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MAC for Iris Apfel Lipsticks Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC Flamingo Lipstick
MAC Flamingo Lipstick

MAC for Iris Apfel: Lipsticks

There are four limited edition (and one permanent) shades of MAC Lipstick ($14.50 for 0.10 oz.) in the Iris Apfel collection: Flamingo (light milky bright coral), Morange (loudmouth orange), Party Parrot (bright red-pink), Pink Pigeon (bright cleanest pink), and Scarlet Ibis (bright orange-red).

MAC lipsticks come in a variety of finishes, so the color payoff, texture, and wear can vary based on the finish alone. In this collection, we have mostly mattes. The matte formula on these is comfortable to wear without being drying; I actually would have pegged them as amplified cremes or satins, because they didn’t cling like some of MAC’s original matte finishes do (think Ruby Woo; none of these are similar in texture). Lustres tend to wear off quickly and dry out my lips, so they’re not my favorite finish. Amplified cremes are really opaque, creamy, and comfortable to wear. Because of the intensity of the pigmentation in these shades (except Flamingo), these will wear longer and have a tendency to stain. I’ve worn Morange for six hours in the past, and I tested out Scarlet Ibis for wear, and it wore for six hours and left a bit of a stain. MAC lipsticks are vanilla-scented but taste-free.

MAC for Iris Apfel Lipsticks Review, Photos, Swatches

A
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
9.5
Texture
9.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
94%
Total

MAC Flamingo Lipstick
MAC Flamingo Lipstick

MAC Flamingo Lipstick
MAC Flamingo Lipstick

MAC Flamingo Lipstick
MAC Flamingo Lipstick

MAC Flamingo Lipstick
MAC Flamingo Lipstick

MAC Flamingo Lipstick
MAC Flamingo Lipstick

MAC Flamingo Lipstick
MAC Flamingo Lipstick

MAC Morange Lipstick
MAC Morange Lipstick

MAC Morange Lipstick
MAC Morange Lipstick

MAC Morange Lipstick
MAC Morange Lipstick

MAC Morange Lipstick
MAC Morange Lipstick

MAC Party Parrot Lipstick
MAC Party Parrot Lipstick

MAC Party Parrot Lipstick
MAC Party Parrot Lipstick

MAC Party Parrot Lipstick
MAC Party Parrot Lipstick

MAC Party Parrot Lipstick
MAC Party Parrot Lipstick

MAC Party Parrot Lipstick
MAC Party Parrot Lipstick

MAC Party Parrot Lipstick
MAC Party Parrot Lipstick

MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick
MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick

MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick
MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick

MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick
MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick

MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick
MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick

MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick
MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick

MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick
MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick

MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick
MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick

MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick
MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick

MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick
MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick

MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick
MAC Scarlet Ibis Lipstick

189 Comments

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Hotpink Avatar

Christine, does Party Parrot compare to Red Full Stop or Full Speed? Thank you so much. I was waiting for these colors. I couldn’t get this and Pink Pigeon at any MAC store in NYC or NY area. They were sold out immediately even though I was at the stores the day of launching since I love hot pink and all variations. I couldn;t get them online either. I actually find it pretty insulting when I made a point of going as early as I could on the day of launching to multiple stores and couldn’t get these colors. Did they only sell 3 per store or something? I understand limited edition, but this I find insulting especially to loyal customers who planned and prepared to make a purchase.

Stephanie Avatar

I think it is a dupe, just the finish is different. I swatched them next to each other and they’re really pretty much identical (except of the finish)

Lulee Avatar

FINALLY! is 2012 the year Mac turns it around and goes back to it’s glory days? These lipsticks all look great
Christine thank you for swatching. Can you tell us how Scarlet Ibis compares to Lady Danger?
Thanks!

Jenny Avatar

Scarlet Ibis looks amazing on you!

