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MAC Unsung Hero: Groundwork Paint Pot

February 8th, 2010 by Karen 30 Comments

The beginning of my relationship with MAC Groundwork Paint Pot ($16.50) was white hot and heavy. Oh, that creamy taupe and gorgeous matte finish… I must have worn it every day for weeks!

But then like most relationships, things cooled, and we started spending more and more time apart (it happens).

When we recently bumped into each other one rainy afternoon, I was rifling through a drawer of makeup at the time.

Hello, good looking. 🙂

And the spark was still there.

At first glance, Groundwork doesn’t look like much, but it’s what I like to call a “work horse” shade, the kind of color I’ll wear day after day.

As an added bonus, lovelies with medium-to-dark skin (those upon which shimmery beige Bare Study and matte beige Painterly look ashy, for example) might try using it as an eyeshadow base, where a thin layer applied to lids with a finger can really boost wear time.

And lighter-skinned cuties could try contrasting Groundwork’s matte finish with shimmery shadows in purple, pink or taupe.

I think it looks incredible popped in the crease… For an easy eye look, I’ll apply and work Groundwork onto my lids and into the crease with a finger, patting and blending a shimmery shadow on the lid with a flat eyeshadow brush (the MAC 239 comes to mind).

Add some eyeliner and mascara, et voila — all done!

Have you met MAC Groundwork? How did things go?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The MAC Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite products from MAC’s permanent collection

  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Chicory Lip Pencil
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Smoked Almond Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Half ‘N’ Half Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Chili Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Coffee Eye Pencil
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Mineralize Skinfinish in Global Glow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Havana
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Burnt Spice
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Mineralize Foundation/Loose
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Giddy Lustre Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Amorous Alloy Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Texture Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Swiss Chocolate Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Saddle Eyeshadow
  • Unsung Heroes: MAC In Extra Dimension Waterproof Mascara
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Minted Eye Kohl
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Take the Plunge Technakohl Liner
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Cork Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: 221 Mini Tapered Blending Brush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Oh My Mocha Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Pro Longwear Waterproof Colour Stick in Lilacked
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Satin Taupe Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: High Tea Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Blooz Eye Kohl
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Fleur Power Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Layin’ Low Paint Pot
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Constructivist Paint Pot
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Prep + Prime Fix+
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Persistence Matte Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow in Brownluxe
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Costa Riche Eye Kohl
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: The Studio Chromagraphic Pencils
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Brun Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Staunchly Stylish Pro Longwear Lip Pencil
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Warm Soul Mineralize Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Reflects Antique Gold Glitter
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Style Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Shaping Powder in Lightsweep
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Era Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Bronze Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Honey Lust Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Sun Rush Lustre Drops
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Nice Buzz Plushglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: 33 Lash
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Shale Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Harmony Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Careblends Pressed Powder
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Fulfilled Plushglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Bamboom Paint
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Sublime Nature Paint
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Face and Body Foundation
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Prunella Eye Kohl
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: The 239 Eye Shader Brush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Greensmoke Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Ample Pink Plushglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Indianwood Paint Pot
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Bare Study Paint Pot
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Rubenesque Paint Pot
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Tarnish Eye Kohl
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Big Baby Plushglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Kohl Power Pencil Liner in Feline
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Format Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Ambering Rose Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Iridescent Powder/Loose in Silver Dusk
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Iridescent Powder/Loose in Golden Bronze
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: C-Thru Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Fresh Flare Pro Longwear Eye Shadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Viva Glam V Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Loud & Lovely Cremesheen Glass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Viva Glam VI Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Breezy Sheertone Shimmer Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Care Blends Essential Oils, Grapefruit + Chamomile
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Right Image Cremesheen Glass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Modesty Cremesheen Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Double Dare Cremesheen Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Bamboo Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Speak Louder Cremesheen Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Sandy B Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Club Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Uniform Technakohl Liner
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Sweet Satisfaction Pro Longwear Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Red Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Lady Danger Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Tempting Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Ruby Woo Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Retrospeck Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Eyeshadow in Phloof!
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Twig Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Creme in Your Coffee Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Party Line Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Dubonnet Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Paramount Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Mocha Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Melon Pigment

MAC Unsung Hero: Groundwork Paint Pot / Originally published February 8th, 2010

There are 30 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, MAC Makeup, Unsung Heroes Keywords: mac, unsungheroes

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Comments

  1. lexi says

    February 8th, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Agreed. I was so happy to find this at the Company Store for $10. I have been using this baby on a daily basis. I think all my other paint pots and creaseless shadows are jealous!

