MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit Review, Photos, Swatches
MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit ($35.00 for 0.24 oz.) contains four, miniature sized lipsticks–all shades from the permanent range. This was the “weakest” of the three sets, as I had issues with color settling into lip lines with three of the four shades. I liked the variety in colors/tones in the set, and I liked that “nude” actually meant a greater variety of neutral shades instead of what is often seen as just light beige.
The lipsticks come in a small box with a plastic, pull-out drawer. Each lipstick is 0.06 oz., so it’s 60% of the amount you get in a full-sized lipstick, and I think the value is there–it’s not a value-packed set, but you get more than you’re paying for and get four shades for a little more than the price of two. If you fall in love with one shade, you can repurchase it later as well, which is always nice. I didn’t have any issues using the minis directly from the tube, as sometimes minis can break more easily. The shades were very consistent with the individual permanent versions I have, and as I just swatched MAC’s permanent line a few months ago, the lip swatches and full face photos are from then (the swatches are of the actual minis).
Value
- Lipstick: $17.00 for 0.10 oz. or $170.00/oz.
- Total Value: $40.80
Crème Cup is a light-medium pink with neutral- undertones and a glossy, luminous finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage that went on fairly evenly, but it pulled into lip lines and left “lines” if I pressed my lips together as the consistency was more emollient and slid around on the lips. This shade lasted for three and a half hours on me and was neither drying nor hydrating. Bobbi Brown Pink Cloud (P, $40.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Angel (P, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Light English Red (LE, $30.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Native (DC, $18.00) is darker, more muted (95% similar). ColourPop Caramella (LE, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Clueless (DC, $6.50) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). ColourPop Last Call (LE, $7.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Heartless (DC, $18.00) is cooler, less glossy (95% similar). MAC Plink! (P, $19.00) is darker, less pigmented (85% similar). Urban Decay Morning After (DC, $18.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). MAC How Darling (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). MAC Long Legged & Fabulous (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC To Savour (P, $23.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Catty (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Babetown (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar). MAC Soft Savour (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Smashbox Pretty Social (P, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Austin (P, $36.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Shimmy (LE, $6.50) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Liv It Up (P, $37.00) is darker (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Nouvelle Vogue is a medium, rosy pink with neutral-to-cool undertones and a satin finish. It had rich, opaque color payoff that applied smoothly and evenly, though some of the color seemed to settle into lip lines initially. I don’t think it was too noticeable from a normal viewing distance, as I only noticed it when I edited the close-up photos. The consistency was velvety and glided on with ease, while it was comfortable to wear over the five hours it lasted. It felt a bit drying after four hours of wear. Maybelline Almond Rose (P, $7.99) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Fresh Cut (DC, $6.50) is warmer, less glossy (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Spring Pink (DC, $37.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Fomo (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NYX Whipped Caviar (P, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar). Clinique Plum Pop (P, $19.50) is warmer (95% similar). MAC You Wouldn't Get It (P, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty Sweety (LE, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Milani I Am Fabulous (P, $6.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty Fig (P, $28.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (90% similar). Bite Beauty Macaroon (P, $24.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop After Shock (P, $6.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (90% similar). Le Metier de Beaute Fiji (P, $32.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pussycat (04) (P, $55.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Pat McGrath Soft Core (P, $38.00) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop 1st Base (LE, $6.50) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). KVD Beauty Mother (P, $20.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). Make Up For Ever C210 (DC, $22.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (85% similar). Milani Lust (LE, $8.99) is warmer, less glossy (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Truth or Bare (P, $28.