MAC Red Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit Review, Photos, Swatches
MAC Red Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Red Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit ($35.00 for 0.24 oz.) contains four, miniature sized lipsticks–all shades from the permanent range. If you love your bolder shades, it’s a nice set–it might say “Red” but it is actually a mix of orange, red, burgundy, and berry. I’d say it’s more like a “bold” set than a red set.
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
Lady Danger is a bright, medium-dark orange-red with warm undertones and a satin finish. The consistency was lightly creamy but did not feel slick or emollient, so there was little shine and a heavier feel overall. It applied fairly evenly, though I noticed a touch of color settling into lip lines. The color wore for six hours, left a stain behind, and was neither drying nor hydrating. Dose of Colors Hot Fire (LE, $18.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Wild Ginger (P, $55.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever C403 (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Jagger (LE, $36.00) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Heat Wave (P, $26.00) is darker (90% similar). Colour Pop Cruella (LE, $8.00) is lighter (95% similar). Dior Trafalgar (844) (P, $34.00) is glossier (95% similar). MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus 2 (LE, $20.00) is lighter, more muted, cooler (90% similar). MAC Fashion Legacy (P, $21.00) is darker, more muted, less glossy (90% similar). Estee Lauder Carnal (P, $32.00) is glossier (90% similar). Colour Pop First Class (LE, $6.50) is lighter, cooler, glossier (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Flame (06) (P, $55.00) is glossier (95% similar). Maybelline Orange Danger (DC, $7.49) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). Dolce and Gabbana Fire (610) (P, $33.00) is glossier (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Tell Laura (P, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Cristiano (P, $36.00) is lighter, less glossy (95% similar). Bite Beauty Cayenne (DC, $26.00) is darker (95% similar). Bite Beauty Aries (LE, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Psycho (DC, $18.00) is darker (95% similar). Lisa Eldridge Velvet Morning (LE, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
MAC Red is a bright, medium-dark pinky-red with cool, blue undertones and a satin sheen. It had semi-opaque color payoff–you could see my lip freckle peeking through–and an even translucency, so the natural lip color will come through slightly, but it is still a more dramatic color on the lips. The consistency was a little stiff initially but became softer with use. It wore well for six hours, left a strong stain behind, and was a touch drying. MAC Como La Flor (LE, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tarte Firework (P, $22.00) is warmer (95% similar). Clinique Cherry Pop (P, $19.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Chanel Memoire (224) (P, $37.00) is glossier (95% similar). Make Up For Ever Raspberry Red (401) (P, $24.00) is darker (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Imperial Red (P, $37.00) is glossier (95% similar). MAC Ronnie Red (LE, $20.00) is darker, more muted (95% similar). Chanel La Precieuse (317) (LE, $38.00) is warmer (95% similar). Maybelline Rich Ruby (P, $7.99) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Give Me Fever (P, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Stunner (LE, $20.00)(90% similar). Colour Pop Jingle (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar). Smashbox Unzipped (P, $21.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red (P, $34.00) is warmer, glossier (95% similar). Chanel Rouge Tentation (169) (P, $38.00) is more muted (95% similar). Estee Lauder Boldface (P, $32.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Fucking Fabulous (LE, $60.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Charlotte (LE, $20.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Kinky (LE, $20.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Glam (DC, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Diva is a medium-dark burgundy with warm, red-brown undertones and a satin finish. The pigmentation was nearly opaque, while the texture was lightly creamy with a light-medium weight to it–enough density that it covered well and felt smooth on the lips. It lasted for six hours, stained my lips noticeably, and was slightly drying after four hours of wear. Milani I Am Strong (P, $6.99) is cooler (90% similar). Colour Pop Sarah (LE, $7.00) is lighter (95% similar). Maybelline Smoking Red (DC, $7.49) is cooler (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M500 (P, $22.00) is darker (85% similar). MAC Runner (LE, $20.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Dreaming of You (LE, $20.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Manbun (P, $20.00) is darker (95% similar). Chanel Attraction (494) (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, warmer, glossier (90% similar). Urban Decay Hex (P, $18.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Bette (P, $34.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). Colour Pop Boarding Pass (LE, $5.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Colour Pop LBD (LE, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Maybelline Divine Wine (P, $7.99) is darker (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Nightberry (201) (P, $38.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Fixed on Drama (LE, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar). Illamasqua Growl (P, $24.00) is warmer (95% similar). NARS Amsterdam (P, $28.00) is warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Brandy (P, $18.00) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia Bohemian (P, $20.00) is less glossy (90% similar). MAC Studded Kiss (P, $20.00) is warmer (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Rebel is a medium-dark berry with cooler, pink undertones and a natural finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that covered evenly, but the natural lip color will come through and have some impact on the overall tone of the lipstick. The texture was lightly creamy, thin but not uncomfortable, and lasted for six hours. It left behind a stain as well, and it felt a little hydrating. Urban Decay Venom (P, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Ingrid (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Hel's Bells (P, $34.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Givenchy Purple Fiction (07) (P, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Joie de Vivre (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Guerlain Plum-brella (070) (P, $32.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Urban Decay Afterdark (P, $18.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Too Faced Berry Naughty (DC, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). Urban Decay Venom (DC, $22.00) is darker (95% similar). YSL Forbidden Burgundy (12) (DC, $34.00) is glossier (95% similar). Colour Pop Too Sexy (LE, $6.00) is less glossy (90% similar). Maybelline Berry Bossy (DC, $7.49) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Acai Smash (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Hourglass Protector (P, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Violet Fatale (P, $55.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Bite Beauty Supreme (DC, $24.00) is lighter (85% similar). Estee Lauder Sly Ingenue (430) (P, $32.00) is more muted (90% similar). Gucci Beauty Bitter Grape (DC, $39.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Acai (LE, $20.00) is less glossy (90% similar). MAC Quelle Surprise (LE, $20.00) is cooler (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Red
LELimited Edition. $35.00.
