MAC Sagu Eyeshadow Duo ($22.00 for 0.09 oz.) is one of three neutral duos in the upcoming Julia Petit collaboration collection. This duo’s downfall is just how poor the lighter shade is, which is owed a lot to the fact that it is a Lustre finish–one of MAC’s weakest finishes/formulas in their eyeshadow range. I wonder why MAC doesn’t make their “Lustre” finish their Pressed Pigments, since at least those have some adhesive quality. Most Lustres need to be used over a glitter adhesive or over a tacky, cream base (preferably something with a base color or is white). I think the idea of these two shades together could have been beautiful and easily a go-to for some, but the quality of the eyeshadows leaves something to be desired.

Druzy is described as a “dirty mauvy purple [with a Lustre finish].” It has a cool-toned, mauvy taupe base with copper and gold flecks of sparkle. This is an old school Lustre that’s a total pain to work with, because it’s a mess and rains sparkle/glitter all over your face and applies virtually no color. Since nothing adhered to the skin, I had to use it damp (even though it will cause the top layer to harden–Lustres, due to their dryness, seem very prone to hardening over time through oils on fingertips/brushes and are unforgiving if you use them with a damp brush) to even get anything to stick to the skin. The texture is dry, gritty, and there was no color or sparkle left after four hours. It had very sheer color payoff, and it was sheer by even Lustre standards (which is a sheerer finish with more sparkle). The color looks so promising in the pan–if only it was a Veluxe Pearl! It’s hard to “dupe” this since there’s little base color to replicate, but here are two possibilities that seemed like what you might have expected in a swatch. MAC Force of Nature #2 (LE, $21.00) is far more opaque. MAC Frozen Violet (P, $18.50) is a cream product that leans purpler. See comparison swatches / no Dupe List available, as I really don’t think these are dupes.

Black Plum is described as a “deep blackened plum [with a Matte finish].” It’s a blackened burgundy with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had so-so color payoff, which I think applies better with a fluffy brush, but it is drier and harder to blend on the skin. It lasted for eight hours once applied. Anastasia Deep Plum (P, $12.00) is warmer. Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Haze #4 (P) is lighter. Too Faced Charming (LE, $16.00) is lighter. theBalm Presto (P, $16.00) is similar. MAC Shadowy Lady (P, $15.00) is slightly cooler-toned. bareMinerals Ensemble (LE) is a smidgen darker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Sagu Eyeshadow Duo

MAC Sagu Eyeshadow Duo

MAC Sagu Eyeshadow Duo

MAC Sagu Eyeshadow Duo

MAC Sagu Eyeshadow Duo

MAC Sagu Eyeshadow Duo

MAC Druzy Eyeshadow

MAC Druzy Eyeshadow

MAC Black Plum Eyeshadow

MAC Black Plum Eyeshadow

MAC Druzy (inner lid), MAC Druzy (inner lid), Druzy (middle of lid), Black Plum (outer lid),
Black Plum (crease) Eyeshadows; Burberry Trench Eyeshadow (brow bone), L’Oreal True Teal Eyeliner

MAC Druzy (inner lid), MAC Druzy (inner lid), Druzy (middle of lid), Black Plum (outer lid),
Black Plum (crease) Eyeshadows; Burberry Trench Eyeshadow (brow bone), L’Oreal True Teal Eyeliner