MAC 70's Sunset Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches
70's Sunset
MAC 70’s Sunset Eyeshadow Quad ($33.00 for 0.19 oz.) is new, limited edition palette that releases March 15th online and at select stores. The shades were very spring-like to me–muted but not totally washed out–and I could see some really enjoying it, but it wasn’t the best with respect to quality as the two mattes were rather powdery and required primer and/or significant layering for true-to-pan coverage.
70's Sunset
LELimited Edition. $33.00.
Sand and Clay
Sand and Clay is a light, peachy brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage in a single layer, which was somewhat buildable but required a primer for full opacity. The consistency was lightly powdery, soft to the touch, and blendable on my lid. The eyeshadow started to fade on me after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Nude Rose (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia Birkin (P, $12.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Tete-a-Tint (P, $17.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- Kat Von D Fawn (Base) (LE, ) (95% similar).
- MAC Kid (P, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Granted (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Hot Gossip (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Morphe M.F.E.O. (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Layin' Low (DC, $18.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Buffed (LE, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Sand and Clay
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
All's Rosy
All’s Rosy is a muted, medium-dark mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer pigmentation that was buildable to semi-opaque coverage. The texture was dusty and a bit thin, which made it messier to work with and harder to build up to full coverage. It seemed to blend out just fine, though. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (DC, $21.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Foxglove (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Smashbox Nirvana (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Tarte Stained Glass (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Going Steady (P, $4.50) is darker (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Ladyship (P, $6.99) is cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Mauve (LE, ) is brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Clionadh Wildberry (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Too Faced Wrap It Up (LE, $16.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
All's Rosy
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Mumtaz
Mumtaz is a medium-dark plum with warm undertones and a pearl finish. The eyeshadow was richly pigmented and had a smooth, slightly firm texture that was blendable and easy to control on the lid (no fallout, I could get more or less without a mess). It lasted for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Caravaggio #2 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Nocturnelle (DC, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Stila Sangria (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Cosmic (275) (LE, $32.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Morning After (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Hidden Motive (LE, $17.00) is brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Brazenly (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Lit (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Amnesia (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Livin' Lavish (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Mumtaz
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a light, chartreuse green with warm, yellow undertones and a frosted sheen. The color payoff was opaque, while the texture was a touch dry, it was still blendable and easy enough to work with (but it could sheer out a bit without primer underneath it). The eyeshadow stayed on well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever D316 Crystalline Pinky Green (DC, $21.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Nest Egg (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Cle de Peau Champagne Supernova #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC 2 Dozen and One Greyhounds (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC In the Meadow #3 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarina Tarantino Secret Pond (DC, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Sage (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Acid Rain (LE, $19.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I330 Linden Green (DC, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Citrine (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Love the color selection but wish the green was more opaque! Will have to see this in person and decide
The top 2 are shades I just never use but I’m glad to see that Mumtaz scored so well because purple shades are often difficult to get right. I love Cardamom too (the spice and the colour of the shadow) but with only 50% of this quad being right for me, I think I will try to find dupes. Mind you, if this is available at my MAC store (I see it’s “selected stores” and mine didn’t get the Jade Jagger stuff), I may well just cave and buy it for the nice packaging, MIRROR (wow!) and 2 nice shadows.
Bummer about All’s Rosy! It looks like it did better in C’est Chic and Oh My Banana. I was hoping that Cardamom could have been a dupe for Silver Sun EDES but oh well . . .I’m a sucker for that olivey-minty-frosty green. I’m excited to get this and play around with it.
Pearly, have you ever looked at Clarins Ombre Iridescente eyeshadow in Silver Green? It’s sort of like the Chanel Illusion d’ombre shadows (but better, I think) and the colour is very close to Silver Sun (though I’ll check more carefully when I’m doing my makeup tomorrow and let you know for sure)
I remember when those came out! There was a silver pink and a purpley/mauvey one that caught my eye. I had them in my cart for the longest time. Great suggestion – I am off to see if eBay has any! (couldn’t find them in Macys/Nordstrom/Niemans)
It has a lovely colour combination and if All’s Rosy had been quite a bit better, it would have been quite a decent little quad. I do feel that the peachy brown shade is the odd one out.
Lovely eye look Christine.
I love the color combination, but that rosy shade is as bad as I feared.
The compact is very pretty, though the contents leave me underwhelmed…
Interesting color combinations. Not getting this, but it makes me want to check my stash to see if I could come up with something similar.
Mumtaz and Cardamom look quite nice! Too bad that All’s Rosy doesn’t live up to its name. Since I do have dupes, I’m now inspired to put them together in a plum and green look!
I will be canceling this pre order. Why is MAC’s new formula so inconsistent ? Ugh!
If it weren’t for the stunning packaging, I would probably skip, but I’m hoping the shadows will look better over primer for me
The color combo looks like it’d be a really nice spring eye look. A shame it didn’t perform as well as it could, the pink and peach shades especially. The green and purple looked quite nice.
The only shade that is screaming my name is Cardamom… I do want it, but it doesn’t make sense to buy the quad because of it… 🙁
Cardamom is pretty. Those are trendy colors. Not sure they fit the concept tho’.
As someone old enough to remember actual 70s sunsets, the thought of them as un-ironic inspiration makes me laugh. The Clean Air Act had only passed in 1970, and much of the heavy pollution didn’t clear up until the 90s. When I think of 70s sunsets, I think of sulphur yellow ochre, dirty screaming orange, sienna stains, and blanched teals on neglected park equipment leftover from the 50s. Which would make a very interesting quad.
An interesting array of shades there – I’ll definitely contemplate this one!
I have a 1-3 dupes for every shade in here. I didn’t think I would have one for the green, but I still have that Tarina Tarantino palette from 5 or 6 years ago (yikes). It’s a pretty quad, but not one I’ll be picking up.
I was really excited for this quad, but then seeing swatches… I’m just not. It reminds me of how disappointed I’ve been with MAC quads before. I LOVE Padma, and want to support her and I love the idea of these colors… but I feel like I could get better, brighter, more pigmented ones in a quad from ColourPop and it’d be so much better. Sigh. Sorry Padma, I love you!
I was hoping this one would do better. I ❤️ the packaging and admire Padma.
I don’t love this color combination! I wish they had added something other than the green shade!
I bought and used the quad and I am refuting your review. All’s rosy lasted (with primer – but I NEVER wear eyeshadow without primer) for 14 hours and was almost too pigmented on my nc20 eyelids. Cardamon I will need to wear again on its own because it was overwhelmed by all’s rosy. and Mumtaz… wow that color is amazing. on top that, the compact is reusable. not sure I trust your reviews.
As always, makeup is “your mileage may vary,” and I always try to explain clearly how the product worked for me, both positives and negatives, so that I can share my own, personal experience. Your experience may be different, particularly if you are using eyeshadow primer with your products as I typically do not as the majority of products state that they are long-wearing without primer (that is a huge change!) and want to see how a product performs on its own.
There’s absolutely no reason to accuse me of anything nefarious – we can have different experiences without either of them being wrong… they are just different. I always welcome readers to share their own experiences, and I accept their experiences as that – theirs. It isn’t a reflection on anyone being right or wrong.