MAC Bloggers’ Obsession: Creation of Jealousy Wakes Eyeshadow
Monday, May 30th, 2011
Revision 3 of Version 1 (Close to final shade)
MAC Bloggers’ Obsession Collection: My Experience
Back in January, MAC reached out to several beauty bloggers about creating and developing their own eyeshadow or lipglass (and to be clear, I receive no compensation whatsoever if you buy the shade I created). We each submitted a shade, along with a name, color description, formula of choice, along with a blurb on the creative concept/inspiration. Here were my original submissions:
Jealousy Wakes Seething emerald green with teal and gold pearl (Veluxe Pearl) (Eyeshadow)
Inspiration: He sees two figures, standing in the dark, bodies touching and lips kissing. Though he sees them clearly, his lantern lighting the way, he goes unnoticed—unseen by two people utterly enthralled in themselves and their love. He sees the strength and beauty of love, and he feels a tightening in his chest. It’s a harsh pull–a devastating tug at his heartstrings–for it is a love he has never known. “Jealousy Wakes” is inspired by the anguish of jealousy—a spark of envy ignited and fueled by fear—translated into a velvety smooth blend of rich emerald kissed by the sparkle of teal finished with a flash of gold.Meet at Midnight Opulent ruby red with gold and copper pearl (Lipglass)
Inspiration: As the darkness settles in, she meets her secret lover for a midnight rendezvous beneath the luminous moonlight and star-filled sky. Heart pounding, cheeks flushed, they kiss with passion and desire as their forbidden love breathes life into the night. “Meet at Midnight” is inspired by a forbidden love that is full of curves and secrets. It’s a deep, decadent ruby that’s shimmered with gold and copper that almost finishes with a metallic sheen.
Ultimately, when it came to thinking up an eyeshadow, it was more about what hasn’t MAC done that I’d like to see done. They have such an extensive permanent range and even wider range of past products. The one color that stuck out to me was emerald green. MAC has done blue, teal, and green, but I could not think of a really great emerald green. The closest being Emerald Green pigment (which, compared to my vision, leaned a little yellow).
For the lipglass, I wanted a really rich, jewel-toned ruby red—something sexy and dark and dramatic but still bright. I was inspired by past great shades of red like Check, Please, Queen’s Sin, and Red Romp. I didn’t want to play it safe with either shade, because I did not want to let my readers down.
(Long-time readers may recognize both shade names, as I took them from a “MAC for Temptalia” collection I made up in honor of April Fool’s Day.)
MAC’s executive team chose Jealousy Wakes as one of the four eyeshadows to be produced from the blogger outreach—I got the “Congratulations!” call in April, and shortly after, traveled to Toronto, Canada with fellow bloggers Aileen, Amber, Karen, Lesley Ellen, Lianne, Lily, Patrice, and Wendy. We toured production facilities and had lunch with the chemists at the Innovation Centre before meeting with our assigned chemist to actually start the development process.
Using my color description of Jealousy Wakes, MAC developed two prototypes: Version 1 was a darker green with flecks of gold and teal, while Version 2 was a yellowed chartreuse with a gold sheen. As pretty as Version 2 was, it was nothing like what I envisioned—though I swear I had a tough time rejecting it outright and told all who would listen that it’s gorgeous and to keep that recipe on file for later!
From me to you: it is really hard to create an ugly green eyeshadow. No, seriously, I think during the hours I spent with the chemists trying to get that exact shade of emerald green I envisioned, we created over twenty variations on that theme. (Quite honestly, I lost track and count of how many pans of possibilities we had on the counter!) It is, however, much more difficult to develop a true emerald green eyeshadow than I ever anticipated.
I wanted the eyeshadow to have a veluxe pearl finish, because I know it is easier to use, more blendable, and often more pigmented than other finishes. I specifically did not want to go with a matte finish, because I didn’t want anyone who purchased it to find it difficult to use (as I know that mattes sometimes have a reputation for being finicky).
To get the vibrancy I wanted out of the emerald green color, you have to increase the amount of flat pigments, but then it would lose the veluxe pearl finish and become more like a satin or matte finished eyeshadow. The other issue was trying to achieve depth without making the color look dirty. Typically, depth is achieved by adding darker colors, like black, but then vibrancy would diminish and the color would look blackened or dirty. Sometimes the green would lean too blue, giving it more of a teal-like appearance, and then other times, it would lean too yellow.
