Sydney Grace Coffee Talk (Light) Palette Review & Swatches

By Alice Ruby On Aug 5, 2021

Coffee Talk (Light)

Sydney Grace Coffee Talk (Light) 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($33.00 for 0.54 oz.) is a new, muted neutral palette that included five matte shades and four shimmer shades. This is the Light version (four shades are specific to this palette), and the performance was consistent with the high quality we’ve come to expect from Sydney Grace eyeshadows. All nine eyeshadows were pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing, which meant they were a cinch to work with.

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Crema (Light)

Crema (Light) is a bright, pinky-beige with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic finish. It was intensely bright, so it almost looked white at times due to how reflective and light it was. The texture was smooth, lightly creamy, and moderately dense without being too thick or heavy. It had rich pigmentation that applied evenly and lasted nicely for eight and a half hours.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Dior Wild Brown #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
Marc Jacobs Beauty Decadent (LE, ) is less shimmery, less pigmented, cooler (90% similar).
Give Me Glow Icicle (P, $7.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Sydney Grace Velvet (P, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
Dior Black Bow #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #14 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
MAC Snow Globetrotter (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Urban Decay Beep Me (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Tom Ford Beauty Double Indemnity #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Chanel Modern Glamour #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, 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), 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.

Frappe (Light)

Frappe (Light) is a light taupe with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was soft, lightly powdery but not prone to fallout and blendable. It had opaque color coverage that adhered evenly to bare skin and stayed on well for eight hours before fading visibly.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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

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Macchiato

Macchiato is a medium, taupe-brown with warmer undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had a soft, lightly powdery consistency that was blendable and easy to work with as it wasn’t prone to fallout or sheering out too readily. It had nearly opaque color payoff that was easily built up to full coverage if desired. This shade showed signs of fading after eight and a half hours of wear.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

ColourPop Americano (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
Sydney Grace Golden Wheat (PiP, $5.00) is darker (95% similar).
ColourPop Taboo (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
Sydney Grace Relax (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
ColourPop Velveteen (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
Marc Jacobs Beauty O Boy (600) (LE, $29.00) is lighter, more muted, cooler (85% similar).
Sydney Grace Death Moth (LE, $5.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar).
Smashbox Greige (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
NABLA Cosmetics Camelot (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
Milani Smokin’ Hot (PiP, $5.99) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).

Formula Overview

$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Sydney Grace Matte Shadow swatches.

Ingredients

Macchiato

PiPPermanent in Palette. $5.00.

Cold Brew (Light)

Cold Brew (Light) is an ultra-light taupe with a hint of gray but not quite cool-toned paired with a matte finish. The consistency was soft, a little powdery in the pan, but it retained its opacity when applied to bare skin and blended out. It lasted well for eight hours before fading visibly.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Natasha Denona Glam (324CM) (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
MAC Naked Lights (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
ColourPop U Rock (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
NARS Kingston (P, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Natasha Denona Sculpture (226CM) (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
Chanel Blurry Blue #4 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
MAC Gutter Gal (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
KVD Beauty Sarah (LE, ) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
MAC Subtly Elegant (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).

Formula Overview

$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Sydney Grace Matte Shadow swatches.

Ingredients

We hope you’ll consider supporting Temptalia by shopping through our links below. Thanks!

Java

Java is a medium-dark taupe-brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had opaque color coverage paired with a soft, smooth, and bendable texture that wasn’t too powdery nor too firmly-pressed into the pan, which made it easy to work with. There were signs of fading visible after eight and a half hours of wear.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Terra Moons Decadent (P, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar).
ColourPop Fickle Fate (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
NARS Bali (P, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Clarins Brown #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Lethal Cosmetics Kindlewood (P, $6.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
MAC Cool Complement (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Too Faced Maple Syrup (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Anastasia B5 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
Chanel Deep #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Makeup Atelier Natural Chestnut #4 (P, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).

Formula Overview

$6.00/0.06 oz. – $100.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.

Ingredients

Java

PiPPermanent in Palette. $6.00.

Espresso (Light)

Espresso (Light) is a medium-dark taupe-brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, silky consistency that was a little powdery but incredibly easy to blend out. It wore nicely for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Marc Jacobs Beauty O Snap (610) (LE, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
NABLA Cosmetics Clan (PiP, $8.00) is lighter (95% similar).
NARS Bali (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Sydney Grace Robert (Light) (PiP, $5.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Fenty Beauty Henna Sea (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
Sydney Grace Robert (Deep) (PiP, $5.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
ColourPop Baubles (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
MAC Drama in the Snow (LE, $17.00) is lighter (85% similar).
Give Me Glow Americano (P, $7.00) is lighter (85% similar).
Sydney Grace Enjoy the Ride (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).

Formula Overview

$5.00/0.06 oz. – $83.33 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Sydney Grace Matte Shadow swatches.

Ingredients

We hope you’ll consider supporting Temptalia by shopping through our links below. Thanks!

Ristretto

Ristretto is a light-medium, golden pewter with warm undertones and a bright, metallic finish. The eyeshadow had full color coverage in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out with ease. The consistency was smooth, moderately dense but not overly thick, and picked up well with a brush. It lasted well for nine hours before fading a bit.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

NARS Kauai I (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Give Me Glow 90s (PiP, $7.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Pat McGrath Metallurgy (LE, $25.00) is darker (90% similar).
Dominique Cosmetics Espresso (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
Terra Moons Caesium (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
Sydney Grace Wondrous Knight (PiP, $6.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
NARS Stud (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Coloured Raine Amazon Basin (LE, $6.99) is darker (85% similar).
Melt Cosmetics No Regrets (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
Give Me Glow Icy Frap (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).

Formula Overview

$6.00/0.06 oz. – $100.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.

Ingredients

Ristretto

PiPPermanent in Palette. $6.00.

Latte

Latte is a medium bronze with moderate, warm undertones and a metallic finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, cream-like consistency that was dense but not thick, so it “melted” once on the lid and looked very smooth and seamless. It stayed on well for nine hours before fading noticeably.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Givenchy Palette Ors Audacieux #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
MAC Golden Petals Scattering (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Chanel Patine Bronze (840) (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Giorgio Armani Incognito #4 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
Charlotte Tilbury Bejewelled (Seduce Glow Smoke) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
Clionadh Caribou (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
Natasha Denona Palladium (316M) (PiP, $29.00) is warmer (90% similar).
NABLA Cosmetics Archetype (PiP, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
KVD Beauty Copper (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Anastasia Paris (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).

Formula Overview

$6.00/0.06 oz. – $100.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.

Ingredients

Latte

PiPPermanent in Palette. $6.00.

Cuppa Joe

Cuppa Joe is a blackened olive base with warmer bronze pearl and flecks of sparkle that gave it an intense, metallic finish. The texture was soft, slightly more loosely-pressed but not prone to fallout as long as I pressed the product on initially. It had rich pigmentation that wore nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.

FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

ColourPop Daydreamer (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
MAC Bye Bye Bahamas (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
Kaja Tiger’s Eye (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Natasha Denona Glam (333M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Melt Cosmetics Drunk Text (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Dose of Colors Slinky (P, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Chanel Silver Screen (822) (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Touch in Sol Aurora Taupe (7) (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
ColourPop Constrictor (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
NARS Madrid (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).

Formula Overview

$6.00/0.06 oz. – $100.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Sydney Grace Pressed Pigment Shadow swatches.

Ingredients

Cuppa Joe

PiPPermanent in Palette. $6.00.

Source