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Sneak Peek: MAC Cosmetics In High Def Collection

Sneak Peek: MAC Cosmetics In High Def Collection

Launching on September 10th, MAC’s In High Def Collection (see full collection details here) contains several hand-picked products from the existing line as well as some new products that are designed to work well in the high definition environment. There are four new shades of lipstick: Close to Real, High Def, Resolutely Red, and Sharp Focus.

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

  • Close to Real is a pale, frosty peach. Despite having a lustre finish, it doesn’t feel like one to me. It feels much more like a frost lipstick, and it definitely looks like it on the lips. I found this one to seem to grab onto every imperfection on your lips–even after I had exfoliated–it just didn’t look very flattering. The color is really pale, so I’d vote on using this more as a layering shade than standalone.
  • High Def is a creamy, opaque pinky-coral color. It has a slight sheen, but it doesn’t contain any shimmer. On my lips, it doesn’t read very much coral (unfortunately, as MAC lacks corals!), but it’s still pretty. It looks more like my-lips-but-better with a bit more pinky-brown.
  • Resolutely Red is a mostly opaque, lightly creamy shade of reddish-wine. It’s not super bold or bright, so it’s more of a wearable red. It’s not too cool or warm, either, which I definitely like. It has a glossy look to it when applied.

Of the three I tried, none of them really jumped out at me as must-haves. High Def and Resolutely Red are flattering shades, while Close to Real may be more difficult for some to pull off (it is for me, at least!).

  • Product: 8/10
  • Value: 8/10
  • Ease of Use: 8/10
  • Packaging: 7/10

Recommendation: If you’re a fan of lustre finishes but have always wanted a bit more color… you might like these, because they pack a lot more pigmentation than your average lustre!

Availability: MAC Cosmetics (August 27th)

See swatches


MAC Close to Real Lipstick


MAC High Def Lipstick


MAC Resolutely Red Lipstick

39 Comments

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Anna Avatar

A surefire dupe for Resolutely Red in both shade and finish (cream with subtle gloss) is Maybelline Moisture Extreme in “Desert Sunset”. It has a similar toned down, wearable red shade with a hint of wine (no brick, brown or terracotta). It looks like the Maybelline might even apply more evenly.

Thanks for the clear swatches – good to know I won’t need to be picking any of these up.

Catherine Avatar

Hmmm, I’m not really feeling these either. Close to Real looks pretty in the swatch but it looks way different on your lips! High Def looks a bit lighter than Hug Me… so I prefer Hug Me and Resolutely Red while pretty, I’m sure has many dupes.

Veronica Avatar

Resolutely Red looks like a must have! I want to get back into red lipstick and this will look gorgeous for every day. Thank you so much for the swatches! Might have to get High Def as well, although I think I own too many dupes already.

Jessica Avatar

Close to real kind of reminds me of Myth in the tube, but not swatched on the lips. I might just try it, I like pale lippies with a gloss on top 🙂

Yuliya Avatar

I love how people are bashing Close to Real and I bought 2 =P. It’s very much like myth but a little better, and with more pink. I definitely wouldnt wear it as heavy as the picture but that’s for color purposes =]. If you’re into nudes, definitely check it out!

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