21 Must-Have MAC Eyeshadows for Your Collection ...

By Amber

21 Must-Have MAC Eyeshadows for Your Collection ...

Ok ladies, how many of you obsess over MAC eyeshadows? Personally, I think MAC has some of the best shadows out there because they are super pigmented and stay on till you take them off! I have made a list of what I think are the top 21 MAC eyeshadows every girl should have. So whether you have been buying MAC products for years (in which case, you probably already own most of these), or you are just starting your own MAC collection, here are my ultimate faves and must-have shades.

Get notified about new quizzes like this.

1

VANILLA

VANILLA Starting off the list for must-have MAC eyeshadows is MAC Vanilla. This is definitely a holy grail for MAC lovers. It is an ivory shade with very slight pink undertones. It has a velvet finish, so it is more matte type of shadow. However, this shadow specifically has a teensy bit of shimmer in it, but not too much. Perfect for a natural highlight, and can brighten up any look.

UPD:

MAC Vanilla is a must-have eyeshadow for any makeup lover. It is a versatile shade that can be used to create both natural and dramatic looks. The ivory color has a slight pink undertone and a velvet finish. It is a matte type of shadow with a hint of shimmer, making it the perfect choice for a natural highlight.

This eyeshadow is great for everyday use. It is easy to blend and can be applied lightly for a subtle look or built up for a more intense effect. MAC Vanilla is also highly pigmented and long-lasting, so you don't have to worry about it fading throughout the day.

Since this shade is so versatile, it can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a base color, a highlight, or even to create a smokey eye. You can also pair it with other shadows to create more complex looks.

MAC Vanilla is an essential eyeshadow for any makeup lover. It is a great choice for those who want a natural look or those who want to experiment with more dramatic looks. Its versatility and long-lasting wear make it an ideal choice for any makeup collection.

2

SHROOM

SHROOM This shadow is a lovely light beige with hint of shimmer. It has a satin finish, which means that it is not too frosty or too matte. It is a happy medium between the two, and gives a beautiful finish. It's common for satin shades to vary in finish, so just be mindful when buying. It is also a very neutral shade, so it doesn't really have any undertones, unlike it's sister shade Nylon, which has gold undertones.

Frequently asked questions

Your collection should include a variety of MAC eyeshadows that suit your style and preferences, but there are certain shades known for their versatility and popularity. These may include neutral tones for everyday wear, bold colors for statement looks, and classics like shimmery highlights and deep mattes for contouring the eyes.

Yes, there are MAC eyeshadows that particularly flatter fair skin tones. Look for shades with soft pigmentation, like light pinks, soft browns, and gentle shimmers that can enhance your natural complexion without overpowering it.

The most popular MAC eyeshadow colors often include timeless neutrals, versatile browns, and iconic shades like vibrant blues or rich purples that many people love for creating a variety of eye looks.

To choose the best MAC eyeshadows for your makeup kit, think about the colors you wear most often, the occasions you dress up for, and the eyeshadow finishes that you prefer, such as matte or shimmer. It's a good idea to have a mix of shades for versatility.

Adding MAC eyeshadows to your collection can be beneficial because they are known for their high-quality pigments, blend-ability, and wide range of colors. Having a few select MAC shadows can help you create professional-looking makeup looks for different occasions.

3

MYSTERY

MYSTERY Another staple satin shade is MAC Mystery. This is more of a muted black-brown color, and doesn't have too much of a sheen to it. MAC satin shades usually range from more frosty to almost completely matte finishes. In this case, Mystery is wonderful to use for a smokey eye because it leans more to the matte side. It is easier to blend with other shades, and gives you the perfect smoky effect. Although it is almost identical to MAC Brun, I find Mystery to be the softer shade, as well as the easiest to work with.

4

NYLON

NYLON Moving on, we have Mac Nylon. This is a pale gold shimmery shadow, and is very pigmented! It is considered a frost finish, which means it contains small shimmery particles that give it a shiny, metallic appearance. Use it in the inner corners of your eyes and it's sure to make your eyes pop.

UPD:

Mac Nylon is a great choice for adding a subtle yet eye-catching shimmer to your look. Its pale gold shade is perfect for brightening up the inner corners of your eyes and giving them an extra pop. The frost finish also helps to give your eyes a metallic appearance. This eyeshadow is highly pigmented and easy to blend, making it a great choice for all types of makeup looks. It is also long-lasting and resistant to fading, so you can be sure that your look will stay put all day. With its versatile color and finish, Mac Nylon is definitely a must-have in your makeup collection.

5

NAKED LUNCH

NAKED LUNCH This is a minimal pink with a hint of shimmer. It is a frost finish, like the MAC Nylon. I love this as a lid shade because it is subtle and sweet, so it's great if your going for a minimal look. It is a neutral color you can pair with with various other shades.

Famous Quotes

If you have a harem of 40 women, you never get to know any of them very well.

Warren Buffett
6

PATINA

PATINA Depending on your skin color, this can be a very neutral shade, almost skin tone shade. MAC describes it as a taupe brown with a gold pearl finish. It is yet another one of the frost finish shadows. But again, depending on your skin tone it can appear more or less shimmery.

