MAC x Kabuki Magic Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Fallen Angel
MAC Fallen Angel Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a deep berry with cool undertones and a matte finish. I wish it performed better, as the color was gorgeous, but it was semi-opaque and applied unevenly. It was thin, watery, and harder to control as the color spread too easily. The color lasted for six hours, stained, and was moderately drying over time–but it seemed shorter-wearing than most of the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours for me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Acid Wash (P, $20.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC High Drama (P, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Notion (DC, $6.50) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Sumac (LE, $19.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Rocker Chick (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Self Portrait (LE, $21.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Oh Lady (P, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Darling (LE, $7.00) is lighter, glossier (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M501 (DC, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
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.
Fallen Angel
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Flamingo Road
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a deep purple with subtle, warmer pink undertones and a matte finish. It had mostly opaque coverage, though a bit more to touch-up certain areas would be a good idea as the formula ran thinner and there were a couple of spots that weren’t opaque on me. The consistency dried down fairly quickly, but there was a more noticeable sheen for the first hour of wear compared to most shades in the line-up. On me, the color wore well for seven hours, left a stain behind, and was somewhat drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Jawbreaker (DC, $18.00) is glossier (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Cloud9 (LE, $18.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Lancome Reve Toujours (509) (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Violet Riot (P, $21.00) is cooler, glossier (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Recuerdos (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Pandemonium (DC, $18.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- Sephora Orchid (P, $14.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Recollection (P, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Pandemonium (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Zipper (DC, $6.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
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.
Flamingo Road
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Sweet Thing
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a medium brown with subtle, rosy undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation that applied evenly and smoothly to the lips. The consistency was smooth, lightweight, and easy to spread across the lips as it was neither too thick nor too thin. The dry down was fairly flattering for this type of formula and did not appear “cracked” when I smiled. It wore well for just over seven hours on me before beginning to fade, though it was noticeably drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Shiseido Rose Syrup (BR721) (DC, $28.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- Anastasia #11 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Bronx (P, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Burnt Spice (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Erin (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M101 (DC, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia On Mute (LE, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Bow 'n' Arrow (P, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Raw Love (P, $26.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Ludwig (P, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
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.
Sweet Thing
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
This Modern Age
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is a dirty, medium gray with a hint of green paired with a matte finish. The color was more unique to me than not, and while it did not apply perfectly, I was surprised by its opaque pigmentation and fairly smooth application. The consistency was thin without being watery, spread well, and dried down without looking streaking. I did have slight “cracking” when I smiled around my deepest lip lines. The color lasted for seven hours on me and was somewhat drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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.
I was eyeing Flamingo Road (purple) but Modern Age looks really unique! No dupes for that one?
No dupes for that one.
Fallen Angel, cool name, I like that. Sweet Thing is my favorite color here though (what a surprise ;-))
Glad you liked one!
Sweet Thing!!! A total winner for me and I’m in LOVE with the colour!!
Sweet Thing makes for a beautiful velvety nude that is definitely NOT corpse-like! Very nice!
But it’s Flamingo Road that is taking my breath away…..OMG! That is a stunner. Even though I know that it could be somewhat drying, I know it cannot possibly be worse in that respect than UD Jawbreaker. Going to give it a try! (with Prep & Prime underneath!) ?
Question, because Fallen Angel is such a pretty color. Is it more difficult to formulate cool colors than warmer tones? Invariably, whether with eyeshadow or lip colors, they don’t seem to perform as well in online reviews I trust, like yours.
I know that purple shades in general seem to have issues, particularly blue-based purples! On the other hand, cool-toned reds and blues are often slam dunks. Lots of great cool-pink lipsticks, blushes, lots of fuchsia-anything, so I don’t know that it is.
Oh no, I was looking forward to buying fallen angel, but it seems to be a bad product.
Money saved, thank you and greetings from Austria!
I love the first two, but 🙁 I don’t think I’ll get them! The first one doesn’t look perfect, and something about the second one cools down my love for it!
I was hoping fallen angel would be better.
This Modern Age is on my to-buy list! I think the closest dupe I own is Jeffree Star Dirty Money (which is greener but still gray toned). What a cool unique shade I’m glad it got a good grade! Also loving Sweet Thing! Pretty nude. Wish they were less drying – I haven’t given any of these retro mattes a try yet because of that aspect.
I got Sweet Thing from this collection – am wearing it today, in fact – and I love it 🙂 It’s the perfect matte brown for me and it does wear well, so I agree with your A rating, Christine. Modern Age is fabulous! So unique.
I love the colors of Fallen Angel, Flamingo Road, and This Modern Age, but I have a feeling that the matte formula and the drying-ness would keep me from wearing them very often. This Modern Age really is unique to me because it’s the first lip color that I’ve ever seen you wear that I thought did not look flattering on you, Christine! I’ve always marvelled at (and been a bit envious of!) how many colors look good on you. I’m not sure what it is about this one that makes me not like it so much on you… maybe as part of a look with more colorful eyeshadow and cheeks, I’d like it better (that’s how I’d wear it myself). I am tempted to try it since I like grey lipsticks on myself so much, even Stone Fox, which leans teal on me…
When are these available?
They are already available and have been for the last week or so!
Is sweet thing darker or lighter than velvet teddy?? I’m very pale. Sweet thing looks stunning on you 🙂
You can compare any two shades in the Swatch Gallery – just click “Compare Any Two”!