MAC Quite Cute: Lipstick

MAC's Quite Cute collection, launching in-store this Thursday, will see the release of five lipsticks, one of which is permanent (at MAC Pro stores only) and four of which are new and limited edition. I only decided to get three of the five lipsticks, as Saint Germain (pale pastel pink) is permanent and Quite Cute is way too similar to Lavender Whip, which I already have. So, I have picked up Playing Koi, Candy Yum-Yum, and Play Time. I will state now, though, that all five of these shades are not your every day shades. Most people will find them to be a hit-or-miss, whether they're too bright, too pale, too cool- or warm-toned, etc. Each lipstick retails for $17.50, and is in regular black packaging.

Play Time, Candy Yum-Yum, Playing Koi

Play Time is a semi-sheer muted pinked purple in a Cremesheen finish. It reminds me of a much more sheer and less pink version of Up The Amp, or a more pink version of Style Curve. It looks like a really intense violet in the tube, but it's actually made surprisingly wearable due to the sheerness of the finish. It goes on smoothly and creamy and has a sheen to it. This is a great option for those who want to try purple lipsticks but don't want something too in-your-face. For those who have Style Curve, I would skip this. For those who have Up The Amp, it's definitely different enough to be worth buying.

Candy Yum-Yum is an opaque bright neon pink in a Matte finish. This colour is nearly blinding in its brightness. It is for people who love an insanely bright lip look. Because it also has blue undertones, it does tend to suit those with cooler skintones, and those with warmer skintones might be more comfortable with a more neutral or warmer bright pink, like Chatterbox or Lustering. That being said, however, Candy Yum-Yum went on very smoothly and extremely pigmented. For a Matte finish, it's actually quite creamy (unlike Playing Koi). If you want serious lip voltage, definitely look into this shade.

Playing Koi is an opaque pale peachy-pink nude in a Satin finish. It reminds me of a much more pigmented and slightly pinker version of Hue. This has got to be one of the most unforgiving shades I have ever tried. It looks great in the tube, but on the lips, it magnifies imperfections about ten times, so every crevice, every and any flake of skin will show. It's a fairly dry formula, and feels much more like a full-on Matte finish lipstick than a Satin. You'd definitely need a heavy-duty lip balm underneath (and possibly on top of it as well) to make this colour look smooth on the lips.