MAC Nocturnals/Black & Gold Pigment & Glitter Set Review, Photos, Swatches
MAC Nocturnals/Black & Gold Set
MAC Nocturnals/Black & Gold Set ($32.50 for 0.55 oz.) contains three pigments and two glitters. Each pigment contains 0.09 oz. of product, while each glitter vial contains 0.14 oz. of product. None of MAC’s glitters are listed as eye safe, and these two glitters are listed as “not safe for the eye or lip area.” This set contains $37.80 worth of pigments and $39.20 worth of glitters for a total value of $77.00. You could try using the glitters in nail polish, in the hair, and on the body. These are loose glitters, so you will need some sort of adhesive base or mix to have them stick to skin. I applied the glitters over Fyrinnae’s Pixie Epoxy for swatches. I wish MAC would test or use a grade of glitter that was eye safe, especially if they’re going to include them in consumer kits like this.
Naked is described as a “flesh beige with pearl.” It’s a pale, peachy-beige with a soft, champagne shimmer-sheen. Apply dry, it’s a very sheer wash of color with some sheen, and then when applied with a damp brush, it’s opaque, warmer, and darker. It wore well for seven and a half hours before showing some signs of fading and very, very faint creasing. This shade is part of the permanent range. NARS Jezebel (P) is similar, MAC Phresh Out #3 (LE) is more frosted. Too Faced Cheers! (LE) is similar. Kat Von D Precious (LE) is also similar. NARS Nepal (P, $24.00) is a touch darker. See comparison swatches.
Gold is described as a “sparkly chunky gold.” It contains small, gold glitter particles that go between champagne gold and a more coppery gold. It’s part of the permanent PRO range. I don’t have another glitter in this color that I can recall, though I’m sure it is something dupable by brands with full glitter ranges (Lit, OCC, etc.).
Museum Bronze is described as a “rich taupe with gold pearl.” It’s a medium-dark brown with warm, golden frost and a frosted, metallic finish. Applied dry, it was more frosted, and then applied with a damp brush, it was more metallic, but both applications had full, opaque color. It wore well for almost eight hours before showing signs of fading. It’s part of the permanent PRO range. Chanel Initiation (827) (LE, $36.00) is more glittery, cream product. Makeup Geek Vegas Lights is similar. Urban Decay Ambush (LE, $18.00) is less golden. Urban Decay Radar (LE, $18.00) is darker. Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #4 (P, $30.00) is less warm-toned. MAC Cognac (LE, $15.00) is lighter, more golden. MAC Tempting (P, $15.00) is not as warm-toned. See comparison swatches.
Copper Sparkle is described as “super frosty copper flecks.” It’s a vibrant, orange-copper with a frosted, metallic finish. The texture is very chunky, and it needs to be pressed/smoothed into the skin, which is why it tends to work best when applied with a damp brush as it helps to smooth the consistency out. It’s part of the permanent range. Sleek MakeUP Sunset #9 (P, $9.99) is similar. Sugarpill Asteria (LE, $12.00) is more orange. Guerlain Cuivre Ora (LE, $35.00) is slightly browner. NARS California (P, $24.00) is redder. MAC Star Myth (LE, $15.00) is similar. MAC Brash (LE, $15.00) is also similar. See comparison swatches.
Black is described as a “sparkly chunky black.” It’s small-to-medium black glitter. I’d love to hear how you guys would use this one, because it really doesn’t have a lot of reflective qualities, so it doesn’t dance in the light like real glitter. It just… looks like black grit. I noticed this one was a total pain to remove, too; it was best removed by running water all over the skin as makeup removing wipes and cotton pads just smeared it everywhere. Again, I’m sure it is something dupable by brands with full glitter ranges (Lit, OCC, etc.), but I don’t have any specific to call out.
Note, there are no ratings for glitter because it’s not a product that really fits the criteria we use in The Glossover at this time.
Nocturnals/Black & Gold Set
$32.50.
Naked
PiPPermanent in Palette. $21.00.
Museum Bronze
PiPPermanent in Palette. $21.00.
Copper Sparkle
PiPPermanent in Palette. $21.00.
MAC Nocturnals/Black & Gold Set
MAC Nocturnals/Black & Gold Set
MAC Naked Pigment
MAC Naked Pigment
MAC Naked Pigment
MAC Naked Pigment
MAC Gold Glitter
MAC Gold Glitter
MAC Gold Glitter
MAC Gold Glitter
MAC Museum Bronze Pigment
MAC Museum Bronze Pigment
MAC Museum Bronze Pigment
MAC Museum Bronze Pigment
MAC Copper Sparkle Pigment
MAC Copper Sparkle Pigment
MAC Copper Sparkle Pigment
MAC Copper Sparkle Pigment
MAC Black Glitter
MAC Black Glitter
MAC Black Glitter
MAC Black Glitter
As far as I know, plastic glitters are not recommended for use around the eye area regardless of size, since the edges are jagged and could scratch your cornea. That’s probably why MAC doesn’t test them or use “eye-safe” glitter, especially since the latter doesn’t really exist (not according to FDA, anyway, although plastic glitter is considered safe in the EU). The safest “glitter” to use on the eyes is “natural” glitter made from calcium aluminium borosilicate, although I’d personally call them sparkle instead of glitter.
