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MAC Playland Chromagraphic Pencils Reviews, Photos, Swatches

MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil

The MAC Playland Collection features four shades of MAC Chromagraphic Pencils ($16.00 for 0.04 oz.). This formula is permanent at PRO stores, and all shades have existed for awhile now. I have reviewed the formula a few times in the past, so this is a quickie review to include updated swatches, add dupes, and individual ratings. I’m a big fan of the Chromagraphic Pencil formula, because it’s very creamy, intensely pigmented, and long-wearing, but there are some shades that can’t be used on the water line and/or eye area, as well as some shades aren’t to be used on the lip area (all warnings are below).

The following shades are not to be used in the lip area: Black Black, Marine Ultra, NC15/NW20, NW25/NC30, NC42/NW35
The following shades are not to be used in the eye area: Basic Red, Genuine Orange, Process Magenta
The following shades are not to be used in the inner rim of eye: Basic Red, Process Magenta, Genuine Orange, Primary Yellow, Landscape Green, Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple

Black Black is described as a “deepest black.” It’s a deep, dark, inky black with a satin finish. Intensely pigmented, incredibly long-wearing, and fantastic on the water line. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Genuine Orange is described as a “bright orange.” It’s a medium, yellow-toned orange with a matte finish. It had rich, opaque color in a single stroke. This shade includes a warning that it is not to be used in the eye area or the inner rim of the eye. I couldn’t think of any dupes for this shade!

Hi-Def Cyan is described as a “hi-def cyan.” It’s a brightened, medium-dark sky blue with a matte finish. It had great pigmentation, and it was very buildable and creamy. This shade includes a warning that it is not to be used on the inner rim of the eye. I couldn’t think of dupes for this shade either.

Process Magenta is described as a “matte magenta.” It’s a vibrant, fuchsia pink with cool undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was rich and opaque in a single pass. This shade includes a warning that it is not to be used in the eye area or the inner rim of the eye. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Genuine Orange Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Genuine Orange Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Genuine Orange Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Genuine Orange Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Genuine Orange Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Genuine Orange Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Hi-Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Hi-Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Hi-Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Hi-Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Hi-Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Hi-Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Process Magenta Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Process Magenta Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Process Magenta Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Process Magenta Chromagraphic Pencil

MAC Process Magenta Chromagraphic Pencil
MAC Process Magenta Chromagraphic Pencil

63 Comments

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Joanna Avatar

Also, as for black pencil eyeliners from MAC I’ve used, Feline goes kind of brown when I blend it out and Smolder goes blue (almost dark navy.) I like both, but they don’t always look that black. If Black Black looks actually black on me, I’m already interested.

Justine Avatar

I have Hi-Def Cyan and I will say that I have personally used it on the waterline, but I’ve obviously done so at my own risk. I never had any issues or sensitivities to it. I usually don’t have issues with any sort of makeup at all, actually. I think I will be getting the orange and the black (because you can never have too many black eyeliners, right?)

Christine Avatar

You can actually use Hi Def Cyan on the eyelid, lower lash line, etc. but not on the water line. Genuine Orange and Process Magenta could be used as lip pencils or brow pencils – also body art. It is a PRO product/formula, so it was designed with makeup artists in mind, though regular consumers can certainly use them (some shades more or less often).

Chanel Avatar

These are really pretty but what use would you get from the colored ones. I mean if you’re into something like cosplay You can find a way to use the pencils without putting it near the eye area, but if you just like putting on makeup for enhancing and being a little creative what is the point of the eye pencil. I would love to use colors like this on my waterline 🙁

Alla Avatar

I love these and am so happy they’re permanent, even if it’s only at PRO stores! Do you happen to know whether Mac is working to get approval for shades like process magenta to be used on the eyes, the way UD is trying for the Electric palette?

Alison Avatar

I completely agree! If I were a makeup artist, I’d probably have to mark on each pencil where I can use it! It’s kind of confusing having one single line with each product being designed to be used in different places..

Andrea Avatar

I’m so annoyed by ‘universal’ pencils that have shades that are unsafe for certain areas of the face. I’d rather buy separate eye and lip pencils so I never forget or mix up which ones would be unsafe to use! An eyeliner that is unsafe for the inner rim of the eye is useless to me as well.

Stephanie Avatar

It really is a shame Hi-Def Cyan can’t be used on the waterline. I’ve been looking for something like this color and thought I found the answer to my prayers when I saw this. Do you know of anything similar that can be used on the waterline?

Coco Avatar

Hi-def Cyan is GORGEOUS! Wow, just read that NC15/NW20 isn’t suggested for lip use. LOL. I never read that, must have missed it. I’ve used it around the lips and to fill them in (as a lip eraser). I haven’t had adverse reactions thankfully x

Elle Avatar

Hey, Christine,

I get why some of these aren’t supposed to be used around certain parts of the eye, but I’m curious if you know the reason why you can’t wear the black on the lips. I mean, if you can tightline your eye with it, then you’d think it’d be safe enough to line your lips. Thoughts? I’m so curious!!

Also, I know (just like w/ the UD Electric palette) that a lot of these warnings are only issued in the USA, because it’s required. They don’t come with these warnings in other countries. And, it’s funny that they are targeted toward makeup artists, because MUA’s don’t care! We’ll put anything product anywhere on anyone as long as it works! 🙂

Jenn C. Avatar

I LOVE the Genuine Orange! It is the exact shade I was looking for…. but I can not use it for anywhere close to my eye?

I guess I am confused as to why this is. I am assuming it is for “safety”? Christine, do you know of a pencil/liner (fluid lines are another favorite) that I could even come within a classic orange range that I can use around my eyes?!

Thank you for all your help! You are my go-to site for swatches and decision time!! 😉

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