MAC Rocket to Fame Eye Shadow x 12 Palette Review & Swatches
Rocket to Fame
MAC Rocket to Fame Holiday 2020 Eye Shadow x 12 Palette ($39.50 for 0.63 oz.) applied better than it swatched, but it had a ton of fallout during application (and some during wear with certain shades) and most of the shimmers had to be applied with a fingertip or a dampened brush so that they would apply evenly and smoothly.
It did not feel like the brand’s typical formula as a lot of the shimmer shades felt more emollient, but somehow managed to be drier with loose sparkle/shimmer that came away. The shimmers did come off as particularly shiny so long as they were applied with a fingertip or dampened sponge, so I could see someone with that application as their go-to not having as much difficulty with the palette overall.
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Rocket to Fame
LELimited Edition. $39.50.
Shook My Snow Globe
Shook My Snow Globe is a lighter, yellowy-peach with strong, warm undertones and flecks of pink and gold sparkle. It had sheer color payoff with a drier, more loosely-pressed consistency that had a ton of fallout. It wasn’t worth using dry; it was more medium, buildable coverage when applied with a fingertip or a dampened brush, but I would recommend using an adhesive base or spray to improve coverage, for evenness of application, and to reduce fallout. This shade wore for seven hours but had fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Moira Bel Air (P, $8.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia B1 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Hypersensual (PiP, ) is darker, more pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Prelude (P, $7.00) is darker, more pigmented, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mystical (P, $9.00) is darker, more pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC La-di-da (LE, ) is less shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Moira Main Character (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Bejewelled (Dream Glow Prime) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, more pigmented (85% similar).
- Anastasia Soleil (LE, $12.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Khaki Haze #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, more pigmented (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Shook My Snow Globe
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Snow Globetrotter
Snow Globetrotter is a bright white with neutral undertones and a metallic sheen. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that adhered evenly to bare skin and blended out well, though the consistency was slightly drier and dustier in the pan. There were signs of fading present after seven and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop I'm Wishing (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Baddie (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Wild Brown #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- YSL Eau d'Argent (02) (P, $30.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- LORAC White Diamond (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME122 Snow (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Beluga (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME122 Snow (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Supermoon (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Beep Me (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Snow Globetrotter
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Sparks and Rec
Sparks and Rec is a light, pinky-peach with moderate, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had sheer color payoff that did not build up well, so it had to be applied with a dampened brush to get more even, medium coverage application. The texture felt more loosely-pressed, slightly drier, and was prone to fallout during application. It lasted for seven hours and had light fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Rouge Trafalgar #2 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Claretluxe #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Know Better (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Magnetic Pink (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC 65 Degrees (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Moira Sparkling Pink (P, $7.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #8 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Rouge Bunny Rouge Alabaster Starling (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #8 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fantasyland (LE, $4.50) 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Sparks and Rec
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Share My Blanket
Share My Blanket is a darker, pinky-beige with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff paired with a soft, more velvety consistency that was a smidgen dusty in the pan but retained its intensity when applied to bare skin. It wore nicely for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Painterly (P, $23.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop All In (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Laced (DC, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop In the Stars (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Glaminatrix Cupcake (P, $7.30) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Malt (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Grande Pro (Vol. 1) #13 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Nine Lives (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Totally Nude (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- LORAC Unconditional (PiP, $19.00) 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Share My Blanket
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Pyromancer
Pyromancer is a medium red with moderate, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had mostly opaque pigmentation that was buildable to full coverage with a second layer, though it was opaque when applied with a fingertip. The texture was more loosely-pressed, so there was light fallout during application if I wasn’t careful. It lasted decently for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Laura Mercier Strike a Rose (P, $29.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Covet (P, $6.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Thank U, Next (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dior Early Bird #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tis Firm (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Playing with Fire (387) (P, $9.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Ruby Spar (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dream Eyes (Prime) (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Bucolic Baby (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Not You, Next (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker (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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Pyromancer
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Lit My Sparkler
Lit My Sparkler is a brighter, reddish-berry with subtle, cool undertones and a satin finish. It had rich color coverage that applied evenly to bare skin and blended out well. The texture was soft, smooth, and lightly creamy without being too dense. This shade stayed on well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Sunset (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Juicy Juicy (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Shade (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Viola (136M) (DC, $29.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Mystere et Intensite #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Deep Cut (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Red Giant (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Too Faced Funtasy (LE, $16.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Blank Canvas (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #13 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Lit My Sparkler
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Plum Darling
Plum Darling is a medium plum with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had semi-opaque, buildable color payoff that adhered evenly to bare skin and blended out well. The texture felt lightly creamy and more emollient but was too thick. It wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- 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).
