MAC Pressed Pigments Part Deux Review, Photos, Swatches
MAC Amethyst Pressed Pigment
MAC Pressed Pigments Part Deux
MAC Pressed Pigments ($21.00 for 0.10 oz.) includes nine new shades: Amethyst (purple with silver undertone), Angelic (off white), Blonde Streak (light cream), Blue Willow (light icy blue), Enlightening (deep silver), Flicker (pastel yellow), Jet Couture (charcoal black), Smoky (deep silver blue), and Sweet Acting (mid-tone pink). There are three repromoted shades: Day Gleam (high pearl powder in NC30 shade), Deeply Dashing (high pearl powder in NW55 shade), and Light Touch (high pearl powder in W10 shade). I reviewed those three shades just three months ago when they originally debuted.
Amethyst is a pale lavender with a metallic, sparkling finish. It’s sheer when used damp, more opaque when used wet. Dolce & Gabbana Jewels has a similar coloring but appears darker, as it does not have a metallic finish. MAC Light Violet is a darker lavender.
Angelic is a cool-toned white with a hint of silver. It has a frosted, metallic finish. It is a bit smoother and more metallic than it is sparkly–compared to other shades. The payoff dry is fairly sheer, while damp is better but not fully opaque. MAC She’s Got Class is very similar. shu uemura Smoky Velvet #3 is also similar.
Blonde Streak is a silver-shot off-white; it almost looks creamy at one angle, then looks silvered at another. It has a frosted, metallic finish. shu uemura Smoky Velvet #3 is whiter. MAC She’s Got Class is less metallic. Bobbi Brown Bone is yellower.
Blue Willlow is a bluish-green tinted white with a frosted, metallic finish. This one had a chunkier finish, and it never quite smoothed out, even when applied damp. The payoff was about the same whether used dry or damp. Giorgio Armani #10 is very similar in color.
Enlightening is a light-medium silver with a bright metallic sheen. This had a chunkier texture, so it did not lay down as smoothly as other shades did. Tarte Silver Burst is lighter, less metallic. Bobbi Brown Tinsel is lighter. MAC Misty is a touch lighter. Giorgio Armani #12 is a bit lighter.
Flicker is a yellow-tinged white, but it almost has this silver-ish sparkle. The color payoff was semi-sheer both wet and dry. This didn’t have a really gritty texture but did have a lot of sparkle. Bobbi Brown Bone is warmer. Too Faced Spun Sugar is darker. Tarina Tarantino Elektron is more metallic, less sparkly. Dior Khaki Design #4 is less metallic.
Jet Couture is a dark black with brown undertones and coppery-gold sparkle. It had fair pigmentation when used dry, and it was more intense when used damp. It applied more smoothly than some of the other shades. The only similar shade I cuold think of was Cinderfella, which has a silver sparkle instead.
Smoky is a muted, darkened blue with lots of silver sparkle. It had good pigmentation both dry and wet, though the wet version was smoother. MAC Love Cycle is darker, richer. theBalm Sensational is richer, deeper. MAC Moon’s Reflection is slightly brighter. Urban Decay Mary Jane is more metallic, darker.
Sweet Acting is a light-medium pink with yellow undertones. This one felt the grittiest/chunkiest in texture to me out of the nine new shades. It had decent color payoff both dry and wet, though, with wet making the pink appear darker. MAC Rose Light is a bit darker, less sparkly. Dior Fairy Golds #4 is lighter. MAC Love Power is darker, pinker. Giorgio Armani #7 is darker, more mauve.
I double-checked my press materials, and these are listed as “limited edition,” but the MAC website indicates they are permanent. I did a Live Chat with MAC online, and I was told that the Pressed Pigments are permanent. More interestingly, both the press release and the description online says, “Gorgeous eyes, from sheer and ethereal for day to intense and illuminating for evening.” It is further described as an “intensely creamy highlighter offering extreme pearlescence.” It can be applied dry “for a high shine” or dampened “for a dramatic wet look.”
