MAC Matte - Embark

A nice warm burgundy neutral that goes with mostly anything. I just wish embark was more pigmented. It is very versatile and good for as everyday look. I took one lippie off because I think the color payoff on this one could be improved.

True, MAC does not have easy to blend eyeshadows in their classic matte formula. But I don't buy this for the formula. I buy it for the undertone and depth. It is the richest dark red brown that doesn't pull grey or purple on me. And I haven't found a dark brown I like more yet. Not a single one. And at $6... Its very reasonably priced. Staple forever.

This is an essential dark warm/purplish brown. The shade is very versatile. It works with just about any look. But I give this shadow a 4 because of texture issues. MAC mattes can be spotty texture wise, and this isn't the worst but it's definitely at the bottom end. It's a bit dry and patchy. You really have to build it up. On one hand, the texture makes it so you can slowly build it up but it can also be patchy to blend. I actually wonder if MAC purposely makes its darker matte shadows like this so you can build them up carefully because Carbon and Plumage have the same texture. If I could find a good dupe I'd probably use it. Anastasia Fudge is a good dark brown, but it's not as purple. And I don't like Makeup Geek textures (too powdery and waxy) otherwise I'd try Americano or Cherry Cola.

I really love Embark. It is very pigmented and I use it to create definition and also its great when used as an eyeliner. The staying power is also very exceptionally excellent! I would recommend this to anyone!

I did a ton of research before I bought some eye shadows for my Z palette, yet somehow I wound up with Embark. I was looking for a very dark brown. Embark is described on the MAC website as an intense reddish brown, but on me, it looks like a very dark purple. It reminds me of Sketch, which I don't like either. This shadow is very dry and extremely difficult to blend. I basically have to dot it on in little bits at a time, and then blend it carefully, and even after putting quite a bit of effort into getting it to look good, I still never feel like the result is great.

Beautiful brown colour that goes very well with my chocolate/caramel skin. Very pigmented and does last for a long time. Great as a transitional colour too.However I am not impressed with the price. I bought it as a refill pan and its £10. Ridiculous but I could not resist. I do think there are many cheaper alternatives to this eyeshadow.

I have had Embark for many years and have used it as an accent color on the outer corner of the eye and as an eyeliner on the upper lid. Now for the news flash ( well at least for me) this works so well on my dark brown brows and the reasons are as follows : tremendous staying power, the purple/violet tone of this brown appears cool rather than ashy. I use this at the base of the brow and and also to extend the length as I have about three hairs on my 'tails' . I use a light touch and a thickish angled liner brush. I finish the look off with Anastasia tinted brow gel in brunette. Armani Brow Maestro in #2 Wenge Wood is still my favorite but when time is of the essence having a powder saves precious time.

I love this color. It is great for all eye colors, and it is amazing for green or blue eyes. It is a deep brown with reddish purple undertones. I actually use this as a liner and it is perfect. It stays all day and smokes out nicely.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! gorgeous dark brown with a purple undertone. This is one of mac's darkest browns I believe. Pigmented and lasts. Used this for my prom for a unique smokey eye with silver ring and newly minted. I also love this in the crease with let me pop paint pot on the lid. It just looks so effortlessly beautiful. Packaging is good, love all of Mac's eyeshadows bc it snaps shut and you can see the color through the lid. Costs $15

I really like this colour and formula. Its a new purchase and i use it last on the outer corner of my eye and lower lash line, first i apply painterly paint pot and then apply soft brown in the crease, all that glitters on the lid and then embark to add definition. It really makes a difference and can be built up for a brown smokey eye look for night or kept natural for day. It is a red brown which looks different on the skin because it translates to a chocolate brown. If applying chocolate brown on the skin it looks black so opt for a red brown if your wanting the colour pay off to look brown. I would repurchase when i run out! I would be interested in getting it in a pro palette next time rather than individually