The 12 Best MAC Eyeshadows Of 2024, According To A Makeup Artist

Luxury makeup essentials that are easily blendable into the skin and can be used by all.

Reviewed by Grace Ko, Makeup Artist Grace Ko Grace KoMakeup Artist insta_icon
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Fact-checked by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature) Madhumati Chowdhury MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Last Updated on
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The best M.A.C eyeshadows are highly pigmented, easily blendable, and extremely long-lasting. M.A.C is a leading celebrity-endorsed cosmetic brand that caters to various skin tones and types. Their wide range of shades is well-liked by consumers all over the globe. They cater to the needs of a large group of people, irrespective of skin color, age, or gender. These versatile eyeshadow palettes are used by professionals and amateurs alike. What’s more? The brand is cruelty-free too. So, go ahead and check out the best M.A.C eyeshadows available right now. These eyeshadows have garnered rave reviews from customers on various forums. Scroll down.

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Travel-Friendly:M.A.C Eye Shadow X 9: Amber Times Nine
Price on Amazon
Best Matte Finish:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Brun
Price on Amazon
Best Highly Pigmented Formula:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Naked Lunch
Price on Amazon
Best Easy To Apply:M.A.C Semi-Sweet Times Nine
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Wearing:M.A.C Small Eye Shadow – Satin Taupe
Price on Amazon
Best Refillable:M.A.C Dusty Rose Times Nine
Price on Amazon
Best Buildable:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Vanilla
Price on Amazon
Best Crease-Proof:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Charcoal Brown
Price on Amazon
Best No-Fading:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Yogurt
Price on Amazon
Best Coverage:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Sketch
Price on Amazon

12 Best M.A.C Eyeshadows

1. Best Travel-Friendly:M.A.C Eye Shadow X 9: Amber Times Nine

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4.4
M Image: Maccosmetics

The M.A.C Eye Shadow X 9: Amber Times Nine is a compact palette with nine different shades in neutral colors. From matted dull gray and frosty peach to velvety bronze, this palette covers basic colors with luxurious finishes, such as frosty, matte, and satin. It is suitable for daily wear or office makeup. This palette fits in the bag easily for touch-ups throughout the day. The pigments are intense, blendable, and vibrant for a night out or a party. If you are an absolute beginner, this video detailing a tester’s experience of using this eyeshadow might help you.

Pros

  • Travel-friendly
  • Suitable for daily wear

Cons

  • None
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 322 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

2. Best Matte Finish:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Brun

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4.6
M.A.C Eye Shadow – Brun Image: Mac

The M.A.C Eyeshadow – Brun is a gorgeous shade of medium to dark brown with a matte finish. It goes well with both neutral and cool tones and lasts up to 8 hours without fading. This versatile color can be used to create all kinds of looks – be it a simple nude look or a dramatic smokey eye. Its smooth texture blends well without streaking or creasing. This eyeshadow can be used both wet or dry and is safe for people who wear contact lenses. It is also tested by ophthalmologists, so it will not cause eye irritation.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Matte finish
  • Intense color payoff
  • Lasts up to 8 hours
  • Smudge-proof
  • No fading
  • Streak-free
  • Crease-proof
  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Safe for contact lens wearers

Cons

  • None

3. Best Highly Pigmented Formula:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Naked Lunch

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4.5

This shimmery champagne shade of peach imparts a dewy, luminous look. It also works well as a transition shade. The warm-toned, neutral peach has a frosty finish that lasts for 8 hours with minimal fallout. This eyeshadow blends well and gives a subtle sheen that makes your eye color pop. The highly pigmented powder formula can be used either wet or dry for a refined and sophisticated look. This eyeshadow is a popular staple among makeup artists for its versatility.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Lasts up to 8 hours
  • Minimum fallout
  • Frosty finish
  • Can be used wet and dry

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use your finger to apply the eyeshadow to your lids as it can transfer more pigment than a brush. You can later use a brush to blend the shadow further on your eyes.