They’re less of an utter and abject failure as a for-eyes-only product, than when they launched as the highlighter counterpart to MAC’s contouring Sculpting Creams. Some of these shades work better than others, and ultimately, it comes down to how smoothly they can be pressed into submission. The grittier, sparklier the shade, the worse it performs. With a really tacky base, you can absolutely get these to cooperate better. Dry, they’re a catastrophe of glitter fall out. I’m pretty sure more ends up below my eye than on it, no matter whether I’ve taken the 215 brush (which is what is sold alongside these shades) and done my utmost to “crush” and “press” the pigments on a separate stainless steel palette. The only way I can get the color to apply and transfer to some degree is with a fairly damp brush.
For testing, I used Blonde Streak on the inner lid and (lightly) on brow bone, Smoky on the middle of the lid, and Jet Couture on the outer lid. These are definitely products to be applied prior to foundation, because clean-up is absolutely necessary! I found that the fall out really need to be fully wiped away (I used Lancome Bi-Facil on a cotton round), rather than lightly dusted off. Throughout the day, over the course of eight hours, there was fall out. My eye was watering a lot while I wore these to test, because the fall out was getting into my eyes (or onto my lashes, and then into my eye). By the time I removed these, my eyes were bloodshot and a bit irritated.
If I use a glitter adhesive, it will hold on better and help to minimize the fall out, so if the finish of these is up your alley, I’d recommend doing something like that, rather than wearing it as MAC states–dry or damp–because neither work well. (But that is the criteria that I am rating on.) This is the type of product that is more specialized and will be loved by some, hated by others; I think they could be marketed better–and now would be a great time to make Mixing Medium available across counters and stores as a great side product. (Even with MAC opening Pro products online, it is not actually available to regular customers online at this time.) Though, Mixing Medium, from my experience, isn’t tacky enough with these guys–I like Lit Cosmetics, LA Splash, or lash glue better. You really need something wet and tacky that says, “COME TO MAMA!” to holds that glitter tight.
Loose glitter is rarely designed to be applied all on its own–this product just needs help in the form of major adhesion. A lot of glitter is like that but let’s call a spade a spade! But as is, these remain on my naughty list. I love glitter and sparkle, especially on the eyes, but I want it to remain there! I don’t want to find sparkle in my nose. The better performing shades were Angelic and Smoky, as they bound better and applied more smoothly; Jet Couture was the most unique.
P.S. — Does anyone else wonder what makes MAC decide to make a new formula permanent? Sometimes you’ll hear almost nothing but major raves for a new formula but you’ll never see it again… then a product like this, which is polarizing, is made permanent three months after it first launches (which likely means it was decided earlier on, though).
MAC Amethyst Pressed Pigment
MAC Amethyst Pressed Pigment
MAC Amethyst Pressed Pigment
MAC Amethyst Pressed Pigment
MAC Amethyst Pressed Pigment
MAC Amethyst Pressed Pigment
MAC Angelic Pressed Pigment
MAC Angelic Pressed Pigment
MAC Angelic Pressed Pigment
MAC Angelic Pressed Pigment
MAC Angelic Pressed Pigment
MAC Angelic Pressed Pigment
MAC Blue Willow Pressed Pigment
MAC Blue Willow Pressed Pigment
MAC Blue Willow Pressed Pigment
MAC Blue Willow Pressed Pigment
MAC Blue Willow Pressed Pigment
MAC Blue Willow Pressed Pigment
MAC Blonde Streak Pressed Pigment
MAC Blonde Streak Pressed Pigment
MAC Blonde Streak Pressed Pigment
MAC Blonde Streak Pressed Pigment
MAC Blonde Streak Pressed Pigment
MAC Blonde Streak Pressed Pigment
MAC Enlightening Pressed Pigment
MAC Enlightening Pressed Pigment
MAC Enlightening Pressed Pigment
MAC Enlightening Pressed Pigment
MAC Enlightening Pressed Pigment
MAC Enlightening Pressed Pigment
MAC Flicker Pressed Pigment
MAC Flicker Pressed Pigment
MAC Flicker Pressed Pigment
MAC Flicker Pressed Pigment
MAC Flicker Pressed Pigment
MAC Flicker Pressed Pigment
MAC Jet Couture Pressed Pigment
MAC Jet Couture Pressed Pigment
MAC Jet Couture Pressed Pigment
MAC Jet Couture Pressed Pigment
MAC Jet Couture Pressed Pigment
MAC Jet Couture Pressed Pigment
MAC Smoky Pressed Pigment
MAC Smoky Pressed Pigment
MAC Smoky Pressed Pigment
MAC Smoky Pressed Pigment
MAC Smoky Pressed Pigment
MAC Smoky Pressed Pigment
MAC Sweet Acting Pressed Pigment
MAC Sweet Acting Pressed Pigment
MAC Sweet Acting Pressed Pigment
MAC Sweet Acting Pressed Pigment
MAC Sweet Acting Pressed Pigment
MAC Sweet Acting Pressed Pigment
MAC Pressed Pigment in Blonde Streak, Smoky, Jet Couture
MAC Pressed Pigment in Blonde Streak, Smoky, Jet Couture
Yuck. I am so done with MAC. I will stick to their lipsticks. I am going elsewhere for eye shadow. For the price, I can get better products at Urdan Decay, or even Too Faced.
