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). ColourPop Caramella (LE, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Light English Red (LE, $30.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Native (DC, $18.00) is darker, more muted (95% similar). Urban Decay Heartless (DC, $18.00) is cooler, less glossy (95% similar). ColourPop Clueless (DC, $6.50) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). ColourPop Last Call (LE, $7.00) is warmer (90% 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 Catty (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Soft Savour (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Babetown (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% 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). Tom Ford Beauty Austin (P, $36.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Smashbox Pretty Social (P, $21.00) is cooler (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). Tarte Fomo (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Spring Pink (DC, $37.00) is lighter, 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). NYX Whipped Caviar (P, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC You Wouldn't Get It (P, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Clinique Plum Pop (P, $19.50) is warmer (95% similar). Bite Beauty Sweety (LE, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Milani I Am Fabulous (P, $6.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Le Metier de Beaute Fiji (P, $32.00) is cooler (90% similar). Pat McGrath Soft Core (P, $38.00) is darker (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pussycat (04) (P, $55.00) is darker, warmer (90% 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). Bite Beauty Sorbet (DC, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Liv It Up (P, $37.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Make Up For Ever C210 (DC, $22.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (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. Guerlain Warm Almond (159) (P, $36.00) is darker (95% similar). Sephora Melon (P, $14.00) is lighter (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). Anastasia Kiss (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (90% similar). ColourPop Peppermint (LE, $7.00) is cooler (85% similar). NARS Maria Carla (LE, $27.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Good Moaninnnn (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Eterea (166) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). ColourPop L'Auberge (LE, $9.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Beige Brut (812) (P, $55.00) is cooler, glossier (90% similar). Bite Beauty Good Jujube (LE, ) is warmer, glossier (90% similar). MAC Naked Proof (LE, $19.00) is glossier (90% similar). Tarte Skinny Dip (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Hollywood (P, $18.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Raw Seduction (P, $26.00) is darker, warmer (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). Urban Decay Bun Bun (LE, $18.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar). NARS Get It On (P, $26.00) is cooler, less glossy (95% similar). Make Up For Ever C107 (DC, $22.00) is darker, cooler (90% 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). 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). Maybelline Nude Nuance (P, $7.99) is darker, brighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop 951 (P, $7.00) is warmer (95% similar). KVD Beauty Lolita II (P, $20.00) is cooler (90% 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). MAC Spirit (P, $19.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit

MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit

MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit

MAC Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit

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MAC Creme Cup Lipstick

MAC Creme Cup Lipstick

MAC Creme Cup Lipstick

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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