December 26, 2012

MAC Pressed Pigments Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

MAC Pressed Pigments make a comeback for Spring 2013 with twelve new shades. I didn’t review these on the last launch MAC however, at that time, colors were a bit limited. MAC Pressed Pigments get a bigger push for Spring 2013 with a larger variety of colors so if you enjoyed them the last time around, I’m sure the idea of new shades is exciting.

Take a look!

MAC says their Pressed Pigments offer extreme pearlescence and versatility of finish. They can be applied dry or damp for a more dramatic look.

If you love shimmer MAC Pressed Pigments brings it. Perhaps they bring it a little too much. This is a ton of refined glitter that gets just about everywhere during application. Although dense and less chunky than I originally thought at a glance these shadows still manage to have major glittery fall out.

The texture of the shadows reminds me of a pressed pigment or Bobbi Brown’s Sparkle Eyeshadows. They are dense so if you’re using a sponge tipped applicator for application you won’t see a ton of kick up. I did notice with a regular brush they produce a bit more powder. They aren’t chunky or gritty even though they appear to be. I think Bobbi Brown’s Sparkle Eyeshadows are actually a heck of a lot more flakier in many cases. These have a firmer, smoother finish.

Flicker, Deeply Dashing, Amethyst

Flicker

Deeply Dashing

Amethyst

During application fall out is a major problem. For my review I applied Deep Dashing and it looks very nice on however, the silver glitter in the mix ended up just about everywhere. My cheek bones, my face, under my eyes, even on my chest and ears. It just seemed to have a knack for flaking off everywhere. It’s not a chunky glitter but more of refined little pieces but that doesn’t lessen the impact of the fall out as it creates a disco ball effect that isn’t flattering in the least. Using these wet may lessen the fall out but as the look dries down you’ll still notice some fall out. Cream shadow will also help adhere them a bit better to eyes.

I find the shades are best applied alone and not combined together or with anything else. Creating intricate eye looks with these is challenging as fall out is a major issue. They also don’t like to play well with others as they end up a tad muddy when blended out.

If you have time, patience, and a will you might be able to create some very pretty sparkly eye looks with these. However, impatience, too quick an application, and general dislike of shimmer won’t win any places in your hearts when it comes to these eye shadows.

Available now at MAC counters or online at maccosmetics.com

Tried ’em?

Loved ’em?

Left ’em?

Do share!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Becca @ The Beauty Sample

    Deeply Dashing is SO pretty to look at, but I don’t think I’d have the patience to actually apply something that glittery. I also find that these kind of super pigmented shadows are an all or nothing type deal–there is no subtle wash of color here (which I am quite partial to), so yes, I will pass

  • GK

    I wasn’t impressed the last time they came out in September. No matter what I used as a primer they were a hot mess to work with. I like shimmer/glitter, but this doesn’t do it for me.

  • Anna

    Miss Muse:
    I purchased this exact shadow today because I thought it made my green eyes pop. Apparently, despite the fallout, what it does for your brown eyes is amazing. You look GORGEOUS! Just soft and beautiful. The sparkles everywhere may be annoying but the effect is heavenly..

    • the Muse

      aw thanks anna! it really is a lovely shade but damn the glittery fall out is a pain!

  • Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex

    I tried two of the shades that were part of the Face & Body collection. They’re pretty but they’re so much work and the fall out is crazy. If you want to look like a glitterbomb exploded on your face, these are great. But these are the opposite of the “versatile” product that they’re being marketed as.

  • Marta

    I love those, but as a proud owner and user of Platinum (loose pigment) I think if the powder is too volatile then maybe only buy it if you really want that exact shade. The time you spend on cleaning your face, brushes, and any surface around your mirror may not be worth it. My cat was under the counter once and she ended up sparkly as well! (and mad cute)
    I think the least interesting is Flicker. I bet you can find 100 highlighters with a similar finish and tone and so much less hassle! But Amathyst looks great and is such a spring shade!

      • Marta

        Ugh, the poor thing is black and when I tried to wipe the Platinum off of her the dust just got very noticeable… until the next day when she finally allowed us to wash her she had silver highlights along her back, it was very odd but I did like it 🙂 I don’t think she could pull off a golden shade though lol

  • Lorraine ER

    Deeply Dashing makes your eyes look extra-large and pretty!! It really compliments you!!
    I wish I had money in my budget for it, but with all the fallout and whatnot maybe it’s for the best.

  • Phyrra

    This reinforces that I don’t miss MAC, but I love seeing your swatches and looks 🙂