20151217

MAC Warm Neutral Eyeshadow Palette | Review & Swatches


I first wanted the MAC Warm Neutral Palette (£65) about a year ago, but I inadvertently ended up building a custom pro palette after being bought a couple of singles as a gift so the idea was shelved. I entered Beautylymin’s giveaway on a whim and by some miracle won (thank you so much again for such a fantastic prize!) So I’ve now tried both this palette and the individuals! You can read about my pro palette here but this post is all about the pre-made alternative.

The pre-made 15-shade MAC palettes cost £65 each, which is pretty steep! However when you consider that building your own costs: £10 for the palette + £2.50 for the insert + 15 x £10 for the eyeshadows (£162.50 in total), it doesn’t seem so bad. Obviously you would build that up over time and if you’re lucky like me, get a huge chunk of them for free through loyalty points, but the pre-made palettes are clearly the more affordable option. The individual pans aren’t removable like in a customisable palette and some say the quality is not the same, but we will get into that later!

MAC Warm Neutrals is not your average warm neutral palette despite what the name would suggest! There’s a surprising variety of shades and MAC have definitely avoided just giving us 50 shades of brown in this palette. Having said that, it definitely could've done with one or two more matte brown crease shades.


Hey (Veluxe Pearl)

This is a peachy off-white colour in my favourite Veluxe Pearl finish. I use this as an inner corner highlight and it has a lovely metallic sheen to it. 

Warm Breeze (Satin)

I have to say this isn't one I reach for that often. It's again a slightly peachy colour but has a matte-look finish. On paler skin this would probably make a nice lid shade as it isn't too chalky and has decent colour payoff, however for me there's another shade I prefer for that in this palette.

Ginger Snap (Frost)

This is a finish I really love; a metallic shimmer. Ginger Snap is hard to describe, though I suppose it's a pink and has been said by others to have rosy hints as well which I can agree with. It has a really nice texture and pigmentation and I like using a little bit in the crease to add a bit of colour to a brown eyeshadow look.

Dark Brew (Velvet)

This is a deep, rich chocolatey brown with flecks of glitter in it (though these aren't too obvious, they just make it more wearable than a matte). I wasn't sure I'd like this but actually it's nice and creamy in texture and blends so easily to add a bit of smokiness to the look.

Dance in the Dark (Matte)

This is hard to describe as it looks black without quite being. I've mentioned before that MAC's Matte finish isn't my favourite and this isn't my favourite from the palette for similar reasons; it's a bit hard to get the colour payoff and it isn't creamy enough to be easy to work with. 


Brule (Satin)

This is a light beige matte-look shade that again would work well for paler skin but I actually don't reach for very often. However the formula is really nice and it's definitely the most pigmented of the very light shades in this palette.

Vanilla Extract (Frost)

This is a really light gold shimmer that makes a pretty inner-corner highlight when I want something a little warmer and more natural on me than Hey. However I don't think it's quite as pigmented enough to use as a lid colour without building it up quite a lot, which is a shame.

Honey Lust (Lustre)

This is the finish most MAC-lovers aren't a fan of. Honey Lust is a really stunning colour but it's just a bit sheer and has a lot of glitter in there. I usually take it on my finger and pat in in the centre of the lid to add a bit of dimension. It's a gorgeous peachy-bronze so I do try to work with it.

Amber Lights (Frost)

This is one I actually already have, so I was interest to compare it to my single version. It's a bright orange-gold and I think it's exactly the same in quality, pigmentation and texture as the individual version I have of this. It's so creamy and has insane colour payoff. I love it worn alone all across the lid with a berry lip for winter.

Saddle (Matte)

Some people actually buy the entire palette just for this shade as it isn't available on its own in the UK. This is actually really soft and creamy in texture compared to every other MAC Matte I've tried and that pigmentation is amazing! It's a warm medium-dark brown that's my go-to crease shade. Definitely a stand-out for me.


Lemon Tart (Veluxe Pearl) 

This is the only shade that isn't really my bag but I gave it a go anyway! It's a bright (almost neon) yellow-gold in the lovely Veluxe Pearl finish.

Creative Copper (Lustre)

I was surprised when I looked up that this was a Lustre finish as it's not 'glitter and not much else' at all; it's quite glittery but still has a buttery texture. It's a very true gold and is perfect when I don't want something quite as bold as Amber Lights.

