• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

MAC Pigments Made Easy

January 4th, 2008 by Karen 33 Comments

I can’t be the only one out there intimidated by MAC Pigments. For years I overlooked their brightly colored, loose shadows. They look so professional and no-nonsense in their sexy little jars. I assumed there was no way a klutz like me could use them.

Seasoned MAC junkies seem to love ’em though, so in the name of Makeup and Beauty Blog science I decided to give them a chance. I figured the worst that could happen would be I’d drop a jar on the bathroom floor and end up with purple-stained towels, a purple toilet, sink and floor. But other than that, what could go wrong?

But surprise surprise! — even I couldn’t muck this up! Using the steps below, I managed to avoid both 1) a big mess in the bathroom and 2) looking like a rabid clown.

MAC Pigments the easy way

Start by grabbing a stiff eye brush, like the MAC 252 or the MAC 239. Stiff brushes are easier to use with pigments than fluffy brushes because stiff brushes provide more control over color application. Using a fluffy brush results in a lot more color going all over the place. Trust me, you don’t want this to happen.

mac-pigment-brushes.jpg

All the pigments come with a plastic “stopper.” You’ll see this when you open the lid of the jar.

Sidenote: please excuse the broke-ass manicure. I did swatches of Essie’s new spring collection and over the Christmas break had five different colors on the nails of my left hand.

mac-pigment-how-to-1.jpg

I then placed this plastic stopper onto the lid with the powdery side up.

mac-pigment-how-to-2.jpg

Dipping the brush directly into the jar loaded it with too much product, so instead I grabbed just the right amount of the product from where it collected on the plastic stopper.

mac-pigment-how-to-3-1.jpg

Tap off excess color against the rim of the jar or swipe the brush head across a Kleenex.

mac-pigment-how-to-4.jpg

Voila! Now you can use the pigment as a shadow or highlighter!

Take note

Not all pigments are suitable for eye use, so if you plan to use a pigment around your eyes make sure it’s rated safe for use there. The packaging or the insert included with the pigment should let you know!

The MAC artist who taught me this application trick discouraged me from using concealer as a base and recommended I use MAC Paints and the MAC Paint Pots. I’ve tried all three as bases and prefer the Paint Pots as a base because they emphasize the richness of the pigment’s color and have excellent staying power.

MAC’s pigment jars are totally huge, and one jar will take you into your next few lifetimes. If you are on a budget then grab a friend and head to the MAC counter together to share a jar. There’s plenty enough for both of you, and you’ll save yourself a pretty penny.

Are you ready to start collecting pigments with me? Let’s do this!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

MAC Pigments Made Easy / Originally published January 4th, 2008

There are 33 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup, Makeup Tips/How To

Previous Post: MAC Originals Face of the Day, Full on Lust
Next Post: MAC Originals Face of the Day, C-Thru

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mariah says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    I have used loose powders for years, but last week I bought my first Mac pigment! I picked up Kitschmas, and the day I wore it, I went out and got complemented 3 times on my eyes!! I love the stuff! It’s so pretty, and so versatile!

    Reply
  2. Christine says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    When it comes to pigments, it’s all about mixing medium 😉 I personally find that there is far too much fall out throughout the day with anything else!

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

    !!!! Karen, you ROCK. This post is exactly what I needed, and I love that purple color too. And even better, I already have the 239, woo hoo. Thanks for a great post, I can’t wait to try out your steps. Hopefully I will make it to the mac counter this weekend.

    Reply
  4. Melissa says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

    I am in love with the pigments. There is something about that little colorful container. They intice me now like a brand new box of crayons did back in the day.

    I am also all about the mixing medium.

    As for the piggies, my most recent love is Golden Olive!

    Reply
  5. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    Hi Mariah,

    I like Kitschmas too! What do you pair it with?

    Happy Friday 🙂

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    Hi Christine,

    I’ll give that a try one of these days!

    Have a good weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    Thanks, Amanda. I totally thought of you and all the other readers who requested a post on how to use ’em! (It also gave me an excuse to learn something new, woo hoo!).

    Maybe think about picking up the mixing medium, too, as it seems that the other ladies like it!

    Reply
  8. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    Melissa,

    I love Golden Olive, too! I took it out just now so I could admire it, LOL!

    Do you have any favorite colors?

    Reply
  9. MrsDiaz says

    January 4th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    I found your site via my friend Vanessa’s beautyblog, and I must say I love your blog! Im definitely linking to it now. Thank you for doing this post on pigments. It’s exactly what I’ve been needing to learn. I stumbled upon pigments last year, and was excited when I first bought them. But your techniques will just enhance my usage of these fine little jars. Thanks again!

    Reply
  10. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 3:28 pm

    You are very welcome, Mrs. Diaz. Vanessa is my girl! She’s the sweetest person and I love her eye makeup skills.

    I’m glad you like the site and I hope you come back soon. I’d love to hear about your favorite pigments, as I am very new to them as well.

    Have a great weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Mrs. Lynne says

    January 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    I love the pigments. They look so pretty in the jars. Surprisingly, I don’t own any yet. But I’m sure that ship will sail soon, lol. And I returned all my reflects 🙁 Just can’t afford to boo-boo my eyes any worse than they already are. But at least I got some new stash to compensate – wooHoO!

