Hey beauties! Today I’m super excited to dive deep into one of MAC’s latest eyeshadow formulas – the Powder Kiss Soft Matte Eye Shadow. As a long-time MAC lover, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on these shadows and test them out. MAC is known for their high-quality, professional-level makeup, so I had high hopes for this launch. Spoiler alert – these did not disappoint! Let’s get into all the deets.
First off, can we talk about the aesthetic? The packaging is classic MAC – sleek, black, and minimalist. Each shadow comes in a slim compact that easily slips into your makeup bag. It has that soft touch rubberized texture that MAC is known for. The shade name is printed on the back. Simple yet chic.
Now onto the most important part – the actual shadow formula! These are described as a “soft matte eye shadow with smooth glide, high colour payoff and blendability.” The texture really is something special. It feels almost creamy to the touch, and it has that “bouncy” feeling that we’ve seen in several new powder formulas recently. It’s definitely a different sensation than your typical matte shadow.
When swatched, the pigmentation is immediately apparent. These are rich, bold, opaque shades with very little fallout. With one swipe, you get intense colour payoff. However, they’re also incredibly buildable and blendable. You can easily sheer them out for a softer look, or pack them on for maximum impact.
I love that this formula really lets you control the intensity. It’s rare to find a shadow that can give you both sheer washes of colour and intense looks. Usually mattes are either subtle or bold – not both. This makes the Powder Kiss formula incredibly versatile.
The shade range was the next thing that impressed me. There are your typical neutral tones like soft browns and champagnes, but also some gorgeous pops like periwinkle blue, vibrant coral, and rich burgundy. My personal favourite is “Werk, Werk, Werk” which is a stunning rusty red. It’s such a perfect shade for fall and makes green and hazel eyes pop.
On the eyes, these blend like a dream. Sometimes very pigmented matte shadows can be tricky to diffuse, but I had no issues with these. They meld seamlessly into each other, creating soft gradients. I didn’t experience any patchiness or skipping.
Typically with matte shadows, I ALWAYS use an eyeshadow primer. Mattes tend to grab onto texture and can exaggerate dryness, so a smooth base is key. However, I actually tested these without primer as well and was shocked at how well they adhered to bare lids. Even on my somewhat dry eyelids, they applied smoothly and evenly without primer.
Of course, primer will always help intensity and longevity, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well these performed alone. With primer, I got all-day wear without fading or creasing. On bare lids, I noticed very minimal fading after about 8 hours, which is still impressive.
The blendability is really top notch with this formula. Sometimes with super matte shadows, I find that they can stick where you initially place them and be hard to diffuse. That’s not the case at all with the Powder Kiss shadows. They’re almost effortless to blend.
I think this has to do with the texture – it’s not a flat matte. There’s something unique about the way it’s pressed that allows it to blend seamlessly without losing intensity. You don’t get that patchy, uneven look that some matte shadows can give.
Another thing I look for in eyeshadow is how they layer and build up. Some shadows can get cakey or heavy when you try to layer them. The Powder Kiss shadows build beautifully while still looking smooth and even. You can create some serious depth and dimension with these.
I also appreciate that they don’t have a ton of kickback in the pan. Some soft shadows produce a lot of excess powder that gets messy. While there is a bit of powder that gets kicked up when you dip your brush in, it’s minimal and easy to tap off.
So let’s talk about some looks! For everyday, I love using the shade “Ripened” all over the lid and “Werk, Werk, Werk” blended into the outer corner and crease. It creates a soft, diffused reddish look that really makes my blue eyes stand out. The warm tones are perfect for fall.
For something more intense, “What Clout” is a stunning navy blue that creates a beautiful smokey eye. I like to pair it with “Best of Me” which is a soft golden nude, for added brightness. The combination of the rich blue and subtle sheen is so gorgeous for evening.
If you want a monochromatic look, “P for Potent” is your perfect shade. It’s a muted mauve that looks stunning all over the lid and blended into the crease. For extra definition, I add a bit of “Endless Potential” which is a cool-toned taupe, to the outer corner.
The great thing about this collection is that all the shades pair beautifully together. You can create so many different combinations and looks with just a few shadows. They’re easy to mix and match.
As for brushes, I find that a flat shader brush works best for packing on the lid colour. I like MAC’s 239S for this. For blending, a fluffy rounded brush like the 217S or 224S diffuses the shadow perfectly through the crease.
I also discovered that these apply beautifully with fingers! The warmth really helps to melt the shadows into the skin for a more intense look. I love using my fingers for a quick all-over wash of colour.
One thing to note – because these are so pigmented, a little goes a long way. I recommend starting with a light hand and building up as needed. It’s easier to add than to take away!
In terms of wear, I didn’t experience any irritation or sensitivity with these shadows. My lids can be a bit sensitive, but these didn’t cause any issues. Of course, as with any new product, if you have particularly reactive skin I always suggest testing it first.
Removal was a breeze – they came off easily with my usual cleansing balm without any stubborn staining or residue. Sometimes intense shades like reds and blues can be hard to remove completely, but these melted away without issue.
Let’s talk about value. These shadows are $20 each, which I think is quite reasonable for a high-end, professional quality product. The pans contain 1.5g of product which is pretty standard for a single eyeshadow. Considering the pigmentation and performance, I think the price point is fair.
You can also purchase refill pans to pop into a custom MAC palette, which I love. It’s a great way to curate your own colour story and keep your stash tidy. The refill pans are slightly cheaper at $17 each.
I did notice that these are made in Italy, rather than MAC’s usual manufacturing in Canada. I’m not sure if this is a permanent change or specific to this formula, but I thought it was interesting to note. The quality is still exceptional, so it doesn’t seem to have had any negative impact.
Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the Powder Kiss Soft Matte Eye Shadows. The texture, pigmentation, blendability, and wear are all fantastic. This formula really demonstrates MAC’s ability to innovate while still maintaining the quality they’re known for.
I love that this is a matte shadow that doesn’t compromise vibrancy for blendability. You truly get the best of both worlds – the intensity of a matte with the ease of a softer shadow. It’s a unique formula that I think will appeal to a wide range of people.
Whether you prefer subtle looks or bold statements, this formula allows you to create both. The shade range has something for everyone, from neutral lovers to colour enthusiasts. I can see these becoming staples in many makeup collections.
If you’re a fan of MAC shadows or are just looking for a high-performing matte eyeshadow, I highly recommend giving the Powder Kiss formula a try. The texture alone is worth experiencing, and the colour payoff and blendability are the cherries on top.
My top picks from the range would be “Werk, Werk, Werk” for a stunning rust shade, “Ripened” for an everyday warm brown, “P for Potent” for a monochromatic mauve look, and “What Clout” for a bold navy smokey eye. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the shades.
I’m excited to see if MAC will extend this formula into more shades. I’d love to see some vibrant greens and purples added to the collection. An all-matte Powder Kiss palette would also be a dream come true for me! MAC, if you’re reading this, consider that a formal request.
In summary, the MAC Powder Kiss Soft Matte Eye Shadows are a triumph in matte eyeshadow formulation. The unique texture, intense pigmentation, and effortless blendability set these apart from other matte shadows on the market. The shade range is curated and cohesive, allowing for endless looks. If you’re looking for a professional-quality eyeshadow that doesn’t skimp on performance, these are absolutely worth checking out. MAC has once again proven why they’re a leader in the industry with this innovative formula.
What are your thoughts on the Powder Kiss shadows? Have you tried them yet? Let me know your favorite shades and how you like to use them in the comments below! As always, thank you so much for reading and for your continued support. Until next time, beauties!
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