MAC Solar Glow Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Solar Glow Times Nine
MAC Solar Glow Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette ($32.00 for 0.18 oz.) includes nine, dime-sized eyeshadows. I’d characterize this palette by its finish–glittery–and as a result, it is difficult to use on its own (I’d recommend a glitter adhesive as a base), sheerer (which is by design when it comes to the Lustre finish but not so much for the other finishes), and short-wearing.
Solar Glow Times Nine
LELimited Edition. $32.00.
Moon Rock
Moon Rock is a pale gold with gold sparkle. The consistency was drier, chunky, and looser, so the sparkles separated from the base color. It had semi-sheer color coverage with a fair amount of fallout over time. It lasted for six hours on me. This shade was supposed to have a “Veluxe Pearl” finish, but it felt and applied like a Lustre finish.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Laura Mercier Dust (LE, $23.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Bathwater (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Vanilla (PiP, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Moonlight (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Plead Gilty (LE, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Guerlain L'Heure de Nuit #1 (DC, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #101 (DC, $20.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Precious Cargo (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Pastelluxe #1 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Best Makeup (LE, $22.00) 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.
Moon Rock
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Copper Aura
Copper Aura is a medium, orange-copper with flecks of peach sparkle. This shade was actually listed as a “Lustre” finish, so the sheerness was in line with expectations. The texture was drier, chunky with sparkle, and hard to apply evenly as there was a ton of fallout even when patted onto the lid–it absolutely needed an adhesive base to work decently at all. What little color was visible seemed to last about six hours on me, but I had a lot of fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Lancome Midnight Haze (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Honey Lust (P, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Warm Wash #2 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Stargirl (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Hourglass Reflect (P, $29.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop 20 Something (P, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Nano Nude #2 (LE, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Givenchy Palette Ors Audacieux #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Daybreak (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Copper Reflection (34) (DC, $39.00) is darker (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.
Copper Aura
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Blackberry
Blackberry is a muted, purply mauve with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It had good color coverage, which was buildable to opaque pigmentation with two layers. The consistency was blendable but firmer in the pan, so there wasn’t any powdery excess in the pan. This shade lasted for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Cabernet (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Inglot #358 (P, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Vintage (DC, $6.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Anastasia Beauty Mark (P, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Mulberry & Bright (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- theBalm Sexy (P, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sleek MakeUP Forbidden (PiP, $9.99) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Aubergine (24V) (PiP, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Sleek MakeUP Stallion (LE, $9.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Booville (LE, $16.00) is 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.
Blackberry
PPermanent. $17.00.
Sugared
Sugared is a very light pink with warm undertones and white and pink flecks of sparkle. This shade was actually listed as a “Lustre” finish, so I expected it to be sheerer, though this seemed to be barely-there. It was more sparkle than visible color that seemed to translate on the skin. The consistency felt smooth to the touch, but the sparkles separated and moved around a lot as I tried applying it to the lid. I felt like I had little that stayed on my lid and most of it had fallen below my lid.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Pink Sugar (PiP, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Cool (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #1 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- YSL Paris #3 (LE, ) is more pigmented (95% similar).
- MAC Claretluxe #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Specter (PiP, $20.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Smashbox Charmed (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Hardhome (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (85% similar).
- MAC Invincible Light (LE, $21.00).
- MAC Pastelluxe #2 (PiP, ).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 17 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Moon (LE, $6.00).
- ColourPop Know Better (LE, $4.50).
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.
Sugared
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Quarry
Quarry is a muted, medium mauve with gray tones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable color poayoff with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture that wasn’t too firm or too soft in the pan. The color started to fade after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Sweet Foam (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Bucket List (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Bad Habit Lunar (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Calcination (P, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Tease (DC, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Chanel Douceur et Serenite #1 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M546 Dark Purple Taupe (DC, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Mint Chocolate (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Blushing (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Buxom Spoiled Sexy (P, $12.00) is darker, 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.
Quarry
PPermanent. $17.00.
Metalmauve
Metalmauve is a muted, medium mauve with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic sheen. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with a drier consistency that seemed to result in some of the shimmer and sparkle pulling away from the base color. It applied decently to bare skin, but I would recommend a primer or adhesive base with this one. This shade stayed on well for eight hours with some fallout.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Cle de Peau Cosmic Aura #3 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Buxom Patent Leather (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Tide 'n' Seek (Magic in Your Eyes) (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Plum Grand (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Candied Violet (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Patti Cakez (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Stila Plum On (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow #6 (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Dream On (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Stila Cloud (P, $24.00) is more shimmery (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.
Metalmauve
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Cosmic
Cosmic is a light, golden pewter with warm undertones and a sparkling finish. It had good pigmentation with a chunky, soft texture where a lot of product dislodged from the surface with even a feathery touch of my brush. It was hard to apply to bare skin, as there was a lot of fallout and the sparkles went everywhere. It worked better over an adhesive base, at least. On its own, though, it lasted for six hours and had fallout.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Vibe Check (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Too Good to Be True (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Heart-dog (P, $6.25) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Bijoux Royal #1 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Kali (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Hello Kitty Cookie (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Screech (LE, $25.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Smooch (Light) (PiP, $6.25) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Telepathy (DC, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Arctic Grey (LE, $17.00) is less 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.
