September 5, 2013

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

MAC Retro Matte returns for the Fall season with a new permanent Retro Matte Lipstick collection available in eight shades starting September 12th. I don’t love matte finish lipstick by any means but I can understand and appreciate why people fall so hard for the Retro Matte formula. It’s a very soft, creamy texture that really wears strong.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick

Take a look!

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick is a very timeless, classic look. Even if you dislike mattes with a passion you can definitely acknowledge this formula as something special.

The lipstick formula has a soft, creamy texture which glides on very easily. The consistency does have the drier texture of a matte but when worn it doesn’t accentuate drier areas and wears for a good solid six hours before losing some of its intensity. The formula is fully opaque and provides excellent color pay off with a vibrancy that keeps its intensity through the wear and later on as it fades it leaves behind a staining effect.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Swatches

Runway Hit, All Fired Up, Dangerous, Fixed On Drama, Relentlessly Red

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Swatches 1

Dangerous, Fixed On Drama, Relentlessly Red

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Swatches 2

Runway Hit, All Fired Up, Dangerous

I don’t think the finish is completely forgivable especially if you have chronically drier lips but it isn’t difficult to wear either and is achievable with a little help from lip liner and balm. I find the texture is very lightweight and I don’t feel it’s sucking moisture from lips. Granted, it isn’t adding any moisture either but it isn’t making my lips any drier upon application.

I think part of the greatness here is the fact these wear so long and strong even sipping a few bottles of water, tea, etc…I find it doesn’t transfer nor does it migrated. You might experience some feathering if you have finer lines around your mouth and lips so a transparent or colored lip liner does keep the lipstick in place for longer wear.

I think MAC Retro Matte Lipstick definitely brings the drama! It’s not a formula everyone will willingly embrace but no one can deny that it’s classic, dramatic, and beautiful when worn correctly.

MAC All Fired Up Retro Matte Lipstick

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick All Fired Up

All Fired Up

MAC Dangerous Retro Matte Lipstick

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Dangerous

Dangerous

MAC Runway Hit Retro Matte Lipstick

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Runway Hit

Runway Hit

MAC Fixed on Drama Retro Matte Lipstick

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Fixed on Drama

Fixed On Drama

MAC Relentlessly Red Retro Matte Lipstick

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Relentlessy Red

Relentlessly Red

These beautiful shades launch next week at all MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com

How do you feel about the Retro Matte finish?

Do share!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Cindy Ramirez

    I am absolutely utterly obsessed with the Retro Matte finish. Riri Woo is my go-to red lipstick and I nearly dropped dead over these! I am completely prepared to sign over my next paycheck to MAC for this entire collection. Relentlessly red looks more more pink then red on you, but super lovely!

  • Jordan McEntaffer

    These look so cute! I am in love with Runway Hit and Fixed on Drama.

  • Mrs Green Jug

    I am eyeing “Runway Hit”, but do you think it’s a pretty unique color? It looks like the perfect pink!

  • Lisa

    already ordered fixed on drama, waiting for a few others to be available, they are listed now as “coming soon”, looks like a magenta, so, I’m waiting for that one. yes, i do love retro matte!

  • Majick

    I’m sure I’ll get sucked in at some point this year. LOL I love highly pigmented, creamy lippies. The colors are really intense!

  • Jessica

    Do you know which one the model is wearing in all the ads? Because I need it in my life

  • Lucia

    It�s called All fired up!
    It�s the one that is wearing the girl with the hat.Love it:)

  • Nynke

    Think the model is wearing flat out fabulous. I love all the colors! Im waiting for Runway Hit.

  • Donna

    I do believe I’m going to have to have at least one of these! All the colors look good on you! 🙂

  • Nishu

    I’m a sucker for matte’s and my fav from this range is ‘All Fired up’ ..! So gorgeous! Looks pretty on you too hun