MAC Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches
Desert Dusk
MAC Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Quad ($33.00 for 0.19 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that contains two mattes and two shimmers with three shades being more neutral in hue (the fourth shade is a pop of blue). It was a decent quad, and I suspect that some will love the inclusion of the blue shade while others will find it doesn’t contribute to a cohesive look.
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Desert Dusk
LELimited Edition. $33.00.
Indian Moon
Indian Moon is a light-medium, peachy gold with strong, warm undertones and a metallic finish. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer with a smooth, creamy texture that was blendable and easy to work with. It stayed on well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever I524 Pinky Beige (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Sephora + Pantone Universe Café Crème (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- LORAC Peony (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Relight My Fire (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- LORAC Beige (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Ball Gown (V2) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Cava (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Pep Talk (DC, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Just a Kiss (LE, ) is more shimmery, 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.
Look Using this Product
Indian Moon
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Shell Peach
Shell Peach is a medium, peachy coral with warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had nearly opaque color payoff with a soft, lightly powdery texture that was easy to blend but did not apply as evenly as desired without a primer underneath as it was thinner in texture. It started to fade on me after seven hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Mint #7 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Chanel Légèreté et Expérience #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Moon Castle (LE, $4.50) is brighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Suede (PiP, $16.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- ColourPop Grumpy (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace French Hens (P, $5.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Endless Frequency (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Milani Always Pink of Me (PiP, $5.99) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Prickly Please (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Goodbye Butterfly (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Shell Peach
PPermanent. $17.00.
Natural Brown
Natural Brown is a muted, medium-dark brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigentation that was buildable to full coverage with a second or third layer. The texture was soft, a touch powdery but not prone to fallout, and blendable on my lid. It wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KKW Beauty Loyalty (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Suede (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Adele (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Cocoa Mirage #4 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Fawn (Contour) (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Dark Brown (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Strong Currant (P, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Clinique French Roast (PiP, $15.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Rocky (DC, $10.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Guerlain Tonka Imperiale #5 (DC, ) 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.
Look Using this Product
Natural Brown
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Hopper Blue
Hopper Blue is a bright, periwinkle blue with cool undertones and a frosted finish. It had good color payoff, though it wasn’t opaque without a primer. The texture was slightly drier and a bit loose to the touch, which contributed to the issues with pigmentation. It was fairly blendable and stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Moon's Reflection (DC, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Muva's Boy (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- CoverGirl Ice Flame (345) (P, $7.99) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Abstract (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Pool Shark (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Big Bad Blue (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Maybelline Hydrangea Hype (135) (LE, $6.99) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Dimensional Blue (LE, $20.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- Viseart Blue Diamond (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Inglot #429 (P, $7.00) is brighter (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.
I think the eye look pictures might be the one from the 70s Sunset quad by mistake (they look identical).
I used both quads in the look – check the look details 🙂
Oh okay got it! I see that lovely Hopper Blue. It reminds me a little of like an iridescent lilacy-lavendar in pan but I’m wondering if my hazel eyes and NC25 can pull it off on the lid – it might be too pastel for me. Love the other colors though. I’ll have to think on it. ?
It’s all kind of a strange mix of colors, lol!
This quad looks exactly like the one my neighbor friend’s Mom gave me to practice with when I was in 7th grade! Frosty blue was always my above the crease and browbone shade ??? I’m thankful every time I’m reminded my Mom wouldn’t let me wear it out of the house! My next bday her and my Grandma hooked me up with beginner makeup, a book about how to apply makeup and a subscription to Seventeen. ? What I was doing on my own clearly wasn’t going well.
The packaging is beautiful!
Wait, did you use the brown from this one in the crease of the look? Because I thought that that was just purely the colors from the other quad being disappointing. (It’s happened for me with MAC shadows) Damn… maybe I should have ordered the other quad… I thought the pinks and purples were brown and disappointing…
I used both quads for the look – there’s a link underneath the photo that says “Look Details” that lists what shades I used and where!
This quad reminds me of the 70’s, and raiding my Aunt’s makeup stash! Poor Aunt Edna, my youngest, hippest aunt would find all her products used by her twice yearly teen houseguest, lol! Well, I don’t (and won’t) wear frosty light blue eyeshadow anymore, so this one just left me hoping (praying!) we’re not about to have the 70’s making a comeback.
This is a pretty decent little quad from MAC – so often in the past they have done these quite poorly.
I like the inclusion of the blue for a pop of colour – I would have liked it to have been a darker blue though.
Pretty eye look Christine.
I think this quad is really pretty. I like the peach with the light blue.
Not colours that appeal to me at all. I think for Padma’s colouring and exotic looks, this would work but for a pale Canadian gal, nah. That blue puts me in mind of that book “Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal”. Apologies to anyone who loves it.
I rarely use blue eye shadows, and the only one of the four colours in the quad I have a listed dupe for is the blue.
I think I prefer the other quad, but I doubt I’ll get it.
I like this combo. I could easily replicate this with shadows I have, so I’ll keep it in mind for future looks.
Though I normally don’t like this kind of a blue as an eyeshadow, I think it looks lovely in combination with the Peach in this quad. However, this quad costs 57€ (=70$) here in Germany, so I won’t buy it. For a few € more I could get myself a Huda Beauty Desert Desk!
This seems very reminiscent of one of the Hello Kitty MAC quads… Not sure which one!