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MAC In the Groove Collection - Mineralize Eyeshadow Trios Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Trios

MAC In the Groove Collection: Mineralize Eyeshadow Trios

In the Groove is a HUGE collection, and if you love mineralize products, you’re in luck–because that’s the theme.  These are softer, smoother, and have a pearly/satin-y finish rather than glittery or overly shimmery.  There are only a few frosty finishes here, but overall, a lot smoother and less powdery than previous mineralize eyeshadows.

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Trio) ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

  • In the Groove is a neutral-warm trio of a muted saffron gold, reddish brown, and pale peach with white sheen. This is actually very lovely trio — it works together, but they’re all easy-to-wear shades that could be matched with other products, too. Pigmentation was just right. The lightest yellow-y shade reminded me of an old, long discontinued shade Jasmine.
  • Calm, Cool, & Collected is a cool-toned green trio featuring a grayish-white beige with satin sheen, neutral spring green, and darkened gray-green. The springy green shade was pretty sheer, and the darker green was a little sheer, too.
  • Togetherness is a cool-toned purple trio that includes a soft lilac with a satin sheen, blue-based violet purple with a frostier finish, and a mid-tone silver gray. The pigmentation here was even and rich throughout the trio.
  • Style Influencer is a trio of grayish-white with low-level pearl, darkened navy blue with a frosty finish, and dirty pink-brown with a satin sheen. The dirty pink was a little lacking in pigmentation. The only easily dupeable shade in this trio is the dark blue, which is a good bit like Deep Truth.
  • Blue My Mind is a trio of soft, whitish blue, blue-teal, and soft black. I found that this was the least pigmented, and it was definitely better to use it wet than dry.
  • Love to Love is a trio of soft beige with a low-level satin sheen, copper with an almost metallic sheen, and muted neutral mid-tone brown. All three shades were very smooth and pigmented. The lightest shade is similar to Vanilla or Shroom, while the coppery shade is very much like Amber Lights. The darker brown doesn’t scream a dupe, but it’s likely a bit similar to one of MAC’s many neutral browns–but the satin-y finish is different.
  • Making It Easy is a pearly trio of peach-champagne, champagne, and softened orange-brown. This is a warmer trio, and it could create a very subtle, everyday eye. The middle shade reminds me of Retrospeck, except without the glittery finish.
  • Fresh & Easy is a trio of petal pink with white sheen (similar to Pink Freeze), muted cranberry (a less pigmented version of Cranberry), and muted sky blue.
  • Soften the Mood is a trio of muted sky blue with pearly sheen, mauve-toned champagne, and mid-tone neutral brown with a soft sheen. I feel like this one is a combination of the other trios — the blue from Fresh & Easy, the champagne from Making it Easy, and the brown from Love to Love.

These are a lot more pigmented than previous launches when they’re used dry–they’re more pigmented wet, of course–but they are decent to well-pigmented dry.  They also adhere way better to lids.  I used them over NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow base, and I didn’t see the color fade within minutes like I typically do.  I also had very little fall out, which I was surprised to see (or not see, as the case may be).  I’d say the formula seems much improved–more cohesive, smoother, and user-friendly.

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC In the Groove Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC In the Groove Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC In the Groove Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC In the Groove Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC In the Groove Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC In the Groove Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Cool, Calm, Collected Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Cool, Calm, Collected Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Cool, Calm, Collected Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Cool, Calm, Collected Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Cool, Calm, Collected Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Cool, Calm, Collected Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Togetherness Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Togetherness Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Togetherness Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Togetherness Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Togetherness Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Togetherness Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Togetherness Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Style Influencer Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Style Influencer Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Style Influencer Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Style Influencer Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Style Influencer Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Blue My Mind Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Blue My Mind Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Blue My Mind Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Blue My Mind Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Blue My Mind Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Love to Love Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Love to Love Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Love to Love Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Love to Love Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Love to Love Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Making It Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Making It Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Making It Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Making it Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Making it Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Fresh & Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Fresh & Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Fresh & Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Fresh & Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Fresh & Easy Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Soften the Mood Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Soften the Mood Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Soften the Mood Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Soften the Mood Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Dry)

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection
MAC Soften the Mood Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio (Wet)

94 Comments

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Ashley Avocado Avatar

I was just thinking this, Karrie!

Christine — how essential do you think this shadow would be for someone who already owns the quad?

Vonvon Avatar

I already had my eyes on the blue and green ones but now, after seeing the peach one….hmmmmm……. oh dear, my pocket!!!!

Looking forward to seeing more of the eyeshadow trios and blush duos too.

