Archived Post

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x9 Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette
MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette ($40.00 for 0.18 oz.) is an interesting mix of lighter pastel greens and purples with a few neutral shades thrown in. It’s decent–not bad for a pre-made MAC palette–but not amazing. There are two Lustres in the palette, which have the fall out that they’re prone to, while a couple of the shades had firmer/stiffer textures that made them hard to blend.

Gleam is described as a “barely pinked gold [with a Lustre finish].” It’s a light-medium, peachy-pink with a gold, frosted finish. It had good color payoff (but it’s actually too pigmented for this type of finish, which is usually sheerer) with a slightly looser, more sparkly consistency where some of the sparkle fell out during application and didn’t bind with the underlying color. This shade lasted for eight hours before fading, but I had some fall out over time. This shade is part of the permanent range. NARS Goddess (P, $28.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Give Me Glow Ice Princess (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Natasha Denona Kai (244M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). MAC Primo Donna (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). bareMinerals Future (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Cosmic Pearl #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Reunion (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Winter 2018 #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Laura Mercier Pink Haze (LE, $23.00) is lighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Fit for a Queen #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I520 Pinky Sand (DC, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Sweet Dreams (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay X (DC, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Bow Wow (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Peach (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Serving Up (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Body Heat #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). MAC Midas (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Give Me Glow Pink Lemonade (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). NARS Singapore #1 (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Midnight Sun is described as a “shimmering mocha [with a Frost finish].” It’s a muted, medium-dark brown with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had nice pigmentation with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture. The color lasted for eight hours on me. Danessa Myricks Celebration (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #8 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Spiked Cider (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Diva Lights (Smoke) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Laura Mercier Crystal Beige (LE, $23.00) is warmer (90% similar). Dior Terra #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Laura Mercier Bamboo (PiP, $23.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 12 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop HZRD (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Gingerbread Mansion (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Satin Skin (75P) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (80% similar). Urban Decay Burn (Naked Reloaded) (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). LORAC Mocha (PiP, $19.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay YDK (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). LORAC Tails & Top Hats #3 (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Inglot J307 Lilac Grey (LE, $10.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Stila Topaz (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Dior Soft Cashmere #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). LORAC Pewter (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). ColourPop DTR (PiP, $4.50) is brighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Revelry is described as a “mauvey purple grey [with a Satin finish].” It’s a muted, dark plummy taupe with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque coverage with a lightly powdery texture that was a little hard to blend out without it turning patchy. It lasted for eight hours. LORAC Cool Gray (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). Sydney Grace Grounds (P, $5.25) is darker (95% similar). bareMinerals Exhale (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Fashion Fix (DC, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Guerlain Les Cendres #1 (LE, )(95% similar). Makeup Geek Faux Fur (DC, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). MAC Sugar Plum (PiP, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Horizon (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Sugarpill Castle on the Hill (PiP, $13.00) is cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay DTF (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Malibu (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Dogma (PiP, $8.00) is warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Eiffel Tower (LE, $5.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Parallax (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is darker (90% similar). IT Cosmetics Fate (P, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop I C U (LE, $4.50) is warmer (85% similar). IT Cosmetics Embrace (P, ) is warmer, better quality (85% similar). bareMinerals Fuze (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Bearish (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). LORAC Graphite (Mountain Sunset) (LE, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Vulnerable is described as a “soft pearly purple [with a Lustre finish].” It’s a light-medium, pinky-lavender with silver sparkle. It had semi-sheer coverage–as anticipated for a Lustre–and a sparkly texture where a lot of the sparkle didn’t make it to the lid. There was some fall out during wear, though the pinkish base color lasted for seven hours. Make Up For Ever D914 Crystalline Mauve (DC, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Shine De-light (P, $18.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Kitschmas (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Dior Rosee (141) (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Sephora Magnolia Garden (341) (P, $9.00) is cooler (90% similar). Lisa Eldridge Illusionism (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Cool Lilac (P, $24.00) is darker (85% similar). Viseart Wisteria (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar). Too Faced Honey Lavender (LE, $16.00) is darker (80% similar). ColourPop Chicle (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). Dior Pink Vibration #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Quarry is described as a “soft muted plum-brown [with a Matte finish].” It’s a muted, medium taupe with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It was nicely pigmented with a smooth, silky texture that was easy to work with. The color started to fade after eight hours of wear. Sydney Grace Long Journey (P, $5.25) is darker (95% similar). 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). ColourPop Lil Dipper (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M546 Dark Purple Taupe (DC, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). Chanel Douceur et Serenite #1 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Mint Chocolate (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Buxom Spoiled Sexy (P, $12.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Viseart Blushing (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Fri Nite (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Rum Pum Plum (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop So Fated (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Monochrome #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Assimilate (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). LORAC Mauve (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Diadem (110CM) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Instinct (PiP, $19.00) is darker (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Amethyst is described as a “deep purple with pink pearl [with a Satin finish].” It’s a muted, medium-dark bluish-purple with a satin finish. It had semi-opaque coverage with a dry, firm texture that was hard to apply and blend out. The color lasted for eight hours on me. LORAC Ash (LE, $19.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). MAC Light Violet (LE, $32.50) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia Soul (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (95% similar). ColourPop Connect (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Stay Sultry (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Cle de Peau Cosmic Aura #4 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). Terra Moons Royal (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, brighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Exotic Purple (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Benefit Always a Bridesmaid (P, $20.00) is warmer, darker (85% similar). MAC Cheers My Dear (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). MAC Ron Ron Run (LE, $17.00) is darker, brighter (80% similar). ColourPop DAL (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Flame is described as a “mint silver shimmer [with a Veluxe Pearl finish].” It’s a bright, very light yellowed green with a frosted sheen. It had good color payoff with a fairly soft, smooth texture that applied well and blended out nicely. This shade wore well for eight hours. Sephora Julie T (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Dior Dulcinee #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Zoe (P, $8.00) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Play It Cool (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Lucky Clover (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Shifty (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Dior Mellow Shade #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Becca Golden Mint (LE, $38.00) is cooler (90% similar). Dior Emerald #2 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Huda Beauty Mint #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop The Big 3 (P, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Buxom Room Service (P, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NYX Glass Slipper (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Lit Vibes (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Ocean Breezy (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Switchback (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). ColourPop So Ferris (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Zestful (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Cleopatra (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Mama Odie (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

