Hey beauties! Today I want to dive deep into one of my all-time favorite makeup products – MAC Pigments. As a self-proclaimed eyeshadow addict, I’ve tried countless formulas and finishes over the years. But nothing compares to the incredible versatility, intensity, and staying power of these loose powder pigments.
I first discovered MAC Pigments over a decade ago and it was love at first swatch. The way they catch the light is simply mesmerizing. With just a swipe of your finger or brush, you get the most concentrated dose of color payoff. A little goes a long way, so each jar seems to last forever. They’re definitely a beauty investment, but the quality and range make them a staple in any makeup lover’s collection.
What I adore about pigments is how multi-purpose they are. Of course, they make stunning eyeshadows – but that’s just the beginning! You can press them over lipstick or gloss for a metallic effect. Mix them into face primer for an all-over glow. Even add them to nail polish or body lotion for a pop of shimmer. The only limit is your creativity.
While MAC sadly discontinued some of their most iconic Pigment shades (I’ll never get over losing Kitschmas and Melon), the current lineup still features some total gems. Let’s talk about a few of my personal favorites:
- Tan – Don’t let the name fool you, this is a gorgeous rose gold with flecks of silver sparkle. It works beautifully as a lid shade but can also double as a glowy blush topper. The fine shimmer particles melt into skin for a “lit from within” effect that’s stunning.
- Rose – A mid-tone pink with gold pearl, Rose is the perfect “girly” shade in my opinion. It pairs beautifully with chocolate browns and champagne highlighters for a sweet, romantic look. I love pressing this over a pink lip too for added dimension.
- Naked – My go-to for a polished, professional eye look. Naked is a soft beige with a satin finish that blends like a dream. It’s not too stark or shimmery, so it’s ideal for using as a base or blending shade. If you want a classic “no makeup makeup” look, this is your girl.
- Blue Brown – I know this shade looks intimidating in the jar, but on the eyes it transforms into the coolest duochrome effect. Depending on how the light hits, it flashes from deep sapphire to rich chocolate brown to burning ember. Absolutely stunning and unlike anything else in my collection.
- Vanilla – A beauty blogger favorite for good reason, Vanilla is the ideal brow bone and inner corner highlight shade. It’s a pale ivory with a smooth sheen that instantly brightens and awakens the eyes. I use a small detail brush to apply it precisely.
Those are just a few of the dozens of shades currently available. And MAC is always adding trendy new limited edition colors to the lineup. So even though we lost some old favorites, there’s no shortage of options to play with.
Now, let’s talk about application techniques. MAC Pigments can definitely have a learning curve and require some experimenting to figure out what methods work best for you. Here are a few of my go-to tricks:
For an intense, foiled effect: Use a dampened flat synthetic brush and press the Pigment onto your lid. You can use water, but I prefer MAC Fix+ for extra staying power. This creates an almost “melted metal” look that’s super impactful.
For a sheer wash of color: Use a fluffy blending brush and lightly dust the Pigment all over your lid. This is a great technique for brighter shades that you want to diffuse. You can also layer Pigments over regular pressed powder eyeshadows this way for added dimension.
For mess-free application: Pour a small amount of Pigment into the lid of the jar, then dip your brush in. This prevents excess powder from getting all over your counter or floors. You can also tap your brush after picking up product to remove fallout before applying to your eyes.
To amp up liner: Pick up some Pigment on a damp angled liner brush, then press along your upper or lower lashlines. You can create the boldest pops of color this way, or smudge it out for a smoky effect. This also works great with bright shades in the waterline!
To maximize longevity: Always use an eyeshadow primer underneath and set your look with a makeup setting spray after. I find MAC Pigments last longer than regular powder eyeshadows on me, but these steps will really lock everything in place all day (or night).
The only real downside of MAC Pigments is the packaging. Those tiny jars with the sifter tops can be a little messy and hard to travel with. I wish they had a more secure screw-top lid. But I decant mine into small sample jars for on-the-go touchups and that works just fine. A minor inconvenience for such an incredible product.
I also want to shout out the amazing value you get with MAC Pigments. Yes, the price per jar is higher than your average drugstore single eyeshadow. But the amount of product you get is wild – a full 4.5 grams! To put that in perspective, a regular MAC powder eyeshadow pan is only 1.5 grams for the same price. With Pigments, you’re getting triple the amount of product. And because they’re so intensely pigmented, a jar will literally last YEARS. Well worth the price in my opinion.
