Explore the MAC Quinning Eyeshadow Palette: Unveiling Pastel Perfection
MAC Quinning Eyeshadow x 8 Palette ($45.00 for 0.49 oz.) features a delightful array of spring-inspired, pastel shades. However, pastel eyeshadows can be notoriously difficult to formulate effectively, especially for brands that may not have a strong reputation in the eyeshadow category. Reflecting on the past, I remember the excitement I once felt toward MAC’s eyeshadows, which have since faded from my list of favorites over the last decade. Given that MAC has had ample time to refine their formulas, it’s somewhat surprising that the performance of this palette doesn’t seem to reflect any notable improvements over the years.
Regrettably, this palette serves as a stark reminder of how MAC’s eyeshadow formula has evolved, often for the worse. The shadows tend to be sheerer, drier, and thinner, which leads to increased fading during wear. To achieve the best results, a solid eyeshadow primer—preferably one with some tackiness—or the use of wet brushes is essential in order to enhance the color payoff and longevity of the shades.
Ingredient Insights for Informed Choices
Unleashing the Vivid Charm of Lemon Fizz Eyeshadow
Lemon Fizz is a vibrant medium yellow hue, enriched with warm undertones and a satin finish that adds a touch of sophistication. This shade is designed to brighten any eye look with its cheerful color.
- Delivers semi-opaque pigmentation for buildable color
- Features a soft, slightly powdery texture for smooth application
- Blends seamlessly along the edges, although it can sheer out a bit
- Offers average wear time, remaining vibrant for about 7 hours before noticeable fading occurs
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for comprehensive insights on performance characteristics, including scent.
Discover these potential dupes that the editor has identified but has yet to officially rate.
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #19 (PiP, ).
- Give Me Glow Lucky Charm (P, $7.00).
- ColourPop Cinder Up (PiP, $4.50).
- ColourPop Sweet Much (LE, $4.50).
- NYX Lemon Slayed (P, $10.50).
- ColourPop La Pina (LE, $4.50).
- Huda Beauty Neon Orange #9 (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Limelight (LE, $4.50).
- Dominique Cosmetics Lemon Soda (PiP, ).
- Sugarpill Ember (PiP, $13.00).
Understanding the Formula: Performance Breakdown
$17.00/0.05 oz. – $340.00 Per Ounce
This formula is marketed as a “highly pigmented powder” that promises to apply “evenly and blend well.” MAC eyeshadows range from complete disappointments to long-standing favorites. Generally, the permanent line demonstrates greater consistency and superior performance compared to limited edition collections, although individual experiences may vary.
The Matte finish eyeshadows are usually more densely pressed and less powdery than competitors, allowing for superior buildability and wear without fallout. Many recent matte shades have introduced a velvety texture that enhances blendability and pigmentation in a single layer.
Lustre finishes offer a more sheer application, often requiring extra effort due to their drier texture. These shades are reminiscent of classic eyeshadow toppers and may benefit from fingertip application or a dampened brush for smoother coverage and reduced fallout.
The Satin finish offers a rare balance, combining softness with comparable performance to matte shades. They typically provide low sheen and good blendability, though they can be confused with Velvet finishes, which feature a sparkle-over-matte effect but are generally more powdery.
The Frost finish is usually pressed more firmly into the pan, minimizing fallout while providing good pigmentation. Depending on the shimmer content, they may feel drier to the touch. Alternatively, Veluxe Pearl finishes deliver a creamy texture, with newer shades exhibiting a more moderate slip. These shades often present semi-opaque pigmentation and consistent performance.
Notably, MAC eyeshadows tend to outperform many brands in longevity, often lasting over eight hours without a primer. While swatch performance may not always translate to application, many shades perform admirably on the eyes, though inconsistencies can arise between releases.
Explore all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches for further insights.
Ingredient Composition: A Closer Look
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN41374
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as provided by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publication. Always consult product packaging for the most accurate ingredient list applicable to your purchase, or visit the brand or retailer’s website for the latest ingredient information.