    Reply
  2. Kelly says

    February 8th, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    I have not used this one but I use Painterly on a very regular basis. 🙂
    .-= Kelly’s last blog post… Caught in the Act =-.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      February 8th, 2010 at 3:37 pm

      I also use painterly almost everyday. It works well as a base. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kajal Couture says

    February 8th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    I love Painterly, but this comes in at a close second. I prefer to use it as a base, as no other primers work as well as paint pots on my eyes.
    .-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… MAC Spring Color Forecast Review and Look #1 =-.

    Reply
  4. Devs says

    February 8th, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    Hm, I fear that if I use this as a base everyday, then it would accentuate my dark lids. Maybe as a smokey eye base?? I love these matte paint pot’s from MAC, they are so versatile!

    Reply
  5. Molly says

    February 8th, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    This post definately makes me want to try this paint pot out next time I “just happen” to stop by my local Mac counter 🙂

    Reply
  6. Michelle (Lipstick Rules) says

    February 8th, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    I’ve yet to meet Groundwork…but I’ve arranged for a meeting perhaps later this week while checking out the spring collection. I also need to meet Smolder.
    .-= Michelle (Lipstick Rules)’s last blog post… QOTD: Why do we like nude-coloured lipsticks? =-.

    Reply
  7. Michele says

    February 8th, 2010 at 5:27 pm

    I love this paint pot and use it for a base!

    Reply
  8. SoVeryFabulous says

    February 8th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    I love MAC paint pots, Painterly is my HG eye shadow base. I might have to give groundwork a try too, it looks like it would go well with all the neutrals I’ve been obsessed with lately.
    .-= SoVeryFabulous’s last blog post… MAC Spring Colour Forecast Blush Ombres Pictures and Swatches =-.

    Reply
  9. Summer Staff says

    February 8th, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    Love it! I actually bought this, but I never looked at the name, and now I realize I actually have it. I’m pale, so it looks really good up to a little above the crease, with peach shimmer on top and bronze gel eyeliner. Then, I use an angled eyeliner brush, swirl it around and paint a thin, thin like along the bottom lash line and on the corners of my eyes.

    Reply
  10. mkdallas says

    February 8th, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    I’ve never used a MAC Paintpot, but am intrigued by the pictures! I don’t wear eyeshadow that often so really don’t feel the need to purchase a shadow base…but I like the looks of this as an eyeshadow on its own.

    Reply
  11. Kypris says

    February 8th, 2010 at 6:04 pm

    I’ll have to try this out in stores with my skin colour – I’ve been looking for something like this though! Does it stay well? Some cream shadows tend to crease, so I was wondering what this one is like, whether on its own or with a shadow on top.

    Reply
  12. Marce says

    February 8th, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    Awww, no, I haven’t been lucky enough to bump into Groundwork…but I do have a steady relationship with Bare Canvas Paint. I think I might marry it one day, LOL
    .-= Marce’s last blog post… Tutorial – Dark, Smoky Black Eyes =-.

    Reply
  13. julie says

    February 8th, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    Thanks, Karen! Yes, although I use Painterly everyday, I do think it looks ashy! I can’t wait to try Groundwork out!

    Reply
  14. angie says

    February 8th, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    groundwork has been my favorite paint pot for at least a year…i love using it as a base or you can blend in a little past your crease and add a nude shimmery shadow to the lids for a super quick contoured eye!

    Reply
  15. marisol says

    February 8th, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    I don’t have this paint pot but it looks like it can be used for a lot of different looks. I may have a NYX pencil in a similar shade though.
    .-= marisol’s last blog post… Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang =-.

    Reply
  16. Christy says

    February 8th, 2010 at 9:48 pm

    This is definitely on my wishlist! I have both Painterly and Bare Study, as well as a number of other Paint Pots. But this one has yet to make its way into my stash. I’ll have to get it next time I’m at the counter.
    .-= Christy’s last blog post… MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara Review =-.

