Round-up: MAC x Guo Pei Collection Overview & Thoughts
MAC x Guo Pei Collection
MAC x Guo Pei Collection features a floral, fabric print on all of the products except the three Fluidlines (which just have gold-colored caps and the collaboration’s logo). It is MAC’s annual “luxe” collection, which is why pricing is significantly more than their standard collections and permanent ranges. I don’t think that the formulas used here are different than the standard options, so you’re really paying for packaging (which is fine! but not everyone wants to do so). I liked the two eyeshadow quads and the Red Water Lily blush the best, while everything else was more so-so in performance. Both of the quads, while good quality, are more dupable. This collection is extremely limited edition; it will only be available at South Coast Plaza in California and the 5th Avenue in New York stores on October 1st and online (September 24th).
Report Card
- Morning Light Eyeshadow Quad (A)
- Palm Tree Fluidline (A)
- Blue Fountain Fluidline (A-)
- Darkness of Calm Fluidline (A-)
- Night Sky Eyeshadow Quad (A-)
- Red Water Lily (A-)
- Brave Red Lipstick (B+)
- Bright Pink Bouquet Cremesheen Glass (B+)
- Love of Roses Cremesheen Glass (B+)
- Pale Moon Cremesheen Glass (B+)
- Lotus Blossom (B)
- Zenith Lipstick (B)
- Ethereal Red Lipstick (B-)
- Moonlight Beauty Powder (B-)
I think a nude quad is so disappointing, and especially for an inflated price. I’m all about spending more for fancy packaging, but the colors have to at least be mildly interesting.
Oh, that is too bad that none caught your eye!
I didn’t buy last years luxe collection because i was turned off by the price. Now i regret it. This year i will get something. I do more collecting than using. This gorgeous packaging will be a wonderful addition. Not looking forward to stalking the website. I hope since the price is so high that less ppl will be shopping lol
Enjoy, Trina!
This collection is a pass for me. I thought it was boring and overpriced 🙁
It’s definitely pricey!
I was lucky to pre-sale the Morning Light quad from the Ca.store (thanks to the advice from reader Katherine). I was thinking about trying to snag the other quad and red water lily blush online. I have a feeling it will be tough. Plus, I’m thinking I don’t want to give up my day ,sleep,and that amount of cash. When the SA told me the total of the one quad, I admit , I felt a cringe as it was prior to review. Christine, what’s your opinion of these shadows against mufe artist? I don’t wear blue a ton.I’m thinking I could add a couple to my mufe collection and recreate your look.But, gosh,ot is a gorgeous palette. I wish they’d offer it without the fabric at a lower price.
Glad you were able to do a pre-sale!
I prefer MUFE Artist by a lot!
I’m happy to hear that Christine because it will make duping Night Sky fairly easy if I can’t snag it.
How can I do a pre-sale? And another big question, too: Can one place an order with one of the two store locations and pay shipping to have it sent? If you or anyone else has any info, please let me know, because I really want a few items from this if possible!
Nancy, I sent you the pre-sale info back on Sept 17, it’s posted under the Water Lily blush review. But Nicole advises that the CA store has already stopped pre-sales, so you might try calling the MAC store on 5th Ave in NYC to see if they are taking pre-sales.
Thank you! I honestly don’t know how I missed spotting that. But yes, I will try NY’s MAC store just to see if it’s still possible. But I have never pre-saled anything, so this is totally new for me. Not sure how it all works?
Nancy, I just called NYC., I was informed they do no presales at that store.
Thanks for the update, even though it’s not great news, I’m still grateful to know it. Well, since I am unable to do anything until Oct. 1st anyway, I will just wait and see, and perhaps luck out! I have decided that IF I manage to nab anything at all, I’m keeping it to just ONE item. And until then, I’m just going to chillax! Or die trying, LoL!
Nancy, in reality, you have two shots. Thur, Sep 24 th. Online. Then , if you have no luck, I’d try calling both stores early (considering time zone difference).
Good luck!
Hey Nancy just fyi, if they happen to open up the pre sale again for some reason, the So Cal store was having you basically buy a gift card for the amount now since there is no actual product yet to sell. Then on Oct.1, they ship out the item(s).That is not how I have ever done a pre-sale. Normally, I just call or go to the counter and tell them the items I am wanting. They will write them down and when the collection or the item launches, they charge my card and mail it or I pick it up. There is a con of waiting longer because things launch online sooner. But, less hassle and you are pretty much guaranteed the items. I have never had any issues with a pre-sale. I like using Nordstrom because their SA’s are commission based. So, they really remember you and will throw in extra goodies. 🙂 Hope this helps. Try to get some sleep before the 24th! 🙂
Hey Nancy, Yes Katherine gave me the info. The South Coast Plaza Mac store in Southern Ca. was taking Pre-sales up until the day the Morning Light quad was reviewed. I had decided to pre-sale the other quad,Water Lily blush and Brave Red lipstick when I got the word. It may have been a blessing. Shipping was $7 and with tax for the quad it was $86 and some change. But, I’m thinking I’m going to try for the blush and/or the quad ..maybe the lipstick on Thursday. I’m thinking it’s going to be hard. I have a busy day that day. I’m fine with it. I’m glad I got Morning Light coming and my wallet will be super happy. Will you lmk if you find out if they are pre-selling in NYC? When I called the Ca. store, they said I could try to call the day of the release and they would send . But, of course store customers are first.
Nicole, I definitely will let you know if they let me do it! Otherwise, I’ll just see if I can have it shipped to me on the 1st. Man, the taxes and shipping are crazy!
One of the better collections they have had in awhile ! It is a shame many ppl can’t afford it or just cant reason spending this amount of money for, not only makeup but MAC Cosmetics.
I mean if I am going to spend this , it will be towards Tom Ford, CTillbury, and other money is no object , high quality/end brands
I think it can be harder to pay specifically for packaging when you know exactly how much extra it’ll be ($26-30).
Yes! Exactly Christine!! I just can’t pull the trigger on the golden shadow quad knowing how much I’m overpaying. Like I said before, even when I was leaning towards buying it “Tom Ford…you could get Tom Ford” was a whisper loop going around n round in my brain 🙂
The collection is definitely elegant eye candy! I can’t remember the last time I was so excited by any collection, let alone a MAC collection. I wish the floral design was part of the plastic or metal, to make it more durable, but I guess the fabric is in keeping with the couture theme. I also wish the shadow, powder, and blush compacts were easily re-fillable, so we can re-use the pretty packaging. It’ll take me years to use up Night Sky, but I wonder if I can depot an empty pan and pop a new pan in there. Hmmm….
Enjoy your goodies when you get ’em, Katherine!
The blushes were pretty.
Yay!
As much as I would love to get Red Water Lily blush and Morning Light eyeshadow quad, the only way I could do so is to wait until Oct. 1st and try ti order them from the CA store, or hope that it will NOT sell out online that quickly. And perhaps it won’t, due to it being released too far out from the holidays and the price point may turn off enough people?
It’ll sell out, I think 🙁
I will call both stores as early as they open their doors on the 1st ( Gosh, NYC is going to probably be around 7am ), but I pretty much know going in that this may not pan out.
The Morning Light quad, Blue Fountain and Ethereal Orchid are the top three products on my wish list from this collection.
This is probably one of the most successful MAC collections we have seen for awhile. Not below a B rating amongst all the products – it must be a first. Thank goodness for all the MAC lovers out there. The packaging is eye catching and the products are great.
It is! What a shame they had to double prices to do it, LOL!