REVIEW: MAC x Julia Petit Lipsticks – Açai, Boca & Petite Red + GIVEAWAY

Hello ladies!

Spring has just begun (according to the astronomical definition because well, there’s no spring at where I live) and already MAC has launched quite a number of new collections together with a few beauty visionaries that have proven to be huge crowd favourites!

Just last Thursday, there was another launch and this time it was a collaboration with Brazilian beauty blogger Julia Petit whose name sounds pretty French to me. Once again I must had been living under a rock to not know who she was but thanks to MAC, I now have another blog to stalk, though it’s entirely in Portuguese. I shall just immerse myself in pretty pictures.

macxjuliapetit-6

MAC x Julia Petit. Anyone else eyeing on that see-through dress? HEHE sexaye.

And did you know that Julia Petit is 42 years old?

I bet you didn’t. What kinda sorcery is this, right??

Never mind. Did I mention how long it took for Açai and Boca lipsticks to sell out on site? No? Okay, less than 5 minutes (because the last time I checked was about 5 minutes earlier when I was having my dinner). And I was only notified about the launch via email more than an hour later (as usual). I was absolutely stupefied to see only 1 lipstick shade left in the inventory when I got on (which was subsequently snapped up in less than an hour’s time). Hold on, can somebody explain to me why this collection seemed to be more popular than Cinderella and Bao Bao Wan? I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was actually beaten to buying the popular shades by hundreds (or even thousands) of MAC fanatics?

WHAT?!

macxjuliapetit-7

MAC x Julia Petit 2015, featuring about a third of the total collection. The full list includes Eye Shadow Duo (Morganite, Sagu & Moving Sand), Liquidlast Liner, Tinted Lipglass, Lustre Drops, Prep+Prime Transparent Pressed Finishing Powder and a Powder Blush.

I probably have the answer to my own question. With the most products in a single collection for Spring, Julia Petit’s own MAC beauty line seemed to be the most promising among the three releases thus far. It also made me very excited because the lip colours look like they were going to be used to death by me.

SAMSUNG CSC

(Finally figured out how to adjust my camera settings. I’m sucha tech noob)

Finally, a nude shade that’s more opaque and would show up on my lips. I had enough of pretentious pinky-beige shades that would barely make any difference to my natural lip colour. The other two shades look very wearable too, especially that gorgeous shade of plum ❗

SAMSUNG CSC

Petite Red, Boca and Acai in glossy tubes and boxes!

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

Packaging

macxjuliapetit-8

Official swatch

 

SAMSUNG CSC

An overview! 🙂

I bought the lipsticks from a local MAC store (Sephora ION outlet, to be exact) on the date of release since I wasn’t swift enough online. There was no launch event so this collection was set to release when doors open at 10am. I was in a complete state of panic (woes of a makeupholic) as I could only be there during lunch hour at noon. But THANK GOD, there were still plenty of lipsticks left when I arrived. The only thing that sold out was the Lustre Drops which I heard had only two in quantity for sale at each MAC outlet.

SAMSUNG CSC

Açai is a vivid deep violet with Matte finish (US$17.50/S$32)

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

Açai is the only Matte lipstick in this collection and omagad, isn’t this colour STUNNING? Even though it’s Matte, it certainly felt more like Lustre. It’s not very drying and I’m very pleased with the opacity.

SAMSUNG CSC

Rebel is the closest dupe. Fashion Revival makes a great alternative too (that is, if you have this Limited Edition shade from The Matte Lip) if you prefer something darker and redder.

SAMSUNG CSC

Petite Red is a strawberry cream with Satin finish (US$17.50/S$32)

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

Was having a bad hair day as you can see..

SAMSUNG CSC

Doesn’t this shade make you want to lick your lips because it looks like you just smeared strawberry jam all over your mouth? I was secretly hoping for this shade to be flavoured too . ^^” Jokes aside, I don’t think you would ever go wrong with this sweet shade of pink with blue undertone. It’s the kind of colour that would complement almost every type of skin tone 🙂 Plus, the added sheen gives your lips a plump effect that would look perfect for any events.  😉

SAMSUNG CSC

All Fired Up seems close, but more matte.

