Written Reviews

Woodwinked is one of the old-school cult MAC eyeshadows and I can see why. It's a very beautiful golden warm bronze, with good pigmentation, that suits my dark brown eyes. While it looks medium-dark in the pan, the color is lighter once applied on the eyelid; but it can be layered over a deeper matte brown to get a darker bronze shade. There is a slight seen, almost subtle, not glittery; to me it looks slightly wet rather than frosted. The eyeshadow is quite buttery, with some fallout, but nothing that bothers me too much. It can be packed on the eyelid with a flat brush or diffused into the crease (for an one eyeshadow look) with a good blending brush. There is some fading after 6-8 hours, but at the end of the day it still looks good.

Indian Ink is a gorgeous eggplant purple, a pop of color that doesn't look too colorful, complimenting my brown eyes. Formula wise, Indian Ink is one of the best quality MAC matte eyeshadows I have tried. It's blendable, buildable (without patchiness of some other mattes), doesn't have fallout, stay put all day (with primer). Although it's quite blendable, a really good fluffy brush and time are needed to work this as a crease eyeshadow; but it's all worth it. But for defining and smudging Indian Ink works like a charm.

Satin Taupe is simply that classic cult eyeshadows that (almost) everybody likes, and once I tried it, I understood why. The color is beautiful, but lighter once applied than in the pan (more of light-medium taupe than medium dark). The shifts in the color are unique. It's mostly a neutral smokey-taupe, a mix of grey and brown, with a hint of purple... it depends on the lightning, what other colors is paired with. I am light-medium warm yellow toned, with brown hair and eyes, and on me it mostly shows a neutral brown, I also love how versatile it is. I can play around with pigmentation (depending on the brush and techniques I use) to get a soft blend all over the eyes; I can pack to a deeper pigmentation. I can also create new shifts of color depending on the eyeshadow I use as a base (for more complex looks). I'm rarely a fan of shimmers (especially in the crease), but the shimmers in Satin Taupe are tiny and workable. The eyeshadow is a little powdery in the pan, and it can have some fallout during application. I usually tap the brush a little, to remove excess. I never noticed fallout during the day. Still, the eyeshadow has something creamy in the pan. It has a good color pay-off, but I would describe it as buildable rather than pigmented/opaque.

While Pink Venus has a nice washed-out warm pink shade (if you like pinks, which I'm not the biggest fan), I was very disappointed by the formula. The eyeshadow is glittery and quite chunky in the pan, with silver sparkles. It's quite hard to pick-up with most brushes, a flat synthetic brush like MAC 228 or 242 works best. The amount of fall-out I get it's awful; and it's not just during application, it's also during the day (I need to keep cleaning the sparkles from my under eye area). It's definitely a formula requiring glitter glue/primer or a very sticky base. The eyeshadow on me basically disappears in 3-4 hours. The level of pigmentation is very low, it applies quite sheer.

Rule is one of the best quality MAC Matte eyeshadow I have tried, but I almost hate the color; the warm vivid orange simply doesn't suit me and when I use rule I feel I look very tired / sick. Otherwise, it's very pigmented and easy to pick with any type of brush, with minimal kick-back / fallout. It blends wonderfully and it's easy to work it; it can also be build up with a stiffer brush. But the color payoff is amazing, it's nearly opaque from the first layer; building upon just intensifies the color to a bright bold orange. To make use of it, I sometimes use Rule in the crease, than build a look with darker browns that suit me; I feel that having Rule as a base makes every other eyeshadow blend/apply better and last long. Because color is subjective (some might look amazing with orange eyeshadow), it's still a 5-star for me. I wish other MAC Matte eyeshadows would perform this well.

