MAC Fall Colour: Pigments

MAC Fall Colour Pigments ($20.00 for 0.15 oz.) include four limited edition shades and one permanent repromote in the MAC Fall Colour Collection, which debuts in North America on September 29th, 2011 and will roll out internationally in October. These include: Blue Storm (rich metallic blue), Emerald Dusk (deep yellow blue with white pearl), Golden Olive (high frosted green-gold), Magenta Madness (intense neon blue-pink), Neo-Orange (intense neon salmon), Starless Night (deep black purple with light purple pearl), Tan (muted pinky brown bronze), and Violet (vivid bright violet purple).

• Blue Storm is a dark navy blue with a purplish tint and silver sparkle. It gets a little darker and more cohesive when used damp as compared to dry. This shade has come out before, and yet I don’t have the original version (I’m at an utter loss as to why). It is similar to Givenchy Lune Mordoree. It’s not as dark as MAC Later.
• Emerald Dusk is grayish blue with green-teal shimmer. When dry, it has a dustier look to it with less sheen, while when used damp, a silvery metallic sheen comes to the forefront. The color is similar to Urban Decay Hijack and Bare Escentuals Vapor.
• Golden Olive is a medium grassy green with a hint of olive but mostly golden shimmer and sheen. This (along with Violet) were some of my very first pigments. I looked through the gallery but didn’t feel anything was very similar (and I couldn’t think of anything).
• Magenta Madness is a neon fuchsia pink. It reads more fuchsia than magenta to me, though I wouldn’t debate you on that ’til the death. This shade is not to be used in the eye area per MAC’s safety insert. Inglot #362 is pinker, while Make Up For Ever #75 is closer but darker. MAC’s Neon pigments take a fair amount of work, and I can see why they’re a pro product. It’s better mixed with other base products (e.g. creams, mixing mediums, etc.) than applied straight to the skin. It has a matte finish, so it ends up looking chalky just swatched dry. The texture is silky soft–very finely milled–but it means it can look patchy when applied damp.
• Neo-Orange is just shy of being a full neon orange. It looks rather dusty and softened when applied dry to the skin. This shade is not to be used in the eye area per MAC’s safety insert. The texture and issues with this shade are the same as Magenta Madness (see above). Make Up For Ever #5 is very close but in an easier format.
• Starless Night is a violet purple over a blackened-purple base with silver and blue sparkle. It does well applied dry (binds together nicely) but takes on a more cohesive look when used damp. It’s similar to MAC Imaginary, if it were over a black base. It also reminds me of a purpler MAC Later.
• Tan is a warm, red-toned medium brown with a gilded champagne shimmer-sheen. It looks more metallic when it is used damp. Wet ‘n’ Wild Comfort Zone and Urban Decay Blaze are similar.
• Violet is a softened violet purple with subtle red undertones and a frosted finish. Like Golden Olive, it was one of my first MAC products. Urban Decay Delinquent is darker. Urban Decay Ecstasy is less red-toned. Inglot #441 is more intense.

I have a soft spot for pigments, personally, as they were the product that made me fall in love with makeup. I prefer them with MAC’s Water-Based Mixing Medium (or 1/3 glycerin + 2/3 water for a DIY version) and have often used them as an eyeshadow base. There are only two new shades here and one more that is a repromote (so perhaps new to some); the rest of the shades are available permanently (Magenta Madness and Neo-Orange only at PRO stores, though currently available online to all!).

If you like pigments, the three new/limited edition shades (Blue Storm, Emerald Dusk, and Starless Night) are good and the latter two are reminiscent of the texture and formula of the Alice + Olivia pigments. The two neon shades (Magenta Madness and Neo-Orange) require more patience and likely better mixed with mediums/bases than alone. Pigments are technically multi-purpose products, which means you can use them on eyes, cheeks, lips, hair, nails, body, etc. (though some shades have safety restrictions). If you’re wondering where one might use the two non-eye safe shades, think cheeks or lips!

According to MAC, pigments “[contain] ingredients to help [them] adhere to the skin … easy to blend and long-lasting.” The way I review products is much, much more transparent to you as well as me (I have over fifty different characteristics I look at, though not all apply to each product). Nowadays, I try to be careful to read exactly how a brand describes their product/formula, because then I know what it’s supposed to do and then can review based on that. As much as I may like pigments, and I’m so used to using them with mixing medium, it’s almost mind-boggling to use them over bare skin!  I’m also surprised MAC doesn’t mention using these wet/damp or with a mixing medium.

The majority of colors do not apply intensely if you use them dry over bare skin. If you dampen the brush with even water, you’ll get a much better result. I also find that if I just use them damp over bare skin, they tend to fade a little (on me) after eight hours or so with minor creasing. I have no trouble with creasing or fading even after twelve hours if I use mixing medium instead of water. I have no problems with wear (whether dry or damp) if I use it over an eyeshadow primer.

