MAC Nutcracker Sweet Smoky Eye Compact Review, Photos, Swatches
Smoky Eye Compact
MAC Nutcracker Sweet Smoky Eye Compact ($39.50 for 0.27 oz.) is a warm-toned, neutral eyeshadow palette with nine shades. There are some nicer shades in the palette, but there are also some real misses, and at this price point, that makes it far less enticing. There are better neutral palettes out there, especially of the warm-toned variety.
Value
- Eyeshadow: $16.00 for 0.05 oz. or $320.00/oz.
- Total Value: $86.40
Smoky Eye Compact
LELimited Edition. $39.50.
Get a shade-by-shade breakdown of this palette, along with individual photos and swatches.
Too-dle-oo
Too-dle-oo is a light, golden beige with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had good pigmentation with a slightly firmer texture, but it was still fairly easy to apply and blend out on the lid. This shade wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Disney by Sephora Sea Shells (LE, ) is more shimmery (100% similar).
- NARS Abyssinia (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Satin Ochre (Left) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- LORAC Sugar (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Bailey's Bliss (P, $6.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Vanilla (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Sugar (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I414 Yellow Ivory (DC, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Clash (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- theBalm High Tide (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Too-dle-oo
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Deception
Deception is muted, medium-dark taupe brown with a sparkling, glittery gold finish. It had good pigmentation with a chunkier texture, so it tended to have fallout during application and then some moderate fall out during wear. The eyeshadow blended out well and lasted for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Pewter (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Ring-a-ling (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Moon (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Zoeva Outline (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Horizon (DC, $20.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Tarte Steel the Scene (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Damson (LE, $21.00) (100% similar).
- Too Faced Brown Sugar (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Clarins Nude #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Roasted Chestnut (LE, $32.50) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Deception
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Sweet Dreams
Sweet Dreams is a light taupe with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. The color darkened noticeably when applied on bare skin, compared to the pan color, and had mostly opaque coverage. The texture was soft, smooth but firm without any excess powder that would kick up in the pan. It wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Mud Mask (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Pinch of Sage (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sephora Mushroom (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Fossil (P, $8.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Cappuccino (LE, $23.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Ashes (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Mahe #2 (PiP, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Groundwork (P, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Magnifique (LE, $6.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Misty Nights (LE, $6.99) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Sweet Dreams
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Kid
Kid is a light, peachy brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable, which yielded opaque pigmentation and solid, eight-hour wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow #4 (LE, $19.00) is more pigmented (95% similar).
- Too Faced Gretchen (LE, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Slick (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Soft Life (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Nova (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Bare to Wear (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Or Whatevah (LE, $4.50) is brighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Big O (P, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Skinny Latte (LE, $16.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- Kaja Nude Apricot (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Kid
PPermanent. $17.00.
Dewdrop
Dewdrop is a sparkling, medium peach with warm undertones and a glittery finish. It was a Lustre finish, which is supposed to be sheerer, and it was–semi-sheer at best–with a chunkier, drier, and looser consistency that was a real mess to work with. The color did not work well on its own or even over regular eyeshadow primer, as it needed a tacky base. It lasted for five hours and had noticeable fallout.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Supersonic Girl #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sephora Hippie Girl (223) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sephora Satin (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Riveting (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Trademark This (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Coral #1 (PiP, ) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Killing Jar (DC, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Tiger Eye #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D750 Frosted Peach (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Skinny Latte (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Dewdrop
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Cake & Biscuits
Cake & Biscuits is a muted, medium brown with warm, orange undertones and a matte finish. It had good color payoff, but the texture was rather firm, which made it hard to apply and blend out on the skin. I noticed signs of fading after seven and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Innocent (PiP, ) is brighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Unrequited (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cornelious (PiP, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow #4 (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Rose Cloud (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Ciate Skinny Dip (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Pastry (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Buxom Invite Only (P, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Platane (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Terracotta (LE, $22.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Cake & Biscuits
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Swiss Chocolate
Swiss Chocolate is a dark brown with warm, red undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was great, while the texture was soft, smooth, and blendable, though the permanent version is softer and more blendable (at least, the one I have). It wore for just over eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Zoeva Freshly Toasted (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Like Butter (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Top Down (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Mea Culpa (PiP, $8.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Stay Sassy (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Redwood (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Sephora Cocoa (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Moments (DC, $6.99) is cooler (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M608 Red Brown (P, $17.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop That Sax (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Swiss Chocolate
PPermanent. $17.00.
