MAC 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
Audrey says
August 1st, 2011 at 9:02 pmThis 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 😉
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:28 amHi Audrey,
I like that shade too. And thanks re: the hair. 🙂
Jessi says
August 1st, 2011 at 9:13 pmI 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
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:27 amHi 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!
Heidi says
August 1st, 2011 at 10:15 pmI 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!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:26 amHi Heidi,
Thanks so much for the link. The basil hummus looks DELISH!
I want to try making this recipe, too: Vegan Bean Burgers
Anna says
August 1st, 2011 at 10:20 pmI 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…)
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:22 amHi Anna,
What are some of your other favorite MAC neutrals?
Anna says
August 2nd, 2011 at 3:40 pmI love me some Shroom, Handwritten, and Twinks! I keep having to remind myself to go get Ricepaper too…
laksh says
August 1st, 2011 at 10:26 pmThis is such a gorgeous shade!, love the eye look 🙂
laksh recently posted … Review: E.L.F Daily brush cleaner is cheaptastic!!!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:19 amThanks, Laksh! Have a great day!
Vonvon says
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:18 amPretty 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
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:19 amSo true, Vonvon! 🙂
Crystal says
August 2nd, 2011 at 2:32 amThis is one of my favorites!
Crystal recently posted … Congrats Lauren Luke My Smokey Classics Winner!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:18 amIsn’t it just gorgeous? Love it!
Sam says
August 2nd, 2011 at 2:42 amThat 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.
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:18 amHi 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.
Claire says
August 2nd, 2011 at 4:37 amwhat are you wearing on your lips? I love it!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:17 amHi 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
Mrs.Sark says
August 2nd, 2011 at 5:01 amI 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.
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:15 amI love that website, Mrs. Sark! What dishes have you tried? I have a couple that I go back to over and over again. YUM!
Chris25 says
August 2nd, 2011 at 5:35 amTalk about an enabler! Now that I’ve read this post I want to visit the MAC store in my area! 😛
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:13 amThis would be a really pretty color on you, Chris. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Erin says
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:16 amI wanted Sable SO BAD last time I went to MAC. They were sold out :(. Now I want it even more!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:12 amLuckily it’s permanent so it’ll always be around. Hopefully next time you’re their you’ll be able to pick it up!
Erin says
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:17 amBy the way, I love the unsung heroes :).
Erin recently posted … I’m broke, but I’m happy.
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:12 amThanks, Erin! 🙂
Ruchita says
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:35 amThanks 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!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:12 amHi 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!
Ruchita says
August 2nd, 2011 at 9:59 amSo 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. 🙂
Gina says
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:42 amKaren those bangs look adorable one you!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:10 amThank you, Gina!
How are you doing today? Good, I hope!
Michelle says
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:47 amLove your hair! I love Sable — it was one of my first MAC e/s also. Still have one in my stash today 🙂
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:10 amThanks, 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?
megan says
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:48 amSable 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
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:09 amHi Megan,
I bet the Sable/Handwritten combo looks gorgeous. What liner do you like to pair with it?
Nina says
August 2nd, 2011 at 7:20 ami 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!
shiny says
August 2nd, 2011 at 7:36 amI’ll try this out – thanks!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:08 amCan’t wait to try this look, Nina. 🙂
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:09 amCan’t wait to try this look, Nina. 🙂
What are you reading these days?
Nina says
August 2nd, 2011 at 9:49 amim reading a book called the ninth wife — i picked it up at costco randomly one day.
its ok… not that great but entertaining enough. 🙂
shiny says
August 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 amNothing but love for Sable! The new hair looks cute!
Karen says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:08 amThanks, Shiny. How are you doing on this lovely Tuesday?
shiny says
August 2nd, 2011 at 7:43 amOh, 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’
Eesha says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:00 amLove Sable and it looks awesome when paired with Paradisco & some pinks as well!
Eesha recently posted … Purple eyes – Tutorial!
Franny says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:15 amSable 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!
Millie says
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:28 amI love Drop Dead Diva too! If only I could find out what makeup Jane wears, especially her lipsticks.
Mary says
August 2nd, 2011 at 9:09 amThis looks like a really gorgeous shade that’s very versatile. Thanks for swatching it!
Mary recently posted … Nail Art Tutorial: Cookie Monster Nails
Mel says
August 2nd, 2011 at 9:13 amI LOVE YOUR HAIR – so cute!
Sheena says
August 2nd, 2011 at 9:35 amSuch a great neutral color! I absolutely love your hair too cute!
Kali says
August 2nd, 2011 at 9:58 amI 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! 🙂
Abby says
August 2nd, 2011 at 10:30 amI 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.
Laura says
August 2nd, 2011 at 11:08 amI 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.
Courtney says
August 2nd, 2011 at 2:08 pmI 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!
Phyrra says
August 2nd, 2011 at 4:26 pmSable looks like one I need to try, since it’s work friendly 🙂 Your hair looks great btw!
Sarah says
August 2nd, 2011 at 7:41 pmLove sable! My go-to work look is naked lunch on the lid and sable in the corner/crease.
Staci says
March 15th, 2015 at 3:04 pmHave you done a post on Jane’s makeup in Drop Dead Diva? I particularly love her lipsticks!