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MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x 15 Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

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MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette
MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x15 Palette

In the Flesh

MAC In the Flesh Eyeshadow x 15 Palette ($65.00 for 0.68 oz.) includes fifteen eyeshadows in a variety of finishes with a neutral-themed color combination. The first row seemed warmer, while the middle row was more pink-based, and the bottom row was smoky. A lot of the pre-made 15-pan palettes have been better (on average) compared to MAC’s quads, but this one was more of a miss.

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MAC Beaded Eyeshadow
MAC Beaded Eyeshadow
MAC Beaded Eyeshadow
MAC Beaded Eyeshadow
MAC Beaded Eyeshadow
MAC Beaded Eyeshadow

Beaded

Beaded is a muted, medium gold with warm undertones and a satin shimmer. It had semi-sheer color coverage with a dusty, thin texture that was prone to sheering out. It started to fade noticeably after six and a half hours of wear.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Glam Gold Eyeshadow
MAC Glam Gold Eyeshadow
MAC Glam Gold Eyeshadow
MAC Glam Gold Eyeshadow
MAC Glam Gold Eyeshadow
MAC Glam Gold Eyeshadow

Glam Gold

Glam Gold is a light-medium, yellow with warm, orange undertones and a soft sheen. It had good pigmentation with a soft, blendable texture that was a touch dusty but applied without issue. This shade wore well for seven and a half hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Possible Dupes
These are likely to be very similar shades based on our duping algorithm.

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.

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MAC Copperfield Eyeshadow
MAC Copperfield Eyeshadow
MAC Copperfield Eyeshadow
MAC Copperfield Eyeshadow
MAC Copperfield Eyeshadow
MAC Copperfield Eyeshadow

Copperfield

Copperfield is a light-medium peachy brown with warm, orange undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had good color payoff with a soft, lightly dusty texture that was blendable and easy to diffuse on the lid, though it would be best paired with a primer for best coverage. It lasted for seven hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Sandstone Eyeshadow
MAC Sandstone Eyeshadow
MAC Sandstone Eyeshadow
MAC Sandstone Eyeshadow
MAC Sandstone Eyeshadow
MAC Sandstone Eyeshadow

Sandstone

Sandstone is a medium taupe with yellowish undertones and a matte finish. While it had a very velvety feel, it was more powdery and had a tendency to sheer out over bare skin. It applied better and more evenly over a primer, so it was fixable. It had good pigmentation that lasted for seven and a half hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Luxury Cachet Eyeshadow
MAC Luxury Cachet Eyeshadow
MAC Luxury Cachet Eyeshadow
MAC Luxury Cachet Eyeshadow
MAC Luxury Cachet Eyeshadow
MAC Luxury Cachet Eyeshadow

Luxury Cachet

Luxury Cachet is a dirty brown with warm, golden olive undertones and a sparkly finish. The shimmer seemed larger and looser, as the particles did not bind well with the base, which gave it a more textured surface and made it prone to fallout (both during application as well as later on during wear). It was nicely pigmented, though, and stayed on well for seven and a half hours.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Elemental Eyeshadow
MAC Elemental Eyeshadow
MAC Elemental Eyeshadow
MAC Elemental Eyeshadow
MAC Elemental Eyeshadow
MAC Elemental Eyeshadow

Elemental

Elemental is a soft beige with warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had a smooth, soft, and blendable texture that wasn’t too soft nor was it too firmly pressed in the pan. It had good color payoff that applied evenly and lasted for seven hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Nutrelle Eyeshadow
MAC Nutrelle Eyeshadow
MAC Nutrelle Eyeshadow
MAC Nutrelle Eyeshadow
MAC Nutrelle Eyeshadow
MAC Nutrelle Eyeshadow

Nutrelle

Nutrelle is a light-medium, pinky peach with warm udnertones and a matte finish. It had mostly opaque pigmentation that applied evenly to bare skin. The texture was a smidgen dusty but blended well and did not sheer out too readily. This shade wore well for seven and a half hours before fading.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Rustique Eyeshadow
MAC Rustique Eyeshadow
MAC Rustique Eyeshadow
MAC Rustique Eyeshadow
MAC Rustique Eyeshadow
MAC Rustique Eyeshadow

Rustique

Rustique is a muted, medium mauve with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation paired with a soft, smooth, and blendable consistency that wasn’t too soft or too firm in the pan, which made it easy to work with. This eyeshadow started to fade after eight hours of wear.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow

Tempting

Tempting is a rich, golden bronze with warm undertones and a metallics sheen. It was intensely pigmented, and the consistency was smooth, dense but not stiff or difficult to blend, and blendable. This shade wore well for eight hours on me. Now, the only issue with this shade was that it is listed as a Lustre eyeshadow, which are designed as a sheerer, more glittery finish–and this really did not feel or perform like a Lustre.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

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MAC Indiscretion Eyeshadow
MAC Indiscretion Eyeshadow
MAC Indiscretion Eyeshadow
MAC Indiscretion Eyeshadow
MAC Indiscretion Eyeshadow
MAC Indiscretion Eyeshadow

Indiscretion

Indiscretion is a medium-dark mauve with warm, brown undertones and flecks of plum and gold sparkle. It had sheer color coverage, and the texture was gritty, dry, and loose, so the powder sheered out and did not stick well to bare skin (or even to regular eyeshadow primer). This shade had a Lustre finish, and it felt a lot like it, but it had the common problems of Lustres, too: fallout, poor application and wear, and difficult to use.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Possible Dupes
These are likely to be very similar shades based on our duping algorithm.

