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MAC and Second Acts, Where Opposites Attract: The RiRi Hearts MAC Summer Collection Makes a Reservation Online, Party of Five

June 17th, 2013 by Karen 43 Comments

MAC Heux Lipstick
MAC Heaux Lipstick, a matte berry from the new RiRi Hearts MAC Summer collection

What it do, RiRi Woo? The lipstick MAC remixed for Rihanna is back for a second act, and she brought along a few friends.

If you wanted (but missed) RiRi Woo the first time around, you’ll get a second chance to scoop it up, along with the rest of the five-piece limited edition RiRi Hearts MAC Summer collection, online starting tomorrow, June 18.

I had a play date with the collection this morning and had magnetic field day…

By magnetic, I mean opposites that attract, because for me, opposites permeate these products. Intense lip colors contrast with the sheer blush on cheeks, and the matte lipsticks and blush sit in stark contrast to the shimmery, sparkly highlighter.

I like it. The whole dang idea.

Sure, the collection is short and sweet, but you get a lot of juxtaposition here. The look doesn’t seem flat at all, which can be an issue with some collections that feature this much matte.

Maybe it’s just a flashback to my English Major days, but I also like to think that MAC and Rihanna intended for the opposing elements to be symbolic of RiRi, whose stage persona seems both raw and vulnerable at the same time.

That, or perhaps I’ve listened to Stay one too many times…

Lipsticks in RiRi Woo, RiRi Boy and Heaux ($15 each)

MAC Riri Hearts MAC Lipsticks Drops
From the left: Heaux, RiRi Boy, RiRi Woo and Lustre Drops in Barbados Girl

Far and away, I think the most popular pieces from this collection are going to be the lipsticks ($15 each). The core girls/guys on Team MAC love intense color, and red RiRi Woo, lavender RiRi Boy and berry Heaux deliver it in droves.

But gosh, these sure feel dry… They tug at my skin and feel like I’m wearing a thick layer of cornstarch on my lips.

That said, the mega matte way these look is still pretty bangin’. They’re chic and oh! — photograph very well.

I like these for their looks, because they’re definitely not the most comfortable lip products or the easiest to apply. If you don’t mind suffering for your fashion, you’re in luck. These are like 5-inch spiked heels in lipstick clothing. Plus, the whole matte thing is so hella ’90s, which I love.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+

Powder Blush Duo in Hibiscus Kiss ($26)

MAC Hibiscus Kiss
Hibiscus Kiss Powder Blush

Cheek this out, babe!

I flipped a sprocket when I saw the neutral bronze and coral in this Hibiscus Kiss Powder Blush Duo ($26), but my fever waned when I swatched it for the first time.

The blasted thing feels hard to the touch and applies very sheer.

It shows up a little better on my skin when I apply it with the brush (which, unfortunately, also takes longer), but still — not by much. I have to really build this up in layers to get a look I like. Sorry, no intense flushes here, but this might light your fire if you like super sheer cheeks.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B-

Lustre Drops Liquid Highlighter in Barbados Girl ($20)

What a nice surprise! From the Lustre Drops in Barbados Girl, I expected a clone of Pink Rebel, but it’s actually a different deal. This liquid highlighter contains more bronze, and there are tiny flecks of glitter swimming around in it.

The effect’s flashy enough to notice from a few feet away, but it’s not gonna hit anyone over the head and say, “LOOK AT ME!!”

I’d call this perfect if it wasn’t so easy to over-apply. The glitter can get a little goopy if you use too much (yep, like I did at first).
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-

MAC Hibiscus Kiss Lustre Drops Swatch
Swatches of Hibiscus Kiss Powder Blush on the left and Lustre Drops on the right (unblended and blended)

MAC Riri Boy Riri Woo Heux Swatches
Lipstick swatches from the left: Riri Boy, Riri Woo and Heaux


MAC RiRi Boy
RiRi Boy Lipstick

MAC Riri Woo
RiRi Woo Lipstick

MAC Riri Hearts MAC Summer

Sorry, babe, if you were hoping to head to a MAC store or counter to pick up the lipsticks, blush duo and liquid highlighter from this launch, this one’s only going to be available online. If you’re interested, you might want paddle over sooner than later, too, since the first release of RiRi was like Shark Week! — aka a feeding frenzy.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

RiRi Hearts MAC Summer Collection: Back for a Second Act, the RiRi Hearts MAC Summer Collection Makes a Reservation Online, Party of Five / Originally published June 17th, 2013

There are 43 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, Face, Lips, MAC Makeup, Makeup, Product Reviews

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Comments

  1. Charisma says

    June 17th, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    Thanks so much Karen for doing this review and swatches. What I love with retro matte lipsticks their staying power is pretty long but the drawback is they can be real drying. I love the shades of this collection but not the formulation.
    Charisma recently posted … Benefit The Rich is Back Review

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:59 am

      You’re welcome, Charisma!

