MAC Neutral Eyeshadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches (Part 1)
MAC Neutral Eyeshadows
MAC Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “highly pigmented powder” that “blends well.” They recently dropped the price of the pan eyeshadows from $10 to $6. In general, MAC’s formula is strongest when it comes to their more shimmery (Frost, Veluxe Pearl) shades–I think they tend to be the most consistent–while they have hits and misses across the rest of the finishes. Their permanent line has less misses than their limited edition releases, though, and I think the majority of their matte shades are very buildable and workable in practice, even if they don’t always swatch well on skin. Lustres are the weakest finish, as they are sheerer, often chunky with glitter, and have little adhesion on their own. Most of their eyeshadows last seven to eight hours on me without primer, some even as long as nine hours, but a few as short as six hours and/or have substantial fall out (Lustres, I’m looking at you).
I swatched them all a couple of months ago, and I have been trying to test shades here and there during lulls in limited edition/new product releases. I’m nowhere near finished, and I don’t have a set posting schedule for getting through reviews, so they will be posted as I can but not necessarily soon!
MAC Omega Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “soft muted beige-taupe [with a Matte finish].” It’s a light-medium, taupe brown with warmer undertones and a matte finish. The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable–definitely a MAC cult favorite for good reason–and adheres well to the skin without sheering out. It lasted well for eight hours on me before creasing slightly. Sephora Mushroom (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Sable (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Wilted (P, $6.50) is warmer (90% 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). Urban Decay Naked 2 (PiP, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Burro (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Make Up For Ever M540 Gray Beige (DC, $21.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). theBalm Score (LE, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar). NARS Blondie (P, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Primal (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (80% similar). KVD Beauty Renholder (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar). KVD Beauty Sage (Contour) (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Huda Beauty Suede (Remastered) (PiP, ) is darker (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Era Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “soft golden beige with shimmer [with a Satin finish].” It’s a light-medium brown with warm, golden undertones and a soft, pearly sheen. The texture was slightly stiffer to work with, which resulted in more semi-opaque payoff, though it seemed buildable in practice. It was still blendable and sat well on the skin. This shade wore well for eight hours. NARS Mahe #1 (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar). LORAC Cliffside (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Golden Mink #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Laura Mercier Bamboo (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty White Suede (Nordstrom) #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Bonifacio (DC, $25.00)(90% similar). MAC Nano Nude #4 (LE, $21.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Plunge (LE, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Pineapple Cooler (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced New Romantic (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar). Clarins The Essentials #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I538 Pearly Gray Beige (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Dior Poncho #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Champagne (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). theBalm Stand-offish (P, $16.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). NARS Oaxaca (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). MAC Arena (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Sweet Satisfaction (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Rouge Bunny Rouge Bohemian Waxwing (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Anastasia Belize (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Honesty Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “pewtered bronze [with a Lustre finish].” It has a cooler, taupe-brown base with warmer, coppery shimmer and sparkle. The two don’t seem to bind together, so you’re left with this sheerer, taupe base and then an uneven application of the sparkle/shimmer that seems to fly away as it is blended out. This one is a miss for me; it is really difficult to use without a lightly tacky primer and then patted into place (avoid blending!). What did adhere to the skin lasted for seven hours. Tarte Shining Star (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Temperature Rising (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Unbelievable (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC Sexy Eyes (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Golden Pink (P, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Zoeva Pure Ganache (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Anastasia Rum Cake (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Viseart Camille (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). bareMinerals Tan Lines (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #2 (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). MAC Winter Pursuit (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery (85% similar). KVD Beauty Dog Roses (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). MAC Honey Lust (P, $17.00) is lighter (80% similar). Urban Decay Daybreak (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Urban Decay Penny Lane (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Disney by Sephora All Aglow (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Patina Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “taupe brown with golden pearl [with a Frost finish].” It’s a medium-dark, more