Refreshing Elegance: Mint Cloud Eyeshadow Review
Mint Cloud presents a soft, minty green shade featuring cool undertones and a satin finish, ideal for creating fresh and vibrant eye looks.
- Exhibits semi-sheer pigmentation for a light wash of color
- Slightly powdery and thin in texture
- Blends beautifully along the edges with some sheering
- Average wear time of about 6 hours before noticeable fading
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for detailed performance characteristics, including scent.
These are the editor’s suggested dupes that have not yet been rated or officially entered.
- Urban Decay Prickly (LE, $19.00).
- ColourPop Mintea (PiP, $4.50).
- NABLA Cosmetics Atmosphere (P, $8.00).
- ColourPop Minty Dream (P, $4.50).
- Sydney Grace Springtime (P, $6.25).
- Makeup Geek Abracadabra (P, $12.00).
- Viseart Coy #10 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Freshman (PiP, $4.50).
- Give Me Glow Electric Mint (P, $7.00).
- Glaminatrix Goblin (P, $8.77).
Performance Analysis: Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. – $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is intended to be a “highly pigmented powder” that applies “evenly and blends well.” MAC’s eyeshadows span a wide spectrum, from complete failures to iconic favorites. Overall, the permanent line tends to be more reliable and high-performing than limited edition releases, but results can vary.
The Matte finish is characterized by a firmer press and slightly thinner texture than other matte formulas, making them less prone to fallout while still allowing for excellent buildability and wear time. Many new matte shades boast a velvety feel that enhances blendability and pigmentation.
Lustre finishes are designed for sheer coverage, often requiring a gentler touch due to their drier consistency. These shades resemble classic eyeshadow toppers and are best applied with a fingertip or dampened brush to achieve a smoother finish while minimizing fallout.
The Satin finish is rare but provides a softer texture while performing similarly to matte formulas. They typically offer low sheen and excellent blendability, but can sometimes be confused with Velvet finishes, which provide more sparkle but are generally more powdery.
The Frost finish is pressed firmly into the pan and is less prone to fallout, offering good pigmentation. However, they can occasionally feel drier based on shimmer content. The Veluxe Pearl finish introduces a creamier texture, with newer shades exhibiting a moderate slip. Veluxe Pearl shades often present semi-opaque pigmentation and consistent performance.
MAC eyeshadows are known for their longevity, often lasting over eight hours without primer. Some shades may not swatch well but perform impressively on the eyes, showcasing variability across different releases.
Explore all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches for in-depth analysis.
Comprehensive Ingredient List
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN41375
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Stunning Depth: Mono Dramatic Eyeshadow Insights
Mono Dramatic is a striking bright sky blue with cool undertones and a pearly sheen, perfect for creating captivating eye looks that demand attention.
- Features opaque pigmentation for bold color payoff
- Has a smooth, lightly creamy texture that feels denser than other shades
- Applies evenly and blends beautifully for a seamless finish
- Average wear time is approximately 7.5 hours before noticeable fading
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for detailed performance insights and characteristics (like scent).
These are the suggested dupes identified by the editor, awaiting formal rating and entry.
- Huda Beauty Sapphire #9 (LE, ).
- Lethal Cosmetics Ascension (P, $6.00).
- ColourPop Glitch (LE, $4.50).
- BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #25 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Tide Pool (PiP, $4.50).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #25 (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Free Spirit (LE, $4.50).
- Give Me Glow Ocean Water (P, $7.00).
- JD Glow Blue Avenue (P, $7.50).
- ColourPop Peeps Blue (LE, $6.00).
In-Depth Formula Overview: Performance and Characteristics
$17.00/0.05 oz. – $340.00 Per Ounce
<pThe formula is marketed as a "highly pigmented powder" that promises to apply "evenly and blend well." MAC eyeshadows cover a wide spectrum from failures to cult favorites. Overall, the permanent line is generally more consistent in performance compared to limited edition launches, although individual experiences may differ.
