Now that I’ve seen MAC’s new Naked Honey collection up close and personal, I think I know how bees must feel, ripped on honey and sunlight, dancing in the sky above fields of blooming wildflowers.
Not since Cult of Cherry have I been so moved by a MAC collection…
Available now, the 13-piece release of eye and lip makeup, skin care products and fragrances ($14-25) is a sensory feast! The colors excite me, the scents entice me, and the skin care hydrates the mutha’ effin’ crap out of my alligator dry bod.
The color palette features warm and shimmery brown, copper, pink and gold shades that should look gorgeous on warm skin tones and tans.
There’s nothing here too out there or arty, nor are the colors apt to induce naps. They’re straight-up pretty (but wearable) products, and I’m a big fan.
Eyeshadows
Creme de Miel Eyeshadow
Pollinator Eyeshadow
Buckwheat Eyeshadow
Creme De Miel ($14.50), a shimmery, lemony gold, gets the frost just right. It’s my favorite of the three eyeshadows — a perfect color to brighten up the eyes. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Pollinator ($14.50), a peachy pink, applies sheer with a semi-matte finish. It’s like a peachier version of MAC Expensive Pink Eyeshadow, sans the golden shimmer. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+
Buckwheat ($14.50), a shimmery taupe-ish brown, is the coolest of the three shades. I had to look closely to spot the little flecks of gold glitter it hides. So pretty! Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Swatches from left to right: Creme de Miel, Pollinator, Buckwheat
Lipglasses
Tinted lipglass from left to right: Buzz, Queen Bee, She’s a Star
Don’t the Lipglass shades look like the eyeshadow colors? Neat, huh?
She’s a Star ($14), a shimmery lemon-gold, looks like a lip gloss version of Creme De Miel eyeshadow. I can’t wait to layer it above lipsticks in bronze, brown or red. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Queen Bee ($14), a shimmery, peachy gold, looks neutral enough to pair with smokey eyes but packs enough color to make bold statements on her own. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Buzz ($14), a shimmery, warm copper, applies with intense pigmentation and sparkle (for a full lip photo, click here). Love! Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Swatches from left to right: Buzz, Queen Bee, She’s a Star
High-Light Powders
High-Light Powder in Honey Light
High-Light Powder in Golden Nectar
Both of the High-Light Powders can be worn as either highlighters or bronzers.
If you’re purchasing the powders for the shimmer, take heed: it’s just a thin layer on the very top of the pan. Once it’s rubbed away, the powder beneath the shimmer is semi-matte.
Honey Light ($24.50), a shimmery, peachy gold, is the lighter of the two. I like it worn as a highlighter on my cheek bones, temples, down the bridge of my nose and at the inner corners of my eyes. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Golden Light ($24.50), a shimmery tan — the darker shade — works well as a subtle bronzer. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+
Swatches from left to right: Golden Nectar, Honey Light
Skin care products
Naked Honey Body Wash, Hand and Body Cream, Skin Salve
Naked Honey Skin Salve
My normally combination skin is uber-dry right now, and the Naked Honey body products hydrate and banish ashiness in a hot second.
I think the Body Wash ($20, MBB Rating: A) rocks, as do the Hand and Body Cream ($22. 50 MBB Rating: A+) and Skin Salve ($18.50, MBB Rating: B+).
Each has a wonderful honey scent and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
Unfortunately, the packages are on the smaller side, and considering the prices … the products definitely fall into the splurge category.
Fragrances
Creations Hue in Africanimal
Creations Hue in Naked Honey
I’ve never owned any MAC Hue Creation fragrances, but I may just spring for both of these.
Africanimal ($25), the muskier, sexier of the two scents, put me off at first. The top notes, which are spicy and almost masculine, gave me a start! — but I gave it a chance. After the scent settles down, I think it smells like a room filled with open honey jars and hot shirtless dudes. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Naked Honey ($25) smells *exactly* like a bouquet of honeysuckle and freesia. I think it’s the girlier of the two scents — a simple floral, but it’s uncanny how accurately it captures the flowers. If you like feminine, floral fragrances, you might give it a try. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
What’s the verdict? How do you feel about MAC Naked Honey so far? 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Unfortunately, this is the one summer collection that has excited me the least. The eyeshadows colors just don’t seem like anything new to me. Kinda like dupes for Nylon, Paradisco & Mulch but just slightly different in their own way. The lipglasses are nice though. Definitely nice colors to warm up any lipsticks in your collection. Could make a killer neutral lip combo. The body stuff doesn’t float my boat, but that’s just me. Hope others enjoy this collection as it could work well for many people since it is so wearable.
