MAC Posh Paradise Mattenes Swatches, Photos, Reviews
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
MAC Fresh Amour Mattene
MAC Posh Paradise Mattenes Swatches, Photos, Reviews
MAC Mattenes ($14.50 for 0.08 oz.) see the limited introduction of ten new and limited edition shades with Posh Paradise (which debuts tomorrow in-stores). The six featured in this post are: Fresh Amour (light lavender), Naked Bliss (neutral light pink), Potent Fig (deep blue grape), Rare Exotic (bright mid-tone blue pink), Seeds of Desire (deep brown plum), and Unknown Pleasures (deep red blue).
- Delectable is reviewed here.
- Deliciously Forbidden is reviewed here.
- Eden Rouge is reviewed here.
- Fresh Amour is a pink-tinted lavender with a semi-matte finish and opaque color coverage. It’s very slightly less pink compared to shades like MAC Lavender Whip, Fashion Mews, Blooming Lovely, and Quite Cute. It does tend to pull the yellowness out of teeth, though.
- Legendary is reviewed here.
- Naked Bliss is a pinky-beige nude with a semi-matte finish and mostly opaque coverage. It’s darker and pinker compared to MAC Innocence, Beware! and MAC Naturally Eccentric. Maybelline Born With It is similar though glossier. It’s a more pigmented verison of MAC Nude Rose. It’s not as pale as MAC Playing Koi.
- Potent Fig is a dark grape purple with a slightly glossy finish. The texture is different from the others, as this had a lot of slip, more shine, and went on uneven/streaky because of the additional creaminess. I can’t think of a dupe for it, as a lot of the previous purplish shades I’ve reviewed are either much darker (and more burgundy) or lighter.
- Rare Exotic It is cooler-toned compared to Guerlain Shalimar and Bobbi Brown Cosmic Raspberry. It is a touch bluer than NARS Carthage. OCC Pretty Boy is a little more magenta. It seems a little darker and bluer-based than MAC Girl About Town.
- Seeds of Desire is a luxurious brown tinted with red and has ruby red shimmer with a semi-matte finish. The color payoff is good with mostly opaque coverage. CoverGirl Smokyis similar but a little lighter and browner. MAC Underworld is lighter.
- Unknown Pleasures is a dark brown-tinted red with mostly opaque color coverage and a slightly shiny finish. The shine with this shade seems higher than the majority, so it’s not quite as semi-matte. It’s redder than Illamasqua Growl. It’s a touch darker than MAC Good to Be Bad. It’s similar to Bobbi Brown Blackberry, MAC Dark Side, and MAC Dark Deed.
These felt creamier, with better slip and comfort, than previous iterations of Mattenes (I think the last time we saw them was with Style Black). I wore Delectable on half of my lips (half of the upper/half of the lower) with Eden Rouge on the other side, because I like to test shades from both the lighter and darker ends of the spectrum to get a handle on the length of wear. Delectable wore off within three hours, while Eden Rouge wore about five. I think the increased slip and creaminess of the formula has reduced the wear time by a bit–at least in these shades.
I didn’t see anything in the marketing/press release on these about them being long-wearing but did glean that they are supposed to be soft enough to glide-on with semi-matte finishes, intense color, and moisturizing. They’re far more moisturizing than the average matte lipstick. After wearing the two I tested for wear, I did want balm, but I didn’t feel like my lips were cracking or dry. These are packaged in slim tubes with matte black on the outside and a shiny rim around the middle. They only contain 0.08 oz., which is less than their regular lipsticks, which are 0.10 oz.
Honestly, this collection has “permanent” written all over it yet everything is limited edition. The shades of the Mattenes seem so core and basic (which is not a criticism) that they would make for an excellent permanent selection of colors in the Mattene formula, which I think many readers have enjoyed over time. I really do feel some improvement went into these new shades. The only one that I had major issues with was Potent Fig.
