Hey there beauty lovers! Today I want to dive deep into one of my all-time favorite makeup multitaskers – the MAC Cream Colour Base. I’ve been using this versatile little gem in my routine for years now and I’m excited to share my thoughts, tips, and why I think it deserves a spot in your makeup bag too.
As someone always looking for hardworking products that can do it all, the Cream Colour Base immediately caught my eye at the MAC counter. This creamy compact promises to work as an eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, and even lip color. Could it really be that good? I picked up a couple shades to test out and spoiler alert – it exceeded my expectations! Let’s get into all the details.
Formula & Texture
One of the first things I noticed about the Cream Colour Base is its incredible creamy texture. It has a smooth, almost buttery consistency that melts into the skin seamlessly. Don’t be fooled by the rich texture though – it’s not at all heavy or greasy feeling on the skin.
The formula has just the right amount of slip to blend easily without tugging on the skin, but still sets down for long-lasting wear. Many cream products I’ve tried are either too stiff to work with or so emollient that they slide around, but MAC struck the perfect balance here.
I appreciate that the texture works equally well applied with fingers, a brush, or sponge depending on the level of coverage and effect you’re going for. Fingers are great for a sheer wash of color, while a densely packed brush amps up the pigment. I’ll share more of my application tips for each use below!
Pigmentation & Finish
Guys, let me tell you, the pigmentation on these is unreal! A little goes a very long way. The colors are rich, vibrant, and so pigmented that you only need the tiniest bit to get an impact. I love that you can either sheer them out for a subtle look or build up the color for a bold statement.
The majority of shades have a dewy, luminous sheen that mimics a healthy glow on the skin. It’s not a flat shine or glittery at all, but rather a lit-from-within type radiance. Of course the finish will depend on the specific shade, with some being more metallic and others more satin. Overall, most give a beautiful skinlike luminosity.
There are a few matte shades too, like Virgin Isle – a stunning coral that I love for blush! So while the line definitely leans more radiant, there are options if you prefer less glow.
Shade Range
Can we talk about the shade range for a minute? MAC offered so many gorgeous options in the Cream Colour Base line. From icy pinks and champagnes to rich bronzes and coppers, there’s something for every skin tone and makeup style.
Some of my personal favorites:
- Shell – a soft peachy pink with gold pearl. Perfect for fair to light skin tones as a glowy blush or subtle highlighter. Looks gorge on the lids too!
- Hush – a light pinky beige with a pearlized sheen. Ideal as a brow bone or cheek highlight to give the complexion a lift and healthy radiance.
- Luna – a pale yellow gold with a frost finish. Amazing inner corner highlight and doubles as an eye gloss in the center of the lid.
- Improper Copper – a stunning coppery bronze with warm undertones and a high-shine finish. The ultimate bronzy glow for medium to dark skin tones!
- Virgin Isle – a vibrant matte coral. This unique shade is such a standout in the line. It gives the cheeks a beautiful flush that screams summer.
- Vintage Rose – a muted rosy brown with fine gold pearl. An easy throw-on shade for the lids, or tapped along cheekbones for a rosy bronze effect.
While I know MAC unfortunately discontinued some shades that were fan-favorites over the years (RIP Tint 😢), the core line still offers a versatile mix of colors that cater to a wide range of skin tones and preferences.
Performance
Eyes
One of my favorite ways to use the Cream Colour Base is as a long-wearing eyeshadow and primer in one. The creamy texture glides over lids seamlessly and provides a smooth base for powder shadows to adhere to. I find it really extends the wear of powder eyeshadows and prevents those pesky creases.
For a quick, effortless eye look I love using Shell or Luna all over the lid and blended up to the brow bone. The light-reflecting finish makes the eyes look bright, fresh and awake – perfect for no-makeup makeup days or when you’re in a rush.
When I have more time, I like using the Cream Colour Base as a base to amp up my powder shadows. Vintage Rose makes the perfect base for warm, coppery eyeshadow looks and really intensifies the vibrancy. For a sultry bronzy eye, I’ll apply Improper Copper all over the lid and blend a deep matte brown into the crease. The metallic finish adds so much dimension.
I will say, some shades like the lighter pearlized colors tend to crease if used alone without powder shadow on top. So if you have oily lids like me, I’d suggest powdering over top or embracing the crease for a more editorial look. The darker shades seem to have better staying power on their own in my experience.
Cheeks
Another way I love using the Cream Colour Base is to add a pop of color and glow to the cheeks. The formula blends seamlessly over foundation without disturbing base makeup underneath. I like using my fingers to dab the color on the apples of my cheeks and blend out in circular motions for a natural, diffused effect.
For a dewy finish, Shell and Hush are two of my go-to shades. They melt into the skin and give that fresh, glossy sheen while still looking skin-like. If I’m going for a more matte finish, Virgin Isle is a standout coral shade that gives the cheeks a healthy flush of color without any shine.
I’ve found the wear time on the cheeks to be quite impressive, lasting through most of a workday without fading. I do prefer to powder very lightly over top to increase longevity, especially in summer months. But even on its own, the formula adheres well to the skin and wears for a good 6-8 hours on me.
Highlight
For me, the real standout use for the Cream Colour Base is as a gorgeous luminous highlighter. The way these catch the light is truly stunning – it gives the skin an ethereal, multidimensional sheen without any obnoxious glitter or chunks of shimmer.
My favorite way to apply is using my fingertips to tap the product on the high points of the face – cheekbones, browbones, down the bridge of the nose and on the cupid’s bow. I’ll go in with a light hand first and build up slowly for a seamless glow. The warmth of your fingers helps to melt the product into the skin for an undetectable finish.
