A year ago, I still hadn’t tried any shadows from Makeup Geek, a year on and my collection is ever expanding, and the only reason I’ve ended up stopping currently is because I’m awaiting a lot of colours to be restocked on the Beauty Bay to place another order.
Between my Violet Voss Drenched Metals palette and this, it’s rare that I reach for another palette unless I’m testing other palettes for review, or I’m travelling. The Makeup Geek ones have solidly become my absolute favourites, for the most part the shadows are excellent, there’s a few I don’t love – often because the colour swatches were a bit different compared to how they looked online.
I went to an event with Beauty Bay last year and received around half of these shadows there, I should mention that I’ve been under no obligation to review or mention them. In addition to the pans I also received the Manny MUA palette, which I’ll talk about briefly at the end, but I’ve done a full review of it here – as far as I’m aware this is the only pre-made shadow palette available from Makeup Geek. The service I’ve always had purchasing from Beauty Bay has been faultless and I’ll continue supporting them as the easiest place to buy them in the UK.
The shadow collection is broken down into three different sections, the ‘Core Collection’ (I’m labelling it that, they’re just referred to as shadow pans) is a mixture of shimmer, satins & matte finishes and retail at £6 each, the Duochromes are also £6 each and Foils are £9.25. The pans weigh 1.8g, compare that against a MAC one at £10, actually make them more reasonable, I know MAC is a lot cheaper for pans in the US.
I have a custom Z style palette that I bought off ebay that will hold 32 shadows once full, I have mine arranged via finish rather than colour, often when I’m doing a makeup look I won’t know exactly what I want to do, so I’ll just end up randomly picking shades as I feel like it, but I’ll know that I’ll want a matte first, then a Duo Chrome or a foil etc etc.
For the description of shades I’m working from each finish in a vertical manner. If anything isn’t clear, let me know in the comments!
Mattes
Unexpected – Makeup Geek describe this shade as a light pink brown, personally I think it’s more purpley than pink. It has enough of a touch of colour that makes it interesting and not another brown matte, but it’s not so far away from neutral that you end up locked in to only using it with purple toned shadows.
Simply Marlena – Funnily this is the shade I’ve been most disappointed with, I had high expectatations given it’s named after Makeup Geek owner Marlena. I was disappointed as the shade looked redder online and when it arrived it was a bright pink, but the formulation of this shadow is also quite dry.
Bitten – A rich burgundy brown shade that looks really good paired with cranberry shades for a smokey red look that is very wearable.
Cocoa Bear – A warm rich orangey chocolate brown
Creme Brulee- A mid creamy brown that’s perfect for washing in the crease with most makeup looks, just a smidge different from ‘skin colour’ that makes it an easy transition shade to work with.
Shimmer
Anarchy – A coppery cranberry shade, this looked a lot pinker when I saw swatches of it online, but it’s still very pretty, I haven’t worn it a lot as it’s a shade I bought over Christmas and I love these shades in autumn.
Shimma Shimma – A pale soft champagne shimmery shade that has fab pigmentation, verges towards the foil finish, but not quite.
Duochromes
By far my favourite finish from the brand, I want them all and I’m not far off now – I love the duochrome effect and it looks so darn pretty on the eyes!
Havoc – A gorgeous warm brown with a icy green flash, this is lovely and is one of the most pigmented out of the duochromes. It’s a really nice way to wear colour if you’re not very comfortable, the green is quite subtle unless you catch it side on.
Ritzy – a similar coloured base to Havoc but a smidge lighter, a warm brown with a golden yellow flash.
Karma – Soft golden yellow with a bright flash of yellow that verges slightly towards green/ I don’t wear this one enough. It’s quite sheer so is very wearable, but can be built up.
Voltage – I swatched this at the beauty bay event and they didn’t have any to take away and I bought it whilst I was on the train home, it was love at first swatch. A gorgeous bright white with a very intense pale gold yellow flash. This is incredible on the inner corner, and I bet it would also work as a really intense highlight, if so inclined.
I’m Peachless – A gorgeous multi faceted peach shade that reflects light beautifully.
Mai Tai – I’m Peachless’ more rebellious sister, a darker peach shade with a pink flash.
Blacklight – A bright lilac with a pastel blue flash. I have been loving this shade recently and wearing it a hell of a lot with the next shade.
Phantom – A pale white lilac with a more subtle lilac flash, this looks amazing with Blacklight and works nicely in the inner corner.
Foils
Intense shimmery foil finishes which all have really intense pigmentation. These also work really well with a wet brush for an even foilier finish, or used as a liner.
Jester – A gorgeous olive shadow that would look pretty on all skintones and eye colours. A shadow I always seem to get compliments on when I wear it!
Houdini – A dark navy with a undertone of teal, this looks particularly nice smoked out on the bottom lashes or worn as a liner. The more you sheer this out the more it looks like a black with a soft blue effect.
Pegasus (discontinued… maybe?!) – I received this particular shade in October at the Beauty Bay event, and I’ve not worn it properly yet, as it’s a shade that’s made for summer. A gorgeous bright pool blue, that would look amazing as a liner.
Mesmerized – A darker cool toned brown thats great for all over the lid for a darker wash of colour, but also works really well for a neutral smokey eye.
Starry Eyed – A gorgeous pale rose gold that is a really good one colour and go shade. I have another shade that this is similar to in my Violet Voss palette and I often fall into ruts of using
My Top 5 Picks
- Voltage – Probably my favourite shade out of all the ones I’ve had so far, this makes a really intense inner corner highlight but also packs a bright punch over the lids too. Can also be sheeted out for a fainter wash of colour so it’s really transitional for different looks and placement.
