Product Reviews Rated 4.57 out of 5 stars
994 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Highly Versatile! Originally I purchased this in Constructavist to be a strong base colour for my darker shadows and it worked beautifully. It wasn't till I tried the shade Painterly, however, that the product's full potential was revealed. I now use that shade as my only eyelid primer. It creates a smooth base that hides any unwanted pigmentation or imperfections and helps all eyeshadow stick and be more vibrant. It works better than other eyelid primers and even has a third effect as a under-eye concealer (not it's best function mind you, but in a pinch it gets the job done).
Most Helpful Critical Review Colors, texture coverage vary I purchased three of these a couple of weeks ago after having previously tried some colors. Overall here is the review of each color I have:
Painterly- Good basic eye base or for those days when you want bare but not red eyelids. It has no sparkle but doesn't give a matte dry look. Works well under other powder eyeshadow as it is a true neutral.
Constructivist- Great brown color that goes on beautifully with a finger tip and less so with a brush. This is the color that caused me to experiment with these things instead of powder eyeshadow. Good Brown, not red, not muddy. With sheen but not annoyingly sparkly
Vintage Selection- Kind of reminds me of All that Glitters; this paint pot has a sheer finish with gleam, not sparkles. I use this on its own, or as the base with a layer of anything else. I like this, the color is more Champagne, but not too pink or yellow- once again right in the middle.
Frozen Violet- While I like the color is is so sparkly someone that sees me everyday commented on it. The color is a medium, sheer plum, but once again, it has those sparkles that you cannot seem to get off your face everywhere you touch.
I ordered all of these (except the Constructivist- which I guess was limited series) off the MAC Pro website. So I did take a risk, but oh well. I would say NONE of the colors have a coverage that is like a matte- say Blanc Type, but if you are a natural girl they should work okay for you and of course you can layer. Just beware these do set fairly quickly. I find a fingertip application gives the nicest result. The synthetic brushes I have for some reason I hold on to the color and it applies unevenly.
Good Luck!
Also, I want to say I have been purchasing MAC since they first came to the US with Nordstrom (1989).
Reviewed by 994 customers Painterly 5
Roberta from Brickell store
Love this product so much, I repurchased.
The OG paint pots are better 3
laceyyy from Louisiana
Painterly, Soft Ochre, etc. are much better than the new colors. for some reason the newest shades are harder and less pigmented. Also, the colors do not look the same IRL as they do online.
Great base for eye makeup 5
Songbird from New England
I have been using this product for years. It is comfortable and non irritating. It makes a wonderful base for eye color and it prevents cracking in the crease, as well as fading. Nothing moves until you remove it, which is essential in my work as a performer. I highly recommend this product
Better than primer 5
Golden Llama from Pensacola Fl
Don't get me wrong. I love MAC's eyeshadow primer. But Painterly?? Use it with MAC's concealer brush and your eyelids will be a perfect canvas for your shadow. I am an NC 20 and I'm now addicted to this product!!
Not Just An Eyeshadow Primer 5
Vandee from Ohio
I not only use this as an eyeshadow primer but also as a concealer! The absolute best product I have found.
This is a beautiful color to wear as eyeshadow. 5
Ingrid L. from Des Moines, IA
This product is very silky and long lasting as a cream eyeshadow. Beautiful!
Have been using this for 10 years 5
Lauren from Los Angeles
When I was starting to get into make up and MAC was the most popular brand, I walked in and asked for some help. I have extremely pink toned skin and back then, most make up products were geared to yellow toned skin. The woman suggested using the paint pot in painterly as a concealer and eye shadow primer. I've been using this since them because it's the only thing that matches my skin (and I've tried many). I use it for under eyes and pimples. It has also never failed me as an eye shadow primer. I definitely recommend trying this as a concealer if you are pink toned as well.
Not for dry/mature skin 1
Jenni from Charlotte, NC
I tried so hard to love this but it just did nothing for me. Threw it in the trash after the 3rd try
Blends well and stays all day 4
Robinrox from Dallas, TX
First time trying MAC cream shadows. They blend very well but once they're set, the color stays all day. I've not had problems with it running, creasing or changing color. Blendable and not too heavy color. If you want more intense color you pat on a little more and blend it in. One of the best cream shadows I've used thus far.Got the lightest vanilla/while/beige and two natural brown shades. They all work nicely together and create a very natural but "improved" look on your eye.
