This is my take on neutrals with the overarching theme being grungier neutrals that are more muted, more neutral/cooler-toned, and aren’t just shades of brown but rather taupe, green, and plum–all very earth-toned. I wanted to use hints of color to encourage experimentation when working with neutrals, as I know most of us have plenty of neutral palettes already. The finishes of most of the shimmers are smoother, high-shine and more reflective with finer shimmer particles.
When I described the colors I wanted for each palette, I provided a written description along with links to swatches of similar shades that were closer (either in color or in the “vibe”) and referenced Sydney Grace’s existing line if there was anything nearby (like “A deeper, darker version of A with a cooler undertone and more of a metallic shine with less sparkle”), which I figured would give them a good reference point to start from visually.
Note: Palettes are being sent to official swatchers this week, but as I was first to receive palettes (duh), I figured I’d recruit my husband’s and my sister’s arms for swatching, so I have those ready now. We will have very light, light/light-medium, medium, medium-dark, and dark skin tones represented before launch.
Heart-dog
Heart-dog is a pale, golden pewter with high-shine, metallic finish. Sometimes, it looks more cooler-toned, depending on what it is paired with. It’s ultra-reflective and great for brightening the inner tearduct, used as a wash of shine all over the lid, or on the center of the lid for a halo effect. The texture is particularly smooth, moderately firm in press, and works well with dry/wet brushes as well as fingertips.
Inspiration: I wanted a bright, highly-reflective platinum-pewter kind of hue; not quite gold/aged pewter but warmer than true platinum. I envisioned the color adding brightness to the inner eye duct, under eyeliner, or as a halo effect. It could also be used all-over as a wash.
Behind the Name: The term “heart-dog” is about a unique relationship between you and a dog that just bonds to you in a special way that’s unforgettable. There was no doubt that the collaboration would incorporate Magellan throughout, and they’re all in tribute now (which is bittersweet as I have so many video clips from the journey where he was in the background); he was the first dog I really connected to, and the way I loved him was irrational, unconditional, and fervently. I miss him so, so, so much.
Development
I originally described as a “high-shine, very smooth/reflective platinum blonde.” The first loose color sample I received was pretty much dead-on in finish and I wanted to go a touch lighter. The second loose color sample was exactly what I had envisioned. The third version was hand-pressed but felt too firm, while the fourth version, which was machine-pressed was the right balance and approved for production in early January 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Natasha Denona Glam (328M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Auric Ego (Powder) (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Galice (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Dior Party in Colours #3 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Too Good to Be True (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Clarins Jade #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Cosmic (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #4 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Penombre (327) (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Kali (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% 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.
Earthbound
Earthbound is a sage green base with warmer, gold pearl and high-shine, metallic finish. The base is almost cooler in tone, but there’s plenty of warmer, fine gold shimmer throughout that gives it a warmer reflection. When worn against true warm-toned shades, including other greens, you can see how much cooler-toned it appears. The press is moderately firm, lightly creamy but not at all powdery.
Inspiration: I love green eyeshadows, but if there’s one category that Sydney Grace does well? It’s green eyeshadow! I wanted to do a less warmer green shade, something more light to medium in depth with some contrasting shimmer. In my mind, I kept thinking “sage green,” and it’s the kind of color that can look cooler or warmer depending on what it is paired with and how it is applied.
Behind the Name: The palettes are conceptualized to begin with more of a fantasy of colors–space–and then becoming more grounded, hence the horizon in the name, with earthier, more neutral hues. This is how I came up with “Earthbound” as a name (and yes, green = earth).
Development
I described the color as “sparkling, metallic sage green.” The initial loose color samples included two versions to work from, and I selected the B version but wanted the base to be darker. The A version was too warm (and likely duped within the brand’s existing range). The third loose color sample needed to be a little darker. I was happy with the color, finish, and texture of the fourth version, which was hand-pressed, in October 2020.
When this shade was machine-pressed, its fifth iteration, it was lighter, bluer, and more silvery (too different from what I initially approved to be pressed). The sixth version dialed in to the color and finish that I was after and was approved for production in early March 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Huda Beauty Emerald #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Big Sky (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Special Delivery (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Frog and Wife (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Bungalow (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Keep It Fun (P, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Scrooge (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Money (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Gemstone #3 (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- City Color Hint of Mint (P, $6.99) is lighter (80% 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.
