Pointless Paint (MAC Shadow Paint)

Member Name: Mrs-LT

Product:	MAC Shadow Paint
Date:	18/02/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Packaging is great

Disadvantages: Doesn't work as it claims to

Anyone who reads a lot of my reviews will know exactly what I'm going to say here...I bought this product for my wedding a couple of years ago. I purchased it from House of Fraser, along with lots of other MAC goodies, and it cost £12 for a 6.5g tube which seemed reasonable to me especially since I imagined it would last a long time.

Funnily enough, I thought the Pigment (see separate review) was a waste of money as being loose powder it would be gone in no time,whereas this should see me through a good 6 months of careful use. Well how wrong I was...the Pigment was still going strong a year later whereas this was long-gone within 2 months of daily use.

The first thing that appealed to me about this product was its original packaging. MAC have them lined up on a stand so that they look like tubes of artist paint rather than makeup, which immediately catches your attention. I like things that are a little bit quirky so this immediately impressed me.

The product comes in a small tube with a screw-off round bottom. You squeeze the tube to get the product out, but like toothpaste you need to do it gently or you will end up with lots of makeup all over (and little left in the tube!). The tube itself is the trademark MAC colours - matt black with white minimalist lettering. As I always say, I love the MAC packaging because I think it looks very stylish in your makeup bag. I would love a transparent makeup bag full of solely MAC products as they look so sleek....but unfortunately they don't make enough products I like. For eyes though, they cannot be beaten. Anyway, I digress...

The productis described as a high tech high performance eye shadow which goers on creamy and dries powery. It does go on creamy and it does dry powdery (well actually it dries claggy) but in my experience it is neither high tech or high performance - just high disappointment I'm afraid.

MAC claim it is ideal for colour-intensive, texture-rich looks that need to last, which I guess is why it was recommended for me to wear as a base to last my whole wedding day. It is made with concentrated pearl pigments in a cream colour formulation, the its "transformative" abilities allow for easy application, blendability, and flexibility of coverage. Its transfer-resistant finish creates a smooth, crease-free, slightly shiny, reflective look to the lid...according to MAC, that is. My experience is a little bit different to this.

The product is very thick, and the best way to desrcibe it is like very thick paint. It has a creamy consistency and you apply it with a clean finger to your eyelid and up to your eyebrow if you wish.

The reason I bought this product was that I was advised it would work as a primer and hold the Pigment in place for longer, and also give extra depth to the Pigment's colour. It can be used as either a primer or an eyeshadow in its own right.

I would not advise using it as an eyeshadow for two reasons:
-Firstly, the colour choice is very poor. It does not come many colours, and the majority are akin to foundation shades with a couple of more pinky-red options (which I think look more like a bruise colours and I don't want a black eye effect, thanks) and personally I like a bit of definition to my eyes so I like colours to blend rather than skin-tone shades.
-Secondly, as it is creamy, I found that when I did try it alone it clumped into the creases of my eyelid rather than giving me a smooth finish all day. Clearly this is not good for a pretty expensive eye colour.

I am giving it 2 stars - because it goes on nicely and the sheer novelty value of the packaging. However in terms of use, it was disappointing and unnecessary anyway as I found the Pigment lasted very well without a primer underneath anyway.

Summary: SAve your £12 for something else