Lastly, we have Boca, another popular nude shade that would bring you a step closer to achieving lips like Kylie Jenner! Whoop.

SAMSUNG CSC

Boca is a soft pink nude with Satin finish (US$17.50/S$32)

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

Direct sunlight

SAMSUNG CSC

True to this colour

Unlike most nude shades I own which are usually too light that it washes me out, this one has a muted pink hue with a creamy finish. It is slightly more opaque than Açai, has less sheen as compared to Petite Red and definitely appears to fill my lips more evenly as well. However it started drying out my lips after an hour in my stuffy room.

(Psst, if you’re not getting the pout you desire, try lining your lips!)

SAMSUNG CSC

Swatch comparisons with other nude MAC shades. Cosmo looks like a darker alternative while Marque is the lighter and glossier version of Boca.

That’s all for my review! Let’s do a quick poll:

MAC x Julia Petit is now available on MACCosmetics.com as well as in Singapore MAC Outlets (Tangs, Sephora Ion, Sephora Ngee Ann City).

SAMSUNG CSC

In case you missed the last bit of the title, I’m holding my first giveaway in conjunction with the launch of my newly-created social media accounts. Some of you might have already noticed the Twitter and Facebook widgets on the sidebar that link to my respective “fan” pages (okay I don’t like that word but I can’t think of any substitute for that right now). These are alternative channels that you can subscribe to to receive updates from me 🙂 On top of that, I would occasionally post beauty and lifestyle-related offers – something which I rarely do on my blog because I don’t fancy short random posts 😛

And most importantly, this is also a way for me to express my appreciation and gratitude for all your support 🙂

For my first giveaway, I’m gifting one lucky reader a brand new MAC x Julia Petit Lipstick in Petite Red (as reviewed above) which I ordered from MACCosmetics.com. This giveaway is open internationally. In other words, everyone, regardless of where you are, is eligible to join! The product will be shipped to the winner’s address 🙂

All you have to do is to “Like” my Facebook page for a chance to win, or follow my Twitter/Instagram account (on top of the Facebook page) to earn an additional chance. For example,

Facebook “Like” = 1 chance
Facebook “Like” + Twitter follow = 2 chances
Facebook “Like” + Instagram follow = 2 chances
Facebook “Like” + Instagram + Twitter follows = 3 chances

Existing followers are eligible to join as well 🙂

Once you’ve done any of the above, comment with your name and e-mail address on this entry. I will use a randomizer to pick a winner. Contest ends 31 March and I will reveal the winner by 3 April 🙂 Good luck! GIVEAWAY CLOSED

fionaseah.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

REVIEW: MAC x Mia Moretti Lipstick in Media

Hello ladies!

I’m back with yet another lipstick review. This time, it’s going to be a lot shorter than usual because there’s only one lipstick in this collection. And it’s a dark shade! *beams with joy*

mac-mia-moretti-0

Mia Moretti is a New York-based DJ and apparently a BFF of Katy Perry

But as some long-time MAC users might already know, Media isn’t an entirely new shade having first launched more than 10 years ago as part of the permanent range. I’m not sure why the sudden re-promote now when it’s practically still the same thing (by that, I mean the packaging). Hence, I was puzzled for awhile. Is this a collaboration or a feature of the DJ’s favourite MAC products (something like Artist Faves)? Whatever it is, I’m very glad that MAC/Mia Moretti had decided to put a spotlight on Media amongst the hundreds of lipstick shades that the cosmetics giant offer. Without it, I probably would have given it a miss because I’m more compelled to spend my money on limited edition shades since they won’t be available for long.

