May 1, 2013

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencil Review & Swatches

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

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencils

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencils ($21) are a brand new product that will be launching with the MAC Temperature Rising Summer 2013 Collection. These will be available in four shades for a limited time but I suspect that you’ll see them pop up in a few more collections over the course of the next year as when MAC introduces something new they run with that product through a few releases and sometimes even make them part of the perm collection.

I was very excited about these as I really like cream eyeshadow lately even though for a very long time I disliked the medium.

Let’s take a look at these!

I got two shades to try out one of which I tested yesterday for several hours and one I tried out today. One of the things you’ll notice instantly about these is the size compared to other chubby pencils. They are pretty expensive at this size (0.055 oz) when faced with competitive pencils of the same size. I’m a little shocked at the size and price to be honest as we do commonly associate more for less when it comes to MAC (I stuck a lipstick tube next to the pencils so you can see the height/size comparison).

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencil

I actually found the pencils a little challenging to work with. They have a smaller point and the surrounding base or pencil if you will (black part) scratches against my eye as I apply. Both shades I tried kinda ended up patchy due to this issue…it’s just the pencil point itself is stubby and smaller which resulted in that point not fitting the contour of my lid well. I felt like I was tugging and pulling to get them onto my lid. After using some of Milani’s new eyeshadow pencils yesterday I can honestly say this formula is far from creamy, it’s more of a crumbly clumpy texture as I applied versus the easy buttery glide of Milani’s cheaper pencil. They seem to swatch better on my arm versus application on my actual eye. They have a quick dry down time so you don’t have a ton of time to blend them out so working quickly is essential as once dry adding more product on top results in a mess.

MAC Rich Glance Powerchrome Eye Pencils

Rich Glance

MAC Polished Jet Powerchrome Eye Pencil

Polished Jet

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencils Swatches

Polished Jet and Rich Glance

They don’t technically budge on my lid or crease however, if you add too much without blending well they’ll end up look very patchy and uneven. This is based on the two shades I tried, perhaps the other two will produce better results.

You can use them to line with however, I wouldn’t recommend it as the smaller rounded tip will create a messy thicker line. They will work best on the lower lash line though if you do want to line with them.

Overall, I personally didn’t like them. I can think any number of jumbo pencils that have a far better formula with more product for around the same price or even less (hello Milani calling).

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencils FOTD

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencils Rich Glance

Rich Glance

These launch later this month at MAC counters and online at maccosmetics.com

Will you be purchasing them?

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

  • Nadia

    Great review! I am actually not a fun of cream eyeshadow in a pencil form. I find them easier to work with in a pot!

  • Jane

    I bet if you swivel them up all the way they won’t even take up half the length of the tube 🙁

  • Sylvia Atsixty

    I love the ease and speed of a good eyeshadow pencil. From what you’ve written, they sound like something I can live without. Scratchiness and difficult to handle? No, merci!

  • Jessica

    I wanted these but prefer the texture (and lasting power) or the Pixi ones.
    I love the shades though

  • Jennifae

    Thanks for the height/size comparison. These are definitely a skip for me.