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Kinda Sexy is a medium-dark, pinky-peach with warm, brown undertones and a semi-matte finish. It was richly pigmented with a creamy, light-medium weight consistency that glided on without tugging, but it had a heavier look on the lips that emphasized lip lines a bit. Whenever I smiled, you could see the color gather in lip lines. This shade lasted for four and a half hours and was neither drying nor hydrating. Sephora Melon (P, $14.00) is lighter (95% similar). Guerlain Warm Almond (159) (P, $36.00) is darker (95% similar). Hourglass True Love Means (LE, $34.00) is glossier (90% similar). Tarte Homeslice (P, $20.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). ColourPop Parker (P, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar). Dose of Colors Hey Girl (LE, $16.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar). Burberry Pink Apricot (301) (P, $35.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). MAC Sweet MamaStarrr (LE, $19.00) is glossier (90% similar). ColourPop Peppermint (LE, $7.00) is cooler (85% similar). Anastasia Kiss (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Cherie (LE, $55.00) is lighter (90% similar). Guerlain #01 (P, $33.00) is darker (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Chic Pink (P, $37.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Oxblood (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop 411 (P, $8.00) is glossier (90% similar). ColourPop With the Band (P, $7.00) is darker (90% similar). Make Up For Ever Gutsy Blush (106) (P, $23.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Maria Carla (LE, $27.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Good Moaninnnn (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Beige Brut (812) (P, $55.00) is cooler, glossier (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Whirl is a muted, medium-dark brown with subtle, pink undertones and a warmer overall undertone paired with a satin finish. It had good pigmentation that covered the lips evenly and smoothly. The formula had a lightly creamy consistency that was comfortable to wear and use on the lips. On me, the lipstick wore for four hours and was neither drying nor hydrating. ColourPop WYD (DC, $6.50) is lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Safe Word (P, $21.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). NARS Get It On (P, $26.00) is cooler, less glossy (95% similar). Urban Decay Bun Bun (LE, $18.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar). Make Up For Ever C107 (DC, $22.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Girl Gang (LE, $7.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Tame (DC, $18.00) is lighter (80% similar). Anastasia Hudson (LE, $20.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Story of Home (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Muneca (P, $5.00) is lighter, less pigmented, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Staunch (P, $18.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek Waltz (LE, $12.00) is lighter, less glossy (95% similar). Maybelline Nude Nuance (P, $7.99) is darker, brighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Spirit (P, $19.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (85% similar). KVD Beauty Lolita II (P, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop 951 (P, $7.00) is warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Latte (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (80% similar). MAC Double Shot (P, $19.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). Pat McGrath 1995 (P, $38.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Jaclyn Cosmetics Fussy (DC, $18.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Nude
LELimited Edition. $35.00.
Crème Cup
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Nouvelle Vogue
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Kinda Sexy
PPermanent. $19.00.
Whirl
PPermanent. $19.00.
MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Creme Cup Lipstick
MAC Creme Cup Lipstick
MAC Creme Cup Lipstick
MAC Creme Cup Lipstick
MAC Creme Cup Lipstick
MAC Nouvelle Vogue Lipstick
MAC Nouvelle Vogue Lipstick
MAC Nouvelle Vogue Lipstick
MAC Nouvelle Vogue Lipstick
MAC Nouvelle Vogue Lipstick
MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick
MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick
MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick
MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick
MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick
MAC Whirl Lipstick
MAC Whirl Lipstick
MAC Whirl Lipstick
MAC Whirl Lipstick
MAC Whirl Lipstick
WANT!
🙂
Hi Christine and everyone else! I took a little hiatus from makeup buying to get things in order. Got moved,new job, etc. Anyway I can’t decide on this set. I own 2 of the 4 . I really don’t no anyone to gift this to . It’s super cute though! Decisions, decisions… ?
Hope you are well!! How do you like the new place?
Our new place is great! I’m doing really well health wise too. I hope the same for you as well! ?
Nicole, is that you??? With the ATN? Sorry if you’re not that one, but so many Nicoles on this blog. If so, welcome back!!!
Its me! Thank you. I’m sorry for kind of disappearing. I actually have been watching a lot of the post. And I tried to come in a few times but I totally forgot my password and couldn’t figure it out LOL . I have been super stressed out with our move and 2 house payments, job… Life. but I’m feeling good healthwise (knock on wood) Feeling really well! I’m glad to be back! Missed my beauty buddies! ?