Thanks, Ryou!
No worries, hope that helps. 🙂
is that what some of the reflects are made from or are we talking sparkly mineral shadows?? jus curious
From what I know, most sparkly mineral eyeshadows are made from natural glitter, although some companies do use plastic glitter in their eyeshadows (if they do, though, they can’t technically call themselves “mineral cosmetics company” anymore, as plastic isn’t a mineral). I’m quite certain MAC uses the same natural glitter (calcium sodium borosilicate) for their “reflects” glitter, plus binding/wetting agent. The wetting agent is why MAC pigments look clumpy in the jar. I hope that helps. 🙂
MAC makes a couple different kinds of glitter and one of the “glitter categories” is their Reflects Glitter. Not a pigment at all though… pigments are totally different and more like loose mineral makeup with binding agents thrown in so they are easier to use/less messy (that’s the hope anyway lol). Reflects Glitters are just like their other glitters, only with a much finer grit or texture. IMO they are the best glitters you can find because they’re so fine that you don’t need a sticky base under them… they just stick. The glitters in these sets are MAC’s “regular” glitters.
I’ll probably get this as I love Naked pigment and I really want Museum Bronze but don’t need that full sized jar of it.
I don’t think most of us need a full-sized jar of any pigment, lol! 😉
I like Museum Bronze, but not enough to get the whole set. The only way I can use the glitters is by mixing them with nail polishes, but I have no idea how they will perform as such.
It is part of the permanent PRO range!
all you have to do is press them into a wet nail polish and then apply clear coat on top! Its gorgeous!
This was the set I was considering, but I really don’t like the glitters.
I’m not keen on the black glitter because I have no idea where to use it, lol!
I’m a little upset that the glitter isn’t safe to use around the eyes. That’s the only reason I bought these, and now I almost want to return them right when I get them :/
Yeah, none of MAC’s glitters are eye safe! Some aren’t lip safe as well.
that sucks. I’m going to return mine as soon as I get them, and just buy the full-size pigments instead. There’s no point in having glitters that I can’t even use.
Thanks for the review! I wish they would eliminate the glitters from these collections.
I agree! I imagine a lot of people use them on the eyes without ever knowing they’re *not* eye safe (it’s one thing to know and then make your own decision!).
It looks like a lovely set, but I already own the pigments and glitters I never know what to do with outside of adding them to my nail polish :\ So it’s a pass for me and sadly I think for the other sets too since there are 2 glitters in the sets this time around.
Yeah, it’s a bummer 🙁
So wait, included in an eye shadow set are two glitters that are not eye or mouth safe? What are you even supposed to use them for then? I think I will stick to buying glitter at the craft store. Naked Pigment is gorgeous though.
Nails, hair, body… cheek, I guess 😉
The pigments are pretty, but I’ll never use loose glitter like that as a cosmetic. Then again, I once said I’d never wear vampy lipstick, so I’d best hold my tongue.
Yeah, if you aren’t into glitter, these might be a skip!
Two many glitters in this. >_< I can see one but two.
Yep, two glitters 🙁
These are gorgeous, and I would gladly purchase them… but… the fact that they aren’t eye safe renders them useless to me. How disappointing, because these could have been so useful this holiday season.
Yep, just as a heads up, none of the MAC glitters are eye safe!
i dont think reflecfts are either right? i use them all the time on my eyes. I have also used pounds of craft glitter on my face and eyes in my lifetime and never had a issue… so maybe will still go for these!
Nope, Reflects aren’t either 🙁
According to the FDA, no glitter is approved as “eye safe” (technically), & they’re rather wishy-washy about glitter being safe in any cosmetics, really. Many glitters the FDA classifies as “unsafe” are approved in other countries. I’ve compared the shape of MAC glitter to the cut of Lit Cosmetics & NYX under magnification, & they all have the same hexagonal shape which is the main difference between cosmetic grade glitter and crafting glitter. I have read many articles about this strange FDA rule (including a very thorough investigation by Phyrra, a frequent commenter here), & it seems the FDA logic regarding glitter safety is very vague, & based largely in part on the materials used to make glitter reflective. At the end of the day, I think it’s all somewhat arbitrary bureaucracy, & I consider it an individual choice whether or not to use glitter anywhere on the face. Personally, I use Reflects Gold on my eyes regularly (I have for over a year w/o incident), & I feel comfortable putting it on my teenage daughter’s eyes, too, but I would not want to be held responsible for advising someone else to use it this way. I suppose this is sort of like the warning labels in Sugarpill’s Elektrocute line–not officially approved by the FDA for eye wear, but everyone does it anyway. I also wear all the eyeshadows from Sleek that the FDA won’t approve for the US. The safety rules are very sketchy, & tend to be based more on lack of adequate testing than on known safety hazards. I tend to look at what other MUAs are doing along with whey is allowed in Canada & Europe, & process with caution.
