There should be a video right here, but if not, you can also watch it on YouTube.
You know you’re a little obsessed with typography and fonts when you notice things like how the swoosh on the lower case “t” slides under the dot above the “i” on MAC’s new Dita Von Teese Lipstick, and your first thought is “Dang! I wish I’d thought of that.”
It’s those little touches, man!
Limited edition MAC Matte Lipstick in Von Teese ($18) is an online exclusive arriving on the MAC website December 7 December 9, and as you’ve probably already guessed, it’s a collaboration with burlesque beauty/dancer/author Dita Von Teese.
Yup, she’s also an author. Her new book, Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour, arrives in bookstores December 1.
The lipstick, on the other hand, isn’t very eccentric. It’s a pretty classic take on matte tomato red, and it’s very, very Dita. Her love for matte red lips is well known.
On me, it’s an opaque warm red with a hint of yellow, and the hint doesn’t take it into MAC Lady Danger Land, so there aren’t any orange undertones.
In general, matte lipsticks can be hit or miss. They have a reputation for being dry, thick and patchy (don’t get me started on matte lips in the ’90s!), but I think MAC did a great job with this one. The formula is a little creamy (creamier than usual for a MAC matte), which makes the application smoother. It glides across my lips without tugging and doesn’t accentuate any flakes.
Thank goodness, because my lips have been hella dry lately.
That reminds me — I need to drink more water throughout the day.
Even with its creaminess, Von Teese Lipstick still looks like a straight-up matte on the lips, which makes it a good option if you’re looking for a comfy, forgiving matte red.
I’m something of a MAC red lipstick hoarder, and I think this one makes a beautiful addition to any MAC red lipstick hoarder’s collection.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hilary says
Wow – what a gorgeous shade! I am so happy to see a MAC x Dita collab! 🙂
Karen says
Yeah, it’s gorgeous!
Louise says
So glad to hear it’s comfortable! Mattes usually bother me because they feel so drying.
Karen says
Hi Louise,
It’s so. I wore it yesterday and forgot to put on lip balm last night before bed (whoops) and my lips are still in OK shape. I think you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
By the way, if you’re looking for a lip balm rec I have a good one — it’s Nuxe Reve de Miel!
Lauren says
I’ll have to get this for my Mom…I just can’t pull off the red lips!
Karen says
What a sweet daughter you are, Lauren! I’m sure your mom will love it. 🙂
Maybe she’ll let you borrow her tube? LOL! I know you mentioned you don’t wear red lips but you could always do something like a light stain.
anusha says
It’s such a gorgeous shade of red on you.. :-)and the subtle shine of the matte lipstick is awesome in the lip swatch..
it looks similar to the true red burberry kisses lipstick that i bought recently – military red..one of the components of sephora’s burberry mini beauty box..
it’s my first red lippie. . I got it only after your recent red lip tutorial. . Yours lips in that were to die for! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Anusha,
Yay for red lips! I hope that you fall in love with many reds in the future (it’s one of my fave shades to wear).
How are you liking that Burberry lipstick?
anusha says
Hiii Karen..the burberry lipstick is great.. buildable to full coverage, super pigmented. .feels so light on the lips..faded evenly to a pretty light red after a huge Italian dinner.. amazing! !
Agata says
You had me at “it would look great on fair complexions” although I don’t wear red lips that often. The packaging and the bullet is really pretty though.
Oh and how awesome you got to interview Dita!
Karen says
She was cool! I’ve gotten to interview quite a few people through the years through the blog, believe it or not. 🙂
LindaLibraLoca says
Another one for my collection? Does it come with dancing skills included?
Karen says
Not that I’m aware of, LOL! I should find an oversized champagne bottle to test out the theory.
LindaLibraLoca says
Now I would love to see that!
Kiss & Make-up says
Just watched yer vid, and ooooh, I think I’m convinced! I can’t wait til the collection launches here.
Karen says
Yay!
Ruchita says
This is such a gorgeous red color! And it looks like it is wearable for every day use and not just special occasions.
This dry weather is killing my lips too! Good to hear that this is a creamy matte. Definitely makes it easier to wear.
Karen says
For me it’s the heater and the wind. My skin is uber dry at the moment and not happy, grr!
I can’t remember — are you a red lip person? It’s kitty approved, I’ll have you know. 😉
Ruchita says
I love the look of red lips, but I haven’t worn it myself in a long time – probably since college. Somewhere along the way I got into doing neutral lips, but change is good! 🙂
Kim says
Looks great on you! 🙂
Karen says
Thank you, Kim! 🙂
Nazih says
Yup seeing it on you just confirmed it for me! You look absolutely radiant 🙂
Rachel R. says
This is where I say to MAC, “Shut up and take my money!”
I wish they’d done a bigger collection with her.
Fancie says
This is such a gorgeous lipstick and the shade represents her very well. I hope the launch isn’t too crazy for this. I’d love to get my hands on it but I’m not up for the stalking and what not lol
Dani says
Wow! It looks pretty awesome!! I thought Dita would have launched a cooler toned red, but this fits us, warm-toned peeps, perfectly! You look beautiful in that lipstick!
JudithB says
How does it compare to ruby voo?
Lena says
she gives comparison swatches (with mac red, ruby woo and lady danger) on the video, about the 4 minute mark.
JudithB says
THank you! I should have watched the video 😛
Lena says
i remember your von teese interview, and it’s nice that you’ve stayed true to your dorky self, after all these years. 😀
von teese looks amazing on you, makes your teeth even whiter. do you use any whitening thingy, karen, and if yes, can you recommend it for us?
Anastassia says
What a Red lipstick! Love it!!
Claudia says
Hm, it seems really similar to Ruby Woo in the video. Might have just been my screen though. The packaging is gorg!!
Carol in a Page says
I so don’t need another red lipstick, but this one is screaming my name!!!
Emmy says
I am sold! xx
Charu - GirlwithSpecs says
Hi Karen,
Hope you are doing great.
That lipstick looks so drool worthy and your lip swatch has totally convinced me to get this one. Since I don’t stay in the US I will have to ask my friend to get it for me. MAC doesn’t have any online store here 🙁 Totally getting it!
Thanks for the review
michelle says
Hello Karen I love your vids on YouTube ? can you tell me what is the difference between Russian red and von teese I’ve been wanting to get Russian red but I haven’t got my hands on it yet von teese looks like a beautiful color I am a NW 20 in mac thank you much love ❤
Lauren S. says
This lipstick looks great on you, Karen!