MAC Loud & Clear Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches
Trompe L'Ol
MAC Trompe L’Ol Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a light-medium, yellowed beige with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque coverage with a soft, moderately powdery texture that was a bit thinner. There was some fallout if I wasn’t careful with placement and how I worked with it, so I’d definitely recommend some care to avoid it lightening colors near it. This shade lasted well for seven and a half hours before fading was apparent.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Sand Haze #6 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Just Flow (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Breakfast in Bed (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- NYX Lap Dance (P, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Toffee Brown #9 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Hourglass Obscura #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Night Star (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Bone (PiP, $23.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Mixed Media (LE, ) is more muted (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Rarity (PiP, $8.00) is 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Trompe L'Ol
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Omega
MAC Omega Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a a darker, dirty beige with neutral, olive-leaning undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, which applied evenly to bare skin and blended out with ease. The texture was smooth, almost creamy with good substance to it, so it wasn’t prone to sheering out to nothing when applied over bare skin. It wore nicely for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Mushroom (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Sable (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Chanel Les Indispensables #6 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Taupe (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Lucy (464CM) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M540 Gray Beige (P, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Strutter (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Smashbox Taupe (P, $22.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Fay (462CM) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Ashes (LE, ) is more shimmery, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Omega
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Paint by Umber
MAC Paint by Umber Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a deep, darker peachy orange with warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was smooth, finely-milled, and soft with a smidgen of powderiness in the pan, but it applied beautifully with opaque coverage that blended out with ease along the edges. It stayed on well for eight hours before I noticed signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Chai (Carli) (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Juvia's Place Nubian #3 (P, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Maple Syrup (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Salvia (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Boheme (Gemini) (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Sauced (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Mo Problems (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced For the Graham (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Day Eye (Enhance) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Boundaries (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, 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)]
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.
Look Using this Product
Paint by Umber
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Keep Stijl
MAC Keep Stijl Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a light-medium pink-coral with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had medium coverage that was buildable to semi-opaque pigmentation with a second or third layer. I’d recommend using this over a primer, which improved coverage slightly beyond semi-opaque. The texture was soft, slightly thinner, and a little dusty in the pan. It lasted well for seven and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Relief (381CM) (PiP, ) is brighter (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Neon Green #8 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Good Vibes (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop So Meta (Mariale) (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Rose (LE, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Lyria (245CM) (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Juicy (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sweet Capacity (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Cupid (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Adore Me (Unbreakable Bond) (PiP, $5.25) 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Keep Stijl
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Bougie Babe
MAC Bougie Babe Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a deep, red-toned brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was smooth, almost velvety, so it was more substantial without being too powdery or too dense, which enabled it to apply with opaque coverage but blend out beautifully. It wore nicely for eight and a half hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Web3 (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Livin' (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Whipped (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Chocolate Raspberry Fudge (P, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Chanel Lumieres et Vibrations #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Extra Bitter (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Finest (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Rock Sugar (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Paradiso (LE, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Herd to Get (LE, $4.50) 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)]
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.
Look Using this Product
Bougie Babe
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Back to Surreality
MAC Back to Surreality Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a very light, yellowed brown with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had excellent color payoff in a single layer, which applied evenly and smoothly to bare skin. The texture was soft to the touch without being too powdery. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Poppy (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Nudie (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Toffee (P, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop The Taurus (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Caramel (P, $8.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Tuscan Fun (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Brave (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Warm Mattes #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pumpkin Roll (LE, $5.25) is cooler (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Narrative (PiP, $8.00) 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
I have MAC Omega as a eyeshadow re-fill and it never looked olive-leaning for me; maybe in the pan, but on the skin it looks more like a grey-beige… a very deceiving color. I love using it as a base or transition color when I work with darker grey and neutral taupe colors .
The quality is amazing, one of the best MAC I have tried.
Having come to the conclusion that there isn’t a single shade out of the few I love that I couldn’t dupe within my stash, I’m giving these a hard pass. Now, if MAC were to decide to make them permanent with the Pro Pan option, then I’d be very interested.
These MAC singles are what I think mattes should be like – they look easy to apply and have a beautifully soft finish. I can see that some colours would make excellent transition and brow bone shades.
Good products MAC.
And a lovely eye look Christine.
I compared boogie babe to an old Mac eyeshadow and it’s almost exactly like a color called gladabout but matte.
The Omega here looks different than the Omega single I’ve had for years. Is this different from the original shade?
It was pretty similar on me but had a denser texture, so it seemed to be a little darker overall.
Christine, so far as you can recall, is this version of Omega appreciably different than the Omega that’s in the permanent line? Oh – speaking of MAC’s permanent line, while Sumptuous Olive is still available in Canada, MAC is discontinuing CLUB…..CLUB!!!! up here. Not sure about other markets but on the Canadian site, it’s in the “good byes” section.
It seemed similar but the texture was different to me – denser and creamier in this version, which gave it a little bit more depth.
I’ve been wondering if MAC is going to redo their eyeshadow range this year, mostly because they brought out a few shades late last year that seemed like they were in a new, updated formula… not sure if that was a test run or what.
I am honestly considering buying Trompe L’OL just because the name makes me so happy. Also because it’s a workable light neutral shade, but mostly because of the name.
The collection looked deceptively boring, but they look really gorgeous! They have some unique, muted undertones that are appealing to me. I might pick up Omega, Back to Surreality, and maybe Paint By Umber