Hi Nicole15,
The good thing about MAC is there’s always something new to look forward to, right?
Yeah it’s finally here! I am so in love with this collection. I love how warm the colors are and the High Light powder and Skin Salve have my name written all over em. 🙂 The salve even looks like honey, it’s freaky.
Hi Sarahc,
The salve is great! It’s very moisturizing!
I have yet to see it in person but this collection just doesnt do it for me.I will prob go in to check it out but certainly not rushing to do so.
Hi Evelyn,
A lot of people have mentioned that. Is it the colors?
Thanks for reviewing the entire collection! I’m excited about this collection although I don’t think I’ll be buying much if anything from it. I especially love the Lipglasses in Buzz and Queen Bee. The High-Light powders look darker on the MAC site than they do in your pics, but I’ve noticed that the colors are slightly off when I look at them on their site (which is why I only shop MAC online if I’m familiar with the shades I’m buying). What I don’t get is why their perfumes are so affordable but the body care products are disproportionately expensive when compared to the rest of their products. I actually find MAC to be one of the more affordable department store brands, so I’m disappointed with the price of the body wash.
I think if I had the money to spend, I would buy the whole collection. I would get the Hue Creations in Africanimal (although I haven’t smelled it) because I prefer masculine smelling perfumes. They seem to mesh well with my chemistry and smell feminine on me, while pure florals usually end up giving me a headache.
Hi Sole,
🙂 You’re welcome. The MAC product pictures on the site tend to be off — in general I’ve noticed that they look darker online. I think they charge an arm and a leg for the limited edition body stuff because they know they can (sigh). I’ve never owned any of their perfumes but you’re so right; in comparison to other brands $25 is not bad considering the bottle is a decent size.
If you do end up going to the counters by chance you’ve got to try on the Buzz Lipglass. I think it would really pop on you!
Whooohooo now I want buzz fosho’! Thanks Karen!
Hi Ms. B,
You’re welcome! 🙂 It’s a beautiful color…
someone on makeup ally gave this collection a very bad review and it killed my lemmings but now looking at your pictures, i am suddenly not so sure.
i do know these colours will suit you perfectly for sure. as for me, i have to wait for it to reach our shore. a lot later i guess. but that gives me more time to read about different reviews on it too. 🙂
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Hi Jojoba,
Yah, it’s not flashy but it’s still a pretty collection. I hope you like it when you see it!
i’m liking buckwheat e/s and queen bee l/g 😀
Hi Maggie,
Pretty shades! Do you think you might pick either of em up?
In love. I picked up Creme de Miel, Pollinator, and Queen Bee. I passed on Buckwheat, I already have Satin Taupe. The colors look great together, on my light skin Pollinator veers toward the orange side like Tete-A-Tint, but gloriously brighter.
Hi Selena,
Pretty! It’s interesting how it behaves different on different skin tones. On me it’s so sheer, but I kinda like that about it. 🙂
Girrrrl, I’m all over this shizz. I knew I’d fall in love with it a few months ago when I read about the theme of the collection. These colors are perfect for girls with our complexion, and I just love anything with the word “honey” in it. Can’t wait to splurge on this collection, and I’m curious to check out the fragrances, even though I so don’t need another perfume. (You know, as opposed to needing a 38th MAC lipglass 😉 )
Hi Elle,
Ha! “Even though I so don’t need another perfume.” We live in the same world, girlfriend! 🙂
I hope you like it when you see it in person! Try on the Buzz lipglass first…
Love the review.
I’m thinking of getting the Peach Light highlighting powder. I’m a sucker for their LE powders.
Thanks for the inside scoop!
Hi Nancy,
You’re welcome. 🙂
So normally I NEVER get excited about makeup releases, but I’m totally digging those eyeshadows! I love golds and creme de miel and buckwheat look right up my alley. Plus pollinator looks similar to Paradisco which I stole out of my roommates makeup drawer and used all the time last year! My bad roomie! I’m also kinda digging that last lipglass. Oh Karen what have you done to me? LOL.
Hi Caitlin,
You are too cute! If you think that you’ll wear these colors all of the time then they are totally worth it… and one could easily wear ’em every day because they aren’t so out there, ya know?
If you like golds you’ll love Creme De Miel… I did a few play looks yesterday and it looks really pretty packed on the lid with a wet brush!
