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Wednesday 12 November 2014

Another Back to MAC Success: 6 Empties for a Heroine!

Hi, everyone! There comes a time every several months or so when I rush off to the MAC store with an extra spring in my step. While the thrill of an upcoming purchase is enough to quicken my pace, the promise of a free lipstick nearly prompts a sprint! The rush-inducing event I'm describing is the opportunity to take advantage of a Back to MAC exchange. This incredible recycling program allows you to trade in 6 empty MAC products for a free (free!) lipstick or eye shadow of your choice. Not only are you promoting an ecologically-friendly initiative, you get to leave the store with a complimentary product of your choice. It's a true win-win!


With the excitement of having 6 empties in hand comes the burden of selecting your free shade. In the past, I've embarked on weeks-long research campaigns where I pour over swatches and reviews in hopes of finding the one. This time, I took more of a carefree approach, simply swatching shades that called to me in-store. I was eager to check out the newly released Matte Lipstick offerings, and when I swiped on the hugely hyped Heroine, I knew I'd met my match. 




MAC's Matte Lipsticks come packaged in their trademark black packaging and black bullet-like tubes. Heroine's bold name is certainly matched by its eye-popping hue. MAC labels Heroine as a "bright purple" and I'd say that's a pretty apt description! I find Heroine neither too warm nor cool, with a perfect balance of pink and blue tones. There are some slight pinky undertones that make the shade surprisingly wearable, yet this is by no means a fuchsia or magenta. It's truly purple! 


After bringing Heroine home, I was slightly concerned that, despite its uniqueness, it might be too similar to the other purple-toned lipsticks in my collection. Upon swatching it alongside these shades, however, my fears were calmed. It really does stand alone!

Here it is, swiped between MAC Rebel, Lime Crime Velvetine in Utopia, and MAC Up the Amp lipstick. As you can see, Rebel has much stronger berry tones, Utopia is decidedly pinker, and Up the Amp is a paler, warmer-toned purple. 


And here are a couple shots of me wearing Heroine, paired with otherwise understated makeup as to let it take center stage!



As you can see, the finish is matte, but not flat. The slight sheen makes it surprisingly flattering and wearable. Overall, I am thrilled to add Heroine to my collection of "slightly out there, yet do-able" lipsticks. It definitely makes a statement, yet still manages to brighten the face and provide the perfect pop of colour. And that fact that I scored it for free makes me feel like a bit of a heroine myself :)

What did you score in your last Back to MAC trade? Is Heroine a shade you would opt for?

Thanks for dropping by! xo

24 comments:

  1. Such a stunner of a shade! Definitely eye catching. I still haven't back to mac-ed anything yet, haven't got enough (or any) empties yet! I'll be extremely excited the day I do haha!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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  2. nice!! quite similar to the NYX macaron violet shade !!! (I guess)

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  3. thanks for doing the colour comparisons. those are pretty helpful when shopping the stash. not that i have any of these colors.

    Jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

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    Replies
    1. I wonder how Revlon Shameless compares to Heroine- do you have that one?

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  4. I have a similar shade (not MAC), and I love it! It's a little different to what I'm used to on you, but still gorgeous. Good pick!

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  5. That shade looks great on you! I've yet to back to mac anything...I'm awful at actually finishing stuff :P

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    1. Haha, most of my empties are Blot Powders, which I do go through pretty quickly :)

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  6. Very pretty! It's bold, but I think with your look it looks awesome!

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  7. I've never done a back to MAC. I think I have 5 empty studio fix compacts, so I guess I need one more! I love the way Heroine looks on you!

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    1. Haha, almost there, then! Thanks, Ingrid :)

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  8. I have six items stashed-just need to take them in! My last back to mac was Up the Amp funnily enough! I love this shade but I dont think I am brave enough to buy it! xx

    Stacey | Expat Make-Up Addict xx

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    1. Haha, I think you could totally rock it, Stacey! xo

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  9. Heroine looks AWESOME on you!! but I can't finish up lipsticks for the life of me. :P

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    Replies
    1. Haha, none of my empties were actually lipsticks- mostly Blot Powders ;) Thanks, Steph!

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  10. Love that lip stick and it looks so awesome on you!!!

    - Deniz
    www.dressedupdeniz.com

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  11. I've been sitting on a Back to MAC for at least a few months now -- I just don't know what to get! PS That Lime Crime lip colour is the bomb dot com

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    1. It really is- Utopia is such a pretty, unique shade :)

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  12. I love Heroine on you! It's so bold and so perfect! They don't do Back to MAC here in Belgium, if you can believe it! Question though: how did you finish 6 products? LOL What did you finish? I never finish anything!

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    1. That's too bad! Most of my empties are MAC Blot Powders, which are a staple of mine. The others are usually super old products that I bought like, 10 years ago, and have gone bad. Might as well trade them for something new and fresh ;)

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  13. I want that color!

    xxx Linsey from POSE-BLOG.com

    You can also check my BLOGLOVIN & FACEBOOK if you like! :)

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  14. Wow, this colour is a dream, love it. ;-)
    Lovely greets

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  15. It's a lovely colour on you! I've always wanted to buy Heroine but I know I don't wear it often...
    Lime Crime Utopia is also something that caught my eye, I love the formula. :)

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  16. There's nothing I love more than a good purple lipstick. Definitely buying!

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All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)