antique-y gold with warm undertones and a soft, frosted finish. The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable, while the color payoff was fully opaque. I remember loving the dimension of this one many years ago, and it is interesting that it remains harder to dupe because it is muted, browner, but still warmer than most taupes (but cooler than most golds). It wore well for eight and a half hours before creasing slightly. YSL Golden Glow #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Persona Bombshell (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Tarte Go for the Gold (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Tarina Tarantino Hollyhock (DC, ) is brighter, warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Polaris (116K) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Clarins Garden Escape #6 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Burberry Gold #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Golden Touch (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Oaxaca (P, $28.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Guerlain Shalimar (Bottom) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Rouge Bunny Rouge Bohemian Waxwing (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “sinfully rich coco [with a Lustre finish].” It’s a medium-dark bronzy brown with warm, copper undertones and a golden frosted shimmer. If you normally dislike Lustres, this is one of the least-Lustre-like shades (and as a result, it is marked down for pigmentation, as it is opaque not sheerer like Lustres are designed to be). It has less shimmer and opaque coverage, and the texture is much smoother and less loose/chunky; to me, it is more similar to a cross between Frost and Veluxe Pearl with slightly more sparkle. On me, the color wore well for eight hours with some fall out. Sydney Grace Amber (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar). Pretty Vulgar Conquer (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Laura Mercier Bronze Glow (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Stila Cinnamon (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Golden Quartz (P, ) is darker, brighter, warmer (95% similar). LORAC Cinnamon (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever ME644 Iced Brown (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Gilded (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Biscotti (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Gucci Beauty Oxydus (DC, $37.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Sydney Grace Midnight Gold (P, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop On the Rocks (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). KVD Beauty Fallen (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Sydney Grace Magnificent Chestnut (PiP, $6.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Frosting (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar). Makeup Geek Intermission (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar). Zoeva Subtle Blend (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Pretentious (DC, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar). Urban Decay Bass (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty Synergy (DC, $21.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “warm antique gold [with a Veluxe Pearl finish].” It’s a rich, dark coppery-brown with warm, reddish undertones and a metallic sheen. It was intensely pigmented with a smooth, buttery, and dense texture that was easy to use and applied beautifully to bare skin. The color lasted for eight hours before creasing faintly. Bobbi Brown Tiki (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Lap of Lux (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). bareMinerals Hot Commodity (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Makeup by Mario Bronzy Glam #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Come On (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). MAC Bossing It (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Pat McGrath Bronze Eclipse (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). City Color Sandstorm (P, $6.99) is darker (95% similar). Too Faced Push-up (PiP, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar). Maybelline Downtown Brown (P, $6.99) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever ME644 Iced Brown (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Moira Orion (P, $7.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Comfort Zone #9 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Singapore #3 (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Viseart Praline (Petits Fours) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Influence (Lightbeam) (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Dior Copper #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Gorgina (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Mascot (LE, $6.25) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Initiation (827) (LE, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “frosted off-white [with a Frost finish].” It’s a bright, pinky-white with subtle, warmer undertones and a frosted sheen. It is one of the brighter and more metallic lighter, neutral shades MAC has in its permanent line. The texture was denser, firm but not stiff, and had good pigmentation with a blendable texture that adhered well to bare skin. It wore well for eight hours before creasing slightly. MAC Apricot Blend #1 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Creamy Bisque (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). Maybelline Pure Nude (80) (LE, $6.99) is warmer (95% similar). Guerlain Les Tendres #1 (LE, ) is darker, more muted (95% similar). Make Up For Ever I526 Pearl Beige (DC, $21.00) is more muted (95% similar). MAC Sugar Rush (LE, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Smoked Cocoa #1 (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar). Dior Dulcinee #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Nude (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Stila Snowflake (LE, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC A Party of Pastels #2 (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Tisse Paris #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Oh, Rocky! (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Coquet (LE, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar). Hourglass Exposure #1 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). KVD Beauty Instaglam (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). bareMinerals Nude Beach (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Acorn (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Cle de Peau Stardust #1 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Cle de Peau Marmalade Sky #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Vapour Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “peach-pink with violet pearl [with a Velvet finish].” It’s a light, warmer beige base with cool, iridescent blue shimmer, which gives it a cooler-toned look as a result. The texture was fairly soft, just a bit dusty, but remained blendable and easy to use on the lid. It wore well for eight hours on me. Zoeva Spun Pearl (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Maybelline Pure Nude (80) (LE, $6.99) is more shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Nude (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Bump (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Giorgio Armani #23 (DC, $33.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Tassel (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). L'Oreal Petite Perle (P, $5.99) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Lithe Spirit (LE, $17.00) is darker, less pigmented (90% similar). Chanel Oiseaux de Nuit #1 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Creamy Bisque (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Makeup Geek Ice Queen (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). NARS Mississippi Mermaid (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC A Sprinkle of Blues #1 (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Undercover (PiP, $19.00) is more muted (95% similar). MAC Phloof! (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Guerlain Les Tendres #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (85% similar). Make Up For Ever D200 Crystalline Mauve Turquoise (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Sugarpill Ice Angel (PiP, $13.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Tenderly (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, less pigmented (85% similar). theBalm Promiscuous Pearl (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Orb Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “soft peachy-beige [with a Satin finish].” It’s a very light peach with a satin finish. It had good color payoff, though not fully opaque, that was buildable and blendable on the skin. The texture was a smidgen on the drier side, but it didn’t emphasize the texture of my lids/skin. On me, it wore well for eight hours. Huda Beauty Nude Light #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). KVD Beauty South (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Dior Undress #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Makeup Geek Baby Face (DC, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar). Hourglass Infinity #1 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Hourglass Color Field #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Tarte Vanilla Candles (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Fresh (P, $12.00) is darker (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M532 Sugar Coated Candy (DC, $21.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Fancy Dress (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar). LORAC Undercover (PiP, $19.00) is more muted, cooler (95% similar). Divergent Serene Vanilla (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). MAC Easy Gesture (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Black #1 (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Too Faced White Peach (PiP, $16.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Sweet Allure (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Inglot #355 (P, $6.00) is brighter (90% similar). Tarte Super Mom (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Toasted Marshmallow (LE, )(100% similar). Huda Beauty Bare (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Grain Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “golden beige with icy shimmer [with a Satin finish].” It had great color payoff with a soft, smooth, and blendabe consistency that was neither too firm nor too soft in the pan. The color applied well to bare skin and lasted for a good eight hours before fading. Clarins The Essentials #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Apricot Blend #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). LORAC Nude (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Chanel Tisse d'Automne #2 (P, ) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay 5050 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Pretty (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). NARS All About Eve #1 (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Make Up For Ever S516 Sand (DC, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). MAC MACnificent Me (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). Viseart Rendezvous (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Divergent Humble Sheen (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). YSL Scandal #2 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Naked (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Dior Toile de Jouy #1 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Fabulous DNA (PiP, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Clinique Cream Pop (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Jezebel (P, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Jest (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Truth (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Tenderly (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Omega
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Era
PPermanent. $17.00.
Honesty
PPermanent. $17.00.
Patina
PPermanent. $17.00.
Tempting
PPermanent. $17.00.
Woodwinked
PPermanent. $17.00.
Phloof!
PPermanent. $17.00.
Vapour
PPermanent. $17.00.
Orb
PPermanent. $17.00.
Grain
PPermanent. $17.00.
See more photos & swatches!
