MAC • Charcoal Brown • Eye Shadow

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liseyloo on 3/10/2013 6:16:00 AM more reviews by liseyloo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I simply have to pay my respects to this wonderful matte e/s for it has served me faithfully for YEARS! Before discovering Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, this was my go-to eyebrow powder. It's a lovely, cool brown, and since I no longer need it for my brows I've been wearing it all over the lid which I LOVE! So flattering on my grey-blue eyes and PPP NW10 skin. 5/5. FYI: I don't believe the photos posted here do this e/s justice - it's darker and cooler IRL.

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Gracieperry on 2/20/2013 5:19:00 AM more reviews by Gracieperry

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Yet again another brilliant product from MAC. i loved this shade of Charcoal Brown as well because it matched the shade of my brows, but also made my blue eyes pop. This shadow sets perfectly when used on my brows - Teamed with a drugstore angle brush, and really creates a shape which i believe does make me look better. The pot is a nice small design, perfect for handbag carrying, but i do believe would be better a bit bigger, and the lid is quite a struggle to lift sometimes. There is also no sparkle to this product and is a block color nice on my eyelids. The tone really suits blue eyes and definitely makes them stand out. I will be purchasing this again on my next shopping trip as i lost mine, a must have for blue eyed girls everywhere!

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*TOP REVIEWER* jdmcgi2 on 11/17/2012 4:56:00 PM more reviews by jdmcgi2

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I have neutral skin tones that sometimes lean more warm or cool depending on the day and this eye shadow is way too cool toned for me. I've tried using it but I always looked drab and tired once it's applied no matter how I do it. I only use it to cool down eye shadows that are too warm in my crease now. Overall this has a good texture and would probably be a great basic brown for those with cool toned skin. I sometimes am NC20/25 or MUFE 118 for reference.

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hma22 on 9/2/2012 9:30:00 AM more reviews by hma22

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Kinky, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This product is perfect for filling in my brows and doesn't leave a 'drawn on' effect which makes it subtle but effective. I can't believe how much better my brows look after using this eyeshadow and I will continue to use this product because a little goes a long way. It is definitely one of my HG products!

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bluestarjcf on 8/8/2012 9:42:00 PM more reviews by bluestarjcf

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I love this colour! The MA and I spend ages trying out different browns to see what would work the best for me for both a natural crease colour as well as a colour that worked for my brow and this fit the bill perfectly. It also works well if you lightly dust this on your lids and then concentrate it in the crease fora neutral eye look.

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dunkv on 7/8/2012 3:20:00 PM more reviews by dunkv

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Classic Mac ! great everyday shadow, occasionally use this wet to line my eyes when i'm wearing a dark brown mascara and not much else

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*TOP REVIEWER* mmherman on 6/29/2012 12:02:00 AM more reviews by mmherman

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I buy this again and again, which says a lot because I am usually the person who throws away eyeshadow because it is has gotten so old (not used). I always make sure I have a back up of this because it is a great crease shadows.


I use this pretty much daily. It is perfect for a neutral, soft eye look or you can use it as a base to deepen the crease and then pop something more intense on top. I also use it to define my lower lash line.


I highly recommend you check out this shadow. It really doesn't look like much, but it really is a gem! :)

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Deanna2 on 6/25/2012 11:02:00 PM more reviews by Deanna2

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Charcoal brown is a cool medium/dark brown. On my fair skin, it looks dark, but it's very natural-looking. I use it as a crease color or a powder eyeliner. It's a bit too dark for my brows, but I can see how it would work for that. It blends nicely and is a great staple.

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Deyak949 on 5/28/2012 10:37:00 PM more reviews by Deyak949

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I absolutely love this for my brows! A MA matched this with me, i have dark brown brows, and it looked amazing and i had to buy it. Ive been using it for my brows, and ive never had this many compliments. I just started using it as an eyeshadow, and its just as gorgeous. I love its versatility, and it just makes this purchase so much worth my dollar. Definately repurchasing. Highly Recommend!

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Shaz809 on 4/2/2012 1:57:00 PM more reviews by Shaz809

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Love this eyeshadow. This has replaced Mystery as my go to eyebrow filler. I also use it on my crease with either Patina, Naked Lunch or All that Glitters on my lid, then Nylon on my inner tear duct. I have had to buy a second Charcoal Brown after I dropped my first one and it smashed. I pressed it again but did'nt do the best job....so would I again? YES!!

UPDATE 25/03//13
Would not buy this again. There are dupes out there. Check out Catrices 'Go Charlie Brown' and 'Starlight Espresso'.

