Over the years, I’ve tried a ton of cream eyeshadows, but MAC Paint Pots remain my all time favorite. With over 25 shades to choose from, it can be difficult deciding on just one. So, today I’m talking about 8 neutral shades that everyone needs in their collection!
Each Paint Pot retails for $22 (0.17 oz), and can be purchased everywhere MAC Cosmetics are sold. Like any cream product, you’ll want to store these tightly closed, otherwise they can dry out. But, the good news is, the formula tends to last about 2 years before it starts to change.
Once upon a time, there wasn’t much competition for Paint Pots, but today there are quite a few options to choose from. Although I have my drugstore favs, the easy to blend formula of MAC is what keeps me coming back again and again. They are powerful enough to be worn on their own (as a light wash of color), or underneath separate shadows as a primer.
TIP: For lighter coverage, use your fingers to apply. For more opaque coverage, reach for a synthetic eye brush!
MOST USE PAINT POTS
SOFT OCHRE
Soft Ochre is a yellow beige, that’s perfect for concealing discoloration on the lids. It instantly gives the eyes a more rested appearance, and is the shade I reach for the most. If you’re short on time, simply apply this, add some mascara, and you’re good to go!
BARE STUDY
Bare Study is a pearlescent beige, with a frosty finish. It can be worn alone, for a light luminous look, or paired with similar shadows for an extra boost of glow. My favorite shadows to pair it with, are MAC Jest and ColourPop Liar Liar.
PAINTERLY
I’m often asked about the differences between Painterly and Soft Ochre, so here’s a quick tip. If you’re yellow toned, choose Soft Ochre, if you have pink undertones, choose Painterly. I have yellow/neutral undertones, so while I can wear both, I prefer Soft Ochre.
INDIANWOOD
Indianwood is the prettiest all over lid shade! The formula is super pigmented, and it leaves behind a luminous wash of color. I love to pair it with a matte crease shade, and dark brown liner. It’s the perfect balance between natural, and smokey!
PAINT POTS GREAT FOR PAIRING
RUBENESQUE
This peachy pink is a cult favorite among MAC fans, because there’s no other shade like it. In the pot it looks like a basic orange, but on the lids it transforms into a golden peachy pink. It looks fantastic paired with shades like All That Glitters.
VINTAGE SELECTION
MAC describes this unique shade as a dirty peach, though to me it leans a little taupe. Either way, it’s gorgeous, it’s pigmented, and it’s a must have! I love to wear it beneath frosty pinks, or icy beiges, and it even looks great as an inner corner highlight!
LET ME POP
If you’re into coppers, get your hands on Let Me Pop. It wears beautifully on its own, but it really shines under powder shadows – it gives such a beautiful pop of color! The formula is pigmented though, so be sure to blend those edges!
LET’S SKATE
It can be hard to find pale pinks that are actually pigmented, in both powder and cream formulas. Thankfully, Let’s Skate is easy to work with, and has great color payoff when used with a brush. It contains barely there pearl shimmers, for a luminous appearance. This is another one that I love to pair under similar colored powder shadows. Just a little warning though, the shimmers (while pretty) can get a little messy!
QUICK RUNDOWN:
- Retails for $22
- Packaged in high quality glass jars
- Creamy, pigmented & easy to blend
- Lasts 8+ hours
- No creasing or smudging*
- Can be used alone or as a base
- Offered in over 25 shades
*If you have oily lids, a separate primer may be required, in order to prevent creasing.
If you’re in the market for a cream shadows, I highly suggest MAC Paint Pots. They are creamy, easy to blend and nicely pigmented. The price is a little steep, but I’ve used Soft Ochre nearly every single day for a year, and I’ve hardly made a dent. You definitely get your moneys worth out of these!
Have you tried MAC Paint Pots? I’d love to know what your favorite shades are!
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