MAC In Extra Dimension Eye Shadow Swatches and Review

Sweet Heat


Blue Orbit


Modern Pewter


Dark Dare


Grand Galaxy



Rich Core


Havana


Warm Thunder


As I had mentioned in my MAC In Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Whisper of Gilt, Superb and Glorify Swatches and Review, the new MAC In Extra Dimension is a new liquid-powder hybrid formula that gives off prismatic reflections for that sculpted, highlighted, luminous look. It has a very fluffy, bouncy texture that is almost identical to Estee Lauder's Pure Color Cyber Eyes tri-brid system (gel, fluid and powder in one). The new In Extra Dimension eye shadows can be worn wet or dry. Use them dry for luminous color, or wet for an amped-up, metallic sheen.

As you can see, the design is in 3D in line with the "extra dimension" theme. These come in bigger sizes similar to the Mega Metal and Pro Longwear shadows.

There are ten new shades but I have eight of these. Here are some swatches both under direct sunlight and natural light (shade).



Modern Pewter, Sweet Heat, Rich Core






(shade)


Modern Pewter, Sweet Heat (shade)


Sweet Heat, Rich Core, Grand Galaxy


(shade)


Young Venus, Warm Thunder, Lunar, Blue Orbit


Warm Thunder, Lunar, Blue Orbit, Dark Dare




(shade)


L-R: Havana, Superb Extra Dimension skinfinish, Glorify Extra Dimension Skinfinish (Skinfinish swatches and review can be found HERE).

These really apply buttery on the lids. Slip is great and it is very easy to change the intensity and texture of the product just by foiling it or applying it wet. I like to use MAC Fix+ to create that effect. All the swatches above were applied dry, so you can just imagine how intense and vivid the shades are when applied wet.

I am wearing some of them today over MAC Soft Ochre paint pot and my Illamasqua cream shadow. I set it with my MAC Charged Water hydrating mist. It's been 8 hours now and there is slight fading which is minimal, but no creasing at all. I am liking the staying power of this product.

My favorites are the lid colors like Modern Pewter (my top fave), a dirty olive gold, and Sweet Heat, a bright peachy champagne. Warm Thunder is also pretty, a dirty silver grey that will be put to good use as I love to use silver-grey shadows. Blue Orbit is also one of my favorites; this is perfect with lavenders, blues, purples, plums, pinks. Havana is going to be a staple as it is a dirty copper brown and perfect for neutral looks. Grand Galaxy is a mid-tone purple that is too dark for the lid, in my opinion, but is a good crease or outer V color.

Rich Core is a deep rich burgundy/aubergine. Young Venus is a pale white pink that would make a nice highlighter for the eyes or cheeks. Dark Dare is a charcoal black. Lunar is a nice royal blue metallic.  In MAC's press sheet, all have the metallic finish with the exception of Dark Dare which is labeled "Glow". It is more of a satin/matte finish.

For application, I prefer to use this over a double base: a neutral all-over base like Nubile or Soft Ochre paint pot, and a colored primer like paints, paint pots or greasepaint sticks, or cream shadows. I like tacky bases so that the product can really adhere to the skin. I don't feel the need to wear this foiled or wet as I believe doing such would make the finish too metallic-y for my taste.

All in all, I am liking this new formula. Since I liked the tri-brid system of Estee Lauder's Pure Color Cyber Eyes, I am also liking MAC's In Extra Dimension formula as they are pretty similar. I love the different look and texture it gives as opposed to using a regular powder shadow. The staying power is also pretty decent.

These retail for $20 each and available April 5, 2012 in North America, and April 2012 internationally.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.25 out of 5

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the company for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.