Makeup Geek Chit Chat, Pillow Talk, Toxic, Rebel, Hot Pants Eyeshadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is a slightly muted, medium periwinkle with strong, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It seemed really promising, but it was surprisingly hard to work with, especially for a shimmer–it had a dustiness to it that made it hard to apply evenly. I could only get it to apply decently with a damp brush. It lasted for seven hours on me. MAC Blue Orbit (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay UV-B (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Poolside (PiP, $36.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia D2 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Rest More (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Fenty Beauty February (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). NARS Pool Shark (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Plot Twist (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild VI Purple #8 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Giorgio Armani #19 (P, $32.00) is lighter (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Cross Faded (LE, ) is darker (80% similar). MAC Moon's Reflection (DC, $17.00) is lighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Makeup Geek Pillow Talk Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is a light-medium, mauve-y lavender with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The texture was very thin and dusty–and it was a color that seemed to change with each layer, almost as if it wasn’t mixed well or the colors weren’t binding, because sometimes it was lavender and other times it was reddish. LORAC Soft Plum (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Great Beyond #2 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Inglot J405 Celestial (LE, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). Maybelline Hibiscus Heartbreak (125) (LE, $6.99) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Dior Shimmer Lilac (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Plum Darling (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Poesie #3 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Leap #1 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Tarte Crystal (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Utopia (96) (LE, $32.00) is warmer (80% similar). ColourPop Piece of Me (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (80% similar). Dior Pink Corolle #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). Viseart Shiver (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). Sydney Grace Immortal (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Makeup Geek Toxic Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is a medium-dark purple with a blackened-brown base and a pearly sheen. It had good pigmentation, though not fully opaque, with a fairly blendable and smooth texture that wasn’t too dusty. It applied well to the skin and lasted for eight hours. Makeup Geek Bewitched (P, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar). Milani Bella Purple (15) (P, $4.49) is warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Smoky Plum (23P) (PiP, $29.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Highly Charged (LE, $22.00) is cooler (90% similar). Anastasia Opaline (DC, $12.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Backfire (DC, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Provence (LE, $16.00) is lighter (85% similar). Clinique Grape Pop (P, $17.00) is lighter (85% similar). theBalm Surfari (LE, $16.00) is warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Vanity (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Dior Constellation (864) #4 (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Makeup Geek Rebel Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is a medium, bluish gray base with warmer, gold and brown shimmer. The shimmer separates away from the base color when blended; even just patted on it, it was hard to keep the shimmer in place for an even finish/application. I think with an adhesive base and lots of patting and packing on, it could be quite interesting, as it was harder to dupe, but I’m surprised they released something that felt so unfinished. The color lasted for six and a half hours. Laura Mercier Purple Rain (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Elegant Friend (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Make Up For Ever 18 Golden Grey (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Inglot #420 (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). NARS Flowers 3 #2 (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). NARS Flowers 2 #2 (DC, $25.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Makeup Geek Hot Pants Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is a light-medium, pinky lavender with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had good color payoff with a soft, smooth consistency that was just a smidgen dusty but was otherwise easy to work with. It wore well for eight hours on me. ColourPop Sunbird (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Anastasia Electro (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Spitfire (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Asphyxia (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Luna (Sailor Moon) (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). LORAC Smoothie (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, more muted (90% similar). Urban Decay Tonic (DC, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Upload (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Switch (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). L'Oreal With a Twist (LE, $7.99) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). JD Glow N-sane (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). CoverGirl Blazing Purple (340) (P, $4.99) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Wake Me (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Becca Abalone (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Huda Beauty Neon Pink #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Lilac Wonder (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Moira Regal (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Buxom La-La-Lavish (P, $12.00) is lighter (85% similar). Clionadh Glaziers Mark (P, $10.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Blooming Mad (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
FORMULA OVERVIEW | Makeup Geek Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is supposed to be a “highly-pigmented” powder eyeshadows. They come in a variety of finishes and shades, and the range has some winners but more than a few misses, too, so your mileage may vary from shade to shade. The formula tends to be softer and a little more powdery/dusty as they are not as firmly pressed into their pans, but they aren’t typically crumbly or so loose that they are prone to breakage. I find the more shimmery shades to be the most consistent in pigmentation, blendability, and wear, while the more neutral-hued matte shades are often finely-milled, blendable, and easy to use. The brighter pops of color, both shimmer and more matte, can run the gamut on quality. Some shades are better built-up than immediately opaque, which can suit some application styles better. The wear tends to fall between seven and eight hours as some shades are more prone to fading as a result of the dustier texture. (Note: this applies to their standard powder formula, not their Foiled line, which is a different formulation.)
