MAC Warm & Cozy Collection: Round-up

OVERALL, Warm & Cozy is a nice collection to see in the dreary, cold winter season. It’s not my favorite launch ever, and if you aren’t into the shades, there’s not much to do about it. It’s like the lipsticks, lipglasses, and eyeshadows all mirror each other. This is a very warm collection, though I don’t think the majority runs so warm that cool-toned MAC fans will have any serious problems working with these products.

I haven’t had a chance to wear anything in a look yet (but I will, never fear!) since these just arrived this afternoon (yay overnight shipping!), but I’m a little worried that there’s not even variation–like one might look washed out if you just used these products together. Of course, that’s my goal, so definitely shall see…

When it comes to neutral eyeshadows, I’m going to hold MAC to a very high standard, because they have so many stunning neutrals in their permanent shade range. I think they’ve released better neutral shades in other limited edition collections, but moreover, I’d much rather put my money towards their permanent neutrals than the four released in this launch. They’re just okay; not terrible, but none of them really spoke to me. Chamomile seemed to be one shade that I could see picking up and using, because it has a satin finish, rather than a matte, yet it’s not too pale or chalky, so even medium to dark skin tones could use it.

The lipsticks and lipglasses were okay; I liked Siss and Warm Me Up the most out of all of the lip products. I think the lipglasses could have used a little more range, and part of me is just tired of seeing milky pinks… The tinted lip conditioners were lovely as always–in terms of the feel–but the germaphobe in me just wishes they would come in tubes instead! Both shades are wearable, give noticeable color, and work well for everyday wear.

I’m not sold, but I haven’t given up yet, on the mineralize skinfinishes this time around. By Candlelight really seems way too frosty to bear, while Comfort reads surprisingly orange (which isn’t a good look on me), but I’ll give them a chance. I do think mineralize skinfinish fans will like By Candlelight overall, even if it has an ultra frosty finish, when used with a lighter hand. Comfort is one of those shades best seen in person to determine whether it’s a must or not.

The shadesticks are nice, but they all run a bit heavy on the frost. I don’t mind shimmer or frost, but sometimes it can be too much and look garish. I think if layered with matte and satin finishes, these shadesticks could really deliver some lovely looks. I’d just be wary of using too many frost-finish eyeshadows alongside them!

The nail lacquers are interesting, but I think they’re both really a matter of personal preference. Neither formula was fussy to work with, and I think they gave a nice, opaque result.

Temptalia’s Recommendations

Must-haves: Warm Me Up Lipstick, 2N Lipglass, Feelin’ Good Tinted Lip Conditioner, Cuddle Shadestick

Nice-to-haves: Siss Lipstick, Light That Fire Lipglass, 3N Lipglass, By Candlelight Mineralize Skinfinish, Close for Comfort Tinted Lip Conditioner, Chamomile Eyeshadow, Nurture Shadestick

Skip: Spiced Tea Lipstick, Mulled Cider Eyeshadow

Product-by-Product Reviews

• Eyeshadows
  
• Lipglasses
  
• Lipsticks
  
• Mineralize Skinfinishes
  
• Nail Lacquers
  
• Shadesticks
  
• Tinted Lip Conditioners

What do you love? What do you hate? What are you picking up from Warm & Cozy?

P.S. – MAC also launched one new product (Mineralize All-Over Lotion), alongside Care Blend Essential Oils (2), and repromoted their Lip Conditioner Tube and Lip Conditioner Stick.  I will review both the lotion and the essential oils tomorrow or the next day, after I’ve had a chance to test them a little more thoroughly.  I also forgot to purchase the new mascara, so I won’t be able to review that for a week or so, sorry!