MAC Slate Eye Pencil ($16.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “dark grey.” It’s a dark gray with neutral undertones and a matte finish. Tarte Charcoal (LE) is more shimmery. MAC Dark Majesty (LE, $16.00) is darker. MAC Metropolis (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery. Urban Decay Lure (P, $20.00) is a smidgen lighter. bareMinerals Mesmerized (LE, $14.00) is similar. Sephora Collection 5th Avenue (03) (P, $9.00) is slightly warmer. Urban Decay Black Market (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker. Urban Decay Smoke (P, $19.00) is similar. NARS Madison Ave. (P, $24.00) is cooler-toned. Bobbi Brown Smoke (P, $24.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

This new, limited edition shade will launch on December 26th in-stores and pop-up a bit earlier on MAC’s website on the 23rd. The Eye Pencil formula is supposed to “provide rich, consistent colour” while still being “comfortable to apply.” It had semi-opaque pigmentation in a single stroke, though it was buildable to opaque color in two to three passes. The consistency is smooth and almost powdery, but it’s not really creamy. I would highly recommend swatching on the back of your hand softly to wear down the initial, or else it is very sharp to use, and once the tip is worn slightly, it goes on fairly easily. It’s not as comfortable to use on the lash line as more waxy formulas, though. On me, the color wore well for eight hours before thinning. I’m not in love with the formula, but I wonder why MAC doesn’t have a gray in the Eye Pencil range that’s around permanently, since it would be a great addition color-wise.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Slate Eye Pencil

MAC Slate Eye Pencil

MAC Slate Eye Pencil

MAC Natural Vigor #2 (inner lid), MAC Force of Nature #1 (middle of lid),
MAC Leap #2 (outer lid), MAC Force of Nature #2 (crease), MAC Slate Eye Pencil

MAC Natural Vigor #2 (inner lid), MAC Force of Nature #1 (middle of lid),
MAC Leap #2 (outer lid), MAC Force of Nature #2 (crease), MAC Slate Eye Pencil, MAC Uplifting Blush