December 28, 2012

The Nuanced Reds of MAC Cosmetics

Because I very recently just added a sexy new orange-red Lady Danger to my collection of MAC reds, I'm thought I'd do a comparative post on their nuanced differences. It takes a practiced eye to tell them apart because they're so similar.

L-R: Lipliner in Cherry, Lipsticks in Viva Glam I, M.A.C. Red, Russian Red, Lady Danger
Here is a clearer illustration, with an addition of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' limited edition Lip Tar in Indashio thrown into the mix.

Photo from here.

L-R: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Indashio, MAC lipsticks in: Lady Danger, Russian Red, M.A.C Red, Viva Glam I, and MAC lipliner in Cherry

1. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Indashio
This limited edition Lip Tar shade is a midtone pink-red that comes in a highly pigmented liquid formula. All you need is a tiny squirt on your finger to provide proper lip coverage. The Andy Warhol-reminiscent color is so versatile, it looks great on all skin tones and I looooooooooove how the color just POPS!

2. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Lady Danger
Lady Danger is NOT for the faint-hearted, let me tell you. It is an unapologetic (but then again, what shade of red is worn for apologies?), almost-neon orange-red matte stick that gives just as much pop, coverage, and versatility as Indashio does. It looks fabulous across all skin tones as well.

3. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red
Russian Red also comes in a matte formula, and is also a little bit leaning towards the orange side, but not quite as much as Lady Danger is orange. I find this is most suitable for when I'm suited up and feeling like a powerful bitch, haha!

4. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in M.A.C Red
Looking at the swatches above, you can very easily tell the obvious difference between M.A.C Red and the other shades. Instead of matte, it has a satin finish. And instead of orange, this red leans more towards the blue side of the spectrum. It makes your teeth (and complexion) look whiter, but and may be better suited for paler or cool skin tones. My skin tone is warm (I'm a light olive with dark hair and medium eyes), and the only reason it looks good on me is because, like I said, I am a tad on the pale side. I would not recommend this for all other warm skin tones. And to tell you the truth, I bought this shade because I wanted to look like Snow White, haha!

5. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Viva Glam I
Viva Glam I is my first experience of red lip color. My grandmother gave me a tube when I was 13 years old, and although I'd wear it around the house after school, I waited what felt like forever to wear it out. It is a slightly deeper red than the other red shades, but it is equally outspoken. Also matte, this is what I wear when I'm feeling glamorous, because if anything, it really gives you that old-Hollywood feel.

The great thing about the Viva Glam collection is that for every purchase of a Viva Glam product, every cent of its profits go to the MAC AIDS Fund, which provides direct care and assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as prevention assistance to those who are likely to acquire HIV/AIDS.

6. MAC Cosmetics Lipliner in Cherry
Also a blue-based shade, Cherry is a creamy lipliner that works very well alone, or if used with M.A.C. Red, Russian Red, and Viva Glam. The trick is to line lips and fill it in completely with lip liner before you paint on your lipstick shade of choice. Using it alone with clear gloss on top is a good way to achieve a red glossy look without having to worry about the color bleeding or feathering around your mouth.


There you have it! Let me know which one/s you like and go get yourself a tube or two! :)

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