Butterfudge (Satin)

This is a fudge-coloured light-medium brown shade with a very slight pearly sheen to it. The texture is so lovely and effortless to apply and the pigmentation is impressive despite it being relative matte-look once applied. I love this as a lid colour as it's the perfect base for any look you can create with this palette.

Divine Decadence (Velvet)

This is a bronzy-brown colour I use for the outer v to create a nude smoky eye. It isn't the creamiest formula in the world but I don't mind especially as I tend to pat this on with a flat brush. 

Unwind (Veluxe Pearl)

Another lovely sheeny shimmer Veluxe Pearl formula. The colour is a sort of olive and definitely isn't as scary as it looks in the pan. This all over the lid with a bit of Saddle through the crease is lovely.

I definitely don't agree that these eyeshadows are of lesser quality that MAC's singles, I think it's simply a case of you not being able to avoid shades or finishes you may have otherwise been able to. If I picked up one or two of these in store and swatched them, I wouldn't have bought them for my customisable palette. MAC's single eyeshadow range definitely has a few duds in it. Having said that, for a neutral eyeshadow lover liked me, 99% of these shades are spot on and there are still a few unusual shades in there to differentiate it from anything else in my stash. If you don't want to splurge on building your own then definitely pick this up instead.

What are your favourite MAC eyeshadows? Are you team pro palette or team pre-made palette?

 


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45 comments

  1. The shade 'Amber Lights' looks incredible! I also really like the look of 'Ginger Snap' - gorgeous! This was such a great review of the palette :) xo

    Char | www.charslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Amber Lights is perfect for this time of year :) xx

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  2. I've always loved the look of this palette but had heard similar things about the quality being not as good as the single shadows, so it's great to hear you don't find that to be the case.

    Kristy | www.thevioletblonde.com

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  3. I'm so happy that you are enjoying using this palette! I personally love it although there are one or two shades that I don't use very often. I think the pre-made palettes are brilliant value & like you say, it isn't just all browns! Great review xx

    Beautylymin

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    Replies
    1. Thank you again for such a generous giveaway prize! :) xx

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  4. Great review! Even though it isn't creamy, that shade Divine Decadence looks gorgeous and perfect as you said for a more natural smoky eye!

    https://fannyanddailybeauty.wordpress.com/

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  5. Ginger snap and dark brew look lovely together and sound like a Christmas dessert! That's such a lovely palette.

    Sally ~ DiagonSally

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  6. Wow you were a lucky one to win that beautiful palette. I am afraid to say that I have never tried any eye shadows from MAC, I know I am a bad blogger! lol

    Pams Stuff and Things

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  7. Gorgeous shades. What a wonderful palette.

    Jenn | Jennifer Jayne

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  8. Ginger Lust and Honey Snap look stunning and my sort of shades ♥

    tipscapsule.blogspot.com

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  9. Oh that's one GORGEOUS palette!! I'm very new to experimenting more with eyeshadow so I'm still sticking to cheaper brands right now but you're right, £65 for that seems like such a bargain when you consider the full cost.
    Great review Jasmine, as always.

    Gillian  xx  EyelinerFlicks.com

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    Replies
    1. Yeah it's definitely a saving if you think you'd use most of the shades :) xx

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  10. Such a beautiful palette! I might pick up the single of Amber Lights, I don't own anything quite like it!

    Sara - She Who Is Short

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  11. I've wanted this palette for so long purely because its cheaper that making your own! But having a good look at the shades swatched I really do like the colours in it! I think I might make the splurge! xx

    www.lpagebauty.com

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  12. Amber lights is gorgeous oh my!
    Charlotte // charlottespicks.blogspot.com

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  13. Amber Lights looks so pretty! I ordered it the other day so I am so excited for it to arrive!

    Love, Charline | Charline Has a Blog

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  14. I've not yet seen a review of this yet so I've always admired it from afar for aesthetical reasons. It does look gorgeous though and I'm tempted to get it now!

