MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact ($39.50 for 0.27 oz.) includes nine eyeshadows in warmer hues. MAC’s eyeshadow palettes for the holidays definitely leave something to be desired, and unfortunately, this was a continuation on that theme. There are better neutral palettes available, even MAC’s 15-pan pre-made neutral palettes are better.

Value

• Eyeshadow: $16.00 for 0.05 oz. or $320.00/oz.
• Total Value: $86.40

Filament is a light silver with neutral undertones and a glittery finish. It had semi-sheer coverage, and it was a Lustre finish, which is supposed to be sheerer. The texture was dry, chunky, and prone to sheering out and falling out during application. I found that most of the fallout occurred during application, rather than during wear as there was little in the way of sparkles actually on the lid after blending it. It lasted for six hours on me. Too Faced Kitty Glitter (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). bareMinerals Silver Dollar (LE, $14.00) is darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Iced (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Nimbus Cloude (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC In the Meadow #1 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Dior Dulcinee #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). bareMinerals Steam (LE, $14.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Cle de Peau Pewter Veil #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Sephora Ice (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC Electric Illumination (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced String of Lights (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Illamasqua Beguile (P, $25.50) is more shimmery (90% similar). KVD Beauty Telepathy (DC, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Morning Ticket (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC High Concept (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). MAC Tree Topper (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Dior Moonlight #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Emerald Lust #1 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Giorgio Armani #1 Spring 2012 #4 (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Whirling is a medium golden taupe with warm undertones and a sparkly, gold glitter finish. It had sheer coverage with a chunky, glittery texture that felt dry where the glitter separated from the base color. This was a Lustre finish, which is supposed to be sheerer, so the sheerness was not a surprise (neither was the texture, as most Lustres suffer from the same dryness). On me, it started to fade after six hours of wear. Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Angel (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Risky Richez (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Sediment to Be (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). theBalm #19 (P, $6.50) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Desert Wind (28) (P, $36.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Dior Moonlight #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Rocker (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Cliff Jumping (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Glam (321M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Charged Up (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). NARS L'Amour, Toujours L'Amour #11 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Halo (2) (P, $36.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). NARS Envie (LE, $19.00) is warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Juvenile (LE, $7.00) is warmer (85% similar). Tarte Slate Bells Ring (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Moonlit Violet #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Pat McGrath Gilty Pleasure (PiP, $25.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Natasha Denona Jude (394M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Spaced (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Era is a soft, golden brown with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had a fairly soft, smooth consistency that wasn’t too firm or too soft int he pan, which yielded opaque color coverage. The color wore well for eight hours on me. NARS Mahe #1 (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar). Too Faced Pineapple Cooler (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced New Romantic (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar). Clarins The Essentials #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I538 Pearly Gray Beige (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Dior Poncho #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Champagne (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Cliffside (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Golden Mink #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Laura Mercier Bamboo (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty White Suede (Nordstrom) #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Bonifacio (DC, $25.00)(90% similar). MAC Nano Nude #4 (LE, $21.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Plunge (LE, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar). theBalm Stand-offish (P, $16.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Anastasia Belize (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Chanel Mystere #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Tarina Tarantino Fantastical #4 (DC, ) is darker, more muted, cooler (85% similar). NARS Oaxaca (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). MAC Arena (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Woodwinked is a medium-dark, golden bronze with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. The pigmentation was fully opaque, while the consistency was soft, lightly dense, and smooth. This shade wore well for eight hours before fading on me. Bobbi Brown Tiki (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Bossing It (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Lap of Lux (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). bareMinerals Hot Commodity (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Makeup by Mario Bronzy Glam #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Come On (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Too Faced Push-up (PiP, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar). Maybelline Downtown Brown (P, $6.99) is lighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Bronze Eclipse (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). City Color Sandstorm (P, $6.99) is darker (95% similar). Make Up For Ever ME644 Iced Brown (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Super Blue #2 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced After Hours (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Dear Diary (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Bronze Struck (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Pat McGrath Beyond Bronze 003 (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced Merci (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Milani Foxy Lady (PiP, $5.99) is cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Winter 2018 #3 (LE, ) is darker, brighter (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Tequila Nite (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Unwind is a dirty, medium gold with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted finish. It had opaque color coverage with a soft, blendable texture that was just a touch powdery. I noticed fading after seven and a half hours of wear. Laura Mercier Gilded Gold (P, $29.