Just to be clear: I am NOT suggesting everyone ignore the warning labels, & I’m very concerned about known toxic pigments! This is just my personal glitter knowledge & policy based on research & experience.
The Bronze and Copper pigment look really nice, but the glitter? Ehhh…
No idea how to use the black really 🙁
The black glitter would be pretty in acrylic nails… mixed into the acrylic powder. I get sparkles mixed in and several at a time. It is so cool it adds depth
Gorgeous pigments. I need these in my makeup collection!
Hope you enjoy the set!
The black one would probably be pretty in a nail polish. It would give that speckled-egg look that a few polishes had that came out last spring.
Thanks for the suggestion, Rebecca!
YES!! I have some of the Deborah Lipmann polishes that have that, i think they are adorable. Reminds me of robins eggs and easter
Ugh, I was so excited about this set. I’ve been planning to buy this since I first heard about the collection. It was supposed to be my reward for getting through the week from hell I have coming up and now I find out they’re not even eye safe :S I know it’s stupid but I’m feeling pretty crushed right now. Not sure if I still want to get this anymore. Geez Mac, whats the point of making useless glitters. Not impressed.
I loveeee the Teal kit! Im so glad I bought it . I still havent received theme but thanks again to Christine ,I made the right choice by the swatches I just saw. Christine I dont know how anyone can compete with your had work (that we all appreciate ) your hard work is TOP NOTCH!! perfection. Thank you soooo much for all that you do. You helped me alot with all my Mac obsession:-)
No prob, Jackiee!
i saw these at my work since we handle mac and fell completely in love! the green/teal set is to die for, but this one is more practical for me now [i never thought i’d say that about neutrals lol]. i’m not too fussed about the glitter being non-eye safe, because i’d never use glitter or that much sparkle on my eyes anyways. i do love having a lot of glitter nail polish though, so it’d be perfect for me in that way. especially that black *___*
Black glitter looks like such a mess, but I am really tempted by Naked and Museum bronze! It’s so iffy that these glitter pigments aren’t safe for the eyes!
I had no idea that the MAC glitters weren’t eye safe!! Eek… Even the reflex (pearl/teal/bronze etc) glitters? I’ve used them on my eyes!! Seems bizarre that they would sell stuff in a holiday kit that can’t actually be used as face make up. :/
Yep, all of MAC glitters are labeled as not eye safe (some not lip safe either).
Hmm I really do love these sets mostly because its a great deal for the pigments (id never go through a full size). I just wish the glitters did not even exist in these sets.. they seem like such a waste to me, I’d never even think to put those on my lids in fear of damaging my already sensitive eyes. If I end up purchasing these sets I will likely put the glitters to use in my nail polish collection. Would make nice accent glitter nails.
I use my Eye Kandie Cosmetics black glitter that reflects this same way over black pencil eyeliner. I use a liquid sealant on a brush & dip it into the glitter pot & paint the glitter on as eyeliner. It’s gorgeous & gives a faint sparkle. Then again, that is a suggestion only for those UNECESSARY RISK TAKERS out there, haha!
What’s with all this fuss about the glitter? You wouldn’t just wear the glitter without some type of romper adhesive and Mac glitter sized are almost microscopic, so size and adhesion would determine whether or not to apply the glitter around your eye, and another key thing is location. It’s best not to apply it around the waterline of the tear duct but over the eyeliner or above is or on your eyelid. So, just be cautious with glitters because let’s face it, many eyeshadows have glitter anyways.
Hey Annie!
It’s all about what you’re comfortable doing and wearing! 🙂 It’s not something that I’m personally very comfortable with (even with adhesive) when it’s specifically labeled not eye safe–I have enough issues with glitters in eyeshadows and the like that for me it’s not a risk I feel comfortable taking often, if at all. It’s your body and eyes, so each person has to make an informed decision for themselves.
I’m sad to hear about the glitters. I got this set yesterday all because the girl helping me was wearing the glitter on her eyes! She had the black glitter over a grayish silver shadow, it looked really cool! Thanks for letting us know it is NOT safe! I could have done some damage!
I understand fully why glitter is not safe for eyes. ( I use anyway with adhesive and remove with a mascara wand any that have fallen on to my lashes to keep it out of my eye) but what exactly are the dangers of wearing it on the lip? Is it because of the plastic used? And if the plastic is so dangerous around even the mouth should I just stick to nail use?
I really don’t know why it isn’t lip safe!
They´re nice!