Oh Nicole, so glad to hear you are alive and well! I had feared the worst. Wow, I can see why you’ve been so quiet –so many changes going on in your life! But glad you are feeling well, that’s most important. Well, if you can, drop us a note once in a while, the gang is still here 🙂
Oh my goodness, Nicole, I wondered what happened to you! If I hadn’t had to retread back to look up MAC Kinda Sexy lipstick, I would’ve TOTALLY missed this post of yours! I’ve really missed you on here. But I’m relieved to hear that your health has been doing better? Or just stabilized? Welcome back!
Hey Nancy! I’m progressing health wise. I will always have ATN. But, after flying all over the country, I found a specialist here in Cincinnati who has been quite helpful to me. So, I’m progressing I guess. Mostly good days. But, still some bad. Not the life I knew. How are you??? I’ve been working ALOT with our move and Christmas! Hope your enjoying the warm AZ. weather!
I think these are interesting shades for a ‘nude’ set — there’s even one shade that I could actually wear! (Nouvelle Vogue) I think that Whirl looks great on you, Christine (everything looks good on you! wish I could manage that!) 🙂
I totally agree, Fran! They are not your typical interpretation of “nude”!
I like it exactly because it’s not a typical nude set! Real nudes wash me out. However I’m not sure I could pull off Whirl – it looks so nice on you, Christine, but I’m about two shades lighter and a bit pinker (I’d say I’m neutral undertones).
Pretty colors on you, but I think the only one I can pull off is Whirl
Thanks, Katherine!
It is amazing how different Whirl looks on you compared to my daughter and myself. It looks really different on my daughter compared to me so that makes at least three different colors. It must be one of those colors that looks good on everyone!
It is crazy how lip colors can differ from person to person!
Very nice set of shades, especially if one is wanting to experiment with different hues of nude! In this department, I’m *fairly* set. Have the Whirl dupe in Strip Me Down, and even though a different finish, Royally Riotous. I wish I could pull off lighter pink nudes like Creme Cup, but those aren’t so easy to do with my coloring. Nouvelle Vogue and Kinda Sexy would work, though.
Good thing that they are all permanent, so you can always grab one you like later on (or find a dupe!) 🙂
That’s definitely cool! I didn’t realize Nouvelle Vogue was perm though. That one looks great!
I love love love this set!! 2/4 colours are ones I already own and I’m always re-purchasing! I think I’ll be giving this a whirl!
Yayy!
Even with the lip-line problem, it’s a nice set, with pretty lipsticks. It’s nothing I’ll go for as I think only one of them would suit me, I might be able to use a second one, but that’s it.
You look really gorgeous in all of them.
It’s not too bad! The colors work well as a set – good variety for a “nude” set.
All look lovely. Nice kit!
Agreed!
Wow, Whirl looks fantastic on you! So put together.
Thank you, Reka!
Need this one…….
I remember you’re not a fan of the Cremesheen formula so Creme Cup settling in the lip lines is an issue with the formula… But I still like it. 😉
Whirl is a total classic, in a league with Ruby Woo and Russian Red. Must be one of their bestsellers. Looks exemplary on you. Have to try it someday.
I like the color selection in this one a lot.
Although I already have Cream Cup, and I’m not a fan, the other shades looks pretty and a couple are on my wishlist, so great kit!!!
I love kinda sexy on you, they all look good on you. I hope I can get all of them to work for me too, waiting for it to arrive.
Nouvelle Vouge is not a permanent shade. It was LE for I think The Matte Lip?
I’m really intrigued by this set bc I’ve never actually purchased a MAC lipstick and these shades look like lippies I would actually wear. Hmmmm
Hey Christine, I cannot find what blush you wore in these photos. Especially the photo with Whirl lipstick. Can you please let me know? Thanks!!
I may pick this up for my niece. I get her a MAC nude lippie set every holiday season. I’m going to check out the other sets as well. I think MAC has a nice nude lipgloss set too.
That’s so nice of you, Denise! 🙂
Hello Christine,
What brand/color blush are you wearing with MAC Whirl?
All looks lovely on you.
Thank you..
/sk