MUA Makeup Academy eyeshadows — 13 Pearl, 9 Pearl

I purchased some products from MUA (Makeup Academy, a UK drugstore brand) mid-November, received them mid-December, and still haven’t posted about them! In order to get moving, I’m going to post some swatches today, along with quick reviews and initial impressions.

First, eyeshadows! I purchased two pearl eyeshadows – 13 Pearl is a blackened purple, and 9 Pearl is a iridescent purple.  I guess I was feeling the purple that day! Each eyeshadow is generously sized at 2g (a MAC eyeshadow is 1.5g), and only £1 (around $1.60; cheaper than Wet n Wild!).

As always, these swatches are done with a sponge tip applicator on clean, dry skin without primer.  Shade 13, the blackened one, took several swipes to build up to the level of pigmentation you see, and Shade 9 took about 2-3 swipes.  The third swatch is both layered, just because I thought it would be pretty!

MUA eyeshadow – Shade 9, Shade 13, both layered – natural light

MUA eyeshadow – Shade 9, Shade 13, both layered – flash

I think both shades are lovely on their own, especially 13, and even better together! I’m really pleased with the pigmentation level. Although it does need to be built up if they’re not used over primer, it is buildable without chalkiness or fallout, and of course the eyeshadows perform better over primer.   I judge these eyeshadows as fantastic for the price, and definitely would recommend them!

Later today I’ll have quick reviews of some other MUA products!