MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours

MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours

There are three shades of MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) that will be available online on October 27th. While I have found MAC’s liquid lipstick to be inconsistent, I actually felt like the three shades in the collection were improved with respect to the formulation itself compared to the permanent range of Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours. The formula seemed more pigmented, smoother, and the dry down was more forgiving as my lips “cracked” less. It wasn’t any less drying than the past, but at least it looked more even and nice on the lips. All three shades wore really, really long–they were still going after eight hours of wear–but were moderately drying.

High Heels is a medium red with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was good–not quite opaque but very close to it–and delivered smooth, even coverage in a single layer. It was still going strong after eight hours of wear, but it was drying on me. Kat Von D Tijuana (P, $21.00) is glossier (95% similar). Colour Pop Silhouette (DC, $6.00) is brighter (95% similar). MAC Just Add Romance (P, $20.00) is glossier (95% similar). Urban Decay 714 (P, $17.00) is glossier (95% similar). Estee Lauder Decisive Poppy (P, $30.00) is glossier (95% similar). Colour Pop Fighter (DC, $5.00) is glossier (95% similar). Kat Von D Hexagram (P, $21.00) is brighter (95% similar). Colour Pop Trust Me (P, $5.00) is darker (95% similar). Sephora Always Red (LE, $14.00) is brighter (95% similar). MAC Nutcracker Rouge (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia American Doll (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Leading Lady Red (LE, $18.00) is glossier (90% similar). Colour Pop Jingle (LE, $5.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). MAC Opera (LE, $17.00) is brighter, glossier (90% similar). Tarte Bae (P, $20.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). Too Faced Lady Balls (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar). Kat Von D Outlaw (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Feels So Grand (P, $20.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Kinky (LE, $17.00) is brighter, glossier (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Ruby Rush (07) (P, $50.00) is glossier (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Chateau M is a medium-dark red with cool, blue undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation that applied evenly and smoothly without emphasizing lip lines or streaking. The consistency was thin, spreadable, and easy to work with on the lips. It lasted for over eight hours and was drying over time. MAC Candy Cane (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever Red Ink (LE) is darker (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M401 (P, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Ruby Woo (P, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red (P, $32.00) is brighter (95% similar). Smashbox Unzipped (P, $21.00) is darker, glossier (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Carina's Love (P, $32.00) is brighter (95% similar). MAC Frank-n-furter (LE, $17.00) is glossier (95% similar). Colour Pop Blood (DC, $5.00) is glossier (90% similar). Tarte Firework (P, $22.00) is glossier (90% similar). Milani Romance (LE, $8.99) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). MAC Dance With Me (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Rouge Charnel (56) (P, $36.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). Colour Pop Creeper (P, $6.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). NARS Rouge Improbable (LE, $28.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Self Portrait is a deep burgundy with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a fairly even application, though of the three, this one had room for improvement. The consistency was thin, a little more watery compared to the other two shades, but it spread across the lips and self-leveled as it dried down. Like the other shades, the liquid lipstick wore for over eight hours but was drying. MAC High Drama (P, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Drop Dead Red (P, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.