Round-up: MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection Overview & Thoughts
MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection
Now available at: NORDSTROM, MACY’S
Will also launch at: Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s
MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection launches online on May 15th and in-stores on May 22nd in U.S./Canada. For international locations, it appears to have released in Europe, but the date given is “May 2014.” Overall, it’s a really good collection in regards to quality, though the unique packaging seems to be the real star here. I think the Extra Dimension formula here is the best I’ve seen from the brand; the softest/smoothest with none of the slight dryness of past shades. The colors are on the more muted/duller side, which may or may not be your cup of tea.
BEST PERFORMING: Enchanted One (A), Mystical (A). Extra Dimension Eyeshadows (As), Pearlglide Eyeliners (As)
WORST PERFORMING: Pet Me, Please (C), Peachstock (B-), Modern Lure (B)
MOST UNIQUE: Fathoms Deep, Soul Serenade
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Clear Water, Mystical, Sea Worship
are you going to post swatches and reviews of the bronzers? it would be greatly appreciated
Hi Rose,
I believe I mentioned in the post above, but I’ll be reviewing the new Extra Dimension Bronzers when I’m able to buy them! If you’re referring to the regular Bronzing Powders, I have reviewed those shades several times in the past already! 🙂
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-to-the-beach-collection-golden-refined-golden-bronzer-review-photos-swatches
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches-2
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches
Did you not review the regular bronzers in the compact? I was hoping to hear if they had the same texture issues as the ones from last summer.
I have reviewed those shades several times in the past already! 🙂 I wasn’t planning on purchasing them.
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-to-the-beach-collection-golden-refined-golden-bronzer-review-photos-swatches
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches-2
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches
Hi Christina!
I was also hoping that you’d review the bronzing powders, cause yesterday I bought one from the new collection and it’s SO SOFT that I can’t honestly believe it. It’s like having a loose powder in compact, only pressed a little. When I touched it with my finger, a hole appeared… Using a brush means getting LOADS of product, which you must get rid of (and therefore waste) before putting it on your face. I’m really shocked by this, as in all reviews of the regular MAC bronzing powders I read that they are too hard even to swatch, whereas I got a total softie… I have no idea why this is and I’m wondering if anybody else has the same problem, or it’s just only my piece…
Christine, not Christina, obviously, I’m sorry for the typo…
The Golden I have is definitely not soft like that – pretty much par for the course compared to the other Refined Bronzers I’ve tried over the years!
I know! I even went back to my MAC counter to compare the regular Golden and the one from the new collection and the new one is definitely softer, I was really surprised by that. Even MAC makeup artists I talked to were a bit baffled, as it’s supposed to be the same product in different packaging, but it’s not exactly the case 😉
Really love the look of this collection (both packaging and the products themselves). I swatched the eye shadows in store the other day and they were dreamy, of all the products I think they’re what I need to get my hands on the most :’) x
Glad you had a chance to check ’em out!
I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on some items from this collection, there are some really pretty products and I love the packaging!
Enjoy, Jess!
What about the bronzer? I really want it for the compact, but I won’t bother if it’s poor quality.
Hi Gretchen,
I’ve already reviewed the repromoted Bronzing Powders a few times in the past, so I do not plan to purchase the other shade or review them at this time! I didn’t notice any difference from the one I received and the previous ones I’ve tried. MAC’s Bronzing Powders are decent to good but not great in my experience.
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-to-the-beach-collection-golden-refined-golden-bronzer-review-photos-swatches
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches-2
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches
It says lipglasses for lipstick! 🙂
Fixed!
the fact that this collection did well feels like an illusion lol like hell froze over. xD;
Haha!
Is there a review for the bronzer? I see it in the picture above but no review is listed.
Hi Virginia,
The Bronzing Powders are shades I’ve reviewed multiple times in the past, I do believe! 🙂 I didn’t notice any difference from the one I received and the previous ones I’ve tried. MAC’s Bronzing Powders are decent to good but not great in my experience.
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-to-the-beach-collection-golden-refined-golden-bronzer-review-photos-swatches
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches-2
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-refined-golden-bronzing-powder-review-photos-swatches
I love the blushes and I have to go and see the whole line in person soon
Can’t wait to see what you think, Allison!