If you like a more intense highlight, try layering a powder highlighter over top! The cream base will provide a smooth, grippy surface for the powder to adhere to and really amplify the glow factor. It’s a great trick for making your highlight pop, especially for editorial looks or photos.
Some of my favorite shades to use as highlighter:
- Luna: an icy champagne that’s perfect for fair skin tones
- Hush: a soft pearlized beige that gives a wet-look sheen
- Pearl: a light golden pearl suitable for light to medium skin tones
- Improper Copper: a stunning coppery bronze for medium-dark to dark skin
Lips
Okay, while it’s not the first use that comes to mind, I have to shout out how gorgeous the Cream Colour Base looks dabbed over the lips! The creamy texture is comfortable and cushiony on the lips and provides a sheer veil of color and shine.
Some of the more neutral shades like Hush, Shell, and Nude give the lips a natural my-lips-but-better effect, while brighter colours like Virgin Isle deposit a sheer juicy tint. I love how low-maintenance and effortless this is – it’s a great option for days when you want a bit of color without a full-on lipstick look.
Of course, being a cream product, don’t expect all-day wear on the lips. I find the Cream Colour Base lasts a couple hours on me before needing a retouch, but it fades evenly and doesn’t leave the lips feeling dry or parched. Keep in mind these aren’t a lip-specific formula, so if your lips are very dry or chapped, they may not feel as comfortable.
Application Tips
Since the Cream Colour Base is so versatile, I wanted to share a few of my tips for the different uses:
Eyes
- Prep lids with an eyeshadow primer first for maximum staying power, especially if you have oily lids
- Use your fingers or a flat synthetic brush to apply the color all over the lid, blending edges with a fluffy brush
- For more precision, use a small detailed brush to apply the product
- Layer powder eyeshadows over top to set and create more dimension
- Embrace the glossy, editorial look by swiping a sheer layer over the lids for that trendy wet-look effect
Cheeks
- Dab the color on the apples of cheeks and blend out with fingers in circular motions
- For a more diffused effect, use a duo fiber stippling brush in light circular buffing motions
- Start with a small amount and build up color gradually for a natural effect
- Powder lightly over top to set for extended wear, especially in hot weather
Highlight
- Use fingers to tap the product on the high points of the face and blend
- Build up the coverage slowly rather than going in with too much product
- Try layering a powder highlight over top to intensify the glow
- Mix the Cream Colour Base with your foundation or tinted moisturizer for all-over radiance
Lips
- Dab the color on the center of lips and blend out with your finger for a sheer wash of color
- Layer over your favorite lip liner or lipstick to add shine and dimension
- Mix with a clear lip balm in the palm of your hand to sheer out the texture
Cons to Consider
While I obviously love this product, there are a couple downsides to consider before you buy:
- Some shades have a thicker, stiffer texture that takes more work to blend out
- Lighter, pearlized shades may crease on oily lids if not set with powder eyeshadow
- The shimmer/frost finish may emphasize skin texture on mature or textured skin
- Staying power on the lips is short-lived compared to a traditional lipstick
- Product can dry out over time if not closed tightly after each use
None of these are necessarily deal breakers for me, but definitely things to keep in mind depending on your specific preferences and needs.
Packaging
The Cream Colour Base comes in a small, compact plastic pot with a clear screw-top lid. The packaging is lightweight and slim, making it easy to throw in your purse or travel with. I do appreciate that you can clearly see the shade through the top – it makes grabbing the right color a breeze when you store them together.
While the packaging is functional and portable, I do wish the plastic felt a bit more luxe for the price point. The pots can get messy over time as product accumulates around the rim, so be prepared to wipe them clean now and then.
One thing to note – make sure you always close the lid tightly after each use. Since the formula is so creamy, it can dry out if left exposed to air for too long. I learned this the hard way with my first pot that I didn’t close properly. Now I’m always careful to screw the lids on completely and I haven’t had issues with the texture changing.
Price & Value
The MAC Cream Colour Base retails for $25 and contains 3.2g/0.12oz of product. Considering the small amount of product you need per use and the multi-use versatility, I think the price is certainly justified.
You’d likely need to buy a separate cream eyeshadow, blush, and highlighter to achieve the same effect that this one product provides. The $25 price tag is on par with or less expensive than other high-end cream makeup products too.
I will say, if you rarely do a full makeup look and really only need the product for one use, there are likely more affordable cream eyeshadows/blushes/highlights on the market that would make more sense. But if you’re like me and love the idea of one product that can do it all and save space, the Cream Colour Base is 100% worth the cost.
Final Thoughts
The MAC Cream Colour Base has earned its place as one of my absolute holy grail, desert island must-have products – and I don’t say that lightly! This unassuming little compact is truly the epitome of a multipurpose makeup essential.
The creamy, blendable texture, superb color payoff, and luminous finish make this a dream to work with. I’m endlessly impressed by how it performs as an eyeshadow, blush, highlighter and lip color without skipping a beat.
I think what I love most is the ease of use and versatility. I know I can always count on the Cream Colour Base to pull a look together, whether I’m going for a minimal fresh-faced vibe or a more done-up glamorous effect. It’s the product I reach for when I’m short on time but still want to look put together – a few swipes and dabs and you instantly look more awake, glowing and polished.
If you’re a fan of cream products or just looking to streamline your makeup bag, I can’t recommend the MAC Cream Colour Base enough. It’s a staple that continues to wow me every time I use it!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried the Cream Colour Base before? What’s your favorite way to use it? Let me know in the comments below!
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