    Reply
  12. Melissa says

    January 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    My other faves are Vanilla, which I use on my brow alot and Off the Radar which is a funky orange. I don’t use Off the Radar much, but I love to look at it! LOL

    Reply
  13. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

    Woo hoo indeed, Mrs. Lynne. What did you get in your stash?

    My feelings are starting to turn regarding the glitter as well. I tried an FOTD with Blackened Red and it really wasn’t that cute on my cheeks.

    I gotta figure out how to store them, sigh. They all sort of look the same when I lie them on their sides in my plastic Steralite drawers.

    Reply
  14. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    Hi Melissa,

    That’s how I feel about the bright Pigments too – so pretty to look at, but I’m never to sure what the heck to do with them.

    I give you mad props for actually buying the funky orange though. I dunno if I’m ready to take the step into the big brights yet! 🙂

    Reply
  15. TUPRNUT says

    January 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm

    Thanks for doing this one, Karen. I’m not as intimidated by these now that I know what brushes to use and basic application tips. Are there any Face of the Day’s coming up with these?

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  16. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 6:07 pm

    Hi Tuprnut!

    I just put one up featuring Golden Olive Pigment and Sweet Sage Fluidline. 🙂

    You have a good weekend too!

    Reply
  17. TUPRNUT says

    January 4th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

    That’s funny.. I just clicked back and hello, you read my mind! I needed some extra inspiration 🙂

    Reply
  18. Karen says

    January 4th, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    LOL! What a weird coincidence. I guess great beauty minds think alike! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Grayburn says

    January 5th, 2008 at 7:21 am

    I’m just getting into pigments now but today instead of getting MAC’s, I got some little ones from Bourjois. They were so cute so I couldn’t resist (+ they were alot cheaper)! Will post about the results shortly on mine so do drop by!

    Grayburn

    Reply
  20. DivineBlackness (Brittany) says

    January 5th, 2008 at 8:33 am

    I’m not a big piggie girl because I’m a super klutz and just prefer eye shadow more. I only own 3 and have over 2 dozen samples but they are fun. Vanilla is the BEST!

    Reply
  21. Karen says

    January 5th, 2008 at 10:23 am

    Hey Grayburn,

    Thanks for the heads up. I’ll see if I can find those at Sephora next time I go. Have a good weekend!

    Reply
  22. Karen says

    January 5th, 2008 at 10:25 am

    Hi Brittany,

    Yeah, I was the same way for the longest time. I still have to be very careful with mine because I am prone to makeup accidents. If I had a dollar for every time I dropped makeup … oy, I’d be rich.

    I will have to try Vanilla one of these days! Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂

    Have a good weekend!

    Reply
  23. pixie*chic says

    January 5th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    What color of purple did you use in the pics? I must have it!!

    Reply
  24. Karen says

    January 5th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    Hi Pixie*Chic,

    That’s Violet pigment from the MAC Originals collection. Here’s a swatch for your viewing pleasure:

    https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/mac-cosmetics-originals-pigment-swatches/

    Reply
  25. Emmy Inocencio says

    January 7th, 2008 at 5:42 am

    Use a mac paint or any eyeshadow primer to keep Mac pigments to stay on all day.I use Mac pigments all day and I don’t need to do any touch up.It’s great and it works.

    Reply
  26. Emmy Inocencio says

    January 7th, 2008 at 5:45 am

    Karen,
    I love your website and I like all your tips.Im going to purchase the make-up brushes you recommended.

    Reply
  27. Karen says

    January 10th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    Thanks Emmy, for those tips. I hope the brushes work for you!

    Reply
  28. Alison says

    April 6th, 2008 at 5:12 am

    Thanks for the tips. Is it ok if I use the MAC shadestick under the pigment? Do I need to use something under the shadestick?

    Reply
  29. Karen says

    April 6th, 2008 at 10:27 am

    Hi Alison,

    I think it depends on how oily your lids are. If they’re super oily you might want to use a heavy duty primer like Urban Decay Potion Primer underneath the Shadestick.

    Reply
  30. Michele says

    July 21st, 2009 at 11:49 am

    I have pigments; but I am always in a hurry to use them.
    i will stick with MAC quads:)
    michele

    Reply
  31. Jasmine. says

    December 17th, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    OMGOSH! I love mac pigments! They are so versatile, and pretty too (: I like the mac glitter pigments especially. The 3D silver glitter one is absolutely gorgeous. Some of my other favourites are kitschmas, pinked mauve, quietly, fuchsia, chocolate brown and naked. Good post.
    – Jasmine.

    Reply
  32. Rebeca says

    April 13th, 2011 at 4:34 am

    Do you know why some colours are not for using on the eyes?? I bought a pretty dark grey and teal that say not for eyes, so I’m wondering what else I would use them for.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

honest beauty get it together eye palette

Mauve Smokey Eyes | Day 2 With the Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette

honest beauty get it together eyeshadow palette

A Soft, Springy Plum Look With Bronze and Mocha (and Warm Nude Lips)

you will figure it out

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 666

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 647

tray of play food

Saturday Surfing, February 20, 2021

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2020 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.