ColourPop Fairy Well Palette Review & Swatches
Fairy Well
ColourPop Fairy Well 12-Pan Pressed Powder Shadow Palette ($18.00 for 0.3 oz.) is a new, limited edition neutral color story that was designed for Ulta. I find that the palettes created for Ulta can tend to feel like well-tread territory for those who follow the brand’s releases generally. The quality was there; the mattes were a touch powdery but pigmented and blendable, while the shimmers were smooth, easy to use with dry brushes or fingertips, and long-wearing. The palette contained two pressed glitters, though, so those who are wary of those will want to keep that in mind.
Ingredients
Fairy Well
LELimited Edition. $22.00.
Pixie Perf
Pixie Perf is a pale beige with warm, golden undertones and a bright, metallic finish.
- 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).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Frost (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Pop Off (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Clear History (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Mojave Moves (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hillside (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Cosmic (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Play Hard (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mica (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Castaway (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Spores (LE, $20.00) is less 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 āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Pixie Perf
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Fairykin
Fairykin is a light lavender-taupe with cool 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).
Top Dupes
- NARS Charade II (PiP, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Violet Hour (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Sky High (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Fairykin
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Cozy Cabin
Cozy Cabin is a very pale pink with subtle, warm undertones offset by a grayish overtone paired with 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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Say It's True (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Elemental #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Scented Candle (229) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Stranger (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Ciate Toon Kisses (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop R and R (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Unconditional (LE, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Mauve Decade (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Petalette #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop So Bored (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Cozy Cabin
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Lil Orb
Lil Orb is a light, rosy copper with warm undertones and 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).
Top Dupes
- UOMA Beauty Kush (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hoot N Holler (LE, $9.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Guardian Angels (DC, $5.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Push-up (2018) (PiP, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Apres Ski #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Olivia Palermo Desert Sand (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #6 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Basic Instinct (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Lil Orb
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Wood Nymph
Wood Nymph is a light-medium gold with strong, warm orange undertones and a smooth, metallic finish.
- 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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop La Mesa (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Visionaire #1 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Pat McGrath Astral Pink Moon (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- ColourPop Blanc de Blanc (LE, $9.00) 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 āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Wood Nymph
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Into the Forest
Into the Forest is a light-medium copper with strong, warm undertones and flecks of gold and copper glitter throughout. It had a slightly translucent base that was full of plastic (PET) glitter, though the glitter particles were smaller than typical.
Opaque pigmentation
Lightly tacky, moderately emollient
Spread evenly, adhered with minimal fallout
Long-wearing (8 hours with light fallout over time)
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Thrive (LE, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Super Stardust (LE, $6.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Au Team (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- elf Flirty Birdy (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, less pigmented (80% similar).
- MAC Natural Tease (LE, ).
- Charlotte Tilbury Power Eyes (Smoke) (LE, ).
- Natasha Denona Day Spring (PiP, $29.00).
Into the Forest
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Faun Guy
Faun Guy is a deep, coppery-gold with a glittering finish. It had a slightly translucent base chocked full of plastic (PET) glitter, though it was finer than typical and much more opaque as a result.
Opaque pigmentation
Lightly tacky, moderately emollient
Spread evenly, adhered with minimal fallout
Long-wearing (8 hours with light fallout over time)
Top Dupes
- LORAC Meadow (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Push-up (2018) (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Beach Bum (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Snow Bank (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sephora Demanding (31) (P, $9.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Primrose (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Moira Showtime (P, $7.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Intense Rosegold (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia D3 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sunset Chaser (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Faun Guy
LELimited Edition. $6.00.
Pond
Pond is a light, dusty coral with muted, 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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Sprung (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Candy Crush (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Hot Toddy (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Bare with Me (P, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Moira Cashmere Rose (P, $7.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Kaja Smoky Sepia (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Cheek2Cheek (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Labyrinth (P, $4.50) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Dreamboat (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Pond
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Flower Crown
Flower Crown is a light, yellowed brown with 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).