How does Flamingo compare to Chanel Flirt? They look almost identical to me when I’m looking at your full face pictures (the one in the Horizon blush review)

Imelda Avatar

Thanks for the swatches Christine. I was told, however, that these will only be a MAC store only release (by the Nordstrom MAC counter). Do you have any information on that? Happy New Year!!

Carla Avatar

I’m very glad to hear that Party Parrot and Impassioned are not dupes, after all, because I ordered Party Parrot today, in spite of the fact that I already own Impassioned.

Kim-Mary Avatar

Thanks Christine!!! I’m planning on buying all the lippies in this collection. Been waiting months for it. Can’t wait until it is finally up online.

Alex Avatar

I know you say Flamingo is lighter than Blossom Culture but I’m just wondering how much lighter? Significant enough to need to own both? Just wondering as I already own Blossom Culture. Thanks for the great reviews as always. And congrats on the engagement of course! x

Susie Avatar

I love Flamingo! It is the perfect shade: brightens the whole face and complexion, but is subtle enough for everyday wear. Can’t wait to pick it up! Thanks as always, Christine (:

Breanna Avatar

I typically don’t buy from MAC limited edition collections (I usually just stick to the permanent line) but I think I am going to pick up Flamingo. I have been really interested in Ever Hip in the past and actually prefer that Flamingo is less intense. Thanks so much for the swatches Christine!

Hannah Avatar

Just a color observation; the photo of Flamingo in the tube looks more coral than in the swatch and on your lips and Party Parrot looks more red in the tube and more pink in the swatch and on your lips. Are those differences the same in reality or was it just lighting? I don’t mean to be picky, just force of habit being a wedding photographer. Make up color correctness is a big thing!

Christine Avatar

No, those are the correct colors – you have to remember that skin tone and the natural color of the lips will always alter the color in the tube (unfortunately, I am not as pale as people would like) – plus, the color in the pan/tube is not always true-to-form, which is kind of the reason blogs came about 🙂 I’ve spend hours editing photos to ensure that they are accurate – I keep the products next to me as I edit. I wouldn’t just post photos without regard to accuracy!

Iris Avatar

Judging the texture, I’m a bit surprised at the way these MAC lipsticks look so good on you, even though I have seen your best of the best lip photos before.

By the ways, Christine, did you wear Flamingo on the look you demonstrated Chanel horizon blush? It took me by surprise at how sweet and innocent the look was put together.

bella Avatar

Scarlet Ibis looks interesting 🙂 I bought Hibiscus from the surf collection and loved it, but have of course lost it… this looks like it might be a bit like it? maybe more orange?

Roo Avatar

I was going to buy Party Parrot just for the name so I’m glad it’s also a great colour! It looks beautiful on you Christine – not the most obvious shade for your colouring but it looks like you’ve time travelled a few months into the future to Spring 2012:)

Eleanor Avatar

Hey Christine,

I was wondering just generally, how easy it would be to develop a search so that you could search top-rated reviewed products. It would be awesome to do this search and determine the best products in each category easily.

karen gonzalez Avatar

i totally have to get flamingo, part parrot, and pink pigeon. they are gorgeous. it’s about time mac does something i actually want. with all their recent collections, i’ve only picked up the 226 brush and a few paint pots. i was starting to hate them

Tommy Avatar

I’ve ordered 2 Pink Pigeons!! So gorgeous!! Just wish I got Candy Yum Yum while I had a chance :/
I love the look of Scarlet Ibis!! How does it compare to Lady Danger?? 🙂 x

Rachel Avatar

Hi Christine! Thanks for the fabulous swatches. If it isn’t too much trouble, I was wondering if there was much comparison between Scarlet Ibis and NARS Heat Wave. Thanks!

Nily Avatar

Oh WOW I love them all!!!
1st place Party Parrot I think… ♥ But also Flamingo and Pink Pigeon are so cute color!

Is Scarlet Ibis similar to MAC Hibiscus from the Surf Baby collection?

Claire Avatar

This came up in the mac uk site yesterday along with daphne guinness, already placed my order! Decided to pick up two flamingos, just as I did when ever hip came out :p. flamingo sold out on mac uk earlier today!

