Taupe (Deep) (2021)
Sydney Grace Taupe (Deep) (2021) Mystery Bag (2021) ($30.00) includes five new eyeshadows and a new highlighter, which are intended to remain the same across all Taupe (Deep) mystery bags, while two to three other products are also included that can vary (my bag contained a cream shadow and a loose glitter, which are both from the permanent range).
The inclusion of two very warm-toned, more orange/copper-bases shades–one eyeshadow and one highlighter–didn’t seem to pair well with the other shades, and they definitely weren’t the kind of hues I’d expect for a ‘taupe’ categorized bag–I know I saw some people voice their disappointment for the outcomes of the taupe bags due to this.
Nevertheless, if the colors are up your alley, regardless of expectations, the products performed well across the board and were consistent with the brand’s past releases in the respective formulas.
The following shades are the same in both the Light and Deep versions of the Taupe mystery bag: Opulence, Eiffel Tower, and Pecan Pie.
- NARS Plato’s (LE, $26.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Star Struck (P, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop The Virgo (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Romantic Voyage #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop OG (LE, $7.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Grounds (P, $5.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Sunset Aura (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Persuade (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Crave (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Versailles
Versailles is a light copper with strong, warm gold shimmer and a metallic finish but had a slightly warmer, more orange base. The texture was more loosely-pressed in the pan, so I’d recommend using a lighter hand when picking up product and then pressing it onto skin to avoid light fallout. It had opaque color coverage that stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop OG (LE, $7.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Star Struck (P, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Stilazzi Bondi (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil d’Hiver #3 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Love Glow (Prime) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NARS Icon (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Cutie Patootie (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Crave (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Fabric (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Tender #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (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.
Opulence
Opulence is a medium-dark taupe with subtle, warm brown undertones and a cooler, almost silvery metallic sheen. The texture was moderately dense, slightly cream-like but not too thick or too firmly-pressed into the pan. The eyeshadow had opaque pigmentation that lasted well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Sydney Grace Somber (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Gray-Brown (38M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Soft Cashmere #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Argente (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Mushroom (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Libra (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Fallen Empire (LE, $6.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Albert (PiP, $6.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME554 Gunmetal (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Chantecaille Triton (P, $34.00) is less 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), 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.
Hazelnut
Hazelnut is a medium, taupe-brown with muted, warm olive undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque color payoff that adhered well to bare skin and blended out with little effort. The texture was soft, smooth, and a touch powdery in the pan but wasn’t prone to fallout or sheering out too readily on the lid. It wore nicely for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- MAC Persuade (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sephora About Last Night (360) (P, $9.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Cult Clastic (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Influential (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Enjoy the Ride (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Clan (PiP, $8.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Robert (Light) (PiP, $5.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Espresso (Light) (PiP, $5.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Give Me Glow Americano (P, $7.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Solar Exposure #4 (LE, ) 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), 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.
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower is a medium-dark taupe-brown with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had rich color coverage in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out well. The texture was a touch firmer than the usual matte shade by the brand, but I had no trouble picking up product or diffusing it as it was still smooth and finely-milled. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop The Virgo (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Grounds (P, $5.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Revelry (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Horizon (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Erotica (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Faux Fur (DC, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Volatile (LE, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Parallax (Deep) (PiP, $5.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Per Se (135CM) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Bearish (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% 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), 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.
Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is a deep taupe-brown with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was slightly thinner and more firmly-pressed into the pan, but it picked up well with a brush and blended out with ease. In practice, it seemed to have more semi-opaque, buildable coverage. 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).
- Dior Romantic Voyage #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Wild Horses (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sad Girl (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Gettin’ Toasty (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC First Class (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Dior Grand Bal #3 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
- Tarte Charcoal Sketch (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Ciate Mecha (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Espresso (Deep) (PiP, $5.00) is darker (85% 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), 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.
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is a rich, medium-dark copper with strong, warm golden shimmer and a metallic finish. The highlighter had rich pigmentation that applied evenly to bare skin and had a very strong, intense shine that bordered on emphasizing my skin’s natural texture when worn at higher coverage. The powder was smooth, lightly creamy, and moderately dense to the point where it buffed well and could have a softer finish when blended out further. It wore nicely for nine hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Artist Couture Sugar Daddy (P, $27.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia 143 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Anastasia Sunset Aura (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Inglot J203 Luminous (LE, $23.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop A Flutter (PiP, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Sol Mate (LE, $28.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Solar Crush (LE, $47.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Notting Hill (LE, $35.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Class Act (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Glow, Baby, Glow (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$9.00/0.25 oz. – $36.00 Per Ounce
The highlighters are supposed to be “smooth and pigmented” that “blend like a dream” and “last all day long.” The majority of the shades in the range are incredibly pigmented with a creaminess to the texture that makes them a cinch to apply and blend out on my skin.
I was most impressed by how soft, almost cream-like the powders were, yet they weren’t too loosely-pressed nor were they prone to powderiness. Some of the finishes are very metallic or frosted, so when worn at semi-opaque or higher coverage levels, they can emphasize my skin’s natural texture slightly. They have worn between eight and nine hours on me.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Highlighter 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.
Jeanette
Jeanette is a muted, medium-dark plum with subtle, cool undertones and a cream finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a smooth, non-sticky consistency that spread evenly across my lips and was comfortable to wear. It stayed on well for four and a half hours and was hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- NARS Plato’s (LE, $26.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Saucy Little Thing (P, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Mississippi (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Plum Bite (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC At Your Best You Are (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (85% similar).
- Jouer Bond (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Rebel (P, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Maybelline Obsessed (P, $7.99) is cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Promise (LE, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Smashbox Crush It (P, $24.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$10.00/0.15 oz. – $66.67 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a “cross between a lipgloss and a lipstick” that is “moisturizing.” The brand recommends using a lip liner with darker colors. It had the coverage of a lipstick with more of the feel and application of a lipgloss in my experience.
The majority of the shades have good opacity and are near-to or full coverage, which go on with minimal to no streaking but a few shades settled into my deeper lip lines more noticeably. The texture was more light-medium in thickness with moderate tackiness, and while not heavy, it was a heavier gloss than most on the market currently. It has a very smooth feel as it goes on, and it was comfortable to wear, hydration, and lasted longer than the average gloss–five to six hours.
Browse all of our Sydney Grace Lip Cream swatches.
Ingredients
Lanolin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Polyamide-3, Fragrance Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, and Hexylene Glycol ((+/- Titanium Dioxide (77891), Iron Oxide (CI 77499, 77491, 77492), Tin Oxide (CI 778161), FD&C Blue #1, D&C Orange 5, D&C Red 7, D&C Red 21, D&C Red 27, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6, D&C Yellow 10))
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.