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MAC MACnificent Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette
MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette ($40.00 for 0.18 oz.) is a warmer-toned, neutral palette with a mix of frosts and mattes. The amount of product contained in this palette is similar to that of their eyeshadow quads, though each shade is similar to the size of a dime. The palette itself is the same size as the quad palette, so they store/stack well together. The shades worked well together, and overall, it’s a nice palette with only a few shades that could have performed better (and only one real miss). This palette is part of the MACnificent collection, which will be available at counters and in-stores on October 1st.

MACnificent Me is described as a “pinky white frost.” It’s a light-medium, pink-peach with a frosted finish. It had good color payoff with a blendable texture that was soft, a little powdery, but it applied well and lasted for eight hours. Sydney Grace Dream Maker (P, $6.25) is less shimmery (95% similar). NYX Girl Talk (P, $6.00) is darker (95% similar). theBalm D2 (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Viseart Nuance #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Wayne Goss Pearl Moonstone #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar). The Estee Edit 1st Light (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). MAC Bouffant (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Tarte Seashell (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Stila Rose Quartz (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). Clinique Ballet Flats (PiP, $15.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Sellout (DC, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). LORAC Tulle (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Rosita (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Grain (P, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Sin (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Hello Kitty Apple Pie (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). theBalm #14 (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). LORAC Beige (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). YSL Indie Jasper #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). The Estee Edit Riff (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Quiet Type is described as a “medium bronze shimmer.” It’s a medium-dark brown with warm undertones and a golden, frosted finish. It had nice pigmentation with a soft, buttery texture that was blendable and easy to use on bare skin. It lasted for eight and a half hours before fading. NARS Tan Lines (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #4 (PiP, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Guerlain Ors et Merveilles #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Inglot #422 (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Snakebite (DC, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Too Faced Puppy Love (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Cle de Peau Stellar Gaze #2 (PiP, ) is brighter (90% similar). Tarte Reef (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Telesto (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tarte Too Haute to Handle (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Entrelacs #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Biscotti (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Golden Bronze (P, $28.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Zoeva Subtle Blend (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Sleek MakeUP Aladdin's Lamp (LE, $9.99) is darker (90% similar). MAC Woodwinked (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Smog (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). LORAC Dark Mocha (PiP, $19.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Rêve d'Orient #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Dior Cosmopolite (P, $29.50) is lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Dance in the Dark is described as a “deep cool brown.” It’s a blackened brown with cool undertones and a matte finish. It is actually one of the better versions I’ve tried of this shade (MAC likes to use this one in their limited edition palettes), as it had semi-opaque coverage and a more blendable texture, though it was still tricky to use. It started to fade after eight hours of wear. Tarte Smokeshow (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). Tarte Dim the Lights (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick #4 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). Hourglass Infinity #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Zoeva Beans are White (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Bali (DC, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tarte Wind Down Brown (LE, )(95% similar). Burberry Graphite (No. 28) (DC, $29.00) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Ice Cream Cone (LE, )(100% similar). Tarte Dream in Chocolate (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Backdoor (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Pepper (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). NARS Coconut Grove (DC, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Najm el Lail (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Dark Chocolate (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Terra Sienna #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Double Feature #3 #2 (LE, $17.00)(90% similar). bareMinerals Boardroom (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). theBalm #15 (P, $6.50) is lighter (90% similar). theBalm Matt Ramirez (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Fabulous DNA is described as a “light pink shimmer.” It’s a brightened peach with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had good pigmentation with a very soft, silky consistency that was a little powdery in the pan but didn’t look powdery applied. This shade wore well for eight hours on me. theBalm #18 (P, $6.50) is lighter (95% similar). Stila Rose Quartz (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Bouffant (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Grain (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Guerlain Les Cendres #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC A Natural Flirt (P, $20.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Cashew Chew (PiP, $16.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Tisse d'Automne #2 (P, )(90% similar). Make Up For Ever I524 Pinky Beige (DC, $21.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC MACnificent Me (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Chanel Jardins de Lumieres #2 (LE, ) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Jardins Eclatants #1 (LE, ) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Pleasing to the Eye is described as a “mid-tone rose.” It’s a muted, medium peachy brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nice color payoff with a soft, blendable texture that wasn’t too firm or too powdery. The color lasted for eight hours before fading. Tarte Hearts & Crafts (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Hanky Panky (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Georgia Peach (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tarte Force of Nature (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Inglot #341 (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Supermodel (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Tarte Chic (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Hourglass Infinity #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Strapless (PiP, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Nougat (PiP, $16.00) is lighter (85% similar). LORAC Nectar (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Too Faced Cookie Dough (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Soft Brown (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar). LORAC Dusty Rose (LE, $19.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Sable is described as a “gold plum with bronze pearl.” It’s a medium-dark bronzy brown with warm, reddish undertones and a frosted finish. It had good pigmentation with soft, lightly dense, blendable texture that was easy to apply to bare lids. This shade wore well for eight and a half hours on me. BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #6 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Mocha (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Buxom Precious Metal (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 14 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Clinique Ample Amber (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Cote d'Azur (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Haze #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Cle de Peau Baby Universe #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Make Up For Ever ME612 Silver Brown (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Lavender Gray (40M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Chanel City Lights #1 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Pink Sensibilities #1 (LE, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar). Laura Mercier Cocoa Rose (LE, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Night Life (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Muse #4 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Tarte Vixen (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Truffle (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Mosaic (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Lancome My French #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). CoverGirl Scorching Cocoa (355) (P, $4.99) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Frankly Frosty is described as a “light grey taupe.” It’s a light-medium, gray-leaning taupe with a matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, as the texture was firmer and was harder to get dislodged from the pan. The color lasted for eight hours once on. Disney by Sephora What's-It (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Epic (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Fogged In (LE, $17.00) is darker (85% similar). ColourPop Girl Crush (LE, $6.00) is darker (85% similar). Too Faced Clove (LE, $16.00) is darker (80% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Concrete (LE, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar). KVD Beauty Sarah (LE, ) is darker (80% similar). bareMinerals Tranquil (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). LORAC Silent Mary (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

