MAC The Best of Everything Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches
The Best of Everything
MAC The Best of Everything Eyeshadow Quad ($32.00 for 0.19 oz.) is a new, limited edition smoky palette. I love the color concept, and the four shades complement each other well, but I wasn’t thrilled with the performance of two shades (one was incredibly disappointing!).
The Best of Everything
LELimited Edition. $33.00.
Love on the Run
Love on the Run is a light-medium taupe brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with a soft, smooth texture that was a little firm in the pan but applied beautifully to the lid with even, buildable coverage that lasted for eight hours.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pretty Vulgar Hide & Seek (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- LORAC Latte (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Zoeva Never Ending (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Nude Awakening #6 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Mud Mask (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Clair-Obscur #2 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Feeling Grey-t (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Hash (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Hello Kitty Hot Cocoa (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cherish (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Love on the Run
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Trog
Trog is a deep taupe brown with neutral undertones and a matte finish. It had sheer coverage, which was buildable once I started working with it on the lid, but it had some fallout due to the dustier, thinner texture. These types of shades can be harder to find, so I was bummed it didn’t perform better. The color lasted for eight hours before fading on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Risque (PiP, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Handwritten (DC, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Coffee Ground (PiP, $23.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Style (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Stylin (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Cable Knit (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- NARS Look Closer III (DC, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Naturally Fabulous (LE, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Tarte Fireside (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Duchess (PiP, $6.99) is warmer (80% 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.
Trog
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Johnny Guitar
Johnny Guitar is a medium-dark gray with cool undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was firmer in the pan, which led to a stiffer powder that didn’t blend out as easily as I would haved liked. It was workable in the end, but it did take extra time and a lot more buffing to soften the edges. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation that stayed on for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #23 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Concrete Jungle (DC, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Cool Matte #8 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Tempest (P, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Souris (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Graphite (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Berlin Underground (DC, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Our Guest (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay BK (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Dios (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Johnny Guitar
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Sense of Doubt
Sense of Doubt is a dark black with a satin sheen. It had intense color coverage with a thinner, velvety texture that didn’t kickup any excess product in the pan but was still blendable on the lid. This shade started to fade after eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Les (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC A Waft of Grey #4 (PiP, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Bad to the Berry (PiP, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Ink (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- LORAC Ink (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Stallion (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Dark Matter (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Nothing's Impossible (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Smokey Eyes are Forever Confident Eyes Smoke (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Smoky #4 (PiP, ) 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.
Christine, I’m not seeing anything for the top left hand shade (the lightest one) – only for Trog, Johnny Guitar and Sense of Doubt.
I also meant to add that maybe 10 years ago, this might have interested me but now it just looks “boring” – matte and neutral…I have all my needs in that area covered and probably with better performing products. I can see this being a good choice for someone newer to makeup or someone looking for a solid, “conservative workplace” type of quad.
Fixed – I’m so, so sorry!
No problem, Christine. You are always so quick to correct things.
A black eyeshadow by MAC that’s actually performing decently? Wow! I’m really disappointed that Trog was such a fail, though.
LOL!
Hopes dashed, bec this leaned cooler.
I know 🙁
Dang. It’s a disappointment it doesn’t perform better. You just so rarely find sets so neutral that someone as cool as me can pull them off because we can pull the colors cool.
The sadder still thing is that I expect MAC quads to be a disappointment. If there’s a company in dire need to reformulate, it’s them.
I’m right there with you, Carrie — I was like, oh, neat, a cool, smoky palette, and then it had two duds!
Well, glad to see that the black at least performs well. But overall this is still disappointing.
Haha!
Ouch! This one is all over the place quality wise! Eh, that’s quite alright, I suppose, as most of us already own these very neutral basic shades. Pass for me. Would have rather seen MAC resurrect Copperplate, Handwritten and Typographic instead of these for this quad.
I know! 50/50 isn’t inspiring, lol!
I liked the color story here too bad they didn’t perform well.
Me too, Erin! I wanted it to work out.
Sorry MAC but no – boring, easily duped and poor quality.
Agreed!
This looks like the same old boring, mediocre quality quad that was in the MAC x Brant Brothers and MAC x Helmut Newton collection. I’m starting to think that MAC just keeps recycling these same old shadows, re-naming them and sticking them into a new collection.
Sadly so! 🙁
Ugh, who would buy this? C’mon, MAC!
I wish it performed better!
If this one and the dazzleshadow palette had scored well I’d have bought them both in a split second. Too bad they screwed up these gorgeous palettes.
Darn 🙁