Modern MAC Cosmetics

This is an extensive guidebook I wrote that I'm now leaving here for you to use for free. A good amount of research went into putting this together so I hope you enjoy it! Please use the table of contents below to easily move throughout this post.

Table Of Contents

1. The Top 8 Most Popular MAC Eyeshadow Colors
2. Her Top 10 MAC Eyeshadow Must-Haves (video)
3. MAC Eyeshadow Swatches (video)
4. Where to Find the Best MAC Eyeshadow Combinations
5. MAC Eyeshadow Application Tips and Techniques (video)
6. What Kind of Ingredients Do MAC Eyeshadows Use?
7. MAC Eyeshadow Prices vs Other Brands?
8. 134 MAC Eyeshadow Dupes

The Top 8 Most Popular MAC Eyeshadow Colors

It may be somewhat intimidating to chose a MAC eyeshadow if you aren't familiar with what all of the finishes mean. MAC offers shadows in eight different finishes, and all of them apply and wear differently from each other. To simplify your shopping experience, here's a little bit of insight as to what those finishes mean.

Frost can be intimidating to some people. If you want a youthful, illuminating glow, a frost finish is perfect. There is a downside to frost finishes: if you have fine lines or imperfections around your eye area, a frost finish eyeshadow can settle into them, making them appear more noticeable.

***Lustre shadows are an extreme version of a frost finish, so you may want to exercise the same caution. If you're a glitter fanatic, there is no better finish than lustre. These shadoows appear to be almost pure, coloured glitter in an eyeshadow form, and work best if used sparingly and in conjunction with other finishes.

***Matte finish eyeshadows contain no shimmer or glitter of any kind. These shadows most mimic the look of skin which is perfect for more natural looks. MAC's usual matte finish eyeshadows tend to be hit or miss in terms of pigmentation. If you're looking for a bold punch of colour, try Matte[2] finish.

***Matte[2] are the best of MAC's matte finish shadows. They're soft, and go on without being chalky and offer the most pigmentation without any shimmer or glitter. They're much easier to blend than the normal matte finishes, and come in a far better selection of shades.

***Satin shadows are neither frosty nor glittery, but provide a reflective, pearlescent sheen. These shadows are a wonderful colour payoff and almost look wet when applied. If you're seeking a sophisticated shine but are afraid of frost finishes, MAC's Satin finish is perfect.

***Veluxe shadows are the softest, smoothest finish that MAC offers. These are the most pigmented MAC shadows, and they feel like cream to the touch. Soft and rich to the touch, these are the makeup enthusiasts' favourite. Expertly create a natural look with these shadows, which appear airbrushed when applied.

***Veluxe Pearl shadows are the same as veluxe finish, only with a more dramatic sheen. These are the most metallic out of all of MAC's shadows. These shadows are commonly used for runway shows and fashion events, due to the brilliant way they interact with the light. If you want an expensive look, try a veluxe pearl shadow.

***Velvet shadows work perfect for everyone, for every occasion. While these colours are not necessarily vivid, they are the easiest way to have a small amount of glow without drawing too much attention to your makeup. If you're trying not to look too made up or wear too much colour, that's what the velvet finish shadows are for.

***

Her Top 10 MAC Eyeshadow Must-Haves

 

MAC Eyeshadow Swatches

 

This is a great video made by Karlasugar.net that shows 100+ different eyeshadow colors. This is one of the best videos on eyeshadow swatches you'll find online. The names might be a little hard to read at first but if you blow it up full size they're a lot easier to read.

MAC Eyeshadow Palette Listings

Here's a few current listings on E-Bay for eyeshadow palettes:

Where to Find the Best MAC Eyeshadow Combinations

 

If you haven't been to macshadowcombos.com yet you're missing out big time! Use the eyeshadow directory so you can navigate easily to just the right colors.

