Sorcery is a brutal business. Between the handsome princes hell bent on thwarting your dastardly plans and the difficulty in procuring eye of newt and other essential ingredients, there’s the whole time-consuming nature of conjuring and the plotting of evil deeds.
A successful villainess doesn’t even have time to touch up her lips these days, what with all the demand for demon summonings and whatnot.
Can you imagine the mighty Maleficent, star of Disney’s upcoming movie and MAC’s latest collaboration, pausing in the middle of a curse to grab a lip brush to reapply her red lipstick?
Please. It makes perfect sense that MAC, in working with the dark sorceress herself, would populate the new MAC Maleficent collection with lip products that last a supernaturally long time.
I’m no sorceress, obviously (well, not yet, but who knows what the future holds!?), but I’ve been wearing the True Love’s Kiss Lipstick, Anthurium Pro Longwear Lipglass and Kiss Me Quick Lip Pencil from the release this week, and all of them last a solid 6-7 hours — more than enough time to cast a fireball spell, cook a big batch of witch’s brew and/or frighten some local villagers.
Of the 14-pieces in the release, many of which are re-promotes from the MAC permanent line, the lip products conjure up some seriously stunning red lip magic for me. Total musts for crimson lip lovers.
In Disney’s Maleficent, which comes out this summer, Angelina Jolie plays the allegedly devilish Disney sorceress of Sleeping Beauty fame, who may or may not have been the villainess she was once portrayed to be. The film chronicles Maleficent’s “true” rise to power.
Yes, MAC totally has a thing for the bad gals (remember Venomous Villains?).
The Maleficent collection has a vastly different color story than the Maleficent portion of Venomous Villains did. Where VV’s cool-toned purples, blues and greens drew upon Maleficent’s skin and wardrobe from Disney’s original Sleeping Beauty, the new collection evokes Maleficent’s evil elegance, with bold neutrals for eyes and cheeks and, of course, that intense red lip.
In the Maleficent movie posters I’ve seen, Angie has a whole scary/cool thing going on — super contoured cheeks, bold red lips, striking eyes in neutral tones. No green skin like the original Disney character, but more of a chilling gray…
She kind of looks like a witchy version of one of Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love video girls from the ’80s, which I think is pretty damn fabulous!
With the exception of the grayish skin (really, though, would ya want that, anyways?), the look could be recreated with the 14 products in the MAC Maleficent collection — if you wanted to, that is.
But here’s the kicker that will probably peeve more than a few MAC fans: most of the pieces are re-promotes with limited edition packaging, and MAC does charge a little bit more for them.
Yes, you’re mostly paying for the packaging here, unless you don’t have some of these products.
And I sure do like the packaging! Like that logo, which looks like black wings, and the wings look like crows (Maleficent has a thing for corvids), which also form the shape of the letter “M.”
It’s on the main pieces — the quad, lip products, the cheek/face powder and the polishes.
I mean, it’s a bummer that MAC didn’t go with completely new colors for the release — it seems like a missed opportunity — but that said, I really do like many of these products and have for years.
On the bright side, there are several beautiful, useful pieces in this launch that one could easily wear every day.
First, the items that are new and aren’t re-promotes, like True Love’s Kiss Lipstick ($17.50), which has MAC’s Amplified formula.
Intensely red and bright True Love’s Kiss Lipstick looks a little like MAC Dubonnet, only brighter, and as I mentioned, it lasts a good long while. Incredibly smooth and intensely pigmented, I think it’s a beautiful classic red.
And while True Love’s Kiss easily holds its own by itself, it rises to even greater power with Anthurium Pro Longwear Lipglass ($22) on top.
The two go together like red lips and carnal thoughts.
Anthurium feels pretty sticky, but it’s also long-lasting, smooth and doesn’t budge once it’s on.
And then there’s the Beauty Powder in Natural ($30), another one of the completely new pieces in the launch. A soft peachy pink with a barely-there sheen, it subtly reflects the light.
At first, I was afraid it would go chalky on me (I’m an NC42), but it doesn’t, which was a nice surprise.
Easy to blend, it also looks natural on the skin. I use it to add a subtle highlight to my upper cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, along my brow bones and my cupid’s bow, and I think it complements the Sculpting Powder in Sculpt from the collection ($23 — one of the repromotes), which I think of as a total goof-proof contouring shade.
Sculpt blends so easily that it makes carving out severe cheeks and everyday contouring equally easy.
You can also wear it layered on top of Bright Forecast Prep + Prime Highlighter ($25, and yup, another re-promote, but it’s a great one!). In these pics, I’m wearing that combo between my brows and in the center of my forehead for a spotlight effect.
Uninvited, the neutral nude Nail Lacquer, is the last of the new pieces in the launch. I haven’t tried it on yet, but my first impression? Eh, it looks like a fairly standard nude beige. A little uninspiring.
