Hey beauties! Today we’re diving deep into one of MAC’s most talked-about lip products – the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour. As a longtime lipstick lover, I’ve had my eye on this formula for a while now. After poring over tons of real customer reviews and experiences, I’m ready to give you the full scoop on whether this liquid lip lives up to the hype. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s chat all things bold lips, long-wear formulas, and finding that perfect statement shade!
The Basics Before we get into the nitty gritty details, let’s cover the basics. The MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour is marketed as a long-wearing, highly pigmented liquid lipstick with a matte finish. It promises intense color payoff, all-day wear, and a comfortable feel on the lips. The formula is meant to be non-smudging, non-feathering, and waterproof. Sounds pretty dreamy, right? Well, as we’ll see, the reality is a bit more complex.
First Impressions and Application One of the first things many reviewers noted was how intensely pigmented these liquid lipsticks are. User “MacObsessed” raved that it provided “good coverage” while “Sabah” called it “absolutely beautiful.” The bold, vibrant color seems to be a major selling point for most users.
The applicator also got a lot of positive mentions. “Sk” said it was “perfectly shaped for ease” of application. This is so key for liquid lipsticks, especially bold shades where precision is everything. No one wants a wonky lipline when rocking a statement red!
Speaking of application, there were mixed reviews on how user-friendly the formula is. Some found it went on smoothly and evenly. However, others like “Tessa” reported issues with it never fully drying down. She said it “always smudges and transfers even with the lightest touch.” A few users recommended using MAC’s Prep + Prime Lip beforehand for best results.
The general consensus seems to be that there’s a bit of a learning curve. “Freckles” noted it “takes a long time to dry and set which is time consuming.” So this may not be the best choice if you’re usually applying your lipstick in a rush before work!
Color Range and Shade Selection MAC is known for their extensive shade ranges, and the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours don’t disappoint in this department. From classic reds to bold purples to edgy black, there truly seems to be something for everyone.
The red shades got a ton of love in the reviews. “Dance With Me” was repeatedly called out as a universally flattering red that works on a variety of skin tones. “Feels So Grand” was another popular pick, with “Sonia” calling it “such a pretty shade.”
For those who like to make a major statement, “Quite The Standup” was described by “Msqui73” as a “fiery red that stands out in a crowd.” And if you really want to turn heads, multiple reviewers raved about the black shade “Caviar Dreams.” Even those who were hesitant about rocking black lipstick found themselves won over by the rich, inky color.
Some of the purple and berry tones also got high praise. “High Drama” in particular seems to be a cult favorite. User “Zeezee” said she always keeps a backup tube and has even bought it as gifts for friends and family members of various skin tones.
While most shades got positive feedback, a few reviewers did note that some colors looked different in person than they did online or in the tube. “Hawaii gurl” warned not to trust the “try me on” feature, saying the shade she chose was “much darker than I thought.” So if possible, it’s probably best to swatch these in store before committing.
Pigmentation and Color Payoff When it comes to pigmentation, the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours seem to deliver in spades. The words “highly pigmented” came up again and again in reviews. Users consistently praised the intense, opaque color payoff.
“RedMiss” called her shade Carnivorous her “all-time favorite red EVER” due to the rich pigmentation. Another user raved that the color was so impactful, she only needed to wear the lipstick to look “made up with no makeup on except Ruby Phew!”
The bold color seems to be a major selling point for most. “PinkMACLover” said the deep purple-brown shade she tried “brings ALLLL THE DRAMA!!!” While not everyone may want that level of intensity for everyday wear, it’s great for those who love to make a statement with their lip color.
A few reviewers did note that the color can fade somewhat unevenly throughout the day, particularly in the center of the lips. But overall, the pigmentation got rave reviews across the board.
Longevity and Wear Time This is where we start to see more mixed feedback on the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours. MAC markets these as long-wearing and many users found that to be true. However, experiences varied pretty significantly.
