MAC Bronze Influence Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Bronze Influence
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a new, permanent six-pan palette that included two matte shades and four shimmers in a neutral color story. I was not impressed by the formula used for the new Connect in Colour palettes as the shimmers were dry, thin, dusty, and/or powdery with sheer coverage and poor longevity, while the mattes were better, they weren’t as blendable as they could (or should!) have been. The new formula is supposed to have “one-swipe” pigmentation and they are being sold as VERY pigmented eyeshadows, yet three shimmers were very, very weak eyeshadows… period.
The only thing that kept this palette from dropping into the D-rating range is that MAC only made an eight-hour wear time claim (whereas most brands aren’t specific, so 8 hours of wear typically garners 8.5/10 rating, and here 8-hour wear would be 10/10).
Ingredients
Bronze Influence
PPermanent. $34.00.
Retrospeck
Retrospeck is a light-medium gold with moderate, warm undertones and a frosted finish.
- Semi-sheer pigmentation
- Thin, somewhat dry, harder to pick up evenly
- Applied unevenly, had fallout, prone to sheering out
- Poor longevity (5 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Moonlit (LE, ).
- Juvia's Place Zuri (P, ).
- Dose of Colors Suz (LE, ).
- Anastasia Peach Sorbet (P, $12.00).
- Tarte Paradise Found (P, $22.00).
- ColourPop Cattitude (LE, $6.00).
- NARS Let It Whip (LE, $19.00).
- Sydney Grace Morning Star (P, $6.25).
- ColourPop Okay (LE, $6.00).
- NABLA Cosmetics Ray of Light (PiP, ).
Formula Overview
-
MAC describes their latest formula as "one-swipe, pure pigment payoff" with a "lightweight, silky-smooth texture" that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they're realistic!). They actually state that the formula has "up to 25% higher pigment load." Can't say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC's formula didn't swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC's shimmers worsen over time -- and they don't seem like they're actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they're just... weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Retrospeck
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Data Mine
Data Mine is a medium copper with warm, orange undertones and a frosted finish.
- Semi-opaque pigmentation
- Thin, crumbly, dry, harder to pick up evenly
- Applied somewhat evenly, moderate fallout, prone to sheering out
- Poor longevity (6 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Here for It (PiP, $4.50).
- Dior Bayadere #3 (LE, ).
- Natasha Denona Alloy (312DC) (PiP, $29.00).
- Huda Beauty Toffee Brown #8 (PiP, ).
- Charlotte Tilbury Celestial Eyes (Pop) (LE, ).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Ara (LE, ).
- NABLA Cosmetics Creation Crown (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Dream On (PiP, $4.50).
- Natasha Denona Luster (375M) (PiP, $29.00).
- MAC Gold Metalist (LE, $21.00).
Formula Overview
-
MAC describes their latest formula as "one-swipe, pure pigment payoff" with a "lightweight, silky-smooth texture" that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they're realistic!). They actually state that the formula has "up to 25% higher pigment load." Can't say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC's formula didn't swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC's shimmers worsen over time -- and they don't seem like they're actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they're just... weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Data Mine
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Olive Twist
Olive Twist is a light-medium, golden brown with subtle, gold micro-sparkle over a satin finish.
- Semi-sheer pigmentation
- Thin, somewhat dry, harder to pick up evenly
- Applied unevenly, had fallout, prone to sheering out
- Poor longevity (5 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Rendezvous (PiP, ).
- LORAC Firefly (LE, ).
- Sydney Grace Vibrant Madness (DC, $8.00).
- Tarte Starfish (LE, ).
- Isamaya Belt (PiP, ).
- Sephora Glitter Dress (357) (P, $9.00).
- Glaminatrix Divine (P, $8.04).
- Natasha Denona Raw Gold (13M) (PiP, $29.00).
- Too Faced Dear Diary (LE, $16.00).
- KKW Beauty Glam (LE, ).
Formula Overview
-
MAC describes their latest formula as "one-swipe, pure pigment payoff" with a "lightweight, silky-smooth texture" that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they're realistic!). They actually state that the formula has "up to 25% higher pigment load." Can't say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC's formula didn't swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC's shimmers worsen over time -- and they don't seem like they're actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they're just... weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Olive Twist
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Overnight Influencer
Overnight Influencer is a muted, dark, forest green with cool undertones and a matte finish.
- Mostly opaque, buildable coverage
- Lightly powdery and slightly thin
- Applied fairly evenly but could have been more blendable
- Average longevity (7 hours before fading visibly; brand only claimed 8-hour wear)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
-
MAC describes their latest formula as "one-swipe, pure pigment payoff" with a "lightweight, silky-smooth texture" that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they're realistic!). They actually state that the formula has "up to 25% higher pigment load." Can't say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC's formula didn't swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC's shimmers worsen over time -- and they don't seem like they're actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they're just... weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Overnight Influencer
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Bronze
Bronze
- Opaque pigmentation
- Smooth, not too firmly nor too loosely pressed
- Applied and blended out evenly
- Average longevity (7 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Come On (LE, $4.50).
- Urban Decay Smog (DC, $19.00).
- Anastasia Paris (LE, $12.00).
- Milani Foxy Lady (PiP, $5.99).
