MAC Encrypted Kryptonite Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Encrypted Kryptonite
MAC Encrypted Kryptonite Connect in Colour 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a new, permanent six-pan palette that included three matte shades and three (sort of) shimmers. 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 F-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
Encrypted Kryptonite
PPermanent. $34.00.
Clear History
Clear History is a pale, creamy beige with subtle, warm undertones and a satin finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable coverage
- Moderately powdery, slightly dry with light fallout
- Applied fairly evenly but could have been more blendable
- Average longevity (6 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 Pixie Perf (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Mica (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Play Hard (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Cosmic (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Dream (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Spores (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Moira Sonder (P, $8.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Castaway (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Frost (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Hillside (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
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.
Clear History
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Satin Taupe
Satin Taupe is a light-medium, rosy brown with subtle, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. (What did they do to you, Satin Taupe???)
- Mostly opaque pigmentation
- Thin, somewhat dry, harder to pick up evenly
- Applied somewhat evenly, light 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 Snake Eyes (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Lituation (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Geode (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Kaja Dazzling Bronze (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Flecks (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Celebration (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NARS Centerfold (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Niebla (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Dissolution (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Dior Soft Cashmere #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
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.
Satin Taupe
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Power Mode
Power Mode is a light taupe with neutral undertones and a matte finish. It applied lighter, but it also darkened oddly against my skin, even over primer.
- Semi-opaque, buildable coverage
- Moderately powdery, slightly dry with light fallout
- 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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Epic (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Long Ears (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop That Way (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Sky High (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Viseart Tiramisu (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
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.
Power Mode
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Showstopper
Showstopper is a dark, gray-taupe with strong, cool undertones and a matte finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable coverage
- Moderately powdery, slightly dry with light fallout
- 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).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Sweet Thing (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Etiquette (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Great Big Feet (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Pony Up (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Sittin' Pretty (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- MAC Hard Currency (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Passion (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is lighter (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Passion (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is lighter (80% similar).
- Clinique Portobello (PiP, $15.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Concrete (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
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.
Showstopper
PiPPermanent in Palette.
On the Cloud
On the Cloud is a soft black with gray sparkle throughout. It was somewhat matte in its actual finish.
- Medium pigmentation, not buildable
- Thin, somewhat dry, harder to pick up evenly
- Hard to blend out, prone to fallout
- Poor longevity (6 hours before fading noticeably)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Lunar Trippin' (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Neige #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Onyx (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar).
- ColourPop Rock On (LE, $4.50) is darker (80% similar).
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.
On the Cloud
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Hi-Tea
Hi-Tea is a very light, milky pink with a matte finish. It appeared darker in the pan than applied.
- Semi-sheer, somewhat coverage
- Moderately powdery, slightly dry with light fallout
- Applied fairly evenly but could have been more blendable
- Average longevity (6 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
- L'Oreal Mademoiselle Pink (P, $5.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Jouer Petal (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Studio (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Ballet (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Baptism (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Pilgrim (P, $6.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Immortals (DC, $8.00) is darker (85% similar).
- LORAC Pink Cream (LE, $19.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Tweet (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Big Bang (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
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.
Oh dear. MAC seems to be on the same devastating pathway as UD. I cannot even begin to wrap my head around the travesty (tragedy?) of this version of what they’re calling “Satin Taupe”!
Well this is a disappointment. They better not have changed the formula on the single Satin Taupe!
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. How disappointing. They’ve even managed to screw up Satin Taupe, a shadow they’ve made successfully for years and which has (or had) almost iconic status.
I’ve never really thought MAC had a very good eyeshadow formula and its disappointing that while they seem invested in updating and improving base product formulas they have zero desire to improve their eyeshadow formula. Other brands formulas continue to improve and theirs just stays the same which just makes it seem worse and worse by comparison.
I appreciate this review! I almost bought this earlier today. I love a neutral palette and the price is good. I’m definitely passing on it. Thanks💖
Yep, this is an example of an underwhelming eye palette and what a cheek to name that awful shade Satin Taupe!
They can call that Satin Taupe, it’s certainly not the MAC Satin Taupe I have in front of me and have bought easily three of over the years. On The Cloud is a weak attempt at Black Tied or my beloved Knight Divine. I wear MAC eyeshadows and I know most of them I’m going on record of saying this debacle is in one word : laziness; on their behalf. For shame MAC!!
Knight Divine is just that, divine. I love it.
I like your comment about Satin Taupe! Wow; how could they ruin one of their best/most popular shades so badly just by putting it in a palette. Also, Power Mode looks so odd.
Oh, dear!
Sating Taupe! What?! What are they thinking, they cant name that odd eyeshadow after one of the best ones they have, I mean, how dare they!
I was actually a bit interested in this palette. I sort of looked like a palette I would have a lot of use for. I’m so glad I waited for the review.
Thank you Christine for all your hard work. You just saved my wallet from screaming at me. 😉
Oof, these looked terrible!
Which “artist” curated this pile?? 💀