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MAC Unsung Heroes: Sable Eyeshadow

August 1st, 2011 by Karen 57 Comments

American SableMAC Sable Eyeshadow ($15) and I go way back. I think it was maybe the fourth or fifth eyeshadow I brought home from the line, and I remember the day we met because of the hot guy in drag who helped me pick it out.

He looked fierce working behind the MAC counter, like straight off a runway, and I asked him what he was wearing on his eyes.

He said it was Sable, a bronzy golden plum with a frosty finish, and he considered it one of the most flexible MAC shadows, saying it went with just about everything. I’d already decided to get it when he said he thought it would really pop on my skin.

Since then Sable and I have been plummy partners in crime.



Talk about flexible! I LOVE pairing it with gold, bronze and plum eyeshadows like MAC Woodwinked, Mulch and Trax, but that’s not all. I think it also knows how to nudge the best out of MAC’s many fabulous neutrals, shades like Ricepaper, Soba, Soft Brown, Brule, Club and Saddle, among others.

It’s the ultimate enabler when it comes to lazy looks. Sometimes I’ll reach for Sable when I want sultry, smoldering eyes but don’t want to have to blend (and blend and blend) a black eyeshadow like Carbon; other times, I’ll just line my eyes quickly with MAC Teddy Eye Kohl, smudge, and then pat Sable on top for a quick and easy, put-together look.

Sable isn’t just flexible, either. It’s also super pigmented and a breeze to blend. I get a ton of mileage out of it, and I think it’s truly one of MAC’s greatest hits.

So long, Monday. Don’t let the door hit you in the…

You can cross Monday off of your to-do list, young lady. Looks like we made it. 🙂

I hope your week got off to a good start. I’m looking forward to catching up on the latest True Blood and Drop Dead Diva episodes tonight (I missed TB last night). Oh, and if you have any favorite healthy cooking/recipe websites, please send ’em my way. I need to expand my healthy repertoire.

Whatcha doin’ tonight?

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: Soft Ochre Paint Pot
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Ricepaper Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: This Cremesheen Glass Is a Veritable Deelight
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Lipglass in Spite
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Impassioned Lipstick (and Watermelon)
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: This Lip Pencil Is In Synch
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Soba Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Bombshell Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Sunbasque Sheertone Shimmer Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Clear Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Humid Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Naked Lunch Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Russian Red Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Syrup Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Blushbaby Blush
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Vex Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Costa Chic Lipstick
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Fast Response Eye Cream
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Strobe Cream
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Blot Powder/Pressed
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Subculture Lip Pencil
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Soft Brown Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Hero: Woodwinked Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Hero: Powersurge Eye Kohl
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: All That Glitters Eyeshadow Is Not Just Another Gold
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: The Technakohl Liners
  • MAC Unsung Hero: Groundwork Paint Pot
  • MAC Unsung Hero: Nymphette Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Viva Glam V
  • MAC Unsung Hero: Blacktrack Fluidline
  • MAC Unsung Heroes: Lychee Luxe Lipglass
  • MAC Unsung Hero: Gorgeous Gold Eyeshadow
  • MAC Unsung Hero: Patina Eyeshadow

MAC Unsung Heroes: Sable Eyeshadow / Originally published August 1st, 2011

There are 57 comments on this post. Leave yours.

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

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Comments

  1. Audrey says

    August 1st, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    This looks really similar to Benefit’s Velvet Shadow in Buckle Bunny- my favorite eyeshadow ever! the only difference is Buckle Bunny has a fine rainbow shimmer that I think really adds something! 🙂 Your hair is cute Karen! And I think it makes you look a little bit younger 😉

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:28 am

      Hi Audrey,

      I like that shade too. And thanks re: the hair. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jessi says

    August 1st, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    I guess MAC takes their all genders and races thing seriously because there is a trans-gender woman who works at my local MAC counter. She is mind-blowingly gorgeous and I know most people wouldn’t even be able to tell she is trans. I’m just very observant!

    Anywaaaaay, this is a really pretty color. You’re tempting me with all these MAC shadows. And I claim not to like MAC shadows!
    Jessi recently posted … Spellbound Cosmetics Swatches and Review

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:27 am

      Hi Jessi,

      I think this one just might change your tune. It’s really buttery, soft and so easy to work with. Plus it goes with almost EVERYTHING!

      Reply
  3. Heidi says

    August 1st, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    I adore this shadow, it’s such a flattering shade.

