MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour - Spring 2017 Shades: Swatches and Review

Press Sample Affiliate Links

Hey everyone! Today I have swatches and a review of the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours. (I know my last post was a liquid lipstick review but I've been really into liquid lipsticks lately please forgive me)

In all honesty, when MAC launched their Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours, it took me by surprise, mainly because I felt like they were a little late to the game when they came out. Still, I was so curious about how they compare to other liquid lipsticks on the market. They released more shades for Spring 2017 and I have ten to show you; some of the shades are limited edition while others will be permanent to the range.

I have arm and lip swatches to show you and my thoughts on the formula. 

Click through to read more!



The Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours are $17.00 for 5ml/.17 fl oz. (Available at MAC, Nordstrom, Dillards, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges). 

I have the shades Burnt Spice, Cafe au Chic, Carnivorous, Dash O' Spice, Ess-Presso, Flesh Stone, So Me, Topped with Brandy, Uniformly Fabulous, and Young Attitude. The limited edition shades are Dash O' Spice and Flesh Stone while the rest are permanent.

In short, I think this formula is good but not outstanding. The formula is a liquidy-cream that spreads well on the lips. I've gotten 8+ hours with the usual wearing away on the inner center of my lips; the formula is a little drying like most liquid lipsticks. Some of the colors apply unevenly so you do have to be careful (you'll see which in the swatches). 

The trick with these liquid lipcolours is to apply a thin amount; I do think the applicator holds too much product so you can easily over apply, which can make it look cracked on your lips. My tip is to wipe off both sides of the applicator and apply a thin layer onto your lips. The formula is pigmented enough that you won't sacrifice color but do get a more comfortable, even wear out of the lipcolour.

The formula is also one of the ones where it dries darker than it appears in the tube so it's worth trying in person if you can so you can see how the color looks on you. Some are absolutely gorgeous (Burnt Spice, Cafe au Chic, and Topped with Brandy are my picks) and though I'll probably never wear it often, Young Attitude is an amazing blue-teal.

Swatches


Here are arm swatches of the liquid lipcolours. 

From left to right: Burnt Spice, Cafe au Chic, Carnivorous, Dash O' Spice, Ess-Presso, Flesh Stone, So Me, Topped with Brandy, Uniformly Fabulous, and Young Attitude. 

Here are individual lip swatches for each shade and my brief thoughts on how the shade performed.

Burnt Spice

Burnt Spice is described as a "creamy dirty rose". It's a color that errs more towards a muted pinky coral on me and is one of my favorites from the range.

Cafe au Chic

Cafe au Chic is described as a "greyed beige". The description is very apt and I personally thought this would look awful on me but I find it to be surprisingly wearable. I like this on those days when I want a more taupe-y nude.

Carnivorous

Carnivorous is described as a "blackened red". This is a color that can look uneven if you're not careful (see my lower lip) but I have a soft spot for deep reds like this.

Dash O' Spice

Dash O' Spice is described as a "yellow beige". Yeah this looks awful on me, I feel a little jaundiced just wearing it.

Ess-presso

Ess-presso is described as a "Deepened chocolate brown". This pulls very cool-toned on me, I think your natural lip color will change how this pulls on you. I find it too cool toned for me so I personally wouldn't wear this alone.

Flesh Stone

Flesh Stone is described as a "greyed neutral brown". I think this pulls a little too grey on me and makes me look a little anemic. It's a beautiful color otherwise but I think just not on my skintone.

So Me

So Me is described as a "greyed plum". It's one of my favorite colors from the range and looks and applies wonderfully.

Topped with Brandy

Topped with Brandy is described as a "deep dirty rose". This reminds me of So Me if it was darker and richer; also an excellent shade.

Uniformly Fabulous

Uniformly Fabulous is described as a "blackened grape". This can look uneven if you're not careful but it's that deep dark purple that so many people would have loved during winter.

Young Attitude

Young Attitude is described as a "blackened teal". Yeah it's not the most even of liquid lipsticks but you can't deny that the color is badass.

Conclusion: 

I think MAC made a solid effort when releasing their liquid lipstick formula but I think some of the shades do miss the mark. When it comes to the range, I think you're better off picking individual colors you like, as I don't see this formula being amazingly outstanding or unique amongst liquid lipstick formulas out there. Just remember to apply the tiniest amount and you'll get much better results!

Have you tried any of MAC's Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours?

Disclaimer: I received these liquid lipcolours courtesy of MAC as press samples. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. The links in this post include affiliate links which provide me with a commission that helps to support my blog. Feel free to use nonaffiliate links when making a purchase!