I tested and reviewed the Electric Cool Eyeshadow formula extensively when it originally launched in 2012. They have a sponge-like texture that has a little bit of spring, but you can press and smooth out like putty. If you’ve tried Chanel’s Illusion d’Ombres or Buxom Stay There Eyeshadows, these are similar in regards to texture. MAC’s version has decent color payoff, but it can vary from shade to shade, and they tend to apply best patted on, not swept or blended out much. I recommend MAC’s 242 for application, as it lays down color well and you can use it to blend out the edges. They wear well without creasing or fading, but there is some fall out with the more sparkly shades. Some of these work really well if you like a sparkling, all-over wash of color on the lid. The bolder and darker the shade, the more patchy and problematic it is to apply for an even, smooth, and opaque result. The lighter the shade, the better it performed.

MAC Love Power Electric Cool Eyeshadow ($21.00 for 0.07 oz.) is described as a “soft shimmering rose.” It’s a light-medium, warm-toned pink with a frosted finish. It had fairly opaque color coverage that applied decently–it seemed easier to apply with this year’s version compared to my experience in 2012. The color was going strong after nine hours of wear. Sephora Collection Star-Crossed Lovers (103) (P, $13.00) is darker, powder. MAC Pink Sensibilities #3 (LE, $21.00) is lighter, powder. Chanel Impulsion (93) (LE, $36.00) is similar. Sleek MakeUP Sunset #12 (P, $9.99) is darker, powder. MAC Pinkluxe #2 (P) is more sparkly, powder. theBalm Safe Bet Annette (P, $16.00) is more muted, powder. MAC Cheryl Chic (LE, $15.00) is lighter, powder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

MAC Gilded Thrill Electric Cool Eyeshadow ($21.00 for 0.07 oz.) is described as a “gold.” It’s a brightened, coppery-gold with copper sparkle and a metallic sheen. It had semi-opaque color coverage, but this was one that applied somewhat patchy on the lid. It had a tendency to sheer out and only leave behind a smattering of sparkle. I did have fall out with this shade but no creasing or fading over an eight hour period. Sleek MakeUP Gold Souk (LE, $9.99) is lighter. Kat Von D Summerfly (P) is less sparkly. MAC Phresh Out #2 (LE) is similar but powder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

MAC Coil Electric Cool Eyeshadow ($21.00 for 0.07 oz.) is described as a “copper bronze.” It’s a medium-dark, coppery bronze with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had intense color payoff in a single layer and could be sheered out for softer color with less of a sheen. It lasted well for almost nine hours without fading/creasing. Make Up For Ever D652 Celestial Earth (P, $21.00) is powder, darker. YSL Fetiche #1 (LE) is less shimmery, powder. MAC Sable Riche (LE, $15.00) is warmer, less shimmery, powder. Too Faced Tiger’s Eye (LE, $16.00) is a powder. Bobbi Brown Bronze (LE, $28.00) is darker. Too Faced Jingle All the Way Eyeshadow #3 (LE, $16.00) is similar, powder. Anastasia Rum Cake (LE) warmer, powder. Clarins The Essentials #6 (LE) is powder. Chanel Charming #3 (LE) is powder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

MAC Highly Charged Electric Cool Eyeshadow ($21.00 for 0.07 oz.) is described as a “rich purple with pink pearl.” It’s a medium-dark purple with cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It had decent pigmentation, but it was a shade that easily sheered out whenever you tried to blend it. It lasted for eight hours before fading slightly. Ulta Purple (P, $10.00) is darker, powder. Tarina Tarantino Violet Storm #5 (LE) is brighter, powder. Sleek MakeUP Bliss in Barcelona (LE, $9.99) is darker, powder. Urban Decay Flash (P, $18.00) is lighter, powder. MAC Plush (DC, $21.00) is powder. MAC Push the Edge (P, $21.00) is powder. Guerlain Attrape-Coeur #3 (LE) is powder. Inglot #439 (P, $6.00) is brighter, cooler-toned, powder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

I’ll have a review for the other three polishes up soon! As a reminder, these are from MAC’s upcoming A Novel Romance collection, which will launch online on August 14th and be in-stores on August 21st.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Love Power Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Love Power Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Love Power Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Gilded Thrill Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Gilded Thrill Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Gilded Thrill Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Coil Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Coil Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Coil Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Coil Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Highly Charged Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Highly Charged Electric Cool Eyeshadow

MAC Highly Charged Electric Cool Eyeshadow

Love Power (inner lid), Gilded Thrill (middle of lid), Coil (outer lid)

Love Power (inner lid), Gilded Thrill (middle of lid), Coil (outer lid), MAC Earth Sign Eyeliner