Makeup by Mario Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette
Master Metals
Makeup by Mario Master Metals 5-Pan Eyeshadow PaletteMakeup by Mario Master Metals 5-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($48.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a new, five-pan palette featuring a gel-powder formula that can be used dry or wet, though it certainly didn’t need to be used wet to maximize coverage or longevity. The colors appeared a bit richer and more metallic when used with a wet brush, but they were extremely pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing regardless of application method.
In my experience, gel-powder formulas tend to command a higher price point than more traditional powder eyeshadows (e.g. MAC Powder Eyeshadow, which are $18 eac, vs. MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows, which are $20 each), it did seem a little more expensive than I would have expected–or I would have expected it to come with at least a trial-sized mixing medium at this price point.
Master Metals
PPermanent. $48.00.
Silver
Silver is a deep silver with a bright, bluish metallic finish that was very brightening. It had opaque pigmentation applied with a dry brush or a wet brush, though it was slightly more metallic and a touch deeper (with seemingly less product) when applied wet.
The consistency smooth to the touch, dense and firm but not stiff or difficult to pick up. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Colour Pop Liberty (P, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Icy (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Star Struck (DC, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Thickems (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Viseart Mercury (GPV2 #14) (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty In Doubt (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Colour Pop Honeypot (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Sugarpill Grand Tiara (P, $13.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Dior Blue Garden #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #11 (LE, ) is warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The "gel-powder" formula is supposed to have "intense high coverage and a molten metal payoff." It can be used dry (as-is) or wet, whether with water or the brand's own Master Metal Manipulator (which is effectively a mixing medium). The eyeshadows were intensely pigmented, blendable, and easy to work with and had good wear (eight to nine hours).
Using them with a dampened brush made most shades appear slightly darker and richer while intensifying the metallic finish, but they were very usable dry--just as opaque and still very shiny and metallic. I don't know that I'd really bother using them wet unless one really needed the fluidity of a wetter or more liquid format.
"Gel-powder" should be your cue that the formula is going to have a denser, firmer feel to it--smooth but firmer--so there wasn't any powderiness or excess that got kicked up. You'll want to use more of a medium pressure or a denser brush to pick up product evenly. I also find--and true with this formula--that gel-powder formulas sit more smoothly on my lids as they have a tendency to "melt" and look more seamless.
Browse all of our Makeup by Mario Metal Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate Dimethicone Titanium/Titanium Dioxide Peg-12 Dimethicone Sorbitan Isostearate Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Glycerin Polysorbate 60 Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylgl Ycerin Tin Oxide 1,2-Hexanediol Xanthan Gum Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Hydrogenated Lecithin Sodium Citrate Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Silver
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gold
Gold is a vibrant, medium-dark gold with moderate, warm yellow undertones and a bright, metallic finish. It was a “cooler” gold compared to many on the market, which tend to lean more orange. The texture was slightly denser and firmer, but smooth and not at all powdery to the touch, and picked up readily with a dry brush.
The eyeshadow yielded full color payoff in a single layer, which applied well to bare skin and diffused readily along the edges without losing its intensity or shine. Dampened application yielded marginally richer color and a brighter sheen. It lasted well for nine hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fyrinnae Luxury (P, $7.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Superstar (DC, $6.99) is warmer (95% similar).
- Kat Von D Relic (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Karat Cake (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty TFX14 (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Gutsy (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Codes Elegants #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Honey (2019) (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Buillion (GPV2 #12) (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Here We Go Again (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The "gel-powder" formula is supposed to have "intense high coverage and a molten metal payoff." It can be used dry (as-is) or wet, whether with water or the brand's own Master Metal Manipulator (which is effectively a mixing medium). The eyeshadows were intensely pigmented, blendable, and easy to work with and had good wear (eight to nine hours).
Using them with a dampened brush made most shades appear slightly darker and richer while intensifying the metallic finish, but they were very usable dry--just as opaque and still very shiny and metallic. I don't know that I'd really bother using them wet unless one really needed the fluidity of a wetter or more liquid format.
"Gel-powder" should be your cue that the formula is going to have a denser, firmer feel to it--smooth but firmer--so there wasn't any powderiness or excess that got kicked up. You'll want to use more of a medium pressure or a denser brush to pick up product evenly. I also find--and true with this formula--that gel-powder formulas sit more smoothly on my lids as they have a tendency to "melt" and look more seamless.
Browse all of our Makeup by Mario Metal Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate Dimethicone Peg-12 Dimethicone Sorbitan Isostearate Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Glycerin Polysorbate 60 Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylgl Ycerin Tin Oxide 1,2-Hexanediol Xanthan Gum Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Hydrogenated Lecithin Sodium Citrate Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) Iron Oxides (Ci 77491).
Gold
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Copper
Copper is a rich, deep copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a metallic finish. It had a lot of depth, which made it darker than most copper eyeshadows that get released, but the shine was intense, which gave it a real glow when applied.