    I had a bunch of basil that someone gave me yesterday so I made the basil hummus recipe from this site:

    http://www.dailygarnish.com/

    Seriously yummy!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:26 am

      Hi Heidi,

      Thanks so much for the link. The basil hummus looks DELISH!

      I want to try making this recipe, too: Vegan Bean Burgers

      Reply
  4. Anna says

    August 1st, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    I love Unsung Heroes – when you’re not clueing me in to a shade/product I haven’t tried yet, you’re reaffirming my love for what I do have in my collection! Sable and Woodwinked are two of my fave MAC neutrals (although I’ve been ignoring them as of late in favor of the Naked palette…)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:22 am

      Hi Anna,

      What are some of your other favorite MAC neutrals?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        August 2nd, 2011 at 3:40 pm

        I love me some Shroom, Handwritten, and Twinks! I keep having to remind myself to go get Ricepaper too…

        Reply
  5. laksh says

    August 1st, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    This is such a gorgeous shade!, love the eye look 🙂
    laksh recently posted … Review: E.L.F Daily brush cleaner is cheaptastic!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:19 am

      Thanks, Laksh! Have a great day!

      Reply
  6. Vonvon says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 12:18 am

    Pretty shade! Love it. One cannot have too many neutrals!
    Vonvon recently posted … Swatches & Review Of Sleek Makeup Caribbean Collection: Curacao Eyeshadow Palette; Comparison Between Monaco & Curacao

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:19 am

      So true, Vonvon! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Crystal says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 2:32 am

    This is one of my favorites!
    Crystal recently posted … Congrats Lauren Luke My Smokey Classics Winner!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:18 am

      Isn’t it just gorgeous? Love it!

      Reply
  8. Sam says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 2:42 am

    That is my absolute favorite color! I’ve been using it for years non-stop! I use it as a base, blend, whenever I want to tone down a color…the possibilites have been endless.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:18 am

      Hi Sam,

      So glad to hear you love Sable as much as I do. What are your favorite ways to wear it? I’m always looking for new combos.

      Reply
  9. Claire says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 4:37 am

    what are you wearing on your lips? I love it!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:17 am

      Hi Claire,

      It’s a bronzy plum lipgloss from Sula Beauty called Mesmerizing. Best part? It’s only $8! You can find it at Ulta. Here’s a link:

      Sula Beauty Lipgloss in Mesmerizing

      Reply
  10. Mrs.Sark says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 5:01 am

    I love sable. I think it is great when paired with cranberry.
    Here’s a website that I really like for healthy recipes: http://www.skinnytaste.com.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:15 am

      I love that website, Mrs. Sark! What dishes have you tried? I have a couple that I go back to over and over again. YUM!

      Reply
  11. Chris25 says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 5:35 am

    Talk about an enabler! Now that I’ve read this post I want to visit the MAC store in my area! 😛

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:13 am

      This would be a really pretty color on you, Chris. I can’t wait for you to try it!

      Reply
  12. Erin says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 6:16 am

    I wanted Sable SO BAD last time I went to MAC. They were sold out :(. Now I want it even more!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:12 am

      Luckily it’s permanent so it’ll always be around. Hopefully next time you’re their you’ll be able to pick it up!

      Reply
  13. Erin says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 6:17 am

    By the way, I love the unsung heroes :).
    Erin recently posted … I’m broke, but I’m happy.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:12 am

      Thanks, Erin! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Ruchita says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 6:35 am

    Thanks for the posts on the MAC Unsung Heroes. I’m kind of a MAC newbie, but I’m getting a list together of items I want to buy (treating myself for my birthday) so these posts are helpful in deciding what I want.

    Hope you enjoyed True Blood!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:12 am

      Hi Ruchita,

      Glad to hear you’re liking the series. What items are on your birthday list so far?

      Sooo I’m finally caught up on True Blood and all I have to say is WOW! The latest episode was so good!

      Reply
      • Ruchita says

        August 2nd, 2011 at 9:59 am

        So far I’ve got Technakohl Liner in black, Blot Powder, Teddy Eye Kohl and EvRev lip gloss. 🙂 Still deciding on the eyeshadows.

        I liked the latest episode of TB as well! Jason cracks me up and I still <3 Eric. 🙂

        Reply
  15. Gina says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 6:42 am

    Karen those bangs look adorable one you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:10 am

      Thank you, Gina!

      How are you doing today? Good, I hope!

      Reply
  16. Michelle says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 6:47 am

    Love your hair! I love Sable — it was one of my first MAC e/s also. Still have one in my stash today 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:10 am

      Thanks, Michelle. I always like to have a pan of Sable around. It’s just so versatile.

