MAC Burnt Spice, So Me, Topped with Brandy Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Burnt Spice
MAC Burnt Spice Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, dusty coral-rose with warm undertones and a matte finish. This shade dried down quite a bit darker than it appeared in the tube! The consistency was thin, smooth, and was easy to spread across the lips for even coverage. It was richly pigmented and did not appear “cracked” after the color dried down on my lips. It wore well for six hours, faded evenly, and was somewhat drying over time.
The Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour formula is supposed to be pigmented, last eight hours, and be “non-feathering.” They are typically pigmented and long-wearing, but the quality of the formula is all over the place–some shades wear down evenly, aren’t too drying, and apply well, while other shades are patchy, streaky, or prone to flaking (and also terribly drying!).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Muneca (DC, $6.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- Sephora Alter-ego (72) (P, $14.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Beeper (DC, $6.50) is more muted (95% similar).
- ColourPop Little One (LE, $6.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Rowdy (LE, $27.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M101 (DC, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Sweet Thing (LE, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Shiseido Rose Syrup (BR721) (DC, $28.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Can U Even (P, $9.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Coconut (LE, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.17 oz. - $123.53 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-wearing" with "pigment-soaked, liquid colour" in the "mattest matte finish." The brand stated that it should wear for "8 hours" and be "non-feathering, non-bleeding." The majority of shades in the formula are opaque in a single layer, and for the most part, I felt like more was on the applicator than necessary for an even, opaque layer of product on my lips.
Sometimes, with richer and less forgiving shades (e.g. more contrast), I found it imperative to remove some from the applicator prior to applying so I didn't get too much product along the edges. Some shades applied smoothly and dried down that way, while other shades dried down and separated more noticeably along deeper lip lines, so it really was shade-dependent.
The formula was quick to dry down, was somewhat flexible, and lightweight to wear. The formula was mostly non-drying with a few, thicker shades feeling a little more drying over time. Many shades lasted six hours or longer with some definitely meeting the brand's "8 hour" wear claim.
They had a subtle vanilla scent but no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour swatches.
Burnt Spice
PPermanent. $21.00.
So Me
MAC So Me Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, dark mauve with hints of warmer, rose paired with a flat, matte finish. It was intensely pigmented and yielded full coverage that applied evenly. The lipstick appeared “cracked” after the color dried down, though, which was the big downside to this shade. It lasted for just over seven hours on me with even fading, while the formula itself was moderately drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Sanctuary (P, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Teeny Tiny (DC, $6.50) is warmer (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Lolita (P, $20.00) is brighter (80% similar).
- ColourPop Stingraye (LE, $6.50) is brighter (80% similar).
- MAC Topped with Brandy (P, $21.00).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.17 oz. - $123.53 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-wearing" with "pigment-soaked, liquid colour" in the "mattest matte finish." The brand stated that it should wear for "8 hours" and be "non-feathering, non-bleeding." The majority of shades in the formula are opaque in a single layer, and for the most part, I felt like more was on the applicator than necessary for an even, opaque layer of product on my lips.
Sometimes, with richer and less forgiving shades (e.g. more contrast), I found it imperative to remove some from the applicator prior to applying so I didn't get too much product along the edges. Some shades applied smoothly and dried down that way, while other shades dried down and separated more noticeably along deeper lip lines, so it really was shade-dependent.
The formula was quick to dry down, was somewhat flexible, and lightweight to wear. The formula was mostly non-drying with a few, thicker shades feeling a little more drying over time. Many shades lasted six hours or longer with some definitely meeting the brand's "8 hour" wear claim.
They had a subtle vanilla scent but no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour swatches.
So Me
PPermanent. $21.00.
Topped with Brandy
MAC Topped with Brandy Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a deep, rosy mauve with a matte finish. The consistency was thin without being watery, and it was quite pigmented so it allowed for even, smooth color application. There was a little bit of “cracking” where the color separated at my deepest lip lines after the liquid lipstick had dried down, though. This shade stayed on nicely for seven hours, though it was somewhat drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Veronica (P, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Wild Nothing (DC, $6.50) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Teeny Tiny (DC, $6.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Madrid (LE, $20.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Baracuda (P, $7.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- Ciate Pin Up (PiP, $19.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sanctuary (P, $20.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- Tarte Bling (P, $20.00) is darker, brighter (80% similar).
- KVD Beauty Lolita (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Unbroken (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.17 oz. - $123.53 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "long-wearing" with "pigment-soaked, liquid colour" in the "mattest matte finish." The brand stated that it should wear for "8 hours" and be "non-feathering, non-bleeding." The majority of shades in the formula are opaque in a single layer, and for the most part, I felt like more was on the applicator than necessary for an even, opaque layer of product on my lips.
Sometimes, with richer and less forgiving shades (e.g. more contrast), I found it imperative to remove some from the applicator prior to applying so I didn't get too much product along the edges. Some shades applied smoothly and dried down that way, while other shades dried down and separated more noticeably along deeper lip lines, so it really was shade-dependent.
The formula was quick to dry down, was somewhat flexible, and lightweight to wear. The formula was mostly non-drying with a few, thicker shades feeling a little more drying over time. Many shades lasted six hours or longer with some definitely meeting the brand's "8 hour" wear claim.
They had a subtle vanilla scent but no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour swatches.
I like the color of Topped with Brandy, but not the finish or the drying effect.
These are a little more drying than average (for matte liquid lipstick) that they’re definitely not the formula I’d reach for first – but they do have some more unique shades this time around!
I think I will be able to skip a lot of these, if only because of how drying they are. Topped with Brandy is a pretty shade, though!
Good call — they definitely take a toll on the lips. They have some great colors, but there are less drying (though still drying) liquid lipstick formulas out there.
Dang, these are pretty shades.
They are — MAC came out with some nice shades for spring!
So Me and Topped with Brandy are pretty!
They are 🙂
I like Burnt Spice a lot!
Nice!
These are really beautiful shades. Especially, Topped With Brandy! Of which I of course have dupes for….which is a good thing considering these are total dry-down mattes. CP Barracuda and Ciaté Pin-Up are just right for me!
Perfect 😀
So Me and Topped with Brandy are lovely colors but I don’t think this formula is for me.
If you don’t like drying mattes, probably not!
I need Burnt Spice – It’s definitely going on my wishlist – love this kind of nudes!
Yayy! 🙂
From your description and photos, looks like a dup for my NYX Lip Lingerie in Ruffle Trim!
Awesome! 😀
I am so turned off by dry looking lips/lip products these days.
Totally understand!
I LOVE the shade So Me – it’s so me! Sorry I couldn’t resist. But I wish there was a non-Liquid Matte dupe for it!!!
Hahaha!