What it do, RiRi Woo? The lipstick MAC remixed for Rihanna is back for a second act, and she brought along a few friends.
If you wanted (but missed) RiRi Woo the first time around, you’ll get a second chance to scoop it up, along with the rest of the five-piece limited edition RiRi Hearts MAC Summer collection, online starting tomorrow, June 18.
I had a play date with the collection this morning and had magnetic field day…
By magnetic, I mean opposites that attract, because for me, opposites permeate these products. Intense lip colors contrast with the sheer blush on cheeks, and the matte lipsticks and blush sit in stark contrast to the shimmery, sparkly highlighter.
I like it. The whole dang idea.
Sure, the collection is short and sweet, but you get a lot of juxtaposition here. The look doesn’t seem flat at all, which can be an issue with some collections that feature this much matte.
Maybe it’s just a flashback to my English Major days, but I also like to think that MAC and Rihanna intended for the opposing elements to be symbolic of RiRi, whose stage persona seems both raw and vulnerable at the same time.
That, or perhaps I’ve listened to Stay one too many times…
Lipsticks in RiRi Woo, RiRi Boy and Heaux ($15 each)
Far and away, I think the most popular pieces from this collection are going to be the lipsticks ($15 each). The core girls/guys on Team MAC love intense color, and red RiRi Woo, lavender RiRi Boy and berry Heaux deliver it in droves.
But gosh, these sure feel dry… They tug at my skin and feel like I’m wearing a thick layer of cornstarch on my lips.
That said, the mega matte way these look is still pretty bangin’. They’re chic and oh! — photograph very well.
I like these for their looks, because they’re definitely not the most comfortable lip products or the easiest to apply. If you don’t mind suffering for your fashion, you’re in luck. These are like 5-inch spiked heels in lipstick clothing. Plus, the whole matte thing is so hella ’90s, which I love.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Powder Blush Duo in Hibiscus Kiss ($26)
Cheek this out, babe!
I flipped a sprocket when I saw the neutral bronze and coral in this Hibiscus Kiss Powder Blush Duo ($26), but my fever waned when I swatched it for the first time.
The blasted thing feels hard to the touch and applies very sheer.
It shows up a little better on my skin when I apply it with the brush (which, unfortunately, also takes longer), but still — not by much. I have to really build this up in layers to get a look I like. Sorry, no intense flushes here, but this might light your fire if you like super sheer cheeks.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B-
Lustre Drops Liquid Highlighter in Barbados Girl ($20)
What a nice surprise! From the Lustre Drops in Barbados Girl, I expected a clone of Pink Rebel, but it’s actually a different deal. This liquid highlighter contains more bronze, and there are tiny flecks of glitter swimming around in it.
The effect’s flashy enough to notice from a few feet away, but it’s not gonna hit anyone over the head and say, “LOOK AT ME!!”
I’d call this perfect if it wasn’t so easy to over-apply. The glitter can get a little goopy if you use too much (yep, like I did at first).
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-
Sorry, babe, if you were hoping to head to a MAC store or counter to pick up the lipsticks, blush duo and liquid highlighter from this launch, this one’s only going to be available online. If you’re interested, you might want paddle over sooner than later, too, since the first release of RiRi was like Shark Week! — aka a feeding frenzy.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Thanks so much Karen for doing this review and swatches. What I love with retro matte lipsticks their staying power is pretty long but the drawback is they can be real drying. I love the shades of this collection but not the formulation.
You’re welcome, Charisma!
I purchased the woo and can’t wait to get it. I was a huge matte red lipstick wearer in the 90s. I want heaux but the name is so degrading to women.
Great review! I was going to snag the compact but seeing as I’m NC50 I don’t think it will do much. I adore the retro matte finish!
Thank you, Bridgette. 🙂
Heaux and Riri Woo are pretty, but I will probably hate that powdery feeling on my lips. And I was expecting more from the blush. I’m kinda sad about it. 🙁
Yeah, I was hoping for a lot more punchiness. But it’s nice to have them contrast against the bold lipsticks. 🙂
Have a nice Tuesday!
I didn’t think I would have any interest in this collection, but those lipsticks are beckoning. All three look really great on you. I am a sucker for mattes, the 90s connection is hilarious, as those were my high school years. I’m going to see if I can get them online tomorrow. Thanks so much for the swatches and reviews.
Hi Alice Ann,
The ’90s were my high school years, too. When did you graduate?
Good luck with getting the lipsticks! Let me know what you end up snagging.
I’m excited to buy RiRi Boy! Purple lips are HUGE at the moment, but I haven’t found a Matte Purple…until now!! Some of my all time favorite MAC lipstick colors are Ruby Woo and Candy Yum Yum, both of which are Matte..I’ve encountered the same problem with the dryness, but I’m also the type of girl who will wear 6 inch heels to work, I found a way to wear those everyday without being uncomfortable, I figured if I could do that surely I could find a way for these lipsticks to be less drying. My secret? Burt’s Beeswax chapstck (original formula) I prep my lips by exfoliating them with a washcloth, apply a thin layer of the Burt’s, apply my favorite Matte Lipstick and finish with another light layer of the Burt’s. By doing this I maintain that perfect Matte look without the chalkiness! Try it!
I used to do this trick all the time in the ’90s. It’s a good one!
Thanks for the swatches and the review Karen! I’ve been lusting after every piece since its announcement. Had high hopes for the Hibiscus Kiss; still might buy it to test it out.