Desert Spoon
Desert Spoon is a somewhat muted, grass green with matte finish. It’s muted with respect to other grassy greens, which can sometimes border on neon, but it has enough green and brightness that it doesn’t go olive. Having some vividness helps the green look truer to color on both light and dark skin tones. It has a slightly softer press with minimal powderiness in the pan while retaining opacity and blendability.
Inspiration: I wanted a more muted, almost grungy green that wasn’t olive-based. There’s enough brightness for this shade to work on different skin tones while still retaining a more muted quality to it.
Behind the Name: It’s pretty much bang-on for the color of a plant by the name of desert spoon, which is common to find in Arizona (where I live).
Development
I described my vision as “muted, medium-dark green” that wasn’t too “yellow-based.” The initial loose color sample was exactly the kind of color I had envisioned! The second version, which was hand-pressed, came out much darker, more muted, and cooler-toned and I wanted more like the loose version I had last seen. The third version, which was machine-pressed, was perfect when received, so it was approved for full production in mid-March 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Sydney Grace Granny Smith (DC, $5.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Patty (P, $7.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- NARS Moskova #2 (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Turtle Bay (P, $5.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar).
- Viseart Lucky (15) (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Devinah Cosmetics Thisbe (P, $5.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Eternal (DC, $5.00) is lighter, more muted (80% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Habitat (P, $6.00) is warmer (80% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Coven (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Viseart Clover (Bright Editorial #3) (P, ) is lighter, brighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 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), 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.
Look Using this Product
Magellan’s Light
Magellan’s Light is a rosy copper base with flecks of green and gold sparkle over metallic finish. You’d think that I’d have no trouble capturing Magellan’s namesake shade, but it’s a beast to photograph and capture the flecks of green-gold that twinkle–the best is in the second swatch (angled). I have no trouble seeing it in person, especially the more blended and sheered out one makes it.
The base is rosier and pinker than a lot of shades that have a similar base, but it’s really the finish and the green-gold shimmer/micro-sparkle that differentiate it. The press is more light-to-medium in firmness to allow the sparkles to come through visibly–the firmer press often makes them recede too much into the background.
Inspiration: This was the hardest shade to create out of all of 42 shades. The original vision was something semi-transparent with larger flecks of sparkle that looked wet and had some shift. There were almost a dozen attempts, and there were a few that were closer to the concept I wanted, the texture wasn’t right–would have had too much fallout and had to have been used wet to work. Sydney Grace would have continued to keep at it, but I decided it was time to try to get to something similar but with an opaque base instead, which was where we ended up! This was another shade I wanted to be used for brightening, all over the lid, as a wash, etc.
Behind the Name: It is a tribute to the brightness that Magellan brought to our lives with his endless optimism and zest for life.
Development
I described the original vision as “sparkling beige with duochrome shift or multi-dimensional shimmer.” I received two loose versions, both of which were stunning, but I selected version A and wanted it to more beige, and when it headed to be pressed, it was more the color I was looking in its third iteration, but the texture was incredibly dry and dusty. The fourth version was still far drier and thinner compared to other Sydney Grace shimmers.
The fifth version was chunkier and still drier, so I asked if we could try this shade with less transparency. The sixth version had a stronger base come through, but it was very pink and lost a fair amount of its sparkle/shimmer. The seventh version was the best of the versions (since loose form) yet, but the shimmer/sparkle didn’t contrast as much with the base I wanted.
The eight version resulted in better contrast, but the base was too pink and not as peachy. The ninth version just still wasn’t the right base color, and I decided to go back to the seventh version, which was the best of all the iterations, with very minor tweaks, which became the 10th version (and approved early May 2021).
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Sydney Grace Marvel (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Infinity (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Rumored (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop IRL (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Silk Teddy (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Dissolution (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Yama (387DC) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Shine On (LE, $4.50) is warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Strawberries & Cream (P, $6.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Twilight Bronze (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (85% 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.
Phoenix Awakens
Phoenix Awakens is a deeper copper with moderate, warm undertones and high-shine metallic finish. It has a lot of depth while having a lot of shine, and it’s a smoother sheen with more dimensional shimmer. It has a creamier consistency with moderate density–not difficult to pick up but “melts” on skin after it has been applied.
