Introducing the MAC Velvet Matte Lipstick Collection

Sometimes velvet finishes can go really wrong, you know, like the red Pier 1 pillows that I ordered online for my couch. I returned them the same day they arrived because they looked a little too shiny — almost sleazy, like a threadbare velvet robe in a motel room with a heart-shaped waterbed.

Yep.

But when velvet goes right, it goes really right. It’s luxurious, rich and sophisticated, like the new $17.50 MAC Velvet Matte Lipsticks.

Dude! They totally get it right. They’re an example of when velvet goes really right.

New on counters now, the MAC Velvet Matte Lipstick Collection contains nine deep, dark reds, browns, purples and grays, all with blackened, moody tones that are perfect for fall.

A dark lipstick can be tricky, though, and not just on a technical level, in that you have to bust out a lip liner and a lip brush, but there are a couple things you can do to work them well. Like, the best ones get the formula and finish juuuust right, whereas the less-than-best ones can leave you with a patchy mess that looks like you got your lipstick at Party City in the Halloween section.

So, you can either end up looking super trendy, or super tacky, and I know this because I’ve danced on the tacky side… Not on purpose, though!

The Velvet Matte Lipsticks get everything right, like they’re straight out of an Italian Vogue feature — sophisticated, and not at all silly.

First of all, they’re smooth… Well, most of them are. There are two that aren’t as smooth as the others, but we’ll get to that later. For the most part, they glide along your lips and look rich and striking.

MAC also toys with the finish, which is also very cool. Although these are referred to as mattes, they aren’t matte in the traditional sense, where there’s a complete absence of shimmer and shine. The Velvet Matte Lipsticks do reflect some light — just a touch — like an expensive pair of suede boots. You can see a little bit of light bouncing off them.

On top of that, several of the shades also have very fine, almost imperceptible pearl, and that pearl, once you see it, catches your eye and won’t let go. It’s just a slightly glittery twinkle, and it elevates them into luxurious, expensive territory (so, definitely not costume).

My favorite shade of the nine is Beatrix, and not just because I think the name is super cool and reminds me of Beatrix Potter, one of my favorite childhood authors. It’s a deep reddish brown with entrancing coppery pearl, and when I see it sparkling in the light, I can’t stop staring. It looks SO beautiful with a copper shadow on the lids (I like MAC Amorous Alloy) and a warm matte brown in the crease.

I’m also a fan several of the other pearly shades in the collection, namely Powerhouse, Midnight Breeze and Modern Temptress.

There are only two colors I’d be wary of in this launch, and they’re the gray shades, Gwendolyn and Winnifred. Both are super patchy, and it takes me quite few layers to get an even, balanced look.

The MAC Velvet Matte Lipsticks are available meow on counters and online (through December 7th), and they’re $17.50 each.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Trick or treat! ? How was your candy haul? If you got any Snickers, save them for me.