I agree Heather… all i buy from MAC is lipsticks. everyone is stepping up their game in the eyeshadow range but them
Also, while everyone else is stepping it up, MAC is actually back-pedaling…
Same, except I’m all about MAC blushes, but even those have been lackluster for the past year or so….
Duds..I swatched them all frost and shimmer particle city. The sales assoc. was really trying to get me to buy them,I knew to run the other way haha.
It really disappoints me to see what MAC has become the past few years. They used to be innovative and really put out quality products.
Oh dear. Some look lovely in the pan but they don’t look worth the trouble to achieve anything half-way wearable.
i LOVE the pressed pigments! I like pressing them on top of my eye look, just to add some glitter to the look! I don’t have a problem with fall out with these though! Plus, I always do my foundation last, so if there is any fall out – I just clean it up before I do my foundation.
Jet Couture is really beautiful!!
I wish I had your experience, Tyanna! I get fall out ALL day long, even after I clean-up after application! 🙁 What brush do you use?
I use a mac 239, and spritz the brush with Fix+ or Urban Decay All Nighter spray before I apply it to the eyes. It works for me!
most of them look THE SAME!! when swatched the only ones that dont are the dark ones, other than that I dont think its worth the price to pay for basically the same product.. which is glitter and not even different color glitter the same color glitter.
Christine there is no swatch pic for blonde streak.
Fixed!
So pretty in concept. I saw these at the counter the other day and the entire display was covered in glitter. No thanks! I don’t want that all over my face or getting in my eyes.
Aaaand this is reason #57848 that I never buy MAC. They’re so expensive per ounce and their quality is terrible. I’m waiting to finish my very last MAC item, Stars n’ Rockets e/s, before finding a dupe and saying goodbye to them forever. (Luckily I know UD Fishnet’s a great replacement, thanks to the swatch gallery! :D)
Christine, I feel like this whole “pressed pigments” gimmick is very blogger/online beauty culture inspired. I wish they would start paying attention to reviews like yours, and comments on this site and others, that make valid arguments about MAC’s quality. (I’ve already given up hope that they’ll stop releasing 50 collections a year!) What do you think about this topic? Sorry if I’m veering off course; I’d just like your opinion.
There’s really no reason to pay attention to criticism if you can still sell out your products in 15 minutes, you know? If it works, it works. It doesn’t mean I like it or think it’s right or that I don’t think at some point, it may come to bite them in the butt, but I know women who have been using MAC for 20 years and are still as happy with it today as they were before–but realistically, they’re not going in for new collections every week!
Interesting and valid points, Christine. I’ve been using MAC a long time and there are still products (mostly from their regular line) that I will always use (which isn’t to say that everything in their permanent line is stellar either!). I’ll admit, I still get excited when I see you reviewing a new collection and then I breath a sigh of relief mixed with a sigh of disappointment when I see that much of what’s just come out isn’t worth having, mainly because the quality is poor. Since I’m trying to cut down on my makeup buying, perhaps this is a good thing but it’s also quite sad.