Hiya Karen,
I did a mini haul today and picked up Honey Light (Golden Nectar seemed to disappear on me), Pollinator and Queen Bee. I’m waiting for the friends and family sale next week to satisfy my other lemmings. I will definitely be getting the other two lipglasses and the Africanimal fragrance (I had an opposite encounter with the fragrances–I was put off by Naked Honey and instantly liked Africanimal). I was planning on purchasing the other two shadows but Buckwheat seems too similar to Mulch which I already have and heard others mention that Creme de Miel is similar to Nylon but I haven’t made that comparison as of yet. If I do decide to splurge on any of the body products, it would probably be the salve:-D
Hi Tami,
I have Mulch, too, and Buckwheat applies on me with more taupe/purple than Mulch. Mulch has a lot of bronzy gold on my skin. I guess everybody is different, though!
The Salve is pricy but totally worth it. You don’t have to use much and it smells really yummy — more like the Africanimal scent than the Naked Honey scent.
I am so checking the lip gloss out when I go to the mall tomorrow. It is a little more sparkly than I normally go for but pretty.
Like you, I love all these warm toned items!
Hi Shiny,
They’re sooo pretty in person! I love them all. 🙂
I wish MAC would release more warm collections. Remember Neo Sci Fi from last year? Every time I think of that I get a little emotional, LOL. That was a good one!
hey karen!
i might just splurge on the skin salve… sounds delicious. none of the other colors work on my cool based very pale skin however…
i might just stick with some other loot for now.
Hi Ines,
It’s quite yummy. A little goes a long way, too, which is nice. I used some on feet last night before going to bed and they were super soft this morning. The creme is nice, too!
Hmm, I think you could get away with Creme de Miel, but if it doesn’t move ya it sounds like sticking with other loot sounds like a good plan.
I have heard from the MUA at my fav MAC store here that it seems we won’t be getting the Naked Honey collection here 🙁
So want to try their bath and body products…I think they actually look kinda yummy 😛
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Hi Vonvon,
That’s a bummer! I wonder why they aren’t releasing it there…
your fragrance descriptions cracked me up.. gotta smell them just to compare!
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Hi Kia,
🙂 Do you like this collection?
Yours is the first glowing review I’ve seen of this collection… At first I was definite on taking a pass, but now I’m inclined to give this a closer look!
Hi Tiera,
I hope you do! 🙂
These colours are perfect for me! I’m gonna get the e/s and at least 2 of the l/g. There are definately not ehough warm MAC Collections coming out, not to mention green e/s!?
Hi Rita,
Yah, I long for more warm collections to come out. I guess this will have to do for now! 🙂
I am so excited to see Naked Honey in person! I really want everything, hah hah. I am going this saturday to get a makeover with the new collection and splurge on a couple of items! Yay!
.-= Caitlin Plavala´s last blog ..Crystal Light =-.
Hi Caitlin,
That sounds exciting. I always love MAC makeovers because I learn so many new tips. I hope that you have fun and snag some cool loot!
I’m am sooo glad this collection is finally out!! My husband has found many ways to keep me distracted so that I stay away from the mall..lol! “Awww man, more make-up??!!” Those were his exact words when he seen me checking out your reviews today! Come Saturday morning I will be at the mall bright and early to load up on this collection!!
Hi Gina,
LOL, El Hub does the same thing when he sees me eyeing gloss. 🙂 I hope you like this collection when you see it in person on Saturday! Let me know what you end up getting.
thank you for swatches, Karen!
This is strange that so many women don’t like it.
I find this collection great.I mean the colors! I really like
Pollinator Eyeshadow.I also like High-Light Powder in Honey Light.
.-= Marina´s last blog ..Satin Hands by Mary Kay: Review =-.
Hi Marina,
You’re welcome. 🙂 I can see why a lot of women aren’t crazy about it — I guess the colors aren’t flashy, but that’s what I love about it.
Pollinator is really pretty! I tried it yesterday with Creme De Miel and some thick black liner… it was really nice!
Thanks for the reviews, Karen! I’ve been lemming this collection since I saw previews for it.
One question though – I’m more of a cool-toned gal – will the eyeshadows and hi-light powders still work with my skin tone? I’ve got med.brown hair, and med./fair skin. Just wondered – since I have to order online and don’t have a MAC counter nearby to test. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Jaime,
I think that they’re not so warm that they’ll clash with your skin. Pollinator might be too warm for you, but Creme De Meil, Buckwheat and Honey Light would probably do ya just fine.
“I think it smells like a room filled with open honey jars and hot shirtless dudes.”
That just about killed me.
