While I go shopping I make it a point to try various lipsticks but somehow don’t know why I end up purchasing a MAC lipstick only, maybe it’s because of the variety of shades suiting most of the skin tones.
So this review is about another MAC lipstick, from the Matte Lip collection in the shade WHIRL. There is a lip liner also available in the same shade. I found the lip liner to be too dry on my lips as compared to the lipstick. So let’s go ahead with the review.
What MAC Claims and Packaging: Dirty Rose with Matte finish. The lipstick is packed in a Classic MAC matte black and silver lipstick container with the shade mentioned at the bottom.
Price: Rs 1450/- for 3g (I believe it is increased to Rs.1950 now :/)
My take on MAC Whirl Lipstick
MAC claims the shade as dirty rose but in simple words I can say this is a mauve brown neutral shade. The content of brown is little on the higher side so it can tend to look darker under natural light. The texture is creamy on application, glides smoothly to give a matte finish on the lips. This shade would go well on medium skin tones to fair skin tones but I’m really not sure how it would go on dusky to dark skin tones. If you are confused on which lipstick shade to wear, be safe and wear a neutral shade, in such cases I definitely would recommend MAC Whirl.
I’m not happy with the stay power, as after meals, the lipstick completely vanished from my lips. May be prior prepping and a whirl lip liner would help the product to last longer or you got to retouch your lipstick after every meal. You can wear this shade at your work place as well as on any other occasion. It does accentuate the lines on my dry lips.The coverage is good and I mostly wear it without the lip liner as it doesn’t bleed.
TIP: Trying using this shade along with MAC Mehr or MAC Brave, or any lip liner close to old rose shade. I bet the mixtures of colors will give an awesome result.
Definitely there is something about MAC Whirl, as when this shade was launched it was sold out in no time.I got my hands on this almost after a year.
Pros:
Best for work place
Good coverage
Creamy texture
Suits most of the skin tones.
Glides on smoothly
Looks best along with an old rose lip liner or lipstick.
Cons:
Poor Staying power
A little heavy on the pockets (as many neutral shades are easily available)
Might accentuate the lines on the lip (mostly on dry lips)
Rating: 3.5/5
Would I repurchase WHIRL Mac Lipstick? Not so sure, as there are many shades of neutrals in MAC, would like to try those.
Dupe Alert: Rimmel London Kate Nude Lipstick in 48 is an exact dupe of MAC Whirl! Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Nude Nuance is also a close dupe
Editor’s Note: I quite like the shade, this is really pretty and perfect for all skin tones! MAC Whirl Lip Liner is what Kylie Jenner loves and uses a lot, so it’s always sold out most of the times 😀
Here I am back with yet another post. With the advent of so many online shopping sites at our disposal makeup and skincare has become a rage. We are aware of the best of high end as well as drug store makeup products. Even the brands which are not available in India are on our fingertips. But many of us can’t get access to those brands. So, what to do in that situation?? Worry not here I am with some of the dupes of high end makeup products. These are the products which are not that easily available in India.
What’s Similar : Both of them come with a tapered brush which gives an edge to the lashes. They help in separating and elongating the lashes.
What’s Not : Dior mascara comes with a quick dry formulation which turns the lashes thick in some time.
2. Benefit High Beam (INR 2665) vs E.L.F. Essential Shimmering Facial Whip (INR 85) –
What’s Similar : Both of these highlighters have a gorgeous, pink sheen which gives a very younger looking dewy skin.
What’s Not : The E.L.F facial whip comes in a tube packaging which is very easy to use. But the finish of the E.L.F. one is very shimmery which is not perfect for day time usage.
What’s Similar : Both of them have highly pigmented 10 metallic and 2 matte shades.
What’s Not : MUA shades are slightly chalky. Also, the UD brush applicator is from cruelty free collection; whereas the MUA brush looks pretty cheap.
4. MAC Prep & Prime (INR 3200) vs Rimmel Stay Matte Primer (INR 1250)
What’s Similar : Both come in similar matte finish which helps the makeup stay longer. Also, they form a smooth base for the skin in order to prep it with the foundation after that.
