MAC Fruit a La La Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Fruit a La La
MAC Fruit a La La Eyeshadow Palette ($32.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a bold, bright mix of orange and pink with three neutral shades thrown into the mix. Overall, I think eyeshadows applied well to bare skin and wore for most of the day, and as I often find true of MAC’s eyeshadow (especially more matte shades), they go on better in practice than just swatched. Some of the shades in the palette are repromotes from various palettes released over the years.
Note, the palette only contains 0.10 oz. worth of eyeshadow, and MAC’s 9-pan palettes and quads typically contain 0.19 oz. at the same price ($32). This collection’s palettes didn’t seem small, and the pans seemed like they would contain a fair amount of product, so I was surprised to discover the pans must be very shallow!
This collection launches on May 18th.
Look Using this Product
Fruit a La La
LELimited Edition. $42.00.
Glamour Light
Glamour Light is a light, buttery yellow with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable color payoff with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture that wasn’t too dusty or too thin. The color 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
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Social Butterfly #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC Brownluxe #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Mirage (DC, $6.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar).
- Buxom Mix & Mingle (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop One & Done (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Moulder (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Dream On (LE, $16.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Whitewashed (DC, $10.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Lancome Queen's Lace (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Good Girl (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% 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
Glamour Light
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Soleil, So Lovely
Soleil, So Lovely is a muted, light-medium taupe-brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was great, while the eyeshadow felt firmer in the pan but not stiff or difficult to work with. I had no trouble applying and diffusing the eyeshadow on the lid. It wore well for eight hours before fading on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pretty Vulgar Hide & Seek (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M540 Gray Beige (DC, $21.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Prissy Princess (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- elf Thrift Shop (P, $5.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Les Indispensables #6 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cherish (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Boutique (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Smashbox Taupe (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop I'm Sure (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Relax (P, $5.25) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (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
Soleil, So Lovely
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Arriba
Arriba is a rich, coppery red with strong, warm orange undertones and a frosted finish. It had rich, opaque color payoff that applied evenly to bare skin. The consistency was soft, a little looser in the pan (almost “dry” in a way–perhaps the amount of sparkle contributed to that feeling), but it didn’t have much fallout when I worked with it. This shade 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
- Natasha Denona Atmosphere (120M) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Scorched (PiP, $19.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- Sleek MakeUP Sunset #3 (PiP, $9.99) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Blood Moon (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Vintage (DC, $6.99) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty They Call Her (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Morphe Firework (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Gal (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Warning (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop White Rabbit (PiP, $6.00) 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
Arriba
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Carnal Charm
Carnal Charm is a vibrant, medium-dark orange-tinted red with warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had full color coverage in a single layer, but it was the type of eyeshadow that worked really well applied in thinner, more gradual layers, too. For this type of color, I preferred building up slightly to get a really vibrant, but blown out, result. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Making Moves (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Destroyer (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia E4 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Strike While Haute (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Girls Rock (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Sunday Soiree (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Be Cool (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Remote (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Summer Fling (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hoops (PiP, $4.50) 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.
