Just as everyone was speculating about a possible MAC collaboration with the newly-transitioned Caitlyn Jenner (which, by the way, has already been confirmed a while back), the cosmetics giant decided to drop a bomb on the beauty community by announcing the partnership with English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding for a new holiday collection last December. Although I’m not really a fan of her music, I was genuinely stoked (as always, when it comes to celebrity beauty endorsements) for the launch and was already preparing to buy the lipsticks the moment I landed in Japan.
Judging by the looks of the promotional photos, the colour theme of this collection is very obviously centered around shades of neutral which, according to the description provided by MAC, were inspired by the effortlessly au naturel look of the singer herself. I was half-expecting lustres in the lipstick line since they’ve been pretty much a common occurrence in limited edition collections. But as usual, MAC always has surprises up their sleeves.
My wallet heaved a huge sigh of relief when I learnt that there were only two lipsticks in this collection alongside two Plushglasses and two Patentpolish Lip Pencils and other products for the eyes and face – all of which encased in a sleek, mostly-black packaging bearing the official logo for Ellie Goulding like they were made for her merchandise. Look, even the products themselves have the logo debossed into them!
MAC x Ellie Goulding
Inner packaging
MAC x Ellie Goulding
MAC x Ellie Goulding (from left: Only You & Without Your Love)
With product names like Only You and Without Your Love, sharp-eyed readers may have already noticed that the lipsticks were aptly named after the singer’s hits 🙂 At first glance, both shades reminded me of those from the Guo Pei collection in terms of their coral hues, sheerness and how they are virtually devoid of pigmentation, which is strange, considering that they have Cremesheen finish instead of the dreadful Lustre that Zenith and Ethereal Orchid have. In fact, I found that the lipsticks from the Guo Pei collection were a lot more pigmented than these two addition here.
#1 Without Your Love
Without Your Love is a warm seashell pink with Cremesheen finish (US$18 / S$34)
MAC Without Your Love
MAC Without Your Love
MAC Without Your Love
MAC Without Your Love
MAC Without Your Love
In a case that further blurs the line between Cremesheen and Lustre finishes, this pale pink has a very creamy and sheer quality with a glossy texture. Its only characteristic that sets it apart from Lustre is its micro-shimmers that lends an emollient effect on the lips.
The product, however, has a tendency to cluster around areas of unevenness which I felt was a little difficult to blend out. Although Without Your Love (WYL) sits comfortably on my lips, it does almost nothing to enhance my natural lip colour (hence it will probably show better on really fair skin tones) and because of how lightweight and slippery it is, it lasted under two hours when I wore it out.
#2 Only You
Only You is a muted mid-toned coral with Cremesheen finish (US$18 / S$34)
MAC Only You
MAC Only You
MAC Only You
MAC Only You
The darker lipstick shade in this collection, Only You is in a sort of salmon colour that complements my warm skin tone. It glides on smoothly on the lips and has a thicker consistency with a more opaque finish as compared to WYL. The pearlised pigments are not as glistening too and hence seems less like a gloss unlike WYL. Although it does settle into the lip lines, it is only obvious upon closer examination.
Swatch comparison 1
Swatch comparison 2
Unless you’re an avid lipstick collector or an ardent Ellie Goulding fan, you don’t have to rush into buying these lipsticks because honestly, these shades are not new so there is a high chance you’d find cheaper alternatives in the permanent range or from other brands. But price-wise, US$18 is, no doubt, a steal for products created by a renowned celebrity like Ellie Goulding.
What do you think about this collection? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
MAC X Ellie Goulding is now available on MACCosmetics.com. This collection was also launched locally at M.A.C Bugis Junction, Sephora ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and TANGS at Tang Plaza.
Last Christmas was an exceptionally brutal period for my wallet because of all the sales going on that caused my credit cards to break out of hibernation. Jeffree Star Cosmetics, in particular, rolled out five limited-edition (and now permanent) liquid lipstick shades to get every beauty lover in the mood for the festive season. They are Drug Lord, Doll Parts, Androgyny, Hoe Hoe Hoe and Mistletoe, some of which are colours that I admittedly don’t have the courage to parade in public yet.