Kathy S. Avatar

Scarlet Ibis looks like a kinder, gentler option for those of us who can’t carry Morange straight on our lips. I can do it sheered out, but that’s a bit more work than I’d like. I’m surprised how much I like Flamingo as well. Thanks, Christine!

Aurélie Avatar

Pink Pigeon has my name all over it, it’s soo pretty and I’m glad it’s a matte finish, I wanted to love “girl about town” but something about the finish hasn’t quite yet grown on me.

ms Avatar

party parrot! i’ve been eyeing vs be mine bcos i was looking for pinks that are medium dark like chanel phoenix. it just looks like party parrot pulls coral. nc42 indian, don’t do well w/ corals (even though u list phoenix as corallish), there is that less intense corally version of morange that u recommend, i tried that, the coral in that don’t look too good on me. i’ll check party parrot out. let’s see.

Karana Avatar

That Orange is so pretty! Actually, ALL of it is pretty! I see a lot of items for Mac are coming out on the 6th. I do I have questions about the orange color.

How’s the color Morange compared to Atomic Orange by Bobbi Brown like? They kind of look the same. Yes?

dzhenie o Avatar

Just when I said no more lipsticks for me :(‘ they r all too gorgeous. Can’t wait to try them, hope they don’t sell out fast ‘cuz I’d have to wait till I’m in the uk to purchase these. Tnx for the swatches Christine

Katrina King Avatar

Your lipstick swatches are the best! I’m loving Flamingo and Party Parrot especially, because my skin tone could wear those two, but all of the shades are very pretty.

anna Avatar

i really want party parrot! i dont really know if i want flamingo yet. Is flamingo a type of lipstick where you have to apply many layers to get a good coverage?

Traci Avatar

Love these lipsticks! I just called my Nordstrom to presell and they told me it was at Mac stores only. My Mac store will not do presell. I guess I will b stalking the website!

Veronica Avatar

Ah, if I only I could wear those oranges, this whole collection would be mine! Very pretty and vibrant. Definitely going to check out those pinks.

On a side note, Scarlet Ibis looks amazing on you!

Krista Avatar

Gorgeous colors! 🙂 Darn it, MAC makes me wanna spend all my holiday gift cards! :)) I was supposed to budget them throughout the year.

ruman Avatar

hi… pink pigeon looks so gorgeous… how does it compare to Mac’s Dame Edna Gladiola? ive been trying to get my hands on Gladiola or at least a dupe for sooo long. im so sad! any comparison with pink pigeon and gladiola.. i know gladiolas a bit more purple.. but can u pls tell me the colour difference? thank u!

Joanna Avatar

Went to M.A.C. today and previewed the collection. I love Pink Pigeon! Much more unique than the other lipsticks. I compared Scarlet Ibis to Lady Danger, and Impassioned to Party Parrot. I must say both Lady Danger and Impassioned are better dupes, so if you have these dont bother getting Party Parrot or Scarlet Ibis. If you like bright lips like I do Pink Pigeon is beautiful 🙂

RJ Avatar

i live in the UK and went to the MAC pro store today to have a look at this collection but was told that this collection is only available online

Has anyone seen it at their local MAC?

Thanks x

Amie Avatar

Iris collection is only available at MAC stores, not at the counters. And hurry, all the lipsticks are almost sold out everywhere!!! Had to call over 10 stores to find mine!! xo

Melissa Avatar

Can anybody explain why this collection won’t be released at mac counters inside stores like Macy’s and Dillards? So bummed out! Went to buy all the lipsticks today and the sales lady told be they will only carry it at free standing mac stores:(

Shannon Avatar

So I’m pretty new to the make up world which is probably why I cannot figure out why I always have a lipstick fail. My face has a lot of pink/red in it, but like with Flamingo for instance… there is zero pink that shows up on me. Its all coral, if not orange, and is so not flattering on me. What am I doing wrong? I have no idea where to start when trying to find a shade that will look on me the same that Flamingo looks on you.