The Matte finish typically features a firmer press that allows for better buildability and wear time without fallout, as they are not overly powdery. Some newer matte shades boast a velvety texture that enhances their feel and blendability.
The Lustre finish is designed for sheerer pigmentation, often requiring careful application due to a drier, dustier consistency that can be tricky to use with a dry brush. These shades are reminiscent of classic eyeshadow toppers and are best applied with a fingertip or dampened brush for more even coverage and reduced fallout.
The Satin finish is rare but provides a softer texture that performs similarly to matte shades. They offer low sheen and excellent blendability, but can sometimes be confused with Velvet finishes, which have more sparkly characteristics but tend to be more powdery.
The Frost finish is usually densely pressed into the pan, resulting in minimal fallout and good pigmentation. They may feel drier depending on the shimmer content, while the Veluxe Pearl finish is creamier and often presents semi-opaque pigmentation with consistent performance.
MAC eyeshadows are known for their longevity, often lasting more than eight hours without a primer. While swatching may not reflect actual application performance, many shades excel when worn on the eyes, though variability exists across different releases.
Browse our complete collection of MAC Eyeshadow swatches for further exploration.
Detailed Ingredient Listing
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)] ILN41376
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are provided by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Always check the product packaging for the most accurate ingredient list applicable to your purchase, or visit the brand or retailer’s website for the most current ingredient information.
Gleam Queen: Elevate Your Eye Looks with Sparkling Finish
Gleam Queen is a light pink shade with subtle cooler undertones and a sparkling finish, making it perfect for creating that ethereal glow. This shade shines best when applied as a sheer wash for a delicate sparkle.
- Provides semi-sheer pigmentation for a soft, luminous effect
- Features a soft, loosely-pressed texture that may lack sufficient binder
- Prone to sheering out and may have fallout; works best with an adhesive base or dampened brush
- Average wear time of about 7 hours before fading occurs
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for in-depth details on performance characteristics, including scent.
Here are the potential dupes identified by the editor that await formal rating and entry.
- ColourPop Cuddle Weather (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Borealis (PiP, $4.50).
- ColourPop Satin Ribbon (LE, $6.00).
- Sephora Illusion (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Feels (PiP, $4.50).
- Ciate Mood (PiP, ).
- Anastasia A2 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, ).
- ColourPop Also Me (PiP, $4.50).
- Huda Beauty Neon Pink #8 (LE, ).
- Pat McGrath Lavender Blue (LE, $25.00).
Comprehensive Formula Overview: Understanding Performance
$17.00/0.05 oz. – $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is designed to be a “highly pigmented powder” that applies “evenly and blends well.” MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from complete duds to beloved staples. The permanent line generally exhibits greater consistency in performance compared to limited edition releases, though results can vary.
The Matte finish features a firmer press and slightly thin texture compared to other matte formulas, typically offering better buildability and wear time without fallout. Many newer matte shades have a velvety texture that enhances blendability and pigmentation.
Lustre finishes are created for sheerer pigmentation and can be challenging to apply evenly due to their drier, dustier consistency. These shades act as classic eyeshadow toppers and can benefit from fingertip application or a dampened brush for smoother coverage and less fallout.
The Satin finish is rare but provides a soft texture that performs similarly to matte finishes. They offer low sheen and are highly blendable, but can sometimes be mistaken for Velvet finishes, which have a more sparkly appearance but are generally more powdery.
The Frost finish is typically pressed more firmly into the pan, minimizing fallout while providing good pigmentation. They can feel drier depending on the shimmer content, while Veluxe Pearl finishes are creamier, often delivering semi-opaque pigmentation and reliable performance.
MAC eyeshadows are known for their longevity, often lasting over eight hours without a primer. While swatching may not always reflect actual application performance, many shades excel when worn on the eyes, showcasing variability across different releases.
Check out our
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.