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Round-up: MAC Wash & Dry Collection Overview & Thoughts

MAC Wash & Dry Collection will launch online on May 14th and head to stores on May 21st. The collection features numerous products to choose from for eyes, lips, and face. MAC’s major summer collection is one I look forward to, but this year’s collection is a definite miss for me, personally, as well as in terms of quality.

My favorites were: Morange Lipstick (A) (permanent, though) andDomestic Diva Lipglass (A-). I would have loved to see MAC come out with more unique lipsticks; I feel like they’re doing a red nearly every launch these days, and the reds are mostly matte–they’re just not interesting. I would have loved to see some of their more metallic finishes promoted here (Thrills comes to mind) or something new that was mostly opaque with a glossy, pearly finish. The Freshen Up High-Light Powder (B+) and Crisp Whites Blush (B+) are more similar in color than I think is ideal for releasing the two together; I think the High-Light Powder would have been more interesting if it had a larger section of pink/red and if there was more shimmer running through it (most of it is an over-spray). Long-time cult favorite Hipness Blush (B) had some quality issues present in this iteration that weren’t in my original–namely, blending is more challenging–and the color itself is a couple of shades darker than the original.  The collection felt uninspired across the board with more dupable, we-just-saw-that (from MAC) kind of shades.

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Lily Kelley Avatar

I think I will skip this collection. Really disappointed in the quality and I feel the shades were done before. Thanks for always excellent round- up Christine.

Coco Avatar

This is the first Mac summer launch in several years that I’ll be skipping entirely. I wasn’t really a fan of the packaging, and seeing poorly the products i wanted performed–mehhh. Really disappointed in the bronzers most of all, i wish they would’ve brought back the pro long wear bronzers. Oh well…thanks for the great reviews! Just saved me some $$$ lol

Remika Avatar

Thank you so much for your indepth reviews of this collection; it has certainly helped me to narrow down my decisions as to what to purchase from this collection. It is sad that MAC seemed to have missed the mark this year – last year’s summer collection was amazing and I had high hopes for this year’s. There are a few products that I will purchase; however, you really helped me to narrow down which ones that I will purchase over the ones I had intended to buy but after reading your reviews will definitely skip out on. Thanks again!!! 🙂 🙂

Nancy T Avatar

Yes, I agree, this collection had such cool looking packaging that it ought to have had equally interesting and inspired products within. And it didn’t. I’m fairly bummed. I only want Morange, because it’ll be my first full-on orange lippy in years. And Domestic Diva IS quite different, and I think it will look nice over my Diva-ish lipstick.

Ceranna Avatar

I’m really shocked at all the medicore/bad scores, from a brand like MAC, I set my bar pretty high. I would love to hang out at MAC’s headquarters just to figure out what is going on in their heads.

Meghann Avatar

Dang, and I usually buy up practically the entire summer collection since it releases near my birthday. Disappointing but will get something else. I may pick up a gloss or two but it doesn’t seem worth going there for that.

Nicole Avatar

Not to impressed with this collection. I think I am getting burnt out on Mac. The constant spin outs of Limited edition releases and having to rush to try to get mediocre products just isn’t for me I guess. I am going to try to call the counter and pre-sale Freshen-up, Domestic Diva, and maybe hot/cold. I am still thinking about the Permanent press shadow trio. It will be nice for me to travel with. But, at the same time, I could just take 3 of the MUFE shadow I already own and save the $. It’s neutral and nice. But, it’s dupable for me. I’ll probably try to throw in a few of the extra dimension shadows and a new 159 brushes which I need more so the counter will take my order. I have never pre-saled just 2 or 3 items. So, I feel like I should just add those things while I am at it. But, I don’t wan to mess with the internet ordering craziness.

Katia Mura Avatar

The collection is already selling in th UK do you think it will luch earlier than the 14th in the US ?
By the way your reviews are always on point, congrats.

La Doshis Avatar

Ugh I’m sooooo disappointed that this version of Hipness is not good. I looked at the potential dupes and am not feeling any of them, so I am holding out for MAC to come out with Hipness again but the To The Beach version.. Sigh. Thx for the comps and reviews Christine!

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

I received the first part of my MAC W&D order yesterday. I got the Hot/Cold lipglass and the Colour Matters liner. I have not tried either yet, however, I did place a call to MAC this morning as I was incredibly disappointed to discover that while their website states the liner is in “special packaging”, there is absolutely nothing special about the liner packaging – at least not what they sent to me. Plain black box and liner with lime tips (for the shade) on the end and not the W&D packaging. This made me unhappy as I collect special cosmetics packaging so the purchase for me was for both the shade and the box. I should be receiving the Washeteria polish today and the Creme d’ Nude lipstick by next week. I have asked them to please remove the misleading language if they are not providing special packaging for the liners. Limited edition color is not the same as special packaging! If you recall, this is the same inaccurate advertising they did with the liners for the Rocky Horror collection. *makes sad face*

Jen Avatar

I just received my order today – I ordered…
Morange (lipstick)
Steam Heat (lipstick)
Freshen Up (Highlighter)
Crisp Whites (blush)
Hipness (blush)
Delicates (sculpting powder)
Golden Rinse (sculpting powder)

I was surprised because you gave the sculpting powders F’s however both of mine were very soft and very pigmented. Everything was excellent quality ( I am very picky and had bad experiences with MAC in the past)

The only thing that got me was the overspray on the highlighter, however I think it will make a gorgeous blush topper on either Crisp Whites or any other orange-y based blush.

I give an overall A ! Why is everyone scared of the sculpting powders!?

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