Sydney Grace Warm (Light) Mystery Bag Review & Swatches (2020)
Warm (Light)
Sydney Grace Warm (Light) Mystery Bag (2020) ($25.00 for 0.89 oz.) contains five eyeshadows (two shimmers, three mattes), one blush, one loose highlighter, and one loose glitter. Everything performed consistently with past products I’ve tried in the respective formulas; all the products were pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing. Belle of Georgia, Sweet Peach, and Picking Peaches are specific to the Light version of the set (the Deep version has different products).
FYI, I am not reviewing the loose glitter because it is pure loose glitter, so it has to be used with an adhesive of some type, e.g. there’s not much it does on its “own.”
Look Using this Product
Warm (Light)
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Belle of Georgia
Belle of Georgia is a very light peach with warm, more balanced–between pink-and-orange–undertones paired with a matte finish. It had opaque coverage in a single layer, and the color darkened noticeably when applied to bare skin and appeared a smidgen more orange-leaning compared to the initial swatch (unblended).
The texture was soft, silky, and smooth to the touch with light powderiness in the pan, but the blush applied evenly to bare skin and blended out without difficulty. The color stayed on 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
- MAC Blush Pink (LE, $35.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Mallory (Light) (DC, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Benefit Georgia (DC, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Essence Blooming (P, $2.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Jouer Touch Me (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Jouer Love Me (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever B110 (P, $23.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Zoeva Yet to Come (PiP, ) is darker, brighter (85% similar).
- NARS 413 BLKR (Highlighter) (P, $30.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Nancy (Light) (DC, ) is darker, cooler (85% 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.
Belle of Georgia
LELimited Edition. $9.00.
Sweet Peach
Sweet Peach has a light-medium, pinky-peach base with lots of peachy-gold shimmer paired with a metallic finish. It looked almost like a highlighter and blush on me as the apples of my cheeks were brighter, more golden, while closer to the hollow of my cheek appeared darker, pinker.
The loose format makes it a bit harder to assess “one layer,” but it seemed quite pigmented to me, though not to such a degree as I had to use hardly any at all (which would make it fussier to use). The powder was finely-milled and blendable but had enough weight to it that it didn’t go poof! as soon as I opened the jar and was less prone to flying away from the brush. It had an intense sheen but didn’t emphasize my skin’s natural texture. This shade lasted nicely for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Pretty Vulgar Glow Up (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Light Rose (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Dior #001 (DC, $56.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Golden Nectar (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Beach Party (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Hourglass Absolute Strobe Light (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Lunar Nude (LE, $60.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty (Highlight) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lantern Fest (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Happy Thoughts (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Sweet Peach
LELimited Edition. $8.00.
Picking Peaches
Picking Peaches is a light-medium pink-coral with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff that applied evenly to my lid and diffused well along the edges. The texture was soft, a smidgen powdery in the pan, but blendable. 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
- Estee Lauder Boho Rose #3 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Smashbox Rose (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Moon Castle (LE, $4.50) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Milani Always Pink of Me (PiP, $5.99) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Lo-fi (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- elf Canyon (P, $5.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Mint #7 (LE, ) is more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- KKW Beauty Chi (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Agate You (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Tulle (PiP, ) is lighter, 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), 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
Picking Peaches
PPermanent. $5.25.
Peach Fuzz
Peach Fuzz is a medium-dark brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had excellent color coverage that applied evenly to bare skin and blended out well along the edges as it didn’t lose its intensity too readily.
The texture was smooth, velvety, and almost cream-like as it was substantial but not powdery or thick on my skin. It stayed on 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
- ColourPop Charades (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #4 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Inglot J317 Eggplant (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Mom Ride (P, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Toile de Jouy #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Sweet Brownie (339) (P, $9.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Aristocracy (PiP, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Peppermint Mocha (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Beach Days (PiP, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M600 Pink Brown (DC, $21.00) is 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), 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
Peach Fuzz
LELimited Edition. $5.25.