Here's a small taste of what you'll find on the site:

MAC eyeshadows used:

• Satin Taupe (on lid, below crease)
• Aquadisiac (crease)
• Vanilla (blend)
• Gesso (highlight)

MAC eyeshadows used:

• Knight Divine (on lid, below crease)
• Vibrant Grape (crease)
• Vanilla (blend and highlight)

MAC Eyeshadow Application Tips and Techniques

There's a super-helpful series of videos called "Eyeshadow Application 101" and I've posted parts 1 and 2 here. I highly recommend watching these videos, I'm sure you'll get a bunch of good tips out of them.

Part 1
Part 2

What Kind of Ingredients Do MAC Eyeshadows Use?

An important topic I think very few people ask is what are the MAC eyeshadow ingredients? Here's a quick rundown on what ingredients you're going to find in your eyeshadow.

Talc

Now, the largest ingredient in MAC's eyeshadows is Talc. Talc is actually a naturally occuring mineral which absorbs moisture in and gives the shadow its 'opaqueness'.

Zinc Stearate

This is a zinc soap which actually repels water and adds to the color.

Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate

This is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and skincare products. It forms a barrier against your skin and protects it from H20 loss.

Isostearyl Neopentanoate

This little ingredient keeps the powder bound together in a "caked" form.

Tocopheryl Acetate

This is the scientific name for the common ingredient known as vitamin E.

Caprylyl Glycol

This is a skin conditioner and also serves as a antimicrobial agent which helps fend off bacteria from your skin.

Hexylene Glycol

Hexylene Glycol is a thinning agent and solvent which creates a more spreadable eyeshadow.

Phenoxyethanol

This is a preservative which is used in conjunction with caprylyl glycol.

Silica

Silica is a natural ingredient that you can find in the environment. It's used in eyeshadows as a type of absorbant.

Mica

Mica is added to offer the eyeshadow luster and shine.

Coloring Agents

All kinds of eyeshadows will have their own different coloring agents. These is a harmless ingredient which only adds color to the eyeshadow.

MAC Eyeshadow Prices vs Other Brands?

Typical prices for MAC eyeshadows will cost you arond $15 for eyeshadows that are potted and around $11 for eyeshadows that are in the pan.

One thing worth noting is that MAC eyeshadow prices are relatively on the high end compared to other brands like Maybelline or Revlon. This is because MAC produces some of the best eyeshadows around.

If you're willing to be flexible with what you buy and you might consider taking a look at the MAC eyeshadow dupe list just below.

134 MAC Eyeshadow Dupes

Here's a complete list of Mac Eyeshadow dupes. Please feel free to leave a comment below if I'm missing any from this list!

