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Gata (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Kaleidos Black Jasmine (Diffuse) (PiP, ) 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), 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.
Look Using this Product
Boss Babe
PPermanent. $5.25.
To the Nines
To the Nines is a deep gray with neutral undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff in a single layer, which adhered evenly to bare skin and blended out with ease.
The texture wasn’t too soft nor too firm, so it picked up well with a brush but wasn’t powdery and could be built up if preferred. The eyeshadow lasted nicely for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Shadow (Mega Pro 4) (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath La Vie en Noir (LE, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Typographic (DC, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Russian Blue (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Smashbox Dracula (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Cast Iron (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Smoke (Define) (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS L'Amour, Toujours L'Amour #4 (DC, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Songbird (LE, $5.25) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Bad Influence (LE, ) is 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), 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.
Look Using this Product
To the Nines
LELimited Edition. $5.25.
Tuxedo
Tuxedo is a blackened gray with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. There seemed to be multi-colored, ultra-fine pearl woven throughout, which gave it a creamier, silkier consistency that blended out well but didn’t actually appear shimmery (or even satiny) in person. It had excellent color coverage that stayed on 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
- ColourPop Night Night (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Trance (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Dusk (P, $5.25) is lighter (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Steel (LE, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Opaque (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Dracula (LE, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Songbird (LE, $5.25) is lighter (90% similar).
- theBalm #26 (P, $6.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Smoke (Define) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Grand (LE, $4.50) 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.
I guess I learned my lesson. Shop early. I waited until today, and both grays and the light EL (knew it) are sold out. Don’t think my small list of singles is worth doing. Oh, well. Did I need them? No. Am I bummed? Hell, yeah. I kind of live for gray e/s. $ saved. (Booooo!)
I am going a bit bonkers on their sale this time although I am skipping the mystery bags as I prefer to pick and choose among the singles. I got a mystery bag last year and do love most of what came (I tossed the glitters as they are just not something I personally enjoy). The makeup bag was very good quality and I continue to use it frequently.
(I think you might have an error on this review of Storm Cloud. It seems to have reviewed well, but the rating is an F.)
Is the “Happy Accident” eyeshadow only available through this bag? I tried searching it on the Sydney Grace website and it didn’t show up. It’s so beautiful!
Yes, just through the bag as far as I’m aware!
Aww I hope she releases it on its own someday! It’s so gorgeous but unfortunately I wouldn’t use anything else in this bag.
Beautiful set, but I really only want the blush, highlighter and that one very icy lilac eyeshadow. I already have a ton of perfect gray and black eyeshadows. Do I get this anyway or do I wait to see if these get sold as standalone products…?
This is gorgeous for a smoky eye look!
The blush and highlighter are absolutely stunning, both in the shade colour and the rating – scoring an A+ in a duo is pretty rare. I just feel that by having both Tuxedo and To The Nines in the bag limits the options for the wearer, as the shades are so similar and both very dark.
Happy Accident is so pretty! I hope they make it available as a single. I love Sydney Grace and got the colorful mystery bag, which is awesome, but Happy Accident is giving me some FOMO!
The blush is beautiful! I really hope they’ll consider releasing it separately at a later time. I’d love to buy it, but I’ve already ordered the light version of this mystery bag!
I am IN LOVE with that blush! what a fantastic deep dusty warm mauve, wow!