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Makeup Geek Petal Pusher, Carnival, Curfew, Motown, Fairytale Eyeshadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is described as a “medium rose brown with a matte finish.” It’s a muted, medium rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had decent to good pigmentation with a soft, smooth texture that was easily applied to the skin. The texture didn’t look dry on the skin, and it held up well for eight hours on me. Lancome My French #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Urban Decay Limit (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Cashmere (PiP, $23.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Chic Happens (P, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). Dior Matte Mauve (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Skipper (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Ciate Jet Setter (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Clubhouse (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). Viseart Grenache (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Buxom Lingerie Lover (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Sundown (LE, $19.00) is brighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Rose in the Air #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Heather Grey (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Instinct (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Petalette #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Guerlain Rose Barbare #3 (DC, ) is cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Gigi (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Paw Print (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Quite Spoiled (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). Viseart Lilas (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is described as a “bright medium orchid with a matte finish.” It’s a light-medium, pink-tinged lavender purple with a matte finish. It had good color coverage with a soft, smooth, finely-milled texture that was a smidgen dusty. It applied better than I thought I would and didn’t lose too much of its intensity on bare skin, but I would recommend a primer as this one lost some vibrancy after six hours, even though it took eight hours before I saw creasing. ColourPop Kittenfish (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar). KVD Beauty Meow (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Tailors Ticket (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Huda Beauty Lilac #1 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Coloured Raine Cute (PiP, $6.99) is brighter (90% similar). ColourPop Love Note (UR A QT) (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Lotus (P, $8.00) is brighter (90% similar). Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Eerie (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Uplevel (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Stellar (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Pretty Flower (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Huda Beauty Libra (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Huda Beauty Rose #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Ghostin' (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Crossroads (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Sugarpill Player One (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Your 15 Minutes Aren't Up #2 (DC, $2.29) is darker, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Shock (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Huda Beauty Neon Pink #7 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Friendly (LE, $4.50) is lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is described as a “medium plum purple with a matte finish.” It’s a muted, medium-dark purple with warmer undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, but powdery, texture that made it prone to sheering out on the lid and will have a fair amount of fall out during application. I would use a primer, possibly even a lightly tacky primer, to maximize impact and longevity with this shade. It faded after seven hours of wear. NARS Fashion Rebel #2 (DC, $25.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty Venom (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Sydney Grace Redeemed (DC, $5.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Viseart Debauched (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Smashbox Orchid (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Inglot #386 (P, $6.00) is brighter (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Violet (LE, $29.00) is lighter (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Mulberry (LE, $22.00) is darker (90% similar). Inglot #334 (P, $6.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Eresia (P, $8.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Huda Beauty Purple Haze #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Makeup Geek Invincible (P, $9.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Autumn Breeze (LE, $4.50) is darker (85% similar). MAC Shock-a-holic (LE, $17.00) is darker, brighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Silver Lining (P, $4.50) is warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is described as a “deep eggplant purple with a matte finish..” It’s a dusty, medium-dark purple with cool undertones and a matte finish. The texture was powdery, a little dry, and it looked patchy on the skin when blended out. I could only fake it by layering it with other purples (like Fairytale) to minimize some of the patchiness–at best. The color payoff is semi-opaque but uneven. It lasted for seven hours before fading (I was surprised it wore as long as it did). Makeup Geek Duchess (DC, $6.00) is brighter (95% similar). LORAC Purple (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). KVD Beauty Exorcism (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Glamour Eyes (Cream) (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Inglot #377 (P, $6.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Anastasia Soul (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Fairytale (DC, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Indian Ink (P, $17.00) is darker (85% similar). Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #12 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #8 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Violet Blend #2 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia C2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, cooler (80% similar). Terra Moons Royal (P, $6.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). MAC Purple Haze (DC, $17.00) is lighter (80% similar). Give Me Glow Trust Fund (P, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). MAC Jam Session (LE, $17.00) is lighter (80% similar). Natasha Denona Electric Violet (28V) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow ($6.00 for 0.064 oz.) is described as a “muted lavender with gray undertones.” It’s a muted, medium purple with strong, cool undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was good, though not opaque, but the texture was so soft that it was powdery, which made it harder to work with on bare skin. It blended out easily, but it was just hard to keep the color in place and looking true-to-pan. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me. Sydney Grace Regal (P, $5.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Violet Blend #2 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Give Me Glow Grunge Lavender (P, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Give Me Glow Trust Fund (P, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Purple (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Motown (DC, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #8 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Makeup Geek Duchess (DC, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Glamour Eyes (Cream) (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Purple Haze (DC, $17.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). MAC Jam Session (LE, $17.00) is brighter (85% similar). Anastasia Soul (LE, $12.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Makeup Geek Indestructible (P, $9.00) is cooler (80% similar). Natasha Denona Redox (347CM) (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Petal Pusher

DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
C+
C+
7.5
Product
8
Pigmentation
7.5
Texture
7.5
Longevity
5
Application
79%
Total

Carnival

DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
B
B
8.5
Product
9
Pigmentation
8
Texture
7.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
83%
Total

Curfew

DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
C-
C-
6.5
Product
6.5
Pigmentation
6.5
Texture
7.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
70%
Total

Motown

DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
D
D
6
Product
6.5
Pigmentation
6
Texture
7.5
Longevity
3
Application
64%
Total

Fairytale

DCDiscontinued. $6.00.
C+
C+
8
Product
8.5
Pigmentation
6.5
Texture
8
Longevity
4.5
Application
79%
Total

See more photos & swatches!

Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Petal Pusher Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Carnival Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Curfew Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Motown Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Petal Pusher (inner third), Carnival (middle of lid), Curfew (outer lid),
Motown (crease), Fairytale (above crease), Sorbet/Mirage (brow bone) Eyeshadows
ColourPop Punch, Get Paid Piggy Bank Eyeliners

Makeup Geek Fairytale Eyeshadow
Makeup Geek Petal Pusher (inner third), Carnival (middle of lid), Curfew (outer lid),
Motown (crease), Fairytale (above crease), Sorbet/Mirage (brow bone) Eyeshadows
ColourPop Punch, Get Paid Piggy Bank Eyeliners

53 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Alecto Avatar

Aaargh! Disappoint!

You know, I’ve been studying up on DIY pressing of matte loose shadows, and I ran across a couple references to shadows with certain pigments being poor performers after being pressed, and one of the pigments was ultramarine, which you see in pinks, purples, blues and greens. Supposedly, the higher up the pigment list the ultamarine is, the worse the shadow does as a pressed. Which means blues and purples especially. Looking at all the swatches you’ve ever done here, I believe it.

Claire L Avatar

That’s interesting to know. I wonder why they can’t substitute a better ingredient in this day and age for blues and purples?! So disappointing! I do so love blue and purple.

ilovemakeup Avatar

I was wondering about it! I knew it had to be some issue with one of the pigments that always makes blues, greens and purples SO hard to get right. Those are my favorite colors, so it seems like it’s been like pulling teeth to find good ones! Thanks for the info 🙂

Ginny Avatar

I’m disappointed they didn’t score better 🙁 . This was the bunch I was most excited for. Still I think I’ll get Petal Pusher, Carnival and Fairytale. I wanted Curfew as an alternative to a MUFE eggplant shadow I’ve been eyeing but I’ll have to go with the MUFE I think.

Christy Avatar

The MUFE eggplant is fantastic! I got Morocco and Cherry Cola from this set and am very pleased with both–gorgeous colors that pack quite a punch!–though I think the MUFE eggplant and the mattes in my Laura Mercier holiday 2013 palette are a bit easier to work with.

Katherine T. Avatar

Well, I was really looking forward to the matte purples, as I have waaay too many shimmery ones in my stash. But these look like all of the other matte purples I’ve seen or have…..meh. So I don’t see a reason for me to get these, so I’m eyeing some of the other colors now

Nancy T Avatar

Why oh WHY?!? The curse of the purples strikes again!!! ?
But kudos to you, Christine, for *somehow* making a decent look out of these poor performers! Idk, why it’s so dang difficult for most brands to formulate GOOD purple or deep blue eyeshadow, leaves me sad!

Marta Avatar

Oh, bummer! I ordered Petal Pusher, Curfew and Cherry Cola last week along with a couple of duochromes and a bunch of shadows from MUG´s permanent collection. I had high hopes for these new mattes! Hopefully I’ll be able to work with them, though more layering will be required 🙁 Thank you for your honesty, Christine!

kjh Avatar

This reminds me of the reformulation of KVD l/s. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Not that some of the originals couldn’t use a tweak, but all in all, MUG has stood for decent quality, esp. at their price point. I don’t see Marlena as s.o. who would try to cut corners, and thereby produce an inferior product, once she was established. If I were in production, I’d be furious at the manufacturer. ‘Course she can’t dis her own line. The only good thing is that T allows us to see the dupes…but some of those aren’t exactly spiffy. I think this is a shame. Woman entrepreneur ‘living the dream’ and then this. The MUG l/s did not survive, but i didn’t try any. If the blushes get reformulated for the worse, she will lose significant customer base….all except the YT sycophants.

Vanessa Avatar

Finally an honest review!!! All of the youtube videos from girls who had gotten the shadows as PR were just gushing over how beautiful, creamy, and pigmented they are. I purchased Dragonfly (good quality), Duchess, Motown, Fairytale, and Curfew are HORRIBLE. No pigmentation and they feel (and apply) like children’s chalk. I thought that I might’ve gotten a bad batch (of 4 eyeshadows…fairly unlikely, but I like to give the benefit of the doubt), but now I’m certain that this new formula change is just worse across the board.

Christine Avatar

Purple eyeshadows are often the weakest in any brand’s line 🙁 Were you trying yours over bare skin or using a particular primer? I think something like NYX Milk would be necessary for a few of these (that’s my “big guns” primer, haha).

Elizabeth K. Avatar

Oh man, is it wrong that I wasn’t all these colors as blush???!!! If anyone knows of any blushes that resemble these shades, I’d be eternally grateful.

Wednesday Avatar

Hells yeah..I love mattes and so grabbed a handful of the MG shadows pre review. My bad?
In any event.. today I am wearing curfew (this reddy cool plum purple is really good on me) and I love it. Caveat: I didn’t have time for primer so I tried with brush which wasn’t working out very well and then finally smudged shadow on my baby finger and slapped it on my eye lid. It worked! LOL. I diffused out the edge with a fluffy brush, but ended up with good pigmentation on my lid with my ‘finger’ brush. Snort laugh.

Kat Avatar

Argh, so disappointing! Usually I find MUG’s matte formula to be decent-to-good, and a few of them are excellent. Sad to see the whole first batch disappoint! Hopefully it’s just a purple-pigment-problem and some of the other shades will be better.

Bonnie Avatar

I was so excited about these, but I’m so glad I held off on ordering! Yikes!!! Man, I hope there are some really good ones in the bunch, but if not, money saved.
Btw – LOVE the way you used the Colourpop pencils with the shadows! Beautiful!

roguebeka Avatar

another great review- very helpful especially since yo can’t return MUG purchases! Agree with your ratings; have a lot of MUG shadows I love but haven’t been wowed by them lately…finally glad to see some honest reviews!

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!