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Friday 22 January 2016

Currently Obsessed: MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours

Hi, everyone! If you've been scoping out my Instagram lately, you'll know that I've been posting non-stop about MAC's Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours. When I saw a preview for these new offerings about a month ago, I was instantly intrigued. First off, that packaging! I'll go into more detail below, but I think they are such a neat take on the classic MAC lipstick bullet. Second, the shade range looked totally fabulous. I hadn't been this excited for a new MAC release in some time, so my first stop after work the day of their release was the Eaton Centre MAC store. I was ready to swatch and play! 


MAC describes the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours as a new take on the classic matte lipstick that offers "robustly saturated shades" (from maccosmetics.ca). It promises bold colour with a long-wearing "liquid suede finish". 

The display for the collection was as colourful as expected, with a retro-inspired promo image and all 15 shades from the range presented in a geometric arrangement. I immediately went to town swatching several of the shades and, after narrowing down my options, left with two of the Liquid Lipcolours. After another week of lusting and ruminating, I picked up another two colours to round out my current collection. 


Packaging

Let's get back to the packaging, shall we? The outer boxes are the same as any MAC lip offering, semi-matte black cardboard with white lettering. As for the Liquid Lipcolours themselves? I mean, look at them! I've heard that people have mixed feelings about the design, but I personally think they are ingenious and adorable. The black twist-off lids look identical to MAC's iconic black lipstick tubes, while the bottom halves are made of sturdy, clear plastic, are longer than a typical MAC lipstick, and allow you to see the shade inside (which is extra handy). 




The applicators are an adaptation of the typical doe foot. They are relatively long and narrow and have a pointed tip that I find really helps with a precise application. It fits into corners of the lips perfectly and also helps to trace the lip line quite well! 


Here is a close-up of the applicator: 


Shades and Swatches

The four shades I've selected (so far) are:

Fashion Legacy- described as "an intense fire truck red", I find it to be a classic, slightly warm-toned red that is bold, yet totally flattering

High Drama- described as a "deep, dark plum", this is a deep berry wine that looks near-black when layered and worn at full intensity

Dance with Me- described as a "deep cranberry red", this is a cooler raspberry red that's not quite vampy, not quite bright, and incredibly pretty

Recollection- described as an "intense bright violet", this is a beautiful vivid mid-tone purple that is bold and unique, yet still quite wearable.

Here are swatches of each on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone):


Wear Time

These claim long-wear and that has definitely been my experience! They've blown me away in this regard, actually. About 5 minutes after applying the swatches on my arm, I rubbed them vigorously with a cotton pad. As you can see, the colour barely budged! 


The performance of these lip colours during a meal is what has impressed me most. The first time I wore one of these to dinner (Fashion Legacy), I could see the lipstick transferring on my glass and napkin (I was eating cheesy pasta, after all), but I was terrified to look in the mirror afterwards. I expected it to be everywhere! But when I finally peeked at my reflection I was so pleasantly surprised! Despite some transfer of colour during the meal, there is so much pigment in these lipsticks that enough stayed on my lips by the end of dinner that I didn't have to re-apply. And there were no smudges or bleeding. Impressive! 

In a true experimental fashion, I wore Fashion Legacy to brunch with my blogger friends last weekend in an attempt to replicate these findings. And I did! Here's a shot of me after devouring buttery baguettes and eggs with Hollandaise sauce. As you can see, the colour is still intact! The colour is a bit deeper along the edges of my mouth, but it was light years away from the dreaded "lip liner only" look that can happen as a lipstick wore off. It looked nearly as good as new. My blogger buds were impressed! 


I did re-apply the lipstick after brunch and, after a bit of shopping, met up with another friend for a movie. We then grabbed some post-flick grub; namely, a pint of beer and a plate of cheesy nachos. When I got home, I expected my lips to look a mess (I mean, beer and nachos!), but that was not the case. Check it! 

Yes, my lips did look a bit dry and uneven, but the pigment of the Liquid Lipcolour just clung to my lips so well. Beer, cheese, and guacamole could not make a dent! 


Liquid Lip Colours with Completed Makeup Looks


Fashion Legacy
Perhaps my fave of the bunch. Such a classic, flattering red! Makes me feel like a '40s Hollywood screen siren.