I Avatar

how are they on your lids? I went to my MAC yesterday and my usual SA told me to not preorder any of the trio mineralized eyeshadows because she didn’t they are good quality. She proceeded to close her eyes and show me her eye makeup. The eyeshadows were creasing everywhere and basically melting off. I was very shocked and asked her if she used a primer. She did :(…. Did you have this same experience?

weng Avatar

sorry to here that….i already had most of the mineralize eyeshadow from these collection since last week(it was released early here in vancouver)..i tried most of these mineralize eyeshadow and so far had no problem w/ creasing…i even wore it to the hospital when i went to work( a 13 hour shift, a night shift), had slept on my break, and when i went home, the eyeshadow was still on my eye, and no sign of any creasing…

Darrien Avatar

Togetherness is GORGEOUS I am for sure going to pick that up..I love purples and In The Groove is really pretty too! I thought that I was only going to pick up a thing or two from this collection but that is changing very quickly.

Melissa Avatar

I don’t really get the concept or point of Mineralize Eyeshadows from MAC. There’s very little pigment payoff. The product in the pan looks nice but, why pay for something that doesn’t translate when applied to your skin? If you want something a bit more sheer, couldn’t you use a lighter hand when applying your traditional eyeshadow?

I’m guessing enough people must like this product or they wouldn’t continue to produce it. So, maybe it’s just me who doesn’t understand spending almost $20 on something that barely appears.

lily Avatar

the only thing i want from this collection is Togetherness, I just cant get into the groove with this collection, its a miss for me.

Tiffany Avatar

Which one is your favorite?! I’m afraid that I own too many MAC shadows and I’m just going to get a color that I already have or similar ://

Leea Avatar

I reeealllyy like Togetherness, but I think I’ll have to see it in person before I make my final choice on wether to get it or not! : )

Hannah Avatar

The pigmentation on Calm, Cool and Collected is disappointing because it was originally the only e/s I was interested in from this collection! But I’m glad to see that the other trios (at least the ones shown here) are well pigmented and aren’t ridden with the chunky glitter that seems to be prevalent in many mineralize products…

Jennifer Avatar

I have gotten to try both Calm Cool & Collected as well as one not pictured here, Blue My Mind. I adore them. Calm Cool is a bit sheer at first, but I built it up to get the color pay off. I love the fact that these shadows are more matte. They did not end up creasing like past formulas on me (and I always prime my eyelids). This collection did not jump at me like past ones, but I am going to have to give it a second look after how well they wore on me.

weng Avatar

hi there….in the groove collection is already out here in MAC PRO in downtown vancouver..i spoiled myself by splurging in this collection and bought mostly the mineralize eyeshadow…i must say, the pigmentation is great and feel satiny, not very frosty and no fall out when used…its way better compare to the previous mineralized eyeshadow..it blends smoothly and most of the color are wearable on a daily basis…i really liked the texture….smooth…

Su ann Avatar

I like the trios since I don’t wear a lot of make up to justify buying single e/s but at the same time I want to expand my collection. I heard these are less glittery. I have one mineralize e/s quad from the Colour Craft collection and I really don’t like the amount of glitter.

Do you think these contain less or the same amount of glitter as the Colour Craft collection? I don’t quite like wearing shimmery/glittery make up during the day. Thanks in advanced.

zoe77 Avatar

that last one is the one ive been waiting for…i wonder if the middle color is really that blue (i hope so)? cameras always want to make purples more blue toned than they actually are…

cmferret Avatar

i totally want to get the purple one-in the groove.
the green one looks very similiar to the noriety quad that came out w/ the MAC collection.

Sara Avatar

MUST have In the Grove!!! Perfect shades. I am a HUGE redish toned brown fan, as well as main lid color being a neutral peach/tan- they made this trio for me I think! :] All the but yellowish shade… hopefully is isn’t too yellow on my skin since I am a bit lighter. I would be afraid it would come off dusty/ashy looking but then again it looks like a cousin of Ricepaper so it may just be just fine! Very nice to have for a quick look :] ♥

Makeuplover Avatar

Hey! I really want to get one of the trios from this collection :)I’m a teen, but I’m thinking about trying some color for this summer. I have green eyes, what would you recommend me (for a little bit of color on the eyes, and I’ll wear pinkish lips with that bit of fun) ? Thank you !

cynthia Avatar

Before, MAC mineralize eyeshadows usually creased on me..I heard they changed the formula this time, less fall out and less glittery..Will the new formula make the eyeshadows staying longer on the eys lids?

JayJay Avatar

Hmmm. These are quite beautiful, but I feel like I have good dupes for the ones that I like (Blue My Mind, Calm Cool Collected, and Togetherness). I also don’t like using shadows wet very often, so, I think I’ll be able to pass on these ones quite easily.

