I don't always freak out over capsule collections - I mean sure, they're generally fun and fresh etc, but they rarely introduce a new classic, a new all time favourite. Well, this capsule collection is different. Singer-songwriter Kiesza collaborated with MAC to create two lip products, a brow product and a liquid liner, and I'll be reviewing the lip products for you guys today. If you love those 90s brown nudes as much as I do, stay tuned!
The two lip products Kiesza helped design are a MAC Vamplify gloss called Thunder Kiss - €19.50, and a matte lipstick called Dearly Beloved - €19.50 (also the name of Kiesza's latest single). Two browns, one a deep, glossy chocolate, and the other a soft MLBB nude.
Both shades are richly pigmented, comfortable to wear and easy to apply, although Thunder Kiss obviously requires a bit more work since a deep shade looks best if applied with sharp edges. They also both have that signature MAC vanilla scent, nothing too strong, which disappears after a few seconds of wearing the colour.
I applied the Vamplify gloss with its own doe-foot applicator, not using a pencil or a lip brush or anything like that. I feel like swatches are meant to convey the product in use on its own rather than look perfect in an almost airbrushed way. As you can see, considering this is a darkly pigmented lipgloss, Thunderkiss actually applies quite neatly using its own applicator and a steady hand. The gloss is thick but not goopy, so it doesn't "go everywhere" as you apply but stays in the lines you draw. Thunderkiss does wear off easily, but after the glossy effect disappears you're left with a grungy raisin brown lip, which is also very pleasing to me.
I'm not a regular wearer of a glossy, dark lip, but the colour is gorgeous and I think that this neutral to cool brown will suit a wide range of different skintones. Just imagine how deep and sensual it would look on someone with a darker complexion than mine! Oh, and for a gloss it is pretty smudge resistant.
Now let's move on to my faaaaav - Dearly Beloved.
Like I said, capsule collections aren't always that exciting, but this one absolutely is. MAC is known for their wide range of beautiful matte nude lipsticks, making them the go-to brand for makeup lovers who are trying to recreate that Kylie Jenner look for the first time. And while their nudes are plentiful (soar, whirl, velvet teddy, kinda sexy, twig, brave, faux, ...), they still managed to introduce a new classic with Dearly Beloved. I swatched it next to a small selection of my vast collection of nudes (I might have a problem), and Dearly Beloved clearly stands out: a bit deeper in colour than most, more brown/taupe, a bit cooler. The only shade that might resemble it is Urban Decay's 1993 but I forgot to swatch it, dangit! Also, 1993 is less muted than Dearly Beloved, which allllmost has a lilac undertone?
I love nudes. All of these are DIFFERENT BUT EQUAL TO ME.
I have a deep, unabashed love for Dearly Beloved and if you are a fan of those gorgeous MLBB nudes like I am, I urge you to RUN to your MAC store in the first week of February, because that's when it launches and I'm pretty sure this limited edition shade will become a cult favourite because it really is a "different" type of nude. It makes my teeth look mega white, too.
A short review, but one I'm excited to share. I mean, MAC really does the best creamy, comfy, beautiful nudes, and Dearly Beloved is a stellar addition to their range. Should become permanent!
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