Inspiration: In my original 10-pan color concept, I envisioned a muted, burnt red, and when the first round of color samples came through, Sydney Grace had created a warmer, more coppery take and a redder take. They were both stunning in texture and shine, and I ended up incorporating both: one as Phoenix Awakens and the other as Sakura Glow.
Behind the Name: I love the story behind the mythical phoenix (rising from the ashes anew), and we moved to Phoenix, Arizona almost seven years ago, which has and continues to be home… especially since I convinced my parents and hubby’s mom to move here, too!
Development
I described this as “muted copper, almost plum undertones.” I received two versions in the initial loose color samples, and I ended up incorporating both into the palette (one became Phoenix Awakens, the other Sakura Glow). I went with version A. In its third version, when it was first pressed by hand, the texture was chunkier and quite fragile, which resulted in poorer application and some fallout.
The fourth version, which was machine-pressed, was much better in texture/application, but I wanted a more intense finish on it. Thankfully, it just took a fifth revision to get it to the right level of shine, sparkle, and consistency and was approved in mid-January 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- LORAC Mojave (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Celosa (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Ciate Gilded (P, $24.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Gal (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Pitter Patter (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona High Degree (311M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fever (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Save the Dance (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Sunsets by the Beach (PiP, $5.99) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Metal Cupid (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (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.
October Odyssey (Deep)
October Odyssey (Deep) is a medium-dark plummy-brown with warm undertones and matte finish. It’s more brown than plum, though. It has a softer press, though not so soft that it becomes powdery, which allows it to blend and diffuse out even more so it can be used at medium coverage with a lighter hand and still deliver opaque coverage with a more moderate hand.
Inspiration: This was originally going to be the deepest matte shade in the palette, but Infinite Echoes (Deep) ended up in that position once we decided to do light/deep versions for that shade and this one for this palette. I wanted this to work as a softer crease shade as well as a transition, so some warmth to marry with most of the hues but not being too orange or golden.
I envisioned a matte, darker, eggplant/purple/plum color to work with the other shades from the beginning. It was a real challenge to get a color that was purple/red (while using color additives that are approved for eye usage by the FDA) and maintaining richness and depth. I also ended up moving this shade towards a warmer, more plum spectrum because otherwise it was too similar to Unstoppable Love in Radiant Reflection (which is more eggplant).
Behind the Name: The best things happen in October–the blog started in October, hubby and I started dating in October, and we got married in October!
Development
Initially, this was going to be a milkier, almost latte-like matte brown, but I felt like it was too light and too basic, so I wanted more of a “smoky eggplant with matte finish.” The first, loose color sample of this take was close but I wanted it to pull cooler-toned. The second, loose color sample was still not cool-toned or dark enough. The third, hand-pressed version was closer but still not as rich as I wanted.
The fourth, machine-pressed version was still too warm-toned and too firmly-pressed. The fifth version was cooler-toned and a little more vivid as I anticipated, and with the change of Infinite Echoes (Deep), I didn’t need it to be as dark as I had originally planned.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- MAC Shady Santa (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Editor (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nude Rich #9 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Marquee (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Plum (Define) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Chocolate Brown #9 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Plummet (P, $5.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Eastern Rise (P, $5.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Razy (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Brilliant Realm (PiP, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 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), 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.
October Odyssey (Light)
October Odyssey (Light) is a medium, rosy pink with warm undertones and a matte finish. When compared to other warm-toned pinks, it looks more mauve and almost cool-toned, though the base is definitely slightly warm, almost pinky-coral when really diffused and blended out. The press was balanced between soft and firm to allow for more control over blending it out/sheering it out as it is the lightest matte in the Light palette.
Inspiration: Originally, the color story was working off of a darker plum being one of the deeper more neutral shades in the palette (with Midnight Courage being the darkest matte shade overall), but once we decided to do Light/Deep versions for October Odyssey and Infinite Echoes, I moved October Odyssey into a lighter, softer direction–a rosy pink–so it would be the lightest matte in the palette.
Behind the Name: The best things happen in October–the blog started in October, hubby and I started dating in October, and we got married in October!
Development
The Light version was initially described as a “matte, medium rosy plum.” The first version was a little too light and too cool-toned (wow!), but with the adjustment of the original Infinite Echoes being made the Light version (instead of the Deep version), the cooler version paired better with it after all.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Obsession (LE, $4.50) is darker (85% similar).
- Clionadh Wildberry (P, $4.50) is darker (85% similar).
