MAC Simply Smoked, Esspresso, Lady-Be-Good Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Christine — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Simply Smoked

MAC Simply Smoked Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, medium-dark taupe brown with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It had mostly opaque coverage, though I would recommend a second layer or a lip liner for full opacity. The consistency was thinner than it should have been, as it did not apply as evenly as the best shades in the range have (but it was not the worst and looked decent after it dried down). On me, the lipstick wore well for six and a half hours, while 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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Anastasia Griffin (P, $18.00) is darker (90% similar).
Anastasia Resin (P, $18.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Huda Beauty Silver Fox (P, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Anastasia Grim (P, $20.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
ColourPop Kapow (DC, $6.50) is brighter (85% similar).
MAC Gwendolyn (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
Makeup Geek Rare (P, $15.00) is warmer (80% similar).
Makeup Geek Misfit (P, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Maybelline Concrete Jungle (P, $7.49) is cooler (80% 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.

Simply Smoked

PPermanent. $21.00.

8.5

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

Longevity

4.5

Application

84%

Total

Esspresso

MAC Esspresso Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a dark brown with cool undertones and a matte finish. It ha good color payoff–almost opaque in one layer–that spread evenly across the lips for smooth coverage. It dried down to a totally flat, matte finish that was fairly smooth but there was a bit of color separation at the center of my bottom lip (my deepest lip line). It lasted for seven hours, faded evenly, and was drying over time.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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MAC Secret Number (LE, $19.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
Anastasia Griffin (P, $18.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
ColourPop Embellish (DC, $6.50) is darker (80% similar).
MAC Chocotease (LE, $21.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
NYX Neat Nude (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
Bite Beauty Whiskey (DC, $26.00) is darker, warmer, glossier (80% similar).

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Formula Overview

$21.00/0.17 oz. - $123.53 Per Ounce

They had a subtle vanilla scent but no discernible taste.

Browse all of our MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour swatches.

Esspresso

PPermanent. $21.00.

B+

8.5

Product

9.5

Pigmentation

8.5

Texture

Longevity

4.5

Application

89%

Total

Lady Be Good

MAC Lady-Be-Good Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a muted, peachy-coral with warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. This shade took longer to dry down, and it did not dry down to a totally flat, matte finish like the majority of the shades in the range did. The consistency was more watery, so application was difficult: streaky and uneven. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, but this was definitely a shade where a second layer would be a necessity. It lasted for five and a half hours and was drying over time.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

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Formula Overview

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ColourPop Magic Wand (P, $7.00) is glossier (90% similar).
Anastasia Spirit (LE, $18.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Rare Beauty Talented (P, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Bite Beauty Crème Caramel (P, $24.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
Estee Lauder Covetous Nude (P, $32.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
Milani Adore (LE, $8.99) is lighter (90% similar).
MAC Wholesome (LE, $19.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar).
Urban Decay Stark Naked (DC, $22.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Maybelline Nude Embrace (P, $7.99) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
NARS Biscayne Park (PiP, $25.00) is glossier (90% similar).

View Swatches

Formula Overview

$21.00/0.17 oz. - $123.53 Per Ounce

They had a subtle vanilla scent but no discernible taste.

Browse all of our MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour swatches.

Lady Be Good

PPermanent. $21.00.

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

Longevity

Application

73%

Total

MAC Simply Smoked Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Esspresso Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Lady Be Good Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Simply Smoked Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Esspresso Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Lady Be Good Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

Temptalia

MAC Simply Smoked, Esspresso, Lady-Be-Good Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Simply Smoked

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Formula Overview

Simply Smoked

PPermanent. $21.00.

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Esspresso

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Formula Overview

Esspresso

PPermanent. $21.00.

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Lady Be Good

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Formula Overview

Lady Be Good

PPermanent. $21.00.

Quick Shop: MAC Cosmetics, Ulta, Nordstrom, Saks