I am usually not keen on MAC cosmetics but couldn't pass up an extremely good deal that I spotted during the holiday sales last year. The Ulta exclusive set (Instant Artistry Simple Smoky Eye Kit) contains MAC Eyeshadow X 9 Dusky Rose, 219 brush, and Modern Twist Kajal liner in Cat's Meow and is priced at $49.50, which is already a steal. I think I bought the set under $35.
I was more interested in the 219 brush (this is a very solid basic, btw) and felt lukewarm about the eyeshadow palette that I didn't even try it immediately. A few months ago, I picked it up on a whim and guess what, I haven't been able to stop using this little palette ever since!
(All colors perform evenly and nicely. Swatched over my lightly lotioned arm)
I still can't say this is the best eyeshadow palette that I ever owned. I've tried better quality eyeshadows and seen prettier color combinations. Yet, there is something about this one that makes me keep reaching for it. Maybe it is not meant to be all that magical but to be a dependable workhorse. MAC Eyeshadow X 9 Dusky Rose virtually goes with everything.
In this look, I am wearing the 3 shades from the bottom row, which yields a light smoky look with grey mauve undertones. I usually mix the middle 3 for a rosier look and the top 3 for cool brown smoky eyes. But seriously, this is so foolproof that you will end up with well-blended neutral smoky eyes no matter what you do.
I (quite unexpectedly) fell in love with this versatile eyeshadow palette. For me, the small size is a plus not only for portability but simply because I dislike big palettes in general. I'd still hesitate to pay $32 for a palette alone but highly recommend the set whether it's on sale or not.
[Other makeup products used for this look]
Have you tried MAC Eyeshadow X 9 palettes? How do you like them?
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