Top Dupes
- Makeup by Mario N7 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Blissed Out (LE, $4.50) is brighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Flower Crown
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Willow
Willow is a deep, desaturated brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and 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).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty First Frost #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Bye Bye Bahamas (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Choc Full (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Constrictor (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Madrid (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Jazzy (454M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Kaja Tiger's Eye (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Jaguar #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Daydreamer (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Nutty 4 U (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Willow
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Folklore
Folklore is a medium-dark, rosy brown with subtle, cool 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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Verse (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Lucky Star #5 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Olivia Palermo Smoky Quartz (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Who (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Kaleidos Crater Grove (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Persona Brave (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Rhythm (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Maca (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Dark Chocolate (P, $5.25) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Palm (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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.
Folklore
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek is a blackened taupe with strong, cool undertones and warmer flecks of gold sparkle over a matte finish (most of them did not seem to translate onto the lid).
- Opaque color coverage
- Soft, smooth, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with, light fallout
- Long-wearing (eight hours is typical of this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Porch Swing (PiP, $5.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Grand Bal #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Sad Girl (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Pony Up (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Dream (LE, $4.50) is darker (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Ur Hot (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Tarte Charcoal Sketch (LE, ).
- MAC Gagging for Gifts (LE, $17.00).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be āhighly pigmentedā with an āultra-velvety and silkyā texture that is ālong-wearingā and āadheres easily to the eyes.ā 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 quite like this neutral leaning palette and if the brand had done its ususal excellent metallic shimmers instead of the PET glitters, then this palette would be all the better for it. It’s a nice one.
Strong agree! I think I like it enough to get it anyway, but metallics in place of the glitters would be much nicer.
I could swear Colourpop made at least a dozen palettes which would dupe this one.
Ok, I admit this palette really looks A LOT like the Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes, in terms of the dynamic range. This palette looks like it will only work on a narrow range of (light) skin tones, like the Ethereal Eyes palette. The Ethereal Eyes palette got terrible ratings, but the main criticism was the lack of dynamic range. The only difference I can see if the length of wear (7hrs vs. 8+ hrs). Am I right to assume, then, that shadows that last 7 hrs vs. 8+ get 2-3 “letters” shaved off their grade? Or is price also a factor here? (I’m not trying to be critical or cast doubt on the rating system…I just want to understand because I really liked the Ethereal Eyes palette until I saw the ratings here, then I took it off my wishlist. I have light skin, so I don’t really care if a palette has a low dynamic range – in fact, I specifically look for that because it means I will use all the colors. I’m wondering if I should look at this ColourPop palette as an alternative.
The rating doesn’t take into account the shade range at all! I would actually say that this is more balanced as it has light, mid-tone, and deep shimmers and mattes with more tonal differences, so they don’t muddy like Ethereal Eyes can!
Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes was prone to fading, had issues with powderiness/blending, and pigmentation was higher than marketed for some shades, so it was rating lower in many different places!
Excellent – that’s all really helpful and good to know! Thanks, Christine!
Iām inclined to put this one in the cart – despite the glitter. I always take the glitter shades out & toss them anyway.
The palette isnāt revolutionary but itās great for travel. I prefer not to take my high end stuff just in case something happens to it. I can use the empty wells to swap in something from another CP palette in my collection.
At least it’s easy to swap out the glitter shades with most of the CP palettes!
I have this and love it! I feel like it is very easy to use, and I have hooded small eyes that can’t handle elaborate shadow looks. I actually used some of the glitter for an evening look on the outside “C” of my browbone/cheekbones and I really liked it for that. I think it’s a great daytime-to-evening palette, my one quibble is that I’m not sure how much the colors would show up on darker skin tones. I’m quite fair and the shades are subtle on me.
This palette could have been a perfect neutral palette if not for those 2 PET glitter shades! Like, I see some gorgeous looks that could have come out of this. But, with 2 glitters, it’s just not for me.
Disappointed. I was really interested in this but not if it has PET glitter! This is why I don’t buy before I see what you have to say about it Christine!
I think Pond, the dusty coral, is a really pretty colour and I also quite like Willow. Iām not at all fond of brown eyeshadow (I have green/gray eyes and browns do zilch for me), but I think the flecks in this shade could bring out depths of eye colour.
Not exactly what I think of when I see the word “fairy,” but it a very pretty neutral palette.