Hi Vanessa,
Let me know if you end up getting it and what you think of it. It’s really pretty for sheer cheek…
the red and berry are PERFECTION on you! wow just wow. seriously u look fabulous! too bad they are so dry :/ I will pass but live vicariously through your pictures 🙂
Hi Yelena,
You can prep your lips first with a balm (I used to do this in the ’90s), and that can help make things a bit more comfy. 🙂
How was your weekend? Good, I hope!
Thank goodness for your swatches Karen!! I’ve crossed Hibiscus Kiss from my list since it probably won’t show up on my NC50 skin. I’m really digging the lipsticks on you! I like how Heaux looks more berry than red on you (even though I don’t see a lip swatch LOL) so I’ll probably get it. The standout was definitely Barbados Girl! It’s beautiful!!!!
You’re welcome! 😀 Happy Tuesday!
Silly me! I see it now! LOVE Heaux on you. Much more excited for it now! I’m hoping it leans more on the berry side rather than red on me
Hi Fancie,
If it doesn’t you can always try blanking out your lips first with a bit of concealer, foundation, or a flesh-colored lip liner. I do that all the time.
Oooh wow the lippies are so, so pigmented–pretty! Too bad about the blusher/bronzer though–that was the one I was most excited about. The shades are a little similar to IT COsmetics’ Vitality Face Disc though (but the blush is more shimmery), so I’ll just stick with that one
Cool! Good to know you have a blush duo that you love!
This is the first Mac collection in a long time that I am not excited about. The lipsticks look beautiful on you though.
Hi Agata,
Yeah, the look is a very specific one. It’s totally Rihanna, for sure though.
Hope you’re having a nice week so far and that you get a break from work soon.
Happy Tuesday!
I really like the Lustre Drops, but this shade looks too dark for me.
Hi Danielle,
It’s a lot more intense than I expected. Maybe try Sun Rush Lustre Drops if you haven’t already. You might like it.
Can someone please tell me how I pronounce “HEAUX”?
Should be “HO”, like Santa. Or, you know.. 🙂
Ha, this made me laugh!
Ho
These lipsticks aren’t for the faint of heart, are they?? 🙂 Hmmm, bold colors and kind of drying/chalky? Guess who’s running and hiding from this collection? HAHA!
Hi Kim,
Aww, not even for nostalgia’s sake? These lippies are SO ’90s. I think you should wear RiRi Woo and dance around to Snap’s I’ve Got the Power. I may be guilty of doing that yesterday, not gonna lie!
Happy Tuesday, btw. Is it Friday yet?!
HAHA! I actually thought I’d be digging Heaux (hee hee) but I think it will be too fuchsia for me. Maybe for nostalgia – and I could certainly be persuaded to rock out to Snap. Speaking of music, have you heard Inner Ninja yet (David Myles)? My friend mentioned it yesterday and I gave it a listen. It’s kind of a quirky, happy, little tune.
Oh, gosh, I know. Wednesday and counting. Time is ticking slowly again this week. I predict we’re going to have a strong finish, though. 🙂
I cannot get passed the Rhianna factor. I hate her… ugh.
I feel like the lipsticks are so…uninspired. They’re beautiful, but they’re just matte-er versions of permanent shades. =\ Still, I bought Heaux. It’s gorgeous on you, Karen! I already have Ruby Woo, so no RiRi Woo for me. The retro matte formula is why I chose Heaux over Rebel.
I love the way Ririboy looks on you! I had to get Heaux for the name & your picture convinced me to get Ririboy (love the way it looks on you & we have similar skintone).I have Ririwoo from the last release and it feels so much better than Rubywoo. I wanted to get the drops but they sold out which may be good since I find that my skin is sensitive to highlighters for some reason :/
Om I so hate you right now! Heaux and Riri Woo looks great on you! Love it! Makes me wanna get both, ugh.
Karen, you gorgeous thang, you! I actually picked up everything BUT RiRi Boy — while there’s a part of me that loves the idea of an intense lavender lipstick, I’ve probably seen too many CSI/Criminal Minds episodes, especially the morgue scenes and frankly, this shade just screams cadaver-lips to me, lol! I still wish I could wear it, though!
Karen, thank you SO much for these swatches! I was lucky enough to snag RiRi Woo (which by the way looks absolutely GORG on you!) and Heaux as well! During the first release of RiRi Woo I was not at all interested in having one for myself, but for some reason the hype got me this time around! I think it was after seeing this swatch and a few others. I’m still slightly confused regarding it being the exact same shade as Ruby Woo (which I do own) or slightly different? The swatches come off as though it is a bit of a deeper red, which I think I will love! Can’t wait to try them both =)
I got ririboy and ririwoo, now I regret not getting heaux. It oly took me 3 hours to order. Ugh. Back online I go! Lol
Hi, Karen
Would you say RiRi boy and Heroine are quite similar?
A review I read said that if you’re not a lipstick feine/lover, you won’t miss out on much. Riri Woo= slightly darker Ruby woo, Heaux= matte rebel, Riri Boy= matte Up the Amp.
I have all those MAC shades but I still ordered them. I do love me some matte lipsticks, of course I’ll be dousing my lips in Korres lip butter afterwards!!!
Heaux ≠Rebel. And not just on me. I tried it one several people. The shades are significantly different. That being said, I LOVE IT!!
These lipsticks look Gorg on you.
I will be rocking the heaux for my birthday dinner party.
I need to know what lipliner you used with heaux to get that berry effect ?