Sigma Beauty Cor-de-Rosa Eyeshadow Palette Review November 12, 2020
According to Juliet Capulet, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Name and packaging aside, is the Sigma Beauty Cor-de-Rosa Eyeshadow Palette just like any other warm-toned eyeshadow palette? Keep reading for my honest thoughts on this rose-themed eyeshadow palette.
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A Little About the Brand
Dr. Simone Xavier and Rene Xavier Filho, a molecular bacteriologist and civil engineer, respectively, founded Sigma Beauty in 2009. In fact, the brand relies heavily on their founders’ science-driven background.
The capital Greek letter Sigma is a mathematical symbol that means ‘sum’ or ‘the addition of several variables’. With our background in science and engineering, we wanted a name that would summarize the core values of the company we created, the things that set us apart. Quality + Function + Innovation = Sigma Beauty.
Dr. Simone Xavier, Chief Creative Office & Co-Founder of Sigma Beauty
Sigma Beauty creates a range of brushes, cleansers, and makeup. However, the brand is most well-known for their high-quality synthetic brushes. Also, the brand’s brushes are 100% Vegan. Additionally, each brush comes with a free 2-year warranty!Finally, Sigma Beauty is a Brazilian-owned, indie beauty brand.

Sigma Beauty Cor-de-Rosa Eyeshadow Palette Claims
Read what Sigma says about the Cor-de-Rosa Eyeshadow Palette:
Blossom in beauty with this bouquet of warm matte, shimmer and metallic shades. Inspired by our best-selling Aura Powder Blush, Cor-de-Rosa, this palette epitomizes the beauty, love and joy of roses. Cor-de-Rosa, meaning “color of the rose,” features 14 eyeshadows in buildable, blendable formulas and a dual-ended brush for looks that embody classic elegance.
More specifically, this palette contains 9 mattes, 3 shimmers, and two metallics.
Matte | Metallic | Shimmer |
Veranda (malted milk) | High Society (vibrant marmalade) | Bell of the Ball (beige) |
Damask (soft pomegranate) | Dark Night (wild maroon) | Sunsprite (bright marigold) |
Shakespeare (dramatic maroon) | Campfire (warm sandstone) | |
Bare Root (dark umber) | ||
Medallion (russet brown) | ||
Summer Song (burnt orange) | ||
Cor-de-Rosa (earthy rose) | ||
Apricot (muted honey) | ||
Hybrid (pinky orange) |
Packaging & Price
Without a doubt, the Cor-de-Rosa Palette is one of the prettiest palettes I’ve laid my eyes on. This 14-pan palette comes in peachy-coral cardboard packaging. The outer design features an intricate rose detailing on the front.
However, despite being made of cardboard, the palette feels ultra-luxe. In fact, this palette feels more weighted than some of my luxury palettes. Inside the palette, there is a large mirror.
Also, below each shadow is a clear label. Each shade in the palette features the brand name imprinted in the pan. Additionally, the shade Cor-de-Rosa features a stunning rose design imprint.
I typically complain about the double-sided brushes that come inside many prestige eyeshadow palettes. However, given that Sigma makes brushes, I am happy to receive a double ended brush. One end of the brush features the brand’s E38 Diffused Crease Brush, while the other end features the E54 Medium Sweeper.
Finally, the Cor-de-Rosa Palette retails for $49.00. At 16.24 grams, the unit cost is roughly $3.02 per gram. To note, the full-size brushes would cost $33.00 alone. Therefore, at $49.00 buyers are getting a really great deal.
Is Sigma Beauty Cruelty Free & Vegan?
The Cor-de-Rosa Eyeshadow Palette from Sigma is Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, and Lactose-Free. Although all Sigma Beauty brushes are Vegan, the Cor-de-Rosa Palette is not Vegan. A number of the shades contain Carmine. The non-Vegan shades within the palette are Veranda, Damask, Shakespeare, Bare Root, Medallion, Summer Song, Cor-de-Rosa, and Hybrid.
With the above said, Sigma aims to slowly transition all of their makeup formulas. The brand aims to be 100% Vegan in the near future. To note, the palette is talc-free.
RELATED: Check out my ultimate roundup of affordable Cruelty-Free brands.

