MAC Cremesheen Pearl: Lipsticks (Part I)

Last Thursday, MAC released a collection called Cremesheen Pearl, which features the return of "Cremesheen + Pearl, the shimmering twist on a MAC classic... that leaves lips luminous and decidedly lacqured." The formula is described as being "infused with pearlized pigments and a moisturizing serum blend" that has "foolproof colour coverage and gleamingly creamy gloss..." The collection includes a total of 15 products, of which ten are new and will be added to the permanent range, and five are re-promotes. Cremesheen Pearl sees the launch of ten "Asian-inspired shades" of lipsticks. Each lipstick comes in regular black packaging, contains 3 grams of product, and retails for $19. These are applicable for the Back to MAC recycling program.

Pickled Plum, Star Magnolia, Nippon, Koi Coral, and Little Buddha
Pickled Plum, Star Magnolia, Nippon, Koi Coral, and Little Buddha

Pickled Plum is a medium-dark vibrant blue-toned fuchsia with subtle gold pearlized pigments in a Cremesheen finish. This is a new and permanent shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has medium-high pigmentation and semi-opaque colour pay-off. It is lighter than Lickable, brighter and more pigmented than Milan Mode, and cooler than Lustering.

Star Magnolia is a medium muted cool-toned carnation pink with subtle gold pearlized pigments in a Cremesheen finish. This is a new and permanent shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has medium-high pigmentation and semi-opaque colour pay-off. It is brighter than Hot Gossip, cooler than Pink Pearl Pop, and brighter and cooler than Speed Dial.

Nippon is a light-medium muted coral pink with subtle gold pearlized pigments in a Cremesheen finish. This is a new and permanent shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has medium pigmentation and semi-sheer to semi-opaque colour pay-off. It is more muted than Lipblossum, brighter and more coral than Giddy, and more pink than Koi Coral.

Koi Coral is a light-medium muted peachy coral with subtle gold pearlized pigments in a Cremesheen finish. This is a new and permanent shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has medium pigmentation and semi-sheer to semi-opaque colour pay-off. It is more muted than Coral Bliss, lighter and more peach than Peach Blossom, more peach than Nippon.

Little Buddha is a medium brightened warm-toned pink with subtle gold pearlized pigments in a Cremesheen finish. This is a new and permanent shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has medium pigmentation and semi-sheer to semi-opaque colour pay-off. It is more pink than Sunny Seoul, warmer than Pink Pearl Pop, and warmer than Star Magnolia.

MAC came out with a similar collection to this one three years ago (also named Cremesheen + Pearl) that included Asian-inspired shades that were then added to the permanent range (favourites like Pure Zen, Shanghai Spice, and Sunny Seoul were originally launched in that collection). Consider this the sequel. Ten new shades will be added to the permanent Cremesheen family. The main difference between the Cremesheen Pearl finish and a straight Cremesheen is, of course, the pearlized pigment (not to be confused with a frosted finish) that makes lips look glossier, fuller, and more dimensional. But I also find that these are creamier and smoother than the original Cremesheen lipsticks. The great thing about Cremesheen lipsticks is that they're more pigmented and less shimmery (and, for some, less drying) than MAC's Lustre lipsticks, but a little sheerer and more lightweight than Amplified lipsticks. They're often thought of as MAC's most comfortable finish to wear (in the original lipstick range), and also the most widely flattering range of colours. These shades are great for those who want easy to wear, cheerful pops of colour that aren't too bright or garish.