Make Up For Ever: Brand Overview & Thoughts

We’re just about finished with 30 Days of Make Up For Ever, and it sure has been a ride, yeah? Lots of products covered, albeit skewed towards the eyes for sure. (But really, did you expect anything less from me?!) I thought I’d give some of my thoughts on the overall brand based on my experience thus far, as well as tell you about some of my must-haves from what I’ve tried.

A lot of people have asked me throughout the past month whether Make Up For Ever eyeshadows are better than MAC’s. The short answer? No. The long answer? At times, but other times, no. What Make Up For Ever excels at is matte eyeshadows. Their shimmer eyeshadows just don’t do it for me — they tend to feel a little flat. It’ll be a green shadow with green or silver shimmer. There’s just not enough contrast, change in tone, subtleties or what-have-you. Their matte eyeshadows, on the other hand, are extremely pigmented, smooth, and fairly easy to use.

I think MAC makes a mean frost/shimmery shade. A good MAC shadow is just as good as a good Make Up For Ever eyeshadow. MAC’s biggest issue is that it just isn’t consistent, particularly with limited edition eyeshadows. Some of MAC’s matte eyeshadows are amazing, but their variety is a lot more limited compared to Make Up For Ever’s. MAC’s permanent line of eyeshadows is also pretty good and fairly consistent as well — I just find a lot less consistency and overall quality in some of the limited edition launches.

Make Up For Ever also offers a lot of bright, intensely pigmented shades that MAC doesn’t offer. One really great thing about Make Up For Ever’s eyeshadows is that even if you buy them off of Sephora, so they’re in individual compacts, they’re all magnetic and can be popped out like it’s no big deal. No depotting necessary! Make Up For Ever eyeshadows are larger with 0.08 oz. of product for $19.00, compared to MAC, which are 0.05 oz. for $14.50, which does make Make Up For Ever cheaper by the ounce.

Bottom line? You can’t really go wrong with either brand on the whole. If MAC doesn’t make the shade you’re looking for, definitely consider Make Up For Ever. If you want intense pigmentation or love matte finishes, try Make Up For Ever.

Their lipglosses were less impressive, though I only tried the Glossy Full Couleur. Their Smoky Aqua Lash mascara was so-so, but it didn’t make me want to switch from MAC Plushlash or Chanel Exceptionnel. I did, however, love their Aqua Eyes Liners, which are pigmented, have a nice sheen, and are long-wearing–all good things in my book! The Star Powders and Pure Pigments are nice, and I definitely prefer the Star Powders for their versatility and wearability. Pure Pigments are just a little too intense for me–just not something I’ll wear often, if ever!

• Must-Have Eyeshadows: #5, 52, 72, 75, 83, 91, 92, 93, 99, 118, 159
  Skip These Eyeshadows: #101, 147
  Must-Try Products: Star Powders, Aqua Eye Liners

P.S. – Don’t forget, all Make Up For Ever eyeshadows can be used as blushes, too. They are meant to be used interchangeably.