YSL Taupe Drop (03) Full Metal Shadow ($30.00 for 0.15 fl. oz.) is a subtly warm-toned, purpled taupe with a hint of brown and a metallic sheen. It had good color payoff, and it didn’t seem too watery whenever I tried getting color off of the applicator (because the formula has been finicky, I did ten pulls and swatches to check for consistency). This shade applied more smoothly, and I think it is because the finish is smoother–more pearled/stronger sheen–than frosted or sparkling, so it didn’t thicken on the lid. I still think application is best with a separate brush, as the doe foot really doesn’t provide control or precision at all (contrary to what they may market it as). It lasted for ten hours (out of the 16 claimed), which is good wear in the grander scheme of things but does fall short based on the description. Maybelline Black Orchid (130) (LE, $6.99) is slightly darker. Giorgio Armani Shadow (07) (P, $38.00) is darker, cooler-toned. Kat Von D Darkstar (LE) is darker, powder. ColourPop Meow (P, $5.00) is darker. Gucci Beauty Sasso (P, $37.00) is lighter, powder. Giorgio Armani Organica (Left) (LE) is darker, cooler-toned, powder. Chanel Tisse Gabrielle #3 (P) is darker, powder. MAC Ebony Blend #3 (LE) is darker, powder. Laura Mercier Violet Steel (LE, $23.00) is darker, less shimmery, powder. bareMinerals Pewter (LE, $14.00) is cooler-toned, powder. Anastasia Antique (LE, $12.00) is darker, powder. MAC Phresh Out #4 (LE) is warmer, powder. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #1 (P) is purpler, warmer, powder. MAC Stolen Moment (LE, $19.50) is darker, powder. MAC Electroplate (LE, $21.00) is darker. Giorgio Armani #4 (P, $33.00) is darker, powder. Chanel Illusoire (P, $36.00) is darker. Make Up For Ever #2 (P, $23.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

YSL Aquatic Copper (07) Full Metal Shadow ($30.00 for 0.15 fl. oz.) is a warm-toned bronze brown with copper and gold sparkle. It had a more frosted, textured finish, and it was watery yet dried down to a more uneven, flaky finish that was difficult to blend without lifting parts of the actual color (you can see how it blending in the crease caused it to lift in the photos below). It was consistently watery more often than not, and I highly recommend using a brush to apply, as it will soak up some of the excess water before it hits your eyelid, which will give you better color payoff and more even application. I had large chunks of the product flaking off within six hours of wear; I was beyond disappointed in this one. Tarte Pretty (LE) is darker, powder. Too Faced Frosting (P, $16.00) is a powder. ColourPop On the Rocks (P, $5.00) is less sparkly. Burberry Gold #2 (LE) is powder. Tarte Bronze Cuff (LE) is less sparkly, powder. Kat Von D Nephilim (LE) is lighter, powder. Anastasia Gilded (LE, $12.00) is less sparkly, powder. Tom Ford Beauty Spice (LE, $42.00) is less sparkly. Anastasia Topaz (P, $12.00) is lighter, powder. Tarte Keepsake Frame (LE) is ligher, powder. Make Up For Ever D652 Celestial Earth (P, $21.00) is powder. Too Faced Tiger’s Eye (LE, $16.00) is powder. MAC Her Cocoa #3 (LE, $16.00) is darker, powder. Too Faced Gangsta (LE, $16.00) is darker, powder. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

YSL Dewy Gold (08) Full Metal Shadow ($30.00 for 0.15 fl. oz.) is a light-medium, yellow gold with a sparkling, metallic sheen. This shade was very watery, and it never seemed to have much of a base color. I tried to layer and build up the color, but it was always on the semi-sheer side. I didn’t have flaking issues, at least, though it was creased within eight and a half hours of wear. MAC Bao Bao’s Jewels #2 (LE) is darker, powder. LORAC Unlimited (P) is darker, powder. Makeup Geek Magic Act (P, $9.99) is a powder. ColourPop Get Lucky (P, $5.00) is darker. Guerlain Petrouchka #2 (LE) is a powder. Too Faced Honey Pot (LE, $16.00) is a powder. Cle de Peau Stellar Gaze #1 (P) is a powder. Ardency Inn Sunday (P, $21.00) is a powder. Stila Vitality (P) is darker, powder. Divergent Golden Honesty (LE) is a powder. Ulta Gold (P, $10.00) is darker, powder. Sleek MakeUP Meet in Madrid (LE, $9.99) is less yellow, powder. L’Oreal Eternal Sunshine (P, $7.99) is a powder. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

YSL Taupe Drop (03) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Taupe Drop (03) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Taupe Drop (03) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Aquatic Copper (07) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Aquatic Copper (07) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Aquatic Copper (07) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Dewy Gold (08) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Dewy Gold (08) Full Metal Shadow

YSL Dewy Gold (08) Full Metal Shadow

Dewy Gold (inner lid), Aquatic Copper (middle of lid), Taupe Drop (outer lid)

Dewy Gold (inner lid), Aquatic Copper (middle of lid), Taupe Drop (outer lid)