At first glance MAC Cyber is such an intimidating lip color, but I somewhat like it a lot (but I'm into bold lipstick). I actually receive it for free with a MAC online order (I would have never purchased it on my own), tried it and fell in love with it. Described on temptalia as a warm purple, MAC Cyber on me looks more dark grey-purple, more cool toned. It might be my complexion (light-medium with yellow warm undertones) or the fact that my lips are naturally more pigmented, with a mauvish tint. The texture is slightly thinner than I expected and the only negative aspect of this lipstick for me is that it applies patchy at first, so I need to layer it very carefully to get an uniform lip color. Even if I find MAC Satin formula comfortable on the lips, MAC Cyber felt even more comfortable during the wear. For long-lasting bold lips I prefer MAC Matte formula, since it's more long-lasting; MAC Cyber starts to fade after 4-5 hours and I definitely need retouch after a snack or meal.

Omega is a muted but highly pigmented matte eyeshadow, but I don't agree with the color description the MAC website and Temptalia provide (or at least not on me). For me Omega is more like a grey-taupe, very cool toned, with nothing beige or brown in it. MAC Omega is not as stiff as other MAC eyeshadows; it has a little more kickback, but the fallout isn't bad at all. I agree that the formula in Omega is soft, smooth and blendable (very easy to work with). The color is quite pigmented, but buildable. Depending on the application technique and brushed used, I can either get a wash of color or a medium grey wash of color. I'm NC20-25 and Omega it's a great cool toned transition or deepening shade when applied with a fluffy brush. Packed on the lid, I can get a beautiful cool toned one-color grey look, quite grungy without being too strong.

MAC Studded Kiss is a beautiful dark red, with more hints of wine/purple than oxblood/burgundy. It's a close dupe for my all time favorite MAC Diva, but slightly more purple (at least on my complexion - brunette, brown eyes, light-medium warm yellow undertones). The finish is almost matte (it has the slightest shine) and great pigmentation. It has some buildability, two swipes yield full opacity; I like that with one swipe I can get a slightly more subtle bold color (similar to what Christine mentions, there is a smidgen of the natural lip color coming through). I personally love the MAC Matte lipstick formula, and this one is no exceptions: long lasting, stains the lips, comfortable and non drying (maybe a little at the end of the day). I have to re-apply after meals, but most times not after drinking or snacks. Studded Kiss tends a little to feather, so I would recommend a lip liner if this is usually an issue.

MAC Spirit is muted pinky-beige brown in the bullet, but on me it looks on me as a mauvy-beige brown (not so muted). I have mauvy lips and most lipstick shades (even if they are pigmented) look different on me. I have light-medium complexion, warm yellow undertones (NC 20-25), dark brown hair and MAC Spirit doesn't look muted on me (but it's neither a bold in your face brown). It's a nice shade to wear as a `neutral` with bolder eye make-up, it's a good darker nude for me. On my it looks more dark, brown and mauve (less pink) than on Christine; the shade definitely has a lot of `warmness` in it. Still, as a nude-brown I think Velvet Teddy works better for me; Velvet Teddy also looks more brown on me, I never see the `pinkish` tones. Spirit comes in the MAC Satin finish, which I find to have a very comfortable wear, almost hydrating. The formula is a little creamy (it has some stickiness, especially if built up). The color doesn't really stain the lips, so any drinking, snacking and light eating will cause wear off. But I don't mind that much re-applying during the day.

MAC Deep Damson is a pretty warm burgundy shade, with enough hints of brown to not make me look sick (usually eyeshadows with red in them make me look sick). It's a nice color that I can use all over the lid (and diffused in the crease) as a single-color look, but also to deepen the crease or the outer-v for looks with warm browns, warm mauves (like MAC Haux) or pinks. Most MAC Matte eyeshadows are stiff in the pan, but the Deep Damson I have is even stiffer. If you don't use it with the `right` brush, it applies patchy and hardly gives any pigmentation. If I use something like a eye shader brush (like MAC 242), I barely get product on the brush. I like it applied with fluffier brushes (like MAC 217, 224) even when I pack it on the lid; I like that this kind of eyeshadow formula gives me a lot of space to play with the pigmentation. Packed on the lid, the shadow looks like a beautiful deep wine/burgundy; diffused it looks more like a mauve with hints of wine. The eyeshadow is so stiff that it doesn't have any fallout. I always use eyeshadow primer set with powder, never had issue with this eyeshadow creasing.

