Hey there beauty lovers! Today I’m excited to dive deep into one of MAC’s most popular products – the Pro Palette Eye Shadow x 4 (Compact). As a longtime MAC devotee myself, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this palette and see what all the hype was about. I’ve spent hours poring over dozens of online reviews to bring you a comprehensive look at what real customers think.
So grab a cup of coffee (or glass of wine 🍷), get cozy, and join me as we explore whether this chic little palette deserves a spot in your makeup bag. Let’s go!
What is the MAC Pro Palette Eye Shadow x 4?
First things first, let’s do a quick overview of the product. The Pro Palette is MAC’s customizable eyeshadow system that allows you to mix and match your favorite shades. The x4 size holds 4 eyeshadow pans of your choice.
A few key features:
- Sleek black compact with a clear window
- Includes a removable 4-well insert tray
- Magnetized to hold eyeshadow pans securely
- Available in other sizes too (x2, x6, x15, etc)
The palette retails for $8 on its own, and you purchase the eyeshadow refill pans separately for $8 each. So for a quad with shadows, you’re looking at spending around $40.
Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews
One thing that immediately stood out to me is just how much MAC fans adore this palette. The vast majority of reviews sing its praises, with an impressive number of 5-star ratings.
For example, MAC lover Jenny gushes:
“Awesome product because you can mix and match eyeshadows”
While Jess agrees, saying:
“This compact has been a life saver for putting together custom eye-shadow looks. Can’t wait to build more for seasonal looks.”
Over and over, reviewers rave about the palette’s convenience, portability, and ability to create endless color combinations. Swiss sums it up nicely:
“Phenomenal and practical product. Appreciate that I can put together my own palette with the colors I often like, and it’s small enough to fit into smaller purses.”
Customization is Key
Without a doubt, the top selling point of the Pro Palette is the complete freedom to personalize it. You get to curate your ideal color story, rather than being limited to pre-made palettes.
Makeup artist Jamie explains why this is so game-changing:
“I love the palette option where I am able to put my favorite colors together and easily replace the ones that I use more of. The colors are long-lasting and still look fresh at the end of the day. If you aren’t sure of your colors, go into anyplace that sells MAC and one of the sales associates will help determine the best color based on your skin tones, eye color and personal preferences.
Many point out how this saves money in the long run too. As Ash notes:
“I just love these. You can create your own pallets and choose whether you want 2,4,8… And the refill shadows are cheaper”
It makes so much sense! Why pay for full-size shadows you may not use when you can cherry-pick your go-to shades?
Perfect for Travel
My jet-setting ladies, this one’s for you. Reviewers consistently praise the Pro Palette as an ideal travel companion. The slim profile tucks neatly into any makeup bag, and the secure magnetic closure keeps shadows safe.
JulesN elaborates:
“This little palette is convenient and sturdy for travel. It’s great being able to mix and match different eyeshadow singles without having to reshuffle the components of my makeup bag every trip. I can create my look, fill the palette, and know it will fit right in and arrive safely at any destination!”
No more wrapping individual shadows in tissues or crossing your fingers that they don’t shatter in transit. With the Pro Palette, you can globe-trot glamorously with all your signature shades.
Chic & Functional Packaging
MAC has a reputation for beautiful, high-quality packaging and this palette doesn’t disappoint. Customers appreciate the luxe details like the crystal clear window and strong magnetic closure.
Review antera77 offers a deep dive on the design:
“Beautiful, elegant design…how Apple would design an eyeshadow palette.
- style: Ultra-contemporary. Beautifully framed crystal-like transparent lid (at least when new–see below). No noticeable inelegant and debris-catching hinges, latches or tabs–lid closing is done via combination of magnets and a concealed, possibly spring-loaded hinge…similar to a MacBook Pro laptop. Nearly invisible nearly flush tab for opening lid
- high quality, jewel-like precision feel–positive lid closing action; glossy, tight fitting plastic
- eyeshadow pans stay in place even upside down, using magnets just strong enough, yet weak enough to make removal easy
- debris-catching concave indentations for pan removal replaced by indentation-free removable 4-hole tray”
The simplicity really allows the shadows to be the star. Plus, the black compact looks so chic lined up on a vanity. Très sophistiqué!