Do follow my brand new Twitter account for more bite-sized beauty updates! 🙂 I will occasionally post beauty deals as well (for both international and Singapore makeup junkies). It also makes asking questions and sharing even easier!

Anyway, that was Mia’s second collaboration (if you’d call it) with MAC. She had one last July which also featured permanent MAC products. Needless to say, I passed on that one too, also partly because I’m not really a huge fan of Sheen Supreme finish.

SAMSUNG CSC

Normal packaging

SAMSUNG CSC

Media is an intense reddish-purple with Satin finish (US$16)

SAMSUNG CSC

A closer look

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

About 2 layers

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

I have a love-hate relationship with lipsticks that have a Satin finish. It is a great alternative to Matte because of the added sheen that makes the colour pop. Satin lipsticks are known for their conditioning formula that prevents them from being too drying on the lips. It gives a very greasy feel and the colours tend to slip into my lip lines after awhile so unless I want a lip stain effect, I have to keep touching it up every now and then. Satin colours also don’t usually come out entirely opaque on the first application. You’d need to apply crazy amount of layers (at least 4 from my own experience) to get that kind of opacity on Mia. I don’t really have the patience for that lol. Nevertheless, this is a really nice colour although it’s quite a dupable shade. It’s not too dark and it eventually fades into a really nice wine colour.

SAMSUNG CSC

Swatch comparison with some purplish shades. A close dupe is probably Dark Side, a shade which I absolutely adore 🙂

I hope MAC repromotes more dark shades like this. I know there used to be one called Dramatic Encounter but it was a Limited Edition shade released under the Glamour Daze collection back in 2012 when I wasn’t so cray-cray about lipsticks yet. It’s so gorgeous goddammit. Bring it back!

Ah okay, that’s all about this uber short review. Thanks for reading guys 🙂

Media is currently available on MACCosmetics.com. It is however not available in Singapore.

REVIEW: MAC x Bao Bao Wan Lipsticks – Lavender Jade, Forbidden Sunrise, Burmese Kiss & Romantic Breakdown

Hey ladies!

As promised, another MAC review within the day (technically it isn’t anymore as it’s past midnight here. But meh).

mac-cosmetics-bao-bao-wan-2015

Love the metallic brown theme

Before I begin, let’s have a show of hands: who has heard of Bao Bao Wan (or 万宝宝, literally means ten thousands of treasure in English. Destined to be filthy rich, I see 😮 ) prior to this launch? Unless you have a keen interest in fine jewelry or the mega-rich in China, you most probably wouldn’t have known of her existence.

But clearly when it comes to MAC collaborations, the limelight is not shone on the celebrity’s status but on the products that are released with the global cosmetics giant instead. People are more interested in what the collaboration has to offer. And through her Limited Edition MAC line, not only do we know that Bao Bao Wan is a “high-society darling, artist, pop philosopher, muse and jewellery designer” and also “one of China’s most renowned style stars”, we also noticed that Wan really looks like Dr Georgia Lee loves bright, close-to-neon colours. Just look at those lipsticks. Those shades are seriously to die for. *drools*

SAMSUNG CSC

How gorgeous!

SAMSUNG CSC

Even the names of the lipsticks sound more artsy fartsy than usual

SAMSUNG CSC

This collection is awesome because out of the 4 lipsticks released, 3 are MATTE. Yipee!

mac-bao-bao-wan-7

Official swatch

SAMSUNG CSC

My swatch

SAMSUNG CSC

Products from this collection are “outfitted in velvety brown packaging featuring burnished metal, embellished with her signature”. She must be really something to be able to do that. Even Lorde, who had a makeup line with MAC last year, didn’t have such privilege!