UPD:

PATINA is a versatile eyeshadow, suitable for a variety of skin tones. It is a taupe brown with a golden pearl finish, giving it a subtle shimmer. Its frost finish makes it easy to blend and build up, allowing it to be used for a variety of looks. It can be used as a transition shade, a lid color, or even a subtle highlight. PATINA is a must-have for any eyeshadow collection, as its neutral shade and frost finish make it extremely versatile.

7

SATIN TAUPE

SATIN TAUPE This shade is a dark taupe color with a metallic frost finish. It can be a great day shadow, AND a night shadow, depending on what you pair it with. Also, depending on your skin tone it may look lighter or darker. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful shade overall, and a good one to have.

8

AMBER LIGHTS

AMBER LIGHTS This is probably one of the frostiest Mac eyeshadows. It is a beautiful peachy-brown color with lots of shimmer. This is great to wear if you are going for a more vibrant and intense look, rather than a soft neutral look. This looks amazing on brown eyes because of how bright and pigmented it is. The gold in this shadow really compliments the eyes, and brings them a lot of attention.

9

CORK

CORK Dubbed a medium matte finish brown, this is a great basic shade. It is great for blending in your crease, or for filling in in your eyebrows (for which I only recommend matte shades, because they look the most natural)… This is definitely one to have if you are going for a natural look.

10

WOODWINKED

WOODWINKED This lovely shade a veluxe pearl finish, meaning it is very buttery and pigmented, and looks quite metallic. It is one of my favorites! It's bronze brown, so it is great for a day look, or a night look. For a day look, you can pair it with other subtle shades. As for a night look, you can pair it with darker tones. Either way, it is a fabulous shadow, and an absolute must-have.

UPD:

WOODWINKED is a veluxe pearl finish eyeshadow from the popular cosmetics brand MAC. This beautiful bronze brown shade is great for both day and night looks. For a day look, it can be paired with other subtle shades, while for a night look, it can be paired with darker tones. The eyeshadow is very buttery and pigmented, and looks quite metallic.

MAC is a leading cosmetics brand that is known for its high-quality products. Its eyeshadows are loved by makeup enthusiasts all over the world for their long-lasting wear and amazing color payoff. This veluxe pearl finish eyeshadow is no exception, and it is sure to become a staple in your makeup collection.

WOODWINKED is a versatile eyeshadow that is perfect for creating both subtle and bold looks. It can be used to create a natural, everyday look or a dramatic, evening look. It can be applied with a brush or with your fingertips, and can be blended easily for a seamless finish.

11

EXPENSIVE PINK

EXPENSIVE PINK Now I have never been much of a pink girl, but I have fallen in love with this shade! It is a can be worn day or night, because it is a versatile shade. It is a shimmery warm pink with a veluxe pearl finish. It has tiny hints of gold in it, but nothing too crazy. It looks great blended with darker pinks, plums, and browns. But there are plenty of other combinations that would look amazing.

12

TWINKS

TWINKS Another one of my favorites, is MAC Twinks. It is a beautiful deep plum shade with a veluxe pearl finish. It is great for blending, and not as metallic as other deluxe pearl shades. I love to wear this during the fall season because it is a great color with a soft, subtle sheen. Perfect as an all over lid color, or great as a transition shade.

13

KNIGHT DIVINE

KNIGHT DIVINE Yet another veluxe pearl finish shadow? My, my, my! This sultry, deep, shimmery grey is another fabulous shadow to have on hand. This looks stunning when worn with MAC Electra in the inner corner, and smudged out with MAC Carbon in the outer corner. These three together make a killer smokey eye, and make for a very mysterious and sultry look.

14

TEMPTING

TEMPTING Declared a luster finish, this lovely, rich, dark cocoa gives some warmth with a bit of shimmer. Now, any die-hard MAC lover will advise you to steer clear of Luster eyeshadows. They tend to have a bad rap because their dry, chunky glitter texture can cause a lot of fallout. Still, this is the one Luster shadow that is a must-have. Still worried about fallout? Use a fixing spray to keep the powder in place, and to make it easier to apply to your eyes.

UPD:

This MAC Luster eyeshadow is a must-have for any makeup lover. It is a deep cocoa with a luster finish that adds warmth and a bit of shimmer to any look. Despite the bad rap that Luster shadows have, this one is definitely worth trying. To avoid fallout, use a fixing spray to keep the powder in place and make it easier to apply. The rich color and shimmer of this eyeshadow will make any look stand out and will make it a favorite in your collection.

15

All That Glitters

eye,eye shadow,face,organ,human body, I love shimmery eyeshadow! It makes your eyes glow and pop, plus, since its MAC, the sparkle lasts for hours! All That Glitters will provide your eyes with a sultry, enticing look as well as bring out the color in your eyes.