1. MAC Wedge =-= M Professionals Taupe
2. MAC All that Glitters =-= NYX Champagne
3. MAC Perverted Pearl =-= Milani Silver Bullet
4. MAC Black Tied =-= Covergirl Shimmering Onyx, Milani Storm, Jane Clubbing
5. MAC Melody =-= Jane Millionare
6. MAC Partait Amour =-= Milani Enchantment
7. MAC Aquadisiac =-= Jane Millionare
8. MAC Naked Lunch =-= NYX Sahara
9. MAC Passionate =-= NYX Cherry
10. MAC Little Madam =-= Milani Illusion
11. MAC Bamboo Wild and Crazy Wild Guava
12. MAC Shroom =-= Milani Classic Beige or Jordana's Beige
13. MAC Passionate:NYX Sunrise/Redhead/Cherry
14. MAC Soba =-= ULTA Toast
15. MAC Mulch =-= Milani Java Bean
16. MAC Vellum =-= M Professionals Opalescent White, Wild and Crazy Lily Song, Milani Moonlight, Max Factor Spotlight Sparkle
17. MAC Crystal =-= L'Oreal Beauty Queen On-the-Loose
18. MAC Electric Eel =-= Milani Atlantis
19. MAC Sketch =-= Milani Marooned
20. MAC Woodwinked =-= Milani Golden Bronze
21. MAC Pink Source =-= Milani Taffy
22. MAC Girl meets Boy:NYX Antique gold
23. MAC Rose =-= Prestige in Flushed
24. MAC Fab & Flashy =-= NYX Arica/Golden Orange
25. MAC Embark =-= Jane Brownie Points, Flirt! Coconutty
26. MAC Cork =-= NYX Dark Brown
27. MAC Paradisco =-= Flirt! Feeling Hot
28. MAC Sky Blue Pigment:NYX Cool Blue
29. MAC Electric Coral Pigment:NYX Tropical
30. MAC Parrot =-= ULTA Deep Sea, L'oreal HIP in Showy, NYX Ocean
31. MAC Blue Brown:L'Oreal HIP Inrepid
32. MAC Juxt =-= Milani Garden Mist
33. MAC Beaded =-= NYX Sahara
34. MAC Sumptuous Olive =-= Milani Antique Gold, ULTA Golden Olive, NYX Herb
35. MAC Beautiful Iris =-= ULTA Iris
36. MAC Rose Pro =-= Jame Prom Queen
37. MAC Shadowy Lady =-= L'oreal HIP duo in Wicked (purple side)
38. MAC Rose Pigment =-= NYX Flamingo
39. MAC Creme de Violet =-= ULTA Iris
40. MAC Midnight Blue =-= Jane Blue Jeans, Prestige Horizon
41. MAC Lucky Green =-= Wild and Crazy Marquis, NYX lime
42. MAC Hepcat =-= Prestige Blossom
43. MAC Quarry =-= Prestige Sandalwood
44. MAC Pink Freeze =-= Prestige Ballet, Milani Taffy, Cover Girl Pink Chiffon
45. MAC Stars 'n' Rockets =-= Milani Shock
46. MAC Going Bananas:NYX Yeallow Pearl
47. MAC Jewel Blue =-= Jane Eye Zing in Surfer Girl
48. MAC Silver =-= Milani in Mercury
49. MAC Camel =-= Revlon Pro Bamboo
50. MAC Goldmine =-= Prestige Golden Retriever
51. MAC Band on Blue =-= NYX Lanikai
52. MAC Paradisco =-= NYX Tropical or CoverGirl Tropical Fusion Quad (orange shade)
53. MAC Big T =-= NYX Wild Fire
54. MAC Wedge =-= L'oreal HIP duo in Shady
55. MAC Vanilla =-= Philosophy Serenity, Wild and Crazy Mist Over Me 3110, Milani Snow Frost
56. MAC Juxt:NYX Springleaf
57. MAC Swish =-= Prestige Love
58. MAC Unreally Blue =-= Milani Blue Jeans
59. MAC Shadesticks =-= NYX Eyeshadow Wands
60. MAC Brule =-= Milani Almondine
61. MAC Jest =-= Milani Peachy Peach, Maybelline Pink Sands, ULTA Bermuda Sand
62. MAC Pink Venus =-= Milani Taffy
63. MAC Nylon =-= NYX Barely There
64. MAC Satin Taupe =-= NYX Root Beer, NYX Iced Mocha, L'oreal HIP Duo in Sassy (taupe shade)
65. MAC Brill =-= Wild & Crazy Bahama Water
66. MAC Trax =-= Prestige Flushed, Flirt! Glamourazzi, Milani Desire
67. MAC Creme de Violet =-= Aromaleigh's Pure Eyes Frost Eyeshadow in Desire
68. MAC Kicky Blue =-= L'Oreal Holographic Blue
