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. 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). 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). 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). MAC Dance Flowers Dance (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Tarina Tarantino Violet Storm #2 (DC, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #9 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). LORAC Blush (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #8 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Ulta Pink (P, $10.00) is darker, warmer (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). 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). 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). Too Faced Winter Dream (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC After Dusk (PiP, $17.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Tarte Poker Face (LE, $14.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Ultraviolet (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (80% 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). 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. 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). 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). 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). ColourPop Candy Land (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). bareMinerals Strawberry Mousse (LE, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Fairytale (P, $5.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Yogurt (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Enigma #5 (PiP, ) is brighter (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). 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). Tarte Skipper (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Pretty Vulgar Unruffled (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). Lancome London Is Callin' (LE, $19.00) is darker (80% similar). Smashbox Breeze (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar). Ciate Toon Kisses (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Clubhouse (LE, $4.50) is darker (85% similar). Sydney Grace Winter Wonder (P, $5.25) 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). Anastasia Buon Fresco (P, $12.00) is darker (80% similar). Dior Ombre Sculpting Powder (002) (PiP, ) is darker (80% similar). LORAC Dusty Mauve (LE, $19.00) is darker, brighter (80% similar). Makeup Geek Petal Pusher (DC, $6.00) is brighter (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). 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). 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). Lisa Eldridge Mauve Decade (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Viseart Grenache (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). ColourPop Imagine That (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Be a Doll (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Lullaby (PiP, $8.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). LORAC Rose Bud (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, 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). Too Faced Funtasy (LE, $16.00) is lighter (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). Coloured Raine Ladyship (DC, $6.99) is darker (95% 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). Natasha Denona Electra (115CM) (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Confident Eyes (Smoke) (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). NABLA Cosmetics Interference (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (95% 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 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). MAC Mad Mod (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (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 A Waft of Grey #4 (PiP, $21.00) is darker (95% similar). Sephora Hematite (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Dark Energy #4 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Black Market (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% 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). 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). Melt Cosmetics Panteon (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Cle de Peau Silver Eclipse #4 (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). MAC Well Past Midnight (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #10 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

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