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Round-up: MAC Studio Sculpt Shade & Line Eyeshadows Overview & Thoughts

MAC Studio Sculpt Shade & Line Eyeshadows
MAC Studio Sculpt Shade & Line Eyeshadows

MAC Studio Sculpt Shade & Line Eyeshadows ($21.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a new and limited edition formula that has eight variations. Each is a trio that features two shades designed as eyeshadows and one shade as an eyeliner. They can be used wet or dry, but nearly all of them needed to be used with a dampened brush and/or over a tacky or creamy base to get decent pigmentation out of them, let alone ensure that the application of each color was smooth and even. The eyeshadows tended to be on the powdery side, while the eyeliner shade is so dry and stiff that the brush has to be truly wet, not just damp, to get any color out of it, but it dries and sets so quickly that managing even, smooth color is a challenge if you want to use it as an eyeliner. (Honestly, using the eyeshadow shades as eyeliners is easier!) I don’t recommend the formula at all; MAC has put out better eyeshadows in the past, and they have better eyeshadows in their permanent range, if you’re really hunting for a new MAC eyeshadow.

Reviews, Photos, Swatches

36 Comments

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kjh Avatar

Glad that you didn’t spend hours with best, worst performing, most dupable, etc. Overall, this collection looks like a BFM, in this case a Big Fat Miss. Also think that it’s ironic that MAC named a collection after their worst performing product (Playland lippie.) Would you care to comment on how MAC has changed under the aegis of Lauder? Also, I would love to know (unrelated) how palettes/shades/product get input/inspiration from their associated celebrities. Does Kat von D suggest general color schemes, then get final approval? Do these folks actually work with the fabricators? Much of the time, it just seems like a marketing ploy, capitalizing on whomever is hot at the moment. Draw up a color scheme that the public would associate with those persons…. their style, apparel, performance, etc. … then go with it, since the US is so celebrity obsessed. Other countries seem not to do as many celebrity-based releases, but rather hire iconic actresses, models, and style mavens for a brand representation. Feel free not to comment, Christine, as it would take up your valuable time.

Christine Avatar

I thought about doing best/worst, but it was a pretty bad set of products that nothing really stood out to me, unfortunately! I have never purchased MAC prior to being acquired by Estee Lauder, so I’ve only known MAC as an ELC brand!

As far as I know, celebrity deals can vary from licensing the name only to more involved commitments, but it depends on the brand, celebrity, etc. Kat Von D has a lot of videos for Sephora, so she seems more involved than merely licensing of her name.

Lariesa Avatar

It’s such a shame. I was really looking forward to these products.
I don’t understand why MAC releases such bad quality eyeshadow/eyeliners, because they know how to make them of good quality.
Thanks for reviewing them Christine!

Karla Avatar

This is why i dont buy any of mac limited edition eyeshadow tríos, quads, etc. I only buy eyeshadow singles from their permanent collection or if i want a pallete i go with urban decay… Mac should be ashamed for this kind of quality on their products :/

Justin Avatar

I was sad to try these, they are pretty in person but even to swatch them they’re so dry and crumble the colors fall onto each other in the pan.

Sylirael Avatar

Honestly, I wonder if, somewhere along the line, MAC got rid of all its QC/testing staff (for eyeshadows, anyway). So many of the recent eyeshadow releases have been (at best) mediocre, and at worst downright embarrasing. I can’t see a reason for this, since MAC’s permanent range is (I hear) quite good. I think they need to stop trying to release a collection every 5 minutes to wring more money out of their fans, and actually take the time to produce some real quality items – the kind of stuff you deserve to have cult brand status for!

Lotus Avatar

These were terribly executed, poorly pigmented, sadly a failure, yet had a couple strong colors that should be sold separately. I still stand by the Ebony one looking totally flattering on you, Christine! I REALLY adored the way the colors and your eye got along so swimmingly! I quite want that 3rd color eyeshadow! If you ever hear of a perfect dupe or if Mac makes it separately, please let me know?! 🙂

Macama Avatar

I stopped by the mac counter yesterday and I swatched a few and they didn’t seem pigmented at all! They were very dry. I’ll pass. Thanks for your review!! 🙂

Carmwn Avatar

I swatched a couples of these sets on my wrist yesterday, and honestly, they weren’t too bad!
I’m talking about the bronzey shade with dark brown, and the lighter peachy set. The pigment showed up pretty well.
I might have to get one of the more neutral sets just to have in my purse for touch ups. They look so handy, I think I could get them to work!

The Lip pencil glosses are way too sheer – too many cheaper dupes out there.

Thanks for all of your work on these Christine!

Bring Back the Huggables, Mac!

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