Is Sigma Beauty Clean?
Like many popular makeup and skincare brands, Sigma is placing a greater emphasize on providing consumers with clean beauty products. Similar to Sephora, the brand notes which makeup products they consider “clean” on their website. In fact, the brand even has a “clean” seal. Wen a customer sees the clean seal on the Sigma website, it means that the product is free from:
Sigma’s “Bad” List
Acetone | Synthetic Fragrances or Parfum | Octinoxate | Isopropyl Myristate |
Acetonetrile | Talc* | Oxybenzone | Lanolin |
Acrylamides | Animal Oils/Musks/Fats | Cadmium | Lead + Lead Acetate |
Acrylates | Beeswax* | Carbon Black | Lecithin |
Benzoisothiazolinone | Benzene | Carmine* | Mercury + Mercury Compounds (Thimerosal) |
Hydroquinone | Benzyl Alcohol | Coal Tar | Methlycellosolve + Methyloxyethanol |
Latex | Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) | Cyclic Silicones | Nanomaterials or Nanoparticles |
Methylene chloride, DCM or Dichloromethane | Beeswax* | Ethanolamine (ETA) Compounds | Palmitic Acid |
Petrochemicals | Bisphenol (BPA) | Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) | Panthenol |
Resorcinol | Butoxyethanol | Acetaldehyde | Perfluorooctanic Acid (PFOA) |
Retinyl Palmitate | Casein | Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate | Phthalates |
Retinyl Palmitate | Avobenzone | Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) | Polyethylene |
Synthetic Flavors | Benzophenone + derivatives | Glyceryl Stearate | Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) + PEG Compounds |
Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) | Formaldehyde formaldehyde donors, or formaldehyde-releasing agents | Phenoxyethanol* | Propylene Glycol + Derivatives* |
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) | Methylchloroisothiazolinone or methylisothiazolinone | Quaternium-15, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride | Squalane |
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)* | Parabens | Triclosan (TSC), triclocarban (TCC) | Stearic Acid |
Styrenes | Bromostyrene | Sodium styrene/divinylbenzene copolymer* | Styrene Oxide |
Suflates + Sulfate-Based Detergents | DEA-styrene/acrylates/divinylbenzene copolymer* | Styrene | Ammonium Laureth Sulfate |
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate | Selenium Sulfide | Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) |
Toluene |
I am not 100% sold on the core beliefs of some clean beauty advocates. However, I appreciate that Sigma takes the time to explain what ingredients they ban. Additionally, they provide a note briefly explaining the way the ingredients are used in cosmetics. Then, they clarify WHY the brand bans them. Nevertheless, I disagree with many of Sigma’s reasons for banning certain ingredients.
My Issues with Sigma’s “Banned” Ingredients
In many cases, the Sigma bans certain ingredients due to potential environmental concerns, non-Vegan sources, or potential irritation concerns. With that being said, there are many safe ingredients that Sigma “bans.”
Also, they ban a lot skincare ingredients. As a makeup brand, they are unlikely to use these in their makeup or brushes. For example, ingredients like BHAs, Panthenol, and Squalane are typically used in skincare.
Lazy Reasoning
First, it is bizarre to see so many ingredients “banned” because they may not be Vegan. To be clear, I am not against moving towards Vegan formulas. However, I am against banning ingredients that CAN be sourced from plants.
With that said, there are Vegan sources for quite a few of the banned ingredients on Sigma’s list. Therefore, to include these otherwise “safe” ingredients in this roundup feels lazy, irresponsible and misleading.
For example, Panthenol is a widely-known skin-soothing ingredient. In fact, Panthenol is wonderful for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Sigma claims that this ingredient may not be Vegan. However, Panthenol can be sourced from plants. Read my review of IOPE’s Derma-Gentle Cica Cream for an example of a plant-based product with panthenol. Similarly, brands such as Biossance safely source plant-based Squalane.
With the above said, if I didn’t already know that I enjoy Sigma’s brushes and formulas, this list of ”banned” ingredients would likely turn me off.
Demonizing Safe Ingredients
I enjoy many clean makeup and clean skincare brands. However, I do not enjoy them simply because they label themselves “clean.” Many of these brands create effective products and promote sustainability or conscious consumerism missions.
Nevertheless, I am weary of the demonization of otherwise cosmetically safe ingredients. Moreover, nearly all ingredients have the potential to cause irritation or an allergic reaction. The dosage that is taken or applied often influences its potential as an irritant.

Ingredient Analysis
Normally, I share the top-10 ingredients in the products I review. However, eyeshadow formulas vary from shade to shade. First, I share 5 of the most common ingredients used in the matte shadows. Next, I share the 5 most common ingredients in the shimmer/metallic shadows.
Matte Shadows
Ingredient | Makeup Benefits |
Mica | Mica is a naturally occurring mineral dust used in makeup for its shimmery effect. However, there are ethical concerns regarding Mica mining. |
Nylon-12 | A powder substance used to enhance texture. Also, provides mattifying properties when used in high amounts. |
Magnesium Stearate | When used in eyeshadow, this ingredient helps to mica in formulas to better adhere to each other. |
Silica | May act as a thickening or absorption agent. Also, may be used to help pigment distribute more evenly. |
Dimethicone | A silicone-based ingredient that is used to give products a smooth, silky feel. |
Metallic & Shimmer Shadows
Ingredient | Makeup Benefits |
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite | An ingredient that acts as a bulking agent in cosmetic formulas. |
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 | An alternative to lanolin used as a skin conditioner or emollient. |
Caprlyl Methicone | An easy to spread silicone fluid that provides a smooth, silky feeling to products. |
Mica | See above chart |
Dimethicone | See above chart |
Product Swatches
As always, swatches are not a perfect indicator of quality. However, swatches provide clues about a product’s color payoff and ability to blend. The below swatches were done using my fingers on a bare arm. No primer.