Topping it all off, these new lipsticks were sold as a holiday bundle for only US$75 (which is equivalent to a discount of US$15) despite the widespread attention they had garnered on social media even before they were released for sale! That’s quite a substantial amount of moolah when converted to Singapore currency if you ask me, and it is precisely their generosity (and willingness to listen to their customers) that compelled me to support the brand. As might be expected, the lipsticks were sold out in minutes, thereby prompting Jeffree Star to do a restock and make the more popular shades permanent!
Limited edition packaging
From left: Androgyny, Doll Parts, Hoe Hoe Hoe, Drug Lord & Mistletoe
Swatches at a glance, from left: Hoe Hoe Hoe, Mistletoe, Drug Lord, Androgyny & Doll Parts
Deviating from its regular pink packaging, these liquid lipsticks came in white tubes and boxes that scream exclusivity. I actually prefer this design because it looks more sophisticated and original, unlike the regular packaging (the use of stars and silver holographic effect and the hot pink especially) which reminds me so much of that of Lime Crime. But of course, in terms of the quality of materials used for the packaging, Jeffree Star’s doesn’t feel like it would crack and shatter into pieces if you accidentally drop it.
#1 Doll Parts
Doll Parts is a soft cool-toned pink with matte finish (US$18)
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts (true to this colour)
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts
Making a comeback this month is Doll Parts, a muted fuchsia with blue undertones that instantly transform a tomboy into a girly girl. It has a fairly runny consistency which makes it all the more easy to blend. With a single application, it was able to fill my lips with an opaque and well-pigmented layer of lipstick. Unlike some liquid lipsticks I have, this does not wrinkle the lips and cause them to stiffen or move awkwardly. I generally do not have any complaints about their formula and Doll Parts certainly did not disappoint!
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts – swatch comparison
I don’t really go for light pink hues when it comes to purchasing liquid lipsticks because of my relatively tanner complexion, so the closest (but far from similar) shade I have to Doll Parts is Bad Habit by ColourPop.
#2 Androgyny
Androgyny is a plum mauve with a matte finish (US$18)
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny
Dusty mauves have become one of the most highly sought-after lipstick shades ever since Kylie Jenner started wearing it at public events about two years ago. As a neutral hue, Androgyny makes a safe choice for an everyday lipstick shade because it doesn’t blatantly shout for attention. It applies smoothly and evenly with a lightweight texture but settles slightly into the lip lines. It dries down to an opaque and non-drying matte finish quickly and was able to conceal the scab on my lower lip entirely.
However, this is one shade that you cannot rely solely on swatches to get a good idea of its true colour. While it seems to have redder undertones when swatched on my hand, it tends to pull purple on my lips which has a warmer tone. I was rather upset with the huge disparity because I really liked the colour on my hand. So Asian readers, do take note before you make your purchase!
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny – swatch comparison
Stingraye from ColourPop is lighter and has browner undertones as compared to Androgyny.
#3 Hoe Hoe Hoe
Hoe Hoe Hoe is a deep toned with hints of metallic red and purple throughout with matte finish (US$18)
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe
I don’t need another red lipstick but I just couldn’t resist those gorgeously subtle purple shimmers. Hoe Hoe Hoe lends the lips a fuller appearance with a provocative sheen, thereby upping the pout game. Unfortunately, it accentuates fine lines on the lips and feels a tad drier than the other Velour Liquid Lipsticks. The finish isn’t as densely pigmented as I like it to be but has a thicker consistency which may be why the applicator wasn’t able to collect a lot of product from the tube each time. Despite the alluring colour, this shade is probably the worst performer in the bundle.
