MAC Oh My Banana Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Oh My Banana
MAC Oh My Banana Eyeshadow Palette ($32.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a brighter mix of warm-toned shades from pale gold to coral to plum. This palette has a few repromotes, including two permanent, single shades (Retrospeck and Soft Brown), so you may find your stash already have these, if you’re a long-time MAC fan. Of the three palettes in the collection, I felt like this was the easiest to use cohesively, and I liked the contrast added by the coral and plum shades. Overall, the palette was good–easy to work with, pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing–and one of MAC’s better pre-made palettes!
Note, the palette only contains 0.10 oz. worth of eyeshadow, and MAC’s 9-pan palettes and quads typically contain 0.19 oz. at the same price ($32). This collection’s palettes didn’t seem small, and the pans seemed like they would contain a fair amount of product, so I was surprised to discover the pans must be very shallow!
This collection launches on May 18th.
Look Using this Product
Oh My Banana
LELimited Edition. $42.00.
Big Kahuna
Big Kahuna is a light-medium, yellow gold with warm undertones and a fine, pearly shimmer. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that was buildable to opaque coverage with two layers (it was nearly opaque over primer, though). The consistency was soft, a touch dusty but not prone to sheering out, and blendable on the skin. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Lemon Tart (PiP, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Expose #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Nectar (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Goldfinger (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S516 Sand (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Dior Emerald #1 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Waking Dawn (LE, $17.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Maybelline Shady Shores (LE, $6.99) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sun's Out, Buns Out (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Kaja Java Jazz (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Big Kahuna
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Retrospeck
Retrospeck is a light-medium, dirty gold–hints of brown in it–with a sparkling finish. This is a permanent shade, and it is also a “Lustre” finish, which is supposed to be sheerer and glittery; it is the latter but not the former, which I imagine many will prefer as there was a lot less fallout as the powder combined and blended better on the skin than if it had been looser or sheerer. This shade lasted well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Bitter Better (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Iris Bronze #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Golden Flower #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Glaminatrix New Nude (PiP, $8.04) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Moon on Their Wings (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Beam (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Rivage #4 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Convoitise (90) (LE, $32.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Golden Snow #2 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Peekaboo (LE, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Retrospeck
PPermanent. $17.00.
Soft Brown
Soft Brown is a soft, medium brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was rich and opaque, while the eyeshadow was smooth, silky, and finely-milled. It blended out easily on the skin and lasted for eight hours before fading on me. This shade is part of the permanent range.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Cocktail Party (P, $8.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #9 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cornelious (PiP, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Stila Individual (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Rose Cloud (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Buxom Invite Only (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Flax (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Sepia (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Lt. Brown (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Tuscan Storm #3 (DC, ) is darker (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
Soft Brown
PPermanent. $17.00.
Electric Mandarin
Electric Mandarin is a bright, medium coral-orange with warm, red undertones and a satin sheen. It was intensely pigmented with a soft, smooth consistency that wasn’t too thick or too thin, so it was easy to blend out but still adhered evenly to bare skin. The color wore well for just over eight hours before I noticed any fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Dynamo (LE, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S748 Coral (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Poppy (DC, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Short Cake (DC, $6.99) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty On the Dance Floor (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Charmy (P, $13.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Shop (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Ablaze (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani #23 (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Wait for It (P, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Electric Mandarin
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
All's Rosy
All’s Rosy is a muted, medium-dark plum with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation, which was buildable to full coverage with just a touch more (not even a full second layer) patted on top. The eyeshadow was soft, just a touch powdery in the pan, and blendable on the lid. It stayed true-to-color for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (DC, $21.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Plum Cabaret (PiP, $25.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Plum Regalia (LE, $25.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Foxglove (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Smashbox Nirvana (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Ladyship (DC, $6.99) is cooler (85% similar).