A Few Caveats
Of course, no product is perfect. While criticisms are far outnumbered by positive reviews, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Tricky to Depot
Several reviewers note that it can be challenging to remove shadow pans once they’re in the palette. You need a bit of a special technique to avoid damaging the shadows.
Leuqer explains:
“My only complaint is that once your shadows are in the case it is difficult to remove them again. You really have to be careful to not damage the shadow or the case when removing refill palettes. The magnet is quite strong and the packaging does not include a lip on the palette insert space to remove or rearrange shadows with ease. A good bang on a towel covering something soft (like your hand or a pillow) usually does the trick, but once the refill palettes in there and you’re happy with the arrangement you’re good to go.”
So if you’re someone who likes to rearrange your palettes often, this could be a slight annoyance. But most seem to find it a minor issue in an otherwise stellar product.
Needs Instructions
A few customers mention wishing the palette came with clearer instructions on how to use the inset tray system. Reviewer Boogychild had a frustrating experience:
“I received my pro pallette for 4 eyeshadows with no instructions! I checked YouTube and it is not user friendly! I need something ready to use. I almost broke the eyeshadow trying to get it out of the circular container! Not happy with this purchase.😕”
That’s definitely a bummer and something MAC should address. In the meantime, there are now plenty of tutorials out there from other users. Do a quick search and you should find helpful tips!
Scratches Easily
One thing to watch out for is that the clear window can get scratched up if you’re not careful. Antera77 suggests:
Beautiful crystal-like transparent lid got scratched in my makeup case full of other cosmetics, though no worse than any other clear plastic like blush, lipstick cases, eyeglasses etc. Consider storing it in a separate compartment or in a vinyl/cotton case. This can actually be worth the trouble, given the beautiful design. Avoid stacking other cosmetics on the lid
While not a major issue, it’s a good idea to store the palette thoughtfully to keep it looking shiny and new.
Tips & Tricks
As I combed through reviews, a few smart usage tips caught my eye. Here are some of the best:
- Mind your lighting when choosing shadows in store. What looks great under MAC’s bright lights may read differently in natural light. When in doubt, ask for a hand mirror and head outside to check the colors.
- Organize palettes by look or color story (all bridal shades in one, smoky night out in another, etc). Grab and go!
- Label the bottom of palettes with the shade names. Especially helpful if you have multiple.
- Keep a separate palette of base/transition shades you use all the time. No need to duplicate them in every quad.
- Toss a couple disposable applicators or a travel brush in the palette for on-the-go touch ups.
- Check if your local MAC counter/store recycles packaging. Declutter empties responsibly!
Final Thoughts
Phew, you still with me? 😅 If you can’t tell by now, I’m thoroughly impressed by the MAC Pro Palette Eye Shadow x 4. The quality, versatility, and packability are hard to beat. It’s a fantastic option whether you’re a makeup artist, frequent flyer, or just a gal who likes options.
I think Makeup artist TashaMeline captures the vibe perfectly:
“I absolutely love this little palette! Really good palette to start out with to get a feel of the products and very handy to carry my 4 favourite shades around in my handbag or travelling.
I will definitely be upgrading to the x 15”
Start small with a curated quad, then grow your collection. Build that dream MAC wardrobe one beautiful shade at a time.
Is the Pro Palette a must-have? While some may quibble over the price per shadow, I believe it’s well worth the investment for the luxury experience and pure joy of personalizing. You’re worth it, babe.
I hope you found this review helpful! Feel free to hit me with any questions – I’m always happy to chat makeup. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some shadows to depot. 😘
Buy on Amazon: Here