Hello ladies,
I plan to review a few eyeshadow singles and palettes before I move to a lip product. Over the last couple of months, I have finally realised that it actually helps with the flow if I do certain type of articles in a go, which is weird for me because normally I used to consciously try mixing it up – some eyeshadow with some lip product and some skincare etc – just to ensure it doesn’t get monotonous for the reader. But I think I started impacting my productivity and speed, so I’m trying this instead. I guess the huge variety of articles on IMBB daily, anyway ensure there is no monotony. Today’s review is another eye shadow single, but this time, it’s from the much-loved brand MAC. Imagine a MAC eyeshadow which hasn’t been reviewed! That must definitely be a first, no?
Product Description:
A highly pigmented powder that applies evenly and blends well. Highly pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well. Can be used wet or dry. Available in a wide variety of textures and finishes. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Non-acnegenic. Safe for contact lens wearers, can be used wet or dry.
Price:
INR 990 / USD 6 for 1.3 g / 0.04 US oz.
Packaging:
MAC eyeshadow singles are available in two forms – the single eyeshadow which comes in a small individual compact and the pro palette refill pan – which can be popped into a MAC Pro palette or pretty much any other palette.
Quick thing about MAC Pro Palette refills – it is about the same size as any other refill from Make Up Geek or Colourpop or Anastasia Beverly Hills (Not Make Up For Ever). So, they will fit into any of their customisable palettes too, apart from the MAC ones. The pro pans have a thin magnet disc at the base, which allows them to sit tight in a Pro palette. All eyeshadows come in individually-packaged refill sleeves. You will need an empty palette to store them in.
My Experience with MAC Eyeshadow Star Violet:
MAC describes it as a “pinky-brown plum” shade.
Shade: “Star Violet” is from the Veluxe Pearl range of shadows, which is the more easy-to-use and popular range. The shades “All That Glitters,” “Coppering,” “Twinks,” etc come from this range. The shade is described by the brand as a “pinky brown plum.” I think that is a fairly apt description. The shade is a medium pinky plum with a slight warm brown undertone and a pearly sheen. Initially, it seemed quite similar to “Intense Gaze” from ABH. Actually, inside the room (dim light), it does seem fairly similar when switched together. However, the camera has captured the nuanced difference between the shades very well. While “Intense Gaze” is a dusty pink with peachy goldness to it. In comparison, “Star Violet” stands out as a distinctly plum pink.
Texture: The texture is buttery smooth, quite like the shimmer shades from ABH. However, the texture is distinctly thinner, which is a good thing. I see a lot of new shadows (especially Indie brands) with vivid shades which have this thick, dense, smooth texture which almost feels crumbly when swatched. More often than not, these need to be applied with fingers because they don’t transfer well on the brush. Personally, I don’t like this texture because I find it thickish and it tends to accentuate the fine lines of my eyelids, making the lids look even more wrinkly. I feel MAC has a nicer texture when it comes to these shimmery/pearly shades as it is thinner and easier to work with.
Pigmentation: When used dry, the shade has good pigmentation but I didn’t feel that it was translating as intensely onto the lid as I wanted it to. So, I wanted to use it wet but was scared that the texture would get dense and tricky to apply. However, that wasn’t the case – used wet, it applied beautifully and the pigmentation was excellent too.
Quick word of caution – do not dip a wet brush into the eyeshadow. It will spoil the shadow. Pick the shadow onto your brush and then spray the brush lightly with something like MAC Fix plus or Urban Decay Setting Spray and then apply this onto the lids.
Staying Power: I apply my eyeshadows over a primer because my lids are way too oily. Shimmer shades start creasing and becoming mush. This shade gave about 8 hours of wear time before showing signs of fading. With a primer, it does not crease on me.
In the FOTD shared with you, I have applied “Star Violet” in the inner half of the lid. The shade has been applied wet, so you can see it vividly.
Pros of MAC Eyeshadow Star Violet:
- A very interesting medium plum-pink shade with warm undertones and a pearly sheen.
- Can be used wet or dry.
- Thinner texture of the shadow, it does not emphasise texture of my skin.
- Good wear time – with primer – about 8 hours.
- Buttery smooth texture and easily blendable.
- Excellent pigmentation when used wet.
- When used dry, takes a bit of layering to get the colour in the pan, but is excellent for a softer look.
Cons of MAC Eyeshadow Star Violet:
- Nothing at all.
IMBB Rating:
4/5
The Veluxe Pearl finish from MAC is well-loved for a reason – it is easy to work with – even for a novice. The shimmer is distinct without looking over the top. The shade in question is perfect for the coming fall season and can be used intensely (like in the FOTD) or used dry for a softer eye look. Using this shade all over the lid with maybe texture in the crease makes for a nice and easy day look.
Would I Recommend MAC Eyeshadow Star Violet?
Yes, I recommend.
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