MAC Nutcracker Sweet Cool Eye Compact Review, Photos, Swatches
MAC Nutcracker Sweet Cool Eye Compact
MAC Nutcracker Sweet Cool Eye Compact ($39.50 for 0.27 oz.) includes nine eyeshadows in “cool” hues, which was comprised mostly of pinks with a couple of grays and mauves. It’s not the worst palette I’ve seen from MAC, but it’s not a good palette at this price point either.
Value
- Eyeshadow: $16.00 for 0.05 oz. or $320.00/oz.
- Total Value: $86.40
Enchanted Beauty is a light pink with warm undertones and a soft, frosted finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a soft, lightly dusty and drier consistency that sheered out moderately. The color wore well for seven hours on me. MAC A Party of Pastels #2 (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 17 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). MAC Superior Sound (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Dior Constellation (864) #3 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Dior Blazing Gold #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Pat McGrath Skinshow Glow (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). bareMinerals Merry (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). KVD Beauty Instaglam (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar). MAC Sweet Lust (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar). BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #8 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Ulta Pink (P, $10.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Pink Cheeks (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Cle de Peau Les Annees Folles #6 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Clarins Garden Escape #5 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Cle de Peau Purity (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Petalette #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Dior Trafalgar #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Clarins Rosewood #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Taffy (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Soft Pearl (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Performance Art is a mute,d medium-dark mauve with neutral-to-warm undertones and gold sparkle. It had sheer coverage with a very dry, loose texture where the sparkle separated from the base color. This shade had fallout and lasted for six hours. Dior House of Pinks #4 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler, lower quality (90% similar). bareMinerals Catch Me If (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Dress Me Up (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Dolomites (Left) (DC, $25.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Prickly Pear (PiP, $6.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Makeup Geek Twilight (DC, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Flannel (08) (DC, $39.00) is lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Winter Dream (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC After Dusk (PiP, $17.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Tarte Make a Mauve (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). Natasha Denona Glaze (12M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Cle de Peau Silver Eclipse #2 (PiP, ) is darker (80% similar). Tarte Poker Face (LE, $14.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Ultraviolet (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
The Wrong Man is a light pink with warm undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was semi-opaque, while the powder felt firmer in the pan but not too stiff. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me. Tarte Pink Outside the Box (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Benefit Pause for Applause (P, $20.00) is cooler (95% similar). Huda Beauty Rose #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Strange (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Benefit Pinky Swear (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Tarte Palace of Versaille (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Dior Golden Shock #4 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). About Face On Pointe (P, $16.00) is darker (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty In the Pink #1 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). Buxom Feather Boa (P, $12.00) is darker (95% similar). Inglot #356 (P, $6.00) is brighter (95% similar). Blackbird Cosmetics Immortals (DC, $8.00) is lighter (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Enigma #5 (PiP, ) is brighter (90% similar). Ciate Be Sassy (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). bareMinerals Giddy (P, ) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Sugar Daddy (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Tarte Exhibit (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Viseart Morganite (PiP, ) is brighter (90% similar). MAC Miss Piggy Pink (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Rose Quartz (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Marzipan is a muted, medium mauve with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was a touch dusty, while the coverage was mostly opaque and fairly blendable. It started to fade after six and a half hours on me. NYX Undress Me (P, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Skipper (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Chanel Quiet Revolution #1 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Floral Affair (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Overcast (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Rendezvous (LE, $16.00) is darker (85% similar). Pretty Vulgar Unruffled (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). Lancome London Is Callin' (LE, $19.00) is darker (80% similar). ColourPop Clubhouse (LE, $4.50) is darker (85% similar). Sydney Grace Winter Wonder (P, $5.25) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Smashbox Breeze (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar). Ciate Toon Kisses (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Rose in the Air #3 (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). Sydney Grace Countess (PiP, $5.25) is darker, cooler (85% similar). LORAC Dusty Mauve (LE, $19.00) is darker, brighter (80% similar). Makeup Geek Petal Pusher (DC, $6.00) is brighter (80% similar). Anastasia Buon Fresco (P, $12.00) is darker (80% similar). Dior Ombre Sculpting Powder (002) (PiP, ) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Quite Spoiled is a muted, medium pinky-mauve with warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. The pigmentation was good, and the consistency was firm but smooth and blendable on the skin. It wore well for eight hours on me. NABLA Cosmetics Circle (P, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Floral Affair (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Modern Icon (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Rose in the Air #3 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Ciate Jet Setter (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Makeup Geek Petal Pusher (DC, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Big Moves (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Stone Age (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). LORAC Sorbet (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Huda Beauty Radiate (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop R and R (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Bill (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Clubhouse (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). NARS Sunbathe (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Social (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Dior Matte Mauve (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). ColourPop On the List (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Viseart Embrace (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). LORAC Sundown (LE, $19.00) is warmer (85% similar). Sydney Grace Rose Petal (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Absurdly Pretty is a brighter, medium-dark berry with cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. The color darkened a lot when it was applied to bare skin (and moderately darkened over a primer) compared to the color it appeared in the pan. It had good color payoff, though the consistency was firmer and took extra maneuvering to diffuse and blend out on the skin. This shade lasted for eight hours. Huda Beauty Hot Mess (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Silk Street (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar). Makeup Geek Dedicated (P, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Going Steady (P, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). Too Faced Funtasy (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Coloured Raine Ladyship (DC, $6.99) is darker (95% similar). Anastasia C4 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Dead Man's Toe (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Figgy Pudding (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Extra (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop The Sagittarius (P, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (DC, $21.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). MAC Lens Blur (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Mystere et Intensite #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Goose Chase (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Lisa Eldridge Victorian Trim (P, $16.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Exxxcess (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Stuck On You (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). Huda Beauty Risque (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Sugar Plum is a deep taupe with purplish tones and a matte finish. The texture was a touch dusty, though it had good pigmentation and applied, blended, and was easy to work with on the lid. It wore well for eight hours. Urban Decay Punk (DC, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Huda Beauty Mauve #7 (PiP, ) is darker, brighter (95% similar). Too Faced Booville (LE, $16.00) is darker (95% similar). NYX Late Night Lingerie (P, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Faux Fur (DC, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tarte Mancat (LE, ) is brighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild VI Purple #3 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Smashbox Editor (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). LORAC Cabernet (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Revelry (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tarte Power Plum (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Aubergine (24V) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Too Faced Chocolate Donut (LE, $16.00) is warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Obsidian (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, brighter (85% similar). Tarte Mulled Wine (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Ciate Dusk (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Ciate Day Dream (LE, ) is brighter, cooler (85% similar). Sephora Hickory (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Makeup Atelier Wood Pink #5 (P, ) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Make Up For Ever M106 Slate (DC, $21.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Plum Darling is a blackened purple with silver sparkle and a metallic sheen. It had sheer coverage with a drier, firmer texture that was very hard to apply to the skin. Even over primer, it was a struggle to work with. The color lasted for about five hours, from what little adhered to the lid to begin with. It was a Lustre finish, which is supposed to be sheerer, though. MAC Stormy Sunset (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Chanel Furtif (P, $29.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Pretty Vulgar True Colors (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Seductive Rose #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Moonrise (P, $8.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Uninhibited #2 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Runs the Show (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Makeup Geek Graphite (DC, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Interference (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Glitterrock (DC, $20.00) is lighter (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Sets the Mood (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Makeup Geek Pillow Talk (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Inglot J405 Celestial (LE, $25.00) is lighter (85% similar). Buxom Graphite Glam (LE, $12.00) is darker (85% similar). Dior Pink Corolle #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, more muted (85% similar). Viseart Shiver (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Sephora Orchid Mist (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Palatable (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Urban Decay Bordello (DC, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Glitter Rock (P, $22.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Nutcracker is a dark, grayish black with a satin sheen. The texture was very firm and stiff in the pan, which led to unevenness and patchiness when blended. It had so-so pigmentation, which was buildable. It lasted for seven and a half hours on me. MAC Dark Energy #4 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Black Market (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC A Waft of Grey #4 (PiP, $21.00) is darker (95% similar). Sephora Hematite (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). LORAC Black #7 (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Blasé (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Smoked Cocoa #3 (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). Chanel Tisse Ombre de Lune #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Bad Influence (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop 101 (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Black Sands (LE, $22.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Lancome Purple Pageantry (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Black Tied (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Knight (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Indigo (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Well Past Midnight (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Panteon (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Cle de Peau Silver Eclipse #4 (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #10 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Cool Eye Compact
LELimited Edition. $39.50.