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Breannaaa on 3/23/2012 11:31:00 PM more reviews by Breannaaa

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Wow ive been having this eyeshadow just in the back of my container and i tried it as an eyebrown shade and OMg its meant to be its soo nice. and i also use this as a crease color on my lid with all that glitters to school and its perfectt and natural! and i think its discontinued and ive hit pan :(

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*TOP REVIEWER* sugamonkey on 2/14/2012 10:57:00 PM more reviews by sugamonkey

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I'm Asian w yellow undertones, nc30, dark brown hair w caramel highlights. This is a beautiful color to use in the crease with dark gold or black/gold on the lid for a subtle, smokey look.

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*TOP REVIEWER* makeupjunkie35 on 1/5/2012 3:06:00 PM more reviews by makeupjunkie35

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

For all of you who are pale with neutral/yellow undertones (NC15-20), and hate brown shadows that pull purple, red, or orange, this one is for you! I adore Charcoal Brown and Brun for a perfect smokey eye where it doesn't look muddy, and I do not look tired or bruised. I like to use my EL DW fndt as a base. Then I layer Charcoal Brown over MAC Shroom or Nylon. Blends beautifully!! It's also awesome to line the eyes or pair with Black Tied to line for a hot look. LOVE. Will repurchase over and over!

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cocobinx on 12/28/2011 5:28:00 PM more reviews by cocobinx

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I previously used Omega or Coquette in my eyebrows, but they started to look a little bit too grey and sometimes green. This is the perfect neutral brown... no red, no orange, no khaki or green tones. It's nicely pigmented too. I debated for a long time whether or not to get this and I'm so glad I did.

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*TOP REVIEWER* aznmnkygrl808 on 12/2/2011 4:12:00 AM more reviews by aznmnkygrl808

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I was using mac's "spiked eyebrow pencil before finding this product for my brows!! I originally bought "charcoal brown" for a crease color. I was watching YouTube gurus and 2 of them (pixi2woo & littlekiva) used this eyeshadow for their brows. Tried it and I love it!!!!

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mariann7 on 11/8/2011 6:19:00 AM more reviews by mariann7

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased this eyeshadow last week - continuing my search for the perfect brown crease color. Happy to say I am very satisfied. It is a true brown, no red nor orange undertoe, and compliments my brown eyes perfectly. I've tried Soft Brown (too orange), Satin Taupe (nice but too glimmery. Blends very well, great staying power (I used NARS primer). I love it, and will def repurchase if I ever use it all. I'm using Amber Lights on the lid, All that Glitters as a brow highlighter, and a little Antiqued mixed with the charcoal brown in the inner crease, Laura Mercier Expresso or MAC Avenue as an eyeliner, and this is my go to work look. Yay!

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Loopachu on 10/30/2011 1:45:00 PM more reviews by Loopachu

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought this because a girl on youtube uses this on her brows, and our hair color is nigh identical (light brown/dark blonde hair, medium brown brows). It does do very well for that and I've been favoring it over my Anastasia brow powder duo. Otherwise, this is great for a defined crease if you want a matte look (I prefer matte for professional settings). You could use this as a brown liner powder but I tend to prefer a darker brown for that.

If you have espresso, you may not want to bother with this because they're very, very similar (espresso is maybe one shade darker, the finish is also matte).

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mslovely417 on 10/30/2011 12:57:00 AM more reviews by mslovely417

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Looks like I will be giving up my Wet n Wild brow pencil in taupe for this! It's amazing!!!! I stray away from dark browns because I have black hair and it makes it look too red, I go for more sand/taupe colors and this is a perfect matte for my eyebrows! Def repurchasing!!!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* aznmnkygrl808 on 10/27/2011 11:17:00 PM more reviews by aznmnkygrl808

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love wearing this color in my crease. It makes my eyes look more defined. Color is light on my skintone but it is buildable. Def will repurchase :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* mariella99 on 10/17/2011 7:21:00 AM more reviews by mariella99

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I know people love this product for their brows but I bought it for its intended purpose - as an eye shadow. I put off buying Charcoal Brown for a LOOOONG time. I'd read about how great it was and then I'd look at it in store and be unimpressed....for something with "charcoal" in the name, it was singularly lacking in "charcoal-ness". Well, I should have followed my initial instincts. I got this on Friday (it's now Monday) and I've worn it every day since and played with it a bit and, sorry, but to me, it's just not that special. I can get the same effect using Brun with a light hand and a 224 brush or using Omega and/or Wedge with a heavier hand. This isn't a "bad" shadow but it's really nothing special either. I am hoping that if I play around with it a bit more and try it with some other shadows, I might hit upon a combination that makes Charcoal Brown into something indispensable, but for now, I'm feeling pretty "meh" about it and would not repurchase.
UPDATE: Since buying MAC's Sweet Satisfaction (Pro Longwear eye shadow), I've found that the pairing of SS and Charcoal Brown works really well to create a sculpted and flattering eye that is suitable for day/work. Suddenly, Charcoal Brown (in the crease to contour) looks like something worth having and Sweet Satisfaction, which is another of those sort of "meh" shadows when first applied on its own, really comes alive too.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No