High Drama
Man I feel like a badass sporting this shade! The blackened berry is dramatic, yet still totally wearable. 



Dance with Me
The deeper berry red that brightens the complexion and really makes me want to dance! I think this would be flattering on just about everyone. 



Recollection
I love me a purple lip and this one is ultra cool! It is the most patchy of the shades I've tried, but when applied carefully, it looks pretty fabulous. 


An Overview


Pros:
  • These are intensely pigmented. A little goes a very long way! 
  • The wear time is tops! Though not transfer-proof, your lips will still look painted and even after a meal! 
  • These are essentially smudge-proof. If you accidentally brush your lips or have a drink of water, these will not move! 
  • The applicator is super functional- the pointed tip allows you to paint inner corners and edges of the lips quite easily
  • Though these are far from hydrating, I find these significantly less drying than other matte liquid lip colours I've tried
  • The shade range is comprehensive- from nude, to berry, to red, to ultra vampy!
  • The packaging is adorable! Unique, but honours the MAC aesthetic perfectly. 
Cons:
  • Because these are so pigmented, if you make an application mistake it's a bit tricky to fix
  • If not applied carefully, these can look a bit uneven on your lips. But if you take your time (I paint the bottom lip, then the top lip, without blotting or rubbing them together), even application is totally do-able
  • Though touch-ups are rarely necessary, the effect can be a bit uneven if you add another layer after eating (though only if you are scrutinizing them up close)


If you cannot already tell, I'm totally smitten with these! Like every other matte liquid lipstick I've tried, they are not without flaws, but I think I can safely say they're my favourite! The shades and pigmentation are beautiful, the applicator is completely functional, and the wear time can't be beat. And that packaging! My Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour collection will undoubtedly grow in the coming months. At the the moment I'm eyeing up Tailored to Tease (the fuchsia of the bunch) and To Matte with Love (a soft, everyday mid-tone rosy berry). I'll keep you posted when my stash grows!

Are you interested in the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours? Did I tempt you? Which of these shades is your fave? What's your favourite liquid lip colour formula?

Thanks for dropping by! xo

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63 comments:

  1. i actually really want to try these!!! but you know...same problem. too many lipsticks. not enough lip

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    1. Haha, yeah- not enough lip! Think you'd love these, though :)

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  2. It seems like everyone is releasing matte liquid lipsticks these days and I'm not surprised MAC launched their own. I think they all look lovely on you, but I agree that Fashion Legacy is the winner. It does totally give you that old hollywood glamour look!

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    1. Yeah, they're everywhere- but MAC's stand out to me! I'm totally obsessed with Fashion Legacy :) Thanks, Megan!

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  3. All of these shades look so good and that durability is amazing! I'd probably be too scared to wear the berry shade but High Fashion and that raspberry one has my name all over it!

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    1. Yes, I think the reds would look stunning on you! Thanks :)

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  4. Going by swatches I like the two purples. But on your photos High Fashion is definitely my pick!
    The Beauty Bloss

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    1. Definitely check out the purple and berry shades- they're fab! But yeah, Fashion Legacy is my fave :)

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  5. Definitely not one for on the go application then? High Drama looks gorgeous on you. We wish we could pull off a dark, vampy lip

    M x K
    Bloglovin

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    1. Yeah, application takes a bit of time, but so worth it! High Drama really is a top-notch vampy shade :)

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  6. I super heart that smudge test! They look like winners!

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    1. Yes, the wear time really is impressive! So worth checking out :)

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  7. They look lovely on you! I love Fashion Legacy on you the most! You should try some of the nudes next, I think they would look great as well :)

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    1. Yes, I'm very tempted by Back in Vogue, one of the peachy nudes. Thanks, Kayleigh! xo

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  8. These look pretty dang awesome! I'm tempted to pick one up but I'm already planning on buying sooo many matte liquid lipsticks haha! I do love the look of High Drama though!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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    1. Haha, yeah, matte liquid lipsticks are everywhere, but these ones stand out for me! I think you'd love High Drama :)

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  9. sono meravigliosi, li voglio tutti!
    new post http://piubuonepiubelle.blogspot.it/

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    1. Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by! xo

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  10. Stunning! I wouldn't be brave enough to wear the purple one but would love the other three! xx

    Beautylymin

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    1. Heehe, yeah- the purple is bold, but still quite wearable, I think! Thanks! xo

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  11. I also love the packaging! The Fashion Legacy is STUNNING on you!