What’s Not : MAC Prep & Prime stays on for much longer than the Rimmel one. But the Rimmel one is a bit more moisturising than the MAC one. MAC one is meant only for the oily skinned beauties.
5. MAC Ruby Woo (INR 1500) vs Rimmel Kate Matte lipstick in Kiss of life 111 (INR 500)
What’s Similar : Both are deep red with blue undertones in them.
What’s Not : RUBY WOO is very matte with slightly drying formula whereas Rimmel one is a bit moisturising. Also, once ruby woo sets it is impossible to smear.
What’s Similar : Both come in the form of a pen packaging. The formula is creamy which targets to brighten the under eye area.
What’s Not : YSL has a huge shade option of 10 whereas Maybelline has only 3 shade options. Also, touché éclat has limited coverage as compared to the Maybelline one.
7. Smashbox Photofinish Primer (INR 5625) vs NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer (INR 2450)
What’s Similar : Both help in minimizing the appearance of pores and filling them. This makes the makeup look refined and smooth. Even the ingredient list of both of them are somewhat identical.
What’s Not : The Smashbox one makes face greasy after some time. Whereas the NYX one ensures that your makeup stays perfect even by the end of the day.
8. Beautyblender (INR 1999) vs Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (INR 380)
What’s Similar : Both of them are designed in an ergonomic manner to give your foundation a much more even finish.
What’s Not : The Real Techniques one has flat end which makes the application around the eye area easier. Whereas the beautyblender blends foundation way better and quicker that the other one.
9. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (INR 2800) vs Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (INR 195)
What’s Similar : Both of them are so finely milled that excess product also will not make your face look ashy or powdery.
What’s Not : Rimmel one is a bit drying as compared to the MAC one. In winters you cannot use the Rimmel one even with a moisturiser underneath as it will accentuate your pores and cause dry flakes on your face.
What’s Similar : Both of them have similar ingredient list and thus the formula is similar.
What’s Not : The MoroccanOil Treatment is more moisturising for dry hair. It imparts shine and lustre much more than the Organix One.
These were my list of high end makeup dupes. Let me know if you like the post in the comments down below. Also, let me know any other high end dupes you have come across in your makeup journey.
Editor’s Note: That was a very nice list Pallavi. I would like to add two more. Sleek MakeUP Blush in Rose Gold and Makeup Geek Blush in Romance are the dupes of Nars Orgasm Blush! And the Maybelline Gel Liner Black has the exact same formula at less than quarter the price of Bobbi Brown Gel liner Black Ink.
MAC Matte Blush Raizin Review, Swatches, FOTD & Dupes
Written by Ishleen
Hello sweeties!
So here I am with my very first blush-review on New Love – Makeup! Thanks Bhumika mam, for giving me a chance! :*
Mac blush in Raizin is my second blush, and is perhaps the most impulse purchase till date! I went out to buy a good pair of shoes and got home this rather muddy looking blush (just in the pan) as I wanted a good bronzing powder!
Claiming to be a makeup addict and a beauty blogger for over two and a half years now, I could no more make excuses to avoid blushes just because they can look dominantly clownish if applied improperly! But after having tried my hand on a blush (also from mac) I knew I had to take a step forward with this dark brownish-red blush!
So coming to the main review now, keep on reading to know more!
About Mac Raizin Blush!
Claims: A blush that provides fantastic colour with ease and consistency.Designed by and for professionals, formulated to provide fantastic colour with ease and consistency. Applies evenly, adheres lightly to skin to achieve a natural-looking application of colour that stays put all day.
Dermatologist tested
Non-acnegenic
Directions: Choose appropriate brush and glide brush over the blush. Tap off excess powder and apply blush to skin using sweeping strokes and blend well.
Price: INR 1350 for 6 grams of product
This not so gorgeous looking blush belongs to the Mac permanent collection of blushes. Mac permanent line blushes are available in 5 stunning finishes, and Mac Raizin comes under the Matte finish; so you know it’s bound to be drop-dead pigmented no matter what!