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Gaelic Gold (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, more muted (95% similar). NARS Iskandar (P, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Twinkle (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Anastasia Metallic (P, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Citron (P, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar). Dior Expose #3 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Chanel Oiseaux de Nuit #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). Laura Mercier Golden Topaz (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). KVD Beauty Summerfly (DC, ) is warmer (90% similar). Sephora David (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Get Lucky (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Sage (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Vicuna (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Gigabyte (PiP, $25.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Anastasia Self-Made (LE, $12.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar). MAC Beaded (LE, $17.00) is lighter (85% similar). Dose of Colors Dirty Money (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Rocket Girl (LE, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar). Make Up For Ever I328 Bronze (P, $17.00) is darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Lady Fingers is a bright, medium yellow with warm undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was mostly opaque, and the eyeshadow was thin, lightly dusty, but it adhered fairly evenly to bare skin, though I would recommend applying it over a primer. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me. Anastasia Cabana (LE, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Viseart Saffron (Warm Mattes #4) (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (95% similar). ColourPop Totally Buggin' (LE, $4.50) is darker, brighter (95% similar). Anastasia Edge (DC, $12.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Mango (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). ColourPop Air Temple (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). Huda Beauty Coral #7 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Desire (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Sydney Grace Token (DC, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Give Me Glow Fancy Yellow (P, $7.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Paper Tiger (P, $4.50) is brighter (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Mochi (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M408 Mustard (DC, $21.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Natasha Denona Tusk (228CM) (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). ColourPop Wild Sky (LE, $4.50) is lighter (85% similar). Disney by Sephora Cave of Wonders (LE, ) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Calavera (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Natasha Denona Rhizome (273CM) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Little April Shower (LE, $4.50) is lighter (85% similar). Anastasia E3 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Twelve Chimes is a dark gray with warmer undertones and a pearly sheen. The texture was firm and stiffer in the pan, and it was actually not the same gritty, drier texture that I’d expect of a Lustre finish. It had semi-opaque coverage, which was more coverage than most Lustres (which are designed as sheer). It was very difficult to blend out the color, as it looked uneven due to the stiffer texture. The color started to fade after seven hours of wear. Dior Golden Reflections #1 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Buxom Graphite Glam (LE, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Modern Glamour #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Dior Smoky Canvas #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Tisse Rhapsodie #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Spring 2015 (LE, $45.00) is warmer (85% similar). Chanel Jardins de Lumieres #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Showstopper is medium-dark taupe with cool undertones and a matte finish. It was one of the more pigmented versions of this shade that I’ve come across, though it was not fully pigmented. The texture was a bit softer and more blendable, too, but it wasn’t an easy eyeshadow to work with. This shade wore well for eight hours on me. MAC Diamond Dove (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar). Zoeva Beans are White (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). Ciate Mecha (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Anastasia Deep Brown (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). LORAC Espresso (Mega Pro) (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Dark Chocolate (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Chanel Architectonic #4 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Giorgio Armani Terra Sienna #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty She Wolf #1 (LE, )(100% similar). bareMinerals Boardroom (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Tarina Tarantino Wonderful #5 (DC, ) is warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Cocoa Beans (PiP, $5.25) is darker (90% similar). theBalm Matt Ramirez (LE, $16.00)(90% similar). Chanel Charming #4 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Flow (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Espresso (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Quiet Revolution #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Bali (DC, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar). Sydney Grace Boaz (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Dipped in Chocolate (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Beyond Gorgeous is a dark black with flecks of micro-sparkle over a mostly matte finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage with a firm, drier texture that skipped and dragged as I applied it to the lid. The color started to fade after eight hours of wear. Gucci Beauty Cosmic Deco #4 (DC, ) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Mustache (LE, $23.00) is warmer (95% similar). LORAC Navy #7 (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty In the Dark (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Swept Up (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Love (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild My Glamour Squad #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Crave (PiP, $19.00) is darker (80% similar). NARS Night Clubbing (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar). NARS Eyeshadow #4 (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar). NARS Self Portrait 2 #1 (DC, $25.00) is warmer (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Warm Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact

MAC Warm Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact

MAC Warm Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact

MAC Warm Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact

MAC Warm Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact

MAC Warm Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact

MAC Warm Eye Compact Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compact

MAC Filament Eyeshadow

MAC Filament Eyeshadow

MAC Whirling Eyeshadow

MAC Whirling Eyeshadow

MAC Era Eyeshadow

MAC Era Eyeshadow

MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow

MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow

MAC Unwind Eyeshadow

MAC Unwind Eyeshadow

MAC Lady Fingers Eyeshadow

MAC Lady Fingers Eyeshadow

MAC Twelve Chimes Eyeshadow

MAC Twelve Chimes Eyeshadow

MAC Showstopper Eyeshadow

MAC Showstopper Eyeshadow

MAC Beyond Gorgeous Eyeshadow

MAC Beyond Gorgeous Eyeshadow