In My Element is described as a “cool silver pearl.” It’s a brightened, silvery mauve with warm undertones and flecks of copper sparkle. It had semi-sheer color payoff with a noticeably chunky consistency as the glitter just got everywhere, except the lid–of course! I didn’t have much fall out when worn, as there was hardly any glitter that translated, but the underlying color lasted for eight hours. Too Faced Sugared Raisin (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Too Faced The Strip (LE, $16.00) is brighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Immortal (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tarte C'est La Vie (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Milk Makeup Peep Show (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Too Faced Honey Lavender (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Buxom Top Shelf (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). NARS Earthshine (LE, $25.00) is darker (85% similar). Guerlain Taupe Secret (01) (P, $34.00) is darker (85% similar). Cle de Peau Champagne Supernova #3 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Daydream #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Cool Complement is described as a “cool medium brown.” It’s a medium-dark, neutral-to-warm-toned brown with a hint of gray and matte finish. It had good pigmentation with a soft, lightly powdery texture that blended nicely on the skin and wore well for eight hours before fading. Tom Ford Beauty Cocoa Mirage #4 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). LORAC Chocolate (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). bareMinerals Get Ahead (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). Laura Mercier Stone Taupe (LE, $23.00) is cooler (95% similar). Huda Beauty Suede (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Slate (P, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Lofty (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar). Viseart Tabac (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Sephora Rocky (DC, $10.00) is darker (95% similar). Anastasia B5 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). LORAC Black #5 (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). Too Faced Risque (PiP, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia Smoke (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). theBalm Dig It (LE, $16.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Deep #3 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Sequoia (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Stone Unturned (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Corduroy (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Malted (PiP, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace Robert (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette
MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette
MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette
MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow
MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow
MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow

MAC Quiet Type Eyeshadow
MAC Quiet Type Eyeshadow

MAC Quiet Type Eyeshadow
MAC Quiet Type Eyeshadow

MAC Dance in the Dark Eyeshadow
MAC Dance in the Dark Eyeshadow

MAC Dance in the Dark Eyeshadow
MAC Dance in the Dark Eyeshadow

MAC Fabulous DNA Eyeshadow
MAC Fabulous DNA Eyeshadow

MAC Fabulous DNA Eyeshadow
MAC Fabulous DNA Eyeshadow

MAC Pleasing to the Eye Eyeshadow
MAC Pleasing to the Eye Eyeshadow

MAC Pleasing to the Eye Eyeshadow
MAC Pleasing to the Eye Eyeshadow

MAC Sable Eyeshadow
MAC Sable Eyeshadow

MAC Sable Eyeshadow
MAC Sable Eyeshadow

MAC Frankly Frosty Eyeshadow
MAC Frankly Frosty Eyeshadow

MAC Frankly Frosty Eyeshadow
MAC Frankly Frosty Eyeshadow

MAC In My Element Eyeshadow
MAC In My Element Eyeshadow

MAC In My Element Eyeshadow
MAC In My Element Eyeshadow

MAC Cool Complement Eyeshadow
MAC Cool Complement Eyeshadow

MAC Cool Complement Eyeshadow
MAC Cool Complement Eyeshadow

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette
MACnificent Me, Pleasing to the Eye, Sable, Quiet Type, Dance in the Dark,
Cool Complement, Fabulous DNA, Imaginary Pro Longwear Paint

