MAC It’s Designer Art Library Palette Review & Swatches
It's Designer
MAC It’s Designer Art Library Palette ($48.00 for 0.60 oz.) contains a mix of brighter mattes and pops of shimmery color along with a medium black. I feel like the palette tells the story of MAC eyeshadows over the last few years. The mattes are firmer, stiffer, and better for building up color but when it comes to deriving really electric color on the lid, they’re not as pigmented as needed to do so–I’d recommend using a tacky primer or white base to help get more oomph out of them (assuming true-to-pan color is the goal). The shimmers were less consistent, but most of them were under-performing due to pigmentation and texture, either being too dry or too emollient. If you’re someone who tends to use dampened brushes with their shimmers, that would help quite a bit and likely give you a better experience working with the palette overall.
It's Designer
LELimited Edition. $48.00.
Chrome Yellow
Chrome Yellow is a bright, medium yellow with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good color coverage in a single layer, but it was the type of yellow that seemed to fade a bit after application and was more prone to sheering out as I worked with it. Over an eyeshadow primer, it was better, and of course, over a white base, it would pop quite a bit. The texture was slightly thin, a little dry, though blendable. It lasted well for seven and a half hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia D1 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Lemon Drop (PiP, $6.99) is darker (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Sweet Spot (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Oh Beehave (PiP, $4.50) is more muted (95% similar).
- Inglot #323 (P, $6.00) is better quality (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Neon (PiP, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Sol (134CM) (PiP, ) (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Mischief (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia Phresh (LE, $12.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- MAC Bright-Sided (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, more muted (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.
Chrome Yellow
PPermanent. $17.00.
My Kid Could Make That
My Kid Could Make That is a bright, lime green with warm, yellow undertones and a matte finish. It had good color coverage, though it needed to be layered (two to three layers) to get to full coverage in practice as it had a drier, thinner consistency that was prone to sheering out and fading when applied to bare skin. It started to show a bit of fading after seven and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Colour Pop Fresh Cut (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Jolt (Wired) (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Green Anjou (PiP, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S336 Lime (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Papel Picado (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Sprout (21) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Shock Factor (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Neon Green #3 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Bitter (DC, $17.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Thrash (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (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.
My Kid Could Make That
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Bright Pink
Bright Pink is a bright, fuchsia pink with cooler, blue undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation but appeared a bit more muted, a little darker when applied to my skin and lost some of that intensity seen in the pan. It had a drier, firmer consistency, which made it easier to apply in layers to build up coverage, but it became more troublesome to blend at full pigment (in one layer). It wore well for eight hours before fading a bit and stained my skin slightly.
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Party Drip (PiP, $6.99) is cooler (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Pie (DC, $8.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever B216 (P, $23.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- MAC Heavenly (LE, $22.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- Sephora I'm Shocked (09) (P, $14.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia Bahamas (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Viseart Rose #3 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Unashamed (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Savage (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Coeur Battant (P, $30.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Bright Pink
PPermanent. $16.00.
Can't Afford This
Can’t Afford This is a fiery orange with warm, reddish undertones and a matte finish. It had rich color coverage with a smooth, blendable texture that wasn’t too soft nor too firmly pressed in the pan. It was thinner than most matte eyeshadow formulations these days but consistent with MAC’s. The eyeshadow applied well to bare skin and blended out with little effort. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Sabina Sangre (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Main Squeeze (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia A5 (Norvina Vol. 3) (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Red Brick (P, $17.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- Sugarpill Game Over (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Euphoric (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Colour Pop ICYMI (PiP, $4.50) is more muted (90% similar).
- Anastasia E2 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Poppy (DC, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Malibu (LE, $4.50) is darker, more muted, 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.
Can't Afford This
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
If It Ain't Baroque
If It Ain’t Baroque is a medium-dark gold with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. The texture felt drier and chunkier, as it didn’t seem to have as much creaminess or slip to help keep all the shimmers and sparkly bits contained. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation that applied best by pressing and patting onto my skin, then blending the edges. There was some fallout during application, which I was able to mitigate if I used it with a dampened brush. It lasted for just over seven and a half hours on me before I noticed some fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Colour Pop Oro (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Rule Breaker (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Jubilee (PiP, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The One (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Siren #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- LORAC Gold Leaf (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Rêve d'Orient #3 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Quintessence #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Anastasia C2 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Viseart Soleil (LE, ) is less 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.
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)]
If It Ain't Baroque
PPermanent. $17.00.
It's Designer
It’s Designer is a light-medium orange with warm, golden shimmer and larger sparkle. The texture was drier and felt more loosely-pressed in the pan, which gave it a powderiness and a tendency to having fallout during application. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that I could pack on and get to opaque coverage if desired, but it’s the type of texture that I would use with a dampened brush to minimize fallout and improve adhesion and coverage. It wore nicely for seven and a half hours before there was visible fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Gingerluxe #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Backseat Babe (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC Amberluxe #4 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Tangerine Dreams (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Azalea (Left) (DC, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Golden Hours #2 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Unleashed (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Autumn Fire #1 (DC, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Arancia (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Colour Pop The Leo (P, $4.50) is lighter, 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.
It's Designer
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Starry Night
Starry Night is a reddened-plum base with blue-to-violet shifting shimmer. The consistency was incredibly creamy and smooth; it adhered beautifully to bare skin and blended out easily along the edges. It had opaque color payoff that stayed on well for eight hours before it started to crease faintly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Boom Boom Room (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Solstice (P, $20.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Fortune-Teller (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Late Bloomer (P, $8.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Calypso Blue (05M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Best Friends (LE, $16.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Humoresque (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Space Dust (GPV2 #24) (P, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Insomnia (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Touch in Sol Holo Mulberry (5) (P, $18.00) 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.
