MAC Catharina, Dangerously Chic, Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches

MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Ultimate Lipstick ($23.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new and permanent formula with a shade range of ten (in the U.S., three additional shades available in Asia). The press release doesn’t have any real information regarding the formula, so going off of past years’ Couture offerings, it seems like it should be a hydrating, pigmented lipstick. These were supposed to launch online on the 24th, but I haven’t seen them pop up yet, so I’ll keep checking in hopes that the e-commerce site puts up a more descriptive blurb about the formula and will update the review if the formula makes any additional claims.  Update 10/13/2014: MAC has moved the online launch date to 10/29 and in-store date to 12/1.

I couldn’t say for sure if this is the same formula MAC has used in their previous Couture launches (especially since that isn’t always consistent–sometimes it has been the standard formula with fancier packaging), but it feel very similar to the formula used for the Marcel Wanders’ lipsticks (which is also where the packaging is from). A few of the shades now made permanent were launched previously, too. The price is noticeably higher than the standard MAC lipstick, though only a dollar more than the Mineralize Rich Lipstick formula. Worth noting, however, is that these are 50% larger than the standard MAC lipstick. The standard MAC lipstick is $160/oz., while the Ultimate lipstick is $153.33/oz. Of course, if you rarely get through half of a lipstick, then paying less will probably make you better off. Here’s a fun fact: only a $0.50 increase from the price in 2012 (based on Marcel Wanders)!

Catharina is described as a “fuchsia.” It’s a bold, bright fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and a luminous finish. It had mostly opaque color coverage, but there’s a slight translucency that gives it a lighter look applied to the lips. This shade lasted for five hours on me and was lightly hydrating. It had moderately slick, glide-on consistency with a bit of tackiness while worn. Bobbi Brown Hot Berry (P, $26.00) is darker, more shimmery. NARS Janet (P, $32.00) is darker, more shimmery. Too Faced Melted Candy (P, $21.00) is brighter. MAC Red Balloon (LE, $16.00) is lighter. Illamasqua Glissade (P, $26.00) is bluer. Estee Lauder Dominant (P, $30.00) is slightly bluer, brighter. MAC Feeling Amorous? (LE, $20.00) is more muted, redder. NARS Carthage (P, $26.00) is bluer. MAC Lickable (P, $16.00) is very similar. MAC Girl About Town (P, $16.00) is less glossy, slightly bluer. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Dangerously Chic is described as a “cool mid-tone red.” It’s a medium-dark, pink-toned red with neutral-to-cool undertones and a glossy sheen. It had mostly opaque color coverage with a very creamy, emollient consistency. I didn’t experience with feathering with this shade (though I am not prone to it), and it lasted for five hours and left behind a soft, reddish stain. I found it slightly hydrating, but it was a little tacky on. MAC Frank-n-furter (LE, $16.00) is more matte. NARS Charlotte (P, $32.00) is darker. Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace (LE, $22.00) is glossier. MAC True Love’s Kiss (LE, $16.00) is brighter, lighter. Urban Decay Gash (LE, $22.00) is slightly darker. Chanel La Desiree (327) (LE, $34.00) is more matte. MAC Just a Bite (LE, $16.00) is more matte. Givenchy Grenat Initie (307) (P, $36.00) is brighter. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Role Play (P, $18.00) is more matte. Maybelline Infra-red (LE, $7.49) is warmer. Giorgio Armani Red Fuchsia (503) (P, $32.00) is glossier. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Vogue en Violet is described as a “cool mid-tone violet.” It’s a fuchsia-magenta purple with cool, pink undertones and a glossy shine. It mostly opaque color payoff, and the consistency was lightweight, smooth, and had a fair amount of slip but didn’t slide around too much. It lasted for four and a half hours and was lightly hydrating. It’s a bit like a glossy version of MAC Heroine. NARS Silvia (P, $32.00) is lighter. Givenchy Croisiere Fuchsia (309) (LE, $36.00) is pinker. MAC RiRi Boy (LE, $16.00) is more matte, lighter. MAC Zen Rose (LE, $17.00) is pinker. Buxom Swinger (P, $21.00) is pinker, brighter. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Catharina Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Dangerously Chic Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick
MAC Vogue en Violet Ultimate Lipstick

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure de Lumiere Foundation
  • Urban Decay Naked Loose Finishing Powder
  • MAC Scone Bronzing Powder
  • Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Glow
On eyes:
  • Marc Jacobs Beauty Sunset Highliner Gel Crayon

47 Comments

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Eliz Avatar

Well, all three of these are totally beautiful. This is my favorite finish in a lipstick – not unnaturally glossy or matte – just perfect and healthy looking lips. I love the more chic packaging too. I may need to pick up a shade or two in this formula. I’m glad that it’s permanent, so I can perhaps wait. I love the Marc Jacobs Highliner in Sunset on your waterline too. Love the contrast of warmth on your eyes and a cool lip.

Becky Avatar

Hey Christine!

A bit random, but is there a chance you’ll review the latest YSL Volupt Sheer Candy shades that are online only? I think they look beautiful online but it could be misleading as most online images are! Was just curious, but if not, I will just rely on sephora’s awesome return policy!

Brian Avatar

Is the formula similar to the MAC Mineralize Rich lipsticks? I am loving Vogue en Violet! Although, I kind of wish MAC would make past popular lip products/finishes permanent, like the Mattenes which would match the Matte lip trend that seems to be surfacing. From the color descriptions, none of these colors seem too original, which is also disappointing.

kellly Avatar

I know this is totally off topic, but I love your earrings! I always notice the different ones you wear in photos and they are all so pretty!

Pami Avatar

These appear to be on par with Nars Audacious lipsticks. I like the packaging too. I’ll probably pick up Nouvelle Vogue, and maybe Vogue en Violet.

Maggie Avatar

WOW! These look great–finish, colors, pigmentation, packaging–everything! I’m really looking forward to seeing swatches of the rest of the range. I

Are these scented, Christine? Or flavored?

Rachel R. Avatar

All three are just gorgeous. I love Dangerously Chic. I have Mrs. Mia Wallace, though, which is listed as a dupe. I think I have dupes for all of these. If not, at least they are permanent. Yay!

Pattsy Avatar

I really love these! Catharina looks amazing, I feel like it’s similar to other pinks that I own though so I’m going to have to try my hardest to resist buying. I really wish we could get some new and really different purple lipsticks from MAC, I absolutely love purple but this shade just isn’t all that special.

Also, slightly unrelated but you look absolutely amazing in all of your recent product photos!

MichelleChefNYC Avatar

This is what I am talking about! Gorgeous finish on these, and loving the colors! Finally something from MAC that I actually want to buy!

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