I think it’s more like why make something permanent if it sucks. The hype’s going to cause them to sell limited edition products anyway but the permanent items should be limited to products that would consistently sell.
I’m a business major and I understand both sides of the standpoint but I’m sure they’re going to discontinue these soon if they are permanent.
Haha I think you’re glossover summary describes it well. I was interested in these, I almost always prefer pressed formulas to loose, but definitely will be passing
Swatched them today and they felt gritty. I passed.
have you used your finger to apply these? they work well for me when i apply it using fingers.
Fingers didn’t work well for me – you get next to no color translated and only a little sparkle, and I’m not keen on using fingers in actual products, since it can leave behind an oily film after awhile!
These remind me of Stila’s Jewel Eyeshadows, especially Amethyst which looks like Rose Quartz
I’m a lipstick junkie, and sure, MAC has a lot of colors and different formulas, but I never really liked them. The only one that I like and that I might repurchase is Russian Red, but the other 3 that I own I don’t really like. MAC overall doesn’t really tickles my pickle, the only thing that I really love is the MAC Select Cover-Up Corrector for a concealer. Other than that, I am not impressed by MAC at all. And don’t get me started with their representatives, sales associates and customer service… They always harass me, discriminate me because I am Hispanic and they always think I will still something… Not even Sephora does that and the one in my area is in a high scale retail place. MAC overall for me isn’t worth it.
I just have to say, “doesn’t tickle my pickle” made me laugh — out loud — for a good two minutes straight. I have never heard that expression before but I am SO stealing it! From now on, everything will be about tickling my pickle. ROFL.
And there I go again. Cannot.stop.laughing.
In general I am not impressed with chunky glitters in make up in general,but I have bought products that have include it such as soft and gentle MSF , super orgasm blush, and of course the holiday crushed pigments. Even these products which are easily over done seem like a dream compared to the pressed pigments as application goes. Light touch was recommended to me as a highlighter but it looks horrible for that use. I l left it alone for a while, maybe i would just dump it out and back to mac it. Finally I experimented using it as an eyeshadow and actually it does work with out major fallout. I First apply a paint pot with a 242 brush, and then with the paint pot still on my brush i densely pick up and pack as much of the pressed pigment on my brush and then densely repeat packing on my lid. This same technique works for me with the crushed pigments as well. Although there is method that worked for me, I still don’t think it is a high quality product. For the money I know their better things out there, that don’t take the patience or expementation that this product requires. Hell, for the same price at MAC there are the permeant pigments and or reflects glitter available online. Christine thank you for buying these products and taking the time and patience to review them again. I know many that would’t, and it helps a lot of people!
Will you be reviewing the new concealer palettes? I know they’re not LE but since they’re new I’m interested in reading your thoughts about them.
No, sorry! The formula is the same as an existing formula – it’s just packaged differently (and I think some shades are new).
I still have a bad taste in my mouth (and a slight twitch in my eye!) from the 2 I purchased during the Face and Body release. I so want to love them but the fallout is a complete nightmare! Like I mentioned in my last comment my reaction at the MAC counter when I spotted the two I already own at the display for the new ones shocked and confused the MUA so much it made me laugh. I have attempted several different methods of trying to make those pressed pigments wearable and less messy for eye use but have failed miserably. I’m stubborn though so I am determined to make these work somehow…but I can’t imagine purchasing them again.
I find the perm and LE thing very bizarre too. The eyeshadows from Peacocky was glorious, but remained LE yet they brought out the icky bird poop thingy later on. I think I’m going to swatch Amethyst, Angelic, Blue Willow, and Flicker just for fun to see how they differ on my very fair neutral skin. (NC/NW 5) Thanks again for the review, Christine!
Before reading this, about 8 hours ago, myself and a co-worker went to MAC. We happened to notice this display and decided to play around with it. Her remark? (From a person who wears ONLY blush to work, not even mascara.) “These fade away into nothing. This is only glitter with no colour!” To say I was impressed with her assessment was an understatement. For a person who knows so little about makeup to make such a declaration was impressive. MAC needs to improve. I’ve said this before, and unfortunately I’m saying it again… their LEs are a total pass for me now… I’m strictly on the permanent collection until I see something that is not only effective, but also knocks my socks off.