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe – swatch comparison
Dance With Me by MAC is the dupe for Hoe Hoe Hoe! But if I had to choose between Hoe Hoe Hoe and Dance With Me, I would opt for the former. Apart from price difference, there are many other reasons for my choice and they will be revealed in my upcoming review on MAC’s Retro Matte Liquid Lipsticks so keep your eyes peeled to this space!
#4 Drug Lord
Drug Lord is a pure white with matte finish (US$18)
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord
The first of its kind, this sold-out multi-purpose shade can be used as a lightening agent to create ombre lips, as a liquid eyeliner or even worn as it is. But unless you want to look like a drug addict who has probably forgotten to wipe large remnants of heroin off the lips after use of the drug, or a clueless child who has mistakenly used correction fluid on her lips, use Drug Lord only as a base colour, please.
When worn by itself, it appears messy and requires several applications to completely conceal the natural lip colour. It forms clumps at the doe foot, thus making it hard to line the lips. On top of that, because it’s white, the applicator gets dirty very easily!
#5 Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a true Christmas tree-green with a matte finish (US$18)
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe
What’s Christmas without red… and green? This aptly-named shade (although Grinch would be more appropriate) is a unique colour in my stash (so no swatches to compare with, sorry!). It has a slightly runnier formula and therefore was able to distribute evenly across the lips without too much difficulty. It applies smoothly on the lips but has a fairly opaque coverage because streaks of my natural lip colour could still be seen. You would hence need more than one swipe (the formula is buildable) to entirely obscure the lips.
I’m very late to review these lipsticks so Mistletoe and Hoe Hoe Hoe have already been taken down from the catalogue on Jeffree Star Cosmetics website. But who knows, it may just make a comeback this Christmas!
All in all, this bundle is only worthwhile if you intend to use all of liquid lipsticks. Otherwise, just stick to the conventional shades like Androgyny, Doll Parts and Hoe Hoe Hoe because honestly, US$75 is still quite a lot of money!
What are your thoughts on the unusual colours like Drug Lord and Mistletoe? Would you wear them as they are or blend it with another shade to achieve another colour? I would love to hear from you so chime in below!
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more beauty reviews! 🙂
JEFFREE STAR VELOUR LIQUID LIPSTICKS in Doll Parts, Androgyny and drug lord ARE AVAILABLE AT JEFFREESTARCOSMETICS.COM AND BEAUTYLISH FOR US$18 EACH. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING IS FREE FOR ORDERS ABOVE US$100 AND US$35 ON JEFFREECOSMESTICS.COM AND BEAUTYLISH RESPECTIVELY.
I’m so glad you’re still here! Thanks for sticking with me despite the lack of beauty updates (non-sponsored posts, that is) on this blog since the onset of this year. Many make-up launches have come and gone over the course of my inactivity, and yet I had only managed to find time recently to do a proper photo shoot for my beauty haul dated as far back as November last year.. because my final semester of college has been a bitch. Before my next major shipment of beauty purchases gets to my doorstep, allow me to bombard you with reviews that have been long overdue!
MAC (and many other brands I follow) had launched a series of collections in the few weeks leading up to Christmas last year and Dark Desires was among the first to pop up on the virtual shelves during that period. It was released online in late November and in U.S. stores in early December, but never internationally.
Probably inspired by erotic films with the likes of Fifty Shades of Grey, the products were given risqué names to complement the dark and edgy shades chosen for this collection. I don’t know about you but considering that the aforementioned movie was screened in cinemas more than six months ago, I found the launch of Dark Desires peculiarly timed because it didn’t quite fit into the holiday theme.
Dark Desires lipsticks
Out of the four lipsticks (Ring My Bell, Heavy Petting, Boyfriend Stealer & Black Night) that were released alongside eye shadows, eye pencils, eye glosses and nail lacquers, I had my eyes on only three because I was too broke to get the pale cool neutral which is unlikely to show on my lips anyway. With the exception of Boyfriend Stealer and the eye pencils, everything in this line-up is new in the market. There is actually quite a substantial number of products in this collection so I was a little perplexed why the sale wasn’t expanded beyond the U.S. Could it be due to the suggestive product names that, perhaps, were deemed inappropriate for the largely conservative Asian market?