The Glossover

	MAC Fall Colour Pigments Swatches, Photos, Reviews B
	What I like about pigments is that they feel like a more finished product than a lot of loose color products do--it doesn't just feel like mica but there is more to it, which is what helps it bind together and wear better.
	Product 8/10 Pigmentation 9/10 Texture 9.5/10 Longevity 8/10 Application 4/5
	Where to Buy
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Blue Storm Pigment

MAC Blue Storm Pigment

MAC Blue Storm Pigment

MAC Emerald Dusk Pigment

MAC Emerald Dusk Pigment

MAC Emerald Dusk Pigment

MAC Golden Olive Pigment

MAC Golden Olive Pigment

MAC Golden Olive Pigment

MAC Magenta Madness Pigment

MAC Magenta Madness Pigment

MAC Magenta Madness Pigment

MAC Neo-Orange Pigment

MAC Neo-Orange Pigment

MAC Neo-Orange Pigment

MAC Starless Night Pigment

MAC Starless Night Pigment

MAC Starless Night Pigment

MAC Tan Pigment

MAC Tan Pigment

MAC Tan Pigment

MAC Violet Pigment

MAC Violet Pigment

MAC Violet Pigment

Look: Warmed-up, Smoked-out Greens

I was in a green mood, so I opted to go for yellow-based greens with a smoky edge!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot (neutral beige base), MAC Golden Olive Pigment (olive green), MAC Goldmine Eyeshadow (true gold), MAC Juxt Eyeshadow (light yellow-green), MAC Humid Eyeshadow (forest green), MAC Femme-Noir Eyeshadow (matte dark green), MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (matte dark green), neutral highlighter), Make Up For Ever #17L Aqua Eye Liner (light green), MAC Feline Kohl Power (black), MAC Plushlash Mascara (black)
• Face: Korres Tinted Moisturizer (#2)
• Cheeks: Dolce & Gabbana Nude Blush (soft beige-pink)
• Lips: MAC Fresh Salmon Lipstick (pinky coral), MAC Gold Dust Lipglass (sheer orange-gold)
• Brushes: 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes:  Femme Noir = Humid + Carbon; Fresh Salmon = See Sheer (lightly); Feline = Graphblack; Gold Dust = Instant Gold

For eyes, start by applying Soft Ochre paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Next, apply a secondary base of Golden Olive pigment on the lid only with water-based mixing medium. Using the 239, apply Goldmine eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply Juxt eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with Humid eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Apply Femme Noir eyeshadow into the outer crease with the 226. Lightly tap and brush Nylon eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Ricepaper eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying #20L eyeliner on the lower lash line and sweeping lashes with Plushlash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Nude blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply Fresh Salmon lipstick first, and then layer Gold Dust lipglass for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!

Summer Makeup: Sunny Grass – Yellow, Chartreuse, and Green

Here’s a fun look for all the green lovers out there!

Oh, you say Lucky Green is not permament? Well, let me fill you in on a little something MAC has slipped under the radar this season… On January 15th, MAC Freestanding stores will have Lucky Green… permanently. Oh, yeah! (I actually have a fairly decent amount of pan showing on my Lucky Green, love it so!)

Along with Lucky Green, PRO shades such as Atlantic Blue and a few additional shades will all be added the permanent eyeshadow range at freestanding stores. I don’t have much more information, but you can expect me to be at MAC first thing on the 15th to purchase one of each! From what readers and artists have told me, all MAC counters will get these shades in, but counters will only have them available until their stock runs out.  It’s pretty much the equivalent of C-Shock in terms of shades — they’re bright, colorful pops of color.  I won’t be able to tell you anything about quality ’til Friday, sorry folks!

Here are the shades:

• Winkle Mid-tone cornflower blue
• Sunny Spot Light acid green yellow
• Lucky Green Frosted mid-tone lime
• Vibrant Grape Bright magenta violet
• Free To Be Bright true coral
• Atlantic Blue Bright violet blue
• Red Brick Orange red
• Goldenrod Bright marigold yellow

You will need the following…

• Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre paint pot (neutral beige base), MAC Golden Olive Pigment (olive green), MAC Bright Sunshine Eyeshadow (PRO) (yellow), MAC Sour Lemon Eyeshadow (PRO) (chartreuse), MAC Lucky Green Eyeshadow (medium spring-y green), MAC Bio Green Eyeshadow (PRO) (medium green), MAC Humid Eyeshadow (forest green), MAC Bottle Green Eyeshadow (PRO) (dark green-teal), MAC Nylon Eyeshadow (golden highlighter), MAC Blacktrack Fluidline (black), Urban Decay Honey 24/7 Liner (gold), Make Up For Ever 20L Aqua Eyes Liner (green-teal), Chanel Exceptionnel Mascara (black)
• Cheeks: MAC Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush (orange)
• Lips: Maybelline Caramel Kiss Lipstick (caramel brown), Guerlain Champagne Pearl (#847) KissKiss Gloss (sheer beige)
• Brushes: 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: Optimistic Orange = Rich Coral CCB

For eyes, start by applying Soft Ochre paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the lid with the 249. With the 239 and water-based mixing medium (or water), apply Golden Olive pigment all over the lid portion. Using the 239, apply Bright Sunshine eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply Lucky Green eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with Bio Green eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Lightly blend Humid eyeshadow, with the 239, on the outer corner and lid. Next, define the crease by applying Bottle Green eyeshadow with the 226. Lightly tap and brush Bright Sunshine eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Nylon eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying #20L eyeliner on the lower waterline, Honey eyeliner on the lower lash line, and Sour Lemon eyeshadow lightly patted below the lower lash line with the 219 brush. Finish by applying Blacktrack fluidline on upper lash line and then sweeping lashes with Exceptionnel mascara.