The eyeshadow had intense color payoff in a single layer, which applied with the same level of opacity dry as it did wet. Applying it with a wet brush yielded slightly darker color and a more metallic finish. The texture was smooth to the touch, firmer and denser but not stiff to work with (just not powdery), and the eyeshadow appeared to “melt” on my lid as it was so seamless. It wore well for nine hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Pull Over! (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Crackle (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Half Baked (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Sugarpill Penelope (P, $13.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Coral Amber (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Red Keep (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Sun Beam (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #27 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Smashbox 10000 Likes (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Old Money (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The "gel-powder" formula is supposed to have "intense high coverage and a molten metal payoff." It can be used dry (as-is) or wet, whether with water or the brand's own Master Metal Manipulator (which is effectively a mixing medium). The eyeshadows were intensely pigmented, blendable, and easy to work with and had good wear (eight to nine hours).
Using them with a dampened brush made most shades appear slightly darker and richer while intensifying the metallic finish, but they were very usable dry--just as opaque and still very shiny and metallic. I don't know that I'd really bother using them wet unless one really needed the fluidity of a wetter or more liquid format.
"Gel-powder" should be your cue that the formula is going to have a denser, firmer feel to it--smooth but firmer--so there wasn't any powderiness or excess that got kicked up. You'll want to use more of a medium pressure or a denser brush to pick up product evenly. I also find--and true with this formula--that gel-powder formulas sit more smoothly on my lids as they have a tendency to "melt" and look more seamless.
Browse all of our Makeup by Mario Metal Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate Dimethicone Peg-12 Dimethicone Tin Oxide Sorbitan Isostearate Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Glycerin Polysorbate 60 Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylgl Ycerin 1,2-Hexanediol Xanthan Gum Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Hydrogenated Lecithin Sodium Citrate Iron Oxides (Ci 77491).
Copper
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Bronze
Bronze is a medium, orange-leaning copper with strong, warm undertones and a bright, metallic finish. It was more copper than it was brown-based, but compared to the actual Copper shade in the palette, it was more muted and a lot less orange. The texture was smooth, dense, and firm without being stiff, so it didn’t have any powderiness but picked up well with a dry brush.
It had rich pigmentation in a single layer, and it did not matter if it was applied dry or wet–a wet brush just yielded a slightly smoother, more intense sheen. It stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Viseart Seduction (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tarte Simmer (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Bronze Nebula (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Tiger Eye (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona True Bronze (314K) (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS I'm So Excited (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Topaz #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Bejewelled (Happy Glow Smoke) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Mulholland (P, $5.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Vintage (P, $14.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The "gel-powder" formula is supposed to have "intense high coverage and a molten metal payoff." It can be used dry (as-is) or wet, whether with water or the brand's own Master Metal Manipulator (which is effectively a mixing medium). The eyeshadows were intensely pigmented, blendable, and easy to work with and had good wear (eight to nine hours).
Using them with a dampened brush made most shades appear slightly darker and richer while intensifying the metallic finish, but they were very usable dry--just as opaque and still very shiny and metallic. I don't know that I'd really bother using them wet unless one really needed the fluidity of a wetter or more liquid format.
"Gel-powder" should be your cue that the formula is going to have a denser, firmer feel to it--smooth but firmer--so there wasn't any powderiness or excess that got kicked up. You'll want to use more of a medium pressure or a denser brush to pick up product evenly. I also find--and true with this formula--that gel-powder formulas sit more smoothly on my lids as they have a tendency to "melt" and look more seamless.
Browse all of our Makeup by Mario Metal Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate Dimethicone Peg-12 Dimethicone Sorbitan Isostearate Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Glycerin Polysorbate 60 Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylgl Ycerin 1,2-Hexanediol Xanthan Gum Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Hydrogenated Lecithin Sodium Citrate Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) Iron Oxides (Ci 77491).
Bronze
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Rose Gold
Rose Gold is a medium-dark pink with moderate, warm undertones paired with silver and pink shimmer that gave it an intense, metallic finish. The consistency felt smooth to the touch, it yielded to a dry brush but featured a denser, firmer formula (just not stiff!) that wasn’t powdery and sat particularly flatteringly on my eyelid.
It had opaque color payoff that applied evenly to bare skin and blended out well. The color showed signs of fading after nine hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Daydream (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Love Yourself (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Stila Enchantress (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Colour Pop A La Mode (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Rose (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Viseart Opera (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Rose Reflection (33) (DC, $39.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Venus Rising (LE, $46.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Coloured Raine Hi Cutie (LE, $6.99) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Tarte Pop Art Princess (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
-
The "gel-powder" formula is supposed to have "intense high coverage and a molten metal payoff." It can be used dry (as-is) or wet, whether with water or the brand's own Master Metal Manipulator (which is effectively a mixing medium). The eyeshadows were intensely pigmented, blendable, and easy to work with and had good wear (eight to nine hours).
Using them with a dampened brush made most shades appear slightly darker and richer while intensifying the metallic finish, but they were very usable dry--just as opaque and still very shiny and metallic. I don't know that I'd really bother using them wet unless one really needed the fluidity of a wetter or more liquid format.
