MAC x PatrickStarrr Smoky Sleigh Eyeshadow Palette x 6 Review & Swatches
Smoky Sleigh
MAC Smoky Sleigh Eyeshadow Palette x 6 ($33.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a new, limited edition eyeshadow palette that contains four mattes (beige, mauve, cool brown, black) and two shimmers (pale silver, muted teal) housed in a slim, shimmery red compact. The colors coordinated better than I anticipated once I started to work with the eyeshadows on my eye, though the quality could have been better with most of the shades. Go figure that the matte black was the best shade in the entire palette! Worth noting, while the compact might seem like a good size, it’s actually much less product than typical MAC Eyeshadow Quads (which are 0.19 oz. and this is 0.10 oz.).
Look Using this Product
Smoky Sleigh
LELimited Edition. $33.00.
Stocking Stuffer
Stocking Stuffer is a light beige with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation with a soft, lightly powdery texture that had a bit of product drop when I worked with it, so it did have a tendency to cause other shades to turn ashy/grayish if I wasn’t careful about my placement. This shade lasted well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Crystal Cove (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- KKW Beauty Decade (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild The Night's Quad #2 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Cream (PiP, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Off the Grid (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Red Ochre #1 (P, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hi BB (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Smashbox Assistant (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Coconut (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- IT Cosmetics Peaceful (P, ) is 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.
Look Using this Product
Stocking Stuffer
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Tree Topper
Tree Topper is a pale silver with cool undertones and a frosted finish. The consistency was drier to the touch, which resulted in a dustier feel and application where the silver looked dry on my lid unless I used it with a dampened brush. It had medium pigmentation that was buildable to full coverage using two heavy layers or if I used a dampened brush (one layer). It wore well for seven hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever D118 Platinum (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Infini (P, $29.50) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME202 Iceberg Blue (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Silver Dollar (LE, $14.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Pewter Veil #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced String of Lights (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Ombre de Lune #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Guerlain L'Heure de Nuit #2 (DC, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora + Pantone Universe Nimbus Cloude (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Silver Coin (LE, ) is more 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.
Look Using this Product
Tree Topper
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Holiday Secret
Holiday Secret is a muted, medium-dark teal with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It had medium pigmentation paired with a smooth, firmer consistency that felt cream-like but thin–very silicone-heavy to the touch. I find that when an eyeshadow has too much slip (but is a powder-based formula) that the shade doesn’t apply as evenly to bare skin and tends to look patchy while losing some of its intensity/richness as it is buffed and blended onto the skin. It had a Lustre finish, so the sheerness was more in line with expectations. It was buildable to semi-opaque coverage, if desired, and it stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Alchemy (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Juvia's Place Yara (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Teal the Truth (DC, $6.99) (85% similar).
- Sugarpill Hug Life (P, $13.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Arabian Nights (LE, $6.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Emerald #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Smashbox All the Teals (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Amp (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Anastasia Venice (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Cloudy Blue (17M) (PiP, $29.00) 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.
Look Using this Product
Holiday Secret
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Ribbon Realness
Ribbon Realness is a deeper mauve with warmer undertones and a matte finish. It had medium color payoff that was buildable to mostly opaque coverage in two to three layers. The texture was soft and velvety to the touch, but I struggled to diffuse and blend the edge on this shade–I had to cheat and use the lightest shade in the palette to soften the edge instead. It lasted for eight hours on me before I noticed signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Atelier Wood Pink #4 (P, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Shy Girl (LE, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Zoeva MT100 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Fleur (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Persona Chic (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mariposa (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Tutu #3 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Violet Gray (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tuile (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Purpleberry (LE, $6.99) is lighter (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.
Look Using this Product
Ribbon Realness
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Gagging for Gifts
Gagging for Gifts is a deep, purplish-brown with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-sheer to medium, buildable pigmentation with a drier, thinner consistency. It was a bit of a shock to find that it actually built up and blended out without too much effort–better than Ribbon Realness! This shade lasted well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NABLA Cosmetics Tenebra (PiP, $8.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Sad Girl (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Matte Smoky Brown (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Nocturnal (P, $6.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC First Class (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Smashbox Smoke (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Cocktail Black (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Espresso (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Live in Concert (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Ur Hot (LE, $4.50) 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.
Look Using this Product
Gagging for Gifts
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Santa's Stilettos
Santa’s Stilettos is a rich black with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had a soft, velvety texture that wasn’t too powdery nor too firmly pressed in the pan, so it yielded rich pigmentation but still blended out easily along the edges. It stayed on nicely for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Black Metal (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- LORAC Jet Black (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- By Beauty Bay Noir (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Night Views (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Char Man (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Decadent (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cold Hearted (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Seduce Glow (Smoke) (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Tarte Punk (PiP, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- Urban Decay 13th Floor (LE, $19.00) is 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.
It’s a shame this didn’t perform better but, I have to say, I love the name “Gagging for Gifts”!
Hi Christine,
Just curious where all your makeup forever reviews went? I was trying to see some swatches of their shadows? Thanks
Best,
Rebecca
I don’t know what you mean? They weren’t removed…
I’m feeling sad over this one, yet I’m laughing at the same time. That MAC could *finally* formulate a beautiful, well performing, grade A black eyeshadow to put into one of their palettes…but every other shade looks pathetic! ?
Lol, so true!
What a pretty eye look Christine, love it! Sad that the quality isn’t great.
OMG – trust MAC to ruin a perfectly good palette with cohesive shades….beautiful eye look Christine.
Honestly, nothing about this release has really spoken to me. I didn’t get this palette at all but I do think you created a beautiful eye look with it. I wouldn’t have guessed from your look that the shades were subpar as I can see every shade distinctly on your lid with well blended edges. I think that probably speaks more to your skill than MAC’s. So, I don’t think I will be buying anything from MAC this holiday season.
I loved the color story on this one. I’m so sad it’s awful.