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MAC Eyeshadow Collection: Black Tied.

What MAC says: Black with silver sparkle and a velvet finish.

What I say: Matte black with silver particles. It has a fairly good pigmentation and blends nicely; in fact it is easier to blend than MAC’s Carbon.

How to wear it: On the lash line, applied with an angle brush to achieve a softer eyeliner look. Blended on the outer-V to intensify any smokey eye.

Is it worth it? Yes. It is not as pigmented as other black eyeshadows are (ex. Urban Decay’s Black Out) but it blends really nicely and lasts forever on the lid, which is not always the case with black eyeshadow.

What MAC says: Black with silver sparkle and a velvet finish. What I say: Matte black with silver particles. It has a fairly good p...

at 9:15 AM

MAC Eyeshadow Collection: Contrast.

What MAC says: Purplish-blue with blue pearl and a velvet finish.

What I say: Swatched, it is exactly what the MAC website describes. However, when applied over a cream base or heavily packed onto the lid, the color is dark navy blue and loses the purple tinge.

How to wear it: Packed on the lid and blended out into the crease for a dark blue smokey eye. It is also a good alternative to black on the lash line if you have brown eyes, as it compliments your eye color.

Is it worth it? Yes, if you are looking for a dark, almost navy color. It has a great pigmentation and is easy to work with.

What MAC says: Purplish-blue with blue pearl and a velvet finish. What I say: Swatched, it is exactly what the MAC website describes...

at 9:00 AM

MAC Eyeshadow Collection: Sketch.

What MAC says: Burgundy with red shimmer and a velvet finish.

What I say: A dark plum or eggplant color.

How to wear it: On the crease, with any eyeshadow, to define the eye shape. I also use it to intensify plumy or burgundy smokey eyes.

Is it worth it? Absolutely, especially for medium and darker skin toned ladies. It has a great pigmentation and it is a multitasker. It may not look very special on the pan but I assure you that you would end up wearing it a lot.

What MAC says: Burgundy with red shimmer and a velvet finish. What I say: A dark plum or eggplant color. How to wear it: On th...

at 11:00 AM

MAC Eyeshadow Collection: Trax.

What MAC says: Burgundy-plum with shimmer and a velvet finish.

What I say: Cool plum shade with a visible gold shimmer. The pigmentation is not that great.

How to wear it: To create a smokey eye; Trax all over the lid with a darker eyeshadow (grey, cool dark brown or black) on the outer-V and into the crease.

Is it worth it? No. It is a pretty color but the texture and pigmentation are not up to par to other MAC or even drugstore eyeshadows.

What MAC says: Burgundy-plum with shimmer and a velvet finish. What I say: Cool plum shade with a visible gold shimmer. The pigmenta...

at 10:33 AM

MAC Eyeshadow Collection: Nocturnelle.

What MAC says: Pinked-up chrome purple with a frost finish.

What I say: The description is accurate; this is a pinkish-purple eyeshadow.

How to wear it: I've worn it alone, applied very lightly all over the lid and around the eye for a modern smokey eye. You can also build up the intensity and add Sketch or Black Tied on the outer-V and crease for a sultry, nighttime, smokey eye. Lastly, it can be paired with Vex for a more casual, daytime look.

Is it worth it? Yes. It has a beautiful color and finish. This one is the most wearable purple eyeshadow I own.

What MAC says: Pinked-up chrome purple with a frost finish. What I say: The description is accurate; this is a pinkish-purple eyeshad...

at 10:10 AM

MAC Eyeshadow Collection: Parfait Amour.

What MAC says: Blue-violet with shimmer and a frost finish.

What I say: I agree with the MAC description but I wouldn't say that it has a real shimmer but a frosty effect. It has a bad color payoff and a gritty texture.

How to wear it: By itself, all over the lid to build up a purple smokey eye. I got to be honest though; I haven’t worn this eyeshadow out, ever. I've tried different looks and ended up doing something else.

Is it worth it? No, it has a horrible color payoff and texture.

What MAC says : Blue-violet with shimmer and a frost finish. What I say: I agree with the MAC description but I wouldn't say tha...

at 10:00 AM

MAC Eyeshadow Collection: Shale.

What MAC says: Mauve-plum with subtle shimmer and a satin finish.

What I say: Grayish lavender color with a very subtle silver shimmer. It has a terrible color payoff.

How to wear it: All over the lid and around the eye, as a cloud of color for a modern, smokey eye. On the crease or outer-V with a lighter shade (ex. Vex) as a base.

Is it worth it? No. It is a beautiful color but the almost nonexistent color payoff makes this eyeshadow, frustrating to work with. You should be able to find something better, for sure!

What MAC says: Mauve-plum with subtle shimmer and a satin finish. What I say: Grayish lavender color with a very subtle silver shimm...