"Gel-powder" should be your cue that the formula is going to have a denser, firmer feel to it--smooth but firmer--so there wasn't any powderiness or excess that got kicked up. You'll want to use more of a medium pressure or a denser brush to pick up product evenly. I also find--and true with this formula--that gel-powder formulas sit more smoothly on my lids as they have a tendency to "melt" and look more seamless.
Browse all of our Makeup by Mario Metal Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate Dimethicone Peg-12 Dimethicone Sorbitan Isostearate Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silica Gl Ycerin Polysorbate 60 Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylgl Ycerin 1,2-Hexanediol Xanthan Gum Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Hydrogenated Lecithin Sodium Citrate Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) Iron Oxides (Ci 77491) Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000).
Wow he really nailed it with this palette!
I wish the colour story was more unique, universally flattering and wearable. We only need so much gold, silver and copper. Maybe something with an iridescent finish in this formula would be fun.
My thoughts exactly which is why I’m going to hold off and wait until Mario (hopefully) extends the shade range of this eyeshadow formula.
Love that the quality is solidly there. But I would likely use just 3-4 of the shades in it. I’m not going to ever get into that silver-blue color! I don’t know if this is a must-have for me.
A sensational mini palette – what a joy to see an A+ rated product these days. This is what I expected Wayne Goss’s to be. My only quibble is that I think Bronze and Copper are perhaps a little too similar to each other, but otherwise I love all of it.
I think your eye look is just beautiful Christine.
That’s a knockout silver (whether I’d actually wear it is another question!), but everything else in the palette is warm warm warm. Not for me, then.
I didn’t really expect to be tempted by this one, but I can see it being a very nice complementary palette adding some beautiful centre lid highlights. I hate the gold, but what else is new. The rest I would absolutely wear.
Kinda beats the heck out of the Chanel price in the previous post… minus the beautiful embossing and packaging.. of course.
Idk what the insta icon did, so I clicked yours. Did I spy 2 Corgis, a Border Collie, and a Landseer? Reminded of my late mum, who said TWICE: once about BCs and later about Corgis: ‘Don’t you know you shouldn’t have a dog that’s smarter than you are?’ They are lovely, and walk so well as ‘brace mates.’
The ‘border collie’ is George: Pembroke corgi x Cardigan corgi. George’s father was a tri ‘fluffer’ pembroke and his mom a cardigan fawn and white. George is wacky and has the attention span of a gnat, but he is the smartest of the three. He understands everything before it even comes out of my mouth. He’s challenging at 1.5 years and not yet neutered. Corgis take a looong time to mature.
The pemmy is Henry. He’s from Ukraine! He’s a character. I’ve had far too many smart dogs. I let him think he is smarter. Henry will be 2 in November. We share a birthday month. Henry and I are muey sympatico.
The landseer is Erin, now my most senior: she is a rescue Bernese She is not 100% BMD and nearest we can figure is x black lab. She looks largely BMD and had the breed’s wonderful temperament and personality. We believe she is about 7 to 8 years old, but she came to me at about a year to 2 malnourished so difficult to discern her exact age.
Yup, that’s my family 😍😍😍.
Oh, a Berner! We have a new pup male in our ‘hood. He’s pretty goofy and overfriendly. Nice that you see a few Swissies and even an Entlebucher, occasionally. No Appenzellers, though. I just googled and found out that Berners went AKC in 1981. Makes you feel old, when you think of them as ‘new’ to AKC. Same goes for Porties/PWDs. I can remember the first time I saw both. Corgi popularity seems on the upswing, but I think I’d be a Dorgi person. I get the ‘fluffy’ thing. Occ. a border terrier will have a fluffy topknot, bec they have Dandie in the bkgd. And I had a Wheaten with a fluffy stand away coat. Dogs are fun than m/u. If I can’t cross the a Rainbow Bridge, I’m not going.
It’s pretty there are a couple of colors that draw me in but for some reason I’m not inspired by it.
A (expletive deleted) mazing!
I Love this palette and I’m hoping he comes out with more colors in this formula! I would Love a palette like this in jewel tone colors!!
These swatches are some of the best I’ve seen! I like it when there’s an interesting functional design, and how this has a well to mix the pigment with a mixing medium for molten looks. Not the sorts of looks I would do, but this would be an awesome tool for professional makeup artists.
I didn’t see this one coming!! Love all the colors!! I’m less keen on spending $48 for 5 colors though.
Wow, Just watching the sneak peak I’ve suspected that this would have scored well… But 99%? That exceptional for an eyeshadow palette! Maybe this is the highest score palette you’ve ever reviewed, Christine! By the way, regardless how stunning they are, I’ve dupes for 4 shades over the total of 5
I had no idea this palette with be so incredible. Silver is the most gorgeous silver I think I’ve ever seen. Rose Gold is absolutely stunning. Overpriced or not, this is going on my wishlist.
The silver reminds me of looks I used to do back in high school well, many years ago. These also included similar shade on the lips, using eyeshadows.
The gold would look almost green/chartreuse on me.
Nothing more to say than, “BAM!” I’ll add that I only wouldn’t like the silver, so special!
Error, I would LIKE the silver (and I have no dupes)!