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)]
Starry Night
PPermanent. $17.00.
Darkroom
Darkroom is a light-medium purple with subtle, warm undertones and a satin finish. The texture was rather emollient and had more slip, which yielded weaker pigmentation that didn’t apply as evenly as preferred. I’d recommend using this with a dampened brush or fingertip to get smoother, more even and opaque coverage with less effort. It lasted nicely for seven hours on me before I noticed signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Violet Impact (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Rogue (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC X-Punk (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Try Me (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NARS Sultan (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Meditation (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Promiscuous (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Crème de Violet (DC, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Daydream #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Colour Pop On the Rise (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (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.
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)]
Darkroom
PPermanent. $17.00.
High Concept
High Concept is a pale silver with subtle, cool undertones and a frosted finish. The texture was soft, more loosely-pressed in the pan, and a little drier, so there was fallout during application as I worked with this shade on my lid. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation, but between the pigmentation and texture, it was a shade I’d recommend using with a damp brush or over a lightly tacky primer. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me before I noticed slight fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics Moon Glow (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #16 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Ice Queen #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME202 Iceberg Blue (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Tattle-Tale (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Pewter Veil #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- MAC Treasure Me (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D118 Platinum (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- theBalm #34 (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Jingle Bells (P, $8.00) 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.
High Concept
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Gallerina
Gallerina is a muted, medium-dark blue-leaning teal with cool undertones and a frosted, slightly metallic finish. The texture was lightly creamy with some slip, which helped it adhere better without primer, but it didn’t go on as evenly as I would have liked. I had to work it in and buff out the powder to get even, opaque coverage. It stayed well for eight hours on me before I noticed faint fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Affresco #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Autumn Breeze (DC, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Fringe (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NYX Savage (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Boheme Dream #10 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Endless Sea (P, $7.99) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Deep Teal (19M) (PiP, $29.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia A3 (Norvina Mini Vol. 3) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Dusk Teal Dawn (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Junkie (LE, $19.00) 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.
Gallerina
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Triennial Wave
Triennial Wave is a brighter, medium blue with cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. There were barely-there shimmers strewn throughout that helped make it more blendable but didn’t visibly change its finish from looking matte. The eyeshadow had a soft, powdery consistency, which made it more prone to sheering out (though blendable!) and harder to build up without a primer or tacky base under it. It had some fallout during application as well from trying to built it from medium coverage to opaque coverage. It lasted nicely for seven and a half hours on me before I noticed signs of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Periwinkle (Bright Editorial #8) (P, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Kat Von D Synth (LE, ) is less shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Drip Drop (P, $6.99) is brighter (85% similar).
- Colour Pop Backstage (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Zoomship (P, $6.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Les Portes Bleus (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Oasis (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Kat Von D Doom (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Laguna (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Koh Tao (89V) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter (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.
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)]
Triennial Wave
PPermanent. $17.00.
Carbon
Carbon is a medium-dark black with neutral undertones and a matte finish. It had medium, buildable pigmentation with a drier, stiffer texture. Carbon is one of those shades that swatches pitifully but is excellent for adding and layering over other shades to darken but less so for all-over application or when one wants true black eyeshadow. The version included the palette is not the best nor the worst Carbon I’ve encountered in my time; it was more workable but definitely more in the “buildable pigmentation” zone. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me before I noticed slight fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever #04 (DC, $20.00) (100% similar).
- MAC Bleuluxe #5 (PiP, ) (100% similar).
- Kat Von D Killing Moon (LE, ) (100% similar).
- NARS Filbuste (P, $28.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Smokey Eye Beauty (Smoke) (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Tarte Fashionista (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Nehru (Guo Pei) (LE, $17.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- Hourglass Black (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Licorice Rope (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Lights Down (P, ) is lighter (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.
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)]
Well, that’s disappointing. I won’t be getting this, but I think I have it pretty well duped, anyway.
You are quite right Christine – this is the story of MAC’s eyeshadows for quite awhile now. A really average palette – UD’s Electric palette is a much better alternative to this one.
How disappointing for all of their customers.
I was actually thinking, why would they even come out with this, since UD’s Electric did just fine (and so many other brands too since then). Seems very late to the party.
This looks like the Urban Decay Electric palette!
I was thinking the same, it can pretty much entirely be duped with the Urban Decay Electric Palette, which I own and love! This is an easy pass because I have dupes, and better performing alternatives, for every single shade!
I love the green eye look though 🙂
Thankfully I do have these shades scattered throughout my e/s palettes and singles even. I do wish that this palette had had greater consistency in the formula used, instead of having at least 2 or 3 different ones for the shimmery shades alone. On the other hand, this could be a nice palette for someone who doesn’t mind those issues, I guess.
MAC would be wise to release Gallerina as a single (I’m sure they won’t but it would be nice if they did) and also STOP ramming Carbon down everyone’s throat in so very many of their palettes. It’s good that this isn’t the worst version of Carbon (there have been some real losers) but even so a C+ isn’t exactly stellar!
At first glance this reminded me of Juvia’s Place, then secondly, Huda Electric. It made me a little sad that here is an OG Mac [ba dum bum!] daddy in the game, and being late to it. Then to read that the pigmentation is lacking–dagger thru the heart. I want OG Mac back. ‘Til then, JP and Huda get my coin.
I love the colors!! I’m disappointed that they’re not as pigmented as they could be tho.
Agreeing with everyone who sees Urban Decay’s electric palette. I think it would have been more original if they had done more neutral or muted versions of green, light blue, pink, orange, etc. rather than vivid. I think that would have been more on point for this season’s trends too.
Top row looks looks like Melt Cosmetics Radioactive-stack ..
I think Gallerina is what drew me so much to this, but I’ll just grab the Nyx one instead. It even got a better grade. Thank you so much for all your work!