    Reply
  17. Catherine says

    February 8th, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    Oooh. I have not met MAC Groundwork yet. I use Painterly on a daily basis over UDPP as a base… but I’m thinking Groundwork would work so much better for me! Thanks for the introduction!
    .-= Catherine’s last blog post… 3rd Anniversary Gifts, Dinner FOTD, Haircut, etc =-.

    Reply
  18. amy says

    February 8th, 2010 at 11:36 pm

    I have seen Groundwork at MAC but haven’t made friends with this one yet. It just doesn’t really stop my heart.
    .-= amy’s last blog post… NOTD NARS Nailpolish Purple Rain =-.

    Reply
  19. SilhouetteScreams says

    February 8th, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    This looks amazing on your skintone 😀
    .-= SilhouetteScreams’s last blog post… Bubbly Champagne =-.

    Reply
  20. NINA says

    February 9th, 2010 at 5:47 am

    I found Bare Study and Painterly to be a bit too beige on my lids. Ive been using Constructivist a lot – I like that it gives some depth to the eyeshadow colors without really changing it. I can also use it by itself to just to make my eyes more lively on a sleepy weekend day.

    Groundwork and I have not met … but she seems very promising. Id LOVE to meet her. Soon. 😛

    Reply
  21. Sara says

    February 9th, 2010 at 7:06 am

    i haven’t met groundwork yet. i’ve admired him from afar. i’ve been secretly a little jealous when i’ve seen him with other women. i’ve googled him and looked at pics of him online. i think it’s time for me to give up my stalker tendencies and work up the courage to introduce myself. i just might fall in love.
    .-= Sara’s last blog post… How much is your face worth? (Not as much as A.Rod.) =-.

    Reply
  22. Tatiana says

    February 9th, 2010 at 10:51 am

    I think my sis was the first to comment on this, appropriate enough since she’s the one that got me into Groundwork! I was soooo fixed on Too Faced Shadow Insurance as a base. Tried to use Rubenesque as a base a couple times but didn’t work, I think it was just dried out, so at that point I gave up on pp as a base. Then my sis showed me Groundwork….love! Especially for tan and darker skin tones, Groundwork makes your entire lid all nice and even. Love the matte finish. Lay down the Groundwork!

    Reply
  23. Tami says

    February 9th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    I met Groundwork by accident. I was in Macy’s around the holidays buying the Devil May Dare palette when the MUA suggested it as a base that would match my NC45 complexion. I don’t use it everyday but when I do I love that it does not alter the color of the shadows I use with it:)

    Reply
  24. Khalia Bentson says

    February 10th, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    I’ve never met groundwork. Maybe I should introduce myself!
    .-= Khalia Bentson’s last blog post… A Unique Approach to Filling In Sparse Eye Brows =-.

    Reply
  25. Darcey says

    February 11th, 2010 at 11:38 pm

    My favorite thing is to use paint pot Quite Natural to fill in brows. It is amazing and natural looking and is waterproof…its like eyeshadow and brow pencil had a gorgeous baby called paint pot!!!

    Reply
  26. Mia says

    February 24th, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    I’m light olive toned. Painterly is just too pink for me (sorry to say) so I bought Soft Ocher, which I like but it’s sort of light… well…

    THEN I discovered Groundwork – omg – it’s purrrrfect for me, almost invisible for an easy go to daytime work look. Add some depth into the crease and some liner (and lashes if I’m feelin’ frisky) for an easy transition into Happy Hour – WOOHOO

    MACs Groundwork ROCKS!

    Reply
  27. Aileen says

    April 14th, 2011 at 3:08 am

    Yes like you an bit of love affair with this.. Groundwork for me personally is great because you can achieve a natural look in no time. What really great is how you can create texture and depth using other eye shadow and as for pigment on top for a really dramatic look.. i’m lovin it!!!!

    Reply
  28. Leah says

    December 22nd, 2011 at 8:24 am

    This is probably my single most loved and used makeup product. I actually purchased it after seeing Lisa Eldridge using it in a video. It’s been a hot and heavy love affair ever since. It’s the only thing that stands up to my oily lids. Absolutely wonderful product.

    Reply

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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).

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