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    1. Thanks so much, Charissa! It's my fave too :)

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  12. These look so stunning on you, I actually want the shade "lady be good" but its sold out everywhere! xx

    www.adaliascloset.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thanks so much! I know that shade is ultra popular! xo

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  13. Fashion Legacy (the bright red) looks fantastic on you!

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  14. Thanks for a helpful review, I have been going back and forth about buying these liquid lipsticks, heard so many reviews but I was still afraid that the lip product will come off after food and many says re-applying is a no-no for these formulas. I'm glad that these stays on for so long and they look gorgeous on you! Generally darker shades performs better, I wonder if the nudes shades will stay on as good?!

    Kay ♡ http://kayxcake.blogspot.co.nz

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    1. These come of very slightly after food, but still look amazing after a meal! Super impressed! I know the reds and deeper shades have gotten better reviews, but some of the paler shades look beautiful too :)

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  15. I have one, Feels So Grand, and I think it's absolutely amazing! It applies so flawlessly, it's insane! I had a feeling you'd be all over these too :-)

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    1. Ooh, that's another pretty red! Glad you're happy with it :)

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  16. I still haven't had a chance to check them out, it sounds amazing!I like matte finish, and finish is beautiful. I don't think I would ever purple, but fashion legacy is a stunning red!

    www.elabellaworld.com

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    1. I think you'd love Fashion Legacy! These are so worth checking out :)

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  17. May I know how much are these retailing for? I just read that they are pricey.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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    1. They're $24 CAD. A bit more than a regular matte lipstick, but a little goes a long way!

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  18. High Drama looks lovely - I've heard so much about these, I must go and have a swatch of them :) xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty

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    1. You definitely should- so worth it! High Drama is amazing :)

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  19. I need these in my life! I'm amazed they still looked great after eating. Fashion Legacy looks gorgeous on you! (:

    ahintofbeauty.blogspot.com/

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    1. Yes, you do! They're fab. Thanks, Lupe! xo

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  20. These look gorgeous - High Drama is my ideal sort of shade for a night out!


    Claire | Stylingo.co.uk xx

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    1. Absolutely! High Drama is a perfect vampy shade! :)

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  21. wow they all look awesome on your lips

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  22. These all look gorgeous on you! I especially love the red (fashion legacy). :-)

    http://beautifulbliss12.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks so much, Bella! Fashion Legacy is my fave too :)

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  23. The formula sounds so lovely, and I love the packaging! You look gorgeous in all of the shades - I wish I could pull off that purple though xx

    Gemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie

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    1. Thanks so much, Gemma! The formula really is tops and the purple is surprisingly wearable :)

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  24. The red is stunning on you!!! I need to try!

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    1. Thanks so much, Samantha! You should definitely give these a try! :)

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  25. Ok I think I am convinced, I need one of the reds! You slay them as always!

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    1. Thanks so much! The deeper and red shades are definitely the standouts of this range :)

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  26. OMG, Fashion Legacy is gorgeous on you. I really like them! I love the concept of these lip colors.

    Thank you for sharing swatches! =)

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    1. Thanks so much, Jen! Fashion Legacy really is a fabulous red :)

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  27. Those swatches are amazing, they look fab on you:)

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    1. Thanks so much! I'm properly obsessed with them :)

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  28. Gorgeous! I've also been loving the MAC liquid lipsticks and picked up Tailored To Tease, Oh Lady, Back in Vogue, and Dance With Me :). LOVE them!
    xx
    Caked To The Nines

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    1. Ooh, glad you're loving them too! Think I'm going to pick up Tailored to Tease next! xo

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  29. Seriously... that thing was bulletproof on your lips at brunch! And I looove the shades you chose.

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    1. Seriously! They continue to amaze me. I think you'd love Dance with Me- similar to Too Faced Melted Berry :)

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  30. Thanks, Kenny! Same to you :)

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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 :)