Chit Chat
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
Pillow Talk
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
Toxic
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
Rebel
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
Hot Pants
DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Pillow Talk Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Pillow Talk Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Pillow Talk Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Pillow Talk Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Toxic Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Toxic Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Toxic Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Toxic Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Rebel Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Rebel Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Rebel Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Rebel Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Hot Pants Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Hot Pants Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Hot Pants Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Hot Pants Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Chit Chat Eyeshadow
I quite like the look of Toxic… and I was NOT expecting that swatch for Rebel at all. Very, very interesting!
I wonder if Rebel would be better in a more Foiled-esque finish!
I don’t think your pillow talk is right… Mine is very blue as are the swatches I’ve seen elsewhere
Hey Lauren,
These are the shades Makeup Geek sent me, and based on the labels, that is what Pillow Talk is/looks like. Do you possibly mean Chit Chat? Because according to Makeup Geek, Pillow Talk is a “soft lilac with a silver shift and a shimmery finish.” There’s no mention of blue at all in their description – mine seems to align with their description of lilac.
Sorry I wasn’t very clear, I meant that mine has a more blue undertone where yours looks to have more of a red undertone. When I think of lilac, I think of a blue undertone as well. Perhaps the colour just isn’t showing true on my screen.
Mine actually is a reddish-plum sometimes, definitely not a blue-based color to me, though 🙁
Pillow Talk has a strange layer of a pinky-purple color (I see it as an orchid shade) that I thought came out after a period of oxidation, but after reading your post, I decided to experiment w/it…
I put it on my one eye and the back of my hand. I added water to the swatches on the back of my hand, & it started dripping that Magenta-y/Orchid-y/Mauve-y shade. It left the original shade behind, but that color seems to come out of nowhere.
When I put it on my right eye, I managed to get it in the inner corner. No biggie, rt? We get shadows in there all the time… Omg, wrong! It stung/burned so badly that I immediately ran to remove it (I haven’t had eye makeup sting my eyes in ages…), & when I did, the cotton wiped away a completely different color than the shadow appears—that same pinky-purple shade.
* my eyeball also turned super red in a concentrated area around the inner corner, like a red triangle-shape. Very strange. I didn’t read the ingredient listing & still haven’t, but I have no allergies and there’s no warning on the shadow like there is w/the red pigments in the states. Why worry, rt?
* but yeah, it def has a red-pink base in there. I agree w/your post that it’s not mixed or layered well.
Glad I am not the only one, but I am so sorry to hear about your poor eye, Cory! 🙁 Definitely not worth the reaction, even if it might just be staining or whether it’s something more serious!
It was gone the next day but still super strange. Especially for me, I’m not allergic or sensitive to anything 🙂
Definitely not worth the risk!
rebel is so pretty i might have to try and make it work
Let me know if you can get it to work, Paula!
I’m so bummed out by the latest Makeup Geek releases. The only thing I can come up with is that they switched to a cheaper, inferior formula in an attempt to make a larger profit. I can’t imagine why else their quality would decline so much.
It feels more like they’ve just gone in a different direction for texture – they are lining up more with LORAC/Too Faced type eyeshadows than say, Urban Decay or MAC, to me! This type of texture, though, often only works well with primer 🙁
Hi Christine! Do you think the previously released mattes like cocoa bear and the rest will be in this new formula or will be the old formula (which you’ve already reviewed when they originally came out)?
I haven’t heard that they’re changing anything over to this, so hopefully not!
The swatches are so pretty (love Chit Chat and Toxic), sad about the formula 🙁 Thanks for reviewing, money saved
No problem, Katherine!
C: ‘I’m surprised they released something that seems so unfinished.
kjh: ‘I’m not.’