As for the quad…
While the Eyeshadow X 4 quad in Maleficent ($44) may be comprised of re-promoted colors, it does highlight some seriously standout products from the permanent line.
Three of them are blockbuster greatest hits — matte black Carbon (fab for lining eyes and smokey looks), cool satin brown Concrete (I wear this in my brows) and shimmery gold Goldmine. The fourth shade, Ground Brown, was a discontinued matte dark brown from the permanent line.
Ground Brown deserved resurrection here because it blends and buffs out beautifully, and it’s neither too red nor orange.
Give it a try in the crease one of these days in a look with brown smokey eyes! Seriously, though, I could easily reach for this quad almost every single day and use at least one of the colors, but then, I’m kind of a ho for neutrals, LOL!
I think you may have to love neutrals to really be into this quad…
As for the 36 Lash false lashes in the release, they’re a long-time fave of mine, but I actually haven’t worn them in a while. Wearing them for these pics this week reminded me how much I like them.
Because they have longer lashes at the outer corners, you get this beautiful winged-out look. They look hella long and heavy but feel surprisingly light and comfortable. Plus, they’re easy to apply (Note to self: I need to give this bad boy the Unsung Heroes treatment).
Yes, most of the pieces in Maleficent are re-promotes and, yes, you’ll be paying a little more for the limited edition packaging, but many of these pieces are STILL worth your time, especially if you don’t have some of them and like bold neutrals and a strong contour.
The entire MAC Maleficent collection includes…
- Amplified Lipstick True Love’s Kiss, a clean bright red ($17.50)
- Pro Longwear Lipglass in Anthurium, a clean bright red ($22)
- Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Kiss Me Quick, a yellowish red ($21.50)
- Eye Shadow X 4 in Maleficent, which includes Ground Brown (a matte dirty deep brown), Concrete (a satin taupe brown), Carbon (an intense matte black) and Goldmine (a frosty gold)
- Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack, a true black ($21.50)
- Eye Brows in Fling, a light taupe ash blonde ($17.50)
- Sculpting Power in Sculpt, a soft taupe matte ($23)
- Beauty Powder in Natural, a soft peachy pink ($30)
- Prep + Prime Highlighter in Bright Forecast, a mid-tone peachy coral ($25)
- Nail Lacquer in Univited, a neutral nude with slight pearl ($17.50)
- Nail Lacquer in Flaming Rose, a true red ($17.50)
- Nail Lacquer in Nocturnelle, a black-as-night black ($17.50)
- 36 Lash ($17.50)
- 30 Lash ($17.50)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict and part-time sorceress,
Karen
P.S. Check back later today for MAC Alluring Aquatic! 🙂
Karen those lips, wow! Bummer about so many repromoted products, but you went all out with this review. I have my eyes set on the X4 quad because I don’t have two of the colors.
Hi Sarahc,
Yup, too bad about so many re-promotes when the theme is so tantalizing, but at least they’re GOOD re-promotes. A lot of these are products I would suggest for someone just getting into makeup or looking to expand their collection.
That Anthurium lip gloss is just something! And, of course, great photos 🙂
Hi Marina,
Thank you! I love the lips, too. I’m really looking forward to this movie now. I’ve watched the trailer like 20 times!
I’m loving the lip combo! The rest of the collection is bleh. Just the lipstick for me!
Hi Fancie,
I absolutely love the lips, too. But I really, really do like the quad, especially for someone who doesn’t already have Concrete, Carbon and Gold Mine.
Wow, AMAZING makeup, Karen! Fantastic eyeshadow and liner work!
You nailed it Karen! Love that red lip and the lashes look great too!
Love the wings I have also bat wings at home , but those you have looks like gargoyle wings prettier. The make is nice love the gold one.
Btw wat is on your nails love that shade.* sorry if you have mentioned but cant see it.
Dang, you look devilish in a sexy way. Nailed the look for sure!
That said, this collection is a complete pass for me!
Hi Christina,
Yah, I figured that a lot of folks would already have some of these colors, so I think it’s mostly for the die-hard MAC collectors, Disney fans and for anyone who doesn’t already have classics like Concrete, Carbon, etc.
I’m a sucker for all things Disney related, so there’s that. Have been ever since I was a kid. I mostly like the LE packaging, the lips and the usefulness of many of the re-promoted shades in the release.
It depends on whether someone already has their repertoire of MAC staple colors.
Yeah, I love all things Disney, too, but I guess this one was just too simple for me. I was expecting something more magical, I guess, than a pair of crow wings, but I can see how others would want it. I’d probably pick one up, too, if I weren’t saving up for the Aquatics collection. Haha!
You look great. But the collection itself is a skip for me. Now if it made me have cheekbones like Angelina Jolie, I would reconsider. 😉
I like the lipstick, but I already own so many reds that it doesn’t seem worth it. I think I was expecting a few more unique shades.
