Shop MAC Lipsticks: Review & Swatches

The Shop MAC collection - released on February 9, 2012 along with Cook MAC - brought 6 stunning lipstick shades (5 new, 1 repromote) to MAC counters/stores across North America.  This was one collection, that I was very excited for.  Having had to literally hunt for the Iris Apfel collection, I was happy to see that this collection had not sold out with the first few hours.  I ended up picking up 4 of the 6 available shades.

Shop MAC's packaging is the same as the general/regular MAC packaging with the exception of the brightly patterned sleeve decorating the lipsticks, palettes etc.  It was interesting to see that it is indeed different from the gingham patterns of Cook MAC.  These brightly coloured "bubble" patterns are both retro and eye catching.  I'm not sure whether or not I'm glad that the lipstick tubes themselves are still the plain MAC black.

From L to R: Watch Me Simmer, Dish It Up, Quick Sizzle, Runaway Red

I purchased up the four brightest shades of the collection (opting out of Innocence, Beware! a light yellow-pink nude and Naughty Saute a bright pepto pink).  The shades I have are: Watch Me Simmer, Dish It Up, Quick Sizzle,  & Runaway Red.  Interestingly enough, none of these shades are dupes for any of the Iris Apfel shades, however, Watch Me Simmer is very similar to Flamingo (but more opaque), and Quick Sizzle is very similar to Pink Pigeon (Pink Pigeon is brighter, and more blue-toned).

From L to R: Watch Me Simmer, Dish It Up, Quick Sizzle, Runaway Red (natural light)

From L to R: Watch Me Simmer, Dish It Up, Quick Sizzle, Runaway Red (partial sunlight)

Watch Me Simmer is a bright, creamy pink-orange coral amplified creme finish.  Dish It Up is a neutral, berry-pink luster and probably the easiest to wear on a day to day basis.  It has a very subtle shimmer to it that is barely apparent.  I will be getting a lot of wear out of this one. Quick Sizzle is a warm, blue-toned bright pink matte lipstick.  Though it is very similar to Pink Pigeon, the undertones are slightly different.  This one is much more flattering on my yellow/golden undertone skin. Finally, Runaway Red is a rich, cool-toned red.  This is a repromote that MAC seems to favour as I've seen it at least twice since last year.  It is a very universally flattering red, I think.

Watch Me Simmer (one swipe)

Dish It Up (one swipe)

Quick Sizzle (one swipe)

Runaway Red (one swipe)

Overall, I am very pleased to have these colours to add to my arsenal of lipsticks. For the retail price of $14.50 USD / $17.50 CAD, they are definitely worth a look at.  MAC always has such amazing colours.  I haven't liked a collection from MAC this much in such a long time.  I wish some of the eyeshadows released were done as individuals instead of just palettes but that's ok.  These lipsticks are pigmented and flattering and I think they are a great alternative if you did not manage to get your hands on the Iris Apfel collection.

Did you pick up anything from the Shop MAC collection?  What do you think of the lipsticks?

xo, Chanel


note: for some reason, the lip swatches look sheer on my top lip - i think it was the lighting because in real life, they look the same as the bottom lip.