Sydney Grace Smoke and Mirrors, Cammies, Lee-Lee Cream Shadows Reviews & Swatches

Smoke and Mirrors
Sydney Grace Smoke and Mirrors Cream Shadow (2020) ($8.00 for 0.34 oz.) is a darker, smoky plum with subtle, warm undertones and faint sparkle throughout.
- Opaque coverage–a little went a long way
- Thin, emollient, and blendable with a gel-cream feel
- Dried down to a more powder-like finish, so comfortable and flattering on
- Long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Dead Star (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Dress (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hung Up (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Jardins de Lumieres #4 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Pointe Noire (LE, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 19 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Not for Sale (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #23 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- LORAC Sea Urchin (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Higher Power (LE, $25.00) is darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.34 oz. - $23.53 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's an incredibly pigmented formula in most instances, where a little dab is more than enough to cover the mobile lid. I always find squeezing out product onto the back of my hand or onto a metal palette is the best way to get going with these.
It was recently formulated to extend the shelf life, which went from six months to 12 months, but there were changes to the base formula, which I found shortened the wear time for me overall--by an hour or two. Previously, they wore between eight and 10 hours on me with most shades on the longer end of that range.
With the updated formula, the wear was more eight to nine hours with a tendency to crease over fade, so if I applied it to the inner tearduct or the brow bone, the wear was more like nine hours or even ten hours, but if I wore the same shade in my crease, it would have creasing by eight hours. Otherwise, the formula tended to apply, blend, and work like the original formula--I just noticed that the wear time was a little reduced.
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.
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.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow (2020) swatches.
Ingredients
Aqua (Distilled Water), Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol (Emulsifier), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Phenoxyethanol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Dehydroacetic Acid (Preservative) +/- Mica (Mica 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Vitamin E (Tocopherol), 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 Fluorphlogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, and 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.
Smoke and Mirrors
PPermanent. $8.00.

Cammies
Sydney Grace Cammies Cream Shadow (2020) ($8.00 for 0.34 oz.) is a dark, forest green with subtle, warm undertones and fine golden shimmer and micro-sparkle throughout.
- Opaque coverage–a little went a long way
- Thin, emollient, and blendable with a gel-cream feel
- Dried down to a more powder-like finish, so comfortable and flattering on
- Long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Scheme (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Masquerade (Stroke of Midnight) (LE, $9.99) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Facile (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Juvia's Place Egypt (P, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Wanderlust (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Make It Rain (P, $7.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath VR Emerald (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Golden Emerald (P, $7.99) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Trinidad (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pear Tree (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.34 oz. - $23.53 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's an incredibly pigmented formula in most instances, where a little dab is more than enough to cover the mobile lid. I always find squeezing out product onto the back of my hand or onto a metal palette is the best way to get going with these.
It was recently formulated to extend the shelf life, which went from six months to 12 months, but there were changes to the base formula, which I found shortened the wear time for me overall--by an hour or two. Previously, they wore between eight and 10 hours on me with most shades on the longer end of that range.
With the updated formula, the wear was more eight to nine hours with a tendency to crease over fade, so if I applied it to the inner tearduct or the brow bone, the wear was more like nine hours or even ten hours, but if I wore the same shade in my crease, it would have creasing by eight hours. Otherwise, the formula tended to apply, blend, and work like the original formula--I just noticed that the wear time was a little reduced.
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.
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.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow (2020) swatches.
Ingredients
Aqua (Distilled Water), Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol (Emulsifier), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Phenoxyethanol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Dehydroacetic Acid (Preservative) +/- Mica (Mica 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Vitamin E (Tocopherol), 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 Fluorphlogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, and 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.
Cammies
PPermanent. $8.00.

Lee-Lee
Sydney Grace Lee-Lee Cream Shadow (2020) ($8.00 for 0.34 oz.) is a deep red with subtle, warm undertones and a smooth, pearly sheen with faint sparkle. The sparkle was more pronounced when blended out.
- Opaque coverage–a little went a long way
- Thin, emollient, and blendable with a gel-cream feel
- Dried down to a more powder-like finish, so comfortable and flattering on
- Long-wearing (10 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Electric Cherry #4 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Pinky Promise (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Rose Gold (LE, $6.99) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Operose (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Ruby Rose (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Chameleon #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Amber Jewels (DC, $6.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Yours Forever (PiP, $6.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Stila Vivid Garnet (P, $24.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Valentine's Red (P, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$8.00/0.34 oz. - $23.53 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's an incredibly pigmented formula in most instances, where a little dab is more than enough to cover the mobile lid. I always find squeezing out product onto the back of my hand or onto a metal palette is the best way to get going with these.
It was recently formulated to extend the shelf life, which went from six months to 12 months, but there were changes to the base formula, which I found shortened the wear time for me overall--by an hour or two. Previously, they wore between eight and 10 hours on me with most shades on the longer end of that range.
With the updated formula, the wear was more eight to nine hours with a tendency to crease over fade, so if I applied it to the inner tearduct or the brow bone, the wear was more like nine hours or even ten hours, but if I wore the same shade in my crease, it would have creasing by eight hours. Otherwise, the formula tended to apply, blend, and work like the original formula--I just noticed that the wear time was a little reduced.
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.
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.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Cream Shadow (2020) swatches.
Ingredients
Aqua (Distilled Water), Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol (Emulsifier), Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Phenoxyethanol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Dehydroacetic Acid (Preservative) +/- Mica (Mica 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Vitamin E (Tocopherol), 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 Fluorphlogopite, Zinc (CI 77947), Bronze and Copper Powder (CI 77400), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, and 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.
Lee-Lee
PPermanent. $8.00.

Sydney Grace Smoke and Mirrors Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Smoke and Mirrors Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Smoke and Mirrors Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Smoke and Mirrors Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Cammies Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Cammies Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Cammies Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Cammies Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Lee-Lee Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Lee-Lee Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Lee-Lee Cream Shadow (2020)

Sydney Grace Lee-Lee Cream Shadow (2020)
Love Sydney Grace’s liquid eye shadows.Perfect for a quick one and done or you can add eye shadow on top of them. Cammies looks pretty, will get it during my next Sydney Grace order.
These all look like great performers whether one wants full coverage or just a hint of color as a wash. My own personal favorites are Smoke & Mirrors and Cammies! I’ve been on a big green kick lately, and feel like Cammies would fit that niche!
Isn’t it fabulous that a whole batch of these beautiful cream eyeshadows have been released? I think the shade I love the most is Cammies – the forest green colour is something I would wear.
I’ve rediscovered a love of cream eyeshadows and these are absolutely gorgeous! They are all going on my wishlist!
I have never used cream shadows but these seem like they’d be a good start (also they’re really affordable which is a huge plus).
Cammies, very wearable khaki with sparkles, I like!
I like to see new colors but I really dislike sparkles and glitter in new cream shadows. Definitely prefer their original sparkle/glitter-free smooth foiled formula. Same goes for pressed pigments as well. It sets them apart from other indie brands who do sprakly stuff and I know not everyone likes those. From what I saw and heard from different beauty fans there are also many people who prefer jus shiny reflective foiled shadows without sparkles.