Monday, May 27, 2013

Review: Mac Paintpot in Groundwork




Two things before we even begin to go into my thoughts on this product: 1. Yes, I was an impatient blogger and cracked this open on a weekend away, meaning I didn't get to photograph it before use - hence it now looking more than a little bit gross. 2. Adding to the grossness is a delightfully placed hair, which I can assure you is from a makeup brush. You have my apologies for both.

On my last visit to my local Mac shop, I went in with two things in mind: A new spring lipstick, and a Mac Paint Pot. Despite being an avid Mac shopper, this was one product I had yet to try, perhaps owing to my - until fairly recently - reluctance to branch out from palettes when it comes to eye colours. Generally, I'm far too greedy and indecisive to ever go for a single eye shadow or pigment, be it cream or powder, but I'd seen these little gems floating around the blogosphere for a while by then, and had noted how lovely both Groundwork and Painterly seemed to look just used on their own.
So, what exactly are these Paint Pots, for those of you who have never tried them before? They are highly-pigmented cream eye colours which set with an intense finish, and the neutral shades among them  work well as a primer/base for powder eyeshadows as well as looking pretty darn good worn alone.
I picked up the shade Groundwork, which I must admit doesn't look all that exciting in the pot. It's described by Mac as a mid-tone neutral taupe, but while it does look pretty matte before application, on the eyelids it does have a bit of a glossy, sheeny finish. The best thing about Paint Pots is that they are really long-wearing - this one doesn't budge all day, and I have to make a point of removing it especially when it comes to my evening skincare routine. It doesn't crease at all either, which is one of the reasons it does make such a fabulous eyeshadow base.
Personally, I've been wearing this solo all over the lid for a really easy, day-time neutral eye. For me, it seems a shame to cover it up with layers of eyeshadow when it looks so pretty on it's own, and since the day I bought it I think I have pretty much reached for it every single day. It's such a quick and effective step to include in my morning makeup routine, and it's handy for travel too as it's such a small and sturdy pot.
Of course, for evening looks I do take full advantage of  Groundwork's power as a base for a more dramatic look, and that works really well too.
 The only downside to the Paint Pots, I would say, is that they do tend to dry out slightly, so it's a good idea to keep the lid screwed on really tightly and, as I was advised at Mac, to store it upside-down. Saying that, mine only looks slightly drier in the pot, but it's still just as easy to apply with a fluffy eyeshadow brush.

Overall I'm really impressed with this, and am looking to get my hands on a couple more very soon. I only wish I'd discovered them sooner!

Paint Pots are available from Mac at £14.50 a pop.

Have you tried any of the Mac Paint Pots? If so, which one is your favourite?


xx

19 comments:

  1. this looks lovely! I used to have bare study. I wanna buy more too now! x

    dippywrites.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. It's so nice, can't wait to try some others - maybe one of the new Pro Longwear shades xx

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  2. I really want to try one of these but the price has always put me off a bit!

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    1. Yeah, they are pretty pricey for what they are, but given the amount of use I'm getting out of this particular shade I'd say it's worth it. Maybe not so much with the brighter shades, as I wouldn't use them daily, nor as an eyeshadow base xx

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  3. Oh I love this!
    And I know what you mean with being impatient haha. I hate waiting before I can use it because I have to take pictures!

    X

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    1. I literally bought this to use while I was away, and I didn't have my good camera with me. Oh well!xx

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  4. Groundwork has been on my list for ages :) x

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    1. It's a must, as you can use it under anything as well as on it's own. I popped in to pick up another shade last weekend, but when I got there I wasn't all that enthralled, as I think that's what I like about this one - it's just so versatile xx

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  5. I have this too - along with some other paint pots but I have to say...i have gone off them! Since trying the Maybelline Tattoos, I refuse to pay for one of these now. The MAC ones are nice but I still have to wear primer or they crease on me. Since trying the Maybelline I am hooked and they are like 1/3 of the price but brilliant quality. Sure, they do not have the same shades as MAC but I still love them more, I also find they wear better for me than the MAC...

    Sorry MAC but you have competition! LOL xx

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    1. I've been wanting to try those for a while, will have to get on the case! I haven't seen any shades that are as versatile as Groundwork though, which is what I love about it xx

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  6. Hey! Found you on BBunite blog hop page. Looking forward to reading more of your posts!!

    Robyn viav x vintageisavirtue blog

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  7. I really want to try this one! I had Bare Study a long time ago and loved it.

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    1. I nearly bought Bare Study at the weekend, but reasoned with myself that I didn't reeeally need it as it's quite similar to this one xx

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  8. Beautiful colour :)

    Salli
    xxx

    www.embracingtheenchanted.blogspot.com

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    1. It's so good Salli, I'd highly recommend it xx

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  9. I would love to try a Paint Pot, if only they were a tad cheaper! xx

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    1. Yeah, I must agree - far too pricey. Don't think I'd pay it for a less versatile shade xx

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  10. I love the Mac Paint Pots and I use Painterly on an almost daily basis. Mostly underneath a powder shadow as I find they increase the staying power of powders massively and also stop the powder creasing. I occasionally use it alone when I am having a lazy makeup day. Groundwork is on my wish list so thanks for the review Mel! x

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