ColourPop What the Shell Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
What the Shell
ColourPop What the Shell 9-Pan Shadow Palette (Plastic) ($12.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition nine-pan palette that included a mix of powder and cream-to-powder eyeshadows across matte and shimmer finishes. I felt like the quality was lower than is typical for ColourPop, as the mattes were a little more powdery and prone to fallout and the shimmers were harder to use with a dry brush.
Ingredients
I Sea U
I Sea U has a sheer base (as intended by the brand) with champagne gold and warmer gold shimmer and sparkle throughout.
- Sheer pigmentation
- Smooth but firmly packed into pan
- Best applied with fingertip
- Long-wearing (10 hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Salton (LE, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Absolution (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Dune #3 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Auric Entice (Powder) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Ranavalona (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 102 White Gold (P, $26.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Honey Drip (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Oh-Zone (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Protocol (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- MAC It’s About Shine (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. – $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
I Sea U
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Washed Up
Washed Up is a light, peachy orange with strong, warm yellow undertones and a matte finish with sparkle throughout that resulted mostly in fallout.
- Opaque color coverage
- Lightly powdery, sparkle did not adhere well
- Blendable, sparkle fallout
- Long-wearing (eight hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Tease Me (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Desert Fox #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Melt (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop What’s Your Sign (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- LORAC Butterscotch (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Desert Sand (PiP, ) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- Smashbox Vanilla (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Camel (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop No Worries (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- ColourPop Fave Things (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. – $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Sexy Back
Sexy Back has a sheer base (as intended by the brand) with a shimmer that shifted from pink to peach along with larger flecks of micro-sparkle.
- Sheer pigmentation
- Smooth but firmly packed into pan
- Best applied with fingertip
- Long-wearing (10 hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Sage Bundle (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Hyperdrive (LE, $4.50) is warmer (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Tini Kini (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Close to You (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
- Tarte Wild at Heart (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop New Magic (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar).
These are likely to be very similar shades based on our duping algorithm.
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.07 oz. – $85.71 Per Ounce
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow is a cream-based formula that comes in a multitude of shades and finishes. The more metallic shades have the most slip to them (they have a “wetter” feel), while the more matte ones have a firmer, more clay-like consistency. Almost every shade I’ve tried from ColourPop has been exceptionally long-wearing (10+ hours of wear, usually there until I remove, even 14 hours later). The pigmentation can vary from shade to shade, but the average shade is quite pigmented.
From feedback I’ve seen from readers, many love them but some don’t like them at all. They aren’t a traditional cream eyeshadow, as they are denser (more sponge-like), and they apply best with flat, firm, synthetic brushes (I like the MAC 242 and 249) for me. The brand recommends using fingers for the most pigmented application, but I’ve only felt that fingers were necessary on a few shades (usually the super glittery ones).
The more matte shades can be on the drier side and vary from medium to opaque in coverage, though they’re often buildable. They can be a little hard to diffuse the edges of, though some are lovely to work with.
The more glittery shades have been the weakest to me, as they can be sheerer or harder to apply. Sometimes, they are more pigmented and work like the other finishes in the formula, but often, they are sheerer and only function well patted on top of more pigmented eyeshadows to add glitter. They do, however, tend to have little fallout over time with the occasional shade having a more moderate amount of fallout (but still less fallout than most powder eyeshadows with glitter).
Browse all of our ColourPop Super Shock Shadow swatches.
Served
Served is a medium orange with moderate, warm undertones and a pearly sheen.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, moderately emollient consistency without being too dense
- Picked up readily with dry brush, blended out well
- Long-wearing (eight hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- MAC Suspiciously Sweet (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Viseart Coy #3 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Siren #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cameo (P, $5.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Chirp (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Birthday Treat (LE, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Short Cake (DC, $6.99) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Diver (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Viseart Grenadine (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. – $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Served
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Check Urself
Check Urself is a medium-dark, rosy brown with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Emollient to touch, powder-like on drydown
- Blended out well
- Long-wearing (10 hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Fishnets (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Hippocritical (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Cuivre Rose (927) (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Smokey Eyes are Forever Confident Eyes Prime (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Night Moves (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Fire Rose (Prime) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Prowl (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Magic Moment (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Beverly Chillz (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$6.00/0.07 oz. – $85.71 Per Ounce
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow is a cream-based formula that comes in a multitude of shades and finishes. The more metallic shades have the most slip to them (they have a “wetter” feel), while the more matte ones have a firmer, more clay-like consistency. Almost every shade I’ve tried from ColourPop has been exceptionally long-wearing (10+ hours of wear, usually there until I remove, even 14 hours later). The pigmentation can vary from shade to shade, but the average shade is quite pigmented.
