Why did I buy this? Because, despite the horrid reviews it was generally getting on the blogosphere, it didn't actually swatch too badly on me. That being said I can understand the disappointment most people expressed regarding this quad. First, the product pictures looked amazing - plums, purples, greens and grays? Yes please! I think because the shades were so dark, most people assumed they would be heavily pigmented. Well...they aren't. These are medium sheerness and being mainly matte in texture they are definitely harder to work with. I found that the best way to use these was with a light coloured primer and by patting not sweeping the shadows on in layers.
Product photos take in natural light, no flash on NC 40/45 skin tone.
MAC Evil Eye Quad (clockwise, top left): Palace Pedigreed (S), Spellcaster (M),
Evil Eye (M) and Moody (VXP)
Palace Pedigreed (S), Spellcaster (M), Evil Eye (M) and Moody (VXP)
Products Used (all MAC unless otherwise specified):
Pro Longwear concealer in NW 20/25 (mixed)
Blot Powder Loose in Medium
Paint Pot in Nubile
Evil Eye Quad
Technakohl liner in Graphblack
Fluidline liner in Blacktrack
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof mascara in Very Black
Apply concealer and set with powder. Using a flat synthethic brush apply Nubile all over the lid, buffing out at the crease avoiding the brow bone. Using a flat brush (242) apply Spellcaster in a patting motion all over the lid. Using the thin edge of the 242 apply Spellcaster to the lower lash line, tapering the shadow out towards the inner corner. Using the same brush, pack Palace Pedigreed in the center of the lid lightly blending it on the edges.
Using a crease brush (226) blend Moody into the crease and about 1/4 of the way on the lower lash line. Use the 226 to blend out the shadows, then go back with the 242 and strengthen Palace Pedigreed in the very center of the lid. Line between eyelashes with Graphblack, then using an angled brush (266) line upper lashes with Blacktrack. Curl lashes and apply mascara.
So what do you think? As terrible as all the reviews? I don't think the results are too bad, in fact considering how the shadows swatched initially, I was actually surprized how vibrant the eye turned out. While this quad isn't the easiest to work with, it pays off with a little patience.
J