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.

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MAC Naked Lights Eyeshadow
MAC Naked Lights Eyeshadow
MAC Naked Lights Eyeshadow
MAC Naked Lights Eyeshadow
MAC Naked Lights Eyeshadow
MAC Naked Lights Eyeshadow

Naked Lights

Naked Lights is a very light taupe with neutral undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had nearly opaque pigmentation that went onto the skin evenly and smoothly. The consistency was smooth, velvety, and just a smidgen dusty in the pan. It wore well for eight hours.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

1 of 2
MAC Cast Iron Eyeshadow
MAC Cast Iron Eyeshadow
MAC Cast Iron Eyeshadow
MAC Cast Iron Eyeshadow
MAC Cast Iron Eyeshadow
MAC Cast Iron Eyeshadow

Cast Iron

Cast Iron is a muted, medium-dark gray with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had medium coverage, which was somewhat buildable. The consistency was soft, thin, and a little prone to sheering out, so it was not the easiest to use as a lid color. It could have been easier to diffuse and blend out the edges, though. The eyeshadow started to fade after seven and a half hours of wear.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

1 of 2
MAC Black Factor Eyeshadow
MAC Black Factor Eyeshadow
MAC Black Factor Eyeshadow
MAC Black Factor Eyeshadow
MAC Black Factor Eyeshadow
MAC Black Factor Eyeshadow

Black Factor

Black Factor is a deep taupe brown with neutral undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer color payoff that was buildable to semi-opaque coverage. The consistency was drier and stiffer in the pan, which made it difficult to blend out on the eyelid. It started to fade after eight hours of wear.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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.

MAC Carbon Eyeshadow
MAC Carbon Eyeshadow

Carbon

Carbon is a deep black with neutral undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that went on decently (particularly for Carbon!), but it had a drier texture that was a real challenge to diffuse and blend out. I had the best luck applying this in thinner, sheerer layers to avoid having to blend out the edges as much. It wore well for eight hours.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), 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.

Carbon

LELimited Edition. $17.00.
B-
B-
7.5
Product
8.5
Pigmentation
7.5
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4
Application
80%
Total

28 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Karla Avatar

Thanks for the review Christine, i managed to get it thru Macys as it had it wrongly priced for 32 dls but it only lasted for a few minutes but it took it down.

xamyx Avatar

I just left Macy’s, and the SA said it was only available at MAC stores, or MAC online… I’m actually very close to a MAC store now, so hopefully it’s there, LOL!

Denise Avatar

I was able to order at that price as well. So even if a few of the colors are bad performers, I couldn’t pass it up! It’s due to arrive tomorrow.

Mariella Avatar

Oh look – another CARBON!!! It truly would be nice if MAC acknowledged that many of their customers – even those who aren’t makeup mad-women – have already bought or had to buy (because it’s in almost EVERY LE palette release) Carbon so maybe it’s time to leave it out. CHRISTINE – a question about Tempting in this palette. Do you mean it behaved BETTER than a Lustre usually does and also, is it better than the Tempting that’s from the permanent line? (I have that one and generally use it over UD Primer Potion in Sin to bring out its colour/make it work better).

kjh Avatar

Maybe Basic Bitch Palette will be better. Hope so. I usually only like a few in these biggies, then find I have dupes. I suppose, as trends go, this nude/neutral eye one is a good one to keep cranking. It’s on the idiot proof end, unlike highlighter/contouring. Can’t say I’m not kind of ho-hum about it, though. For major players like MAC, it really lends to recycling/repromoting shades, and decreases the need for creativity. Though it makes sense for 15rs to have predominantly basics. Haven’t read the perm/new/le quoitient on this one yet. But MAC has so many classic basics, that a C range grade on a 15er is not really acceptable. They have lots of good choices. Use them. I did see a B- Carbon, though. Somehow, it’s also wrong to find that to praise. Might be nice if I read the review first, but this elicits sorry feelings instantly.

Nancy T Avatar

It’s actually not horrible, as it would seem that it was mainly due to a few shades being absolutely epic fails that brought the overall grade down. However, this is definitely NOT one of their much, much prettier and therefore, more appealing 15-pan palettes! In fact, I think I’ve loved at least 3 other 15-pans MAC has done, but this just looks really blah, dull and a yawnfest, tbh.

E Avatar

Purchased it, even bought I wasn’t very excited about it. Regardless, I though some of the colors were still pretty enough that I’d love it. I freelance for MAC, so I try to support them. However, I’m not impressed after playing with it. The color pay off isn’t very good and many of gen feel extremely chalky, looking too dry on the lid. I wear an N2 face and body foundation and I can flex between an nw18 and an nc20 in the winter moving to a C3-4.5 or even an NC40 in the summer. Hats just to give you an idea of my skin tone range.

Emily Avatar

I snagged this from Macy’s at $32 and after review I feel little sad haha. It’s my first MAC palette or eyeshadows, so I feel like I might like it better than others? Purely because I wanted something neutral with some of their popular shades. So I do think it has some appeal! But it definitely isn’t a creative palette haha.

Sarah Avatar

I wonder how hard it is to depot these pre-made palettes? I think I will purchase and try to replace indiscretion with sable. I would also likely remove beaded and replace it with my urban decay walk of shame single. Anyone have any experience with removing/replacing these pre-made X 15 palettes?

Mia Avatar

What do you recommend between this pallete and the cooler one for somebody with olive skin, dark eyes and hair? I already have the warm neutral palette…i’m so undecided

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