    Jodie, xo // Jodie Loue

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    Replies
    1. It's definitely a bargain, especially if you can get it in Duty Free ;) xx

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  15. This palette looks gorgeous! Ginger snap and amber lights are so pretty! x

    www.elabellaworld.com

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  16. Ginger snap and honey love look incredible and such lovely shades! I have amber lights as a single and oh my god it's my favourite make up product I own. It's my go to shade, so pretty!

    www.throughthemirror.co.uk

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  17. I love this palette even though I don't own it. I feel like this palette is definitely worth the money but I prefer making my own palette and choosing all the shades myself. There are a few from this palette that I really do want.

    Perfect Shade of Mauve

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  18. This palette is seriously gorgeous I want it now - Amber Lights is a stunning shade!

    Lucy | www.foreverseptemberr.blogspot.co.uk

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  19. This palette looks so gorgeous! I do agree this does work out as a good bargain in comparison to if you were buying separately. Ginger Snap and Honey lust are two gorgeous shades! :)

    Charlee XO | CharmedCharlee

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    Replies
    1. Honey Love is so pretty, just wish it had more payoff! xx

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  20. I've never tried any MAC eyeshadows. This palette looks wonderful. Creative Copper and Amber Lights look beautiful.

    Christina x
    Christina Campbell Hughes

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  21. This palette looks gorgeous! A little too warm toned for me to invest in but I think the pre made palettes are such a great idea! If only they let you choose you own for the same price!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  22. Oh Lordy. Ginger Snap and Amber Lights, <3, just to name a few.

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  23. This palette looks gorgeous! I have Burgundy Times Nine, and love it!

    ahintofbeauty.blogspot.com/

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  24. I can't speak for these palettes but I do have the MAC Nordstrom Naturals palette and it's so good- I feel so spoilt having one of the larger mac palettes. Sounds like this palette is really good quality too, I love the look of Ginger Frost, Saddle and Dark Brew especially.

    www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

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  25. I love the look of Ginger Snap and Amber Lights. I really want to build my own Mac palette at some point, because there are so many eyeshadows I want to try and can't store them all as individuals. Great post xx

    Anne| http://decanne.blogspot.com

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  26. Such a beautiful palette~ Amber lights is my facvourite shade here! Need to invest in more mac eyeshadows soon!

    Thanks for posting and the swatches~ Have a lovely day! ♥

    Ying | * Y i n g c b e a u t y *

    X x X x X

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  27. This looks like such a good palette and when you put it like you have, £65 seems so reasonable! I have Amber Lights already and it's one of my favourites! Such a gorgeous shade but Divine Decadence and Butterfudge look incredible too!

    Katya | The Beauty Harbour

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    Replies
    1. Butterfudge is one of my most-used shades, it's lovely! xx

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  28. OMG! You are so beautiful! And have such a big lovely eyes on your profile photo.Lovely photos ♡

    Have a nice day xx Love from Slovakia ~
    ♡ Bio and natural cosmetics ♡

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  29. Wow you lucky girl to have won this - what a beautiful palette. I love MAC shadows. Honey Lust is one of my favourite Mac shades :)

    www.typicalamy.com

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  30. If I had to pick a Mac palette to buy I'd definitely choose this one though I do think I'm team pro-palette, I much prefer being able to personally hand pick each eyeshadow as there are a few shades in this I probably wouldn't wear. Glad to hear they're of a similar quality though! x

    Megan | http://www.meganjean.co.uk

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  31. I have two MAC palettes and they are both 15 Pro Palette's which I have made up myself. Amber Lights is included in one of them but I wish Hey, Ginger Snap, Honey Lust, Butter Fudge and Creative Copper were available as singles!

    Sophie x
    www.booksandbeauty.co.uk

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  32. Ah this is beautiful, I always want the premade just for the cheaper price. The shades are pretty beautiful, I love Amber lights especially (even from your other post). But there is so many colours in there I would get good use of. Might add this to my birthday list! xx

    Tamz || http://www.throughneweyesx.com

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    Replies
    1. Amber Lights has to be one of my favourites! :) xx

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  33. I need Ginger Snap and Amber Lights in my life! Even though I love the look of this palette I still decided to build my own as every premade palette has shades that I don't like :Dx

    Anu♡ | Based On | bloglovin

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  34. This has been SUCH a helpful post as I've been eyeing up this palette for ages wondering whether to buy it. But your post has made me decide i definitely want it, so thanks so much! xx

    Kate// katerosexo1.blogspot.com

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