All Hands on Deck is described as a “light green shimmer [with a Veluxe Pearl finish].” It’s a muted, light-medium green with warm, golden undertones and a frosted sheen. It had fairly good color payoff with a soft, smooth consistency that was easy to work with. On me, it started to fade after eight hours. Dior Emerald #2 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Cle de Peau Harmony (Right) (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop The Fish (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Dior Mellow Shade #1 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). NARS Ecstasy (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). NARS Zambezi (P, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). Viseart Coy #2 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Pixie Dust (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Tarte Splatter (LE, )(85% similar). Fenty Beauty Cleopatra (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Sydney Grace Green Mist (P, $6.25) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Titane (38) (P, $30.00) is darker (85% similar). Natasha Denona Palladian (465M) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Blue Dream (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Abracadabra (P, $12.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Buxom Made of Jade (P, $12.00) is darker (85% similar). MAC Silver Sun (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). MAC 2 Dozen and One Greyhounds (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar). City Color Tide Pool (P, $6.99) is darker, more muted, cooler (80% similar). Makeup Geek Fantasy (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Black Water is described as a “black with gold pearl [with a Veluxe Pearl finish].” It’s a muted, medium-dark black with fine gold shimmer over a mostly matte finish. It had good pigmentation, though the texture was a bit dense and firm in the pan, so it was harder to blend out on the skin as it would become uneven if I wasn’t very, very careful and very, very patient. It started to fade after eight hours of wear. Too Faced Cookies and Cream (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Raven (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). MAC Black Tied (P, $17.00) is cooler (95% similar). LORAC Onyx (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 19 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Guerlain Cygne Noir #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Chanel Tisse Ombre de Lune #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Scorpio (DC, $20.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Dark Soul (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Make Up For Ever D104 Black Diamond (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Tres Chic (LE, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette
MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette
MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette
MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette

MAC Gleam Eyeshadow
MAC Gleam Eyeshadow

MAC Gleam Eyeshadow
MAC Gleam Eyeshadow

MAC Midnight Sun Eyeshadow
MAC Midnight Sun Eyeshadow

MAC Midnight Sun Eyeshadow
MAC Midnight Sun Eyeshadow

MAC Revelry Eyeshadow
MAC Revelry Eyeshadow

MAC Revelry Eyeshadow
MAC Revelry Eyeshadow

MAC Vulnerable Eyeshadow
MAC Vulnerable Eyeshadow

MAC Vulnerable Eyeshadow
MAC Vulnerable Eyeshadow

MAC Quarry Eyeshadow
MAC Quarry Eyeshadow

MAC Quarry Eyeshadow
MAC Quarry Eyeshadow

MAC Amethyst Eyeshadow
MAC Amethyst Eyeshadow

MAC Amethyst Eyeshadow
MAC Amethyst Eyeshadow

MAC Flame Eyeshadow
MAC Flame Eyeshadow

MAC Flame Eyeshadow
MAC Flame Eyeshadow

MAC All Hands on Deck Eyeshadow
MAC All Hands on Deck Eyeshadow

MAC All Hands on Deck Eyeshadow
MAC All Hands on Deck Eyeshadow

MAC Black Water Eyeshadow
MAC Black Water Eyeshadow

MAC Black Water Eyeshadow
MAC Black Water Eyeshadow

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette
MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette

MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette
MAC x Tinashe Eyeshadow x 9 Palette

50 Comments

Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!

Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).

We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!

Comments on this post are closed.
Sonia Avatar

I’m actually digging this. Love the colour palette! Hasn’t Mac reduced the price of pre made palettes to 32$? Is the packaging special for the 40 dollar price tag?

Katherine T. Avatar

Well it’s nice to finally see a cool-toned shadow palette, even if it’s not the greatest. I think a cream shadow base will really help boost these shadows

Helena Avatar

I really like the colour combination but the quality is a bit mediocre… Which is what usually happens with this kind of shades. Nice looks you made Christine though!

Natalie Avatar

Wow, that combination of colors seems very unique to me, and surprisingly very wearable at the same time! Hmm, I’ll have to think about it…. at least they put some other black eyeshadow instead of Carbon this time!

Kate Avatar

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but do you think you’ll be reviewing the Big Brow pencils MAC just released? Wondering if I should wait on your thoughts before giving them a try! Thanks!!

Nivedita Avatar

As much as I am excited about MAC, the speed with which they keep launching new products, makes me feel that there’s no rest.
The palette looks pretty versatile. Thank you for the swatches

Helene Avatar

I both like and dislike this little palette. I think it would be fun to have and use, I relly like the light greens, Gleam and Midnight Sun. The other ones are OK, I’m not to keen on Amethyst, but purples are hard, we all know that by now, don’t we 🙂
I do lack patience though to work with eyeshadows like Amethyst and Black Water.
I own Quarry and like it, thoug it’s not one of my most used ones.

Claire L Avatar

It’s a nice enough palette but most of it is dupeable. Except for the lime green/pale yellow, which makes it a bit different, but not enough to make me want it.

Fran Avatar

I like this combination of shades very much. I just wish the purples performed better! Do you think the fact that I always use a primer would make a difference? In my experience it helps with adherence more than it helps with blendability. When an eyeshadow is patchy and won’t blend it really drives me nuts… do you think these stand a chance? I guess if I purchased it from Nordstrom I could at least return it if I find it unworkable/not worth the effort it takes to make it work.

Kirsten Avatar

I really wanted this when it was first announced, but I seem to have cooled a bit on it since then, even with the lower price. It doesn’t help that money is a little tighter and I got the Flamingo Park x9 last month. The only colors that really strike me are Midnight Sun and Quarry, and I can get Quarry anytime.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!