Dance in the Dark
Dance in the Dark is a deep, blackened brown with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque, somewhat buildable pigmentation. It had such a stiff texture that it was really hard to blend out the color, as it always looked patchy and uneven. This shade wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Smokeshow (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Zoeva Beans are White (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Bali (DC, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Wind Down Brown (LE, ) (95% similar).
- Burberry Graphite (No. 28) (DC, $29.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Tarte Dim the Lights (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick #4 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Hourglass Infinity #5 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Ice Cream Cone (LE, ) (100% similar).
- theBalm #15 (P, $6.50) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Dance in the Dark
PiPPermanent in Palette. $17.00.
Licorice Lane
Licorice Lane is a deep, muted taupe with cool undertones and a matte finish. The texture was incredibly dusty and dry, which led to sheerer coverage that was hard to even out, as the color would stick in some places and not want to diffuse or spread out from that initial placement. It wore well for seven hours on me before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Side Hustle (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 20 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Dark Chocolate (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Tarte Sleigh Watch (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Wild Horses (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Bowl Out (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Spoil Yourself (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Not Basic Black (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Influential (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Hourglass Atmosphere #5 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Licorice Lane
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
MAC Smoky Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Smoky Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Smoky Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Smoky Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Smoky Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Smoky Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact
MAC Too-dle-oo Eyeshadow
MAC Too-dle-oo Eyeshadow
MAC Deception Eyeshadow
MAC Deception Eyeshadow
MAC Sweet Dreams Eyeshadow
MAC Sweet Dreams Eyeshadow
MAC Dewdrop Eyeshadow
MAC Dewdrop Eyeshadow
MAC Cake & Biscuits Eyeshadow
MAC Cake & Biscuits Eyeshadow
MAC Swiss Chocolate Eyeshadow
MAC Swiss Chocolate Eyeshadow
MAC Dance in the Dark Eyeshadow
MAC Dance in the Dark Eyeshadow
MAC Licorice Lane Eyeshadow
MAC Licorice Lane Eyeshadow
This was the one I was hoping would’ve been a decent palette, if only because Kid is DC’d and I love Swiss Chocolate. But nah. Not going to even bother with it. Plus; ANOTHER palette with Dancing In The Dark??? I already have one regular size and a mini of that shade. And MAC including it in SO many LE palettes is becoming ridiculously redundant!
They always pull out a few of the same ol’ LE shades for holiday palettes (and they aren’t even good ones, lol).
I actually picked this up and althought it is not the most pigmented palete it surely benefits from a good base which i don’t mind doing but for the price point i did expect a bit more. What sold me on it is that is the best size for me for travel and it literally has all colors i would wear . Not one of the worst christmas palletes mac has put out there so ain’t dissapointed i gave in to get it.
I’m glad it is working well for you, Val!
I swatched this one in store too, not too impressed, better than the Cool palette but was still a very mixed bag.
Wish it was better! 🙁
Sad to say, but I don’t think this is one of MAC’s best. It seems as if it is a poor imitation of the ABH Renaissance palette with all the pinks in it and many of the matte are very patchy.
It’s definitely not! They can do better.
i was thinking on buying one of the MAC palettes but unfortunately it has got no good reviews 🙁
Awww!
Meh. To similar to so many other better palettes. Pass.
Totally agree, Susan!
Ehhh I do like the shades a lot but the swatches look disappointing 🙁
They could be better!
Another pass from me.
Awww, I’ve never found good eye shadows from MAC yet (not that I’m trying hard) and I really wanted to get this one. But I trust the review so, is there ANY really good MAC palette that you could recommend?
Their 15x palettes that are pre-made are pretty good 🙂