69. MAC Shroom =-= Jordana Beige, Jane Magic Mushroom, Wet 'n Wild Flirt Shimmer Stick, NYX Bearly There
70. MAC Dark Soul pigment =-= Jane clubbing
71. MAC Naked Lunch =-= Wet n' Wild Fine Wink, NYX Aloha
72. MAC Wondergrass =-= NYX Kiwi
73. MAC Mineralized Eyeshadow Duo in Two to Glow =-= L'oreal HIP Duo in Flare
74. MAC Coppering =-= NYX Copper
75. MAC Sushi Flower =-= Prestige in Love, NYX Cherry
76. MAC Sable =-= Milani Java Bean
77. MAC Emote:NYX Taupe
78. MAC Dementhe =-= Milani Clover
79. MAC Shale =-= Milani Icy Plum
80. MAC Vellum =-= Milani Moonlight
81. MAC Plum Dressing =-= L'oreal HIP duo in Cheeky
82. MAC Shimmermoss =-= ULTA Luna, NYX Jungle Fever
83. MAC Sweet Sienna =-= Theshespace.com Gothic Glamour
84. MAC Sumptuous Olive =-= Milani Antiqued Gold
85. MAC Coco =-= NYX Beanie
86. MAC French Gray =-= NYX Iced Mocha
87. MAC Amber Lights =-= Milani Sun Goddess, NYX Golden
88. MAC Star n Rockets =-= NYX Luxor
89. MAC Jest =-= Milani Peachy Peach
90. MAC Carbon =-= NYX Black
91. MAC Medowland =-= L'Oreal Wear Infinite in Glistening Sea
92. MAC Steamy =-= Milani Clover, ULTA Luna
93. MAC Humid =-= Milani Clover, Ulta Shamrock
94. MAC Brulee =-= NYX Nude
95. MAC Hypnotique =-= Prestige Saturn
96. MAC Sprout =-= Prestige Wasabi, Milani Garden Mist
97. MAC Little Madame =-= Milani Illusion
98. MAC D'Bohemia =-= Wild and Crazy Crazy on You, ULTA Knit
99. MAC Glare =-= Prestige Golden Sun, ULTA Silk
100. MAC Vapor =-= Prestige Chilly
101. MAC Steamy =-= Milani Clover
102. MAC Nylon =-= Milani Classic Beige, TooFaced Glamazon, WnW Cream
103. MAC Deep Truth =-= Loreal On the Loose in Night Fever
104. MAC Electra =-= Jane Hi Ho Silver
105. MAC Satin Taupe =-= Maybelline Silken Taupe, Rimmel Strength, ULTA Twilight,NYX Iced Mocha, NYX Mink Brown, NYX Root beer
106. MAC Leisure Time =-= L'Oreal OTL in Flash Light
107. MAC Cranberry:NYX Rust
108. MAC Amber Lights =-= Milani Sun Goddess, Milani Desert Sun, Prestige Melba, L'Oreal HIP Saucy, NYX Golden
109. MAC Shadowy Lady =-= Milani Marooned
110. MAC Black Tied =-= Milani Storm, Prestige Onyx
111. MAC Mulch =-= Milani Java Bean, L'oreal HIP in Saucy
112. MAC Dazzleray Pigment =-= NYC Loose Sparkle Eye Dust in Champagne
113. MAC Guacamole =-= Milani Limbo Lime
114. MAC Vex =-= Max Factor Mint Matinee
115. MAC Romping:NYX Hot Pink/Burgundy Pearl, Milani Exotic Berry
116. MAC Coquette =-= Almay Khaki Eye Gel
117. MAC Atlas =-= ULTA Silk
118. MAC Cork =-= M Professinals Soft Brown Eyeshadow, Covergirl Swiss Chocolate
119. MAC Humid =-= Milani Clover, WnW Sensual Sage, NYX Mermaid
120. MAC Gorgeous Gold =-= L'oreal's Enlightened Emerald Duo, Dior GoldFusion
121. MAC Pink Freeze =-= Milani Taffy
122. MAC Blue Noir =-= Prestige in Ink
123. MAC Banshee =-= Milani Spice
124. MAC Parfait Amour:Milani Shock/Enchanment
125. MAC Nocturnelle =-= Milani Shock, Lancome Contrast
126. MAC Eyepopping =-= NYX Lime Juice
127. MAC Pink Vivid Pigment:NYX Hot Pink
128. MAC Coppering =-= Milani Flare
129. MAC Cornflower =-= Physician's Formula Virtual Eyes Loose Shadow in Eye-Tech
130. MAC Vanilla =-= Milani Snow Frost, Cover Girl single in French Vanilla
131. MAC Electric Eel =-= Milani Atlantis, NYX Irises
132. MAC Metamorph =-= Rimmel Hope
133. MAC Nocturnelle =-= Milani Shock
134. MAC Woodwinked =-= Milani Golden Bronze, L'oreal HIP duo in Wicked (brown side)