Ordering Makeup Geek Eyeshadow {First Impression}

In case you didn't know... The Makeup Geek website is amazing.  It is such a comprehensive site with video tutorials, forums, reviews, etc.  When you're shopping for eye shadows they have photos of their shadows swatched next to others within a similar color family.  This allows you to easily chose the right colors to create certain looks or perhaps even the perfect palette.

I have heard so many great things about Makeup Geek products so I started looking around for fun. I wasn't exactly planning on making an order- but, once I started looking I found it difficult to narrow my shopping cart down to only 10!   You will hear these eyeshadoes being compared to MAC cosmetics over and over but they retail for literally half the price.  You can purchase them in a pan for $5.99 (American) or in a compact for $7.99. I also found a page on the MUG website where Marlena (creater of Makeup Geek) shows an in depth comparison with side by side swatches to various MAC eye shadows allowing you to find similar colors for much less.  It's a great resource and if you're interested you can find it here.  

Since a little while ago I purchased a MAC 15 pan palette insert (and only two shadows to go in it at the time) I was hoping that these pans would fit into it.  I found it was really difficult to find a straight forward answer reading other reviews and even when you compare their weights MUG is heavier, meaning you receive a little more product in a MUG pan.  If you're reading this asking the same question then:

YES- Makeup Geek pans fit into the MAC palette inserts however, they are not magnetic so you will need to attach a magnet to the back in order to adhere them safely into the palette.  If you are using a ZPalette (which I recommend) you do not need additional magnets.  Read about my ZPalette here. 

MUG Single Eyeshadow Pan in Burlesque

"As Makeup Geeks, we stay true to who we are. Cosmetics are not used to change ourselves but to enhance the exquisite and unique people that we are. To be a Makeup Geek means to be a reflection of our inner beauty.
XOXO, Marlena"

Ordering to Canada:

As I mentioned above, the Makeup Geek website is extremely user friendly.

Shipping was affordable (around $7 to Victoria, BC) but it took around 3 weeks from date of purchase to receive my package.  Three days until I received my shipping notice/ tracking number and another 2 weeks it was in my hot little hands.  Another thing worth mentioning is that when the charge went through onto my Visa the total cost was converted to American dollars- which is fine- but it wasn't something that I was aware was going to happen  or had even thought about before my purchase.  The conversion increased the total cost of my order by around $12- food for thought if you're planning on doing the same.

Despite it all, I was so pleased when my package finally arrived! It was in a small box with both foam peanuts and bubble wrap to ensure none of my shadows were broken (nevermind that I dropped my phone on 3 of them after recieving them- cries real tears).  The pans themselves came in small windowed cardboard envelopes with white and pink design and a note/ mission statement signed from Marlena.

What I Bought:

Beaches and Cream
(Kind of) Compares to: MAC Bisque
Beaches and Cream is much warmer than Bisque, I wouldn't personally consider them to be dupes. On the Makeup Geek website it is described as a "creamy matte natural beige with just a hint of peach," I put this shadow in my cart last minute when I saw the photo of it swatched next to Cinderella- the two shades compliment each other beautifully!  I also think it will serve as a great wash of color during the summer with a light warm brown in the crease.

Cinderella

Not only does it look beautiful paired with Beaches and Cream. I thought this color would compliment my Naked3 palette, it's beautiful.  I would describe it as a pale pink shadow with peach shimmer.

Creme Brulee:

Compares to: MAC Tete a Tint (now discontinued)

When I recieve this color I was a little disappointed at first glance because I thought it looked too similar to Beaches in Cream, however, to my (pleasant) surprise it swatches a lot deeper than it first appears in the pan.  A follower on Instagram also told me that this is the perfect everyday crease color. It is described as a "medium sand color with a soft matte finish."

Hipster

Compares to: MAC Patina

"A dark sand and light taupe tan with slight shimmer." I love taupe shades and I know that this is a color I will get a lot of use out of.  Adding a shade with some shimmer into an otherwise all matte look can really complete the look and give it some dimension.

Latte

This shadow is just a touch darker than Hipster and of course matte. It is the perfect neutral brown.  I have plans to wear this as a quick and easy crease color.  Love. 

Cocoa Bear
Compares to: MAC Brown Script 
I was very hesitant with this color because I'm not usually drawn to warm colors and in certain lights Cocoa Bear is a very red-toned brown.  It is also one of the most talked about and popular Makeup Geek shadows and after playing with this a little bit today I understand why!  I know it is going to be such a versatile color in my palette.

Brown Sugar:
Compares to: MAC Twinks

This is my kind of color! It's a warm toned shimmer shadow, described as a "copper brown".

Prom Night 

Compares to: MAC Satin Taupe and Urban Decay Mugshot (Naked3)
This color is almost identical to Mugshot so if you have the Naked3 palette you may want to pass on this one.  This being said, it is beautiful and extremely pigmented.  

Burlesque

Compares to: MAC Cranberry
I died when I swatched this color. I'm in love. It's described online as a "deep metallic burgundy" or "the perfect color" (go ahead and quote me).

Sea Mist
I'll admit- I'm a neutral kind of girl and I don't stray far from browns and the occasional purple so this shadow was a bit of a wild card.  However, the day I was shopping online I had just watched a Jaclyn Hill Spring Makeup Tutorial and was feeling inspired.  It's a beautiful green- teal and I'm excited about incorporating a little more color into my eye looks (baby steps).

Collection of Makeup Geek shadows

First Thoughts:

After swatching these shadows I am so impressed the formula- her matte shadow in particular are so buttery and creamy which is how I know that they will be easy to blend.  I can't wait to begin using them to create looks.  I did notice that two of my shimmer shades, Cinderella and Sea Mist, were a bit powdery when I swatched them so it will be interesting to see how they translate on a brush.

Overall, I'm really pleased with my choices and I'm excited to use them and create a more formal opinion.  Make sure to stay tuned for a more in depth review of these shadows, as well as a Prom 2014 look and a DIY on how to magnetize and organize your palette!

What is your favorite Makeup Geek eye shadow? 

xoxo

* UPDATE: I tried to magnetize my MAC palette but ended up switching to ZPalette! If you're curious about more information or a direct comparison- you can find it here.