      Reply
    • Peach says

      June 21st, 2013 at 6:42 pm

      I purchased the woo and can’t wait to get it. I was a huge matte red lipstick wearer in the 90s. I want heaux but the name is so degrading to women.

      Reply
  2. Bridgette says

    June 17th, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    Great review! I was going to snag the compact but seeing as I’m NC50 I don’t think it will do much. I adore the retro matte finish!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:58 am

      Thank you, Bridgette. 🙂

      Reply
  3. CrystalCandy says

    June 17th, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Heaux and Riri Woo are pretty, but I will probably hate that powdery feeling on my lips. And I was expecting more from the blush. I’m kinda sad about it. 🙁
    CrystalCandy recently posted … Commande Sephora (Sephora Favorites)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:58 am

      Yeah, I was hoping for a lot more punchiness. But it’s nice to have them contrast against the bold lipsticks. 🙂

      Have a nice Tuesday!

      Reply
  4. Alice Ann says

    June 17th, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    I didn’t think I would have any interest in this collection, but those lipsticks are beckoning. All three look really great on you. I am a sucker for mattes, the 90s connection is hilarious, as those were my high school years. I’m going to see if I can get them online tomorrow. Thanks so much for the swatches and reviews.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:58 am

      Hi Alice Ann,

      The ’90s were my high school years, too. When did you graduate?

      Good luck with getting the lipsticks! Let me know what you end up snagging.

      Reply
  5. FeroshFabLife says

    June 17th, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    I’m excited to buy RiRi Boy! Purple lips are HUGE at the moment, but I haven’t found a Matte Purple…until now!! Some of my all time favorite MAC lipstick colors are Ruby Woo and Candy Yum Yum, both of which are Matte..I’ve encountered the same problem with the dryness, but I’m also the type of girl who will wear 6 inch heels to work, I found a way to wear those everyday without being uncomfortable, I figured if I could do that surely I could find a way for these lipsticks to be less drying. My secret? Burt’s Beeswax chapstck (original formula) I prep my lips by exfoliating them with a washcloth, apply a thin layer of the Burt’s, apply my favorite Matte Lipstick and finish with another light layer of the Burt’s. By doing this I maintain that perfect Matte look without the chalkiness! Try it!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:57 am

      I used to do this trick all the time in the ’90s. It’s a good one!

      Reply
  6. Vanessa says

    June 17th, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    Thanks for the swatches and the review Karen! I’ve been lusting after every piece since its announcement. Had high hopes for the Hibiscus Kiss; still might buy it to test it out.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:57 am

      Hi Vanessa,

      Let me know if you end up getting it and what you think of it. It’s really pretty for sheer cheek…

      Reply
  7. yelena says

    June 17th, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    the red and berry are PERFECTION on you! wow just wow. seriously u look fabulous! too bad they are so dry :/ I will pass but live vicariously through your pictures 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 17th, 2013 at 7:18 pm

      Hi Yelena,

      You can prep your lips first with a balm (I used to do this in the ’90s), and that can help make things a bit more comfy. 🙂

      How was your weekend? Good, I hope!

      Reply
  8. Fancie says

    June 17th, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    Thank goodness for your swatches Karen!! I’ve crossed Hibiscus Kiss from my list since it probably won’t show up on my NC50 skin. I’m really digging the lipsticks on you! I like how Heaux looks more berry than red on you (even though I don’t see a lip swatch LOL) so I’ll probably get it. The standout was definitely Barbados Girl! It’s beautiful!!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:56 am

      You’re welcome! 😀 Happy Tuesday!

      Reply
  9. Fancie says

    June 17th, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    Silly me! I see it now! LOVE Heaux on you. Much more excited for it now! I’m hoping it leans more on the berry side rather than red on me

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:56 am

      Hi Fancie,

      If it doesn’t you can always try blanking out your lips first with a bit of concealer, foundation, or a flesh-colored lip liner. I do that all the time.

      Reply
  10. Becca @ The Beauty Sample says

    June 17th, 2013 at 9:52 pm

    Oooh wow the lippies are so, so pigmented–pretty! Too bad about the blusher/bronzer though–that was the one I was most excited about. The shades are a little similar to IT COsmetics’ Vitality Face Disc though (but the blush is more shimmery), so I’ll just stick with that one
    Becca @ The Beauty Sample recently posted … The Beauty Picks: Powdered Exfoliators, Cleansers & Masks

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:55 am

      Cool! Good to know you have a blush duo that you love!

      Reply
  11. Agata says

    June 18th, 2013 at 4:31 am

    This is the first Mac collection in a long time that I am not excited about. The lipsticks look beautiful on you though.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:55 am

      Hi Agata,

      Yeah, the look is a very specific one. It’s totally Rihanna, for sure though.

      Hope you’re having a nice week so far and that you get a break from work soon.

      Happy Tuesday!

      Reply
  12. Danielle says

    June 18th, 2013 at 5:24 am

    I really like the Lustre Drops, but this shade looks too dark for me.
    Danielle recently posted … Birchbox June 2013

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:54 am

      Hi Danielle,

      It’s a lot more intense than I expected. Maybe try Sun Rush Lustre Drops if you haven’t already. You might like it.

