MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette Quick Review, Photos, Swatches
MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette ($40.00 for 0.18 oz.) is a warm-toned set of neutral eyeshadows with a mix of some of MAC’s long-time permanent options along with shades from past limited edition releases as well as new shades (that seem to be exclusive to this palette). Each eyeshadow is about the size of a dime and contains 0.02 oz., whereas a full-sized eyeshadow contains 0.05 oz. (or 0.04 oz. if it is a Veluxe Pearl eyeshadow). The compact is the size of MAC’s eyeshadow quads. I would consider this a palette that’s real value is in getting nine shades for $40, otherwise it’s about the same amount of product you get in a pre-made MAC eyeshadow quad (0.19 oz.). The quality seems comparable to MAC eyeshadows in general, and the shades available as singles seem to perform like their individual versions.
If there’s a lull in new products, I might go back and test out the shades for wear, but there are so many other limited edition MAC products to get through that this is definitely a lower priority at the moment — but here are photos and swatches with brief descriptions and initial thoughts! Hopefully this is still helpful! 🙂
Cozy Grey is described as a “cool grey [with a Matte finish].” It’s a light beige with a subtle gray tone and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff, soft but a little firmly packed into the pan. This was released previously in the 15-pan Cool Neutral palette.
Kitties is described as a “pale bronze [with a Frost finish].” It’s a light-medium, yellowed gold with a frosted, metallic finish. The texture was soft, fairly smooth, and it was mostly opaque.
Georgia Peach is described as a “dirty rose pink [with a Matte finish].” It’s a muted, medium-dark peach-brown with a matte finish. The texture was on the firmer side but yielded decent color payoff.
Ricepaper is described as a “peachy gold with shimmer [with a Frost finish].” It’s a lightened yellow with a frosted finish. It had a soft, blendable texture on the skin with good pigmentation. It seemed a smidgen yellower compared to my original.
Creative Copper is described as a “light beige [with a Lustre finish].” It’s a golden copper with hints of brown and a glittery, sparkly finish over a metallic sheen. Lustres are typically sheerer with noticeable sparkle/glitter and almost always have fall out. This has been released as a limited edition shade as well as in the 15-pan Warm Neutral palette, but it’s not as good as the one in the 15-pan palette–it is more like the limited version, as it is chunky and doesn’t hold together as well. I would use this one over a base for sure to help it bind.
Cork is described as a “muted golden brown [with a Satin finish].” It’s a muted, medium brown with warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. It was semi-opaque with a soft but firmer texture. It was sheerer and noticeably lighter than my permanent pan.
Don’t Tell is described as a “sparkly brown [with a Lustre finish].” It’s a rosy brown with copper and champagne sparkle and shimmer. It had a sparkly texture that you could feel that seemed to blend out to semi-sheer coverage.
Aromatic is described as a “matte brown [with a Matte finish].” It’s a muted, dark brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was firm and dry, which resulted in semi-sheer, uneven pigmentation.
Pepper Please is described as a “sparkly bronze copper brown [with a Velvet finish].” It’s a muted, dark brown with subtle, reddish undertones and gold sparkles strewn through it over a matte finish. I’d expect this to look primarily matte once applied as the sparkles in Velvets rarely transfer to the lid unless you use a tackier base (which I would
MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Amber Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Cozy Grey Eyeshadow
MAC Cozy Grey Eyeshadow
MAC Kitties Eyeshadow
MAC Kitties Eyeshadow
MAC Georgia Peach Eyeshadow
MAC Georgia Peach Eyeshadow
MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow
MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow
MAC Creative Copper Eyeshadow
MAC Creative Copper Eyeshadow
MAC Cork Eyeshadow
MAC Cork Eyeshadow
MAC Don’t Tell Eyeshadow
MAC Don’t Tell Eyeshadow
MAC Aromatic Eyeshadow
MAC Aromatic Eyeshadow
MAC Pepper, Please Eyeshadow
MAC Pepper, Please Eyeshadow
I really like the idea of these palettes! I have so much stuff that I rarely finish an eyeshadow anyway, so I don’t mind them being smaller. Plus is more compact for travelling and so on!
They are very compact!
I love the Georgia Peach color, are there any dupes that you know of?
http://www.temptalia.com/swatch-gallery?sg=191725,186124,184039,105517,92503
They look nice! Btw Aromatic seems like espresso but less pigmented. What do you think?
Not as warm-toned!
Aromatic is warm-toned?
Espresso is warmer-toned with a redder base 🙂
oh, it looks a little cold on me, I don’t know why… 🙁
Very helpful and much appreciated! Thanks, Christine!
No prob, Jilly!
Wow this is much smaller than I anticipated. Maybe a good introduction to the brand for those who have yet to try it, but I’m still debating whether or not it’s a good value for the tiny amount you get.
It’s comparable to what you’d get in a quad. I think the 15-pan pre-made palettes are the best for value in regards to quantity vs. price.
Well if you get two 9 compacts (18 colours) you’d be paying around 80 dollars where as if you get the 15 pallet it’d be around 85 dollars
The quality of the swatches seems pretty good except for the last color! I can totally see myself getting a lot of use out of this one! 🙂
Let me know if you end up getting it!