MAC Omega Eyeshadow
MAC Omega Eyeshadow
MAC Omega Eyeshadow
MAC Omega Eyeshadow
MAC Era Eyeshadow
MAC Era Eyeshadow
MAC Era Eyeshadow
MAC Era Eyeshadow
MAC Honesty Eyeshadow
MAC Honesty Eyeshadow
MAC Honesty Eyeshadow
MAC Honesty Eyeshadow
MAC Patina Eyeshadow
MAC Patina Eyeshadow
MAC Patina Eyeshadow
MAC Patina Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow
MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow
MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow
MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow
MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow
MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow
MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow
MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow
MAC Vapour Eyeshadow
MAC Vapour Eyeshadow
MAC Vapour Eyeshadow
MAC Vapour Eyeshadow
MAC Orb Eyeshadow
MAC Orb Eyeshadow
MAC Orb Eyeshadow
MAC Orb Eyeshadow
MAC Grain Eyeshadow
MAC Grain Eyeshadow
MAC Grain Eyeshadow
MAC Grain Eyeshadow
Tempting, Twinks, Ground Brown, Swiss Chocolate, Omega, Naked Lunch, Orb, UD Junkie Eyeliner
Tempting, Twinks, Ground Brown, Swiss Chocolate, Omega, Naked Lunch, Orb, UD Junkie Eyeliner
Honeylust, Woodwinked, Mulch, Mystery, Brun, Texture, Arena, Brule, UD Junkie Eyeliner
Honeylust, Woodwinked, Mulch, Mystery, Brun, Texture, Arena, Brule, UD Junkie Eyeliner
Phloof!, Patina, Coquette, Concrete, Quarry, Orb, Vapour, Makeup Geek Spice/Royal Eyeliners
Phloof!, Patina, Coquette, Concrete, Quarry, Orb, Vapour, Makeup Geek Spice/Royal Eyeliners
Christine, is that the MUFE palette in the header photo?
Yep!
Thank you for this, Christine! MAC is such a mystery to me, probably because going to their counter/shops isn’t a very comfortable shopping experience for me (I feel like I’m be watched/heavily scrutinized, and you can’t even easily pick up the tester shades from that rack), and their website is just godawful… all my opinions of course, I’m sure there are plenty of people who like it. I’ll probably just look at your swatches and figure out a couple shades to order – might as well give it another try at this great price. Thanks again!
Oh no, I am so sad to hear about your experiences in-person 🙁 I know my MAC store many years ago was like that, and I remember they fired almost all the staff and redid it – now that store is AMAZING. I hope you’ll consider writing to MAC CS (online) next time you get less than a stellar experience in-store!
I’m with you on the website. The new one completely and totally sucks. I have no other words for it.
It used to be so much better! I have no idea what they were thinking, it’s so much harder to use now.
A big huge emphatic YES to your comment!! ?
Ditto on the website! It’s terrible to navigate! I like to beauty shop from the comfort of my couch. I don’t even go to Sephora anymore bc they’re like vultures trying to assist me. I know it’s their job but walking into Mac or Sephora gives me anxiety.
OMG, I want institutions for that Pfloof eye look! Amazing!!
http://www.temptalia.com/look/mac-cooler-slightly-smoky-neutral-eyeshadow-look/
Thanks, Christine!!
Does anyone know if the price will drop internationally too? Crossing my fingers in the UK!
No idea!
Such a useful post, thank you Christine! I haven’t bought a MAC eyeshadow in years because I’ve been so disappointed by LE shadows in the past. People keep saying their permanent range of neutrals is much better, but I don’t want to buy any before being sure the quality is there (most of the few permanent MAC shadows I tried didn’t meet my expectations)!
They have some winners in it, and I do think that MAC eyeshadows perform better ON the eye than swatched on the arm. My only reasoning is that MAC eyeshadows build particularly well, so in practice, if you aren’t looking for Carbon to be 100% opaque right away, you don’t even notice it being under-pigmented.
Amazing eyeshadows.
MAC has some good ones!
I have spent so much time and money trying to find a “patina, but better” eyeshadow, but I have failed, not surprised you found it hard to dupe.
It’s one of those shades that has more complex undertone/overtone relationship, I think.
Annabelle has a dupe… but I’ll have to pull out my palette at home to find the name of it.
It’s soo crazy to me that i know all these shades but I’ve barely owned any MAC eyeshadows.
Bobbi Brown Bronze was very close, but it may be discontinued now. I found Era to be very close to Patina when used in an entire eye look.