      Reply
  13. YOFOREAL! says

    June 18th, 2013 at 5:54 am

    Can someone please tell me how I pronounce “HEAUX”?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      June 18th, 2013 at 6:58 am

      Should be “HO”, like Santa. Or, you know.. 🙂

      Reply
      • Karen says

        June 18th, 2013 at 9:54 am

        Ha, this made me laugh!

        Reply
    • Peach says

      June 21st, 2013 at 6:44 pm

      Ho

      Reply
  14. Kim says

    June 18th, 2013 at 6:59 am

    These lipsticks aren’t for the faint of heart, are they?? 🙂 Hmmm, bold colors and kind of drying/chalky? Guess who’s running and hiding from this collection? HAHA!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 18th, 2013 at 9:53 am

      Hi Kim,

      Aww, not even for nostalgia’s sake? These lippies are SO ’90s. I think you should wear RiRi Woo and dance around to Snap’s I’ve Got the Power. I may be guilty of doing that yesterday, not gonna lie!

      Happy Tuesday, btw. Is it Friday yet?!

      Reply
      • Kim says

        June 19th, 2013 at 5:45 am

        HAHA! I actually thought I’d be digging Heaux (hee hee) but I think it will be too fuchsia for me. Maybe for nostalgia – and I could certainly be persuaded to rock out to Snap. Speaking of music, have you heard Inner Ninja yet (David Myles)? My friend mentioned it yesterday and I gave it a listen. It’s kind of a quirky, happy, little tune.

        Oh, gosh, I know. Wednesday and counting. Time is ticking slowly again this week. I predict we’re going to have a strong finish, though. 🙂

        Reply
  15. Jennifer says

    June 18th, 2013 at 7:44 am

    I cannot get passed the Rhianna factor. I hate her… ugh.
    Jennifer recently posted … Oldie, but Goodie: Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Illuminator

    Reply
  16. Melissa says

    June 18th, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    I feel like the lipsticks are so…uninspired. They’re beautiful, but they’re just matte-er versions of permanent shades. =\ Still, I bought Heaux. It’s gorgeous on you, Karen! I already have Ruby Woo, so no RiRi Woo for me. The retro matte formula is why I chose Heaux over Rebel.

    Reply
  17. JaeisFancy says

    June 18th, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    I love the way Ririboy looks on you! I had to get Heaux for the name & your picture convinced me to get Ririboy (love the way it looks on you & we have similar skintone).I have Ririwoo from the last release and it feels so much better than Rubywoo. I wanted to get the drops but they sold out which may be good since I find that my skin is sensitive to highlighters for some reason :/

    Reply
  18. Jeni says

    June 18th, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    Om I so hate you right now! Heaux and Riri Woo looks great on you! Love it! Makes me wanna get both, ugh.

    Reply
  19. Eugenia says

    June 18th, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    Karen, you gorgeous thang, you! I actually picked up everything BUT RiRi Boy — while there’s a part of me that loves the idea of an intense lavender lipstick, I’ve probably seen too many CSI/Criminal Minds episodes, especially the morgue scenes and frankly, this shade just screams cadaver-lips to me, lol! I still wish I could wear it, though!

    Reply
  20. Lauren says

    June 18th, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    Karen, thank you SO much for these swatches! I was lucky enough to snag RiRi Woo (which by the way looks absolutely GORG on you!) and Heaux as well! During the first release of RiRi Woo I was not at all interested in having one for myself, but for some reason the hype got me this time around! I think it was after seeing this swatch and a few others. I’m still slightly confused regarding it being the exact same shade as Ruby Woo (which I do own) or slightly different? The swatches come off as though it is a bit of a deeper red, which I think I will love! Can’t wait to try them both =)

    Reply
  21. Margarita says

    June 18th, 2013 at 7:16 pm

    I got ririboy and ririwoo, now I regret not getting heaux. It oly took me 3 hours to order. Ugh. Back online I go! Lol

    Reply
  22. Rhodalyn says

    June 19th, 2013 at 9:06 am

    Hi, Karen
    Would you say RiRi boy and Heroine are quite similar?

    Reply
  23. Jules B says

    June 20th, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    A review I read said that if you’re not a lipstick feine/lover, you won’t miss out on much. Riri Woo= slightly darker Ruby woo, Heaux= matte rebel, Riri Boy= matte Up the Amp.
    I have all those MAC shades but I still ordered them. I do love me some matte lipsticks, of course I’ll be dousing my lips in Korres lip butter afterwards!!!

    Reply
  24. TJ says

    June 24th, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    Heaux ≠ Rebel. And not just on me. I tried it one several people. The shades are significantly different. That being said, I LOVE IT!!

    Reply
  25. Ndidi says

    July 10th, 2013 at 8:19 am

    These lipsticks look Gorg on you.
    I will be rocking the heaux for my birthday dinner party.
    I need to know what lipliner you used with heaux to get that berry effect ?

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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