MAC x PatrickStarrr Boy About Town Face Kit Review & Swatches
Boy About Town
MAC Boy About Town PatrickStarrr Face Kit ($42.50 for 0.36 oz.) is a new, limited edition set that contains an eyeshadow quad and a liquid lipstick. Nothing in the kit was anything to write home about; the eyeshadow quad was surprisingly disappointing as I struggled to blend and diffuse the colors on my lids. The liquid lipstick was decent but lacked opacity (based on the claims of the formula).
Ingredients
Boy About Town
LELimited Edition. $49.50.
PattyPout
PattyPout is a deep, medium-dark red with cool, blue undertones and a flat, matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with a thinner, more watery consistency that spread easily across my lips for even coverage that didn’t emphasize my lip lines. This shade wore well for over six hours and was slightly drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Crimson (P, $18.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Red Lizard (P, $26.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Rock Steady (P, $18.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury K-Romance (LE, $37.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Chateau M (LE, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Vieve Muse (P, $26.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Ma'damn (P, $18.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Starwoman (P, $26.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Ribbon (LE, $6.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Elson 4 (P, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.17 oz. - $123.53 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-wearing" with "pigment-soaked, liquid colour" in the "mattest matte finish." The brand stated that it should wear for "8 hours" and be "non-feathering, non-bleeding." The majority of shades in the formula are opaque in a single layer, and for the most part, I felt like more was on the applicator than necessary for an even, opaque layer of product on my lips.
Sometimes, with richer and less forgiving shades (e.g. more contrast), I found it imperative to remove some from the applicator prior to applying so I didn't get too much product along the edges. Some shades applied smoothly and dried down that way, while other shades dried down and separated more noticeably along deeper lip lines, so it really was shade-dependent.
The formula was quick to dry down, was somewhat flexible, and lightweight to wear. The formula was mostly non-drying with a few, thicker shades feeling a little more drying over time. Many shades lasted six hours or longer with some definitely meeting the brand's "8 hour" wear claim.
They had a subtle vanilla scent but no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour swatches.
PattyPout
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Overpacked
MAC Overpacked Eyeshadow Quad contains a mid-tone brown, glittery peach, burgundy, and cool brown. I wish I had better things to say about the quad, but I found the mattes to be harder to blend than expected just based on the texture and how they swatched (as pigmentation seemed fine), and the sparkly shade was a mess.
Look Using this Product
Overpacked
LELimited Edition. $33.00.
Head Over Heels
Head Over Heels is a muted, light-medium brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque color coverage that applied unevenly and seemed to adhere strongly to areas but did not want to diffuse or spread out to create a seamless edge. I struggled a lot to work with this shade, which was entirely unanticipated as the consistency felt smooth and soft. This shade stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NYX Tryst (P, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- Hourglass Atmosphere #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Rose in the Air #6 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Tiki Hut (DC, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Persona Charming (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Dune (LE, $23.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Bling Mistress (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Deep #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Tarte Wanderer (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Bold (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (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.
Head Over Heels
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Primo Donna
Primo Donna is a light-medium coral with warm, gold sparkle and warmer, orange undertones. It is listed as a Lustre finish, so the sheerness and larger sparkles weren’t unexpected, but it was a total pain to work with. It just wasn’t usable dry as it was chunky, dry, and didn’t adhere to the skin, regardless of whether I packed, patted, or pressed it on with fingertips. The only way to salvage this shade was to use it with an adhesive spray (like MAC’s own Fix+), which helped the product bind better, but it was a thicker consistency that looked a bit raised on my lid against the matte textures in the palette. It had noticeable fallout within six hours of wear when applied damp (with just water), and it was worthless after an hour of wear for the few stray sparkles I managed to pat onto my lid.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Goddess (P, $28.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Love in Venice (P, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Future (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Comeback Kid (P, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Sun Speck (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Gleam (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Cirrus (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Nostalgic (LE, $19.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Elevate (PiP, $13.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Walking on Eggshells #4 (PiP, ) 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.
Primo Donna
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
I'm Into It
I’m Into It is a medium-dark burgundy with subtle, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. The color coverage was opaque in a single layer, while the eyeshadow had a slightly drier, stiffer consistency. It applied fairly evenly but had to be packed on as it sheered out a bit when blended. This shade lasted nicely for eight hours on me before it started to fade.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Riviera #5 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Dior Romantic Voyage #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Trespass (P, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Shade (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia All Star (DC, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Fired Up (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Boss Lady (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Everyone's Darling (PiP, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced I Can't Even (LE, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Chestnut (4) (LE, ) is cooler (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.
Looks Using this Product
I'm Into It
PPermanent. $17.00.
Dance in the Dark
Dance in the Dark is a deep taupe with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation with a soft, smooth consistency that seemed like it was going to apply well, but it was more challenging to get even coverage and took longer to blend out decently. It stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Smokeshow (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tarte Dim the Lights (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick #4 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Hourglass Infinity #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Zoeva Beans are White (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Bali (DC, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Wind Down Brown (LE, ) (95% similar).
- Burberry Graphite (No. 28) (DC, $29.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Tarte Ice Cream Cone (LE, ) (100% similar).
- MAC Pepper (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (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.
Just wondering: is there any chance that Head Over Heels made I’m Into It and Dance In The Dark have difficulty in application? I ask only because those 2 shades tend to be fairly consistent. That horrid glitter bomb from h3ll, though….nothing could save that one, I fear.
No, I don’t think so! I tried the quad twice because it was so frustrating to use.
In that case, shame on MAC for their inconsistency with these mattes! No words suffice for that glitter mess. And if they do, they’re not usable in polite company!
What a bummer. I really like those colors together.
Why does MAC bother with crummy formulas?
It could have been a nice little quad, but no – MAC ruined it by adding substandard eyeshadows. I also think that the brown shade, Dance in the Dark, was far too dark and the hero of the palette should have been the bugundy shade.
My question, is why does the face chart have grey shadow with silver glitter plus a raspberry lip when none of those products are actually in the kit?
Yeah, I was puzzled why the lip wasn’t red when I just glanced at it!
Thanks for your honesty, I feel like MAC hasn’t supported any of his launches with attention to quality, as in your lastest review and to me they all have been mediocre and painful to watch, I feel bad for him.
What do you think about the face chart provided in the kit? Are they useful?
I don’t pay attention to them, and unfortunately, the packaging has been recycled or I would have looked to answer your Q!
Primo Donna looks so pretty in the pan! What a disappointment.