Hey there, beauty lovers! It’s your resident makeup enthusiast and blogger extraordinaire here, ready to dish on one of MAC’s latest eyeshadow offerings: the Dazzleshadow Extreme. As someone who lives and breathes all things beauty, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on these highly-anticipated shadows and put them to the test. After scouring through countless customer reviews and conducting some hands-on experimentation of my own, I’m here to give you the full scoop on whether these shimmery shades are truly worth the hype.
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
Let’s start with the basics: packaging. MAC is known for their sleek, no-nonsense designs, and the Dazzleshadow Extreme compacts are no exception. Each shadow comes in a small, round compact with a clear window on top, allowing you to easily see the shade inside. As reviewer Snow777 noted, “The packaging and container is sturdy and well designed. I love the clear top to see what color the product is.” It’s a small detail, but one that I definitely appreciate as someone who likes to keep their makeup collection organized and easily accessible.
Shade Range: Something for Everyone
One of the standout features of the Dazzleshadow Extreme line is the impressive shade range. From subtle, everyday neutrals to bold, eye-catching colors, there’s truly something for everyone. Some of the most popular shades among reviewers include:
- Joie De Glitz: A warm, golden shimmer that Alo_0925 describes as “one of my go-to’s, I always get so many compliments when I wear it!”
- Incinerated: A beautiful, versatile shade that Citycat10 says “looks gorgeous” on her brown eyes and blonde hair.
- Kiss of Klimt: A creamy, shimmery nude that Karen calls “great for a low key look, for eyebrow bone or to blend with bolder colors.”
- Objet D’Art: A richly pigmented golden bronze that babycat likens to “painting my eyes with gold!
- Discotheque: A bold, metallic silver that Lelesa says “lives up to its name because wearing it makes me feel like a disco itself.”
No matter your style or preference, there’s bound to be a Dazzleshadow Extreme shade that catches your eye.
Pigmentation and Color Payoff: Prepare to Be Dazzled
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the pigmentation. Nearly every reviewer raved about the intense color payoff of these shadows, with many describing them as “highly pigmented,” “stunning,” and “vibrant.” Alo_0925 gushed that “the pigment is phenomenal,” while Angie01 noted that “a little bit goes a long way” thanks to the rich, concentrated color.
Even those with deeper skin tones, who often struggle to find eyeshadows that show up on their complexions, were impressed by the Dazzleshadow Extreme’s pigmentation. Michi shared that “I have a deeper complexion so gold shadows always pop but this one POPPED! Love it.”
Of course, as with any highly pigmented product, there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to application. Some reviewers found that using their fingers yielded the best results, while others preferred a flat brush for more precise placement. Savannah Todd offered this tip: “The intense pigmentation means you only need a small amount of product for a bold and striking look.”
Texture and Application: Smooth as Butter
In addition to the impressive pigmentation, many reviewers also praised the Dazzleshadow Extreme’s smooth, creamy texture. Jkam described the formula as “very lightweight” and “velvety smooth,” while Cherbster said it “glides on smoothly” with minimal fallout.
However, it’s worth noting that a few reviewers did experience some fallout, particularly with the more glittery shades. Sierra advised applying the shadow before your base and concealer to mitigate any excess sparkle, while Sav found that using a glitter primer helped the shadow adhere better to the lid.
As for application, most reviewers found the Dazzleshadow Extreme easy to work with, whether applied with a brush or fingertips. The blendable formula allows for a range of looks, from a sheer wash of color to a bold, opaque finish. Emily, a self-described “makeup novice,” found it “incredibly easy to create a impactful look” using the Dazzleshadow Extreme, while Elle achieved a “stunning” look that lasted “from the beginning til I got home” for her cousin’s wedding.
Wear Time and Longevity: All-Day Glam
Speaking of lasting power, the Dazzleshadow Extreme really impressed reviewers with its ability to stay put throughout the day (and night!). Citycat10 reported “no creasing” and shadows that “last all day and evening,” while Yazl shared that her eyeshadow “lasts long and stays perfectly in place for a long time.”
Of course, as with any eyeshadow, your mileage may vary depending on factors like skin type, primer usage, and application method. Some reviewers, like Angie, found that the shadow didn’t last as long without a primer, while others, like Karen, experienced fading after a few hours of wear. Overall, though, the consensus seems to be that the Dazzleshadow Extreme has impressive staying power, particularly when paired with a good eyeshadow base.
Versatility: From Subtle Shimmer to Full-On Glam
One of the things I love most about the Dazzleshadow Extreme is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a subtle, everyday shimmer or a bold, glamorous look, these shadows can do it all. Mari noted that the shadow “can be used over another eyeshadow or on its own,” while Deserae shared that her daughter loves using it for dance recitals because “it stays on for a very long time.”
