Pat McGrath Elson 2 & Forbidden Love MatteTrance Lipsticks Reviews & Swatches
Elson 2
Pat McGrath Elson 2 MatteTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark orange-red with warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer, which applied evenly and smoothly across my lips without tugging. The lipstick had a lightweight, velvety consistency that was comfortable to wear but adhered well, too. There was a smidgen of product in my deeper lip lines from the initial application, though it wasn’t noticeable from a normal viewing distance, and it seemed to smooth out as it wore down to a matte finish (within an hour). It stayed on well for seven hours and was lightly moisturizing while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Claudette (LE, $34.00) is warmer, glossier (95% similar).
- Bite Beauty Cayenne (DC, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Chilean Sunset (LE, $45.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Obsessed (LE, $38.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Maybelline Orange Danger (DC, $7.49) is darker, more muted (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Foxfire (P, $57.00) is darker, more muted (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Jagger (LE, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Lancome Impatiente (172) (P, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Shiseido Lantern Red (220) (P, $26.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Cristiano (P, $36.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.14 oz. - $271.43 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “richly pigmented” with “”supreme hydration” and “opulent matte opacity.” The consistency was smooth, velvety, and dense without being too firm for one-stroke, glide-on application (I found the original shades to be slightly firmer compared to more newly released shades). They had nearly opaque to opaque coverage in one layer and most were buildable.
They had a subtle sheen--more satin-to-cream in finish--that wore down to a natural matte finish within an hour or two of wear. The formula lasted between four and eight hours on me, and while most weren't drying, they aren't "supreme[ly" hydrating either. They are, however, comfortable to wear over a longer period of time and reapply well. There was no discernible scent or taste to the formula.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Elson 2
PPermanent. $38.00.
Forbidden Love
Pat McGrath Forbidden Love MatteTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a medium-dark red with cooler undertones and a satin finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation with a lightweight, creamy consistency that felt velvety and dense without being firm, so it applied without tugging on my lips but did not slide around while worn. I noticed that this particular shade had a bit more slip compared to most shades in the MatteTrance line, though. The lipstick stayed on well for eight hours and left a strong stain behind, while the formula was lightly hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Patrick Woo (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Dylan (P, $36.00) is warmer, less glossy (95% similar).
- Stellar Beauty Super Sonic 04 (P, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Candy Cane (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Chanel Rouge Charnel (56) (P, $45.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC A Rose in Harlem (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Rouge Ultime (P, $32.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Slay Ride (LE, $19.00) is brighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Elson (P, $38.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- MAC Ruby Woo (Matte) (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.14 oz. - $271.43 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “richly pigmented” with “”supreme hydration” and “opulent matte opacity.” The consistency was smooth, velvety, and dense without being too firm for one-stroke, glide-on application (I found the original shades to be slightly firmer compared to more newly released shades). They had nearly opaque to opaque coverage in one layer and most were buildable.
They had a subtle sheen--more satin-to-cream in finish--that wore down to a natural matte finish within an hour or two of wear. The formula lasted between four and eight hours on me, and while most weren't drying, they aren't "supreme[ly" hydrating either. They are, however, comfortable to wear over a longer period of time and reapply well. There was no discernible scent or taste to the formula.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Thank you for your insight on the shipping of PML lipsticks, Christine. I have placed an order and picked up Forbidden Love, Executive Realness, Beautiful Stranger and Guinevere. Excited to get them. This is the most comfortable matte lipstick formula’s that I have ever worn.
No problem, Deborah! Keep us posted on how your order goes!
With MAC Lady Danger and Russian Red, I’m taken care of….although that tube of RR is 5 years old, do Idk? Maybe not.
I’d say the question is if you made a dent in your Russian Red and if you haven’t… why not!
I, too, own Russian Red and Lady Danger (plus a whole lot of other reds), so I need to look away!
I wore Forbidden Love today and O. M. G. I am in LOVE. It’s the perfect red for me and I love this formula so much. Very little bleed around the edges after 8 hours bouncing between air con and 90+ temps.
It’s a gorgeous shade! It’s amazing how long these wear for being a traditional lipstick.
Wow – such stunning shades and I love Forbidden Love.