I’ve been thinking about picking up one or two of these mini palettes. I have a TON of eyeshadow, but not many from MAC, so this seemed like a good way to try out some of their eyeshadow. Plus, since I have so many different eyeshadows that I tend to cycle through, I RARELY hit pan so the small size doesn’t really bother me.
So it’s REALLY good to hear that the quality for this palette at least, seems comparable to the quality of the same colors in their individual eyeshadow form.
Though, I’ll make sure to throw in that MAC’s eyeshadow quality is kind of all over the map, lol! They have some really great shades and then some not-so-good shades.
I really appreciate these posts!! Especially with MAC, they’re out of control with the amount of LE products they release, but it’s still super nice to have the swatches of permanent items. Thank you!!!
You’re welcome, A!
Pretty wearable colors, great if you’re starting out and need a basic kit of neutrals, but what worries me is that the last 2 mattes look dry and patchy.
I think you can get better warm-toned neutrals out there, though this palette’s major pro is better variety in finish.
Pass. It’s just kind of “meh” to me. Cork is the only real standout, as far as I’m concerned.
Luckily that one you can get as a single!
YES this is still helpful, girl!! Helpful and preeeetty
Yay!
could you review the burgundy palette?
Hi Jennifer,
I am working on it – this is just the first one I was able to have time to do 🙂 I don’t think I will be able to work on any of the other 9x palettes this week, as I am busy working on MAC’s LE collections. I’m very sorry!
I guess I didn’t realize from the promotional info how small these are… and quality wise for $40… mehhhh. Guess I’ll postpone my first MAC eyeshadow purchase a little longer!
For MAC, it’s not bad (value-wise), given that MAC doesn’t typically have value-packed offerings, but I’m not sure the quality is there for $40 when you can get a lot of other warm-toned neutral palettes for the same or a bit more.
There’s also the 15-pan palettes for $85, including the Nordstrom exclusive, which includes most of the “best-sellers”. It’s a bit steep initially, but it ends up being about 1/2 the retail price.
Awesome shades! Would this palette be useful for someone that already owns the naked basics? (I have no Mac eyeshadows yet though)
I haven’t worn it, so some shades might be better/worse applied, but I didn’t love the palette as a whole.
Definitely helpful! Good to hear the shades perform as if they were monos.
Well, a few of them at least!
Don’t tell is really pretty!
Glad ya liked it!
I thought so too! But looking close at it the particles around the edges look like they might behave a little funky
Obsessed! These colours are to die for, can’t wait to get my hands on these. Hopefully they aren’t sold out yet!
These are permanent!
Man, as a Mac newbie, this makes me even more tempted to get one. Is this the only one you got, or do you have others to swatch?
Hi Kirsten,
I am slowly working my way through them, as I prioritize LE stuff first (a lot of the palettes are filled with previously reviewed shades or permanent shades, so I have covered these before), and I don’t expect to have any time to work on any of the other 9x palettes this week. I’m sorry!
Thanks for the swatches. I’m not too excited over this one. Even the reviews on MAc’s site are a little mish- mashed. I am interested in the burgundy shades a little more. But, overall, I won’t buy MAC shadows without a review. I feel like they tend to put out products that are too hit and miss. So I am guessing at lease a 1/4 of those shadows( and I am being positive) are going to be a pain. I would prefer three quality shadows over 9 tiny ones. But, that’s just my personal opinion. I can see this being great for someone trying to build a collection. I think some of the swathes look great. A couple, you can tell, as you mentioned will need a base,maybe glitter base. This may be totally worth it for someone trying to save some $ or build up a collection on a budget.
I think about these things like this..If I had a daughter in college who wanted a neutral palette, would I suggest this? I honestly would advise her to wait for reviews since it is permanent or save a little more and get a Naked palette.
Their 15-pan palettes were surprisingly good (the warm/cool ones) relative to their more hit-or-miss quads and holiday palettes, though I am partial to just building your own.
Yes,I see those are! I must have totally forgot about those because the reviews Ii found are from Jan. Are those what you are referring to? They are listed as $85 on mac’s site and $100 on your review. So, I was not quite sure..picture looks the same though. I would get them if A) I was a rich girl. B) I didn’t have a surplus of neutrals already. and C) If I didn’t find that I think I like MUFE shadows more. I may fill a few gaps with singles if I can’t match it close enough in the MUFE formula. But, at my age, I have enough good palettes to hold me over( and then some) while I build that collection. Which will probably be my mainstay along with only very high quality, unique stuff. And you know, I am going to cave and buy an occasional just for fun palette , as long as it performs well.:) Those 15 pans..yep. I would suggest those to my daughter if she were older or any one building a collection. Good staple to get you through. That’s a ton of great shades and I understand that it’s hard to build a palette for most people.