Lady Danger
PPermanent. $20.00.
MAC Red
PPermanent. $20.00.
Diva
PPermanent. $20.00.
Rebel
PPermanent. $20.00.
MAC Red Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Red Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick Kit
MAC Lady Danger Lipstick
MAC Lady Danger Lipstick
MAC Lady Danger Lipstick
MAC Lady Danger Lipstick
MAC Lady Danger Lipstick
MAC MAC Red Lipstick
MAC MAC Red Lipstick
MAC MAC Red Lipstick
MAC MAC Red Lipstick
MAC MAC Red Lipstick
MAC Diva Lipstick
MAC Diva Lipstick
MAC Diva Lipstick
MAC Diva Lipstick
MAC Diva Lipstick
MAC Rebel Lipstick
MAC Rebel Lipstick
MAC Rebel Lipstick
MAC Rebel Lipstick
MAC Rebel Lipstick
Those look lovely! Christine, is there a way to search our “vanity” list on temptalia against a product to see whether we have the dupes in our stash? That would be super helpful if that were possible. I loved putting all my products in the “vanity”. Thanks for this great resource.
Not yet, but we are working on it 🙂
I really like this set! I’ve been wanting Rebel for a while, and I think both MAC Red and Diva (did a couple of the photos of it get mislabeled ‘Kinda Sexy’?) will look good on me. Lady Danger is the only one that will probably be challenging for me to wear, but it’s always good to experiment!
So many beautiful, classic MAC lippies in this kit!
I know! It is a nice set!
Very pretty colors. I have dupes for all except Lady Danger as I don’t wear orange based reds. I have too pale a complexion with cool undertones. I think I am going to save my money and get the Marc Jacobs mini set instead. Thank you, Christine.
No problem, Deborah!
What a nice collection of classics!
Having full-sized tubes of Diva and Lady Danger, and close dupes of both remaining shades, it’s a nope for me. But if one doesn’t have many MAC lipsticks or many red lipsticks, this would be a great way to test them out!
I am beginning to believe that I have too many lipsticks at this point. Very little is unique enough anymore. Scary and embarrassing! ?
I agree that this set doesn’t particularly strike me as “red,” but I think I prefer having a bit of variety anyway. I really like this selection of colors, especially Rebel and Kinda Sexy.
Wow that’s a nice kit! Btw Christine, you labeled some of Diva’s photos as them being “Kinda Sexy” ones 🙂
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry for that, Natalia! I’m so sorry for causing you confusion!
nah, you didn’t cause any confusion, just wanted to let you know as I know you’re also a perfectionist 😉
It’s a lovely way to try some of Mac’s permanent line.
Best lipstick set ever 🙂
I have, and love all of them, Rebel most of all. I think Rebel is one of my all time favourite lip colours.
Not getting this set, of course 😀
I’m up very late, and am beginning to feel a bit silly. Maybe I should just stop writing,
Don’t need more reds, but again nice to see the consistency. 😉
Wow you put so much detail and effort into your blog posts! Thanks for sharing, all those lipsticks look great on you too!
With my lipsticks at times aging more quickly than I am, these cover a lot of ground. I’d wear all of them, and they serve as good replacements. Always had a yen for Diva and Lady Danger. Like the container aspect, too. Probably in.
I like how with this and the Nude set, they did an interpretation of the namesake color, instead of having four shades of nude or red.
Great set too!! Love this shades.
Hey Christine, I don’t think you listed the makeup products you used here, but you look positively glowing!