- LORAC High Tide (LE, $19.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Too Faced Wrap It Up (LE, $16.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Sephora Stone (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- MAC All’s Rosy (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Crème Brule (P, $18.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Faithful (P, $5.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Unpredictable (P, $5.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- MAC Rose Before Bros (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 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), 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.
Midnight Courage
Midnight Courage is a rich navy blue with matte finish. This shade is all about the undertone; it’s more vivid than most navy blues, so it has more depth and intensity, but it’s not in-your-face blue at all. In order to get that richness and depth, the press is less firm, so there is light powderiness in the pan, which can lead to light fallout if it is overapplied. It’s pigmented as you’d expect, but it is best applied with a lighter hand and built up. There is ultra-fine pearl that helps blend out the shade but isn’t visible, so it looks matte applied.
Inspiration: It was originally conceptualized as more of a mid-tone, slightly warmed-up brown that was tentatively named One Shot (inspired by my love of lattes) but found myself wanting more of a navy blue shade when it came to actually working with the color story in practice. I wanted something richer and bluer, cooler compared to the existing navy blues Sydney Grace had, which was how this shade came to be.
Behind the Name: The name is a nod to the time when I’ve had to dig deep, really learn about where my lines of right and wrong have been, and then come to difficult decisions that enabled me to take the higher road. In terms of my blogging journey, one of the moments that stands out is when I decided not to review the NARS x Guy Bourdin collection and wrote about why–it was really the first time I took any “stand” on something that occurred in the community. This shade is dedicated to my friend Sam (Samantha Ravndahl, a YouTuber in the space) for her ability to come through in the midnight hour and provide advice and support when I needed it.
Development
I did quite a bit of rearranging, both in terms of names as well as directions, for some of the matte shades in this palette, including this shade. In mid-2020, I changed it from a type of brown to a navy blue. The first version was too light and faded, I wanted it to be cooler-toned, almost purplish in comparison to where it was. The second version was better but still not quite rich enough.
The third version was still too dark and not rich enough in the blue color and needed a little more glide. The fourth version was still too faded and too light. The fifth version achieved the level of richness in blue while keeping it darker with the right level of firmness in press.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Blue #4 (LE, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Noche Eterna (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS China Blue (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Blue Velvet (P, $8.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop The Fates (LE, $4.50) is lighter, brighter (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Indiana Love (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, more muted, warmer (80% similar).
- Give Me Glow High by the Beach (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Huda Beauty Sapphire #1 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace itsaboy (P, $5.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Ice Fishing (DC, $5.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 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), 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.
Flying High
Flying High is a blackened blue-teal base with flecks of multi-colored shimmer and sparkle. Is it green? Is it blue? Is it gray? It’s a melange of it all with an intense, metallic finish and faint micro-sparkle to boot. It has a dirty, greenish-teal base when really diffused and blended out, but the color itself looks bluer-teal at full opacity. The press is moderately-firm, not too dense and not powdery but not so firm that it lost its shimmer/micro-sparkle.
Inspiration: I wanted a grungy, blue-teal-gray with a high-shimmer finish, sort of like an oil slick but not so much the shift but the depth and murkiness. As you might be able to tell by now, I really dig colors that transform based on how they’re applied or what they’re paired with.
Behind the Name: My mom has always advocated for taking the high road, and I’ve tried to follow that advice whenever I’ve come to a fork in the road; this shade is in dedication to her mentorship and unwavering support she has provided me every day.
Development
I first described this shade as “dirty green-gray with bluish undertones.” The first round included three, loose color samples for this shade, and version C was exactly as I had envisioned! The first time it was pressed (by hand), which made it the fourth version, it became rather fragile and more prone to fallout.
This was the point where things went a little awry with this shade; the fifth version turned much grayer and was less sparkly, aka a different color than I wanted! Unfortunately, the sixth version was similarly darker and grayer and lost the bluish-teal look of the envisioned shade. The seventh version was too blue and too dark. The eight version was finally where I wanted it to be and approved for production in mid-March 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Makeup by Mario Master Metallics #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Storm Cloud (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NYX Savage (P, $6.00) is lighter (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Aqua Fever (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Natasha Denona Ice Blue (143CP) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Anastasia A3 (Norvina Mini Vol. 3) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% 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.
