MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Retro Matte Kit

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Retro Matte Lip Kit

MAC Nutcracker Sweet Plum Retro Matte Lip Kit ($45.00 for 0.59 oz.) includes a full sized lipstick, liquid lipstick, and mascara. In this set, the lipstick is a new, limited edition shade, while the liquid lipstick is part of the permanent range, which I tested and reviewed last year (please note, I did not retest or retake swatch photos, but I did compare swatches to ensure color accuracy between the two). The Retro Matte lipstick and liquid lipstick formulas tend to be drying, though they are often very long-wearing and pigmented, so they’re both formulas with trade-offs. Some love the long-wearing power of the Retro Matte ranges, while others prefer reapplication with a more comfortable formula.

Value

Lipstick: $17.00 for 0.10 oz.
Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour: $21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.
Mascara: $23.00 for 0.42 fl. oz.
Total Value: $61.00*

* Note: if you do not use the mascara or the makeup bag, the value to you would only be $38.00.

Dancing Flowers is a medium-dark purple with warm, pink undertones and a matte finish. It had mostly opaque color coverage, which went on evenly for the most part. The consistency was firmer in the tube, but it had a more velvety, thin feel that helped it slide across lips with minimal drag. The formula felt a bit clingy, so it is best to exfoliate your lips prior to using one of these, and while it is long-wearing (six hours), it is drying. MAC Evening Rendezvous (LE, $17.00) is lighter, glossier (95% similar). Colour Pop Back Up (P, $5.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Estee Lauder Stronger (P, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). Bite Beauty #010 (LE, $36.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar). MAC Have Your Cake (LE, $17.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). MAC Stylist's Tip (LE, $17.00) is glossier (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Oh Lady is a muted, medium-dark berry with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff where the natural lip still peeks through (and will ultimately influence the color and tone of it if you have stronger color in your natural lips). The texture was a little thinner and runnier compared to other shades in the range. This shade wore for seven and a half hours and was moderately drying after five hours. Smashbox Femme Fatale (P, $21.00) is brighter, cooler, glossier (90% similar). Colour Pop Panda (P, $6.00) is cooler, glossier (85% similar). MAC Babes and Balls (LE, $17.00) is glossier (90% similar). Colour Pop Viper (P, $6.00) is lighter (85% similar). Maybelline Berry Bossy (P, $7.49) is lighter, glossier (85% similar). Tarte Wet Suit (P, $22.00) is darker, glossier (85% similar). Make Up For Ever M501 (P, $22.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar). Tarte Hangry (P, $20.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (80% similar). Milani Embrace (LE, $8.99) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Acai (LE, $17.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (80% similar). Colour Pop Bad Habit (LE, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Colour Pop Notion (P, $6.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Illamasqua Shard (P, $24.00) is warmer (85% similar). MAC Fashion Revival (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.