MAC x Selena Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours Reviews & Swatches
Siempre Selena
MAC Siempre Selena Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a medium-dark red with subtle, cool undertones and a flat, matte finish. It had good pigmentation in a single layer, though it was just shy of truly full coverage. The texture was fluid without being too watery nor too heavy, so it applied evenly, spread well, and didn’t settle into my lip lines or emphasize lip texture. It wore well for over six hours but was somewhat drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Guerlain Ruby Red (880) (P, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay 714 (P, $19.00) is lighter, glossier (95% similar).
- ColourPop Weekender (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- YSL Rouge Extravagant (01) (P, $39.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Pivoine Noire (136) (P, $40.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Ma'damn (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NYX Perfect Red (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Maybelline Red for Me (P, $7.49) is glossier (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Rapid (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Transform (P, $20.00) is brighter (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.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polybutene, Petrolatum, Cyclohexasiloxane, Kaolin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, BeeswaxCera AlbaCire D'Abeille, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tocopherol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Tin Oxide, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Flavor (Aroma), Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 28 (Ci 45410), Red 30 (Ci 73360), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Siempre Selena
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Dame un Beso
MAC Dame un Beso Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark berry pink with cool undertones and a flat, matte finish. The texture was fluid with some wateriness to it; the texture was unforgiving as it was applied, and I really had to smooth and even out the color as it dried down as it was quite streaky initially. I was surprised I was able to even it out as it dried down as much as I did!
The pigmentation was nearly opaque, and the color was intact for over six hours. The dry down emphasized lip imperfections and lip lines noticeably, and it wasn’t that comfortable to wear as it was quite clingy and was somewhat drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Miss Argentina (P, $20.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Guerlain #518 (P, $33.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Unlocked (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Bend and Snap! (P, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- YSL Fuchsia Allusion (99) (P, $38.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (85% similar).
- ColourPop Phoebus (LE, $8.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Tarte Fly (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Milani Embrace (LE, $8.99) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia Vida (LE, $18.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
- NARS Wasted (LE, $27.00) is darker, cooler (80% 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.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polybutene, Petrolatum, Cyclohexasiloxane, Kaolin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, BeeswaxCera AlbaCire D'Abeille, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tocopherol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Tin Oxide, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Flavor (Aroma), Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 28 (Ci 45410), Red 30 (Ci 73360), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Dame un Beso
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Big Bertha
MAC Bertha Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($21.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a flat matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, which applied evenly but dried down in such a way that it emphasized my lip lines and would catch on flakes if lips were not perfectly exfoliated. The texture was fairly smooth and fluid but was a bit thicker than some of the other shades in the formula. It lasted well for five and a half hours but was somewhat drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Cool Brown (P, $18.00) is darker (85% similar).
- NARS Raw Love (P, $26.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia Dread (P, $18.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Honey (P, $18.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Anastasia Rock Sand (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
- NARS Indecent Proposal (LE, $28.00) (80% similar).
- Tarte Castle (LE, $20.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar).
- MAC Easy Babe (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Anastasia Latte (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
- NARS Just What I Needed (P, $26.00) (80% 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.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polybutene, Petrolatum, Cyclohexasiloxane, Kaolin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, BeeswaxCera AlbaCire D'Abeille, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tocopherol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Tin Oxide, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Flavor (Aroma), Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 28 (Ci 45410), Red 30 (Ci 73360), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Crazy as this may sound I really do want to get Siempre Selena! I know, I know, I already have many, many red lipsticks, but this one is so Selena! Besides, I may need a fully dry-down matte lipstick with my having to wear masks whenever I go out.
I’m also digging the grungy look of Big Bertha! But for me one of these would be enough and that would have to be Siempre Selena.
Didn’t really think of that but wonder if liquid lipstick will get a bump up!
Siempre Selena will be my first Retro Matte Liquid. It’s such a perfect, glamorous siren kind of red. I had to have it.
I am not a fan of the retro matte formula so this is an easy pass for me. I do love the red shade though. I haven’t really been wearing makeup as I have been staying home and working on Christmas origami and other art projects. I am in the high risk group so I am being super cautious. I have been feeling guilty for not volunteering to go back to work during this epidemic and my daughter has been telling me she will kill me if I do so I am really torn! She keeps telling me I did my part during the AIDS/SARS/TB during my 45 years of nursing but it is natural to want to return since that is why I went into nursing. I always knew I wanted to help people. Anyway, when it comes to staying home, there isn’t much point in putting on a full face of makeup.
I’m a retired RN too. Have very similar feelings but also very high risk. I share your frustration.
Glad to hear that I am not the only one struggling with the choice. I see former colleagues and know what a terrible situation they are working in and my heart goes out to them and their families. I think that the biggest factor for me is that I know I really might be more of a hindrance than a help as my risk factors would not allow me to work a full shift and definitely not in PPE for the whole shift. I wouldn’t want to add to their work by passing out on the ward, LOL! My daughter keeps threatening to handcuff me to my bed. I think she came home primarily to keep me from going!
I hope all is well with you and your friends and family. Once a nurse, always a nurse.
From having an aunt who was an RN, I understand how strong the pull to go back into action must be, Deborah. But I’m so glad that you haven’t gone back to it, because it’s just too dangerous for you. Just know that all the years of service that you did put in or highly appreciated, however, now it’s your time to take care of you. Please stay home and stay safe!
Thank you for your years of service – and please stay home!
You have worked extremely hard during your life Deborah, now it’s time to stay at home and keep safe. I was wondering where you had got to as I hadn’t seen you post for a little while. I am finding that putting on a face full of makeup is still one of the joys of life.
Yes, I have been a little MIA. My daughter stayed away for 14 days and then came home and we have been doing things in her old bedroom, getting my craft room re-organized and binge watching different programs. Makeup just hasn’t been on my mind until I got the Sephora notice and that reawakened my interest. I have placed two orders already and will likely place at least one more. I am still working on a skin care reboot and am doing some research. Glad to hear all is well with you and hopefully your family are all well also. My mom has been staying home and my brother is taking care of her since they live about 10 feet apart. He retired to avoid any exposure since he was a school custodian. His son is still working but isn’t involved with people as he is the IT Director and the school is closed for the remainder of the season. He is working on their website and working on a class he is going to be teaching next year as an introduction to computers for the youngest kids, K-6.
Deborah, I’m glad to hear you and your family are safe. Please keep yourself away from the risk! If you sew, there are free patterns out there for cloth masks for doctor’s offices and hospitals. My doctor’s office has a basket of fabric masks for people to wear during appointments and take home. They serve a lot of elderly patients, so it’s very helpful for them.
The shade colours are rich and vibrant, but it looks quite matte and dehydrating on the lips.