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
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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Bronco (LE, $8.00).
- Tom Ford Beauty Velours Khaki #1 (LE, ).
- MAC Soft Ochre (P, $23.00).
- ColourPop Deja Vu (LE, $4.50).
- Too Faced Spotlight (LE, $16.00).
- ColourPop Lil Smiley (PiP, $4.50).
- ColourPop Herbivore (LE, $4.50).
- Huda Beauty Warm Browns #6 (PiP, ).
- By Beauty Bay RSVP (LE, ).
- Sydney Grace Beaches (P, $5.25).
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
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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Melt Cosmetics Assimilate (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Run and Gun (LE, $4.50).
- Smashbox Grey Bae (PiP, ).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night No. 15 (LE, ).
- MAC Tailor Grey (P, $23.00).
- Natasha Denona Glam (323CM) (PiP, ).
- ColourPop The Virgo (P, $4.50).
- Sydney Grace Journey Home (LE, $5.25).
- Chanel Blurry Grey #1 (PiP, ).
- Anastasia Volatile (LE, $12.00).
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
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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
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
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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop U Luv It (LE, $4.50).
- Give Me Glow Space Dust (P, $7.00).
- Kaleidos Black Jasmine (Diffuse) (PiP, ).
- Sydney Grace Mind Blown (LE, $5.25).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Fiction (DC, $8.00).
- Terra Moons Perseus (P, $6.00).
- Lethal Cosmetics Numb (P, $6.00).
- L’Oreal Meet Me in Paris (P, $5.99).
- Sydney Grace Thunderbird (P, $5.25).
- Viseart Cool Mattes 2 #6 (PiP, ).
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
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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Pat McGrath Black Metal (PiP, $25.00).
- Pat McGrath Noir Moon (LE, $25.00).
- Melt Cosmetics Gun Metal (PiP, ).
- Sydney Grace Revival (DC, $8.00).
- Estee Lauder Burnt Anise (LE, $36.00).
- Dior Black Night #1 (LE, ).
- Tarte Steel the Show (P, $22.00).
- Dior Black Bow #5 (PiP, ).
- Byredo Eternite (LE, ).
- Natasha Denona Full Metal Black (LE, $28.00).
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
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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
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
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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Pat McGrath Amnesia (LE, $25.00).
- Viseart Petit Pro #8 (LE, ).
- Urban Decay Extragalactic (DC, $20.00).
- Sydney Grace Be Kind (P, $6.25).
- ColourPop Something Special (LE, $4.50).
- Pat McGrath Blue Blood (PiP, $25.00).
- Makeup Geek Enchanted (P, $12.00).
- Fenty Beauty Ultraviolit (LE, ).
- Charlotte Tilbury Bejewelled (Dream Glow Smoke) (LE, ).
- Tarte Scarlet (LE, $14.00).
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 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).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Sydney Grace Umbra (PiP, $5.25).
- Make Up For Ever M100 Black (P, $17.00).
- ColourPop Cold Hearted (LE, $4.50).
- NABLA Cosmetics Untitled (PiP, $8.00).
- Kaleidos Black Jasmine (Accentuate) (PiP, ).
- Charlotte Tilbury Seduce Glow (Smoke) (LE, ).
- ColourPop Late Date (LE, $4.50).
- Urban Decay Blackout (DC, $19.00).
- Tarte Punk (PiP, ).
- Urban Decay Blackout (P, $19.00).
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.