- Viseart Shiver (PiP, ) is lighter, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Plum Darling
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Frost Smitten
Frost Smitten is a medium-dark purple with subtle, warm undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation paired with a slightly powdery, though emollient, texture. It was strange to feel it, as it felt smoother and had glide, but when I put a brush to it, there was powderiness. When I applied the product to bare skin, it applied more evenly than anticipated, though there was moderate fallout. It lasted nicely for seven and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Faerie (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Don't Quit (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Super Flower (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Majesty (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Catherine (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop That's Deep (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Elizabeth (Light) (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Blossom (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Purple Haze #6 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Night Creature (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Frost Smitten
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Catch My Snowdrift
Catch My Snowdrift is a medium, charcoal gray base with cooler, bluish undertones and brighter, silver pearl. It had sheer color coverage, which only applied decently with a dampened brush (yielded more medium, buildable coverage) as the texture was more loosely-pressed and very prone to sheering out. There was a moderate amount of fallout when I used with a dry brush, though it–surprisingly–stayed on for six hours before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Volcanic #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Silver Screen (LE, $36.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Falcon Noir (LE, $32.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Enigma #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Milani Bella Gray (10) (P, $4.49) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- bareMinerals Abracadabra (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Smoky #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Tory Burch Beauty Stone Cold (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Dios (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Piaf (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Catch My Snowdrift
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Ride My Slay
Ride My Slay is a faded burgundy with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer pigmentation that was difficult to build up without jabbing at the surface of the pan as it was very stiff and firmly-pressed into the pan. The eyeshadow did not want to blend out easily, so it took some doing to get a decent edge that wasn’t super harsh. It wore decently for seven hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Xtreme Burgundy (LE, $25.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Baie (PiP, ) is more pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona My (356CM) (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Indes Galantes (Right) (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Type A (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Mind Games (LE, ) is darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Spicy (PiP, ) is brighter, more pigmented (90% similar).
- MAC Hell in Heels (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, more pigmented (85% similar).
- Anastasia Yugo (LE, ) is darker, more muted (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Pinot Please (LE, ) is darker, more pigmented, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Look Using this Product
Ride My Slay
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Carbon
Carbon is a medium-dark black with neutral undertones and a matte finish. Oh, poor ol’ Carbon, one of the least reliable eyeshadows ever to be released over time. It’s not the worst, particularly if you prefer more buildable coverage, but it was by no means the best iteration (as in, most blendable and easiest to use) either. The texture was smoother to the touch but firm, slightly dry, while it had medium coverage that was buildable. It lasted for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Bleuluxe #5 (PiP, ) (100% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #04 (DC, $20.00) (100% similar).
- KVD Beauty Killing Moon (LE, ) (100% similar).
- NARS Shade VI (LE, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #1 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Milani Naughty-Night (PiP, $5.99) is darker (95% similar).
- Tarte On a Good Notre Dame (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Ink (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sabbath (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Panther (LE, $16.00) 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Looks Using this Product
Carbon
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Disco Snowball
Disco Snowball has a silvery lavender base with flecks of blue and cooper sparkle that shifted from silvery blue to bluish-violet. It had a more sparkling, shiny finish, which applied best with a fingertip or a dampened brush as this minimized fallout. The texture was more loosely pressed, so there was some fallout when I worked with it using a dry brush. It had opaque color coverage that stayed on for eight hours but had light fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Superfly (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Jaguar #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Urban Decay The Artist (LE, $19.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Clionadh Wormwood (P, $5.25) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Passion (PiP, ) is darker, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Real (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Lucid (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Terra Moons M51 (P, $17.00) (80% similar).
- ColourPop Social BB (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, cooler (80% similar).
- Smashbox Stormy (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (80% 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Copper Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Rocket to Shame?
HA HA HA HA! Thank you for making my morning.
Or a “failure to launch”?
Wednesday, you got me cracking up on a day when I didn’t even think I could smile!
Wow that is diappointing! Thank you for the review!
There are a lot of friends and family who will look for a MAC gift for their MAC devotees. Boy, is this going to disappoint. Fairly good color scheme, not much attention to packaging tie-in with palette theme or collection theme. So much of holiday from any brand is phoned in. This one is especially egregious, since MAC can make the shadows perform, and won’t.
This checks out. I saw a MAC employee show tutorials with this palette, and even then, the pigmentation and application didn’t look so great.
CATCH MY SNOWDRIFT or CATCH MY SWATCH, IF YOU CAN?
Yikes. So much inconsistency! I looked at this — glad I didn’t succumb!
Oh no! How disappointing for Mac! Your eye look is stunning Christine!
Thank you, Brenda! 😀
In a word: disappointing. There are so many great brands out there that MAC has to lift its game. Plum Darling is a beautiful shade, but that’s about it.
With roughly half of it being really good, but the other half being dreadful, it seems like the nightmare FOR Christmas!
Ooh, these migraine meds are fun!
I was tempted to buy this…… now I read your review. Disappointing performance, because the lighter shades are not good at all. Your eye look is nice…… will you also review the larger holiday palette? Thanks you for saving money!
I don’t think so!