Hey there beauty lovers! Today I want to dive deep into one of my all-time favorite eyeshadow formulas – the MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow. As a long-time MAC fan and eyeshadow aficionado, these hybrid shadows have totally stolen my heart. I’ve been playing with them non-stop and cannot wait to share my thoughts with you all!
So what exactly makes the Extra Dimension formula so special? MAC describes these as a “hybrid formula that combines the smoothness of a cream, the blendability of a liquid and the finish of a powder” with shades that “run from day-glo to dramatic, ready to play up your look from day to night.” Sounds amazing right? Trust me, they live up to the hype.
First let’s talk about the texture and application. These shadows have the most incredible creamy, almost bouncy texture, unlike anything else in my collection. When you press a finger into the pan, you can feel how smooth and cushiony they are. But they’re not a cream – they go on like the most finely milled, buttery soft powder.
The pigmentation is utterly amazing – you get rich, opaque color in a single swipe, no building up required. But what’s magical is that they never look heavy or thick on the lids, no matter how much you pile on. It’s like the color just melts and melds with your skin. They’re so easy to blend out too, with no skipping or patchiness. You can easily sheer them out for a wash of luminous color, or pack them on for a bold metallic look.
The finish is what really sets these apart from other shimmers or metallics I own. They have an unbelievable multidimensional, wet-looking sheen, like glossy molten metal. The shades have so much depth to them as the light reflects off the high-shine particles. It’s truly a unique finish – I’d say a step above your standard shimmer or frost, but more wearable and sophisticated than a glitter. The glow is just mesmerizing!
Now let’s get into the shade range, because it is STUNNING. There are a variety of wearable neutrals, vibrant jewel tones, and dramatic smoky shades. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Sweet Heat: This is the perfect rose gold that lights up your eyes with the most gorgeous warm, coppery sheen. If you’re a lover of Stila Kitten eyeshadow like me, this is like Kitten on steroids. Absolutely beautiful all over the lid.
- Havana: A rich bronzed brown with golden pearl, this is such a sultry shade for a warm smokey eye. It blends out effortlessly and pairs beautifully with a pop of gold on the center of the lid.
- Stolen Moment: Cool-toned taupe lovers, this one’s for you! It’s a stunning silvery purple taupe that looks amazing on the outer corner and crease. I’ve been wearing this on more understated makeup days and always get asked what eyeshadow I’m wearing.
- Legendary Lure: The ultimate smoky midnight blue, this shade is so captivating and unique. It’s a deep inky blue with an emerald shift and subtle sparkle. Perfect for adding a pop of something special to a look.
- Rich Core: If you want drama, look no further. This is a sumptuous deep brown with red undertones and the signature metallic finish. It looks incredible smoked out close to the lash line for added definition.
- Grand Galaxy: Get ready to sparkle with this black base packed with multi-colored pearl. Use it as a glitzy eyeliner or smoke it out for a look that’s sure to turn heads on a night out!
The Extra Dimension formula is so versatile too. You can use them bone dry for a more “natural” sheen (though let’s be real, there’s nothing subtle about these!), or wet your brush with a setting spray for an even more intense liquid metal effect. A little goes a long way, so you hardly have to dip in – the pan will last you ages. I also love using my finger to really pack the color on the center of my lid for a halo effect.
Wear time is another aspect where these shadows excel. Over a primer, I get a solid 8-10 hours with no fading or creasing, which is incredible for someone like me with oily lids. I’ve even worn these on sweaty summer nights out and they don’t budge!
The only downside to the Extra Dimension shadows is the price – at $20 a pop they’re definitely a luxury item. The pan size is a bit smaller than your average single shadow too. But given the intense pigmentation and how long they last, a little goes a long way. I view them as a splurge item that’s absolutely worth it for the unique finish and fantastic formula. I’d rather have a few of these than a dozen average shimmery shadows I won’t use!
MAC has released the Extra Dimension formula a few times in limited edition collections and shades, which is frustrating because I always want them to be permanent! I know I’ll be crushed when I inevitably hit pan on Sweet Heat. I wish MAC would consider adding these to the permanent line and expanding the shade range even more – I’d love to see some duochromes or different vibrant colors.
One more thing to note – because of the emollient texture, these don’t crumble and fall out in the pan like some shimmers do. They hold together beautifully no matter how much you use them. The design embossing wears away quickly, but I don’t mind – it just shows that they’re well loved!
Bottom line, if you are a fan of ultra metallic, high-shine eyeshadows, you absolutely need to try the MAC Extra Dimension formula. No other shadow I’ve tried gives the same glossy wet look and smooth feel. They make any eye look feel so special and glamorous with minimal effort. I now want to collect every shade MAC releases and I’ll be stalking their limited edition collections for any Extra Dimension goodness!
I really hope you found this review helpful and that it convinced some of you to give these shadows a try. I always love sharing my favorite products with you all. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever tried the Extra Dimension shadows and what your favorite shade is! Or let me know what other MAC products you’re loving at the moment so I can check them out.
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