Best Eye Shadow Primer 5
Tall Tornado from Charlotte, North Carolina
I have tried many different primers but I always come back to Mac's Painterly paint pot. It somewhat hides the texture in my eyelid but is not thick. It makes my eyeshadow pop. I am old and I wear all of the colors.
Super smooth! 5
JJ from OH
I will buy this product again. Smooth and creamy AND stays on! It actually makes my eyes look more spunky.
Like it...not love but it's good 4
Ericazal from Houston
I like it....It's a good product but I wasn't wowed by it like I read on the other reviews. I think it's because of the color, it's a bit duller then I'd like. I want more colors and it would be perfect.
No budge, no smudge 5
Mary277 from Stamford, CT
This eyeshadow/primer is excellent! You can apply this with a brush or with your fingertip. Either way, these shadows simply do not budge or smudge and are long-wearing. I am so impressed with this product. You can apply other shadows or a pencil liner over this and you will not ruin your application.
Holy grail 5
Preezy from Savannah
The very best eye shadow primer, cancels out all coloration on the lid and makes shadow last all day long
LOVE Paint Pots! 5
Wynter Gal from Ft Lauderdale, FL
I love this eye shadow. I am not one to spend a lot of time getting ready in the morning. Paint posts are super easy to use and don't crease (young and old eyes). I am in a very tropic location and even in the heat, this shadow holds up great.
The only negative is that MAC discontinued some colors. I already purchased through the Estee Lauder (parent company of MAC) Gone but not Forgotton. Hoarding my very last paint pot of Stormy Pink (soft mauve color which is great for green eyes).
My favorite 5
Stacey from Denver CO
I use this as an eye primer. Nothing else has compared so far.
Long lasting, just a hint of color 5
Sparky from IL from Plainfield, IL
Great product for daytime use. Stays on for several hours, color is just barely there so good for a day you want to accent your lips and downplay the eyes. Plan on ordering another color as well. Love this product!
great but very dry 4
adara from florida
it works great for an eyeshadow base, but if you have dry eyes at all it makes it much worse and highlights all the wrinkles in and around your eyes. just moisturize really good before use
I would buy this product again and again 5
Cilla from LA
Works great for cleaning up under the eyebrow, and great for covering up blemishes 😁
Loved it 5
Jacky from Dallas,TX
I was skeptical when buying it but I lovveeeee it never going back to urban decay potion primer this keeps my eyeshadow a beautiful intense color and I have hooded eyes this is the only primer that prevents my eyeshadow from creasing
Not for dry skin 1
Adlld from Chicago
I have a spot on my eyelid that gets dry. This just enhances the dryness. The shadows look very powdery on top
Love this cream eyeshadow 5
alteach from Durham, NC
This is the third Mac Paint Pot I own! It is long lasting and can be worn alone or as a base/primer color.
My new favorite product! 5
Momma penny from Ohio
I use this every day. Love the color, which gives the eyelids a lovely finish. Evens out tones, stays all day, great also as a base for days I want a different look. Love it so much I bought one for my daughter as part of a holiday beauty box.
Not great for oily lids 1
brandi from pennsylvania
I've always heard good things about mac paint pots, but if did not work out for me at all. My eyelids are deep-set and usually oily, and this did nothing to make my eyeshadow last. I've used good quality eyeshadows from pat mcgrath and limecrime with it and the shadow totally melts off my crease after 4-5 hrs. This happened multiple times even when my skin/eyelids weren't that oily. It's also way too thick in my opinion. I'd recommend $7 etude house eye primer over this any day since my eyeshadow remains perfect ALL DAY with that primer. Or even urban decay which is basically the same price as mac paint pot.
Worth it 5
Beks from Englewood
Omfggggggggggggggg I love this a life changer everything stays put even with the mask on. Love it good decision. Thank you to youtuber
