MAC Fall Colour: Eyeshadows

MAC Fall Colour Eyeshadows ($15.00 for 0.05 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 internationall in October. These include: Blue Candy (clean blue), Passionate (real mid-tone red), Royale (clean violet), Shock-a-holic (deep purple), and Three Ring Yellow (yellow green).

• Blue Candy is a bright medium blue; it’s like a really intense sky blue–a little cyan. This has a satin finish. The color payoff was good, and the texture was easy to work with. It reminded me of Urban Decay Clash but bluer. It’s lighter than both MAC Blue Calm and MAC Electric Eel.
• Passionate is a bright pinky-red. This has a matte finish. It’s one of the easiest matte shades to work with by MAC, actually; good color payoff and soft enough to blend but not so soft that it is powdery.
• Royale is a bluish violet with a matte finish. It’s a gorgeous shade, and it’s one that you may find the most inconsistency in how it looks online, because it really messes with cameras. I had the actual pot next to me to ensure the photos I have are as accurate as I can get them. It’s purpler than MAC Atlantic Blue but softer than Inglot #388. It is similar to MAC Cobalt but with infinitely better color payoff and texture (perhaps a touch bluer). It is lighter than NARS Outremer. It has good color payoff and applies well–not too dry or stiff.
• Shock-a-holic is a medium-dark purple with subtle red undertones. This has a satin finish. The closest shade I could think of was Inglot #386, which is slightly redder. While the color payoff is decent, it is dry, so it can skip and look uneven if you aren’t careful.
• Three Ring Yellow is a green-tinged yellow; it’s almost chartreuse but yellower. I imagine this might be the color one would be if they were seasick… This has a veluxe pearl finish (so it’s actually 0.04 oz. of product), which gives it a dense, buttery texture with great color payoff. It is yellower than a lot of potential dupes (think MAC Chartreuse, MAC Double Feature 2, etc.).

First, as you might have noticed, my Passionate is just a pan; mine is actually a depot from whenever it originally launched (I believe it was C-Shock).  None of the five here were problematic at all.  Shock-a-holic was the most finicky, while the other four were nice.  These are really bright, in-your-face kind of shades, and I think those who have longed more for matte or semi-matte finishes will find the answer with these.  The only one that really has noticeable shimmer is Three Ring Yellow.

The Glossover

	MAC Fall Colour Eyeshadows Swatches, Photos, Reviews A-
	If you love bright colors without loads of shimmer, MAC has finally given you something that might be up your alley!
	Product 9/10 Pigmentation 9/10 Texture 9/10 Longevity 10/10 Application 4/5
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MAC Blue Candy Eyeshadow

MAC Blue Candy Eyeshadow

MAC Blue Candy Eyeshadow

MAC Blue Candy Eyeshadow

MAC Blue Candy Eyeshadow

MAC Passionate Eyeshadow

MAC Passionate Eyeshadow

MAC Royale Eyeshadow

MAC Royale Eyeshadow

MAC Royale Eyeshadow

MAC Royale Eyeshadow

MAC Royale Eyeshadow

MAC Shock-a-holic Eyeshadow

MAC Shock-a-holic Eyeshadow

MAC Shock-a-holic Eyeshadow

MAC Shock-a-holic Eyeshadow

MAC Shock-a-holic Eyeshadow

MAC Three Ring Yellow Eyeshadow

MAC Three Ring Yellow Eyeshadow

MAC Three Ring Yellow Eyeshadow

MAC Three Ring Yellow Eyeshadow

MAC Three Ring Yellow Eyeshadow

MAC Eyeshadow Swatches – Reds, Pinks, Oranges

These are swatches only!  I am in the process of re-swatching a ton of products, because the Swatch Gallery is designed so you can compare individual products, so all of the swatches have to be done in a way that each swatch can be photographed and shown individually.  I’m going through various brands, so there is some variety as I journey through it all, but here are fourteen MAC eyeshadow swatches, along with my descriptions of the shades and any notes on performance if it was below average.  Unless noted otherwise, shades are part of the permanent range.