- Clionadh Wildberry (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Mauve (LE, ) is brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Wrap It Up (LE, $16.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
All's Rosy
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Land of Delights
Land of Delights is a rich, medium-dark plum with warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had opaque color coverage, but the texture was firmer and a little harder to blend out. It was easier to work with over primer but took some extra effort to diffuse along the edges compared to the other eyeshadows in the palette. The eyeshadow wore nicely for eight and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Blush Wine (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hustle (LE, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Bijoux Royal #10 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Delicatesse #4 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Brazenly (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Bordeaux (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Les Annees Folles #1 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Rosette (P, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Just Stay (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Babykins (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
The first thing I thought when I saw the name of this was yellow. I am surprised that with a name like “oh, my banana”, it is not more yellow. Maybe I am just not very cultured and missed something somewhere. . . .
I expected greens and yellows from the name, lol!
Another one I don’t need but is really calling me. O_O
Awww!
I’m in love with this collection at this point. ? This palette, too, will be coming home to Mama!
Sadly, I won’t be able to wear it or Fruit A La La, nor the UD Basquiat Tenant palettes until my face is back to normal. I was dc’d with shingles on my face and side of my head last night, put on Valtrex (an antiviral) and Tramadol (painkiller), and will probably not be wearing any makeup except BB cream w/sunscreen and lipgloss for at least a few weeks. Feeling a ton of pain, as if I got beat up. Not looking too pretty, either. And it won’t let me sleep! ?
There are some gems in the launch!
I’m so sorry about your diagnosis, Nancy! I hope you heal up soon!! <3
Too many great gems! ????
Thank you so much, Christine! I just want to feel and look normal again.
Nancy, sorry to hear. Have had shingles a few times, and oh boy it is painful. Get lots of rest and hope you feel better soon
Thanks, AB! Yeah, this is definitely quite painful. They’re at the blister stage, which means the burning sensation is very strong, like a 3rd degree burn. I’ve heard that the next stage isn’t too pleasant, either! ?
Oh dear can’t imagine the pain you must be in. I hope the meds work and you start to feel better very soon! x
Prayer for you Nancy.I hope you get better soon.
Sorry to hear about the shingles, Nancy. My late grandmother and my ex-SIL had it, and I know it can be quite painful and debilitating. I hope your current flare-up goes away quickly.
TYVM, Rachel. This looks and feels like I’ve got major burns all over my one side of my face. There’s also an even worse area on my scalp. Saw my Doc yesterday, and she not only verified the previous Doc’s dx, but said not to wear makeup over it to hide it when I asked her if I could use my BB cream with spf! ?
I feel your pain, Nancy. I developed horrible eczema on my cheeks which is probably nowhere near as bad as yours. But it’s clearing up with good old Hydrocortisone 1%.
Good luck Nancy! Hope your condition improves right away.
It’s especially tough when you love makeup and can’t enjoy it when you get a flare up.
I like it. It’s like a minimalist Modern Renaissance palette.
Oooh, good call!
You’re so rright! I may have to get it now, lol! The shades are lovely, but that other palette is just so big. This one seems just right! 🙂
The last three shades are my picks! They look so beautiful!
Nice choices! 🙂
These are pretty perfect for someone with your coloring. I’m sure it’s going to be a big hit.
Thank you, Erin!
This is a pretty good palette with lots of summery shades. Whilst it is not shades I would wear, the colours are cohesive and lovely.
Very pretty eye look Christine.
Thanks so much, Genevieve!
This one is tempting too.
It is a pretty palette!
I have enough dupes already but love the color combo and pretty packaging!
Fun palette, interesting mix of colours. I’m cool toned leaning to neutral but I think I could wear those colours. Peach looks really nice with my green-grey eyes. They’re warm but not too yellow toned or muddy.
I really love this palette also. MAC you’re killing me. I can’t believe I don’t own soft brown? I think I have intended to pick it up and just never did, LOL.
This was the one i had my eye on. That was until i realized i already had 3 of the shades, plus dupes for another 2.