Lunar Illumination
Lunar Illumination is a rosy lavender with a golden, high-shine, metallic sheen. It’s more of a neutral-to-warm lavender base with a warmer, golden sheen that gives it a warmer look, particularly with a lot of light, and a slightly cooler, grungier tone in low light. It has a firmer press compared to some of the other shimmers in the palette, which what helped it have a really smooth sheen and look more “melted” on the lid. You may find lightly pushing (not jabbing!) picks up more product than simply sweeping, and it does soften slightly after one or two uses.
Inspiration: From the beginning, I wanted a moody, purple-taupe with a very intense, high-shine finish, and we ended up with a murkier, almost grayish-lavender base with a more golden sheen.
Behind the Name: The shade name is in reference to Lunar New Year, which is one of the traditions I grew up observing (and still observe) as part of my Vietnamese heritage.
Development
It was envisioned as a “high-shine, very smooth/reflective purple-taupe with pink and gold sparkle.” The first round of loose color samples included two versions, and I opted for A, which was pretty much exactly what I had in mind. The third loose color sample was a little too cool-toned, while the fourth, hand-pressed version got quite a bit darker and grayer than the prior version. The fifth, machine-pressed version brought the color back to the loose color sample, and it was approved in late January 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Sydney Grace Glory (DC, $8.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Baby I’m a Star (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Magnetic (PiP, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Chanel Au Fil des Fleurs #4 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Shookington (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Mythical (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, brighter (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Stormborn (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Craving (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
- Tarte Unleashed (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (80% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Violet Argente #4 (Eye Color) (LE, ) is darker (80% 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
Infinite Echoes (Deep)
Infinite Echoes (Deep) is a deep red-brown with matte finish. It is one of the darkest browns (if not the darkest) in the brand’s range now, and it’s dark while having some richness, so it doesn’t turn to warm black when applied and blended out. The warmth is just enough to keep it from being more typical brown but allow it to work well on dark skin tones. The texture is less firmly-pressed, so it has some powderiness present in the pan and can have light fallout if applied more heavily. It is quite pigmented, so using a lighter hand and/or building up works well with this shade in particular.
Inspiration: I wanted a darker neutral matte that would work as a crease and/or transition shade. Originally, I had a medium-dark taupe planned, but after having the shade tested on dark skin, it wasn’t the most ideal, so using that data and feedback, the shade was deepened and had some warmth added to it. As a result, I didn’t have October Odyssey (Deep) go as dark as I was intending as I let this shade be the darker of the two more neutral matte hues.
Behind the Name: When I have to make more difficult decisions with respect to Temptalia, there are a lot of things to balance, but readers’ needs and their voices are paramount — like echoes in my head, I never forget that it is readers’ support that has allowed me to do what I do!
Development
For the Deep version, we made the original concept of Infinite Echoes (which became the Light version) significantly darker and richer with a slight, muted reddish tone, which was achieved in one more revision (fifth).
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Anastasia Rowdy (DC, $12.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Dior Mitzah #5 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Salem (P, $7.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Beyond (P, $5.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Cocktail (LE, $6.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Canvas (Smokey Jewels) (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Shady Santa (P, $17.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Lounge (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 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), 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.
Look Using this Product
Infinite Echoes (Light)
Infinite Echoes (Light) is a mid-tone purple-taupe with matte finish. It has a slightly firmer press to it to minimize powderiness and help it build better, but it is slightly more reactive to natural oils, so be careful using fingertips with it as that can compact the press and make it sheerer to work with. Using brushes with it alone, there haven’t been any issues for me with it getting more compacted/hardening at all.
Inspiration: The cooler-toned neutral space never feels as full as it should be, so I definitely wanted a more taupe color as a matte shade in the palette. Initially, there was only going to be one version for each palette (no light/deep), so I was trying to get to a cooler taupe that would work on most skin tones. Once it was tested on dark skin, while it was judged as workable, it was not the most ideal, so it became the Light version and we made a better, more ideal version that would work on darker skin tones for the Deep version.
Behind the Name: When I have to make more difficult decisions with respect to Temptalia, there are a lot of things to balance, but readers’ needs and their voices are paramount — like echoes in my head, I never forget that it is readers’ support that has allowed me to do what I do!
