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EYE SHADOWS

Delve into our kaleidoscope of M·A·C Eye Shadow colours and textures.

EYE SHADOW MAKEUP FAQS

  • Explore the different types of M·A·C formulas to see which eye shadow is best for you. Our iconic Eye Shadow is a highly pigmented powder shadow that’s long-wearing and available in a kaleidoscope of colours, textures and finishes. Pro Longwear Paint Pot is a blendable cream shadow that doubles as a primer. Smudge it on with your finger for a smoky look or apply with a liner brush for sharply defined cat eyes. Highly concentrated loose Pigment is another option that may be used for a subtle wash of colour or a more intense effect on eyes. You can also mix pigments together to create custom eye shadow colours.

  • Different types of eye shadow finishes include shimmer, matte and glitter in an array of shades. Shimmer formulas have a lustrous, pearlescent finish, while glitter shadows are sparkly and more dramatic. Matte eye shadow is universally flattering and can be used to create looks ranging from subtle to dramatic.

    Blend shimmer Eye Shadow with matte and glitter formulas for a multifaceted makeup look. For a more saturated look, use a wet brush with powder shadow or loose pigment.


    M∙A∙C has several different types of eye shadow finishes, including shimmer, matte and glitter eye shadow in a wide range of hues and shades. Shimmer formulas have a lustrous, pearlescent finish, while glitter shadows are bold and sparkly. Matte eye shadow is universally flattering and can be used to create eye looks ranging from subtle to dramatic.

    Shimmer eye shadow can be combined with matte and glitter formulas to create a multifaceted makeup look. M∙A∙C eye shadows are buildable and easy to layer, and they can be applied with fingers or a shadow brush. For a saturated look, use a wet brush with powder shadow or pigment.

  • One way to choose your best eye shadow colour is based on the shade of your eyes. An orange-toned shadow will emphasize the colour of blue eyes. Green eyes look even greener with red-toned or purple shades.

    Purple hues enhance brown eyes and neutral shades are flattering for all eye colours. Create a smoky look with brown, taupe and grey shadows, or apply a sheer wash of one or two colours for a natural, more subtle look.

  • The basic steps to applying eye shadow can be completed in minutes. First, create a smooth canvas for longer-lasting colour by prepping lids with eye primers, such as Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base. Next, decide what brushes — if any — that you'd like to use.

    Fluffy shadow brushes can be used to apply a wash of colour on the lids or in the creases, while stiffer angled brushes create sharper angles and lines. If you want to create a tight line, use a stiff liner brush with a cream shadow. For a soft, diffused look, smudge shadow on with your fingertip and blend with a clean, fluffy shadow brush.

    There are multiple ways to apply eye shadow and the basic steps to apply eye shadow can be completed in minutes. To extend wear and create a smooth canvas, start with an eye primer, such as M∙A∙C Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base. Next, decide what brushes — if any — that you'd like to use.


    Fluffy shadow brushes can be used to apply a wash of colour on the lids or in the creases, while stiffer angled brushes create sharper angles and lines. If you want to create a tight line, use a stiff liner brush with a cream shadow. For a soft, diffused look, smudge shadow on with your fingertip and blend with a clean, fluffy shadow brush.

  • Deciding between cream or powder eye shadow? Consider both your desired look and skin type. Ideal for everyone, a powder formula can be layered for custom saturation and is highly blendable. Our powder eye shadows come in a rainbow of colours with multiple finishes, including shimmer, matte and glitter. Pro tip: For longer-lasting colour, first prep eyes with a primer.

    Cream eye shadow works great with drier skin, as it applies smoothly with a fingertip or shadow brush and may be hydrating. These shadows can have a lustrous finish that can range from satiny to shimmery.

    When deciding between cream or powder eye shadow, consider your needs. Powder eye shadow is a good choice foreveryone. It can be layered for custom saturation and it’s highly blendable. To get the most wear out of powder shadow formulas, use an eye primer prior to application. Powder eye shadow comes in shimmer, matte and glitter formulas and a rainbow of colours.

    Cream eye shadow is an excellent option for mature skin, as it applies smoothly with a fingertip or shadow brush and has hydrating properties. In general, cream shadows have a lustrous finish that can range from satiny to shimmery.