Beauty Marked is a blackened burgundy with multicolored shimmer. It has a velvet finish. It’s also a real pain in the behind to use, because it tends to apply unevenly. A lot of the sparkle doesn’t translate as well on the lid as it does in a swatch.
Cranberry is a berried red with a frost finish.
Post Haste is a pinked red with a Matte2 finish. It has been discontinued. It is slightly darker and redder than Passionate.
Passionate is a raspberry pink with a matte finish.
Sushi Flower is a medium-dark pink with a satin finish. It’s hard to build-up color and applies rather sheer.
Swish is a lilac shimmered pink with a frost finish.
Da Bling is a medium pink with subtle yellow undertones. It has a veluxe pearl finish.
Rose is a mauve-tinged pink with a slightly frosted finish. I have no idea what the official finish is, as it is now discontinued and was only a PRO shade before then (there is nothing on the label of mine that indicates the finish). My guess is frost.
Pen ‘n’ Pink is a pale, pastel pink with a Matte2 finish. It has been discontinued.
Coppering is a rich copper with a veluxe pearl finish.  It is one of MAC’s best-textured eyeshadows.
Red Brick is a dirty orange with a matte finish. It’s darker than Orange.
Expensive Pink is a dirty rose with peach and gold. It has a veluxe finish. It’s one of MAC”s more complex shades.
Free to Be is a coral-pink with a matte finish.
Orange is a medium-dark orange with a matte finish. It is part of the PRO line.

Overall, a few of these are excellent eyeshadows (like Cranberry, Coppering, and Expensive Pink), while some are total duds (Beauty Marked, Sushi Flower). Several of these have matte finishes, and my experience with MAC’s matte formula is they tend to perform infinitely better on the lid than when swatched. They are a drier matte, and they’re not a buttery or powdery formula, so you don’t end up with any fall out or fading, but they can be finicky.

The Glossover

	MAC Eyeshadow Swatches - Reds, Pinks, Oranges B
	The best shades in this bunch are Coppering, Cranberry, and Expensive Pink, but mattes like Orange work so well on the lid that it's worth a look at, too. I would skip Beauty Marked and Sushi Flower.
	Product 8/10 Pigmentation 8/10 Texture 8.5/10 Longevity 10/10 Application 4/5
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MAC Beauty Marked Eyeshadow

MAC Cranberry Eyeshadow

MAC Post Haste Eyeshadow

MAC Passionate Eyeshadow

MAC Sushi Flower Eyeshadow

MAC Swish Eyeshadow

MAC Da Bling Eyeshadow

MAC Rose Eyeshadow

MAC Pen ‘n’ Pink Eyeshadow

MAC Coppering Eyeshadow

MAC Red Brick Eyeshadow

MAC Expensive Pink Eyeshadow

MAC Free to Be Eyeshadow

MAC Orange Eyeshadow

Bright Makeup: Yellow, Pink, & Purple

I felt like playing around a bit last night, so I ended up with this at the end of playtime! Thought I’d share I normally pair this kind of look with bright pink lips, but I thought I’d try something a little more orange, just for fun, so there are two lip combos in this look.

You will need the following…

• Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot (neutral beige base), MAC Golden Lemon Pigment (yellow gold), MAC Goldenrod Eyeshadow (golden yellow), MAC Bright Sunshine Eyeshadow (yellow), MAC Passionate Eyeshadow (dark pink), MAC Beauty Marked Eyeshadow (blackened burgundy), MAC Stars ‘n Rockets Eyeshadow (fuchsia-purple), MAC Femme-fi Eyeshadow (neutral highlighter), MAC Blackline Pearlglide Eyeliner (black with gold), MAC Blacktrack Fluidline (black), MAC Plushlash Mascara (black), MAC Opulash Mascara (black)
• Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140)
• Cheeks: Benefit Sugarbomb Blush (peachy-pink)
• Lips: MAC Morange Lipstick (orange), Chanel Venus Glossimer (sheer pink), NARS Schiap Lipstick (bright pink), Benefit Back to the Fuchsia Ultra Shine Lip Shine (sheer fuchsia)
• Brushes: 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: N/A

For eyes, start by applying Soft Ochre paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. With the 239 and water-based mixing medium (or water), apply Golden Lemon pigment all over the lid area. Using the 239, apply Goldenrod eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply Bright Sunshine eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with Passionate eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. With the 226, apply Beauty Marked eyeshadow into the outer crease, and then gently press Stars ‘n Rockets eyeshadow into the middle of the crease with the 239. Lightly tap and brush Bright Sunshine eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Femme-fi eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Blacktrack fluidline on the upper lash line, Blackline eyeliner on the outer half of the lower lash line and Bright Sunshine eyeshadow lightly patted below the lower lash line with the 219 brush. Finish by sweeping lashes with Opulash and Plushlash mascara.