Cosmic
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Soot #2
Soot is a dark taupe brown with neutral-to-cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. There were flecks of shimmer in the pan, but they were not visible to my eye except in a magnifying mirror. It had semi-opaque pigmentation paired with a firm, slightly stiff texture, so it wasn’t the easiest shade to blend out and could have went on more evenly. This shade started to fade after seven and a half hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Bowl Out (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Dark Chocolate (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Solar Exposure #4 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Defy (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Earth (LE, $23.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Mystery (DC, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Bali (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Burberry Storm Grey (No. 27) (DC, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Cyprus Umber (PiP, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC First Class (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (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.
Soot #2
DCDiscontinued. $17.00.
Lunar Cycle
Lunar Cycle is a light, greenish gray with gold and mint green pearl. It had semi-sheer color coverage, which wasn’t buildable. The texture was soft, smooth, and a little firm in the pan but not hard to blend out or use as a sheer wash. It lasted for six and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NABLA Cosmetics Dreamer (P, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Golden Pear (LE, $14.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Clarins Silver Ivory (04) (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Fly by Twilight (LE, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Lost Coast #1 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- LORAC French Toast (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Too Faced Indulge (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (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.
I am so confused by this palette. I think it’s the name – Solar Glow…really? Huh? I don’t get anything solar glow about it! And the shade names…where in the world does “Blackberry” fit in with the theme. Seems like the MAC folks were on some kind of a weird binge when they came up with this one. Oh, and…pass. 😉
The palette has a sameness to it that was surprising compared to the other palettes (which seemed fairly well-composed!). Blackberry is a permanent shade, so it wasn’t created specifically for this palette!
I had bought Blackberry and Quarry. Even as a single, Blackberry was so bad I got rid of it! (Quarry I found usable.) I can’t believe they’d include a shadow that was lousy before they even started.
Oh, that’s too bad – Blackberry is a great shade for me (the single I have)!
I know many have said it before but it bears repeating…WHAT is MAC thinking releasing something so sub-standard? It’s like they honestly don’t care and figure people are going to buy this stuff because they see it at the counter and it looks so nice. I pity people who don’t come to this site to get a reliable review (and then they can proceed from there to see if it works for them…maybe). But most of us almost expect MAC LE releases like these to suck and that is really sad.
I initially thought the palette was full of Lustres, so I was surprised that a few were not that felt like it!
I wish this one had done better. It could have been a nice companion palette for any of the previous three, I think. But this ones failings show why I’ll take an UD Moondust over a MAC Lustre any day, with few exceptions. Those being Aquadisiac, which is sadly dc’d, and Greensmoke.
Moondusts are so much better!!
Such a shame, I love the colour scheme of this palette but I’m definitely not down with all the lustre/sparkly- ness! Oh well, saved myself some money lol!
Yay for money saved!
Looks more like “Lunar Glow”, too bad there are so many duds, I love the color story.
I wish it was better!
This is sad! It looks so powdery, and gritty and dry!!
🙁
I know 🙁
Had hopes for this (misnamed) niner. It’s dupable in stash….with nine different palettes. Hate when that happens. Pretty abysmal, with little excuse to be so.
It’s a sad palette!
The swatches say it all 🙁
I know 🙁
Such a shame this palette totally underperformed! I’m a huge fan of the regular eyeshadows and it’s such a shame that the palettes are so bad because it’s a recurring pattern 🙁 Maybe they should consider releasing fewer collections that actually have A+ products in them!
I agree! I wish it was better.
I’m staring in horror at the close-up photos of the pans being surrounded by large shards of chunky glitter all over the place. No way I would put that on my lids, I don’t care if it says they’re eye-safe, my eyes are way too sensitive to endure that kind of treatment… especially for nothing but a sheer result. Too bad because I like the color combination in this palette a lot.
A lot of it is finer than most glitter – somewhere between sparkle and glitter – but definitely not problematic for me, and I’m usually irritated by glitter fallout at the end of the day due to my contacts!
This is a dud – why did MAC use glitter when they could have used shimmer? The glitter shades are woeful and the fall out is bad news.
So strange! The frosts did not really feel like frosts!
It’s a good thing this isn’t on my wishlist!! Why do companies release things like this?
Wow, how disappointing! I like the colours, they’d cool and easy for me to wear but not the quality ?.
You just saved me some money Christine. Definitely not picking this up.
What a shame for the glittery colors!
This could have been so pretty if those sparkly shades were actually pigmented! I especially like the look of Metalmauve and Lunar Cycle, if it wasn’t so sheer. What a shame.
I keep thinking about purchasing a MAC palette but just haven’t found anything to wow me, aside from one neutral palette I’ve seen. It just seems as if they’re so hit or miss with certain shades. The only two MAC purchases I ever made were back in 2005 when I was still in high school, and it was some sort of really pretty illuminating face powder in a compact that I couldn’t tell you the name of and a random gloss.
Why, MAC, why? This could have been such a pretty collection of colors.