For cheeks, apply Optimistic Orange cremeblend blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply Caramel Kiss lipstick first, and then layer Champagne Pearl lipgloss for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!

8 Must-Have MAC (Consumer) Pigments

About the Temptalia Must-Haves Series
A series of posts showcasing must-have products from MAC Cosmetics’ permanent line of products. Selections are based on quality, universality, uniqueness amongst the line, and the like. Limited edition shades are deliberately excluded to make buying easier. Readers’ comments act as a supplement to these lists of their favorites and must-haves. You can find the entire series here.

Old Gold pigment is a stunning combination of yellowed green and green-gold mixed together. It’s an interesting mix of green and gold with a little bit of brown. This is a particularly good pigment for those with warmer tones in their skin.

Teal pigment is exactly as it is named — teal. It’s pigmented, smooth, and looks rich on eyes.

Golden Lemon pigment is a bright pop of yellow gold with lots of frost in its finish. It’s not necessarily a product for those who don’t love shimmer/frost in their eye products, but it is one of the best bases to use for gold, orange, and red eyeshadows.

Golden Olive pigment is a gorgeous soft, olive green. It’s smooth in texture, rich in color pay off, and feels soft. If you wear green eyeshdaow often, tihs is an absolute must.

See four more must-have pigments!

Melon pigment is a sunny, peachy-pink combination that can be worn alone, as a base, or to highlight.

Pink Opal pigment is perfect for highlighting and accenting the face, lips, or eyes. It’s one of the most versatile pigment shades, and definitely a favorite of mine.

Violet pigment is a beautiful shade of rich, medium-to-dark purple. It’s not too cool, not too warm–almost neutral–so it is great for all skin tones. Like the other pigments on this list, the product is pigmented and smooth to the touch.]

Vanilla or Naked pigments are superb highlighter/neutral shades to have in your pigment collection. Vanilla tends to work better on cooler skin tones, while Naked works on all skin tones, but it can lean just a touch warm.

Note: This list only considers consumer pigments, so it does not include PRO-only pigments. (There is a separate list for PRO-only pigments.)

What are your favorite pigments?

It’s fun to go back in time and look at how you’ve improved. One thing I really like about looking at looks I did a long time ago is to see what color combinations I used. Sometimes I still find some that I like! Case in point, even though my style has evolved from the presentation in this look, I am digging the this shade of green with the blue — and I like the blue on the waterline. Why didn’t I note what liner I used? Boo @ me. This look is from January 2006, just to give y’all a frame of reference. It’s over three years later, so hey — like I always tell people, practice, practice, practice!

Used: Golden Olive pigment, Lucky Green e/s in inner lid, Swimming e/s in middle of lid, Humid e/s on outer lid, Velvet Moss e/s on outer lid, Deep Truth e/s in crease, Juxt e/s from crease to brow, and Say Yeah! e/s on brow.

See two more close-ups…

What are your weekend plans? Let me live through you vicariously!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: Golden Olive pigment (olive green base), Juxt eyeshadow (pastel green), Sumptuous Olive eyeshadow (olive green), Humid eyeshadow (forest green), Femme Noir (matte dark green), Nylon eyeshadow (frosty white-yellow), Urban Decay Honey 24/7 Liner (white), Plushlash mascara (black)
• Cheeks: NARS Super Orgasm blush (soft peach-pink)
• Lips: Antiquitease lipstick (coppery reddish brown), Moonstone lipglass (sheer peach-pink)
• Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 129 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: Antiquitease = O; Moonstone = Moonstone lipgelee

Directions: Define brows using a coordinating powder shadow applied with the 266 brush. Apply Golden Olive pigment all over the lid as the base with the 249. On the inner lid, apply Juxt eyeshadow using the 239. Apply Sumptuous Olive eyeshadow to the middle of the lid. Darken the outer lid using Humid and drag into crease using the 239. Darken crease with Femme Noir eyeshadow using the 239. Sweep Nylon underneath the brow bone to highlight. Finish with Urban Decay Honey 24/7 Liner on lower lash line, and Plushlash mascara on lashes. Sweep apples of cheeks with Super Orgasm blush using the 129. Apply Antiquitease lipstick to lips, and then top with Moonstone lipglass for color and shine.

Check out more photos!