MAC Eyeshadows: Vanilla + Satin Taupe

I finally took the plunge and bought my first ever MAC eyeshadows. I've wanted to try some out for so so long! Due to the rather ridiculous price tag I opted for a quad. I bought two eyeshadows to begin with; partly to start me off and partly because I couldn't choose (there are soo many gorgeous shades to choose from!). 

 

I decided to go for 'Vanilla' a soft ivory shade that offers a velvet finish; because what palette doesn't need a good ol' neutral base shade? It has a tiny bit of shimmer in the pan but it doesn't really translate to the eye. 

 

Next, I opted for their infamous shade 'Satin Taupe'. I'd heard so much about this shade from bloggers and YouTubers alike, and after a lot of google searches I decided this was a definite Gemma shade! As the name suggests, it's a taupe shade (duh!) that has purple undertones. I've mainly been wearing this in my crease but it's also gorgeous applied all over the lid. A great all rounder!  

Apparently it's impossible for me to take a decent photo of swatches on my camera so I decided to get a shot of them in action! Just be warned - I'm super cack handed at applying eyeshadow so don't expect anything spectacular.

 

This eyeshadow is absolutely beautiful! It is a taupe with strong purple undertones. Also, the finish is quite metallic, so keep that in mind. I prefer wearing it on the lid because it brings out my eye color so well, but you could also use it through the crease. It may suit cooler skin tones a bit better but I think it looks gorgeous on just about anyone. - See more at: http://www.eyeshadowaddictsanonymous.com/2012/12/top-10-mac-eyeshadows-for-fairpale-skin.html#sthash.FRVIEnmf.dpuf

This eyeshadow is absolutely beautiful! It is a taupe with strong purple undertones. Also, the finish is quite metallic, so keep that in mind. I prefer wearing it on the lid because it brings out my eye color so well, but you could also use it through the crease. It may suit cooler skin tones a bit better but I think it looks gorgeous on just about anyone. - See more at: http://www.eyeshadowaddictsanonymous.com/2012/12/top-10-mac-eyeshadows-for-fairpale-skin.html#sthash.FRVIEnmf.dpuf

I don't have a MAC store anywhere near me (in fact the closest store is over 100 miles away) so I've had to heavily rely on reviews and swatches online. Luckily, it's worked out quite well for me so far. I am in love with satin taupe, its such a gorgeous and wearable shade. I find that vanilla works best as a brow bone highlight; I've been wearing it across the lid but the colour pay off isn't great and it takes a ton of building up. I read somewhere that someone else had trouble with pigmentation for a little while until they had 'worn' it in. I'm hoping this will be the case for me.

I've been wearing these shades together almost every day since they arrived. I sweep vanilla all over the lid and blend satin taupe into the crease. & I must say they work wonderfully together!

What shades would you suggest I buy to fill my quad? I'm not a huge fan of warm golden tones on my eyes, I just don't think they suit me. So shades like 'Woodwinked' for example, I'm not interested in. I'd love to hear some suggestions to help me choose gals so please let me know if you have any!