On the positive side, lots of reviewers were impressed by how long the color lasted. “L” shared that she wore it for 3 days at a music festival, only reapplying once or twice each day. She even included before and after photos showing minimal fading after a full day of wear.
“Susan” tested the lipstick’s staying power through her commute on public transit (while wearing a mask) as well as coffee and lunch. She reported that it “did not smear, stain, or fade in the least.” Pretty impressive!
Other users had less stellar experiences with the longevity. “Emina” said it started to flake badly after a short time. “NN” shared that it looked great for about 3 hours on New Year’s Eve before it “started to flake when I ate and got clumpy on my lips when I tried to reapply.”
The main complaints around wear time seemed to center on the lipstick fading or flaking off in the center of the lips while staying put around the edges. This can create an awkward “ring” effect that’s not exactly the look most of us are going for!
So what’s the verdict on longevity? It seems to vary quite a bit from person to person. Factors like lip texture, climate, and eating/drinking habits likely play a role. Using a lip primer beforehand was suggested by some for improving wear time.
Comfort and Feel on the Lips Here’s where we start to see more consistently negative feedback on the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours. The feel of the formula on the lips was a common pain point for many users.
Dryness was by far the biggest complaint. Kai” said it felt “so bad, really disappointed, it’s like they changed the formula” compared to older MAC lipsticks. Larke” went so far as to call it the “WORST makeup product I have EVER tried” due to how dry and uncomfortable it felt.
Many users reported that the formula felt tight and crackly on the lips, especially after a few hours of wear. “Jessica” summed it up by saying “This color is beautiful i just hate how drying this lippie [is].”
The drying effect seems to be especially noticeable for those with already dry or chapped lips. Several reviewers recommended using lip balm or primer underneath to help combat the moisture-sucking formula.
It’s worth noting that not everyone found the formula unbearably drying. Some described it as comfortable and long-lasting. But the dry, tight feeling was definitely a recurring theme in the negative reviews.
Transfer-Resistance MAC claims these liquid lipsticks are non-smudging and transfer-resistant. But real-world experiences were pretty mixed on this front.
Some users were thrilled with how well the color stayed put. “Vanessa” raved that she could “even eat and drink without it smearing or transferring like most black lipsticks.” “XOXO” said it “stays in place all day, doesn’t transfer, yet also doesn’t dry down and flake.”
However, others had issues with smudging and transfer despite the claims. “Tessa” reported that it “never fully dries even with the thinnest layers possible so always smudges and transfers even with the lightest touch.”
The transfer-resistance (or lack thereof) seems to vary quite a bit from shade to shade and person to person. Some colors may be more prone to smudging than others. And again, factors like climate, skin type, and application technique likely play a role.
If you’re counting on these to be 100% transfer-proof for events like weddings, you may want to do a test run first. But for many users, the formula does seem to stay put better than traditional bullet lipsticks.
Waterproof Claims MAC markets the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours as waterproof. While not every reviewer specifically commented on this claim, those who did had mostly positive things to say.
“L” wore hers to a multi-day music festival and found it held up well despite sweating and typical festival activities. “Susan” said it lasted through her morning coffee without issue.
The waterproof nature of the formula seems to be one of its stronger selling points. If you’re looking for a lip color that can withstand humidity, sweat, or light rain, these may be worth checking out.
Just keep in mind that “waterproof” doesn’t necessarily mean it can withstand heavy eating and drinking. Several users noted that while the color stayed put through sipping drinks, it did start to fade or flake off when eating greasy foods.
Removal Process With great pigmentation and long wear time often comes difficult removal. And that definitely seems to be the case for many users of the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours.
“Gabbe” reported that it was “very hard to get off my hands and lips. Had to scrub with soap.” This intense staining power is great if you want your lip color to last all day. But it can be a hassle when you’re ready to take it off at night.
Several reviewers recommended using an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water to break down the pigments. Regular face wash may not be enough to fully remove these bold shades.