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

For lips, apply Morange lipstick first, and then layer Venus glossimer for a complementing lip.  or try Schiap lipstick layered with Back to the Fuchsia lip shine.

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Valentine’s Day Makeup: It’s the New Pink

Last night, I asked the late night Twitter crowd if I should do a colorful or natural look — I was originally thinking about doing something soft and natural, but colorful was the voice of the majority, so I ran with it. I thought about it, and I decided I should do some pinks, and then I started feeling like something Barbie might wear, you know, if she was obsessed with makeup and wore color up to her brows…

Since it’s always fun try out different lips, I went with two extremes: hot fuchsia pink and cool-toned pink-purple. I think what you pair it with, lips-wise, is really something that’s about what you feel comfortable in and if it’s appropriate for the occasion. I’d totally wear the hot pink lips out at night — don’t care if it doesn’t follow makeup rules! To tone it down, go for something in-between — light enough so it doesn’t compete with the eyes, but not so light that it washes you out. My go-to for a look like this is Sweetie lipstick topped with Luminary lustreglass, but I wasn’t trying to be subtle with this look, so there ya go. Best part about makeup? It’s fun! Second best part? It washes off

I’m pretty sure I totally rocked this kind of look one Valentine’s Day, so let’s go with that.  I’m almost positive I did the ultra bright, ultra fuchsia, and totally unforgiving hot pink lip on a Valentine’s Day, at least.  You could totally put some awesome false lashes on for even more dramatic eye, too!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot (neutral beige base), (opalescent white-pink), MAC Pink Opal PigmentMAC Seedy Pearl Eyeshadow (pinky-white), MAC Stars ‘n Rockets Eyeshadow (fuchsia-purple), MAC Fig. 1 Eyeshadow (eggplant), MAC Passionate Eyeshadow (medium-deep pink), MAC Penultimate Eyeliner (black), Urban Decay Lust 24/7 Liner (purple), Chanel Exceptionnel Mascara (black)
• Cheeks: Benefit Sugarbomb Powder (peachy-pink) / Illamasqua Kate Blush (cool-toned pink)
• Lips: MAC Show Orchid Lipstick (PRO) (fuchsia-purple), MAC Luminary Lustreglass (opalescent) / MAC Saint Germain Lipstick (cool-toned pink-purple), MAC Luminary Lustreglass (opalescent)
• Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 129 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: Saint Germain = Snob

For eyes, start by applying Soft Ochre paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the lid with the 249. Put one or two drops of water-based mixing medium (or water) on your 239, and then apply Pink Opal pigment on the lid, going just above the crease. Using the 239, apply Seedy Pearl eyeshadow on the lower lid. Next, apply Stars ‘n Rockets eyeshadow on the outer third of the eyelid and lightly blend with crease. Darken the outer third of the lid with Passionate eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Next, define the crease by applying Fig. 1 eyeshadow with the 226. Lightly tap and brush Seedy Pearl eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Seedy Pearl eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Lust Liner on the lower lash line and Penultimate eyeliner on the upper lash line, and then sweeping lashes with Exceptionnel mascara.

For cheeks, apply Benefit Sugarbomb to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116 for a warmer cheek; try Illamasqua Kate for a cooler pink cheek.

For lips, apply Show Orchid lipstick first, and then layer Luminary lustreglass for a bolder lip look. For a paler lip look, try Saint Germain lipstick as a base, and then top with Luminary lustreglass.

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PINK LIPS MAKE YA FEEL SEXYYYYY!

I mentioned last look that the next one would definitely have some color, and I’d say this one certainly does!

I thought I’d show a really cool, pale pink kind of lip with this look (I’m a bit warm-toned for it, IMO, but my boyfriend adores the color — go figure), but also how a brighter pink lip can also work (even though it is heavier).  That’s what’s so fun about makeup:  you can experiment and if you don’t like it, you can change it, remove it, or play around with it.

