MAC Cozy Grey, Coral, Shell Peach, Memories of Space, Mo' Money, Mo' Problems Eyeshadows & Reviews
Cozy Grey
MAC Cozy Grey Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a very light taupe, or alternatively, a subtly, cool-toned darker beige, with a matte finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation in a single layer, which had a smooth, velvety texture that wasn’t too powdery nor too firmly pressed into the pan.
The formula felt more substantial and denser than some of the brand’s matte shades, so it was more yielding but it still blended out easily and wasn’t prone to sheering out too readily. It stayed on nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Inglot #390 (P, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Sous Le Sable #1 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Skinny Legend (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Speedway (P, $5.25) is darker (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge French Grey (P, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Naked 2 (PiP, $19.00) is darker (85% similar).
- LORAC Black #1 (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Combust (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Buxom Designer or Die (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Dog Days (DC, $8.00) is darker (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Cozy Grey
PPermanent. $17.00.
Coral (2020)
MAC Coral (2020) Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark coral with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had buildable coverage from semi-opaque to opaque in two to three layers. The texture was slightly dusty to the touch with a bit of excess that kicked up in the pan, but it wasn’t prone to fallout during application and didn’t sheer out too readily. It lasted well for eight hours before showing signs of fading.
The reformulated Coral appeared darker and more red-toned compared to the original, which was a lot more orange.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Tiger (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Earth Angel (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Wiser (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Relief (381CM) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Too Faced Just Peachy (Matte) (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Blair (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora + Pantone Universe Lantana (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia Cindy (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Just Peachy (LE, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Body Talk (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Coral (2020)
PPermanent. $17.00.
Shell Peach
MAC Shell Peach Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a light-medium, peachy coral with moderate, warm undertones and a satin finish. It had sheer color coverage in the best case scenario; it was marginally better over an eyeshadow primer, but it was more of a subtle, diffusing shade than a practical all-over-the-lid kind of eyeshadow.
The consistency was ridiculously powdery and dry, so there was excess kicked up in the pan but also fallout during application. There were signs of fading after six hours of wear (from what I could tell).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Légèreté et Expérience #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Moon Castle (LE, $4.50) is brighter (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Mint #7 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Suede (PiP, $16.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- ColourPop Goodbye Butterfly (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Anastasia Coastline (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Floral Feels (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Neon Green #8 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Ciate Flame (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Payton's Puppy (P, $5.25) is lighter, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Shell Peach
PPermanent. $17.00.
Memories of Space
MAC Memories of Space Eyeshadow ($18.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a brighter, light-medium yellow with moderate,w arm undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had a moderately powdery texture, so there was excess in the pan from use along with light fallout during application.
The pigmentation was more semi-opaque, which sheered out somewhat when applied, and it would be a shade that needed to be used over a primer to be built up. It lasted well for seven and a half hours on me before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Reborn (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S404 Straw Yellow (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Bolt (P, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Helios (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Feather (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Sense (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Banana Split (P, $7.30) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Royal Woo (LE, $17.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia A2 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Douro (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Memories of Space
PPermanent. $17.00.
Mo' Money Mo' Problems
MAC Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems Eyeshadow ($17.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a medium-dark, olive green with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture felt more velvety and smooth to the touch, but it seemed almost… clumpy visually, though it didn’t feel that way by touch.
It had buildable coverage from medium to semi-opaque, but it required a primer underneath to get to full coverage (two layers). There was a bit of fallout when I initially applied it, but with greater care, I think it would have been eliminated. I didn’t have any issues getting even coverage or diffused edges, though. There were signs of slight fading after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Local BB (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Fiddlehead (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Thrill Seeker (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Oblivion (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Fire OG (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Spun (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Jade (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Agua Ardiente (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M322 Khaki (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Bewitched (LE, $4.50) 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Some of these are pretty sad, but I do like Cozy Grey. I’m sure I must have similar shades, though, so I’m not tempted.
Speedway is great, along with its siblings Cool Brown, Concrete Road, Pismo, etc. There are a few others that lean slightly blue, green, yellow brown, etc. The differences are very apparent, when they are lined up, and they are perfect crease/transition shades: one for every color family. Love SG. Cozy Gray has always appealed to me, but i think some of the palettes it has been included in, do not.
The one with the nicest quality, Cozy Grey, is one that I’m not even sure how I would use it! For me, too light to be a transition color, yet not light enough to use as a browbone shade, either.
What a shame that Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems didn’t do better! That could have been a wonderful shade if it had been better performing.
The ratings on these shades are quite forlorn and some of them are pretty matte shades.