      What colors do you like to wear it with?

      Reply
  17. megan says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 6:48 am

    Sable is on of my favorite colors too Karen. I actually wore it yesterday with MAC Handwritten in the crease! It looks very pretty with MAC Shadowy Lady or Vibrant Grape in the crease:) Love this series by the way

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:09 am

      Hi Megan,

      I bet the Sable/Handwritten combo looks gorgeous. What liner do you like to pair with it?

      Reply
  18. Nina says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 7:20 am

    i read and crashed last night!

    i love me some sable — and for a smokey eye, i like using a dark purple base (eg macroviolet fluidline) and patting sable on top of it. paired w/ a purple liner, its lovely and vampy!

    Reply
    • shiny says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 7:36 am

      I’ll try this out – thanks!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:08 am

      Can’t wait to try this look, Nina. 🙂

      Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:09 am

      Can’t wait to try this look, Nina. 🙂

      What are you reading these days?

      Reply
      • Nina says

        August 2nd, 2011 at 9:49 am

        im reading a book called the ninth wife — i picked it up at costco randomly one day.

        its ok… not that great but entertaining enough. 🙂

        Reply
  19. shiny says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 am

    Nothing but love for Sable! The new hair looks cute!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:08 am

      Thanks, Shiny. How are you doing on this lovely Tuesday?

      Reply
  20. shiny says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 7:43 am

    Oh, for a good site or three:

    http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/
    reliable food!

    http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/
    yummy and fun!

    http://jugalbandi.info/food/
    The pix are soo pretty!! Very interesting – I go there when I’m in a food rut – Indian food with a ‘twist’

    Reply
  21. Eesha says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 8:00 am

    Love Sable and it looks awesome when paired with Paradisco & some pinks as well!
    Eesha recently posted … Purple eyes – Tutorial!

    Reply
  22. Franny says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 8:15 am

    Sable and I have a very special relationship. A couple years ago I was having a particularly craptacular day and went to a MAC counter for a pick-me-up. I told the mua I was looking for a shadow and she picked out Sable, put it on my lids for me and I fell in love. It’s been my favorite shadow ever since. I feel great every time I see that beautiful little pan in my palette.

    It looks great on the outer half of the lid with Jest on the inner half and Shale blended into the crease.

    Karen, your unsung heroes series is my favorite! I am really into the permanent collection lately and I have picked up a couple of things you have mentioned that I would never have even given a second look before 🙂

    ps. got my hands on Evolution Revolution finally and it is perfect 🙂 You are wonderful and your blog always brightens my day!

    Reply
  23. Millie says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 8:28 am

    I love Drop Dead Diva too! If only I could find out what makeup Jane wears, especially her lipsticks.

    Reply
  24. Mary says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 9:09 am

    This looks like a really gorgeous shade that’s very versatile. Thanks for swatching it!
    Mary recently posted … Nail Art Tutorial: Cookie Monster Nails

    Reply
  25. Mel says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 9:13 am

    I LOVE YOUR HAIR – so cute!

    Reply
  26. Sheena says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 9:35 am

    Such a great neutral color! I absolutely love your hair too cute!

    Reply
  27. Kali says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 9:58 am

    I love your unsung heroes! I will definitely have to check this out the next time I’m at the Mac counter! I’m going to pick up the Russian red lipglass as well! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Abby says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 10:30 am

    I have to ask, is this the hot guy in drag who works at the MAC counter in the Union Square Macys in SF? If so, he’s awesome.

    Also, thanks for the MAC Unsung Heroes series– it’s been great for a MAC newbie like myself, who’s used to only seeing new lines reviewed.

    Reply
  29. Laura says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 11:08 am

    I know I’ve already said this, but I seriously LOVE your hair. I really feel like stealing it every time I see your pictures now.

    Reply
  30. Courtney says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    I love that color, and it seems that I do not own it yet. YET. 😉 I love MAC “Beaded,” “Haux,” and “Wild By Nature,” as neutral-ish shadows for everyday wear.
    I also agree that your hair looks super cute!

    Reply
  31. Phyrra says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Sable looks like one I need to try, since it’s work friendly 🙂 Your hair looks great btw!

    Reply
  32. Sarah says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Love sable! My go-to work look is naked lunch on the lid and sable in the corner/crease.

    Reply
  33. Staci says

    March 15th, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    Have you done a post on Jane’s makeup in Drop Dead Diva? I particularly love her lipsticks!

    Reply

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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, you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my almost-three-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my kitty supermodel cat (Tabs).

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