Explore the MAC Rose Lens Eyeshadow Palette for Vibrant Looks
MAC Rose Lens Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.22 oz.) is an exciting addition to MAC’s permanent collection, featuring a versatile six-pan arrangement that consists of two matte shades and four shimmering options. Despite the palette’s promising concept, I found the formula lacking in several areas. The shimmering shades exhibited a dry, thin, and somewhat dusty texture, resulting in sheer coverage and disappointing longevity. Although the matte shades performed better, they fell short of ideal blendability. MAC markets this new formula as having “one-swipe” pigmentation, but unfortunately, the three shimmers failed to deliver adequate color payoff, leaving much to be desired.
The only aspect preventing this palette from receiving a low rating is that MAC has specifically claimed an eight-hour wear time, which is more reliable than many other brands. Typically, an eight-hour wear is graded around 8.5/10, but given the specific claim here, it could be considered a stronger 10/10.
Ingredients Breakdown for Informed Choices
DM Me: A Rosy Copper for Everyday Elegance
DM Me is a medium rosy copper hue infused with warm undertones and a frosted sheen that adds a touch of glam to any look. This shade is designed to be versatile, perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
- Semi-opaque pigmentation allows for a subtle wash of color.
- The formula feels thin and somewhat dry, making it slightly challenging to pick up evenly with a brush.
- It applies fairly evenly, though you may experience light fallout and a tendency to sheer out.
- Its longevity is subpar, with noticeable fading occurring after just six hours.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for detailed insights into performance characteristics, including scent and texture.
Here are the dupes identified by our editor, although they have not yet been rated for official entry.
- ColourPop Cozyyy (LE, $4.50).
- Natasha Denona Azalea (PiP, $29.00).
- ColourPop Shawty (LE, $4.50).
- NABLA Cosmetics Amarcord (PiP, ).
- ColourPop My Prince (LE, $4.50).
- Makeup by Mario Master Metallics #2 (PiP, ).
- Moira Fantasy (P, $7.50).
- Huda Beauty Nude Rich #4 (PiP, ).
- NYX Clementine Fine (P, $10.50).
- Dose of Colors Try Me (LE, ).
Unpacking the Formula: What to Expect
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MAC presents its newest formula as offering “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” along with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” designed for eight-hour wear. While this claim is refreshing and realistic, the actual performance may not align with expectations. They assert that the formula features “up to 25% higher pigment load,” but this has not been my experience.
The new formulation tends to be thinner, appearing more powdery or drier compared to older MAC offerings, which have displayed inconsistency over the years. The matte shades range from semi-opaque to opaque, generally buildable and relatively blendable, while the shimmers often lack adhesion and suffer from fallout, leading to early fading.
Historically, MAC’s formulas sometimes swatched poorly yet performed better on the eyes; however, this trend seems to have shifted. Nowadays, the performance is often on par or slightly worse than swatches. Amidst a market where other brands are elevating metallic finishes, MAC’s shimmers appear to have declined, lacking the vibrancy and intensity they once held.
Many of the matte shades held up for as long as eight hours, while others lingered between six to seven hours. Most shimmer shades lasted around six hours, with a few exceeding or falling short of that mark.
Explore our comprehensive MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches for more insights.
DM Me
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Strong Connection: Elevate Your Eye Makeup with Reddish-Plum
Strong Connection is a deep reddish-plum shade that comes alive with moderate warm undertones and a pearly sheen, adding depth and intrigue to your eye makeup looks.
- Opaque pigmentation ensures bold color payoff.
- The texture is smooth and slightly thin without being powdery or dry.
- It applies evenly and blends out relatively well for a seamless finish.
- Its longevity is average, lasting around seven hours before noticeable fading occurs.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for detailed insights into performance characteristics, including scent and texture.
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- MAC Cranberry (P, $17.00).
- Pat McGrath Hedonistic (PiP, $25.00).
- ColourPop Gotta Fly (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Burner (DC, $4.50).
- Dior Mitzah #3 (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Big Vibes (PiP, $4.50).
- ColourPop Once and Floral (P, $9.00).
- Urban Decay Girl Crush (LE, $19.00).