Towards the end of the mixing session (I don’t think anyone anticipated difficulty in creating my vision!), my arms and lab coat were covered in green! I had two chemists who had been working side-by-side for hours along with Nicole Masson (Vice President of Product Development) and Sarah Major (Manager, Product Development) helping me articulate the changes I wanted to see in more standardized language (each term, e.g. payoff, has a standardized meaning to the chemists at MAC—wish we could get that dictionary!). At one point, they even pulled a Pantone book out! I also had them dig out the formula for Emerald Green pigment, which they promptly recreated in eyeshadow form, to compare.
Time was up, and I was a little deflated but still gave the heads up on one of the last versions we came up with. Imagine my surprise when both Nicole and MAC’s PR team pulled me aside to tell me that if I wasn’t happy with the shade that they would keep working on it and would work with me remotely to get it there. I let everything soak in for the next couple of days, and then I did take MAC up on their offer to keep working with it.
I received (the official) Revision 2 of Version 1, and the color was getting there, but I wasn’t happy with the texture—it was almost chunky with silver shimmer. It just didn’t have the smooth, buttery texture (I had briefly told the chemists I wanted it like Freshwater, and they actually remembered and said they’d keep working to get it more like that). Not quite getting the color of my dreams I can live with, but it was (and always will be) very important that anything I attach my name to represents quality. I did not want anyone to buy Jealousy Wakes to support me and find it was lacking in quality. I did not want anyone to be disappointed in me in any aspect—from the color itself to the quality of the formula.
Next, I received Revision 3 of Version 1 and Revision 4 of Version 1. I quickly ruled out Revision 4, because as pretty as it was, it definitely leaned blue and looked more teal than green. The texture was much, much improved from Revision 2, though, and as I said, at some point, my focus moved to ensuring the texture and pay off were there. I finally accepted Revision 3 as the final. I haven’t seen the official final version (from the actual production batch) and won’t until mid-June, but I’m happy with the progression of the shade from inception to finalization. The color shouldn’t change from what I have, though!
It was really quite the journey—I didn’t expect my submission to be selected for production, so it was incredible to actually see it come to fruition. I was impressed by MAC’s commitment to working with me up to the final deadline (and probably even past it) so that I would be excited and happy with the final shade. I am honored and humbled by the experience, and I know so much of it is a result of the loyalty of Temptalia readers and their unending support over the past four and a half years that have made this kind of opportunity a possibility — so thank YOU!
For clarification and in the interest of disclosure, I received NO monetary compensation to create, develop, or promote Jealousy Wakes. I receive NO compensation at all if you purchase Jealousy Wakes when it debuts. MAC paid for travel and hotel expenses for the trip to Toronto, and I received samples of my shade to photograph.
Note: Once I receive the final product, I will be posting it against other green eyeshadows for comparison along with both a bolder and subtler look on how to wear it 
Timing is likely to be mid-June!
See lots and lots of photos!
A few things that inspired the shade…
Just SOME of the many variations we created on the journey!
It’s really hard to make an ugly green…
Version 1!
Version 2!
Version 2 / Version 1 swatched
My chemist at work, writing out formulas
In-lab press
Drop test — to ensure it was pressed properly
I think this was early on in the journey – I don’t yet look weary, LOL!
A few variations
Ahh, the Pantone book is out!
Revision 2 of Version 1 (Not the final shade)
Revision 2 of Version 1 (Not the final shade)
Revision 2 of Version 1 (Not the final shade)
Revision 2 of Version 1 (Not the final shade)
Revision 3 of Version 1 (Close to final shade) / Revision 4 of Version 1
Revision 3 of Version 1 (Close to final shade)
Revision 3 of Version 1 (Close to final shade)
Revision 3 of Version 1 (Close to final shade)
Revision 2, Revision 3 of Version 1 (Close to final shade), Revision 4 (rejected)
Revision 3 of Version 1 (Close to final shade)
OMG revision 2 of version 1 "I die!" (In Rachel Zoe voice) Sooo pretty! I cant get Jealosy Wakes in stores right? Only online? And whats the inspiration behind the "wakes" part of the name?
its pretty but i didnt go crazy over this eyeshadow cause well...its just another green eyeshadow. So i didnt get the whole hoopla about it but congrats to who ever made it =)
I made it - sorry you didn't like it!
I'm so bummed mac was all sold out before I had a chance to even look...
