MAC eyeshadow has long been a staple of makeup artists, celebs, and real women alike, beloved for its heavily-pigmented formula – which ensures that what you see in the pot is what you get on your lids upon application. A trip to the MAC cosmetics counter brings us back to those kid-in-a-candy-store days: the array of colors, from vibrant jewel tones to shimmery nudes and bronzes, makes it nearly impossible to pick just one. Our one caveat? That $14 price point – after the first two or three purchases, our candy craving turns into a bit of a stomachache (at MACcosmetics.com).
Now there’s a way to get the rich look of MAC’s premium eyeshadows at a much sweeter price. Like their MAC counterparts, the shadows from L’Oreal’s new HiP (that stands for “High Intensity Pigments��?) line are highly concentrated – designed to glide on evenly and last all day. Bonus: each pot contains two different, complimentary shades, such as “Wicked��?, a soft taupe/vibrant lilac combo that looks great layered together or worn separately. For half the price of one MAC shadow, you can get two L’Oreal shades in one (from $7, at Ulta.com.)
A long-lasting, concentrated formulation is the perfect partner for this season’s fresh color palette. Many designers sent models down the runway sporting a sheer wash of bold color over lids, paired with dewy skin and nude lips. To make this runway look work in real life, use a neutral shadow as a base color all over the eyelid up to the crease, and apply a dab of a brighter hue just to the center of lids. Or for a super-glam evening look, use an electric shade of purple, turquoise, or green as a liner: line eyes with your standard black or brown pencil, then dip a dampened eyeliner brush into shadow and trace over your existing line. Finish with two coats of mascara and prepare to mesmerize.
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Comments
There’s a reason why L’Oreal’s HIP Eyeshadow is half the price of MAC’s - It’s half as good. It is definitely not as heavily pigmented as Mac, neither is it comparable; especially on darker skinned women. If you must use drugstore brands, I would recommend Lumene or Rimmel Eyeshadows over L’Oreal’s HIP. Just because its name includes high pigments doesn’t mean it is. It doesn’t even seem as though the recommender has used the product!
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I love MAC. Some might say I’m an addict. The great thing about MAC is you can go in and try on all the shades of everything before buying. Plus the shadows stay on forever and never crease. I’ve woken up the next morning and had picture-perfect eyemakeup on.
I’ve thought about getting the HIP shadows… but I like the try-before-you-buy aspect of MAC. I think the best thing to do is make a friend that works at MAC and use her discount.
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You found my beauty secret!!! I am a huge fan of mixing products. While I love MAC., it can get a bit pricey. HIP products are great. So many times, people ask if I got the color at MAC and I say yes! I get my staple products from MAC like the primer and base but when I want to play with a funky color I use HIP. The key is to know look at the undertone of the product to determine what will look best with your complexion. My complexion is light brown and most of the colors work well for me. Plus I only get HIP when it’s on sale at Ulta (2 for 1) or at the drugstore, that way I’m not devastated if a color doesn’t work or I just combine the color to make a whole new shade!
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I read on the “Real Simple” website that more expensive eyeshadows are more finely milled. This is why they last longer. It seems to be true. I tried a cheap eyeshadow from the drugstore (can’t remember what brand) and it seemed to last for about a half hour. MAC lasts all day. Sephora=in between the aforementioned two eyeshadows.
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I would like to add to my previous comments regarding eyeshadows. The drugstore brand was Almay. I tried the Sephora brand for a second time yesterday.(the giraffe palette=$26). It lasts about an hour and is very faint upon application. I am so disappointed in the Sephora palette that I am going to try to return it this weekend.