MAC MACnificent Me Eyeshadow Palette
MACnificent Me, Pleasing to the Eye, Sable, Quiet Type, Dance in the Dark,
Cool Complement, Fabulous DNA, Imaginary Pro Longwear Paint

49 Comments

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Nancy T Avatar

I guess MAC is beginning to listen when it comes to giving us better quality with their LE eyeshadows! This one is quite nice, but I already have 2 shades in here, Sable and Dance In The Dark, plus dupes for nearly all the others, except: Fabulous DNA and Pleasing To The Eye.

Kat Avatar

Ah dang it, I really like this! And I only have exact dupes for one or two… And I calculated price per ounce as being less than the price per ounce for a single MAC shadow (even just the pan)… so I think I might need this! At least I have a few weeks to decide.

Mariella Avatar

I like this palette and I’m pleased so see it performed so well. My problem is that I already have Sable and have dupes of so many of these shades (though not all in one palette….that’s always the appeal with palettes – “Oh, it would be SO CONVENIENT and PRACTICAL to have all those shadows in one palette!” But I will probably pass on this because I so don’t need it.

meghan Avatar

Frankly Frosty looks really similar to “All Races” which is one of my go-to transition shades, and the rest of the colors look pretty nice. I might have to pick this up!

Andrew Avatar

You know, even with the total miss of the one shade, I can see this being a great starter palette for someone who wants a safe and easy mix of shades for every day looks but wants something on the mid to high end range of brands. Honestly, even though I’ve drifted more towards skincare than actual color cosmetics, I see this as potential buy. The average quality seems worth it and to be honest I’ve just made a dent in the Tarte MATTEnificent palette I got a year or so ago.

I don’t hit pan on anything but Chanel Les Beiges anyway, so this could last me quite a while! I’m just now making a big dent in the Archie’s Girls pearlmatte powder from forever ago if that tells you anything haha.

Genevieve Avatar

Another warm toned neutral palette on the market – so original. However what IS original is the better rating. Now let’s cross our fingers and hope that MAC puts out some colours with this sort of rating.
Your eye look with this palette is beautiful and elegant Christine.

Lisa Avatar

Am I the only one who looked at this and thought “Oh, the MUFE Artist Palette – Neutrals You Need” (or whatever it’s called?)?!
Yeah, I know it’s not exactly the same, but between the shades and layout/look…
Sounds like MAC palette has pretty small pans, though.
Hmm.

Mariella Avatar

Thinking about this, this palette really would be a good one for MAC to add to their permanent line – I think it would be a steady seller all the time. Same goes with the 2 new Paint Pots (especially the blue one, since there is NOTHING in the Paint Pot lineup like that at all; I also wish they’d bring back GreenSTROKE (not “smoke”) to the Paint Pot permanent collection because, again, MAC has nothing like that and yet in both the Paints (the ones in tubes) and Paint Pots, they have so many “similar” shades. They need a strong blue, a stronger green, etc.

Dani Avatar

It’s so funny to see all the comments are like “So glad MAC got a good score on this one!” It just reflects how awful they had been doing with LE collections lately. This is a nice quad for those who are just starting to build up their collection and/or those who travel a lot and need a little compact to cover all their bases.

Elly Avatar

I actually might get this. I dont have many eyeshadows anyway, just a 1 highlight and 1 pallette with 9 colors. But then again, i’m only using a bronzer as an eye shadow (LOL i know, but its too dark to actually ise as bronzer but it smells like chocolate so i love it). So i dont know if id even reach for it! Decisions decisions…

Stephanee Avatar

Very thorough review, thank you! Question – I am yet to be an expert on applying various eyeshadows. I love the way your make up looks in your example photo and it’s helpful that you listed what eyeshadows you used, but how did you apply them? If it’s not too much trouble, a step-by-step would be incredibly helpful…or if you already know of a handy tutorial, that’s fine, too. I’ve watched a lot of tutorials, but I can’t find one for this specific palette – I’m guessing because it’s so new. Thank you!

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