Beauty Basics: MAC Eyeshadow Finishes

Starting with the basics, MAC shadows come in 7 finishes. Eyeshadow finishes effect the way the pigment applies onto the lid. Some colors may look pretty to the eye but the finish can completely change the color pay-off.

In the past MAC has come out with the Starflash finish as well as the Mega Metal finish, which are limited edition.

My Everyday MAC palette

Frost: 

This shadow finish works best when layered for ultimate pigmentation. The shadows contain flecks that reflect light and give a frost finish.

Veluxe & Veluxe Pearl: 

Butter soft shadows! A dream to work with and blend easily. Full pigmentation. This finish is my favorite of the bunch from MAC. Veluxe Pearl shadows have more of a metallic sheen which is the main difference from veluxe finishes.

Matte: 

These shadows have no shine, shimmer, or reflects to them. They can be a bit trickier to blend when using in a look.

Lustre: 

Have definite shimmer particles within the shadow that reflect light, which make them so pretty to wear. But they usually take a few layers to apply to full pigmentation and are prone to fall-out.

Satin: 

Satin finish doesn't contain glitter but isn't fully matte either. It just satin-y in texture, similar to the finish of silk, but doesn't give of wet look (does that make sense?)

Velvet:

Soft finish and apply well with pigmentation. Not too sparkly. This is another one of my favorite finishes.

Starflash: 

Starflash shadows are similar to veluxe pearl shadows but softer & more pigmented. So when these come out in limited edition collections, grab them up!

Mega Metal:

Smooth, creamy,  and blendable shadows that give off a metallic sheen when applied to the lid. According to MAC they're crease resistant. Not sure how true this is, I would still apply all shadows with a base/primer.

The great thing about MAC is the great selection & the price. Yes, they are pricier than drug store shadows but for higher end makeup they are at the more affordable end of the spectrum.

Hope this helped! I have a post on top ten shadows coming soon :)

xo.