Patina is the only one I have. It’s almost olivey on me. I’m surprised that I don’t have a dupe for Omega. I thought it was similar to MUG Barcelona Beach, but it’s not. The closest thing I have is MUFE M540 Gray Beige, but Omega is still lighter. I have a feeling I will build a little bit of a list as you go through these.
Omega is a great crease/transition shade!
This series is so awesomely helpful, thank you! I had never purchased MAC single shadows before they lowered the price and then recently built a 9 shade palette for my wedding day. Their site really doesn’t show the true colors of the shadows and is kind of hard to navigate so having a reference guide really helps. I want to make a few more palettes but I think I’ll wait until you’ve gotten out all the swatches so I can have a good true to life reference guide. Thanks!
What did you put in your 9-pan, Lauren?
Tempting is very tempting!
Haha!
Katherine, because Tempting is a Lustre finish, it’s one of those that can be really frustrating. But I heard a tip years ago to wear it over UDPP in Sin. I tried it and what a difference. The beauty of Tempting really comes out over-top of that shimmery, peachy pink tinted primer.
Mariella, thanks for the tip, that sounds like a gorgeous combo! Unfortunately, all of the UD eye primers crease on my oily lids, but I’m sure your tip will work for many others who want to get Tempting. But I have Tom Ford Sphinx cream shadow (a peachy pink shimmer), so I can pop it on top of that!
Hi Katherine, I have super oily eyelids, and tempting performs very nicely on me over the Wet n Wild Eyeshadow primer. I don’t like the luster formula typically because I don’t like glitter on my eyes but this is beautiful and wears for ages without creasing. I’ve tried loads of high end primers and this is the only one that’s ever worked…and it doesn’t hurt either that it’s only $5.
Claudia, if you’re talking about the WNW Fergie Take the Day Eye Primer, I’m in total agreement with you! I have super oily lids, and it’s the only eye primer that really works on me, and I’ve tried 20-25 of the best eye primers on the market. But sadly, they DC’d it earlier this year, but I managed to stockpile 6 of them. I think the contract with Fergie ended. They re-issued it without the Fergie name, but a number of bloggers have said the formula is different and not as good. I have a tube of the new one but haven’t tried it yet. There might still be some original tubes floating around ebay. IDK, but once I run out, Plan B is to go with cream shadows, like the Laura Mercier Caviar sticks. So sad, as many people were fans of the WNW Fergie primer.
Hi Katherine…that’s the one! I actually compared ingredients on the packaging on the old and the new and they are exactly the same, in the same order. I can also say with confidence that it performs the same on me as well! Give it a shot 🙂
oh! your collection is wonderful!
Thanks!
Oooh, 4 that I have, love and would buy again are here! Orb is my HG browbone highlight, because I have hooded eyes, and this has no shimmer, yet still brightens and lightens my browbone plus hides any redness from plucking a few stray brows. Vapour I love as a highlight for ethereal purple looks, love the blue-violet micro-sparkles! And then there’s 2 of my fave neutral lid shades: Woodwinked and Patina!
I love your eye looks above, too! Especially that 3rd one, never tried Patina in anything other than in green or brown looks myself, this is more adventurous.
Vapour is a greater cooler-toned highlight, and the slight sheen makes it easier to use against my skin tone!
Patina is one of my favorite e/s!!
I feel like I never hear about it, but so many readers are saying it’s a favorite, lol! I love that it’s been discovered, but it needs more love!
It does need more love. Can be paired with so many of the other MAC e/s too. I’ve worn it with club, vex, woodwinked… A very unique yet so wearable color!
What is scary is just how many of these I own! I imagine I will be saying that with every thread within this series. And it’s not like I’m a 20 or 30-something….I’ve just hit my 60’s so, in reality, I have limited time to use these up or even make a dent in them. I’ll still be rockin’ the eyeshadow when I’m 85 and 90 (gotta get my money’s worth, right?)
That’s what I like to hear 😉 May I be so lucky as to wear eyeshadow in my 60s, 70s, and beyond!
I’ve always like Ploof, so I guess I should get the MUFE dupe since it’s a bit better.