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)] Rds Product Name: Eye Shadow (Veluxe Pearl) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Talc , Zinc Stearate , Nylon-12 , Dimethicone , Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate , Isostearyl Neopentanoate , Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract , Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) ExtractExtrait D'Orge , Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract , Tocopheryl Acetate , Ascorbyl Palmitate , Squalane , Caprylyl Glycol , Hexylene Glycol , Ceramide 3 , Cholesterol , Silica , Triethoxycaprylylsilane , Linoleic Acid , Phenoxyethanol , [+/- 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) , Ultramarines (Ci 77007) , Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Eye Shadow (Mac) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Talc , Zinc Stearate , Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate , Isostearyl Neopentanoate , Tocopheryl Acetate , Synthetic Fluorphlogopite , Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate , Calcium Sodium Borosilicate , Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate , Triethoxycaprylylsilane , Tin Oxide , Silica , Caprylyl Glycol , Hexylene Glycol , Phenoxyethanol , [+/- Mica , Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) , Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499) , Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090) , Bronze Powder (Ci 77400) , Carmine (Ci 75470) , Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289) , Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288) , Copper Powder (Ci 77400) , Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510) , Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510) , Manganese Violet (Ci 77742) , Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035) , Ultramarines (Ci 77007) , Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Powder Blush Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Talc , Zinc Stearate , Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate , Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate , Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate , Synthetic Fluorphlogopite , Isostearyl Neopentanoate , Calcium Sodium Borosilicate , Silica , Tocopheryl Acetate , Triethoxycaprylylsilane , Tin Oxide , Titanium/Titanium Dioxide , Caprylyl Glycol , Hexylene Glycol , Phenoxyethanol , [+/- Mica , Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77491) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77492) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77499) , Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163) , Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090) , Bronze Powder (Ci 77400) , Carmine (Ci 75470) , Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289) , Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288) , Copper Powder (Ci 77400) , Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510) , Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510) , Manganese Violet (Ci 77742) , Red 6 (Ci 15850) , Red 28 (Ci 45410) , Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850) , Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850) , Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410) , Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360) , Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035) , Ultramarines (Ci 77007) , Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140) , Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)]
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.
Carnal Charm
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Fuchsia Fury
Fuchsia Fury is a rich, medium-dark fuchsia pink with very subtle, violet pearl. The pearl seemed to be there more for making it more blendable and slightly denser in consistency compared to a pure matte finish but was hardly visible in practice. It had good pigmentation, applied evenly, and was fairly blendable. It started to fade after eight and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Fuchsia (136CP) (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora + Pantone Universe Fruit Dove (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Daydream (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Bird's Eye View (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop For Shore (P, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fair Play (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #15 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Exaltation (108) (P, $29.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Mu Mu Bloom (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia B1 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (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.
Fuchsia Fury
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Cocktail Black
Cocktail Black is a subdued, blackened brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. It appeared a little lighter and warmer in the pan than it did swatched on my skin or applied to my lid. The consistency was a bit firmer and could have been easier to blend out, but it didn’t take too much effort to soften the edges. It wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Well Put Together (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Burberry Graphite (No. 28) (DC, $29.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Spyder (LE, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Defy (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Romantic Voyage #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Smashbox Slayer (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Night Vision (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Collective Chic #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Divergent Bold Espresso (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Tarte Bastille in the Night (LE, ) is cooler (95% 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.
This is a beautiful palette and considering how hit or miss MAC has been I think this did pretty well. I don’t know if I can pull these shades off as they are probably too warm but maybe for a pop of color. The packaging is very pretty also. Thank you, Christine.
My pleasure, Deborah!
This palette looks great on you! Going on my wish list.
Thank you, J!
ughh I am so attracted to the hot pink eyeshadow….This is going to be one of those palettes that I will buy out of sheer temptation and it will sit in my drawer until I decide I am never actually going to wear it and toss it out….and yet…I know I will regret it if I let it pass by …sigh…
Either resist knowing you won’t use or make it a point to branch out and use it 🙂
I’m for Christine’s second suggestion. Start with at home only, Aditi. Then wear it out at night in public, where no one knows you, like a shopping venue. That way, not only will you NOT get funny looks, but no one you DO know will say, Wow, that’s really not like you, but it looks so good! Then go for daytime/family/friends. It seems we are most critical of ourselves, when it comes to comfort zones. Do a light neutral look with the pop of pink, if you don’t want to go all in or multicolor for the first go. You can do it. Think of it as groundbreaking!
That’s a great suggestion! Also I am thinking I will slowly ease my friends and family into this bright eyeshadow personality of mine…it worked with nailpolish!
I’ve decided to just get the hot pink shadow in MACs permanent range:)
I think it was one of the Chapman girls who commented once that while you are working on an eye look, it always goes through a stage where it looks totally unwearable. And her suggestion is to just keep working and get through that point. This is what I find with brights. It looks crazy intense, while applying, but once you have the eye finished, it works; (Mascara and liner if you wear it, makes a differences as well as clean up and concealer if you do you eye makeup first). I’m 53 and can wear these shades and do so frequently. I say go for it 🙂
I remember watching that video too! Thanks for bringing that back to my mind. I am definitely going to venture into brights more…especially now that summer is coming:)
I have dupes but glad these scored well for those interested
Me too!
