Finish: Satin / Soft gold-peach with pearl
Arena is a soft orange brown shade perfect for pairing with other oranges, greens and browns. The formula is matte with a slight amount of sheen and is ideal for ladies with more mature eyelids. I like using this in my neutral eyeshadow combinations, but have found it can easily be paired with brighter colors for a subtle, but dramatic look. If you find that you have trouble getting Arena to show on your lids, try layering it over something like MAC’s Rubenesque paintpot (see looks #3 and 4); it will really help to punch it up! Arena brings out every eye color beautifully adds an air of sophistication.
Tags: eyeshadow looks using, how to wear, mac arena, video tutorials, what to pair with
on eye #1-which color is under bottom lashes? I did this look which came out really nice, but I was stumped on the bottom lash line.
Thanks
Hi! Whoops! I’ll add that in.
I put Mulch on the outer half and Bold and Brazen on the inner half.
I love all of these looks but I particularly like Look 5. I wouldn’t have thought to pair Greensmoke with Arena. The peachy tones look really nice with the green. I don’t have Greensmoke but I’ll perhaps try it out with Sumptuous Olive instead.
Yes, they do – it shocked me too – they blend together seamlessly, almost like they were made for one another.
Sumptuous Olive would be a good one to try with it too!
Out of curiosity, how do you do the ‘Spotlight On’ articles for each eyeshadow? Do you pick a colour and use it for a week or so to try out different combinations, or do you take pictures whenever you use a particular shade and then put them all together in one article when you have enough looks?
Hi Saira!
Little bit of both – sometimes I’ll wear a certain color throughout the week and take pictures of it as I go (depending on the shade and whether or not I feel comfortable wearing it to work – ha!).
Other times I’ll devote a good amount of time on Saturday to doing different looks and have to HEAVILY moisturize my dry eyelids Sunday. LOL
My favorite is Look 4
I’m putting together a 4X palette now that all my Tartans are completely used up and can’t decide on anything. Your blog has been most helpful, although I still can’t decide, but that’s just me. I have very large blue eyes and like to stick with browns and neutrals. I’m loving the Naked Lunch color and can’t figure out why I’ve never tried it before.
TY.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re finding the blog helpful!
I’m terrible at making decision when it comes to selecting eyeshadows, so I feel your pain!
Hi! Zabrena,
I don’t have Arena yet, but I love look 4! Is there a MAC dupe for Arena? I have a lot of other shadows but not Arena yet. Thanks for all your help!
Hi Karah!
Hope this helps!
Hmmm tough one! You could substitute with something like Samoa Silk, but it’s a little more orange than Arena, so it’d need to be applied lightly.
Hey Z! Would you say Arena is a shimmery version of Bamboo? I can’t seem to find any reference to bamboo on your site.
Thanks!
Vanessa
Hi Vanessa!
Compared to Arena, it could pass, but Arena is definitely more orange than Bamboo, and Bamboo leans more of a darker orangey-brown. You could always try it in place of Arena – you might really like the results in some of these combos! 
Thanks for asking!
Bamboo is actually one I started out with and swapped away early on in my MAC collecting; it’s one I’ll have to buy again to do a Spotlight for on the site.