If you love adding a little sparkle to your eye makeup, you probably know how much of a difference one shimmery product can make. I personally love an eye look with a little something extra, but I don’t always want to pull out an entire palette or spend forever blending multiple shadows. That’s where a liquid eyeshadow can come in handy—you can keep the rest of your makeup simple and let the eyes do all the talking. As a freelance beauty editor, I get to test a lot of makeup, so I’m always curious to see which products are actually worth adding to your collection. Naturally, I had to see what the MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid Eye Shadow was all about.
MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid Eye Shadow: Old vs. New Formula
MAC first launched its Dazzleshadow Liquid eyeshadow in 2018, before updating the formula and packaging in late 2025. I never tried the original version, so I can’t personally compare how the two perform, but from what I’ve seen, there are a few notable differences between them.
The original formula had a slightly thicker liquid texture and was known for delivering plenty of sparkle. However, some of the more glitter-heavy shades could apply a little sheer and were more prone to creasing or fading throughout the day. It also came with a more traditional straight applicator wand.
The newer MAC Dazzleshadow Longwear Liquid Eye Shadow has a finer, more lightweight texture and an updated angled applicator that makes it easier to control where you place the product. MAC has also separated the shades into two main finishes: Glitter, which gives a sheerer, multidimensional sparkle, and Metallic, which has more opaque, foiled colour payoff.
Wear time is another major update. The new Glitter finish is marketed for up to 12 hours of wear, while the Metallic shades are designed to last for up to 24 hours with a smudge-resistant finish.
Since this is the version I tested, the rest of my review is based entirely on the newer reformulated Dazzleshadow formula.
How It Wears:
I actually recommend applying the Dazzleshadow to a makeup palette or the back of your hand and then using a brush to apply it to the eyes rather than going straight in with the applicator. I especially like this method if you have hooded eyes because you have more control over the placement and can bring the shadow slightly above the crease, so you can actually see all that sparkle when your eyes are open.
I have the metallic shades Beaming Brighter, Champagne Trail, and Flash or Fash, and I find they lean more sparkly than traditionally metallic. They give the lids a really pretty sparkle and reflects in the light beautifully. The formula feels lightweight on the eyes, applies smoothly, and once it sets, it lasts really well without feeling heavy or uncomfortable. Overall, it’s an easy way to add noticeable sparkle to an eye look without dealing with loose glitter.
Who Would Like This Product?
If you want some extra sparkle on the eyes, I think grabbing one shade of the MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid Eye Shadow would be a great addition to your makeup collection. I’d pick a shade that complements your skin tone, aligns with your makeup preferences, or works with a lot of the colours you wear so you can get plenty of use out of it. The formula isn’t difficult to work with either, so you definitely don’t need to be a makeup artist to make it look good.
Is It Worth The Money?
I think having at least one sparkly liquid eyeshadow in your makeup collection is nice, especially because there are a few different ways you can use it. You can wear it all over the lid for some extra sparkle or use a thin eyeliner brush to turn it into a sparkly liner. I really like the formula, and at $38, I don’t think the price is terrible for a long-wearing liquid eyeshadow. That said, I would be strategic about the shade you choose. Go for one you know you’ll get plenty of use out of rather than buying a colour you’ll only reach for once or twice. If you find that shade, I think it’s worth the money.
MAC’s Dazzleshadow Liquid Eye Shadow, $38, sephora.ca
Disclosure: This product was gifted, but I am under no obligation to share a positive review. All opinions are entirely my own and based on my honest experience. This post also contains affiliate links; if you choose to purchase them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content I create. Thank you for your support!
Photo courtesy of Sephora. Graphic made by Mursal.