I bought Pet Me Please today, it’s very pretty but will be a challenge to wear since the frosted mauve color is a bit dated. But I like it! And WOW the packaging is fantastic on this collection 😀
Yay!!
I didn’t think I’d like Pet Me Please but I actually do! It wears well on me and I don’t mind the texture. I agree that it looks better with a lip gloss. Combined together its such a great summer goddess lip 🙂
Oh man since I’m such a huge sucker of packaging, I adore this collection… but I recently found a drug store that carries the full line of NYX, or what I think is the full line as it include face products as to limited lip and eye. Spent a buttload as it’s a bit more expensive here.. swore to myself I wouldn’t need another blush or lipstick but alas.. wish it came out for Mother’s Day ’cause then it would be a good enough reason to purchase. I could give it as a gift but then ‘borrow’ lol
Haha! 😉 Sneaky!
Awww, I’ve been waiting (at least somewhat) patiently for the Extra Dimension Bronzers since the first review from this collection popped up, refreshing this site 40 times a day (opposed to my regular 20, lol). *curses MAC for not sending everything* Just kidding. Bu in all seriousness it seems a bit weird to send out most of the collection and skip all bronzers instead of sending maybe half of each type of product.
Anyway, thank you so much for the reviews and swatches. I’ve been able to narrow things down a lot! No lip products, only a couple of eyeshadows and maybe a blush.
No problem! Wish I had ’em! Hopefully they’re as good as the other powders in the collection.
*sigh* I love the packaging here, and I’m really glad the quality of the eyeshadows turned out so well! I wish so much that I could get my hands on some of this, but I’ve kind of promised myself that I won’t support MAC’s pricing scheme here in NZ 😛 Oh, the trials we face!
Good thing there are 21389472394 other products to buy at any given time so I’m sure something else will catch your attention 🙂
Hehe, too true! 😀
The eye shadows are pretty nice but I was really expecting some cool minty blues and greens in this collection!! 🙁
Aww!
Yes, it’s already released in Europe, and also already partly sold out.
Sorry I wasn’t able to review everything sooner 🙁 As fast as I could, but still too slow.
Thank you for the AA reviews!
Two or three of the eyeshadows will have a home here with me. i think the darkest of the lipsticks and one of the lipglosses will join the shadows.Oh, and I might even buy one blush (or two).
I like the look of this collection a lot.
Which shades, Helene?
Lorelei Golden beige
Silver Sun Mid-tone dirty sea foam green
Soul Serenade Deep plum brown
I’m certain of Lorelei even though i have shimmery golden beige shadows I think it looks so versatile and yet a bit original.
I quite like that MAC comes out with a kind of muted darkish collection for summer. I don’t remeber all other brands collections but YSL and Dior have very soft, barely there paselles, and pastell is s no no for me. I use pastelles as accents but not for a whole look, would wash me out. Sorry for a leangthy answer 🙂
I think you’ll really like Lorelei, Helene 🙂
I really like this collection, but I’m not sure I will be purchasing any of the items. Weird, huh? My attention was focused on the blushes, but I’m now more intrigued with the Becca offering and still have a few Hourglass blushes on my wishlist. The lipsticks do not particularly call my name. I like the eyeshadows, but find them very fairly dupeable. I love the packaging, but I’m imagining it will be complete insanity on-line for this collection and so I think it will be a pass.
In general, the collection is a bit more dupable than not, and there’s just kind of a muted haze over everything, which isn’t really bad, but it’s less eye-catching.
I am so excited for this collection! Everything looks great, but I think I will only pick up a couple of things. Mystical is definitely on my list.
Anything else on your list?
I really enjoyed the swatches from this collection and on the whole think it’s way better then some of the other things they put out recently!
Anything on your wish list, Erin?
some people in the uk were reporting the regular bronzers were different from the ones in the collection- did you happen to notice any inconsistencies?
also, i came across something that said that you donate your unwanted makeup to women’s shelters, and i just wanted to say that that really made me smile a lot inside 🙂
The Golden one I have seemed to be the same as the Golden I have from a few summers ago, but I don’t own Golden in permanent packaging (just ones released in LE packaging)!
🙂
Did you review the lip liners?