Packaging: The regular line MAC blushes come in a very specific, matte black round casing with a see-through lid! The packaging looks quite sturdy, strong and is indeed very classy to look at! If there is one thing that a mac blush is not—it is flimsy! The lid is very sturdy and spill-proof as it has a click-sound lock mechanism—which is very reliable! One thing which I am not sure if I like or dislike about the MAC blushes is the fact that it does not come with any applicator! I guess that is not much of a con though, because those tiny little brushes which do come with blushes are somewhat useless—at least, most of the times if not always!
Shade: Okay, I’ll be true to you guys! One look at the blush, and I wanted to look away—real bad! But it just struck me that this kind of a shade was such which I could really use as a blush as well as a bronzer! And a double duty product always gets a yes from my brain! 😛
OutsideIndoors
So coming to the real hue, the blush appears to be a rather muddy looking red toned brown in the pan! Really unflattering, even for the most dusky Indian skins if you ask me! But on application, guys take my word for this; it was the most spectacular earthy-toned blush my cheeks had ever adorned! It looked so flattering that I had to pick it up—no second thoughts here! The blush has very beautiful and quite evident red undertones which add to the earthiness in the blush and makes it much more wearable!
Texture: okay all you blush-lover’s; when was the last time any MAC blush disappointed you? I can’t remember any such instance! Just like all iconic blushes from Mac, the texture of Raizin too is silky, almost satiny smooth—not at all chalky or too powdery despite being a powder blush!
Pigmentation and Colour Pay-Off: Coming from the matte collection of finishes—this blush is the not the one to be trusted with mediocre pigmentation! This is crazy pigmented—like insanely pigmented! Talking of the colour pay off—one swipe of my finger, and the earthy reddish brown powder covers up the entire fingertip and does not allow the skin to peep through—yes it is THAT pigmented!
Staying Power: I have never had a problem with the staying power when it comes to Mac—and Mac blushes generally stay put on my oily cheeks for a good 6 hours! Mac raisin is a bit different in this aspect—but different in a good way though! Being on the darker side of the spectrum, it stays on for a tad bit longer duration—it stayed “even” atop my foundation and powder for more than 7-8 hours while fading evenly! And this was without using a primer—I can only guess how much it will stay had I used a primer underneath my base!
My Take on Mac Raizin Blush
I am glad that my impulse purchase did not fail me this time—as it did cost me a lot! 😛 Being an Indian skin type, I know that this blush will work for us desi beauties fantastically! And as it is a powder blush, it did suit my oily, acne prone skin very well! Secondly, like most Indians, I too have very prominent yellow undertones and the red undertones in the blush do help in accentuating my natural skin tone! I just need to dip my brush very lightly in the pan and use it on the apples of my cheeks, blending it towards the hairline during summer months! But I plan to use it in my hollows during the upcoming fall as I like more bronzed kind of a skin in winters!
Do not care to swirl the brush in the pan as the pigmentation is such that the slightest overdoing will offer no scope for forgiveness! All in all if used judiciously, this blush is a go to for Indian skin tones!
Though the most underrated of blushes in the market, this one is the most muted, neutral blush especially for deeper Indian skin tones! And if you are fair to medium, or have skin similar to mine, more power to you as this particular blush will double up as both a blush and a matte powder bronzer which is very flattering!
Pros:
Silky-smooth texture
Matte brown with red undertones
Tremendously pigmented
Long-staying
Fades out evenly
Classy packaging
Can double up as a bronzing powder
Easily blendable
Cons:
Can be a bit expensive for some
Will look ruddy on very pale skin tones
Does not come with an applicator
Will I recommend?
If you have a native Indian kind of warm skin with yellow undertones—man, go for it! This will give you the most natural earthy kind of warm glow you could only think of! A very wearable blush especially for the deeper skins! Do not let the pan frighten you with its muddy brown appearance—it’s red undertones are indeed very flattering for the Indian skin!
Rating: 4.3/5
Editor’s note: Thanks Ishleen for this lovely review, the blush is perfect for deeper skin tones.
Dupe Alert: Few dupes of MAC Raizin blush are La Femme Blush in Sienna, NYX Cream Blush in Tan (Milani Sunset Beach is said to be a dupe but it is slightly on the orangey side)
Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms Sultry and Unapologetic Review, Swatches
What the Company claims: Velvety Matte Look. Moisture Rich Balm
A Matte finish that’s beyond plush.Balm that’s beyond comforting. Our Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters nourishes lips. In 8 collectible, craveable colors.