These all look amazing, I love, love LOVE eyeshadow and green is indeed a fab colour! x
11:30 and already sold out :-( FML Love that color!!!!
just order "jealousy wakes"..im super excited!!! congrats
This color is GORGEOUS. I love the different color dimensions in it (referring to the final product). It's so amazing you got to go to their labs and create your visionary shade, what a memory! Congratulations, and I can't wait to go buy this in store :x
I wouldn't have thrown many of those out, Christine. Thanks for the hard work in bringing us something fun and pretty for makeup playtime. When I saw that it was a Veluxe Pearl, I knew that you'd chosen that on purpose.
Christine what kind of degree do you need to work as a makeup chemist?
No idea, sorry!
I am so happy and excited for you! I will definitely be picking one up when it debuts! CONGRATS! You deserved it (:
Beautiful!! Can't wait to purchase! Also, I have been desperate to find a color like Revision 4 for a while...My sister-in-law is getting married and she wants the bridesmaids to have neutral eyes with a pop of color to match their dresses. She was looking over my shoulder and was ecstatic to finally see the exact color she wanted...then really bummed to find out it's not in stores.. Don't suppose you know where we can get that exact color?
I'm so excited. I can't wait for jealousy wakes to go on sale. congrats on your opportunity.
Thank you, Chau!
Christine!! I'm so happy for you! What a thrilling experience that must have been. I loved reading your post about it. I LOVE emerald green and you are right that it's so hard to find a true one. I can't wait for your eye shadow to come out. Congratulations. What an honor! You deserve the recognition too! You're just pure awesomeness lady! ;) :D
Aww, thank you so much, Jennifer!!
I love that color I hope they make enough of it so we all have an opportunity to purchase it. Christine tell them to make an unlimited amount I might even need a backup. I LOVE IT!!!
Thank you, Corliss!
i love love looove reading about your experience and your commitment with getting the perfect shade and texture!
Thank you!! :)
oooooohhh I kind of wished I'd become a chemist that sounds like such an awesome job :)))) I LOVE your close to final shade Christine! cant wait to get it!
Definitely looks fun!
Lol, I think you're set for life now in terms of greens what with all those test versions...
I didn't get to keep them!
Aw, that's a shame - but hey, maybe we'll see them resurrected one day, eh ;)? I realized I didn't actually say congrats, so CONGRATULATIONS :) Right now I'm pretty sold on yours & Hocus Pocus (I love me a good not-blue-toned, not-too-taupe grey). But Evolution Revolution and Nitro:licious look tempting, too...and maybe Sonoran Rain... SOMEONE STOP ME FROM GETTING THEM AAALLLLL
Ha! Thanks :D
Know what I realized today? I leave for the Philippines the day before this launches...and when I get there I'll have limited internet access. Noooooo D:!!
You have no idea how long I have been looking for a shade just like this! I even have the discontinued emerald green that has a terrible texture. I am buying this shade the second it comes out! I hope it comes to the far end of the world I live in though. :\ Is it an international launch?
It's just U.S/Canada unfortunately!
Lab goggles? Huh must be that creating new colors is far more of a dangerous job than I'd have ever thought LOL.....pretty shade of green though. I can't wait for the release of this one. :)
LOL! :)
Love it. want!
Thank you!
Ok now...I'm really feelin' both Version 2 and 3 but that lighter lime green looks kinda like Feeling Lucky which I love!
Thank you, Ellie!
must be great experience making a MAC shade!
Definitely an amazing experience!
;) Jealousy Wakes reminds me of Great Gatsby and the green lantern across the water..to Daisy... it's a beautiful green, truly.
Aww! That is a great concept!
They are all gorgeous!! What's the nail polish you are wearing in the "not weary yet" picture?
Illamasqua Radium!
would it be online just on maccosmetics.com or will it be available in sites like nordstrom or others?
Just on MAC!
I love the color, I'll definitely b checking this out!
Thanks, Kara!
i said to myself, ive hauled enough for the first 6 months of 2011 regardless of my resolution of no makeup and start saving and i should start doing my resolution, but i think im going to break it buying your eyeshadow christine. It looks gorgeous, and the lipglass sounds amazing too, mac should have had a collection created just buy you, im sure it would be sold out within daysss :)
LOL! Thank you so much, Yazmin :D
Oh my goodness! That color is gorgeous! Definately buying it when it comes out!
Thanks again, Jillian!
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