Rushing to market and cutting corners seems to be the MUG way, now. When she was a new entrepreneur, some of the quality and unusual colorways were groundbreaking. She had pride in her creations, her babies. Now that this skyrocketing business is maturing a bit, she is trying still to keep a colorful/reasonable brand identity. As her costs became more obvious to her, she cut them by skimping on binders, fillers, and not developing a decent matte formula. WHICH HER TEAM COULD DO, AND BECOME NOTEWORTHY FOR IT. But, no, they are pushing the release dates, crapping out on packaging issues, etc. because the vloggers will still suck up and gush, the general consumer will not know how uneven MUG products really are, until they try them. Then, many will trust the vlogger’s judgment over their own eyes. (Invidious aspect of social media and m/u. If guru X likes it, it must be good. It’s just my bad technique.’) kind of hope some big Corp takes MUG over. This is not indie spirit. It is a great concept that has been eaten alive by bottom line concerns.
It is just strange to me, given Venom was fantastic, and I really loved the duochromes that launched. They can do great things, but some of these are quite different from their best work.
I think I definitely scored the few decent shades in this lot: pillow talk and toxic. I also grabbed Rebel, but it’s a seriously stiff mofo; an interesting shade, but pffft on the payoff. Pillow talk and toxic are very pretty and exactly what I expect from MUG in a shimmer eyeshadow. There’s that at least on the upbeat. I like her shimmers better than UD which is too thick and pulls texture on my aging eyes. But I didn’t order Anarchy dammit.
Yay! I am glad you picked some of the winners, Wendy! Rebel is a unique shade – I would probably at least give it a try to make it work, LOL.
I just made an order and passed on all of these! Rebel is interesting, was already interesting based on the swatch they have of it too! But I just am not sure I want to try to work with a C range eyeshadow haha.
What did you end up ordering, Cat?
I’m disappointed in how these perform, but I like the shades enough that I’m considering getting them and going hardcore on primer to make them work.
I hope you can make them work, Katie! Keep me posted!
I quite like Toxic. It’s really fun without being too out there.
Glad to hear it!
Out of these, I only see Pillow Talk and Toxic being shades I would even consider buying. The one I was really hoping would do super well, Rebel, didn’t. Was also hoping Chit-Chat would work, too. Disappointing!
Rebel is so unique – I wish it did better!
I’m so glad it’s not my Pillow Talk which is weird, it feels like a dark pink layer with a a very very shimmery pale layer separated on top, quite bizarre and not my favourite! I like the others I ordered though, like Chit chat and Friend zone, I’m big on primer so the powderiness is not such an issue for me!
LOL! I am glad to not be alone on that either, Bex!! I was like, “What is this magic?!?” It’s cool? but weird? and it was odd applied, since the color can change drastically without really blending. Like I wasn’t anticipating a reddish-plum at all in the look!
I really almost ordered from them a few weeks ago (like I had items in my shopping cart) and opted not to for some reason, and now I’m glad I waited for these reviews to come up! It’s so disappointing, I love MUG but it seems their quality has been inconsistent as of late. I hope that if they are experimenting with a different texture, they improve the formula because a lot of these colors look really pretty in the pan but once swatched and on the lid, they don’t live up to their expectations.
Some of them are really cool in theory!
Toxic is a lovely colour and Rebel is quite interesting.
Rebel is the most unique!
I have to say that rebel looks beautiful to me. It’s kind of ugly and beautiful at the same time. It certainly is unique! The swatch looks like two different eyeshadows layered over each other, like getting two eyeshadows in one! I think this color would be more successful as a ColourPop super shock shadow than a regular powder shadow.
I loooooove chit chat. Periwinkle is one of my favs, but I’m sad that it’s ranked so low, seems like a lot of periwinkle eyeshadows just can’t get a very high rating like the one that NARS came out with recently. I give MUG an A for the gorgeous new spring colors, but disappointed that the formulation isn’t up to snuff.
Haha! I know what you mean 🙂
But I agree, a cream formulation might be better for actually getting both parts to show up!
Rebel was the only shade in this release that I was tempted by, but the swatch looks so disappointing… Do you think a dampened brush would help?
Rebel? I don’t know if I’d use that wet, because the base seemed more satin/matte, so I would worry it would harden. I would be more inclined to try it over a tacky, white base like NYX Milk!
Can anyone do a great periwinkle eyeshadow??? ?
I wanted these to do so well bc the colors are fantastic. But I’m glad I waited, they’re really mediocre.
It’s tough!