Thanks for the heads up on the High-light Powders. 🙂
Hi Shasta,
LOL, it’s true — it’s kind of a masculine scent but it still settles in nicely. I hope you give it a sniff!
Ooh, look at all the pretties! Let’s see… I want Creme De Miel, Buckwheat, the Honey Light highlighter, Queen Bee and She’s a Star lipglasses! *drools* Okay, I probably won’t be able to swing all that, but still, I can dream!
Hi Stacie,
Great list! I hope you like it when you see it at the counter… let me know what you end up haulin’!
Oh Dear, so many beautiful colors. Would love to have it all. I love the naked honey.
Hi Joyce,
I know, right? It’s not ultra flashy, but it’s still a very pretty palette.
I think I may just be in love with the buckwheat eyeshadow. I know it looks like my other fave eyeshadow but I’m always drawn to the color.
Hi Meream,
It’s a little pretty one! On me a lot of the purple shows up… love it on the lids!
I’m Loving buzz lipglass. It’s the stand out of the collection for me. I may go back and get naked honey fragrance…I never bought a mac fragrance yet either.
.-= Ally´s last blog ..Naked Honey Launch =-.
Hi Ally,
I really like it a lot. You’ll have to be a fan of florals, as it’s very girly and flowery!
All you had to say was “Cult of Cherry.” The “Tempting” eye shadow quad from that collection is my go to everyday/very most favorite quad. If you like this collection as much as Cult of Cherry, I’m pretty sure I will too. Buzz and Creme de Miel are calling my name.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Grace in Small Things, Part 24 =-.
Hi Amy,
That’s a great quad. Tempting is one of my fave shadows, eva!
I hope you like this collection. It doesn’t seem like it has a lot of fans, but I think it’s worth a closer look. 🙂
Happy Friday!
From the looks of it, I really like the collection. I don’t own any of the prods from it as of yet, but I love how the highlight powder looks in Golden Nectar. So iridescent!
Hi Rachel,
It is to a point — that top part with all of the shimmer is just a thin overlay. Once it rubs off the powder isn’t as shimmery.
Oh yea, and Queen Bee l/g is gorgeous as well. I yearn to own it one day!
Hi Rachel,
I wore Queen Bee last night to the movies on top of Subculture Lip Pencil. It’s a lovely nude lip! I hope you try it next time you’re at the MAC counter. 🙂
Karen, one more question! Would the Golden Nectar hi-light powder work as a light bronzer on a cool toned girl? I’ve been looking for a sheer bronzer for my cheekbones… Thank yoU! 🙂
Oh my god, the eyeshadows are screaming my name! I wish I could buy them but alas, no money means no shadows. I’ll just daydream then 🙂
The collection is mall but really good. I’m going to get all the e/s, l/g and both highlighters. I was really impressed with yhe highlighters – they are incredibly soft, finely milled & subtle-y glowy.
I also like Africanimal and the salve. But I thinki want the salve mainly for the cute tin it’s in, lol!
Hi Karen!
Just got back from my hauling episode…and I got all of the shadows, glosses, the Golden Nectar powder, and the Africanimal scent. The perfume is gorgeous–this is my first MAC perfume (they never really grabbed me before) and while it does have that unisex feel to it (which I love) it does dry down to a really pretty scent on my skin. Smells just like raw honey and a bit of spice. Thanks for the review!
hey Karen! I don’t own any mac yet but I’m thinking my first few items will be from this collection. All the eyeshadows are beautiful and I can’t wait to smell the fragrances. I’m excited! Are there any mac products you think I should definitely own?
I’m very curious about the fragrances, although the rest of the line seems pretty interesting too!! I’ve been resisting the urge to buy the fragrances before I can try them. One day at a time. 😉 lol
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the name itself is reason enough to run out and get this whole collection–perfect for hot summer days!
.-= tanya´s last blog ..happy friday! =-.
You are so right Karen! July is going to be a great release month. Ya know, I think Naked Honey is def a nice collection. I guess I didn’t jump out of my seat just cause it was something we’ve already seen before. Not in terms of the body care cause that’s new to MAC w/ the honey stuff but the eye & lip colors just seemed like others. Oh well, Euristocrats, Colour Craft, Graphic Garden & Baby Bloom are not too far away 🙂
Karen- i never knew you spoke “Tagolog”. All my friends do too.
I am learning little by little.
The most beautiful person i know is my Mom. She is 85. She looks like an older version of Natalie Wood. She only wears red lipstick. ( i never could). But she has inner beauty as well. she is always radiant. Even whne faced with adversity.
Michele
hahaha
i love you tabs!