October 16, 2012

MAC Marilyn Monroe Eyeshadows Review & Swatches

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

Don’t murder me but my MAC Marilyn Monroe Eyeshadows Review is sadly slow coming considering the collection is weeks old now. I guess I wasn’t inspired to write my review since the collection really didn’t do it for me. I just wasn’t phased by the entire release…it simply didn’t feel special enough for me.

And the shadows are proof positive why I didn’t like it.

The MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection included four, limited edition shades in a larger size. These are 0.10 for $21 each versus 0.04 oz at $15. The larger size gives you more space to enjoy Miss Monroe’s print on the compact however, I’ve already expressed my dislike of the photo they used in a few of my past reviews of the collection. I desired something more classically Marilyn but they went with something more candid and…mmm…I guess what they felt was sexy. I expected elegance with the packaging and perhaps a little bit of bling.

All four shades have a veluxe pearl finish but they feel like densely packaged pigments to me as they come across very flaky, chunky, and glittery on swatch and wear. They also tend to have a very powdery texture with a bit of chalkiness. Color pay off is very lacking and all this glitter? I doubt Marilyn would approve. She seemed like a matte girl to me!

How To Marry, Showgirl, Preferred Blonde, Silver Screen

Silver Screen

Showgirl

Preferred Blonde

How to Marry

After application I felt the shades ended up looking a bit too frosty on my lid. I also felt the colors couldn’t be worked into a look together as it was difficult to contrast with such light shades and see any real definition or difference between the two or three colors should you use them together in a look!

Overall, they were a big bust. This collection felt very phoned in to me and what started out as a very exciting release just fell short. If you’re going to blow your money on anything go with the lipsticks in this collection and skip these eyeshadows!

These are available now at maccosmetics.com as well as on counters.

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

  • Patricia B.

    First of all muse, I am addicted to your blog. I read it every single day. Since I recently discovered it, I have been having reading-marathons of your much older posts. You are beautiful and so sweet for having so many reviews for us! Very very very useful for your fans.

    On a second note, I have to agree with you on this post. I don’t have any Marilyn products, but she was more of a matte-person. I don’t think she would have approved AT ALL of all this glitter. Thank you for always posting your genuine opinions.

    Much love from Venezuela!

    Patricia

  • Laci

    The only thing I hauled from the whole collection is one of the blushes. The quality on these releases keeps getting worse and worse. I’m holding out hope that the Betty & Veronica collection will be amazing — but I have a feeling it won’t be.

  • Tiffany Martin

    I’m with you Muse, I thought these didn’t seem special enough to carry the Marilyn name.

  • Icaria

    This confirms what I thought, that they where more accent colors. The only one I was interested in was Showgirl. I believe you’re right about Marilyn’s taste. I doubt she would have considered them or at least would not have worn more than one at a time. 😀

  • OrangeLipstickBlog

    Bleck. I can’t imagine her wearing something frosty and glittery like this.

  • Laurie

    And these are sold out everywhere? I’m so glad I didn’t waste my money.

  • Cindy

    This post just adds on as further proof on how big of a bust this collection was! They should have just stuck with lipstick for this collection.