MAC Throwback Collection Eyeshadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Goldbit
MAC Goldbit Eyeshadow ($16.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a light, golden peach with warm undertones and flecks of gold glitter. It has a Lustre finish, where coverage is (by design) sheerer and the finish has larger glitter particles. I found it had more semi-opaque pigmentation with some glitter but it was smoother and easier to use than the average Lustre eyeshadow. The consistency was soft, blendable, and sat fairly well on bare skin but some fallout occurred during initial application. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty (Brighten) (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Blaze (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- NARS Delphes #1 (DC, $25.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Cuteness Overload (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Summer Honey (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk #1 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Jest (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Mirage (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Glaze (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- theBalm D2 (LE, $16.00) is 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.
Goldbit
PPermanent. $17.00.
Kid
MAC Kid Eyeshadow ($16.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a medium-dark beige with warm undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was opaque in a single layer, while the texture felt soft and smooth without having a lot of powderiness, yet it remained blendable during application. It lasted for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Bare to Wear (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Or Whatevah (LE, $4.50) is brighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Big O (P, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Kaja Nude Apricot (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Skinny Latte (LE, $16.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow #4 (LE, $19.00) is more pigmented (95% similar).
- ColourPop Slick (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- Too Faced Gretchen (LE, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Nova (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Soft Life (PiP, $4.50) is darker (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.
Kid
PPermanent. $17.00.
Tete-a-Tint
MAC Tete-a-tint Eyeshadow ($16.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a muted, light-medium brown with warm, peachy undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was smooth and velvety with a touch of powderiness; it felt slightly less silky compared to the last iteration I have of it, but it was still easy to apply to the lid and blend out along the edges. It had nearly opaque pigmentation that stayed on well for eight hours.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Nancy (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Tarocco (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Zing (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Make Waves (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Sand and Clay (LE, $17.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- Viseart Café Crème (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Givenchy Beige Mousseline (2) (P, $23.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Creme Brulee (DC, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Knead U (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Hot Spell (PiP, $19.00) is darker, more muted (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.
Tete-a-Tint
PPermanent. $17.00.
Uninterrupted
MAC Uninterrupted Eyeshadow ($16.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a medium brown with strong, warm yellow undertones and a matte finish. It was richly pigmented and had a smooth, soft, and blendable texture that was a touch dusty in the pan, but it applied evenly to bare skin and was easy to work with on the lid. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Detour (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Rubbish (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Flutes (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Morphe Pukey (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Ridge (313CM) (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Caramel (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Hive (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, more muted, cooler (90% similar).
- Juvia's Place Madagascar (P, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Kaja Hot Cocoa (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Azoic (270CP) (LE, ) is lighter (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.
I picked up Goldbit last week and I really love it. I’d thought of getting Kid but I have about 5 dupes of it so, I dunno. Speaking of DUPES FOR KID, Christine, an LE Too Faced shadow called Fawned of You is in the Dupe list twice with 2 very different “comments” – one says it is warmer than Kid and the other says it’s cooler (I happen to agree with that latter comment) but it’s the SAME shadow (not the same name but 2 different versions in 2 different releases….it’s the same shadow from the same Holiday palette). Can the 2 listings somehow be “blended” into one?
I think it’s a good idea to bring back favourite shades, as long as the new version is as good as, if not better than the original.
These are pretty good staple shades and for mattes + MAC, they are excellent.
I’ve never understood why they didn’t make Moth Brown permanent (and now would have been the perfect time to do this) – it has always been so sought-after when it’s been available so it seems it would sell well and be a natural one to add to the permanent line.
I 1000% agree!!
Kid and Tete-a-Tint look like great crease colors.
Kid is great! When I heard that MAC was going to discontinue the shade I bought two backups. So glad it is back.
This goldbit looks more peachy than the original which seemed more lighter and more pink.
I love KId as a transition colour for the rare times I wear blue eyeshadow..usually naval or navy blues.
I can almost remember vividly (and I’m shocked by my memory) the old-school `What’s in my MAC single eyeshadow palette` videos and Kid being there… along with Cork, All That Glitters, Soba, Sable, Antiqued, Club…
It’s nice to see them back. I personally won’t be purchasing them soon, since Goldbit is close enough to Naked Lunch, Kid is almost identical to Sculpt (which is the sculpting powder I use regularly for `contouring`, but I also throw it quite often in my crease), while Tete-a-Tint and Uninterrupted won’t suit me (I look sick if there’s too much peach or yellow or orange around my eyes).
I bought Tete a tint and Uninterrupted. I’m so in love with Tete a tint! It’s stays natural and true to color on my lids. I think I found my favourite eyeshadow!
I bought Tete a Tint and Uninterrupted and I really love them.
Bought all 4 last week! Kid being a backup so I can now use it again with sheer abandon! Did a rather simple look Saturday using Tete-A-Teint as my transition, Goldbit as I mid-lid halo, and Uninterrupted on inner and outer sides of my lid and meeting in an arc. Surprised at how much Tete-A-Teint darkened upon being buffed in! Goldbit is gorgeous and lighter than I had expected, still love it though. But I loved this very simple earthy eye look a lot.
I just bought Kid for the first time. It’s a perfect crease/transition shade for me. And I love the velvety consistency.
Thanks for the swatches! I was late to use MAC, so not familiar with these shades at all. Will grab Uninterrputed!
Kid is a favorite of mine, I must get a back up and probably give Tete a Tint a look too.