MAC Whitney's Nippy Eye-conic Palette Review & Swatches
Whitney's Nippy Eye-Conic
MAC Nippy Eye-Conic Eyeshadow x 8 Palette ($45.00 for 0.49 oz.) is a new, limited edition neutral palette with a pop of plum but otherwise a mix of both cooler and warmer-toned neutrals across brown/gray/black. The mattes were very blendable (except the black) and easy to use, while one shimmer was so-so and the other was lovely to work with.
Ingredients
Whitney's Nippy Eye-Conic
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Nippy Sand
Nippy Sand Dust is a light-medium, peachy yellow with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Soft, finely-milled consistency, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Literally Me (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Velours Khaki #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lil Smiley (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Keep on Dancing (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Spotlight (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Beaches (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Deja Vu (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- By Beauty Bay RSVP (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Soft Ochre (P, $23.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Warm Browns #6 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, 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.
Nippy Sand
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nippy Taupe Dusk
Nippy Taupe Dusk is a light-medium taupe with subtle, warm olive undertones and a matte finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation
- Soft, finely-milled consistency, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Tailor Grey (P, $23.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Figment (DC, $8.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Run and Gun (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Zoeva Ever (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Smashbox Grey Bae (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Dog Days (DC, $8.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Bad Habit Lunar (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Journey Home (LE, $5.25) is cooler (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M549 Dark Taupe (P, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Sculpture (226CM) (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (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.
Nippy Taupe Dusk
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nippy's Chestnut
Nippy’s Chestnut is a muted, medium-dark brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Mostly opaque, buildable pigmentation
- Soft, finely-milled consistency, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop In the Rough (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Snack (LE, $4.50) 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.
Nippy's Chestnut
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nippy's Grape
Nippy’s Grape is a medium-dark gray with cool, bluish undertones and a matte finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation
- Soft, finely-milled consistency, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Give Me Glow Space Dust (P, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Kaleidos Black Jasmine (Diffuse) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop U Luv It (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Mind Blown (LE, $5.25) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Boss Babe (P, $5.25) is lighter (80% similar).
- KVD Beauty Smoke (Contour) (PiP, ) is lighter (80% similar).
- Wayne Goss Pearl Moonstone #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (80% similar).
- Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #6 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty For Less (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Thunderbird (P, $5.25) is 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.
Nippy's Grape
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nippy Platinum
Nippy Platinum is a soft black with strong, cool, almost purplish, undertones and a pearly sheen.
- Semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation
- Slightly firmer, stiffer feel
- Applied evenly but had light fallout, not as blendable as it needed to be
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Byredo Eternite (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC Illuminaughty (P, $20.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Dior Black Bow #5 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Plastick (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Noir Lamé (908) (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- NARS Smash It Up (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Guerlain Imperial Moon #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dior Black Night #1 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Chanel Or Noir (17) (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Terra Moons Darkside (P, $8.50) is more shimmery, lighter, 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.
Nippy Platinum
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nippy's Melon
Nippy’s Melon is a light-medium, yellowish brown with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation
- Soft, finely-milled consistency, lightly powdery
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Last Hope (LE, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Stay Sharp (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Golden Day #4 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Hollow (P, $6.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Clarins Brown Sugar #4 (PiP, ) 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.
Nippy's Melon
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nippy's Crease
Nippy’s Crease is a medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a smooth, pearly sheen.
- Opaque color coverage
- Smooth, moderately emollient but not too dense or too thick
- Blendable, easy to work with
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Something Special (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Amnesia (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Viola (P, $27.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- LORAC Majestic (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Viseart Petit Pro #8 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Pop Rox (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Blitz Glitz (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Jaguar #9 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Future Industries (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lit (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, 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.
Nippy's Crease
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Nippy's Noir
Nippy’s Noir is a very deep, dark black with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish.
- Opaque pigmentation
- Stiffer, thinner feel, harder to pick up evenly
- Harder to diffuse along the edges
- Long-wearing (eight hours on average for this formula)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Jet (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Point 'n' Shoot (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Decadent (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M100 Black (P, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Umbra (PiP, $5.25) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cold Hearted (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M100 Black (DC, $21.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Blackout (DC, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Halloween Town (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Modern Glamour #3 (PiP, ) is cooler (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.
For those who like neutral mattes with a pop of colour – this palette would be perfect. Thank goodness the best shimmer was the dark plum shade – which is beautiful, rather than the redundant blackish shade. Overall it has a very autumn/winter vibe to it.
Considering the size of my stash, including many, many Pro Pans of MAC ‘s own e/s’s, I know that I shouldn’t want this. But, I do. There is something pulling me back in time when these were some very similar shades I wore regularly, though those were oddly enough made by Revlon (when they used to know how to make great eyeshadow!), Almay (yep! them too) and L’Oreal. And so, you see, nostalgia is nipping at my heartstrings (pun intended).
This is really pretty, well coordinated palette. The greys would look muddy on me though, so pass…
Oh, MY, Oh, MY!! I LOVE THIS! It has that perfect balance of modern and vintage and a palette! Hey, I can’t be 17 again, but my makeup can give me the ‘feel’ of being that teen with a new compact in my purse! LOVE this. The shades, the palette goldtone, all of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both the selection of shades and the names given in this palette are interesting. Am I the only scratching my head about three shade names lacking the possessive found in the other five, a melon that’s ochre by MAC’s own admission (their shade description is “[o]chery orange”), a grape that’s gray (more specifically, “[c]olled [sic?] blue grey”), and a platinum that’s black?