Many reviewers also found creative ways to incorporate the Dazzleshadow Extreme into their makeup looks beyond just a standard eyeshadow application. caligirl729 used it as an inner corner highlight and even as a cheek highlighter (“life hack!”), while Snow777 added a pop of color to her lids even when feeling under the weather for a quick pick-me-up.
The buildable nature of the formula also allows for a range of looks, from a sheer wash to an intense, opaque finish. Caityjean appreciated how the shadow could be used for “a subtle glimmer or intense shine,” while Sierra found that the “fine” glitter made it easy to achieve a more natural look without “fallout or crumbly textures.”
The Cons: Fallout, Primer Dependency, and Personal Preference
Of course, no product is perfect, and the Dazzleshadow Extreme is no exception. While the vast majority of reviewers had positive things to say, there were a few common complaints that are worth noting.
The most prevalent issue seems to be fallout, particularly with the more glittery shades. Cherbster experienced “very minimal fall out under the eyes,” while Alex had some fallout but noted that the shadow was “very buildable.” If you’re someone who is particularly sensitive to fallout or prefers a more “no mess” application process, you may want to take extra precautions (like doing your eye makeup first) or opt for one of the less sparkly shades.
Some reviewers also found that the Dazzleshadow Extreme performed best when used with a primer, which may be a deal breaker for those who prefer a more low-maintenance routine. Vikky556 noticed that the color wasn’t as noticeable without a primer, while Karen found that the shadow lasted “only a couple hours” without a base. If you don’t mind the extra step of applying primer, though, you’ll likely be able to achieve better longevity and color payoff.
Finally, as with any makeup product, personal preference plays a big role in whether the Dazzleshadow Extreme will be a hit or miss for you. Some reviewers, like Bee, found the shade range underwhelming or not to their taste, while others, like Kimmy, felt that the shadows didn’t live up to the “Dazzleshadow Extreme” name in terms of shimmer and glitter intensity. It’s always a good idea to swatch shades in person (if possible) or read a wide range of reviews to get a sense of how a product might work for your unique preferences and needs.
The Bottom Line: Is MAC Dazzleshadow Extreme Worth It?
So, after all of that, what’s the final verdict on the MAC Dazzleshadow Extreme? In my opinion, these shadows are absolutely worth the hype – with a few caveats.
If you’re someone who loves bold, pigmented color and isn’t afraid of a little shimmer (or a lot!), the Dazzleshadow Extreme will likely be right up your alley. The impressive shade range, blendable formula, and long-wearing finish make these shadows a standout in MAC’s lineup, and a must-try for any makeup enthusiast.
However, if you’re more of a matte eyeshadow kind of person or someone who prefers a more understated, natural look, the Dazzleshadow Extreme might be a bit too bold for your taste. And if you have particularly oily lids or struggle with eyeshadow longevity, you may want to make sure you have a trusty primer on hand to help these shadows go the distance.
Ultimately, though, I think the pros of the Dazzleshadow Extreme far outweigh the cons. The creamy, blendable texture, intense pigmentation, and versatile shade range make these shadows a joy to work with, and the long-wearing formula ensures that your eye look will stay put through even the longest of days (or nights!).
As Savannah Todd so aptly put it, “If you’re looking for eyeshadow that’s incredibly pigmented and offers a stunning color payoff, this Mac eyeshadow is definitely worth trying out.” I couldn’t agree more – and I have a feeling that once you try the Dazzleshadow Extreme for yourself, you’ll be just as hooked as I am.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a little shimmer and shine. Your lids (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, beauty lovers – the full scoop on MAC’s Dazzleshadow Extreme eyeshadows. I hope this in-depth review has given you a better sense of what to expect from these highly-anticipated shades, and whether they might be a good fit for your makeup collection.
As always, I want to remind you that makeup is a highly personal thing – what works for me (or the dozens of reviewers I’ve cited here) may not be your cup of tea, and that’s okay! The most important thing is to have fun with your beauty routine and to embrace the products and techniques that make you feel like your most confident, beautiful self.
That being said, I truly believe that the MAC Dazzleshadow Extreme is a standout product that deserves a spot in any makeup lover’s arsenal. The intense pigmentation, buttery texture, and long-wearing formula make these shadows a joy to work with, and the versatile shade range means there’s something for everyone – whether you’re a fan of bold, eye-catching glitter or more subtle, everyday shimmer.
So if you’re in the market for a new eyeshadow (or just looking to treat yourself to something sparkly), I highly recommend giving the Dazzleshadow Extreme a try. And if you do, be sure to let me know what you think! I always love hearing from my readers and getting your take on the latest and greatest in beauty.
Until next time, my loves – stay sparkly, stay fabulous, and most importantly, stay true to you. 😘✨
XOXO, Your Resident Beauty Blogger
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