This season, sparkly eye shadows are in. A number of brands have released pumped up neutrals infused with extra glitz and micro glitter. Those who’ve followed me for a while know that I’m a bit of a glitter-phobe when it comes to glitter for blush or eyes. For some reason this year I’ve been braver in trying new things. Last month, Bobbi Brown’s Sparkle Eye Shadows and MAC’s Pressed Pigments caught my eye – it’s virtually impossible for me to resist neutral sparkles.
There have been many reviews published on these already. There is no consensus on a thumbs up or down – thoughts have been mixed. Many have commented that these are pure glitter with tons of fall out and virtually no pigment. I think this depends on how you apply these, but I generally agree that these are mostly glitz with very sheer pigment/color. You can get the color to show up better with a dense brush by patting on top of your eyes rather than doing the regular swipe/blend.
I was convinced to try the Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadows ($28 each, part of the Uber Basics Collection, limited-edition) at the Bobbi Brown counter by my favorite BB artist. She told me that I needed Black Chocolate Sparkle and that these were best used when applied over other shadows (cream or powder) or even a smudged liner. She recommended using a denser brush to pat and gently blend (rather than swipe and blend like regular shadows). Patting allows for the color to actually show up a bit better.
The MAC Pressed Pigments ($21, listed as limited) are part of the Face and Body collection released in September. I did purchase and try the new brush and did not like it at all. I found it difficult to work with and it felt stiff and harsh on my sensitive eyes. The MAC artist recommended using Brush 242 to apply these and I felt it worked perfectly to pick up the pigment and transfer it to the lids. For these I’ve been using a similar method of application: press and pat. Using a damp brush intensifies the shimmer to a metallic sheen. These are coincided with a MAC foundation shade to match skin tones but I found that I liked almost all of them on mine (I think I’m about a NC35 but I haven’t been matched in quite a few years).
I used these shadows two weeks straight – layered over other shadows lightly for a subtle added shimmer. I was really surprised to find them wearable and suitable for work (emphasis when layered lightly). I did experience a little bit of fall-out, which was expected due to the texture of these, but I found they worked a lot better for me than Urban Decay glitter shadows or even the Night Series shades from NARS. The trick is getting the right application. These definitely aren’t for everyone – but if you’re at a counter I would recommend trying just for fun. They’re borderline too glitzy for everyday – but they work for me. I love them for evening, they go well with a neutral lip/cheek or a bold lip/cheek. Photos and swatches below.
Another view of the shadows:
Swatches on the arm:
Did you try these? What were your thoughts?
warming heat is a great shade
They all are very pretty!! 😀
Neutral shimmers are so pretty. I could rock these! 😀
Okaaay. I was not a fan of glitter eye shadows. Nope. Not at all. But somehow you inspired me to give them a try. MAC Warming Heart and Day Gleam look lovely and not too glitzy to be incorporated with daytime looks.
Hi Sabrina, I theoretically enjoy the idea of glitter, especially for the holidays, but don't reach for them often. I think you bring up a good point on the application. Patting does make a huge difference over blending which inevitably leads to glitter everywhere except the eyelids. As for your swatches, Bobbi's Cement, Taupe, and Black Chocolate seem to become completely different versions of themselves with the shine with the sparkle added in!
Wow–your lovely swatches are really making me reconsider, Sabrina! For some reason, all the other reviews or swatches I've seen haven't made me want them. I don't really wear a lot of shimmer or glitter on my eyes, but the color with that sparkle…it's a lovely combination! I might have to go have a swatch at the counter!
Hi Sabrina! I am a new subscriber to your blog and I absolutely love it! I heard about it from Best Things in Beauty. This post is especially helpful to me because I own BB's Cement sparkle shadow and was having trouble getting it to layer on top of a matte shadow. I used my finger to apply but when I did, the matte shadow seemed to disappear so I was only left with sparkles on my lids. Now I know that Mac's 242 brush works well to apply these sparkle eyeshadows so it's on my buying list now. I also didnt know that Mac's pressed pigments were sparkle shadows. I love all of them and your swatches of all of the shadows are great! Gonna have to get a few of those Mac's now too!
Hi, Sabrina, I always prefer a little sparkle over matte shadows. Your swatches are super helpful, these neutrals are calling my name.
Those MAC pressed pigments look lovely. I didn't get them straight away because I figured they wouldn't be that unique, but looking at your swatches . . . they are beautiful. I can definitely see myself getting a lot of use out of them simply gently patted on the eyelids.
As always, thanks for sharing and posting all the wonderful photos.
I got Beaming and I haven't tried it yet. Your swatches are beautiful!
Beautiful swatches and photographs as always, Sabrina! I think your review may have changed my mind. I'd read so many thumbs down of both products that I thought I'd steer clear given the fact that I too often eschew glitter for more subtle illumination. If you've found a way to make these products work for you, though, I think I may have to reconsider!
♥ Jessica
Hi Sabrina!
I have and love the three Bobbi Brown shades, I find they really amp up a boring neutral look without going overboard. I've worn them to work a few times, but I totally agree with your assessment that they are more appropriate for night looks. Sidebar – wasn't Uber Basics a sleeper hit collection? I didn't think I'd like any of the products in it and I've been a big fan of all the ones I picked up.
I'm curious about the MAC Pressed Pigments; judging from your swatches however, I think I've picked the ones I'll used the most already.
Hi Sabrina!
I have and love the three Bobbi Brown shades, I find they really amp up a boring neutral look without going overboard. I've worn them to work a few times, but I totally agree with your assessment that they are more appropriate for night looks. Sidebar – wasn't Uber Basics a sleeper hit collection? I didn't think I'd like any of the products in it and I've been a big fan of all the ones I picked up.
I'm curious about the MAC Pressed Pigments; judging from your swatches however, I think I've picked the ones I'll used the most already.
I purchased BB black chocolate and returned it promptly at week's end. I applied it using a damp brush, a dry brush, a silcone tip glitter brush, and my fingers and they all gave the same result…FALLOUT galore!!! I actually had someone ask, "Why do you wear glitter all over your face?" To add insult to injury, the $28.00 price tag is outrageous for a poorly manufactured product.
Beautiful swatches!! I really like MAC pp in warming hearts, I am not too fussed about the lack of pigmentation/colour – I like to use this on top of a neutral nutty brown or just by itself for that little shimmer =)
i absolutely love the deeply dashing, its soooo amazing on my NC50 tone, im gonna try the day gleam, but i love it, i aply with a flat brush and pat it down on the eye lid and i wear it even to work, its great