YESSS!!! It got a B+, which makes this one a wishlist item! That it has a transition, browbone and crease shade that all in all did quite well, gives it even more appeal.
(PS: love the way you used this in your eye look! Very striking!)
Thank you, Nancy! <3
I kind of want this palette but I just can justify buying it because despite not having dupe I’m sure 252 palette could work.
Dupe it! 🙂
I really like this one! It’s pretty!
It is!
It’s so disappointing that MAC all but nails the formula for a palette and then screws the customer on the amount of product they give you in it.
While I’m sure most won’t hit pan soon, a huge drop in quantity without a drop in price just irks me enough to stop me from wanting to make the purchase!
They just don’t seem small at all, lol, so I was genuinely surprised to read the back!
Cute but probably not colors I would wear.
Money saved! 🙂
Soleil, So Lovely looks really nice. I have the C’est Chic palette, but my pan of Pinch of Sage seems a touch greener than yours.
Could be an undertone thing!
This one is very intriguing to me.
What do you like most about the palette?
Arriba, Carnal Charm and Fuschia Fury.
I have the Red-Hot x9 palette, love it so much! This palette shares some similar shades with Red-Hot one and the shimmer shade looks great. I like Mac’s matte formula a lot, firm but finely milled, hardly any fall out or kick up… it’s so easy to work with no matter which brush I am using. Worth every penny!
They have some great mattes!
Love the sunset look you’ve created there!
Thank you, Claire!
I love this palette; Carnal Charm and Fuchsia Fury are right up my alley. I love the eye look you did, too.
Aw, thanks Rachel!
I think this palette is so beautiful and I’m starting to realize I strongly prefer 6 to 12 pan palettes rather than the big ones ( would have been nice to realize that before I filled up 4 Alex drawers worth, I’m talking FILLED ) I think Arriba is really fun but I suspect Carnal Charm and Fuschia Fury will make me look frightening. Not in the oh he he I look so scary when I wake up way, but actually make little kids cry frightening. My ghostly pale skin + those shades= terror for the unsuspecting populace. But it’s soooo pretty!!!
I like more than a typical quad… but I don’t like huge palettes either!
Bless those who can wear vibrant eyeshadows. As lovely as it is, this palette packs too much of a punch for me. Superb eye look as always, Christine!
Thanks so much, Tracey!
I feel like I keep seeing these colors because of Lime Crime’s Venus palette, Makeup Rev’s Newtrals & Neutrals, etc. So while this is a pretty good value & quality by MAC standards, it’s not particularly unique to me. It looks very nice on you though!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
This is very much my thing lately and I’ve been wearing pinky red and orange eye looks a lot. I think between the ABH renaissance and Coloured Raine Q of H palettes, I have this territory covered. I like it though and your eye look. I reverse since orange around my eye looks ghastly, but pink red doesn’t.
Oh yeah, I think you are good with those two palettes already!
I really want these eye shadow palettes but it bothers me a little bit that they just came out with the Red Hot Times Nine and the Tropic Cool Times Nine palettes that a few of these shades were in ( for example: Tropic Cool x9 has Neoprene Green and Red Hot x9 has Carnal Charm and Fuchsia Fury which both appear in the palette above) . I know re promotes are a common thing but it would have worked better if these collections were maybe spaced further apart so a person would have sufficient time to use up one shadow and be ready for a backup so to speak.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the three new palettes that are coming out, I think they are beautiful and have gorgeous packaging, I just dislike when this sort of thing happens. On a side note, I am very happy that Carbon did not make an appearance. 🙂
I hear ya – there are a lot of repromotes in the palettes!
Ooo, I love this and I have nothing like it! *adds to wishlist*
Oooh, fun!