- Viseart Rapture (LE, ).
- ColourPop Jackpot (LE, $4.50).
Dive into the Formula: Insights You Need
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MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Grain: Perfecting Your Base with a Light Beige Shade
Grain presents itself as a light yellowed beige, enriched with warm undertones and a satin sheen that can effortlessly enhance your base makeup.
- Sheer pigmentation that may require layering for desired opacity.
- The consistency is thin, somewhat dry, and notably powdery.
- It is prone to sheering out easily and can cause some fallout during application.
- Its longevity is poor, typically lasting around five hours before noticeable fading occurs.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop The Cancer (P, $4.50).
- Tarte Posse (LE, ).
- Too Faced Silk Teddy (PiP, $16.00).
- Viseart Rendezvous (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Ladybird (LE, $6.00).
- Chanel Candeur et Seduction #2 (PiP, ).
- Lisa Eldridge Cressida (P, $27.00).
- Kaleidos Cold Brew (Radiate) (PiP, ).
- Wet ‘n’ Wild Stop Ruffling My Feathers #2 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Falling Up #2 (LE, $6.00).
Understanding the Formula: Key Characteristics
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Grain
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Pink Net: Brighten Your Look with a Fun Pop of Color
Pink Net is a vibrant medium-dark pink, characterized by subtle warm undertones and a matte finish that instantly brightens your makeup look.
- Semi-opaque coverage allows for buildable intensity.
- The formula is moderately powdery and slightly dry, which can lead to light fallout during application.
- It applies fairly evenly but could benefit from improved blendability.
- Its longevity is average, lasting approximately seven hours before visible fading, while the brand claims an eight-hour wear time.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for detailed insights into performance characteristics, including scent and texture.
These are the dupes the editor has identified but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Sugarpill Melody (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Pillow Mint (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Angel Eyes (PiP, $4.50).
- Anastasia E1 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, ).
- ColourPop Lovecraft (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Haute Holidays (LE, $4.50).
- Huda Beauty Neon Pink #1 (LE, ).
- Anastasia B3 (Norvina Mini Vol. 3) (LE, ).
- Dior Rosy Canvas #3 (LE, ).
- Urban Decay Scrunchie (LE, $19.00).
Examining the Formula: What You Need to Know
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that lasts eight hours (kudos for realism!). They mention that the formula features “up to 25% higher pigment load.” However, in practice, this claim may not reflect reality.
The new formula tends to be thinner, powdery, or drier and has shown decreased pigmentation compared to previous MAC offerings, which have seen inconsistency over the years. The matte shades are semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and blendable, while the shimmers are drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and are particularly prone to fading.
Historically, MAC’s formula sometimes swatched poorly yet performed better in application, but this trend seems to have reversed. Now, the performance often aligns or is slightly worse than swatches. In a market where other brands push metallics to new heights, it is concerning to see MAC’s shimmers lose their intensity over time, appearing more like weak metallics than vibrant options.
Some of the matte shades lasted as long as eight hours on me, while others hovered closer to six or seven hours. Most shimmers maintained their color for about six hours, with some lasting longer or shorter.
Browse our extensive MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches for more insights.
In Living Pink: A Pearly Touch for Brightening Looks
In Living Pink is a soft peachy-pink shade with warmer undertones and a pearly sheen that can illuminate your eye makeup beautifully.
- Semi-sheer to buildable coverage for versatile application.
- The texture is thin, somewhat dry, and tends to be powdery.
- Prone to sheering out during application, leading to fallout.
- The longevity is disappointing, lasting only about five hours before noticeable fading takes place.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has identified but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Stila Dollish (LE, $24.00).
- Kevyn Aucoin Laser (LE, ).
- ColourPop Never More (LE, $4.50).
- Morphe Sissy (LE, ).
- Dior Fusion (764) (P, $29.50).
- Coloured Raine Pinkleberry (LE, $6.99).
- ColourPop Sing-a-Song (LE, $4.50).
- NABLA Cosmetics I Got You (PiP, ).
- Fenty Beauty Meteor Crush (LE, ).
- ColourPop Estrella (She’s Got Solstice) (LE, $4.50).
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.
