Embedded Burgundy
MAC Embedded Burgundy Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a new, permanent six-pan palette that included two matte shades and four shimmers in a rose-toned color story. I was not impressed by the formula used for the new Connect in Colour palettes as the shimmers were dry, thin, dusty, and/or powdery with sheer coverage and poor longevity, while the mattes were better, they weren’t as blendable as they could (or should!) have been. The new formula is supposed to have “one-swipe” pigmentation and they are being sold as VERY pigmented eyeshadows, yet three shimmers were very, very weak eyeshadows… period.
Ingredients
7.5
Product
8.5
Pigmentation
7.5
Texture
7
Longevity
4.5
Application
Haux
Haux is a light-medium mauve with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable coverage
- Moderately powdery and slightly thin
- Applied evenly and blended out well
- Average longevity (7 hours before fading visibly; brand only claimed 8-hour wear)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Kickstart (PiP, $4.50).
- Natasha Denona Belle (466CM) (PiP, ).
- Kaleidos Stardust (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Big Hugs (PiP, $4.50).
- KVD Beauty Plum (Base) (PiP, ).
- Fenty Beauty Rock and Rose (LE, ).
- Lethal Cosmetics Archetype (P, $6.50).
- Tom Ford Beauty Insolent Rose #3 (PiP, ).
- Sydney Grace Embrace (P, $5.25).
- ColourPop Pillow Fight (PiP, $4.50).
Formula Overview
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
7.5
Pigmentation
7.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
Naked Lunch
Naked Lunch is a light-medium peach with warm, orange undertones and a pearly sheen.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Thin, somewhat dry and lightly powdery
- Applied fairly evenly
- Poor longevity (6 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- NARS Alhambra I (PiP, $19.00).
- Anastasia Gleam (P, $12.00).
- NARS Amanecer (LE, $19.00).
- Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame #1 (PiP, ).
- Kosas Electric (P, $15.00).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil d’Hiver #2 (LE, ).
- Wet ‘n’ Wild Fit for a Queen #2 (LE, ).
- Chanel Les Indispensables #4 (LE, ).
- Ciate Dainty (LE, ).
- Pat McGrath Huetopia (LE, $25.00).
Formula Overview
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
7.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
7.5
Texture
6.5
Longevity
5
Application
Mega-Mocha
Mega-Mocha is a medium-dark taupe-brown with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish.
- Mostly opaque, buildable coverage
- Lightly powdery and slightly thin
- Applied fairly evenly but could have been more blendable
- Average longevity (7 hours before fading visibly; brand only claimed 8-hour wear)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
9.5
Pigmentation
7.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
Wanna Chat
Wanna Chat is a dark, reddened plum with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Mostly opaque, buildable coverage
- Lightly powdery and slightly thin
- Applied fairly evenly but could have been more blendable
- Average longevity (7 hours before fading visibly; brand only claimed 8-hour wear)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Pretty Cruel (P, $4.50).
- ColourPop Awakened (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Poppin’ (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Up in the Air (LE, $6.00).
- ColourPop Resident Rep (LE, $4.50).
- Urban Decay Devilish (PiP, $19.00).
- ColourPop Fly By Night (LE, $4.50).
- Ciate Bijou (PiP, ).
- Lethal Cosmetics Imago (P, $6.00).
- ColourPop Blush Wine (PiP, $4.50).
Formula Overview
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
8.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
7.5
Longevity
5
Application
Loading
Loading is a light-medium, rosy brown with moderate, warm undertones and a pearly sheen.
- Opaque coverage
- Thin feel but emollient enough to apply evenly
- Picked up well dry brush and blended out decently
- Average longevity (7 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- NARS Copycat (LE, $19.00).
- MAC Midnight Stunner (LE, ).
- ColourPop Fine Day (LE, $4.50).
- Pat McGrath Life on Mars (LE, $25.00).
- Anastasia Aura (LE, $12.00).
- Natasha Denona Affinity (476SF) (PiP, ).
- Sephora Karoline (LE, ).
- ColourPop Feeling Flirtatious (PiP, $4.50).
- Too Faced Razzle (PiP, $16.00).
- Sydney Grace Half Moon Bay (Deep) (PiP, $6.25).
Formula Overview
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
8.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
7.5
Longevity
5
Application
Giga-Glitz
Giga-Glitz is a light-medium copper with warm, orange undertones and a frosted finish.
- Semi-sheer pigmentation
- Thin, somewhat dry, harder to pick up evenly
- Applied unevenly, had fallout, prone to sheering out
- Poor longevity (5 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Dior Mitzah #1 (PiP, ).
- Too Faced Push-up (2018) (PiP, $16.00).
- ColourPop Wild Out (LE, $4.50).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #6 (LE, ).
- Milani Afterglow (PiP, $5.99).
- Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Muse #1 (LE, ).
- Sephora Lucky Penny (220) (P, $9.00).
- Charlotte Tilbury Love Glow (Prime) (LE, ).
- Lisa Eldridge Ritual (P, $16.00).
- Sydney Grace Guardian Angels (DC, $5.00).
Formula Overview
–
MAC describes their latest formula as “one-swipe, pure pigment payoff” with a “lightweight, silky-smooth texture” that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they’re realistic!). They actually state that the formula has “up to 25% higher pigment load.” Can’t say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC’s formula didn’t swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC’s shimmers worsen over time — and they don’t seem like they’re actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they’re just… weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
4
Pigmentation
5.5
Longevity
3
Application
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