Today I'm talking about two eyeshadows that I had thought were dupes for two of my MACs, but after swatching them I realized they weren't quite spot-on. In any rate, they are still very similar and give the same effect as their MAC alternatives.
First I have MAC Retrospeck and its dupe, an eyeshadow from the ELF Eye Brights palette:
Retrospeck
Dupe: it's the eyeshadow on the top row, second over from the left
Left: dupe, Right: Retrospeck
In the pan these look almost exactly the same (Even more so in person). However, the ELF eyeshadow looks a little more brown in the swatch, whereas Retrospeck comes off more light gold. When I use them on my eyes, though, they have the same "shimmery gold" look that is really pretty when paired with some slick black liner and lots of mascara.
Next is MAC Greensmoke and its dupe, the green eyeshadow from Maybelline Eyestudio quad in Mad For Mauve:
Greensmoke
Dupe: Maybelline
Left: dupe, Right: Greensmoke
I don't particularly like Greensmoke as an eyeshadow- it's a Lustre finish which I usually like (Retrospeck is a lustre as well and the pigmentation/texture is wonderful), but it's hard in the pan and takes a lot of effort to apply. The Maybelline eyeshadow isn't the best in terms of pigmentation (Not bad, but not outstanding), but it blends wonderfully and the texture is soft. I actually prefer that shade to Greensmoke, too. I like that it has a little more green.
Do you own any of these eyeshadows?
(PS- College packing is going well! I have two more days before I leave and I think I'll be ready. I'm so excited now!)
