MAC Eyeshadow Finishes Explained

 MAC offer a range of finishes in there eyeshadows, some are very self-explanatory but some don’t really let you know what they are going to look like. So, if you want to know the difference between velvet and frost, read on! 

Frost 

frosted, light reflective shadows  

Frost shadow have really fine glitter running through them that helps them create a gorgeous shiny effect on the skin. I've found that these shades are generally less pigmented that other but they can be built up. 

Examples include: Phloof and Romp

Lustre 

Shimmery and Pearlised

These shadows have an ultra fine shimmer running through them. When applied they offer a shimmery effect on the skin, but because of the effect I would say to avoid these on days at the office but they are beautiful and have a nice light reflective formulation. 

Examples include:  Retrospeck and Swimming

Matte

No Shimmer. No Glitter.

These shadows are high intensity colours that have no shine, sheen, shimmer or glitter. There are a variety of colours, some intense and some sheer to buildable in intensity. They can be hard to correct if you do anything wrong with them, but they do contrast well with shimmers to create a nice look for any occasion.

Examples include: Carbon and Yogurt

Matte Squared 

Silky Matte Shadows

These are very similar to matte shadows, but the formulation is slightly more silky and intense on the lid. They are free from shine, shimmer and glitter and glide on to the lid. They are blendable and last ages on the lid too.

Examples include:  Blanc Type and Fig1

Satin

Nearly Matte with subtle sheen  

These shadows are a great way to get something with a subtle sheen alongside colour intensity. They are often pigmented, free of chunky glitter and shimmer and long lasting. They are great for everyday wear, but not as dull as matte shades can be on the eye. 

Examples include:  Brule and Brun

Veluxe 

Finely Milled Matte Shadow

These shadows are great for matte lovers without messy fall out or anything like that. They are really finely milled powders that are soft and smooth. 

 Examples Include: Kid and Brown Down

Veluxe Pearl

Veluxe Shadows with a Pearly Sheen 

 Veluxe Pearl shadows are basically the finely milled formula of the regular Veluxe shadows but with a nice sheen running through them. 

Examples include: Twinks and All That Glitters

 Velvet

 Highly Pigmented with a soft finish 

 These shadows are like the Velvet fabric, in shadow form. The colours can be slightly more muted than a matte or satin finish but the soft texture makes up for it. 

Examples include: Smut and Trax