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MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours Reviews, Photos, Swatches

MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours
MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours

There are three shades of MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) that will be available online on October 27th. While I have found MAC’s liquid lipstick to be inconsistent, I actually felt like the three shades in the collection were improved with respect to the formulation itself compared to the permanent range of Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours. The formula seemed more pigmented, smoother, and the dry down was more forgiving as my lips “cracked” less. It wasn’t any less drying than the past, but at least it looked more even and nice on the lips. All three shades wore really, really long–they were still going after eight hours of wear–but were moderately drying.

High Heels is a medium red with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was good–not quite opaque but very close to it–and delivered smooth, even coverage in a single layer. It was still going strong after eight hours of wear, but it was drying on me. MAC Just Add Romance (P, $20.00) is glossier (95% similar). Estee Lauder Decisive Poppy (P, $32.00) is glossier (95% similar). ColourPop Trust Me (P, $6.00) is darker (95% similar). Revlon Lip Boom (P, $12.39) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). KVD Beauty Hexagram (DC, $21.00) is brighter (95% similar). ColourPop Fighter (LE, $7.00) is glossier (95% similar). ColourPop Red Pocket (LE, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Weekender (LE, $6.00) is brighter, cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay 714 (DC, $18.00) is glossier (95% similar). KVD Beauty Santa Sangre (LE, $19.00) is brighter (95% similar). ColourPop Silhouette (LE, $6.50) is brighter (95% similar). Sephora Always Red (PiP, $14.00) is brighter (95% similar). MAC Feels So Grand (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Ruby Rush (07) (P, $55.00) is glossier (90% similar). Makeup Geek Beauty Queen (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). Guerlain Fascinating Ruby (880) (LE, $36.00) is cooler (90% similar). Pat McGrath Elson (P, $38.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). Maybelline Red for Me (P, $7.49) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Tenor Voice (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, glossier (90% similar). Sephora Always Red (P, $14.00) is warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Chateau M is a medium-dark red with cool, blue undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation that applied evenly and smoothly without emphasizing lip lines or streaking. The consistency was thin, spreadable, and easy to work with on the lips. It lasted for over eight hours and was drying over time. Urban Decay Crimson (P, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). KVD Beauty Hexagram (P, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC PattyPout (LE, $21.00) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Take a Bao (LE, $9.00) is darker, cooler, glossier (95% similar). Anastasia Primary #3 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Carina's Love (P, $37.00) is brighter (95% similar). NARS Power Trip (LE, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M401 (DC, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Strong Chi (LE, $9.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Guerlain Cherry Red (219) (P, $36.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar). Makeup Geek Flamenco (LE, $12.00) is darker (95% similar). Bite Beauty Cayenne (P, $28.00) is warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever Red Ink (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Melonade (LE, $6.50) is warmer (95% similar). MAC PhillipeBlond (LE, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Smashbox Unzipped (P, $21.00) is darker, glossier (95% similar). ColourPop Besame (LE, $6.50) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Starwoman (P, $26.00) is darker (95% similar). Chanel Rouge Charnel (56) (P, $45.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Dominic (P, $36.00) is glossier (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Self Portrait is a deep burgundy with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a fairly even application, though of the three, this one had room for improvement. The consistency was thin, a little more watery compared to the other two shades, but it spread across the lips and self-leveled as it dried down. Like the other shades, the liquid lipstick wore for over eight hours but was drying. ColourPop Moondancer (LE, $6.50) is lighter (95% similar). Fenty Beauty Griselda (P, $18.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar). ColourPop Mamacita (DC, $6.50) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Rock with You (P, $26.00) is lighter (95% similar). Bite Beauty #048 (P, $18.00) is cooler (90% similar). KVD Beauty Motorhead (P, $19.00) is glossier (90% similar). MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande (LE, $19.00) is glossier (90% similar). KVD Beauty Homegirl (P, $19.00) is glossier (90% similar). Sephora Auburn Prestige (98) (P, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Sephora Purple Red (99) (P, $14.00) is cooler (90% similar). Burberry Black Cherry (439) (P, $35.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Underdawg (LE, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Sashay (P, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Drop Dead Red (P, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC High Drama (P, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Fallen Angel (LE, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Ursula (LE, $7.00) is lighter (85% similar). Dose of Colors Saváge (LE, $18.00) is darker (90% similar). Lisa Eldridge Velvet Midnight (LE, $36.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (85% similar). MAC Powerhouse (LE, $19.00) is darker, glossier (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Lipcolour
MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Lipcolour

MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Lipcolour
MAC x Helmut Newton Retro Matte Lipcolour

MAC High Heels Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC High Heels Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC High Heels Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC High Heels Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC High Heels Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC High Heels Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Chateau M Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Chateau M Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Chateau M Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Chateau M Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Chateau M Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Chateau M Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Self Portrait Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Self Portrait Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Self Portrait Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Self Portrait Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Self Portrait Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

MAC Self Portrait Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour

28 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Deborah S. Avatar

While I love these colors I have found that this particular formula just doesn’t work for me. I have had to return several. It cracks and flakes off my lips. I was wearing it out one day and when I happened to catch myself in a mirror I was horrified. It looked like I had a strange disease that was erupting from my lips, LOL.

Katherine T. Avatar

I think it would’ve been nice if the product itself had some special packaging, maybe wrap one of his iconic photos around that tube of lipstick

Morena Avatar

Christine, do you have a review/swatches on any of those other or so newer shades of retro matte liquid lipsticks were released this year from the mac Transformed collection (slipper Orchid, bengal tiger fuchsia flicker.. Etc) ?
I’ve tried go ogling around

Mo Merrell Avatar

I can’t get with MAC and this product of liquid lips because it was horrible on my lips but glad to hear the formulation is better. The quad looks a bit dull and boring…I expected more of a PUNCH with bolder and sexy colors.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!