MAC x Wakanda Forever Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

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MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette
MAC Black Panther Eyeshadow x 8 Palette

Black Panther

MAC Black Panter Eyeshadow x 8 Palette ($39.00 for 0.49 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that features a new formula that I haven’t seen from MAC< which they described as a “unique creamy, sensorial texture that delivers intense colour clarity and vibrant payoff without heaviness.” They are more like cream-powder eyeshadows (comparable to Natasha Denona’s Cream-Powder formula), so they have more glide but don’t have traditional slip/emollience like a full-on cream eyeshadow. They were, in fact, quite pigmented for most shades in the palette and had a more “melted” appearance on skin, so the mattes had a more “natural matte” finish in practice than true powder matte eyeshadows.

I think this type of formula can take some practice to work with, especially if trying to really diffuse and blend out deeper hues. I recommend using denser, synthetic brushes–think a pencil brush but oversized–for better blending with this type of formula. A dense but slightly fluffy/tapered edged brush is ideal for picking up and packing on color on the lid.

Ingredients

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MAC Our Cause Eyeshadow
MAC Our Cause Eyeshadow
MAC Our Cause Eyeshadow
MAC Our Cause Eyeshadow
MAC Our Cause Eyeshadow
MAC Our Cause Eyeshadow

Our Cause

Our Cause is a rich, medium gold with moderate, warm yellow undertones and a sparkling finish.

  • Mostly opaque, buildable pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied fairly evenly, could have been easier to blend out along edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49984

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

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MAC Protector of Wakanda Eyeshadow
MAC Protector of Wakanda Eyeshadow
MAC Protector of Wakanda Eyeshadow
MAC Protector of Wakanda Eyeshadow
MAC Protector of Wakanda Eyeshadow
MAC Protector of Wakanda Eyeshadow

Protector of Wakanda

Protector of Wakanda is a rich, deeper orange with moderate, warm red undertones and a semi-matte finish.

  • Opaque pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied evenly and blended out well along the edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49985

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

1 of 2
MAC Royal Ways Eyeshadow
MAC Royal Ways Eyeshadow
MAC Royal Ways Eyeshadow
MAC Royal Ways Eyeshadow
MAC Royal Ways Eyeshadow
MAC Royal Ways Eyeshadow

Royal Ways

Royal Ways is a medium-dark, brownish copper with warm undertones and a pearly sheen.

  • Opaque pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied evenly and blended out well along the edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49986

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

1 of 2
MAC United Front Eyeshadow
MAC United Front Eyeshadow
MAC United Front Eyeshadow
MAC United Front Eyeshadow
MAC United Front Eyeshadow
MAC United Front Eyeshadow

United Front

United Front is a light peach with moderate, warm undertones and a smooth, pearly sheen.

  • Opaque pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied evenly and blended out well along the edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49987

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

1 of 2
MAC My Calling Eyeshadow
MAC My Calling Eyeshadow
MAC My Calling Eyeshadow
MAC My Calling Eyeshadow
MAC My Calling Eyeshadow
MAC My Calling Eyeshadow

My Calling

My Calling is a deep, almost emerald green with cooler undertones and a semi-matte finish.

  • Mostly opaque, buildable pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied fairly evenly, could have been easier to blend out along edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49988

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

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MAC Heart-Shaped Herb Eyeshadow
MAC Heart-Shaped Herb Eyeshadow
MAC Heart-Shaped Herb Eyeshadow
MAC Heart-Shaped Herb Eyeshadow
MAC Heart-Shaped Herb Eyeshadow
MAC Heart-Shaped Herb Eyeshadow

Heart-Shaped Herb

Heart-Shaped Herb is a medium purple with warm, pink undertones and a pearly sheen.

  • Mostly opaque, buildable pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied fairly evenly, could have been easier to blend out along edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49989

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

1 of 2
MAC Claw Marks Eyeshadow
MAC Claw Marks Eyeshadow
MAC Claw Marks Eyeshadow
MAC Claw Marks Eyeshadow
MAC Claw Marks Eyeshadow
MAC Claw Marks Eyeshadow

Claw Marks

Claw Marks is a medium-dark cobalt blue with strong, cool (almost purplish) undertones and a satin finish. This was one of the weaker shades in the palette and had to really be built up to be opaque, and it was ideal to give it a bit of time to set before adding more on top of the first layer.

  • Medium, somewhat, buildable pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied unevenly, could have been easier to blend out along edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49990

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

1 of 2
MAC Onyx Eyeshadow
MAC Onyx Eyeshadow
MAC Onyx Eyeshadow
MAC Onyx Eyeshadow
MAC Onyx Eyeshadow
MAC Onyx Eyeshadow

Onyx

Onyx is a blackened purple with cooler undertones and a semi-matte finish.

  • Mostly opaque, buildable pigmentation
  • Moderately-dense, not overly firm, velvety glide
  • Applied fairly evenly, could have been easier to blend out along edges
  • Long-wearing (8 hours)

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.

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.

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Glycerin, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] Rds Product Name: Magnetic Cloud Metallic Shadow (Wn) Division: Mc (Mac)Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/ Isoprene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C20-24 Olefin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN49972, 49991

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.

2 Comments

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