Love the look you created, but bummed about so many re-promotes. And I know that the red lip is probably the staple of the collection, but I do like seeing more than just one lip option in collections.
Eeeeehm I need a second to put in my eye drops because my eyes are dry from staring at these pictures for like the past half hour. Karen, you make one gorgeous a Disney villain, I love it! 😀 And the collection looks rather cool, too.
I already own the sculpt sculpting powder, but I which mine came in that cute packaging!
And that look is really fierce on you. I’m jalous of your ability to wear red lips so well!
That red lip is really alluring! Also I just heaved a sigh of relief that I dont have to stalk multiple MAC counters for this one!
This is the best look I have ever seen on you! Stunning!
I see that photo shop served you well with a pic of a crow (really, it looks great!!).
Love the gold shadow in the quad.
Monica
The beauty powder looks pretty!
Surprisingly I don’t own any of these shadows in the eyeshadow palette! Looks like I might have to get this one always wanted to try Goldmine and Carbon. Pretty villain Karen!
Karen, you are just flat-out amazing when it comes to photographs and photoshop! I’m just in awe! You look like such a bad-ass with and the lips are incredibly sexy!
Wow… you look absolutely stunning Karen!
You. Look. Fierce.
I’m skipping this collection but “True Love’s Kiss”? I gotta say that’s an apt and lovely name.
Awesome pictures! Do you have any thoughts on how the beauty powder is going to look on paler skin (I’m NW13)? Is it likely to be an all-over powder, a highlighter, or a blush? Thanks.
Love the look you put together! Stunning on you. That red lipstick is super tempting.
I shall be passing this along. I think quite a few of my friends would be interested. 🙂
I’ve been meaning to buy sculpt so if I can get it with this packaging, I’d be thrilled!
Love the look on you, Great pics!
Hmmm I think I’ll stick w my Darkest Deeds lipstick from the Disney villians collection. A super dark, glossy purple vs all that red! Thanks for the preview Karen!
How was wear time for sculpting powder? Is it a fool proof blend or requires practice and would you recommend it?
Perfect artistry!
I need all the lip products. I love red lipsticks. I really love the look you’ve done on your eyes, but I don’t know if the pallet is worth it since those colors crop up a lot with different brands.
I LOVE the pictures and your makeup is fierce!! You are really rockin’ the look! I’m super excited about the Anthurium lipglass and sculpting powder.
Oh my goodness, Karen! Fierce and fabulous! 😀 The colours in this collection aren’t really quite for me, but I think Maleficent is a great concept for a collection, and I think you look stunning 🙂
I wonder if sculpt will work for us pale folks…
Super fantabulous look karen.. The collection has nothing exciting apart form True love’s Kiss.. ( i like the name and the shade!! ) ..
Loved the way you contoured your cheeekss.. 🙂
I love the way you did your eyes! Do you think you could do a step by step tutorial? (Pretty please!)
Wow, you look sooo great!!!! xo Babsi
I love the crows and the lippie will be mine. ALthough now I’m also lemming the Raven lip pencil from hourglass so…
I would love to pick up the palette because I do not have any of those MAC colors and I love the packaging but I have SO MANY other neutral palettes I cannot justify the expense just for 2 crows on the cover. LOL
I love your photos – I htink your “look” is amazing and your content always delights. 🙂
I’m loving the liquid red lipstick and eyeshadow shades! I need to pick those two up at least, ah my love of disney. I hope MAC does some more disney themed collections as long as they don’t get too weird and gimmicky, I like this simplistic style.
Glossedonbeauty.blogspot.com
Since Im so new to MAC, and I’m not a teenager, Im 46, but new still. This was my first collection, had to buy a couple things. I got the beauty powder and the sculpting powder. Been trying to get it awhile but always sold out. I guess I know why now. It should arrive today. Im very excited. If I had a do over though, would get the lipstick also. Im just not a red lips kinda girl. Wish had got now. Now, just gotta learn how to use the sculpting powder!! Also new to makeup again. Took a break for about 20 years!! haha!! Love reading all of your posts. Very helpful to me!
I have the lipgloss, but I feel like it looks a bit messy. Do you suggest wearing the lipgloss with lip liner?
Uh gurl you look faaab!!!
Seriously, this dramatic makeup looks great on you!
Amazing Maleficient collection. I’ve by the beauty powder so beauty. Kiss from Paris
WOW really loving this makeup look on you! I’m thinking of getting the lipstick and sculpt now 😉
Just got Anthurium and True Love’s Kiss today. They are GORGEOUS! Anthurium is like fresh blood and for a lip gloss, it’s really long lasting! Didn’t expect that from a MAC lipgloss. And of course, the packaging is *thumbs up*
I got the BP and sculpt and I love it.. Like Marilyns but more… subtle 😀