- I’m Peachless – The shade that made me love the duochrome finish, a gorgeous peach shade that’s got a really subtle duochrome flash that’s really easy to wear, and looks so pretty in summer.
- Jester – A really gorgeous bright olive that’s extremely wearable and I can’t imagine a skintone this wouldn’t look amazing on
- Cocoa Bear – A classic shade that couldn’t not be mentioned, a really warm rich matte shade, not as pure brown sounding as the name might suggest, it sits a little more orange toned.
- Unexpected – A more unusual shaded matte, it’s got a gorgeous muted purple tone to it, which looks great with the purple duochromes, for a subtle smokey look, and it’s not so far away from neutral that it’s unwearable with any other colour.
The Manny MUA palette is something which I am totally in love with, it has a mix of all the different finishes that Makeup Geek does and is a great neutral palette with hints and splashes of colour to make it something other than yet another neutral palette. This palette has a mix of limited edition shades that are palette exclusives, and shades which are available in pans separately, so it may be worth checking out my post here, where I list out each shades availability. (& feature looks using the palette too!). It’s currently not in stock on Beauty Bay – but it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for.
Are you a Makeup Geek Fan? What are your favourite shades if so?
Update: Classically as I’ve wrote and scheduled this one just checked at there appears to have been a restock over night, I’ve now placed an order for the three duochromes I was missing, so expect a little haul next week, I’ll make sure I include some swatches!
Post contains affiliate links
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr
Email: helplesswhilstdrying@gmail.com
This collection looks awesome. I only have simply marlena and love it. But I so want to try others xx
The swatches look so good. Your shades selection is impressive, something for everyone. xx
https://simpleserenity.wordpress.com
Your collection looks lush! I love MUG! There’s so many shades to choose from too!x
Agreed, everytime I’m looking for new ones there’s too many to decide between!
Great shades so far!
Thank you! x
I haven’t tried any Makeup Geek products out, but those eyeshadows look impressive! Maybe I should try it out soon! Wish you a lovely weekend! xo
They’re worth a try, I seriously love them! x
Jester looks amazing! I would wear that so much! Xxx
I think I might have a spare Jester where I was given a duplicate of one I already had, if I do it’s yours! x
You are the best blogging friend ever! xx
Obvs 💁🏽
Alas it is Houdini that I have 2 of, still hours if you want it babz x
I’d love to please! That is a gorgeous colour too! xxx
The foils look amazing !!
They have the most incredible pigmentation, better than any other shadow I’ve tried!
I need to try Makeup Geek!
You do! x
I have been wanting to try makeup geek eyeshadows for ages now it’s just to hard to choose on the website because they have so many colours!
This has defo helped – your collection is amazing!
Great post xo
The website is overwhelming with the choices that they have. Totally recommend them though, pick a few colours and slowly build up when you know which your favourite finishes are! x
Yea I think that’s what I’m going to do. They look such good value for money!xo
Wow these are stunning! Anarchy is drop dead gorgeous. I like the duochromes best, too. Hope to try MUG one day 🙂
That’s an impressive collection, I really want to try some MUG eyeshadows, the quality seems incredible and the colours are so pretty!
Technicolor ♥ Heart
I’ve still not tried any MUG products. The duochrome and foils look lovely😊 x
I have 30 MUG shadows so far. I love them. I agree the duochromes are amazing. I’m a sucker for duochrome anything.
Do you have some favourite shades I should be adding to my shopping list?!
I have swatches of all of them on my blog in a couple separate posts from last year if you want to look.
Wooooow. Love your collection of MUG shadows👌🏻😍
I had to pop open my MUG wish list to add some shades from your collection onto the list! 😛
I added Anarchy and Mai Tai.
I already had Havoc, Ritzy and Mesmerized on my list! Those duochromes are really calling to me…
I loved seeing the swatches!😍 I need to do some online shopping. The creator of MUG, Marlena, she is from Jackson, MI. That’s not too far from where I grew up. I’ve been to Jackson many times! xx
Such lovely shades especially the foil ones look amazing!
I haven’t tried Makeup Geek yet but I have a beauty bay order planned and a couple might sneak in as they’ve been on my to try list for a while and I’m determined to actually try some of the brands that have been on there for years to try something new. Those duochrome are gorgeous and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for that palette. I don’t need another neutral palette but it’s so pretty and looks a good way to try a range of finishes in colours I would definitely use.
I literally don’t know what I’d do with that many eyeshadows! I’m terrible and usually don’t really bother with my eyes. I’m much more of a statement lip girl. I do love the fact that you can pick and choose your colours though. Makes sure you get what you want.
I love Makeup Geek and I am very slowly building a collection! I love the duochromes they are beautiful! I will definitely be referring back to this post next time I make a beauty bay order xxx
so many beautiful shades! I really need to get on the bandwagon I think. That green just makes my heart happy, it’s so beautiful! x
It is, I’d never have picked that green it was one of the ones I was given but it’s amazing and become a go to!
There’s some stunning colours here, will definitely be taking a closer look at some of these palettes and I love the detail in your reviews! Just found your blog – I don’t usually follow beauty blogs but I love yours! The blog title is hilarious x
Thank you so much Hattie! I’ve given you a follow I’m doing terrible at reading blogs at the moment though (as I get married in two months!) – so I look forward to seeing your posts too! xxx
You have an amazing collection! I love their foil shadows. I need to add more to my collection!
Nicole | The Glam Surge
Awesome collection! Love your blog ❤️
I LOVE Makeup Geek shadows, I think I have 70 now but I want them all haha, they’re just so good for the price! xx
Gemma Etc.