MAC Deep Truth is a nice jewel toned blue in the pan, but on my eyes it looks like a blue with shifts of indigo. It's definitely a cool blue and I find it works with my dark brown eyes. It has some shimmer/frost in the pan, but once applied it almost looks matte (but not flat). I wouldn't personally call it a `dark-blue`... maybe `medium-blue`. In the pan the eyeshadow is quite stiff, but the product can be picked-up nicely with a good brush; it works good with both flat brushes (for precise application) and fluffy brushes (for blending). The opacity is not great with first applications, but it can be built up easily (especially with a flat brush). There's some fall-out, but it's minimal. For a bold opaque application a darker shade underneath Deep Truth would really help. It's not the easiest eyeshadow to blend, but it doesn't look patchy.

MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil is quite a basic eye pencil, with a creamy formula, easy to apply and to smudge. It's longwearing if used to line the eyes (upper or lower lash line), but it barely stays a couple of hours if applied in the waterline; I do have more sensitive, watery eyes, but the color starts fading almost immediately, and in a few hours the waterline just has a tint of faded black (not an opaque color). Given this, I have my doubts that this pencil is waterproof. `Engraved` is indeed a rick black with a matte finish, beautiful color. If you're not looking into a waterline eye pencil, I think this is a good option. I want more staying power in the waterline. The pencil is very easy to sharpen.

MAC Springsheen is a classic pink coral (with a vibe of peach) with golden shimmer, definitely a blush shade that can fit into any basic `must-have` blush color. The MAC Sheertone Shimmer formula is quite powdery and this is no exception. MAC Matte and Sheertone blushes have a more soft, finely-milled and smooth texture, the Sheertone Shimmers have some `chunkiness` from my point of view (although not in a bad way). But MAC Springsheen still blends beautifully. The color pay-off depends a lot on the brush I apply it; the formula is quite buildable, from a dust of color with a loose soft brush, to a `in your face` deep pink coral with a stiffer denser brush. It's a color that will work well on the very fair to medium complexion, but on darker complexions I believe only the golden shimmer will show. The shimmer particles are visible, but not sparkly, emphasizing any pores (the primer used will impact how much of the pores show, still); but it's a forgiving shimmer, compared with other shimmery blushes. On my skin it starts fading after 4-6 hours, but not in a bad way. The shimmer will disappear if I touch up with blotting paper.

The MAC Eye Kohl formula has from my point of view the perfect mix of softness and stiffness, that allows precise application and smudging, working well in the waterline and as an eye liner. I have very sensitive eyes and this eye kohl doesn't cause me any issues. The pencil sharpens well. I consider the eye kohl far superior in quality compared to the other MAC eye liners. While having some creaminess, this pencil lasts a very long time. I purchased Prunella after a MAC make-up artist used this kohl/pencil on me during a make-over. While MAC describes this shade as `Shimmering black-eyed plum` I find the color to be almost matte, appearing brown/dark once applied. It barely has tints of plum, but it has that special something that compliments my brown eyes better than any brown shadow I have tried. The effect is slightly more soft-toned than a back eye liner/kohl. As an eyeliner it stays put all day and it's easy to smudge. Applied in the waterline it's not opaque, it has almost a sheer pigmentation which cannot be built up; it works more for a defined but subtle look.

MAC Humid is an eyeshadow that looks like a jewel toned green in the pan, but translates like a mossy/military green on the eyes. The warmness of the green makes this color look wonderful with a warm toned dark brown in the crease, complimenting my brown eyes. It's a beautiful green eyeshadow (with some flaws) that look great on the lid and in the crease as well. It applies smoothly on the lid and blends well with other eyeshadows. As most frost finish MAC eyeshadows has is has a little bit of shimmer, but Humid is minimally shiny; sometimes it can almost appear matte on my eyes. Humid is quite buildable and versatile, allowing me to obtain a variety of looks. With a fluffy brush and/or light application, it applies very sheer. With a stiff brush I can build the color to a darker green, but never to full opacity. I only can get it as green as in the pan if I apply it over a darker base (green/black eye pencil smudged all over the lid or a dark matte brown). I didn't find Humid very pigmented or `intense` (as MAC states). My biggest issues with Humid is that it creases and it has some fallout even with stiffer brushes. I own other MAC Frost eyeshadows and this is the only color that has these issues. But it's the best green for me and due to it's versatility I would consider re-purchasing it (I have a minimalist approach to make-up purchases).