M.A.C Eye Shadow X 9: Amber Times Nine
Best Travel-Friendly
M.A.C Eye Shadow – Brun
Best Matte Finish
M.A.C Eye Shadow – Naked Lunch
Best Highly Pigmented Formula
Color Gold/Grey Brun-
Dimensions 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches 2.36 x 2.36 x 1.18 inches 19.69 x 19.69 x 11.02 inches
Weight 2.4 Ounces 0.1 Ounces 0.32 Ounces
Rating
Reviews322580273
Price$30.8$23.77$21.23

4. Best Easy To Apply:M.A.C Semi-Sweet Times Nine

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4.5
M.A.C Eyeshadow x 9 Semi-Sweet Times Image: Mac
Now 12% Off

From creamy beige and mocha brown to matte pink and intense black, this eyeshadow palette from M.A.C has it all. This travel-sized palette is definitely a keeper. The eyeshadow is soft, blendable, super-pigmented, and easy to apply. It can be used both dry or wet and lasts up to 12 hours. The light corduroy beige shade in this eyeshadow palette is quite popular. Check out this video that features a reviewer’s experience with this palette for a detailed idea of it.

Pros

  • Lasts up to 12 hours
  • Travel-friendly
  • Can be used wet and dry

Cons

  • None

5. Best Long-Wearing:M.A.C Small Eye Shadow – Satin Taupe

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4.5
M.A.C Small Eye Shadow – Satin Taupe Image: Mac

This powder-based eyeshadow from M.A.C in a lovely grayish purple shade is a must-have in your collection. Satin eyeshadows in semi-matte or frosty finishes are stylish and versatile. This eyeshadow is long-wearing and has a soft texture. Its crease-free color is universally flattering for most skin tones. The mauve undertone is a show-stopper without being too dramatic or glaring.

Pros

  • Crease-free
  • Long-wearing

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Quick Tip
Do not skip on prepping your eyelids with a primer if you want your eyeshadow to last all day long.

6. Best Refillable:M.A.C Dusty Rose Times Nine

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4.2

The M.A.C Dusty Rose Times Nine in nine different shades can be used to create endless looks. This pocket-sized palette is super handy and refillable. The colors are in different finishes – satin, frost, and matte. These pigments are well saturated and can be used both wet or dry.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Refillable
  • Revel-friendly
  • Can be used wet and dry

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
You can contour your face with a nude eyeshadow palette. Just pick up a shade that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone and use a brush to contour your cheekbones.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 475 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

7. Best Buildable:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Vanilla

The M.A.C Eye Shadow in Vanilla is a staple favorite among makeup enthusiasts. This beautiful light beige with a hint of pink has a soft, delicate texture. It is buildable and has good pigmentation that compliments warm tones. The satin finish is flirty and feminine – perfect for a romantic date night. Many reviewers agree that this eyeshadow imparts a luminous effect to the eyes without being too shimmery.

Pros

  • Buildable
  • Satin finish

Cons

  • None

8. Best Crease-Proof:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Charcoal Brown

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4.5

The M.A.C Eye Shadow in Charcoal Brown is perfect for everyday wear. It is well-pigmented and has a smooth texture. This eye-catching muted brown shade blends effortlessly without creasing. The matte finish is suitable for yellow undertones. This eyeshadow is a great base shade for a sultry brown smokey eye, which is mildly dramatic but as effective as the intense dark smokey eye. You can use this product to line the upper eyelid for a defined look.

Pros

  • Matte finish
  • Good blendability
  • Crease-proof

Cons

  • None

9. Best No-Fading:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Yogurt

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4.6
M.A.C Eye Shadow – Yogurt Image: Mac

This chalky pink shade is suitable for light skin tones. The matte finish lasts for up to 7 hours without fading or creasing. The neutral base can be used for creating cute and playful looks. This eyeshadow works well with bold colors and blends easily. It highlights the eyes, making them look big and bright.

Pros

  • Matte finish
  • Lasts up to 7 hours
  • No fading
  • No creasing

Cons

  • None

10. Best Coverage:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Sketch

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4.7
M.A.C Eye Shadow – Sketch Image: Mac

If you want to try the plum smokey eye, this eyeshadow is your best bet. The medium-dark brownish burgundy shade has a royal feel. The eyeshadow has a satin finish, is super blendable, and delivers exceptional results. It offers rich coverage that lasts for 8 hours. This product can be used on the crease but works best as the outer corner color for that classic look.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Lasts up to 8 hours
  • Satin finish

Cons

  • None

11. Best Versatile:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Sweet Heat

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4.4

This sheer metallic highlight shade eyeshadow lasts up to six hours and gives you a soft, peachy nude look with a hint of shimmer. It works well on the inner corners of the eyes. This liquid-powder eyeshadow with prismatic reflections has high color payoff and blends smoothly. It complements warm undertones and offers a versatile effect – from sheer crystallized light to polished metallic.

