MAC High Drama Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour Review, Photos, Swatches

Christine — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 19:00:00 +0000

High Drama

MAC High Drama Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a deep berry with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied somewhat evenly. As it dried down, the color didn’t self-level so there were some visible streaks. The formula had a more watery consistency, which made it harder to apply and control along the edges of the lips, and the color seemed to sink into some lip lines. This shade lasted for six and a half hours before starting to fade on me, and the formula was somewhat drying.

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).

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Formula Overview

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MAC Fallen Angel (LE, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar).
ColourPop Darling (LE, $7.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
MAC Oh Lady (P, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar).
Too Faced Maneater (P, $22.00) is glossier (90% similar).
Makeup Geek Risque (P, $15.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
Tarte Acid Wash (P, $20.00) is darker (90% similar).
MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande (LE, $19.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
Makeup Geek Rocker Chick (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Tarte Bonfire (P, $22.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
MAC Self Portrait (LE, $21.00) is darker (95% similar).

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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.

High Drama

PPermanent. $21.00.

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

Longevity

Application

73%

Total

MAC High Drama Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

Temptalia

MAC High Drama Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour Review, Photos, Swatches

High Drama

Top Dupes

Formula Overview

High Drama

PPermanent. $21.00.

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