Lipsticks (from left): Black Night, Heavy Petting & Boyfriend Stealer
Swatch (from left): Heavy Petting, Boyfriend Stealer & Black Night
All the three lipsticks have a Cremesheen finish but I thought Matte or Satin would make a more suitable choice for this theme because of the bolder and more defined appearance it lends the lips. The provocativeness of the colours seemed to be toned down by the translucence of the finish.
#1 Boyfriend Stealer
Boyfriend Stealer is a blackened plum with Cremesheen finish (US$17)
MAC Boyfriend Stealer
MAC Boyfriend Stealer
MAC Boyfriend Stealer
MAC Boyfriend Stealer
MAC Boyfriend Stealer
Typical of Cremesheen lipsticks, Boyfriend Stealer has a sticky and balm-like texture that sits comfortably on the lips. It has a semi-opaque (leaning more towards sheer) pigmentation as the natural colour of my lips could be seen even after applying several layers of it, therefore it feels more like a lip gloss. However, I didn’t like how it tends to amplify the imperfections of the lips – most of the product seemed to gather at the scab on my lower lip (which has been chapped for the past couple of weeks due to dehydration) so instead of concealing it, it had actually made it more obvious. The consistency of the colour isn’t uniform throughout as well – some parts of my lips had a heavier payoff than the rest. Unsightly!
MAC Boyfriend Stealer swatch comparisons
The texture and opacity of Boyfriend Stealer are quite similar to those of Power My Spirit, which had also received a low rating on my scorecard for its poor colour consistency. But on the bright side, I don’t have any shade that’s identical to Boyfriend Stealer.
#2 Heavy Petting
Heavy Petting is a burgundy with Cremesheen finish (US$17)
MAC Heavy Petting
MAC Heavy Petting
MAC Heavy Petting
MAC Heavy Petting
MAC Heavy Petting
The colour on the bullet of Heavy Petting differs greatly from the colour that appears on the lips – how frustrating! I had bought it with the thinking that it would be a dark brown but it turned out to be a lot lighter than that. It has the same tacky texture as Boyfriend Stealer but not so intense. The formula hugs the lips and provides a hydrating veil that bounces light off the surface. Although sheer, the colour shows with just a single swipe. When the colour overlaps with multiple applications, it leaves a darker tint on the lips which fortunately isn’t very noticeable from a distance.
MAC Heavy Petting swatch comparisons
Heavy Petting is a sheerer dupe of Good to be Bad (a reddened burgundy with Sheen Supreme finish, launched in 2011).
#3 Black Night
Black Night is a black with red and gold pearl with Cremesheen finish (US$17)
MAC Black Night
MAC Black Night
MAC Black Night
MAC Black Night
MAC Black Night
Black Night is the second black lipstick by MAC, with the first being Hautecore. It has very prominent and well-distributed gold microshimmer (the red isn’t very noticable) which gives the lips the added sparkle without looking too glitzy. As compared to its matte counterpart, Black Night is definitely more hydrating and emollient but sheerer in pigmentation and has colour inconsistencies. And perhaps due to its low pigmentation, the lipstick does not turn out to be entirely black on the lips but instead, an intense deep plum. Although sheer, the colour is buildable but the additional layers would slip away after a while and leave the lips looking patchy once again like in the pictures above. It is, nevertheless, still the easiest to work with among all the lipstick I bought from this collection and certainly the most gorgeous-looking one.
MAC Black Night swatch comparisons
You can see the the opacity of Black Night fading from the left above.
Despite really liking most of the cremesheen lipsticks I own, the performance of the lipsticks in this collection surprisingly upsets me because they generally apply unevenly and appear extremely untidy and variegated on the lips. The colours are pretty but I wish more attention could be paid on the pigments when these lipsticks were formulated.
What are your thoughts? Share them with me in the comments below!
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more lipstick reviews comin’ up! 🙂
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