Yes, I did – http://www.temptalia.com/mac-comes-naturally-half-red-lip-pencils-reviews-photos-swatches
Christine which blush do you prefer out of the two?? I was going to get both but they seem so similar and i wanted your recommendation 🙂
I prefer Sea Me, Hear Me!
I have been counting down till the release date tomorrow & I’m SO excited!!! 😀 I’d like to get mystical, a few of the eye shadows, Sea Me Hear Me, and maybe an extra dimension bronzer. Yay!
Good luck!
I have been checking MAC periodically, which I swore I’d NEVER do again and the collection was up!
I was able to get everything on my (too) extensive list and check out without a delay. What a nice change from my previous experience with Marilyn Monroe!!!
The only thing I have seen sold out so far is one of the lighter lipsticks.
Glad you were able to get what you wanted, Terri!
Hi, wanted to see if you thought MAC Sea Me Hear Me Aquatic is similar to their Springsheen blush? And also if you think the Loralei Aquatic shadow or the Aquatic Bronzers bear any similarity to MAC Whisper of Guilt, for those of us who missed it. Thank you again for your thorough, illustrative reviews and help!
No, I don’t think it’s anything like Springsheen!
Whisper of Gilt is a lot more beige than Lorelei. I don’t know what the bronzers look like as I do not have them! Sorry! 🙁
Thank you. Luckily got them this morning because it looks like lots is gone already. Thought Springsheen might be similar, glad it’s not repetitive.
Just a heads up, Nordstrom already has it online. Mystical is sold out already last time I checked. You have to go to MAC-then the makeup category you want to see it. Good luck! 🙂
Yup! That’s why this post was moved to the top of the blog as I listed at the top of the post it was now available at Nordstrom and Macy’s but thanks for making sure I knew! 🙂
Oops didn’t see that sowwy! 🙂
No worries! I’m thankful I have such caring readers to make sure that I know! 🙂
Hi! when will it be released in Bloomingdales and Dillards? It was sold out fast again in Nordstrom and Macys 🙁
Hi Joan,
Retailers do not give out specific dates/times – it will probably be soon – but it can just depend on the retailer.
Did anyone notice that this was pro eligible??? Did MAC change the pro discount rules again??
It would be best to contact MAC for the most up-to-date rules regarding their program(s)!
Thanks for your response but I have tried to contact them regarding their rules but it seems as though there is no rhyme or reason as to why some collections are pro eligible while others are not. I just wanted to see if you or any of your readers noticed this or knew anything that I may not!
That’s pretty much the MAC way!
The eyeshadows sold out soo quick on the Canadian site i was shocked!
The collection is flying!
i think the fav thing for me from this collection are packagings xD
The packaging is very nice here!
Just looked at the Macys website and noticed that some of the sell outs (Mystical & all the eye shadows) are back in stock. Hope everyone was able to order what they wanted. Beauty hugs.
Thanks for the heads up, Anna!
I feel so idiotic since I bought Sea Me, Hear Me and it literally looks identical to Mood Exposure from Hourglass to me which I also have. I should’ve gotten Seduced at Sea, but I always tend to go for blushes that lean more on the pinky side. Oh well, it was a gift so I’ll just leave it forever untouched since it’s too pretty.
Aww!
I stalked the Nordstrom website all day! I initially only wanted Seduced at Sea. I later changed my mind and wanted Goddess of the Sea and Mystical. Later, only Goddess of the Sea was available so I ordered that separately. Then Mystical became available so I ended up with 3 separate orders lol! Glad I got all I wanted. I initially didn’t want anything but I couldn’t resist the packaging! Nordstrom’s stock changes periodically so continue to check!
I’m glad you were able to get your goodies, Charlene!
I normally am not a huge mac fan but this collection was very inticing.
Maybe it’s the packaging!
what is the size comparison of a regular-sized extra dimension eyeshadow versus these minis? I know its 0.04 versus 0.07 but i need a visual if possible. does anyone know?
The larger ones are the same size as like MAC’s Mineralize Eyeshadows, CCBs, etc.
Hi Christine! In Mexico, this collection is now available in stores (I think they re-stocked, launch here was in June), and I got three of the eyeshadows!! But I tried to read your review, and the link to the alluring aquatic eyeshadows is broken. Can you fix it?
Hi Cristina,
The link should work – it is the right link!