Ugh..now, I am thinking about them! lol. I just have to sleep on it. I never really have been a huge fan of Mac shadow. even the Bellgreens form Toledo. It’s nice and fun. But, they seem powdery and harder compared to mufe, maybe it’s my eyelids(aging is not pleasant, but it does beat the alternative.knocking on wood) .. Nah.. too much great summer stuff coming out..it’s permanent. banishing it from my brain! lol
Darn it! All these colours are right up my alley, but those last too bring the whole palette down! Why do the dark shades in all of MAC’s palettes seem to be so terrible 🙁 *closes wallet*
I don’t know! They press them so hard!
I did not realise how cute the packaging was in mini! I might have to check these out when they come to the UK. I rarely get through a full sized eyeshadow apart from browbone colours anyway.
Very true! It is tough to get through a full-sized eyeshadow!
Hmmm. Don’t think I would get much use out of this. Those really light nudes always show up on me looking white 🙁 This would be great in other color options… Great price too!
Hopefully one of the other options works better for you, Indya!
This is right up my alley! I like the smaller pans & the gold shades! 😀
Yayyy!
Just an inane thought. Would buy the color “kitties” for the name. My daughter and granddaughter would then come over to raid them.
I bet they would!!
I’m most likely going to pick all of these up at some point! I like the idea of smaller pans, as I can’t recallever hhitting pan on a shadow, and the compact size is great for on-the-go/travel purposes.
Glad they’re going to work for you, Amy!
I really like this – in fact I was just thinking to myself the other day what it would be like if mini sizes were more available in general!
It would be nice!
I’ll be checking this out when it gets to the UK – this and the burgundy are the ones I’m most interested in. The size is actually a plus for me. I’d rather get nine smaller shadows than four bigger ones, as a general rule.
Hope they arrive soon!
I think Georgia Peach is interesting, although not aptly named.
Not at all!!
I had sworn off MAC products for years after getting burned by them one too many times, But after seeing these and mulling it over, I caved — and I’m glad I did!
Not having any MAC shadows in my vast collection, this is a great way for me to try lots of colors and finishes, and I rarely hit pan so the size is perfect. In fact, I love them so much I purchased all 4 of the MAC Times Nine palettes!
Happy you’re loving them, Christina!
I really like the look/size of this palette – so much more to offer than a quad and so much less cumbersome than a full-sized MAC palette and it even looks nicer, packaging-wise, than the Naked palettes, etc. It’d be nice if MAC would release an empty palette in this size (if they haven’t already – I’ve not checked lately). But I just might be tempted to pick this one up although the name (that “Amber” in the name) might have prevented me had I not seen the shadows, so thank you for the good look at this, Christine.
Glad I could give you a little peek! 🙂
Hi Christine!
I’m thinking about buying a Mac palette (first one!) and I’m trying to decide between the Warm Neutral 15 pan palette and the Nordstrom Naturals palette that just came out. Which one do you recommend or like more? I don’t own any Mac shadow, btw! Thanks!! 🙂
Hi Bonnie!
I haven’t seen or tried the Nordstrom version, so I’m not sure if the quality is on par with the regular line/permanent single versions of each shade in it. If it’s comparable to the other 15-pan palettes, it would be decent to good, but I haven’t tried it so I can’t tell you which is better!
Hi Christine!
Thanks for responding! Could you tell me which color selection you think is better? I’m sure you’ve tried most of the colors in both, (if not all of them!) l was basically wondering which palette you would pick to buy, if you could only pick one of the two! Thanks again! 🙂
I think if you like darker neutrals and deeper colors, then the Nordstrom seems to have some plummy options in it. Not a huge fan of Vapour, Honey Lust, Beauty Marked, or Carbon (NOrdstrom version), but All That Glitters, Satin Taupe, Ricepaper, Amber Lights, Mulch, Woodwinked, Omega, and Brun are all shades I really like. The Warm palette is more golden and a lighter look.
I have been trying to find the perfect traveling eyeshadow palette. The urban decay basics palettes don’t quite do it for me. I don’t mind the smaller pans considering it’s still a comparable amount of product for the price of a quad. I seldom finish shadows anyway except for my basic crease colors. I think I need to pick this up.
Let us know how you like it!
What letter rating would you give this?
Sorry, I didn’t test for wear, so I can’t give a rating for it.
Is it me or the glittery ones are chalkier? I don’t see them as pigmented as the regular MAC eye shadows either. What do you think?
I was also looking for your letter grade 😉
Lustres are supposed to be sheerer.
I purchased this..after returning the Burgundy version of this palette (the colors were just meh on me–and a bit too “cool”) and will be returning this one for practically the same reason. The colors didn’t have deep pigment and lacked impact. My skin tone is a bit lighter than yours and the light colors barely showed up and the dark colors were not different enough from things I already have (like amber lights, woodwinked,all that glitters and satin taupe) and were not nearly as good as those. I think I will get the Warm 15 pan palette tho….. (PS It is TOO HOT today here in SD!!) 🙂
Sorry to hear that this one didn’t work out for you, Christiana! Hopefully the 15-pan will!
is this palette (and the other “times nine” palettes) limited edition or permanent? Thank you!
Permanent!
Just purchased this palette @ MAC online plus one 10 shadow pan, with 2nd day shipping for a slim 45 bucks. MACFAN1 is the code to receive 10 off 50 dollar or more purchase. 🙂