It’s also worth mentioning that MAC Pigments are an easy way to start experimenting with color if you’re a little gun-shy. Because they blend out so easily and can be used sparingly, they’re a great training wheels for brighter, bolder shades. You’d be surprised how wearable colors like Fuchsia and Kelly Green can actually be! Start with just a little on the center of the lid or lower lashline and diffuse from there.
I have to give a shoutout to the MAC Pro team here too – they’re wizards when it comes to Pigments and always have the coolest tricks to share. If you have a Pro store near you, it’s 100% worth booking an appointment with an artist and having them demo some techniques. Every time I leave with new ideas and color combos to try. They also sometimes have exclusive Pro-only Pigment shades in colors like neon yellow and black with rainbow sparkle. To die for!
So, what are my top 5 must-have MAC Pigment shades? Oooh this is tough because it changes all the time! But if I had to narrow it down based on versatility and wearability, I’d say:
- Tan
- Rose
- Melon (RIP but I’m still hoarding backups)
- Blue Brown
- Old Gold
Honorable mentions to Vanilla as the perfect highlight, Copper Sparkle for the most amazing rusty metallic, Naval Blue for a insanely rich cobalt, and Pink Opal for an ethereal iridescent effect.
One thing I really love about MAC as a brand is their commitment to diversity and artistry. The Pigment range truly has something for everyone, no matter your skin tone or style. They’ve collaborated with countless musicians, designers, and tastemakers over the years to create some iconic limited edition shades too. It makes collecting Pigments feel that much more special, like you’re owning a piece of makeup history.
I also have to applaud MAC for their cruelty-free practices. As a huge animal lover, it’s important for me to support brands that align with my ethics. MAC doesn’t test on animals and doesn’t use any animal-derived ingredients in their Pigments (or any of their products). That gets a big thumbs up from me.
Another great thing about Pigments is how well they photograph. If you’re someone who loves to post makeup looks on Instagram or TikTok, you need these in your kit. The intense sparkle and shine really translates on camera, especially in flash photography and direct sunlight. Try swiping one on the high points of your face too – cheekbones, browbones, tip of the nose. It gives you the most stunning ethereal glow in photos.
So, is there anyone who wouldn’t love MAC Pigments? Honestly, not really. I think they’re a fantastic product for makeup lovers of all skill levels. Beginners can use them sparingly for pops of shimmer, while pros have so much room to get creative with different effects and placements.
I will say if you have very sensitive eyes or fragile skin, the glitter particles may be a little too abrasive. Always do a patch test first. And of course if you have any reaction, discontinue use immediately. But for most people, Pigments are totally safe and gentle when used as directed.
I’d also avoid Pigments if you’re someone who needs to do makeup in a hurry, as they do require some building and blending. If you’re a strictly “one and done” single shadow kind of gal, you may find them too fussy. But even then – try using one as a simple sparkly liner! It’s a great way to dip your toe in.
I genuinely can’t imagine my makeup collection without MAC Pigments. They’ve been a staple for me for so many years and I always get excited when new shades come out. I love how they push me to experiment and play with color in ways I might not otherwise. It’s like having an art supply kit for your face.
If you’re on the fence about trying Pigments, I highly recommend starting with just one or two core shades like Tan and Vanilla. Get a feel for the formula and learn what techniques work for you. It’s so fun to master a product and then build your collection with bolder colors over time.
And just a warning – once you get hooked on Pigments, nothing else really compares. I’ve tried loose shadows from other brands but always come back to MAC. There’s something so special about the texture, the color payoff, the blendability. It’s lightning in a bottle (or jar in this case)!
In summary, MAC Pigments are a holy grail product for me and many other beauty lovers. The incredible color range, versatility, and staying power make them well worth the price tag. They can take a little practice to master but open up so many possibilities for your makeup looks.
If you couldn’t tell, I’m a hardcore Pigment stan and could talk about them all day! But I want to know YOUR thoughts. Have you tried MAC Pigments before? What are your favorite shades and how do you like to use them? Any other brands I should check out to compare? Leave me a comment and let’s chat!
And if you haven’t taken the Pigment plunge yet – what are you waiting for? Run, don’t walk to your nearest MAC counter and swatch your heart out. Just don’t blame me when you leave with a dozen new sparkly jars…don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Thanks so much for reading this ultimate guide to my MAC Pigment obsession. I hope you found it helpful and maybe even a little enabling (sorry not sorry)! Give this post a like if you enjoyed and make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a beauty ramble.
Until next time, stay colorful! xoxo
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