Where to Buy: Nordstrom , $14.50 each
The Glossover
Honestly, this collection has "permanent" written all over it yet everything is limited edition. The shades of the Mattenes seem so core and basic (which is not a criticism) that they would make for an excellent permanent selection of colors in the Mattene formula, which I think many readers have enjoyed over time. I really do feel some improvement went into these new shades. The only one that I had major issues with was Potent Fig.
See more photos & swatches!
MAC Fresh Amour Mattene
MAC Fresh Amour Mattene
MAC Fresh Amour Mattene
MAC Fresh Amour Mattene
MAC Naked Bliss Mattene
MAC Naked Bliss Mattene
MAC Naked Bliss Mattene
MAC Naked Bliss Mattene
MAC Potent Fig Mattene
MAC Potent Fig Mattene
MAC Potent Fig Mattene
MAC Potent Fig Mattene
MAC Rare Exotic Mattene
MAC Rare Exotic Mattene
MAC Rare Exotic Mattene
MAC Rare Exotic Mattene
MAC Seeds of Desire Mattene
MAC Seeds of Desire Mattene
MAC Seeds of Desire Mattene
MAC Seeds of Desire Mattene
MAC Unknown Pleasures Mattene
MAC Unknown Pleasures Mattene
MAC Unknown Pleasures Mattene
MAC Unknown Pleasures Mattene
Disclosure
This post contains an affiliate link, which will give us a commission (often 2-5% of the purchase price) when you click-through the link and make a purchase. When you shop through affiliate links, you help to support the site!
Product & Review FAQ
Where can I purchase it? How much is it?
They're all (currently) in stock at Nordstrom (free shipping). It doesn't look like the collection has launched at Bloomingdales, Dillard's, or Macy's
(free shipping over $50), but these retailers should carry the launch :) $14.50 each.
Is it limited edition?
Yes.
Any dupes?
See individual shade description.
I must get my hands on Fresh Amour! Ugh, so sad that they didn't add this to the permanent collection. I'm looking for a good, matte lavender lipstick that isn't too pink :(
Hi Christine what the difference between Endless drama and Unknown pleasures ?
I don't know which one to buy and find them really similar
Sloh Unknown Pleasure has brown tones to it, Unknown Pleasures is more berry!
i think ill get either potent fig or unknown pleasures!
Wow, these are all so nice! At first whenever I saw the collection on the MAC website I was really tempted to buy Unknown Pleasure purely based on the fact that it's also the name of a Joy Division album - and it's so gorgeous! I really love Desire as well!
I'm really loving the Rare Exotic on you since I've been looking for this kind of shade for some time. This one looks perfect but I was wondering if you had any info on the distribution regarding the Middle East? or is it limited to the US only? Thnx
I don't :( It should be available internationally!
Is any of those simmilar to ravishing?
Delectable would be the closest - darker.
Dear Christine, could you please try to compare Unknown pleasures with Media because I am not sure which one to get, I would prefer more redness in the hue. Thanks xoxo
Check the Swatch Gallery! :)
Rare Exotic is so gorgeous on you! It looks more red-berry on me (I'm NC15), it's still flattering, but I was hoping for a bold pink like it appears in the swatch. Naked Bliss is probably my favorite of the mattenes - it's so versatile and even by itself I love it. My latest craze is Naked Bliss with Oversexed Plushglass on top - it turns into a neutral mauve - gorgeous! I may need to buy a back-up of NB :)
Christine, would you say that Naked Bliss is like a cross between Creme Cup and Shy Girl?
Closer to Shy Girl but less pink - Naked Bliss doesn't seem as pink as Creme Cup, though!
Hey Christine, I recently bought Fresh Amour, and I love love love it! I'm trying to find a good lip gloss for it, and right now I'm trying to decide between Good Times and I <3 U from the quite cute collection. Do you have any recommendation about one or the other? Also, I'd like to report that Fresh Amour over the Bat Black CCB creates a lovely deep color.
I'd say Good Times over I <3 U - better spread!
