MAC is a brand that until recently, I’d never used. The reason for this was purely because the products have always seemed quite expensive compared to other brands. However, after joining a blogger group on Facebook for makeup swaps and sales, I managed to pick up one of the MAC Longwear Paint Pots for a reduced price. I couldn’t have been more excited because MAC is a brand that’s been on my makeup ‘must-try’ list for a while.
Normally £16 per Paint Pot, MAC’s most popular eyeshadow pots are a little pricey. However, after testing out my new Paint Pot in Perky, I can see why the price is so high, and that’s because the quality is high. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of different things, from priming and lining the eyelids to being used as a standalone eyeshadow.
From the MAC UK website: A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. The next generation of a popular M·A·C formula, Paint Pots maintains all the intense traits of its inspiration. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners.
What I love about the MAC paint pots is the fact that they come in a range of shades – 23 to be exact, and a range of finishes; satin, pearl, cream and frost. My pot, Perky, is a beautiful pinky-peach colour and comes in a satin finish that adds a warm, pinky wash to my lids. Because it’s a vibrant shade, Perky looks lovely when worn alone on my lids as well as when used as a base for pink-toned powder shadows.
The formula is beautifully soft and creamy, making it super easy to apply and blend. Because of how pigmented it is a little goes a very long way, so although the pots are small, they last well. Sometimes, I like to apply the ‘paint’ to my lids and then add a dusting of light, shimmery shadow to add a little sparkle.
For applying the shadow, I tend to swap between my two shadow brushes – one large and one small. You could use your finger to apply it, but I find that using a brush is more effective. My brushes of choice are So Eco brushes, they’re made from natural fibres and are lovely and fluffy, so not only pick up the colour well but also are great for blending.
A word to the wise, because the formula is cream based, if you leave the lid off it can easily dry out. That’s why, each time after use, it’s essential to pop the lid back on ensuring that it’s tightly screwed into place. If you do forget to put the lid back on, all is not lost. All you need to do is pop the jar into the microwave for 10 seconds and the formula will soon soften up again.
Because the packaging is quite heavy and made of glass, MAC Paint Pots aren’t ideal for travel. However, that’s the only fault I can find with them. They’re easy to work with, blend well, are long-lasting and water-resistant, plus they are highly pigmented and come in a range of beautiful colours. What’s not to love?
£16 a pot might seem like a lot, but because of how pigmented the shadows are, you’ll only need to use a tiny amount each time. This means that one pot could easily last you for a few months, maybe longer. I don’t normally go for pricey products, but MAC Paint Pots are most definitely worth the cost. If there’s one makeup bag essential every gal should have, it has to be a paint pot.
Leave a Reply