If I had planned to wear this look out, I likely would have gone for something in-between — maybe Sweetie lipstick and Crystal Rose lipglass. I just thought it’d be cool to show you how much lip color can play a role in the overall look–plus a fun cool-toned lip combo for my cool-toned ladies (and gents!).

You will need the following…

• Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre paint pot (neutral beige base), MAC Pink Pearl Pigment (fuchsia-pink duochrome), MAC Seedy Pearl Eyeshadow (soft pinky-purple), MAC Beautiful Iris Eyeshadow (cool-toned medium purple), MAC Stars ‘n Rockets Eyeshadow (fuchsia-pink duochrome), MAC Fig. 1 Eyeshadow (eggplant), MAC Passionate Eyeshadow (matte deep pink), MAC Femme-fi Eyeshadow (neutral highlighter), Urban Decay Ransom 24/7 Liner (purple), MAC Penultimate Eyeliner (black), MAC Studio Fix Mascara (black)
• Cheeks: MAC Petalpoint Blush (purple-pink), Dior Rose Diamond Skin Shimmer (pink)
• Lips: MAC Saint Germain Lipstick (pink-purple), MAC Icescape Lipglass (icy pink), MAC Style Minx Lipglass (deep hot pink)
• Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 129 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: Femme-fi = Shroom; Petalpoint = Well-Dressed + Plum Foolery; Saint Germain = Snob; Icescape = Luminary

Directions: Start by applying Soft Ochre paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the lid and brow area with the 249. Put one drop of MAC Water-Based Mixing Medium onto a brush like the 239, and then apply Pink Pearl pigment on the lid itself as a colored base. Using the 239, apply Seedy Pearl eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply Beautiful Iris eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with Stars n’ Rockets eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Next, define the crease by applying Fig. 1 eyeshadow with the 226. Add more depth to crease by gently tapping Passionate eyeshadow into the lower crease, just below Fig. 1. Lightly tap and brush Beautiful Iris eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Femme-fi eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Urban Decay Ransom Liner on the lower lash line, blended with Beautiful Iris eyeshadow applied with the 219. Apply Penultimate eyeliner on the upper lash line, and then sweeping lashes with Studio Fix mascara.

For cheeks, apply Petalpoint blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116 and highlight cheekbones with Rose Diamond Skin Shimmer with the 165.

For lips, apply Saint Germain lipstick first, then layer over Icescape lipglass for a pale lip. For more color, try Style Minx lipglass on top.

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With Style Minx layered on top

Build a Quad: “Sunset Style”

There’s one look that I do often, even if the shades themselves are interchangeable, and it’s what I’d call a “sunset eye.” Like it sounds, it includes the colors you might see in a sunset: bright yellows, fiery oranges, coppers, and reds.

This quad includes: MAC Goldmine eyeshadow (bright, true yellow gold), MAC Coppering eyeshadow (a coppery-red bronze), MAC Passionate eyeshadow (matte deep fuchsia-pink), and MAC Rule eyeshadow (a matte lightly burnt orange). If you wanted a more autumnal quad, you could easily swap out Passionate for MAC Antiqued eyeshadow, as well.

A few combinations to try with this…

• Goldmine all over the lid, Rule on the outer lid, Coppering in the crease
• Goldmine on the inner third of the lid, Rule on the middle of the lid, Passionate on the outer lid, Coppering in the crease
• Rule on the inner half of the lid, Passionate on the outer lid, Coppering in the crease
• Goldmine all over the lid, Passionate on the outer lid, Coppering in the crease

A few looks I’ve done that can be replicated with these shades…

• Easy Gold & Orange Holiday Eye
• Frosty Coppery Bronze
• Gold & Copper Sunset
• Gold & Cranberry Look
• Christmas-themed Eyes
• Orange & Pink Look

Build a Quad is a feature focusing on creating different eyeshadow palettes that are both beautiful and functional using permanent shades of eyeshadow. We invite readers to suggest their own build-a-quads — just leave your ideas in the comments! Don’t forget to name your quad!

See swatches…

Goldmine, Rule, Coppering, Passionate, Antiqued