I’d say it depends on how you’d use it / how often you’d use it and whether the price difference makes up for the bump in quality!
Wow. This is an undertaking! Thanks for putting the work in for this project.
I completely agree with you about Patina. It’s a great shade and to me, it’s one of Mac’s best kept secrets. The first custom 4-shade palette I made for myself was made up of Patina, Satin Taupe, Sable and Dazzlelight and I’m amazed at how often I still go back to those colours.
Isn’t it? It should really be more popular!
Patina looks very innocuous among all these neutral shadows, but it remains an all time MAC favourite…looks amazing on.. smokes out darker shadows so beautifully and has a really interesting gold/platinum nuance which isn’t readily apparent looking at the pan itself, until you work into it.
It really does! It’s one of MAC’s best and surprisingly STILL unique.
Another big project for you! Thank you. These reviews will be really helpful to people like myself who don’t own a lot of MAC.
This one is a bit easier since it’s just part of the normal routine and not extra work I have to squeeze in!
Thank you!
I’m tempted to write a comment about “honesty” being an F. I honestly can’t do it. It’s to ironic..
Sorry, I couldn’t help it. ?
Haha!
Woodwinked is such a universally great colour. Beautiful eye look too.
It’s so rich!
Its gorgeous. Watched a lot of Makup artist videos and many of then list it as one of their favorite all time colors.
I have a big collection of MAC nudes and really love them. Obviously not as many as you have, but they are the backbone of my collection.
What are your top five must-haves?
Such a great post. I’m currently building a MAC Z-Palette. I love your eye looks! 🙂
Thank you, Lupe!
Patina was one of my very first MAC eyeshadows, and one of my absolute favorite among all brands, but I could never figure out how to wear it… Recently, when organizing my MAC palettes, I arbitrarily swatched it next to Soba, and it gave me an idea. When I tried Patina on the lid with Soba in the crease, it was *magic*!
Thank you for sharing that greab combo, Amy!
Loved this. I have used Omega for years, usually with Brule for a simple and quick everyday look. Now I am thinking I should check out Patina. I am NC15 and use Omega in the crease-it’s as dark as I want to go really. A near dupe for Omega is UD Tease except Tease is cooler.
Patina is really worth looking at, Claire! 🙂
I’m still loving Patina after all these years. I find it to be a very pretty crease color on me.
Ooh, I need to try that! Maybe more as a transition for me, lol!
I’ve tried that as well and it works reasonably well for me. 🙂
It’s such an interesting shade though! It looks different on everyone! Our skintones are pretty similar, but Patina looks more gray/purple on me than gold.
I love MAC eyeshadows but have only one of these, Vapour. It’s fine for what it does but is easily dupable.
All of these comments about how great Patina is makes me want it! It doesn’t really leap off the page to me but it is in the color range I particularly like.
Christine, I was wondering if you would consider Woodwinked a dupe to MUG Homecoming. I had been eyeing Woodwinked online for awhile and a lot of the comments on MUG’s website call it a dupe of it, so I got it when I was doing a MUG order and I do love it. I wore it to work today, in fact (with Vapour!). But I don’t see it as a dupe and I’m wondering if you think it’s quite different. Scrolling down this list quickly I had to scroll back up to see what that amazing color was and yep, Woodwinked. I love it!
Hey!
Homecoming is similar but less shimmery and less golden – it has a similar base color/undertone but doesn’t quite look the same to me.
http://www.temptalia.com/side-by-side/?sbs_1_search=MAC+Woodwinked&sbs_1=105971&sbs_2_search=Makeup+Geek+Homecoming&sbs_2=149257
Omg your posts are so informative! I love it 🙂
Thank you, Nhu!
Thank you so much for this, Christine! Here’s hoping this series be extended to MAC’s permanent lipsticks =)
Happy to share, Nathalia!
I can’t believe I didn’t know they dropped the pan prices!!! I know where I’m heading next payday…and for my birthday…and for Christmas…
Happy hauling!