Southern Flame
Southern Flame is a medium-dark, rusted copper with moderate, warm undertones (so it leaned redder) paired with a matte finish. The eyeshadow had a soft, velvety consistency that wasn’t powdery nor too firmly-pressed into the pan, which made it easy to pick up and to blend out on my skin. It had rich pigmentation that applied evenly and lasted beautifully for nine hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics 1 Upper (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Buttercup (PiP, $5.25) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Cherry Smoke #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Smolder (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #5 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Dramatic (P, $7.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Sephora Morning Sunrise (324) (P, $9.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Uncovered (338CM) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M738 Auburn (P, $17.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Be Bold (PiP, $5.25) is darker, brighter (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
Southern Flame
LELimited Edition. $5.25.
Blushing Peach
Blushing Peach is a bright, medium pink-coral base with warmer, peachy-gold shimmer that gave it a metallic finish. Though at certain angles the pink base came through, it often looked warmer and more peachy-gold than deeper coral on the lid.
The texture was smooth, lightly creamy, and dense without being overly thick or too firmly-pressed into the pan. It wore well for eight and a half hours before creasing slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Anastasia (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Friday Feels (P, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sunset Glow (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Meadowhawk (LE, $6.25) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Wildfire (P, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Blossom Up (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Rare Earth (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nude Light #7 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Come and Get It (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Maya (P, $27.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (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), 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
Blushing Peach
PPermanent. $6.25.
Peach Harvest
Peach Harvest is a medium-dark, olive green with strong, warmer reddish-brown base tones and lighter, more forest green shimmer throughout. The eyeshadow was richly pigmented with a creamy, dense, and smooth texture that adhered well to bare skin and had a very bright, metallic sheen to its finish. This shade stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora + Pantone Universe Dusty Olive (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Golden Emerald (P, $7.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Passion (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Fyrinnae Elf Owl (P, $7.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Trinidad (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Velours Khaki #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Olive You (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Milani Bella Khaki (17) (P, $4.49) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Venom (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Buxom Dusk 'Til Dawn (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (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.
Well, because I am over the moon for that stunning highlighter and also love all 5 eyeshadows, this bag is calling to me. The blush does noticeably deepen up, but would probably still be too light to show up on me, especially now during summer.. The glitter is something that I could perhaps mix with a clear nail polish, IDK?
Are you going to post all the mystery bags? :o)
Hi Sandy,
I wrote this in the preview posts: “P.S. — I don’t have the Cool/Colorful bags at this time but should have them in a week or so (after they go live, FYI).”
Oops! So sorry! I missed that post… :o) No worries! I can wait. It’s kinda more exciting to have a surprise.
I’m definitely cooler toned but Blushing Peach is making me weak in the knees. Same with Peach Harvest; surprising as I don’t go for olive tones generally. I’m so curious about the cool bags; all I know about them is the tones will be gray/cool.
Love peach harvest. Wish some of these were permanent singles. I got a cooler, but similar look from the ND mini retro today, and did a double take when this look popped up. Now, instead of adding Cadet to an SG list, I’m going to reread the Enduring Love and Mountain Trail reviews TO PERSUADE MYSELF NOT TO BUY THEM.
I love this set, but I wish they wouldn’t have wasted an item on loose glitter. Such a great deal though! Probably need it anyway, I am diuvng into Sydney Grace during this sale and can’t wait!
The only shade that really appeals to me is that stunning Peach Harvest olive shade – so beautiful and paired with Blushing Peach – a lovely combination. I think the blush and highlighter in this selection are pretty good value too. The other shades in this mystery bag are not suited to me – I wouldn’t use those colours or the matte finishes.
Will you be reviewing or swatching the cool mystery bag?
I don’t have it! I’ve posted everything I have, sorry!
I like some of the eyeshadows, but it’s disappointing that the blush oxidizes. And the loose stuff is just wasted to me. Also I wish they would have done combined shipping again this year. Not too impressed with this year’s sale.
So pretty and the number one thing I want from the sale! I was worried the blush would be too light, but it looks lovely.
Christine, would this blush pan fit in a MAC palette insert?
I’m not sure, I don’t have any inserts!
I go this yesterday. Happy to hear the blush deepens up as if it stayed the same tone in the pan it would be far too light for my medium skin tone. I would have gone for the deep mystery bag except the highlighter would be far too dark for me to work as a highlighter.