- Bad Habit D'Orsay (PiP, ).
- Anastasia Teak (LE, $12.00).
- Sydney Grace Hot Stuff (P, $6.25).
- Urban Decay Distilled (PiP, $19.00).
- Chanel Patine Bronze (840) (P, $36.00).
- Sephora Vibrant (P, $10.00).
Formula Overview
-
MAC describes their latest formula as "one-swipe, pure pigment payoff" with a "lightweight, silky-smooth texture" that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they're realistic!). They actually state that the formula has "up to 25% higher pigment load." Can't say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC's formula didn't swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC's shimmers worsen over time -- and they don't seem like they're actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they're just... weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Bronze
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Logged Out
Logged Out is a light beige with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable coverage
- Moderately powdery, slightly dry with light fallout
- Applied fairly evenly and blended out decently
- Average longevity (7 hours before fading visibly; brand only claimed 8-hour wear)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Salted Caramel (PiP, $4.50).
- Tom Ford Beauty Sous Le Sable #1 (PiP, ).
- MAC Cozy Grey (P, $17.00).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Flesh (LE, ).
- Pretty Vulgar Rise (PiP, ).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty At the Office (PiP, ).
- MAC Elemental (LE, $17.00).
- Clinique Nude Rose (PiP, $15.00).
- Viseart Sand (Cool Mattes 2 #2) (P, ).
- Sephora Latte (LE, ).
Formula Overview
-
MAC describes their latest formula as "one-swipe, pure pigment payoff" with a "lightweight, silky-smooth texture" that has eight-hour wear (well, at least they're realistic!). They actually state that the formula has "up to 25% higher pigment load." Can't say that seemed true in practice, though.
The new formula is thinner, more powdery or drier, and less pigmented than prior MAC formulas, which have been inconsistent at best in the last few years. The matte shades were semi-opaque to opaque, typically buildable, and fairly blendable, while the shimmers were drier with poor adhesion, fallout, and were particularly prone to fading.
In the past, sometimes MAC's formula didn't swatch as well as it performed, often being a particularly buildable and blendable formula without being powdery, but I did not find performance to be better than swatches and it was often a little worse. In a time when so many brands are pushing metallics to the next level in terms of intensity, it is interesting to see MAC's shimmers worsen over time -- and they don't seem like they're actually trying to go for a more satin-like sheen, they're just... weak metallics.
Some of the mattes lasted as long as eight hours on me, while some were closer to six to seven hours. Most of the shimmers lasted six hours on me with a couple lasting longer and shorter.
Browse all of our MAC Connect in Colour Eyeshadow swatches.
Logged Out
PiPPermanent in Palette.
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Bronze Influence Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Retrospeck Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Retrospeck Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Data Mine Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Data Mine Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Olive Twist Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Olive Twist Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Overnight Influencer Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Overnight Influencer Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Bronze Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Bronze Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Logged Out Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
MAC Logged Out Connect in Colour Eyeshadow
Oh, oh, oh….I would have considered getting this just to get Bronze (MAC d/c’d it with no warning and before I had a chance to buy it) but this is SO bad that I just couldn’t justify it. Mind you, this version of Retrospeck looks much darker but actually better than the one I have in the Cham-Pale palette, which is really saying something about how bad THAT one was.
This could have been a gorgeous neutral palette – it has all the shades that both Mariella and I love, yet the formula is just so bad. What a disappointment to all the MAC fans…
Dang. This iteration of Retrospeck plus that other equally PATHETIC shade Olive Twist are just plain sad 😢
If it had been done right, this might have been an epic palette for me and many others.
You’re so right. In the pan, Olive Twist looks like it would be a terrific shadow but, alas – nothing in this palette is terrific. If this had been decent quality/performance, it really would have been “epic”.
If you were to compare the old eyeshadows, Haux, Retrospeck and others to these new ones, how would they compare?
I have a single, very old Retrospeck, I think I have to use it as I think I liked it. I’ve actually hit pan on it.
I have to say these palettes makes me so sad. I have a really hard time with MAC putting out bad products, I mean, Carbon used to be a joke in all palettes of olden days, and some LE’s weren’t good, but the permanent range was mostly good to very good.
I want to love/like MAC but they are making it difficult.
Your sentiment is exactly how I feel – that “wanting to love MAC but they are making it difficult”. Mind you, I feel the same way about NARS and also UD – it’s like they’re all committing commercial suicide by ruining their previously good products. As for Carbon – even as a single, it was never very good and yet MAC keeps it around (and used to force it down our throats in just about every palette they’d release) and yet they discontinued Typographic, which was SO much better! (mind you, they dumped the entire Matte2 range, which was so excellent, and that’s coming from ME, who’s not a huge fan of matte shadows).
Oh, yes, UD!
Their lipsticks are still good, they got good reviews here as I recall, I’ve not needed a new lipstick, so I’ve not tried. However they don’t have anything close to the enormous and fun range they once had. As for their other products it seems the eyeshadows, once so great are mostly quite awful these days.
I’ve not bought a product from NARS for a long time, I use what I have and I like to do so.
Oh yay, Retrospeck sucks again.
This could have bewn an interesting color story if they didn’t mess it up so badly!
I’m glad I have my shadows from the old formula. Fortunate to have enough product as my go to.