The MAC Carbon eyeshadow is a matte black shade that can be used in various degrees of intensity. It can be built up to a deep dark black, or just a muted dark gray. I’m always on the lookout for the best matte black, and Carbon has always come up as one of the top contenders along with Make Up Forever’s #4 eyeshadow. Packaging I have a Pro Palette, so I just purchased the refillable pan for this one. You can also buy this as an individual eyeshadow, which is what I did the first time I purchased Carbon. MAC’s all-black packaging is decent and sturdy enough. I like how it has a clear front, making it easy for me to see the shades without having to open the palettes or quads like other brands. Formula If you’ll look online you’ll see mixed reviews about this eyeshadow. Some say it’s easy to blend, and others say it’s blotchy and doesn’t apply evenly. I’m going to have to go with blotchy. I’ve tried different brushes, applied it wet and dry, applied with a primer underneath and without, and I still wasn’t happy with how it goes on the eyelid. It doesn’t even swatch evenly on my arm. I’m giving this product the benefit of the doubt because of the many positive reviews I’ve encountered, but I just don’t see it living up to the hype. Pigmentation Carbon is described as an “intense black”, but once again, Carbon in real life is nothing like I was expecting based on what people have said about it. I’m an NC35/NC40, and perhaps it’s my skin color that’s making this eyeshadow appear less dark than it is, but it looks just like any other dark gray eyeshadow to me. Color Payoff The color payoff is decent, if you don’t have trouble blending. It’s a good matte black for use as an eyeshadow or even as an eyeliner, and it can be deepened into a more intense black, though you’d need to apply a lot to achieve that. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth all that application when I could just use Make Up Forever’s #4 eyeshadow or Blackout from the Naked palette. Verdict I can see why Carbon is a popular choice as an eyeshadow. It’s buildable and is versatile enough. I use this more as a standalone liner, or to set my gel liner. If you’re looking for the blackest of blacks, this isn’t the eyeshadow for you. I would use this with a kohl eyeliner to create a darker smokey eye. Overall, I’m disappointed in this product and won’t be purchasing it again simply because I think there are better products available.
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