Quick question, Do these have dimethicone in them as well? Maybe that’s why some people find them to crease more easily.

Ms. Jimmi Avatar

I looked at these in person, and I was not really impressed. I don’t think this line of mineral eyeshadow is all that good compared to other launches. The pigment is weak and the price is high for such little payoff.

Kesha Avatar

I wasn’t terribly excited about this collection and I think I finally know why: it’s just too massive. Maybe if they had sort of grouped products together in the style of BBR, it’d be easier to get a better idea of this color story. But, I dunno, just seems like overkill. The shadows look great but, I think most of us at this point, are covered by other products or other regular shadows to really see something that stands out.

Mariah Avatar

2 questions: Do you think the purple in Togetherness is close to Vex? And also, how do you think Cool, Calm & Collected compares to the Photorealism quad from a while back? 🙂

haley Avatar

whatever happen to when you used to post the “must haves” for each collection, I only just noticed that you no longer do that lol, I miss it!

Teena Marie Avatar

Do you suppose the middle purple-y color from Togetherness is close to the Later. pigment from alice + olivia? If I’m completely off, I apologize! They look pretty much the same on my computer screen.

With It Avatar

Thanks so much for the dry & wet swatches, Christine! I still think I have to try these out in-store before making any decisions. 🙂

Valeria Avatar

I love Soften the Mood.. but here i can’t find it… i’m sooooooo sad 🙁
i want it!!!!

thanks for the review Christine 🙂

Laura Avatar

I love the idea of these they are like a whole eye look in one small package but i have to say i don`t know what i think about the formula of the mineral shadows. I personally have never bought one because i just like the pressed shadows so much.

Hilana Avatar

Togetherness and Fresh and Easy are beautiful. Love it! Soften the mood is pretty too, but it looks prettier in the container than on skin.
But I really like this collection though. Lovely. All of ’em.

Victoria M. Avatar

The collection hot Denmark aswell. So I went in to touch it alll…LOL – the trios are so much better than earlier released. I ended up buying calm, cool and collected – because the darkest shade of green reminds me of my very old favorite green – meadow – from MAC. Also I got fresh and easy – the light bluish colour could be a close dupe for my alltime favorite grey from MAC – issue – and Stereo Rose, which I got last time around, but I’ve nearly used mine up, so that’s fine. I just checked too, I don’t find the new edition chalkier than the old one 🙂

Catie Avatar

definitely getting the green trio since i missed out on photo realism and it looks really similar.

just wondering: i looked up reviews and i came across another site that seems to have copied and pasted your review (which are always so helpful).. not sure if that’s bad or not. but if youre unaware just a heads up 🙂

sheshines Avatar

togheterness looks very nice and also blue my mind, but I think I will stick to the regular eyeshadows, the color you get looks muuuch better with those. Maybe one day MAC will convince me to buy their mineral eyeshadows, but not yet, I quess…

K Avatar

I got Soften the Mood and went to put it on this morning wet and it is not working well. I only get my brush damp, not wet, so I did not use too much water. The strip in the middle went on just fine, the brown on the side though crusted over where I put the damp brush. It was like what happens with the regular shadows if you try to use them wet. Anyone else having problems using the shadows wet? Is this because this is a new formula of the mineralized shadows?

Christine, How did you use them wet? It looks like it worked well for you.
Thanks!

onlyfr33b33 Avatar

I am LOVING In the Groove! My sister has the old Notoriety palette, which I absolutely adore, but I’m leaving for grad school so I can’t take it with me. The light green/gold of the In the Groove palette looks like it compares well, and the darker color in the middle will be easier to blend than the dark one in the Notoriety palette. The fact that it’s only 19.50 versus whatever I’ll have to pay to remake a Notoriety dupe makes me really happy!

munchies Avatar

This have just launched in Malaysia week ago, i got myself togetherness & style influencer. love the blue very much from style influencer !

shyma Avatar

Hi
I have a question. When you show the swatches wet, what did you do to make them wet? Did you just use water? Sorry I’m new to makeup and I bought the soften the mood trio but don’t know how to get the pigmentation shown in your pics. Thx

Mara Avatar

I know you asked Christine but thought I’d add that the MAC Fix + is a good mixing medium to use e/s wet. Visine eye drops is another good, cheaper option.

grace Avatar

hi, would you happen to know if mac might already have an eyeshadow that closely matches the pinkish mauve colour in the Style Influencer trio… think it would be gorgeous on its own! thanks!

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