I also have to laugh because I press pigments better than this noise!
Just got Smoky yesterday and should have waited for your blog post. I guess I will return it. It looks pretty at the counter but hate to deal with fall out.
Instead of wasting their time developing sub-par products, why cant MAC re-release the starflash collection? I dont think there has been an eyeshadow collection (with exception of Peacocky) that has been as outstanding or successful – am I wrong!?
The Starflash finish was great. I still love my Smoke & Diamonds, I would have liked to buy more, but I hadn’t the money back then. It would be so nice to buy these colors in a pan and put them into my palette.
I really want to try Jet Couture, despite the disappointing review!
Sonia Kashuk has glittery shadows that have the same overall look, and you can pick up a quad for a 1/3 of what one of these would cost. Plus, they go on very smoothly.
I can only assume they’re hoping for people to just buy it on impulse w/o researching or testing to see how it wears. Glitter fall out is one of my biggest pet peeves, and I just cannot handle migrating glitter all over my face. no. no. no.
Ok, I know you just panned these (heehee) but Jet Couture is GORGE. I think I need it in my life.
Then again, I never do anything that requires sparkly pewter eyeshadow dramaness so I may have to pass. But I’ll lose a tiny bit of sleep over it.
I have two of these from the Face & Body collection and I was so underwhelmed. If you want to be a fairy for Halloween, then these might work. The sparkle gets EVERYWHERE. Wet or dry or with primer, it was a mess. The formula stinks. And yet my local MAC counters and stores were sold out. No idea why. I’m so puzzled that this formula is being repromoted by MAC.
oh god.
please tell me you’re gonna return them? :S
Hi, thanks for your reviews. I bought one of the previous pressed pigments (SPOT LIT) and I loved it. I used it only on my eyes with a 242 or 252-type brush and no fall out, dry (and I have combination-dry skin/NC45).
I love these products and I’m sure I’ll be getting more shades. I’m thinking about Beaming, Deeply dashing, Blonde Streak, Enlightening and probably Jet couture 🙂
Really nbeautiful pictures thanks again for your work Christine.
Jet Couture is the only shade I like but the quality? Wow, that’s something.
I really don’t get how can they actually launch such crappy products.
Out of all the colors “Jet Couture” looks really nice. The color “Smoky” looks similar to one of the shades from the Marilyn Monroe collection.
These are always so interesting to me. I like the look of them but I probably would never ever wear them if I actually purchased them 😛
Why products like these are permanent over extra dimension or other BETTER formulas is crazy.
What an awful product! Please MAC, get rid of these and bring back the Mega Metals and Starflash!
“Sometimes you’ll hear almost nothing but major raves for a new formula but you’ll never see it again… then a product like this, which is polarizing, is made permanent three months after it first launches”
I have no idea! People rave about some of the limited edition items and they won’t restock that if it’s sold out, but something like this, they are quick to make permanent. This is a shame for Mac!
Once again Christine, thanks for the honest review 🙂
I got suckered into buying Flicker when I was in the store earlier this week and I applied it wet over a primer, no other shadow, just testing the wear. After about 6 hours there was nothing at all hardly left on my actual eyelid, but glitter all over my cheeks and under my eyes. Ugh. I’ll just give it away, there is no way I can think of to use this product outside of a fairy costume or something.
At our MAC store, we decided the absolute best way to apply these…is with your fingers. A brush just doesn’t work. They apply beautifully and opaquely with fingers…I know its not the ideal way to apply, but the base these are pressed in needs some heat and some pressure to stick to whatevers is under it. I personally don’t get fallout during wear, also…maybe because Im pressing them in? I’m not sure about MAC decision to sell the 215 brush with them, but I actually like them for what they are. Jet Couture is amazing in person.
Hey Brian!
Thanks for sharing! I’ve tried with fingers previously (when they first came out), and I didn’t like that method – I felt like you lost a lot of the base color/sparkle (because it just got stuck to your fingertip!). I wish MAC would come out with a glitter adhesive!
