Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod (112) Style Eye-Con No. 3 Palette ($42.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a trio of eyeshadows with a smoky, monochromatic vibe. The formula in these is supposed to “allow true, instant color payoff and long-lasting, plush performance.” The three eyeshadows vary in size, with the lightest being the largest and the darkest being the smallest. The white eyeshadow is the best performer, as it is pigmented and had a good texture, while the other two were less impressive and required some extra work/patience to get to work just right. I think the palette is a rather basic set of shades, so it’s a real shame this didn’t knock it out of the park–because a good smoky eye palette is always a nice color combination for a permanent range.

The Mod #1 is described as an “eggshell white.” It’s a neutral-toned white with a satin finish; it’s not a stark, bright white, but it’s not so warm that it looks more ivory than white. It had really nice color payoff, though the texture was just slightly powdery (but it was easy to blend). MAC This or That #1 is warmer. theBalm Metal-ica is more shimmery. Urban Decay Venus is more ivory-colored. Giorgio Armani Open is similar. See comparison swatches.

The Mod #2 is described as a “black with iridescent shimmer.” It’s a medium-dark matte black with silver and teal iridescent shimmer. The color payoff was good, but the texture was slightly dry and stiffer to work with than many of the other Marc Jacobs’ eyeshadows I’ve played with, so it does take extra work to blend it out on the lid. theBalm Guilty Gwen is more frosted. NARS Night Breed is more matte. Lancome The New Black is similar. Illamasqua Zeitgeist is also similar. Chanel Mirifique is more sparkly, cream. Sugarpill Stella is very similar. See comparison swatches.

The Mod #3 is described as a “light grayish taupe.” It’s a pale, cool-toned gray with hints of purple and a satiny sheen. It had decent color payoff, but this shade was somewhat powdery and slightly dry, so it was difficult to achieve opaque, lasting color. This one was prone to fading after six hours of wear. NARS Namibia is matte. Disney What’s It is lighter. MAC Silver Gull is sparkly. Giorgio Armani Moonlight White #2 is similar. See comparison swatches.

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod (112) Style Eye-Con No. 3 Palette

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod (112) Style Eye-Con No. 3 Palette

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod (112) Style Eye-Con No. 3 Palette

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod (112) Style Eye-Con No. 3 Palette

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod (112) Style Eye-Con No. 3 Palette

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #1 Eyeshadow

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #1 Eyeshadow

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #2 Eyeshadow

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #2 Eyeshadow

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #3 Eyeshadow

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #3 Eyeshadow

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod (112) Style Eye-Con No. 3 Palette