I received today Unknown Pleasures and legendary OMG I love them.. I just placed another order with the rest of lipsticks (except potent fig and Fresh Amour) I am in love with the ones I got!!!
hey, when will these come out in europe/uk? x
October - I don't have any more specific date than that!
I got Seeds of Desire which is really outside the box and different for me but it was very pretty when I tried it on.
I got seeds of desire also, and Im normally a gloss girl, but I work at Sephora and I do wear dark lipstick while Im at work, sometimes, my mom thinks its too dark for me, but I usually don't do a neutral eye, so maybe its too many dark shades together, cause I wore this lip color with a sketch eye shadow look, Im a c3 in studio fix powder.
Rare exotic and Unknown pleasures! Gorgeous!
Bought Rare Exotic today, completely in love with the shade. Thanks for providing the pics!
Does Naked Bliss compare to Blankety?
It's warmer!
Christine, how does Naked Bliss compare to Shy Girl? Sadly, I've never had a chance to get Innocence, Beware! or Nude Rose. As always, thanks for the swatches!
It's not as pink!
Actually I think I really want them all! Loving these colours but I'll definitely have to get Unknown Pleasures and Potent Fig.
These are great! I'm about to order mine now. How do you apply the color so evenly without any bleed? Even when I use a brush it still never looks this flawless.
Practice probably - I just used these from the tube!
Rare exotic is matte version of girl about town. It looks brighter more pigmented cos it's more matte than gat. I have 2 gats. I still bought it
Many moons go, when Nordstrom had a Hard Candy counter, I had a beloved lilac mermaid- monikered lipstick. I wore it all the time with MAC Grape l/l. I have searched for a dupe for close to 12 years. I was robbed of my chance at the Quite Cute lippie and am really hoping Fresh Amour is it. Plus Potent Fig reminds me of the original Cyber lipstick, which was very deep and practically matte. I love these unapologetic lipsticks. It reminds me of all the gorgeous opaque lips in the 90's. The trend toward glossier and sheer seems to have highjacked the Fearless Feminine painted mouth in past years. I love love love these!
Hi Christine! Would you recommend Naked Bliss or Delectable or both for NC 30/35? Thanks!
Naked Bliss!
If I don't get rare exotic n unknown pleasures, I wudnt forgive myself when they stop being sold
Rare Exotic looks great ♥ !
What I love so much about this collection of lipsticks is their varying shades! Sometimes collections have shades that are too similar... not this on! Incredible!
Hi Christine, I wonder how does Rare Exotic compare to NARS Schiap?
Not as bright or as blue-based.
I like seeds of desire, its vampy LOL I don't like reds on me but I really like the vampy colors. 'll have to go try this one on.
Love your swatches Christine! I've been drawn to Potent Fig since I heard the description of it. I just can't get enough of them purple lipsticks. I ordered Deliciously Forbidden, Potent Fig & Fresh Amour. I can't wait to get my stuff. :-D
hi Christine!! what are you wearing on your face? is it powder or is it foundation? your skins looks gorgeous!
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau I think!
Fresh Amour....oh yesssss. Naked Bliss looks nice and neutral.
Fresh Amour (I can't read that without thinking of Amor Hilton...ew) and Potent Fig are gaaawjus. I'll have to use them as reference for future Lip Tar mixes.
Unknown Pleasures looks great on you! i may pick up Unknown Pleasures or Naked Bliss.
amazing range of colors:)
I love rare exotic and unknown pleasures!!
Sorry, but I think all of the shades are terribly ugly.
Naked Bliss looks absolutely gorgeous on you! I hope you do wear that!
Discussion and debate are highly encouraged, and we expect community members to participate respectfully. When asking a question, please check the FAQ section (above) for information about purchasing, price, dupes, and the like. If you have general feedback or need technical support, please contact us.
Comments that include advertisements, self-promotion, insults, etc. may be in violation of our comment policy and subject to deletion. Please see our comment policy for more information.