I got MAC Nothing On liner to use it on the waterline, to brighten my eyes. The light beige shade is great for this purpose, especially with my light-medium yellow toned complexion; it has some peachiness, which helps a lot with the brigthening effect. I find that the Modern Twist Kajal formula doesn't have an opaque application, especially on my waterline. I have quite watery eyes and this product doesn't stay on more than 4-5 hours; but it also doesn't cause me any irritation, even giving my sensitive eyes. It's a creamy pencil, so it glides very easy, making the application a breeze.

Cabana is a jewel toned green, with a sheer slightly buildable application. The color is not fully opaque (in the waterline especially) and the formula is definitely not hyper-pigmented. This liner does not smudge or run when applied to the lid (as liner or all over). As an all over the lid color it's OK, especially under a powder eyeshadow, but with the very small tip it's hard to cover the lid. It works great when applied as liner, I can get a precise line or build something thicker; but the color is so sheer that for me it makes no sense to line my eyes with it. The line doesn't stay on the waterline; the fading starts immediately after application and after 2-3 hours it's barely there. I like the idea and mechanism of the Always Sharp liner, it's a good self-sharpening liner with a precise tip that glides easily. Still, I don't like the packaging; It's quite bulky and longer than most liners. I have sensitive eyes and this liner didn't caused any irritation.

MAC Breath of Plum is a gorgeous matte light plum with a hint of pink, that looks great on my yellow toned light-medium complexion (NC20-25) with dark brown hair and eyes. The Sheertone formula from MAC is simply amazing... sheer at first, it can be build up to a beautiful deep pigmentation. The color in itself is very natural and versatile on me, I can use it from barely there looks to full-glam make-up. It's long-wearing, as long as the foundation in itself doesn't move/transfer during the day. The powder has minimal fallout. I had my first Breath of Plum blush for almost 2 years (I trashed it when it reached 3 years from manufacturing day), use it regularly (sometimes it was my only blush) and I didn't hit pan on it.

MAC Sculpt is the ideal sculpting powder for my yellow toned light-medium complexion (NC20-25). It's cool enough, but not too gray. It's the kind of shade I was always looking for and once I found it, I never used anything else. The formula is very buildable, so I can work with it both when I'm the fairest and when I get some color in the summer months. It's medium stiffness in the pan, which I like with contour shades. With stiff brushes I get better pigmentation and some fallout; with fluffier brushes I get a sheer pigmentation and almost no fallout. The matte MAC cheek powders usually go a long way, even with regular use (I keep my collection very streamlined, so I get lots of use from my products) I barely hit pan by the 2 years mark. It's such a versatile product, that I can use for contouring the cheeks, use it as a neutral blush or even use it to sculpt my crease (although it would also make a great all over the lid shade for very natural looks). I actually find this performs better in the crease than most MAC matte eyeshadows. The powder applies wonderfully on most foundations I tried (if set with powder), but it's as long lasting as the foundation; if the base moves, this moves with it.

MAC Chili is a gorgeous color, with the perfect mix of brown, orange and red. My complexion is light-medium with yellow undertones (NC20-25), and my lips are naturally more mauve; MAC Chili is more red on me, with a hint of orange and brown. Christine picture shows the color more orange than it looks on me. I find this color very wearable, works with glam looks but also for everyday wear. It's not a true red, it's a very interesting unique red. With the orange tones (nothing blue in this red), my teeth might look more yellow than usual. Even if it's a Matte formula, it still has some Satin vibes. It's definitely not a flat dull matte. I personally find MAC Matte formula very comfortable to wear all day long, it has both creaminess and staying power. I have to retouch it after meals, but otherwise looks great all day, without staining the lips.