If you have sensitive skin around your mouth, be careful not to scrub too hard when removing these lipsticks. The pigments can really cling to the skin, but aggressive rubbing can lead to irritation.
Packaging and Price Point The sleek packaging of the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours got mostly positive feedback. Users liked the clear tube that allows you to see the true color inside.
However, there were some durability concerns raised. “Q” shared that the bottle tends to break at the bottom silver ring when dropped. They suggested MAC look into a more shatter-resistant design.
At $24 a tube, these liquid lipsticks fall into the mid-range price point for high-end makeup brands. Some users felt the quality and pigmentation justified the cost. Others thought drugstore formulas performed just as well for a fraction of the price.
Whether or not these are “worth it” really comes down to personal preference and budget. If you’re a fan of MAC’s color range and don’t mind splurging a bit on a statement lip, you may find them worth the investment. But there are certainly more affordable options out there with similar formulas.
Best Uses and Occasions Given the bold pigmentation and long-wearing claims, many users found the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours best suited for special occasions rather than everyday wear.
“Nella” loved her shade so much, she even wore it on her wedding day! The vibrant colors and lasting power make these a popular choice for events where you want your makeup to stay put for hours.
That said, some reviewers did report wearing these as their daily go-to lip colors. It really depends on your personal style and comfort level with bold lips.
The darker and more vivid shades like the reds and purples seem especially well-suited for nights out or holiday parties. But there are also some more neutral options that could work for office wear if you like a matte lip look.
Tips for Application and Wear After combing through all the reviews, here are some top tips for getting the most out of the Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours:
- Prep your lips: Exfoliate and moisturize beforehand to create a smooth canvas. Several users recommended using MAC’s Prep + Prime Lip as a base.
- Work quickly: The formula sets fast, so apply it efficiently to avoid patchiness.
- Build in thin layers: For more even application and less flaking, try building up the color in 2-3 very thin layers rather than one thick coat.
- Be patient: Give the formula time to fully dry down before pressing your lips together or eating/drinking.
- Touch up strategically: When reapplying, focus on the center of the lips where fading tends to occur first.
- Pair with liner: Using a matching lip liner can help create crisp edges and prevent feathering.
- Remove gently: Use an oil-based makeup remover and be patient to avoid irritating your skin.
The Bottom Line: Pros and Cons After analyzing all the customer feedback, here’s a quick rundown of the main pros and cons of the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours:
Pros:
- Intense pigmentation and color payoff
- Wide range of bold, vivid shades
- Long-lasting wear for many users
- Transfer-resistant formula (for some)
- Waterproof claims seem to hold up
Cons:
- Can be very drying on the lips
- Tendency to flake or fade unevenly for some
- Finicky application process with a learning curve
- Difficult to remove
- Hit-or-miss results depending on individual factors
Final Thoughts So, are the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours worth the hype? Like most beauty products, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. These liquid lipsticks definitely deliver when it comes to pigmentation and bold color impact. The shade range is impressive and there are some truly unique colors in the lineup.
For those who prioritize long-wearing, transfer-resistant lip color and don’t mind a drying formula, these could become holy grail products. They seem especially well-suited for special events where you need your lip color to last for hours without touching up.
However, if you have naturally dry lips or prefer a more comfortable, hydrating formula, these may not be the best fit for you. The learning curve for application and potential for uneven fading are also factors to consider.
Ultimately, whether these are “worth it” comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and intended use. If you’re a fan of MAC’s color range and love a bold matte lip look, they may be worth trying out. But I’d highly recommend swatching in store first if possible to get a feel for the formula and find your perfect shade match.
For me personally, I’m intrigued enough to want to test these out – especially some of those gorgeous red shades everyone raves about. But I’ll definitely be keeping my trusty lip balm on hand and reserving them for special occasions rather than everyday wear.
Have you tried the MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments! And let me know what other lip products you’d like me to review next.
Until next time, stay beautiful inside and out!
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