Enchanted Beauty
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Performance Art
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
The Wrong Man
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Marzipan
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Quite Spoiled
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Absurdly Pretty
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Sugar Plum
PiPPermanent in Palette. $17.00.
Plum Darling
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nutcracker
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
MAC Cool Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Cool Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Cool Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Cool Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Cool Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Cool Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Cool Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Enchanted Beauty Eyeshadow
MAC Enchanted Beauty Eyeshadow
MAC Performance Art Eyeshadow
MAC Performance Art Eyeshadow
MAC The Wrong Man Eyeshadow
MAC The Wrong Man Eyeshadow
MAC Marzipan Eyeshadow
MAC Marzipan Eyeshadow
MAC Quite Spoiled Eyeshadow
MAC Quite Spoiled Eyeshadow
MAC Absurdly Pretty Eyeshadow
MAC Absurdly Pretty Eyeshadow
MAC Sugar Plum Eyeshadow
MAC Sugar Plum Eyeshadow
MAC Plum Darling Eyeshadow
MAC Plum Darling Eyeshadow
MAC Nutcracker Eyeshadow
MAC Nutcracker Eyeshadow
Why is it that MACs holiday eyeshadow palettes are usually not very good? Are they made with different formulas or something???
MAC’s limited edition palettes are hit or miss in general, at least in my experience!
I swatched this in store and wasn’t impressed, could hardly get any pigment out of the shades. I predict this shadow kit (as well as the others in this collection) will be heavily discounted later.
I feel like MAC’s eyeshadows can get really bad over time after a few people swatch them (they seem more susceptible to hardening from oils), too.
Most of these shades feel very Urban Decay Naked 3-ish to me (except for the pink). But of lesser quality. So yeah, easy pass.
I could see that!
A tiresome lament from me but these are SO not my colours even if they were A+ rated. I’d look like some albino rabbit or like someone with a serious eye/skin condition. Plum Darling and Nutcracker look like wearable shades but, oh, the swatch of Plum Darling 🙁 and the ratings for both…sad all ’round.
I wish it was better, if only because there aren’t that many cool-toned palettes!
I bought this along with the smoky one. I agree, not too great. I used it for the first time yesterday and my eyes looked like I was just tired and I used primer. The colors just seemed to blend into one. I presaled this and some other items form the collection. I’m not sure I would be comfortable returning it. I may just sell it on Poshmark. It’s a bit of a hassle. But, better than dust. 🙁
Aw, I think you should return it if it is not living up to quality standards! It’s not as if you don’t shop and keep plenty of product 🙂
Your right. I have it boxed up to go back next time I’m at the mall. I’ll likely wait to see how the smoky one does because I got that one as well. That’s I get for listening to the sales associates telling me it’s going to sell out right away ! I should’ve invested in the Victoria Beckham stuff instead now I’m totally regretting not buying any of that ! ?
Yiiiiiikes. The performance of the shadows–and, in my opinion, the color selection–looks infinitely more like a drugstore palette than MAC! Definitely skipping out on most of the holiday collection and this palette is no exception.
It could have been a lot better! 🙁
I’d loved the colors but that’s big fat pass. Too bad.
Money saved!
Why does MAC almost always fail on their ltd edition palettes? Such a shame.
I wish I knew!
I won’t lose any sleep over this one, as even if it had been a better palette the shades themselves wouldn’t have work so well on me except for Absurdly Pretty, Quite Spoiled and Sugar Plum. And if the 2 darkest shades had been excellent, too.
Easy skip 😀
I was completely set on buying this compact until I swatched it in store and left disappointed. The mattes are just so chalky and don’t show up on my skin at all! I’m a NW10-13 and they just blend in. 🙁 I didn’t even swatch the sparkles after that but I guess I didn’t miss out on too much. I’m glad I saved some money, at least!
So sad, Elina! 🙁 At least you were able to try it first!
I was kind of wanting this one, but it seems a typical MAC holiday palette. I’ll pass.
It was, unfortunately 🙁
Not one of MAC’s best – I think a few brands are doing their take on the ABH Renaissance palette with all the pinks and reds.
Definitely not their best!