MAC x PatrickStarrr Glam AF Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches
Glam AF
MAC Glam AF Eyeshadow Quad ($32.00 for 0.19 oz.) contains three matte eyeshadows and one shimmery eyeshadow, and they were all in the neutral family of colors. The shimmery shade was a miss–too dry and too loose to work well on its own (and regular primer wouldn’t be enough–it needed a tacky base or to be used with a dampened brush). Three of the four shades are part of the permanent range.
Look Using this Product
Glam AF
LELimited Edition. $33.00.
Brule
Brule is a light beige with warm, yellow undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation that applied evenly and smoothly on bare skin. The texture was velvety, not too thick or too thin, and dense enough that it didn’t seem powdery or have tons of fallout when brushed onto the brow bone. The eyeshadow lasted for seven and a half hours on me. This shade is part of the permanent range.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Sundeck #1 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- theBalm #24 (P, $6.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sephora Lazy Afternoon (207) (P, $9.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Queen Bee (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Sand Out from the Crowd (LE, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Melanie (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS L'Amour, Toujours L'Amour #1 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Smashbox Vanilla (PiP, ) is brighter (95% similar).
- MAC Winterlude (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop In the Buff (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, 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.
Brule
PPermanent. $17.00.
Omigaud
Omigaud is a soft, light brown with warm undertones and a sparkling, frosted finish. The texture was drier and looser, which resulted in semi-sheer to semi-opaque coverage with tons of fallout during application; it wasn’t much worth using without a dampened brush as there was so little that adhered to the lid. I thought it might have a Lustre finish due to the texture, but it was labeled as a Frost. It wore well for six and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Hourglass Smoke (P, $29.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Too Faced Tickle Me (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Smashbox Gif Me That (PiP, ) is more shimmery, brighter (95% similar).
- MAC Fortune Kookie (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dior Fascinate #3 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Dior Dune #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sephora Selfie (DC, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Sweet as Candy #3 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I538 Pearly Gray Beige (DC, $21.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Topaz (PiP, ) is darker, 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.
Look Using this Product
Omigaud
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Saddle
Saddle is a muted, medium brown with warm, orange undertones and a matte finish. It was richly pigmented and had a smooth, almost cream-like texture as it was so silky. There was slight powderiness in the pan, but the eyeshadow blended out beautifully on the lid and stayed on well for eight hours. This shade is part of the permanent range.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Lagoon (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Like Butter (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Throwing Shade (LE, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Buxom Filthy Rich (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Chocolate Cookie (PiP, $16.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Tarte Seaside (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild To Muse and Carouse #2 (DC, $2.29) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Tan Lines (DC, $6.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fun Factory (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Zoeva Substitute for Love (PiP, ) is lighter, 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.
Look Using this Product
Saddle
PPermanent. $17.00.
Embark
Embark is a deep brown with subtle, warm red undertones and a matte finish. The texture was smooth to the touch but more firmly pressed, so it took a heavier hand to get more coverage out of it, and I felt like the eyeshadow was thinner and had a tendency to pick up a sheen as it came into contact with the natural oils on my skin (a primer would help minimize this). It had nearly opaque pigmentation, which was buildable, and the eyeshadow blended out without too much work. It wore well for eight hours on me. This shade is part of the permanent range.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Eight (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Collect Call (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Tarte Fireside (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Milani Late Date (PiP, $5.99) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cloud Nine (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Beyond (P, $5.25) is warmer (95% similar).
- Smashbox Coffee Blossom (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Adagio (PiP, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Played Out (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Prism (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (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.
This is disappointing. Why release a bunch of existing shades with the only newcomer being a D-rating? And I really don’t like the packaging. Judging from the photos, it looks very drugstore-ish, not like a palette that costs more than $30.
The eye look is very pretty!
My guess is it highlights their existing range, and there are rumors it’s a revamped formula, though Brule and Saddle were good shades in the past for me, while Embark was and remains a weaker shade. I don’t have boxes, so I can’t compare ingredients even if I wanted to. There was nothing about the formula here that struck me as new/improved personally, though!
Quick question, did you test all shades or just list what you already gave the other 3?
Reason I am asking is that MAC has changed their formula for existing shades. They were changed and are supposed to be similar to the Girls Palette, Formula .
These were the debut of permanent shades with new formula. If these other shades received these grades, I am hopeful.
Hi Beth,
I tested all four shades – if I had not, I would have disclosed as much within the review that the wear time was based on previous testing.
as far as im aware they are not like the mac girls formula but the same formula as the semi sweet x 9 palette which is alot more pigmented
LOL! Glam AF?! Just no, more like basic. This is just a 4 pan rehash of all the palettes coming out right now and the last 2 years. PASS.
I’m not buying non-cf anymore but even so, I am completely underwhelmed by this. I mean Patrick Starrr – how can you be so dang on bland?! This would have been an easy pass for me.
I like it. However, having one standard Pro pan of Saddle, with another in my Ellie Goulding palette, a pro pan of Handwritten which swatches super close in shade to Embark…I feel like this palette would be redundant for me. But it looks lovely, though.
Oy disappointing.. these are permanent shades most MAC fans would already own.. repackaged
It’s a bit rich parcelling up existing shades and then adding a D grade shade shimmer, which could have been pretty if it had been better. Surely MAC can do light brown shimmer well by now.
Beautiful eye look Christine.
$32.00 for a palette with existing shadows i only paid $6.00 each for is crazy!
I love Patrick Starrr out of all the YT “beauty gurus”. I’m sorry, but MAC could have done a better job.
With a name like “Glam Af” I was really expecting some glam. It’s kind of boring and doesn’t say Patrick Starr to me
Since the other 3 are permanent and I have 2 of them, Omigaud was the only shade that really interested me (it also looks nice in the pan) but what a poor rating. Personally, though, I think it’s pretty annoying when a supposed “big deal” LE quad has 3 perfectly ordinary and not “LE” shadow in it. It’s almost like MAC is saying they don’t think highly enough of the name behind the launch or that the person for whom the launch is named doesn’t really care about prospective purchasers and it just in it for a pretty nice “money grab”. And considering that MAC lowered its pricing for their pro pan shadows, this seems even more like a blatant rip off of those who seem to “need” to have this quad because it’s got the name of someone they admire attached to it.
I have not bought any new MAC eye shadows in years and decided to get this quad palette. I actually love all the formula in the palette. The shadows, including Omigaud, are pigmented and very smooth for me. I had no issues with application. Wonder if maybe omigaud for the review came from a bad batch.