Brian, you are absolutely right about Jet Couture… It is gorgeous! I’m so getting it! Now that you mention the finger application it reminds me when I tried this at the store. I put day gleam on my cheekbones and looked like a walking Christmas ornament. Didn’t expect so much glitter at the time. Surprisignly it did not move at all! I ended up getting Deeply Dashing on a different day and tried it with a brush on my eyes and although the color stayed for several hours without fading, I did have lots of fallout….
Just the thought of anything with glitter in makes my skin crawl (and itch!!)
It just gets everywhere. Even on my dog.
this was the worse collection from mac ever.
I can so relate to the excessive fallout and eye irritation with sparkly stuff like this. The Amethyst and Smoky are calling my name, but I just can’t wear stuff like this, especially with contact lenses.
It’s also the reason I’ve had to give up some beloved Urban Decay shimmery eyeshadows. You’re so right about not wanting to wear them on my nose. I would add, and not want to have a pretty Amethyst-colored nose with weeping red eyes….
It sucks that they are so shimmery and have hardly any pigment. the photo for this launch makes them look pigmented, I loved the pink in the photo, but these things are a huge disappointment.
I completely agree with how MAC makes a new formula perm. They will bring out a great formula like extra dimension or starflash and make it LE but a watered down glitterbomb is make permanent? So disappointing.
So LE MSFs, lipsticks and the like that everyone scramble for sell out in minutes, and the garbage like this is made permanent?
Genius.
Hi…could you compare Deeply Dashing with Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate Sparkle eyeshadow?
I think the formula are similar. What about the color comparison?
I’m just not sure which one I should buy.
I find Bobbi Brown’s formula to be better! I think Chocolate Sparkle is darker.
I’m pretty sure you’re the only blogger who would ever use the phrase “utter and abject failure” in a review and actually pull it off, Christine 😛 Thank you, as always, for your super-in-depth negative reviews — I think it’s so important to hear exactly what a blogger tried with products, and why specifically they didn’t work.
These must be super cheap to produce, or something — I honestly can’t see why MAC would make them permanent otherwise!
Haha! 🙂
I still don’t know why starflash and extra dimensions are not permanent.
I don’t understand the undying loyalty to this brand. Wishing certain things to be apart of the permanent line isn’t going to change them. No buying their products will.
I wonder as well why and how MAC decides to make new formulas permanent. Like many here, I also believe that formulas like Starflash and Mega Metal would have been a much better choice than these pressed pigments. I am definitely skipping the pressed pigments – makeup should be fun and one should not go through any trouble to make it work, especially after having payed $21 for a single color!
So, this product is getting a lot of negative press, yet I really like them. I have Flicker and Sweet Acting and they are quite pigmented, espcially when used Too Faced Glitter Glue. I also dont much fallout. It lasts all day on me as well. I’m glad I bought these because they are gorgeous! It also is really good to use your fingers but i do use brushes. So I guess this is one of those love it or hate it products!
****i had no faith in these products up until i found the right way to use it!!
***PUSH THE PRODUCT WITH YOUR FINGER.
a brush just does not do this product justice. if i could post a picture i would. there is so much potential in this product if people were shown how to use it. no dampness or anything. just your ring finger!
I was just going to say they same thing. It like melts into the skin beautifully. The more you blend with your finger the prettier.
I got Sweet Acting (pink), Amethyst (lilac), and Smoky. Smoky was a surprise. It has a sheer navy base with turquoise glitter – i don’t normally wear navy anything (well, except maybe socks), but this combination wa really nice. I am very happy with them.
These shadows behave beautifully when worn over a slightly sticky (tacky) eye shadow base like Too Faced Glitter Glue, and then i have NO fallout and they are long lasting. Using a more adhesive based adds less than a minute of time to the make up procedure and results in a great payoff.
Additionally i apply them with a brush with short stiff bristles and just pack the color on. Using the common sweeping motion with result in glitter fall out. But pressing this shadow on works great.
The combination of sticky base and pressing shadow on results in a lovely eye brightening look and little to no fall out.