MRP: Rs.800/- for 2.7g
Shades Available: 8
Elusive
Sultry
Unapologetic
Shameless
Audacious
Mischievous
Striking
Standout
The packaging is almost the same as the Revlon Kissable Lip Balm Stain..the retractable chubby pencils..the outer finish is though matte and darker..
They have the same peppermint smell and flavour as the Lip Balm Stains..though these Matte Balms and the Lacquer Balms have a blend of 3 butters..Shea, Mango and Coconut..which makes them more hydrating and moisturising..
Matte lipsticks and balms are not easily available across all brands..MAC makes good matte lipsticks..Revlon has a matte range..but very selected matte lipsticks are that good and hydrating too..these are matte with a velvety finish.
Revlon has almost nailed it with these Matte Balms..pigmentation- check, matte texture- check, staying power- check. Almost all good qualities of a matte lipstick/lip product..only thing is its not completely transfer proof..and cannot be layered for touch up..as it can go patchy..it needs to be removed and reapplied..
L- Sultry, R- Unapologetic
225 Sultry is a deep pink brown..supposedly MAC Twig dupe..but I am not really sure.
210 Unapologetic is a bright reddish coral pink..dupe of MAC Lipstick in Impassioned (Impassioned its slightly deeper) and Party Parrot – Limited Edition (Almost similar.. 95%)
I think Unapologetic is also the most loved shade in the Indian blogosphere..I personally love it ! Totally brightens up the face.. Also wore it HERE.
U- Sultry, D- Unapologetic
Here are the shades on me..
L- Sultry, R- Unapologetic
Lips look a little drier with Unapologetic coz Sultry was removed completely which left lips little dry..
And an FOTD with Unapologetic..
Pros:
1. Love the velvetty matte look.
2. Amazingly pigmented.
3. Staying power is pretty good.
4. All 8 shades are quite pretty..there is one for everyone..red lovers, pink lovers, especially Unapologetic is beauty bloggers’ favorite !
5. Hydrating..even though its matte.
6. Feels light on the lips.
Cons:
1. Not transfer proof.
2. Cannot be layered as goes patchy.
Overall, I am in love with the feel and texture of these matte balms..they score on all levels..Highly recommended !
Unapologetic is my most worn shade these days..I also love Audacious, Striking and Elusive..oh I think I love all the shades..the colors are all fab..
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Would I buy it again: Yes
Which shades doyou like ?? Any particular favorites ?
Maybelline came up with these pretty pink lipsticks called Pink Alert just before Valentine’s Day..and these were so perfectly launched for the apt day.
They come in pretty pink packaging..the packaging is the same as the Maybelline Colorsensational range..but prettier and pinker.
They are creamy and quite pigmented..and stay on for 4-5 hours..even after drinking and eating proper dinner..the color had just faded a little..I am quite impressed by the staying power.
POW1 is a blue based neon pink..a super bright pink..that does not even show the true color in picture..but looks amazing in person..MAC Pink Pigeon dupe..but do not wear this shade when flash is going to be used..I did the mistake..it makes you look ghastly with flash.
Here it is on moi..
Pros:
1. The Packaging is pretty.
2. They are very creamy and glide on well.
3. Nicely pigmented and stays on better than other creamy lipsticks…they stay for around 4-5 hours and do not fade completely.
4. Amazing pinks..I actually loved all 4 pinks ! This one is for pink lovers..
5. Economical.
Cons:
1. Pow1 looks ghastly with flash. 2. Looks blotchy when layered quiet a few times..you need to remove the previous first and reapply for touch ups.
Overall, this range has great pinks..and there is one for everyone..there is a neon pink, coral pink, fuchsia pink..you will find your favorite pink or pinks 😉 I am going to buy POW2 next..I love that one too..Highly Recommended !
Rating:
Quality: 4.25/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Would I buy it again: Yes..POW2 is next.
Have you tried the Maybelline Pink Alert Lipsticks ?
