I apologise that this is a such a picture heavy post. It took me two goes to try and get these swatches, it's the only downsides to liking so many duochrome shades.
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| Natural light |
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| Flash |
Stars N' Rockets
This isn't strictly speaking a duochrome in the true sense of the word but it does look different depending on the light. It's a pinky lilac and there's something about it that makes me think of ultra violet light. It's a fascinating colour but it is a little sheer. I sometimes find it needs a bit of packing on. One of my favourite ways to wear it is in the crease with Vex on the lid.
Brule
One of my earliest and most used MAC eyeshadow. This is more of a work-horse for me. I always like to have a flesh coloured beige in my collection. I use it as a base to even out the lid. I use it as a lid colour with something like Omega in the crease for a simple defined eye look. One of the ways I use it most frequently though is to blend out hard edges and as a natural highlight. I have Orb eyeshadow which is quite similar but I favour Brule as it's closer to my own skin colour.......which obviously makes it a nightmare to swatch!
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| Stars N Rockets, Brule, Vex, Omega, Trax, Club |
Vex
This was also very difficult to capture in photographs. Thid is a duochrome shade which is a pale green in one light and a beautiful opalescent peach in others. I failed to really pick up the peach colour but you can see the opalescent sheen. In true poor workman style I'm going to blame the winter lighting and not my lack of photography skill!
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| Vex, Omega |
The first time I spotted this at MAC, I swatched it, thought it was a bit meh and walked away. I regretted it as soon as I got outside in full sunlight and really saw the duochrome. I've already mentioned that I like wearing this with Stars N' Rockets. I also wear it with Club which makes a really interesting eye look as they're both duochromes. If you need anymore ideas on pairings you should take a look at Love Audrey's excellent post here.
Omega
This isn't much to look at as a swatch it has to be said! It's a little non-descript but like Brule this is a bit of a work-horse for me. It works well as a natural crease colour. I also use it as a brow powder when I'm not in the mood for a pencil. I suspect it is similar to Wedge but I don't have it compare to. It's a matte beige brown, it's not going to light any fires but it's proved to be good purchase for me.
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| Vex, Omega, Trax, Club |
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| Vex, Omega, Trax, Club |
Trax
This is a colour I picked up on a whim when I spotted it at Bicester. This is another that isn't a duochrome but it can look quite different in colour depending on how you apply it. It's a plum with bronze shimmer. You can play up the bronze by applying it over a bronze cream base (you can see a Pixiwoo tutorial here though I confess I bought and parted with Powersurge pencil). It seems to have a bad reputation but I can't remember if the complaints were about colour or consistency. It is a little sheer which you can see from the swatches but I do like it from a plum smoky eye.
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| Omega, Trax, Club |
Club
I have posted looks with this before and I think this is probably my favourite of all of my MAC eyeshadows. It's described as a reddish brown duochrome with opalescent green shimmer. I use this in the crease sometimes but my favourite way to wear it is on it's all over the lid and up in to the crease. It makes a really easy sultry eye. There a few good dupes out there too. I know MUA and Accessorize both have really similar colours. They're worth investigating if you're looking for a cheaper alternative.
Satin Taupe
I've completely forgotten to include this in the photos but you can see swatches in my recent post here. It's a really popular shade and what can I say, you didn't think you'd get away without me including at least one taupe did you?
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| Satin Taupe is on the right |
And finally the ones I don't get..
Woodwinked -This frequently appears on MAC must have lists. I think it really depends on your colouring whether this will work for you. On me it looked truly terrible. It's a beautiful colour but if you struggle with golds this might not be for you.
Carbon - I have this and I don't really understand the hype. I think it's quite chalky and sheer and I'm sure there are better black eyeshadows out there.
Gleam - I bought this with the promise that it would make my blue eyes 'pop'. I think it's too warm for me plus it's a lustre finish. The lustre finishes are so annoying: they're glittery and have virtually no pay off. I learned a lesson after buying this. Always check the finish before going to the till!
Naked Lunch - Another very popular colour. On me this is just ok. I don't reach for it often and I much prefer Boots No.7 Wheatsheaf if I'm looking for a light, shimmery neutral.
I hope this is useful. I have a feeling this end bit just makes me sound like a grumpy so and so! Do you have an extensive MAC collection? Which are your favourites and do you have any that makes you go meh?