UPD:

MAC's All That Glitters eyeshadow is an essential for any makeup collection. It is a shimmery, golden shade that adds a subtle sparkle to the eyes. This shade is great for any eye color, as it will bring out the natural color of your eyes and make them look brighter. It is highly pigmented and long-lasting, ensuring that your look will stay put all day. Additionally, it is easy to apply and blend, so you can create a variety of looks for any occasion. All That Glitters is a must-have for any makeup enthusiast, as it will add a touch of glamour to any look.

16

Kid

eye,eye shadow,powder,organ,cheek, A simple staple for ladies with a light brown complexion is MAC’s, Kid eyeshadow. You can use it by itself to create a natural look, or in combination with a dark smoky eye to smooth out the creases and blend it into your natural skin tone.

UPD:

Kid is an eyeshadow from the iconic brand MAC Cosmetics. It is a light brown shade that is perfect for ladies with a light brown complexion. It is a great eyeshadow to use on its own to create a natural look, or as part of a smoky eye look. The eyeshadow is highly pigmented and long-lasting, making it a great choice for a long day or night out. It also has a velvety texture that is easy to blend, allowing for a seamless application. Kid is a must-have for any makeup collection and is sure to become a staple in your routine.

17

Ground Brown

MAC Cosmetics,eye,organ,eye shadow,cheek, Ground Brown is the ideal brown eyeshadow! Brown eyeshadow belongs in every girl's makeup collection, so you might as well choose the best! This deep, warm color makes your lashline look thicker and your eyes look sexier. It's perfect for both a night out, or a day at the office.

UPD:

Ground Brown is a stunning, warm brown eyeshadow from MAC Cosmetics. It's perfect for adding depth and definition to your eyes, whether you're going out for a night on the town or just heading into the office. Its deep, rich color makes your eyes look brighter and sexier, and its long-lasting formula ensures that your look will last all day. Ground Brown is a must-have for any makeup enthusiast, and it's sure to become a staple in your collection.

18

Trax

eye,cheek,eye shadow,organ,face powder, Trax is MAC's super pink, super sparkly eyeshadow designed for the bold at heart! It's definitely noticeable, and looks spectacular paired with other colors or blended into the crease.

19

Goldbit

eye,organ,eye shadow,human body,circle, The classic gold shadow has an element of glamour unmatched by any other eye shadow color! Among many beautiful gold eyeshadows, I would say that one of the best comes from MAC. It's natural enough so that you don't look like a circus performer, but daring enough so that people will notice your shimmering eyelids with every bat of your eyelashes!

UPD:

MAC's Goldbit eyeshadow is a must-have for any makeup lover's collection. It's a classic gold color that adds a touch of glamour to any look. The formula is soft and blendable, and it has a subtle shimmer that catches the light with every blink. It's perfect for creating a subtle, natural look or for adding a bit of drama to your eye makeup. It also pairs well with other shades, making it a great choice for creating unique eye looks. With its long-lasting wear and beautiful color payoff, Goldbit is an essential eyeshadow for any makeup lover.

20

Rose Gold

man made object,cup,lighting,tin can,drinkware, This eye shadow looks different from the rest because it IS different! It is a combination of rosy and gold pigments that looks stunning on every skin tone and type! Pigment adheres to your skin better than most eyeshadows, doesn't streak or cake, and is easy to blend. MAC’s Rose Gold pigment is certain to change the way you think about makeup.

UPD:

MAC's Rose Gold pigment is truly a unique eyeshadow that is sure to stand out in any makeup collection. The combination of rosy and gold pigments creates a beautiful, shimmery hue that looks stunning on all skin tones and types. The pigment is highly blendable and won't streak or cake, making it easy to apply. It also adheres to the skin better than most eyeshadows, so you can be sure it will stay in place all day. With its unique color and long-lasting wear, Rose Gold is a must-have for any makeup enthusiast.

21

CARBON

CARBON And last but most certainly not least, we have the matte Carbon shadow. You really only need one black eyeshadow in your collection, and this has to be the best. Because it is a matte eyeshadow, it is perfect for blending and wonderful for a smoky look. It is similar to Nehru, however is doesn't seem to have the same subtle blue tint to it.

So there you have it ladies. These are the 21 basic must-have MAC eyeshadows that will make a perfect starter palette. Yes, they are pretty neutral tones, but that is what makes them so versatile and great! What are some of your favorite shades and finishes?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Those who are new to eye make up neutral eye shadow is the way to go like myself

There are so many superior black eyeshadows to MAC Carbon, even in the drug store wet n wild is better. You could have added another more interesting shade.

Copperplate is my favourite from Mac

I love Satin Taupe, Cork, Soft Brown, Woodwinked, and any of the matte finishes.

Omfg. These are all so neutral, how boring

YAWN!!!! Boring neutrals. Show me purples, pinks, greens, blues and teals! Now those are pretty!

For any eyeshadow beginners like myself who are teens, I recommend Stila's Kitten.

@Amber Bello , blue and mauve are also versatile , so is mild green

Related Topics

beauty staple loreal paris riche stylo eye shadow primped bare minerals powder flapper bob best all day eyeliner top dark circles under eyes treatment top rated tinted moisturizer for oily skin eyeshadow palettes worth buying top liquid foundations color le stylo smoky eye bottomless

Popular Now