From feedback I’ve seen from readers, many love them but some don’t like them at all. They aren’t a traditional cream eyeshadow, as they are denser (more sponge-like), and they apply best with flat, firm, synthetic brushes (I like the MAC 242 and 249) for me. The brand recommends using fingers for the most pigmented application, but I’ve only felt that fingers were necessary on a few shades (usually the super glittery ones).
The more matte shades can be on the drier side and vary from medium to opaque in coverage, though they’re often buildable. They can be a little hard to diffuse the edges of, though some are lovely to work with.
The more glittery shades have been the weakest to me, as they can be sheerer or harder to apply. Sometimes, they are more pigmented and work like the other finishes in the formula, but often, they are sheerer and only function well patted on top of more pigmented eyeshadows to add glitter. They do, however, tend to have little fallout over time with the occasional shade having a more moderate amount of fallout (but still less fallout than most powder eyeshadows with glitter).
Browse all of our ColourPop Super Shock Shadow swatches.
Exist
Exist is a bright pop of medium pink with cooler undertones and warmer, contrasting gold shimmer that gave it a metallic sheen.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, moderately emollient consistency without being too dense
- Picked up readily with dry brush, blended out well
- Long-wearing (eight hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Anastasia D4 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Chakra to Me (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Chant (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Six in the City (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Mali (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Winged (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Strawberry (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Evoke (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. – $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing.” The way the Pressed Pigments differ is that they’re not intended for usage on the immediate eye area.
The majority of the shades are semi-opaque to opaque in coverage, blend out fairly well, and can sometimes be a bit drier/more powdery compared to typical matte shades. They often wear eight to nine hours on me before fading, but many shades in the Pressed Pigment family leave some staining behind.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Pigment swatches.
product is “not intended for use in the immediate eye area.” Brands in the US typically market these
products as “Pigments” (instead of “Eyeshadow”), and there is often a warning on the back of packaging or
the label. The product includes color additives that are not approved for usage on the eyes per the
FDA.
Some color additives in “Pigments” have no usage restrictions in the EU, per CosIng, and can be used on the
eyes. We recommend checking ingredients to confirm current safety assessment/restrictions:
FDA/CosIng.
Exist
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Made U Smile
Made U Smile is a light, peachy orange with muted, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Mostly opaque color coverage
- Soft, smooth, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Desk Eyes (Prime) (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Bonjour (PiP, $8.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Gnarly (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Ace Beaute Gardenia (DC, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Roleplay (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Wet ‘n’ Wild VI Purple #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Hourglass Neutral Peach (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Sephora Biscotti (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Cake Batter (LE, $16.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Too Faced Muffin Top (LE, $16.00) is lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. – $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Swim In
Swim In is a deep, reddish-coral with subtle, warm undertones and a sparkles-over-matte kind of finish where the sparkles resulted in fallout and little that adhered to the lid.
- Opaque color coverage
- Lightly powdery, sparkle did not adhere well
- Blendable, sparkle fallout
- Long-wearing (eight hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Pretender (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sephora Ruby (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Take a Gander (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Unbothered (PiP, $6.99) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Cherry Stem (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hey Girl (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Blow (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Glaminatrix Darling (P, $7.30) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Ganache (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nude Rich #5 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. – $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Swim In
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Miss Da Beach
Miss Da Beach is a dark brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque color coverage
- Soft, smooth, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
- ColourPop Blink (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop First Mate (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tag Me (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Fur (P, $4.50) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Piece Out (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Bask (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. – $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.