Warm Weather
Sydney Grace Warm Weather Cream Shadow (2020) ($8.00 for 0.34 oz.) is a medium-dark, reddish-copper with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had mostly opaque color payoff in a single layer, but the texture was more emollient, so it was harder to apply it evenly and keep that opacity-level initially.
I’d recommend squeezing out a bit on the back of one’s hand and letting it sit for a couple of seconds before picking up product to apply to the lid. The drying time was fast, but this extra step helped to be more in line with other shades with respect to ease of application. It stayed on well for eight hours before creasing and closer to nine hours before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Bay Watch (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Call U Mine (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Desert Getaway (PiP, $5.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Blaze (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk (LE, $35.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Metal Cupid (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Zone (Shortcut) (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Enchanted Rose (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Rose Pink (PiP, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop TTYN (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% 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 Flurophylogopite, 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.
8.5
Product
9
Pigmentation
8.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
The Scoop
Sydney Grace The Scoop Cream Shadow (2020) ($8.00 for 0.34 oz.) is a medium-dark, olive-bronze with warm undertones and a metallic finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, creamy consistency that was lightweight, thin, and easy to work with as it remained opaque when applied to bare skin.
The edges were blendable, even after it dried down, as it felt and performed more like a powder eyeshadow after it set. It wore nicely for nine hours before creasing and closer to 10 hours before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Sydney Grace The Scoop (DC, $8.00) (100% similar).
- Zoeva Queen For a Day (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Ember (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Brokedown (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Starlight #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Gigabyte (PiP, $25.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Spectrum (101K) (2020) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Omigaud It’s Gold (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Jump Into the Mud (340) (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Golden Snow #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% 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 Flurophylogopite, 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.
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
Cool Breeze
Sydney Grace Cool Breeze Cream Shadow (2020) ($8.00 for 0.34 oz.) is a muted, light-medium blue with strong, cool undertones and a metallic sheen. It had medium color coverage, which was buildable to mostly opaque coverage with a second layer (but wait for the first one to dry, which doesn’t take long).
The texture had moderate slip–a little more than other shades–and felt a little bit thinner overall, which may have contributed to why it wasn’t as pigmented as other shades in the range. It applied evenly and blended out well, though, and it didn’t seem to require particular care/extra effort to make it work as well as most shades in the line-up. It lasted well for eight and a half hours before creasing, though it took closer to 10 hours for it to show fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- MAC Tilt (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Anastasia Mediterranean (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Billie Jean (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- YSL Wet Blue (10) (P, $30.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Skywalk (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #23 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani #19 (P, $32.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Stila Psychic (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Fantasize (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop REM (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, 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 Flurophylogopite, 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.
8.5
Product
8.5
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
Jingle Bells
Sydney Grace Jingle Bells Cream Shadow (2020) ($8.00 for 0.34 oz.) is a medium silver with neutral-to-cool undertones and a sparkling finish. The texture was very emollient, which resulted in more semi-sheer color coverage that took longer to dry down and was harder to control on the skin.
Like other shades that seemed too “wet,” applying it first to the back of my hand, giving it a second or two to “set” prior to picking it up with a brush or fingertip helped to whittle down the dry down time and made it more workable on my lid from the get-go. It creased faintly after eight hours of wear and showed signs of fading after nine hours.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Too Faced Drippin’ Diamonds (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Ice (43) (P, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Jingle Bells (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Mysterio (102) (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Smoky Canvas #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Rock Icon (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop On a Whimsy (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #11 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Free Folk (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Viseart Mercury (GPV2 #14) (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, 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 Flurophylogopite, 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.
6.5
Product
6
Pigmentation
8.5
Longevity
3.5
Application
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