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5 Great Matte Brown Eyeshadows

On the opposite end of the finish spectrum, let’s take a look at some matte browns! I was hoping to pull in a cooler-toned option or two, but they, unfortunately, tend to be under-performers compared to warmer browns in my experience. We need more cool-toned browns.

  1. MAC Omega
  2. Laura Mercier Truffle
  3. Makeup Geek Cocoa Bear
  4. MAC Soft Brown
  5. Buxom Big Spender

See side-by-side swatches!

37 Comments

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Erica Avatar

You’re not an idiot Christine. It’s merely an oversight. I have yet to see anything from Mac explicitly telling customers the PLW e/s are discontinued. Personally, MUFE, the Kat Von D metallics and Colour pop eyeshadows have me distracted anyway lol.

Traycie Avatar

Mac Uninterupted is no longer available. Rumor, they may bring it back in a smaller pan or for limited editions. Mac discontinued most of their larger panned eye shadows

Erin Avatar

They discontinued all PLW eye shadows over the summer! Honestly though, they weren’t the best sellers. Even Uninterrupted- as artists at the counter we went crazy over it, but customers thought it was a bit much and typically opted for shades like Cork, Soft Brown, Soba… It’s been a long time since MAC added to their permanent line-up of eyeshadows, even though they’ve slowly been discontinuing shades(Seedy Pearl, several Matte^2 shades, Brown Down, Sunny Spot…)- hopefully a refresh is coming soon!

Mariella Avatar

They very quietly got rid of all the Pro Longwear shadows, of which I think Uninterrupted was one. I couldn’t believe it. I think maybe because the pans were so large (and the price larger too and then the need for the specialized palette), they weren’t the most rapid sellers. I’m hoping they bring them back as regular sized shadows (with scaled down prices to match) AND bring back Fresh Flare while they’re at it!

Nancy T Avatar

MAC Soft Brown is one of my HG transition shades, so glad to see it make the list! My other is also by MAC, Kid. Another MAC matte brown that I love is Brown Script, which reminds me a lot of MUG Cocoa Bear.
And then, of course, is that MUFE shade I’ve had on my list ever since I first swatched it and read your review: M600 Pink Brown!

Carolyn Adams Avatar

Thanks! Browns tend to turn purply on me – really needing a deep brown that stays brown – that Laura M one looks interesting. You’re right we need a cool brown ! 🙂

Katherine T. Avatar

Us cool-toned gals always seem to be getting the short end of the stick when it comes to matte browns, neutral palettes, and contour shades! I usually have to warm up my face with some peachy blush/lipstick and WNW Reserve Your Cabana powder before I can pull off some of the warmer colors, otherwise, they can look weird on me. I see a big opportunity for companies that can tackle this need for cooler colors……

Phoebe Avatar

MAC Copperplate is my favourite matte brown ever, I can blend it with so many other eyeshadows and it has a smooth, non-dry texture. It is also cool toned so looks natural against the skin and is good for darkening the outer V for daytime looks.

Erica Avatar

I totally agree with you Christine, we need more cool toned browns. I have a neutral undertone and I like cool toned shades in the winter. My faves are already mentioned by others esp. Mac’s Soft Brown, Cork ,Texture and Uninterrupted. I picked up a load of Mac’s PLW e/s at my local CCO this summer, and I suspected something wicked was on the horizon. I also like UD Naked and Buck e/s and Bobbi Brown’s Camel.

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