Jacqueline Avatar

Wow Im so sad! Flamingo was the only thing I wanted out of this collection and it sold out online by the time i got on which was 11 o clock the day it came out. Then called my MAC counter and the lady next in line had the last one 🙁

Nina Avatar

I bought Flamingo and Scarlet Ibis, and I’m a NC30-35. Flamingo is no doubt beautiful, but the shock for me was scarlet ibis. I dont normally wear bright lipsticks (but buy them none the less), this looks absolutely beautiful on my skin tone (and i am sure it would on others). Love it!!

Hunter Avatar

Christine, does anyone read the comments before they post?! About 40 people asked about Lady Danger and Impassioned 😉 haha so funny. I was just wondering, it says in your post one of the lipsticks will be permanent, do you know which? Maybe I missed it in the article.

Hunter Avatar

So I found out that Iris Apfel is only in stores, not at counters…I am so disappointed!! 🙁 And of course Morange is permanent, it’s the only one still in stock online. le sigh.

Cecilia Avatar

*sigh* Alas, I was very late on the Flamingo band wagon and none of the MAC stores has this color anymore. So, I was playing around with the Sweet Sunset lipstick from the Naturally collection and then I had an epiphany. I dug around my stash for my Ever Hip lipstick, looked at the color from the tube and I thought, “I wonder?…” Swiped a little of Sweet Sunset and then layered Ever Hip over it, ran over to temptalia and compared it to the real Flamingo swatch. Verdict: It’s hard to tell because my living room light is so yellow, but I think this concoction might have pulled it off. Depending on your natural lip color, you may need to adjust the amount of Sweet Sunset vs. Ever Hip. For me, I used a thin layer of Sweet Sunset and maybe 2 thin layers of Ever Hip. If you gals have Ever Hip and Sweet Sunset, I encourage you mixing the two together. I’d be curious if you were able to pull something close to Flamingo! 🙂

Martha Avatar

Hi Christine! That Flamingo lipstick looks beautiful! Do you think it is comparable to the Chanel Rouge Coco shine in Flirt? My local store is sold out of flamingo:(

rebelle Avatar

anyone looking for party parrot dupe, sleek true color lipstick in heartbreaker is soooooo similar and also has a matte finish, and it’s only $6!

rebelle Avatar

well, i’m just helping with other alternatives since MAC party parrot is SOLD OUT, and it’s a pretty unique color. Sleek lipstick has pretty good staying power and moisturizing enough for me. I said DUPE, it doesn’t have to be from the same brand, but suit yourself.

laureen Avatar

i really wish that mac would still continue to sell iris apfel collection beautiful colors all my friends are looking to purchase it but they aRE ALL OUT I HOPE THAT MAC WILL STILL CONTINUE WITH THIS LINE OF MAKEUP.

Pleinair Avatar

Oh how i wish MAC to bring this collection back in stores :(((( this collection sold out too quickly :((( sometimes i hate limited editions…. :((((

beck Avatar

MAC PLEASE repromote Party Parrot….so bummed I missed this one. Force of Love and Watch Me Simmer could not compare to this beauty. =(

Zeenatrising Avatar

Hi Christine, thank you so much for the great reviews! I always consult your website before purchasing makeup and have told a million people about your amazing site. Big question: just found pink pigeon on eBay and the finish is DIVINE. It’s perfectly matte. Scarlet Ibis and Party Parrot are on eBay but are expensive – do you think the finish is the same for these 3? I hate shine in lipstick but matte doesn’t always apply as smoothly as these. Should I invest in party parrot and scarlet ibis if I’m looking for the perfect, vibrant matte lipsticks? Thank you!!!

Christine-Temptalia Avatar

 @Zeenatrising They all have a similar finish, but I don’t know how much more than retail you’d be paying. MAC comes out with a lot of those types of colors so you could probably get away with waiting.  You may also consider MAC’s PRO lipsticks – the amplified and satins – as they’re often bright and have a mostly matte finish.

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