It is ironic that the shade High Society‘s description is ‘vibrant marmalade.’ More specifically, it is shocking how lackluster this looked. In fact, this shade formed hardpan within two applications. As a result, High Society felt difficult to apply and the color payoff looked non-existent. Despite my easy method for removing hardpan, I still needed to take a spatula to scrape the shadow.
Aside from High Society, no other shades in the palette felt difficult to swatch. Overall, the beige shimmer, Belle of the Ball, looked the most breathtaking. Contrary to the bland description, this shade produced a wet-like shimmer. Moreover, the blue-green reflects in the shimmer particles truly dazzle.
Overall, the mattes in the palette felt soft and creamy. However, the shade Cor-de-Rosa swatched the best. Also, color-wise, this shade is my favorite matte. See the below chart for all of the shade descriptions.
Application & Wear-Time
Overall, the performance of the Cor-de-Rosa Palette impressed me. The matte shadows felt quite creamy and pigmented. Although they produced kickback in the pan, I didn’t notice a ton of fallout on my face. Moreover, the mattes blended in the crease with ease. Also, the mattes felt easy to sweep on the lids or pack onto the outer corder of the eyelids.
However, the shimmer and metallic formula varied. Again, the shade Belle of the Ball impressed. The wet-looking sheen mesmerized. In contrast, High Society looked as dull as humanly possible.
As a whole, the metallic and shimmer shades applied best with a finger. Nevertheless, brush application still works. When applied with a brush, the shimmers looked almost satin.
Additionally, I noticed that Dark Night emphasized some texture on my eyelids when looking up close in a mirror. However, the texture looked normal from afar. Therefore, individuals with textured or crepe-like eyelids may want to take note.
Finally, the wear-time of the Cor-de-Rosa felt standard. When worn over an eyeshadow primer, these shadows lasted 10-12 hours on my eyelids. I experienced no noticeable signs of fading, creasing, or smudging.
Cor de Rosa Demo Look


In the above look, I created a soft, smokey halo eye using the terra-cotta and golden tones in the palette. And I won’t lie – I thought about touching up my skin texture a little bit and removing the ”friend” right above my lip. But, honestly, skin texture is a thing. Let’s try to normalize seeing ‘real’ texture.
Where is the Sigma Beauty Cor-de-Rosa Palette sold?
Buyers can purchase the Cor-de-Rosa Palette on the Sigma Beauty website.

Final Thoughts on the Sigma Beauty Cor-de-Rosa Palette
Overall, I am obsessed with the Sigma Beauty Cor-de-Rosa Palette. Is this the most unique eyeshadow palette? No. It is a classic, warm-toned neutral palette. However, I love the beautiful, warm coral and red color story.
Also, aside from the shade High Society, these shadows are easy to apply. It is perfect for creating simple “everyday” looks or dramatic glam. As a whole, many beauty lovers sleep on Sigma’s makeup products when they deserve way more hype.
Given how frequently Sigma holds 30-40% Off sales, I feel confident recommending this palette to anyone who loves the color story and wants to try the brand. P.S. the normal brush prices, alone, make this palette a major steal.
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What do you think about the Sigma Beauty Cor-de-Rosa Palette? Have you tried any Sigma makeup or brushes? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Great review. This palette is beautiful 😍
Truly such a stunner & way underrated!
Agreed! Not to sure why nobody speaks of Sigma anymore aside from their brushes?
The look you created 😍😍😍 This palette is so beautiful, I’ve never tried anything from them but these colours are right up my alley, you know XD
Ooooh I haven’t heard of Sigma Beauty before but love that these two came together to make a makeup brand! I mean I trust the doctor. This is a good combo too! Wow, they don’t mess around with the palette pricing! Love that this is even lactose-free too. Haven’t heard of that! Love the range of shades from the palette. You look great with them! Glad you enjoyed it!
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
I loved reading your review of this. In fact I loved it so much, that I just purchased the palette on Beauty Bay’s 30% off sale lol. I couldn’t help myself. The colour story spoke to me ever since I first laid eyes on it and your review has cemented that I definitely needed to purchase this palette
This palette is so underrated and beautiful! I have to admit that it’s now laying around catching dust in my drawer too but I have to pick it up again because it’s stunning.
I like the colours they definitely look really pretty but I agree with what you said about the ingredients. I have seen quite a few companies ban ingredients without looking more into them and as you said there are so many vegan alternatives these days. I think brands like banning stuff and sounding like they’re clean since a lot of people are looking for that but I think it’s not always scientific or real when you look more into it as you did with the ingredients.