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MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette ($32.00 for 0.19 oz.) consists of nine eyeshadows, most in a pink/plum theme. There are some misses in the palette, while the rest are decent to good but nothing spectacular, so the whole palette ends up being rather ho-hum without any strong shades in it.

Runway Worthy is a very light, almost white, beige with a frosted finish. It had decent pigmentation with a soft, blendable texture that was a little firm but wasn’t fussy to apply. This shade wore well for eight hours on me. Maybelline Precious Pearl (LE, $6.99) is more shimmery (95% similar). NARS Mahe #3 (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). theBalm #22 (P, $6.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Sephora Potion (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I528 Pearl (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Dior Jardin #2 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Shroom (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Lights Out #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Fresh Innocence (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Whipped Cream (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Blonde (DC, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Vanilla (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Dior Sugar Shade #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Dress Me Up is a muted, medium mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a pearly finish. It had semi-sheer coverage with a lightly dusty consistency that was prone to sheering out on the skin. This shade would benefit greatly from a base or primer. It wore for seven hours before fading noticeably. Hourglass Plum Mauve (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Performance Art (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Lancome Exhibition (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Kari (P, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Virgin Orchid #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Pat McGrath Lilac Dusk (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). LORAC Plum (Mega Pro 4) (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Pretty Vulgar True Colors (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Tarte Rum Pum Plum (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Too Faced Winter Dream (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Nice Fit is a purple-tinted black with subtle, cool undertones and a satin finish. It had a drier, firmer texture that resulted in uneven color payoff that was really hard to diffuse and soften to blend it out. Even over primer, it was challenging to work with as it was so stiff. It lasted for eight hours before creasing. Guerlain Cygne Noir #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anna Sui Diamond Blue (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Jingle All the Way Eyeshadow #1 (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Lovesick (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Celestial Black (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Smoked Cocoa #3 (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS 413 BLKR #2 (DC, $25.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). NARS Arabian Nights #3 (DC, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Paradise Island is a light-medium pink with cooler, blue undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation with a soft, smooth texture that wasn’t too firm or too soft, so it applied well to the skin without emphasizing dryness or texture. I noticed the color start to fade after seven and a half hours of wear. Marc Jacobs Beauty With Style (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Benefit Pinky Swear (P, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Huda Beauty Rose #8 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Tarte Caregiver (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Viseart Ballet (GPV1 #17) (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Sydney Grace Heart and Soul (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (95% similar). Huda Beauty Cherished (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Cool Matte #6 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Light Pink (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Bonfire (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay X-Rated (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Dior Matte Pink (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Inglot #319 (P, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Smashbox Parfait (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Inner Beauty (LE, $19.00) is darker (85% similar). Viseart Amethyst #1 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). Tarte Modern Icon (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop BB Girl (LE, $4.50) is warmer (80% similar). NARS Bouthan #1 (DC, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Available in Petite is a medium-dark fuchsia pink with warmer undertones and a mostly matte finish. There was a sprinkling of iridescent shimmer, but it was so subtle, I didn’t notice the effect at all on the lid. The texture was soft with a firmer press, so there was no dustiness, but it seemed to be harder to blend out on the skin. This shade lasted for eight hours on me. MAC Fashion Fanatic (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Makeup Geek Simply Marlena (DC, $6.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Too Faced Party Dress (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). NARS Domination (P, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Mu Mu Bloom (LE, $17.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Chanel Exaltation (108) (P, $29.50) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Courageous (P, $9.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Tease with Ease (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Pat McGrath Rose Risque (LE, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Lucid Dream (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay 1960 (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Bird's Eye View (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sugarpill Hotsy Totsy (PiP, $13.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Sephora Jerrica (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Fuchsia (136CP) (LE, ) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). Natasha Denona Magentic (142M) (DC, $29.00) is more shimmery (85% similar). Bad Habit Nebula (PiP, ) is more shimmery (85% similar). Anastasia C3 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Sephora Eliza D (LE, ) is darker, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Fruit Dove (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Frock Talk is a muted, medium-dark plum with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had good color payoff with a firmer, drier texture that applied evenly to the skin and was easier to blend out than I expected, given the texture. On me, it started to fade after eight hours of wear. Natasha Denona Maroon (22M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (95% similar). Anastasia Rosette (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). Auric Disrupt (Cream) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). NARS China Seas #2 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC A Medley of Mauves #3 (PiP, $21.00) is darker (95% similar). Lancome Colour du Jour (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Estee Lauder Bordeaux (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Babykins (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Laura Mercier Plumifique (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). NARS Real Surreal (LE, $28.00) is cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Just Stay (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Hidden Motive (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Cherrywood (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Gucci Beauty Azalea (Right) (DC, ) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Heritage Rouge (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Gucci Beauty Autumn Fire #3 (DC, ) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Velvet (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Hello Kitty Celebrate (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). KVD Beauty Queen (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Sensuous (DC, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Hypnotizing is a washed out, very light taupe with hints of gray and a frosted sheen. It is a much, much lighter version than the last time I saw it (where it looked deeper and more purple-hued). The texture was firm, and it required a much denser brush and heavier hand. This shade started to crease after seven hours of wear. MAC Breaking Ground (LE, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). YSL Saharienne #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Makeup Geek Prom Night (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Phresh Out #4 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Silver Mirage (18) (LE, $39.00) is warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #1 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Dior Golden Snow #4 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). NARS Lhasa (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Up Too Slate (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Silent Treatment #4 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Smoky Black Friday #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tarte Monochrome (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #16 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). bareMinerals Tranquil (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Hourglass Plum Taupe (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Who Has Time (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Chanel Gri-Gri (101) (LE, $29.50) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Tarte Wave (LE, ) is darker (80% similar). Dior Fairy Golds #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Zip Me Up is a medium-dark violet purple with a pearly sheen. It had so-so color payoff paired with a lightly dusty consistency, so it was easier to blend out, but the lack of pigmentation made it harder to get really even, true-to-pan coverage. On me, it had signs of fading after seven and a half hours of wear. Maybelline Potent Purple (P, $6.99) is more shimmery (95% similar). Guerlain Two VIP #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Live It Up (LE, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar). Too Faced Follow Me (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Fenty Beauty Hey Aunty (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Illamasqua Trance (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Tarina Tarantino Poppycock (DC, ) is warmer (95% similar). Huda Beauty Electric #2 (PiP, ) is brighter (95% similar). MAC Sexy PB&J (LE, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Flash (DC, $19.00) is brighter (95% similar). Sugarpill Hysteric (P, $13.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Druggie (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Daydream #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Hardwire (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Hype (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Hex Remedy (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Sephora 1980's (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Satellite Dreams (DC, $17.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Milani Bella Violet (14) (P, $4.49) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tarina Tarantino Violet Storm #5 (DC, ) is brighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Snappy Style is a muted, dark plum with subtle, cooler undertones and a mostly matte finish. There is a hint of shimmer to it, so you might consider it a satin, but the effect is matte on the skin as I couldn’t detect the shimmer at all once applied and blended out. This shade wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably. LORAC Plum (PiP, $19.00) is more muted (95% similar). Tarte Mulled Wine (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). KVD Beauty Plum (Define) (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Natasha Denona Aubergine (24V) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 16 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). KVD Beauty Hybrid Moments (DC, ) is darker (95% similar). Chanel Tisse Cambon #4 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Exposure #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). LORAC Black Currant (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Viseart Beaujolais (Dark Matte #6) (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Unstoppable Love (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Stila Plum (LE, $18.00) is warmer (90% similar). Tarte Plums Up (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). bareMinerals Passion (P, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Fig. 1 (DC, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Clarins Rosewood #4 (PiP, ) is cooler, better quality (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Last Caress (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Lethal (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Marquee (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Doe-a-Deer (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow

MAC Dress Me Up Eyeshadow
MAC Dress Me Up Eyeshadow

MAC Dress Me Up Eyeshadow
MAC Dress Me Up Eyeshadow

MAC Nice Fit Eyeshadow
MAC Nice Fit Eyeshadow

MAC Nice Fit Eyeshadow
MAC Nice Fit Eyeshadow

MAC Paradise Island Eyeshadow
MAC Paradise Island Eyeshadow

MAC Paradise Island Eyeshadow
MAC Paradise Island Eyeshadow

MAC Available in Petite Eyeshadow
MAC Available in Petite Eyeshadow

MAC Available in Petite Eyeshadow
MAC Available in Petite Eyeshadow

MAC Frock Talk Eyeshadow
MAC Frock Talk Eyeshadow

MAC Frock Talk Eyeshadow
MAC Frock Talk Eyeshadow

MAC Hypnotizing Eyeshadow
MAC Hypnotizing Eyeshadow

MAC Hypnotizing Eyeshadow
MAC Hypnotizing Eyeshadow

MAC Zip Me Up Eyeshadow
MAC Zip Me Up Eyeshadow

MAC Zip Me Up Eyeshadow
MAC Zip Me Up Eyeshadow

MAC Snappy Style Eyeshadow
MAC Snappy Style Eyeshadow

MAC Snappy Style Eyeshadow
MAC Snappy Style Eyeshadow

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Runway Worthy Eyeshadow Palette

48 Comments

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Katherine T. Avatar

Oh yikes, but not a big surprise. As soon as I saw the promo pics with all the purples and plums, I was like, hmmm, should wait for the swatches and reviews. In general, I don’t think MAC has the best shadow formula, and when they try to do tough colors, it usually doesn’t end well. But one of the very best purples I have in my collection is MAC Ascent of Glamour, a colour drenched pigment from their Magic of the Night Collection. I wish they would skip all of these ho-hum, mediocre kits and just issue more color drenched pigments with that formula!

Andrew Avatar

My initial reaction was, “Well at least there were no ‘F’ shades.” When that’s the best thing you can say about a palette, well . . . Meh. I keep wanting to try one of the 9-shade palettes but none of them have seemed worth it. I rarely wear shadow anyway so something has to be spectacular to sway me.

Nancy T Avatar

These are so NOT catwalk ready!!! What a shame, because I am a purple (and teal) fanatic. On the upside though, is the beautiful hThese are so NOT catwalk ready!!! What a shame, because I am a purple (and teal) fanatic. On the upside though, is the beautiful halo eyeshadow look you did with this! Halo’s have become my new favorite go-to of late.

Mariella Avatar

I’m always reluctant to buy palettes with bright pink shadows in them (I have so many and never use any of them – it’s such a waste for me) but the shades I really did like the look of in this one are the ones that performed the worst. MAC, what is WRONG with you? For a while, a lot of their LE releases seemed to be improving at last and now, they’re back to releasing crap!

Veronica Avatar

The only runway this palette is worthy of is the one that shatters it on impact after being tossed out of the cargo bay of a plane.

KJH Avatar

This, sadly, is becoming too predictable. I turn it around and use the dupes to remind me which stash shades I should drag out for more love. Like the MJFS one. Today, I’ll use prom night, that I don’t remember liking that much, bec it wasn’t as expected. Maybe better this time around. Even when the palette is a bomb, we get inspiration from your great looks and the rest of the info.

Lauren Avatar

So disappointed in this palette, bought it online, it doesn’t have nice pigment. So far the 2 times I’ve used it I’ve just looked bruise . They get mudding and nasty looking together.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!