Development
It was described initially as a “plummy taupe” that wasn’t gray. The first color samples included two versions, and I found A to be exactly what I wanted. The third version, which was the first iteration of it pressed, was close but needed to be less firmly pressed. The fourth version was approved and was originally the Deep version, but after feedback from testing it on darker skin, it was made the Light version.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Sydney Grace Officer (P, $5.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Magnet (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Smashbox Punked (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Ignite (DC, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Yours (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Shisha Smoke (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 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), 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.
Sakura Glow
Sakura Glow is a plum with subtle, warm undertones and sparkling, metallic sheen. It’s darker than pink, brighter and cooler-toned than most plums, but not cool-toned enough to be a true berry hue either. The texture is silkier and almost cream-like, not quite as dense or as firmly-pressed but not soft enough to really generate much powderiness/excess product in the pan.
Inspiration: In my original 10-pan color concept, I envisioned a muted, burnt red, and when the first round of color samples came through, Sydney Grace had created a warmer, more coppery take and a redder take. They were both stunning in texture and shine, and I ended up incorporating both: one as Phoenix Awakens and the other as Sakura Glow.
Behind the Name: Cherry blossoms have held significant meaning to me at a personal and professional level; my husband and I visited many Japanese gardens around the Bay Area as early dates, and the blossoms were incorporated into early designs of the blog (I recall readers being upset that we removed a lot of them over time, lol!). Hubby and I had cherry blossoms hand-painted on our wedding invitations and the like!
Development
This came out of version B of the first loose color samples of Phoenix Awakens. The finish on both were just so shiny and smooth that it was hard to pick between the two of them. In the second loose color sample of this shade, it seemed slightly too similar to existing shade Ladylike, so I wanted to see if we could change the undertone and type of pearl used a bit to differentiate it better.
Once this shade was pressed, its third version ended up losing a lot of the pearl that made it more dimensional. The fourth version was still too light, not plum enough, and lacked the pearl/shine I wanted. The fifth version was back on track and had the right undertone, depth, and finish and was approved for production mid-March 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Sydney Grace Blossom (DC, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Blossom (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics G*psy (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Don’t Quit (PiP, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Party in Colours #2 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Adventure (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sugar Plum Fairy (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- L’Oreal Glistening Garnet (P, $7.99) is warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Elizabeth (Light) (PiP, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sweetheart (P, $5.00) is darker, cooler (85% 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.
Calming Presence
Calming Presence is a deep, blackened violet base with contrasting pearl and metallic sheen. It has a darker, inkier base that is what makes it more complex and different from other bluer-based purples… though there has always been less blue-based purples (most are redder or more purple). It has a very smooth sheen rather than a more noticeably shimmery and metallic finish, so the consistency is more medium in firmness–not stiff but may take a moderate hand to pick up color. There is contrasting pearl, slightly bluish-teal, that kicks it up a notch.
Inspiration: I wanted a smokier purple that could be used to incorporate color into a look without it being intensely purple but something more than a mere hint of purple.
Behind the Name: This shade is a nod to my sister, who graduated to be a therapist, which has clearly become her passion in life; and it is so lovely to see someone discover what they’re passionate about and find a way to make that their job.
Development
It was originally described as a “deep, purpled navy blue with a pearl sheen.” There were two versions initially sent with the loose color samples, and I went with the deeper, slightly inkier version A. The third version, which was hand-pressed, lost some of its sheen/pearl, which I wanted to amplify. The fourth version, which was machine-pressed, struck the right balance between press and visible pearl and was approved mid-January 2021.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Melt Cosmetics Cross Faded (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Violet Void (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Forget-Her-Not (PiP, $6.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Interstellar (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Devinah Cosmetics Are You a Good Witch (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Blitz Violet Orchid (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty TFX6 (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Clionadh Crucible (P, $5.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Natasha Denona Blue Dahlia (181DC) (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% 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.
The Lost Shades
- October Odyssey (Early Version): Matte, milky brown
- One Shot: Matte, warmer taupe-brown (too similar to existing shades, felt unnecessary for the palette)
Version History
- Heart-dog: 4
- Earthbound: 6
- Desert Spoon: 3
- Magellan’s Light: 10
- Phoenix Awakens: 5
- October Odyssey (Deep): 5
- October Odyssey (Light): 2
- Midnight Courage: 5
- Flying High: 8
- Lunar Illumination: 5
- Infinite Echoes (Deep): 5
- Infinite Echoes (Light): 4
- Sakura Glow: 5
- Calming Presence: 4
Looks