Pros

  • Lasts up to 6 hours
  • Contains prismatic reflections

Cons

  • None

12. Best Seamless:M.A.C Eye Shadow – Espresso

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4.6
M.A.C Eye Shadow – Espresso Image: Mac

The M.A.C Eye Shadow in Espresso is a dark brownish shade with a matte finish. It works well for smokey eyes as it is well pigmented and blends seamlessly. This eyeshadow is super versatile and can be used as an eyeliner for everyday looks. Its smooth texture is a suitable base for a nude makeup look. This warm-toned eyeshadow doubles as a brow filler as it blends well without being glaring. It lasts up to 8 hours without creasing or fading.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Lasts up to 8 hours
  • No creasing
  • No fading
  • Matte finish

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Infographic: How To Choose The Best MAC Eyeshadow

If you like creating expressive eye looks, the right eyeshadow is what you need. Makeup lovers rave about MAC eyeshadows as they are highly pigmented and have amazing staying power. If you are looking at investing in one, check out the infographic below to learn what to consider when buying a MAC eyeshadow.

How To Choose The Best MAC Eyeshadow (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

M.A.C is one of the most trusted beauty brands available in the market. M.A.C. eyeshadows are expertly crafted to be long-lasting. They blend easily on your skin without causing irritations. Many makeup enthusiasts trust M.A.C because the brand is best for touch-ups and heavy makeup as well. Though their eyeshadow palettes are priced at the higher end, they can be used to create a lot of great looks. For instance, the M.A.C Eye Shadow X 9: Amber Times Nine offers a versatile warm-toned palette, while the M.A.C Eye Shadow – Brun provides a deep matte brown shade, and the M.A.C Semi-Sweet Times Nine features a mix of neutral and brown shades. The best part is, many M.A.C eyeshadows are also the best for people who wear contact lenses. You should choose M.A.C eyeshadows that don’t form creases or cracks after use. A few of their limited edition featuring metallic and neutral shades are also worth a try. However, remember to test the eyeshadow on a small patch of your skin to check for allergies before applying it directly to your lids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MAC have good eyeshadows?

Yes, MAC offers good eyeshadows that are richly pigmented and creaseless. They offer great longevity and blend well with your skin.

Are MAC eyeshadows long lasting?

Yes, MAC eyeshadows are long-lasting and offer minimal fallout. They can stay up to eight hours.

Is Mac eyeshadow better than Urban Decay?

Both MAC and Urban Decay offer unique features in their eyeshadow palettes. While MAC offers great color payoff and blends well, Urban Decay’s eyeshadows have better texture.

Which MAC eyeshadow is best for green eyes?

People with green eyes can go for MAC eyeshadows with red undertones or earthy shades. MAC’s duo chrome or Metallic eyeshadows also look great on green eyes.

Do eyeshadows expire?

Yes, eyeshadows expire in two to three years. Therefore, it is recommended to replace eyeshadows within a year or two.

What is the best MAC eyeshadow color for brown eyes?

MAC eyeshadows with silver tones complement brown eyes well. Gold, rose gold, and shimmery yellow MAC eyeshadows can also work wonders on brown eyes.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya is a certified makeup techniques guide and has compiled this list of the best MAC eye shadows to enhance your makeup game. These eye shadows are highly pigmented and blend smoothly for a professional look. These products have been handpicked after carefully analyzing their user reviews and suitability for different skin tones. A buying guide has also been prepared to help you choose the best product.

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Grace Ko
Grace KoMakeup Artist
Grace has been a professional makeup artist for 5 years. Her tryst with makeup started as a hobby and developed into something more. She experimented with all sorts of makeup looks on herself and posted pictures on social media.

Read full bio of Grace Ko
Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Srijita De
Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

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Madhumati Chowdhury
Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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