SAMSUNG CSC

Sleek packaging that exudes radiance charm and elegance

Fortunately, this collection isn’t as massive as Cinderella as it only has a Jewels Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow, the 4 lipsticks featured here, 1 iridescent pressed powder and 3 studio nail lacquers (in Kashmir Blue, Imperial Green and Sunset Tourmaline). If I remember correctly, both Bao Bao Wan and Cinderella were originally slated to be released on the same day (crazy, I know) but somehow plans got changed and this launch was postponed to early March. On behalf of thousands of poor makeup fanatics, thank you for being kind to our wallets, MAC. *teary eyed*

The lipsticks, being so vibrant and out of the ordinary, didn’t seem to be wearable and flattering on me at first glance until I wore them! Two shades particularly surprised me because I never knew I would look good in bright colours.

SAMSUNG CSC

Burmese Kiss is a bright coral pink with Matte finish (US$17.50)

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

I love everything about Burmese Kiss – the texture and pigmentation especially. It glides on my lips really well and gives me the impression that it can stay on my lips for hours! Yay, finally a vibrant lipstick that I can wear without feeling out of place and having to touch up every now and then. But wait, haven’t I seen this shade before somewhere?

SAMSUNG CSC

Burmese Kiss is a 99% dupe for Toxic Tale

Why do this to me? 😦 Oh well, I just gotta convince myself that Toxic Tale (from Maleficent and Red, Red, Red collections) is slightly, perhaps by a mere 1%, darker than Burmese Kiss.

SAMSUNG CSC

Forbidden Sunrise is a creamy orange with Matte finish (US$17.50)

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

My second favourite shade from this collection, this a really pretty orange with yellow and red undertones that really lights up my face. It’s something I would be apprehensive about at first, but hooked onto it after that. I see myself wearing it very often to work 😀 Like Burmese Kiss, the texture and pigmentation are spot on. I had no problems filling in my lips entirely with this. No unsightly lines spotted either!

SAMSUNG CSC

Forbidden Sunrise is a pretty unusual colour. Hence, it’s a worthy buy! 🙂

Moving on to Lavender Jade, the most sought-after shade from this collection which sold out first on site. Now, this is tricky because my camera couldn’t seem to capture its true colour. A quick search on Google also revealed that I’m not the only one facing this problem, so allow me to put my Photoshop skills into action.

SAMSUNG CSC

Lavender Jade is a dirty mauve with gold pearl with Matte finish (US$17.50). The colour of the bullet (just for this picture) has been adjusted to approximate its true colour.

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

The colour in real life is definitely darker than this.

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

Bao Bao Wan wears this shade on the publicity poster for this collection and I felt that it looked really pretty on her. Of course, expectation does not always translate into reality. The cool-toned purple kinda washes me out and needless to say, I think I look terrible in this shade. However, this shade isn’t all bad because it also has great consistency like the two shades above. Its opacity offers great coverage as well.

SAMSUNG CSC

The purple family

SAMSUNG CSC

Romantic Breakdown is a sheer nude with Lustre finish (US$17.50)

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

Pardon the poor quality

SAMSUNG CSC

SAMSUNG CSC

Seriously, what’s with MAC and their obsession with sheer nude lipsticks that do absolutely nothing to the lips? And is it necessary for every collection to have at least one such useless shade? *grumbles on* Don’t be fooled by the sweet nude colour of the bullet. Romantic Breakdown, just like the two disappointing lipstick shades from the Cinderella collection, proves to be another money waster. The colour doesn’t show at all on my lips because of the lack of opacity. I understand that MAC lipsticks with Lustre finish are designed to be sheer, but this is ridiculously sheer to the extent that I can barely see anything. What’s the point of putting on lipstick then? 👿

Grrr.. I’m so tired of lamenting. I should just boycott all nude shades in Lustre finish altogether.

SAMSUNG CSC

Comparison with other nude shades that are actually visible

Alright, that’s all for this review! What have you got?

Hope you guys enjoyed this review! I have one more coming up, but first let me get some rest. It’s almost 5am here and I have to be up later for work. The sacrifices I make for my blog 😐

Thanks for reading!

MAC x Bao Bao Wan is now available on MACCosmetics.com as well as in Singapore stores. Grab them before they’re gone!