Review: Mac Cockney Lipstick

I don't know what it is about getting older but recently I have been veering towards brighter lippies, in particular red ones, whereas previously I would never have gone near anything remotely verging on red.  I just used to feel so self conscious with bright lips!  These days, I enjoy rocking a red lip, although in general, I tend to go for more wearable, sheerer reds.

Mac Cockney is one such wearable red from the permanent collection and one I haven't really heard much about.  It is a lustre formula which is one of my favourites as I find they impart a good amount of pigment on the lips, whilst still making it very wearable and glossy.

In the tube, the colour looks very vivid and rather dark for a red with tiny flecks of golden shimmer running through it.  I've heard others say it reminds them of China Glaze's Ruby Pumps and I have to say I agree.  It also looks rather Christmassy (dare I utter the word in June!!).  When swatched however, it looks altogether lighter, sheerer and warmer.

With flash

On the lips, it is semi opaque with the light sheen that Mac's lustre formula is known for.  Thankfully the sparkles do not show up on the lips and instead, you are left with a flattering, glistening red which is much more subtle than you would think.  It reminds me in texture and versatility to Viva Glam Cindi, although it is quite a bit brighter.

Natural light

I find this lippie to last for around four hours before I need to reapply which is quite good going really, considering I am a habitual tea drinker!  It was super comfortable to wear and I was pleased to see that when it wore off, it faded evenly, without leaving any annoying lines around the outside of the lip.

Verdict

I am gradually building up my red lipstick collection and this is a welcome addition.  It can be built up gradually for a more intense look or used sparingly for a subtle stain, and as a result, I think this would suit many people from fair to medium skintones.  If you are a fan of red lips or even a red lip novice like me, Mac Cockney is certainly worth a look.

4/5

Price - £13.50

Where to Buy - Mac, Debenhams, Selfridges, House of Fraser

Mac Fleur Power Blush

I have an unhealthy obsession with peach blushes and whenever I see one, I am instantly drawn to it!  Mac's Fleur Power initially looked like just another peach blush, and nothing that couldn't be duped by something already in my collection.  However, there are many subtle differences that now make it one of my go-to blushers for day-to-day use. 

In the pan, the overwhelming colour is peach and it looks almost matte to the naked eye.  It is however, one of Mac's satin formulations, one of my favourite of their blush formula, as I find them almost foolproof to apply and blend.

When swatched, the colour transforms, and much more pink is apparent. I wouldn't say this is coral, more a pink / peachy hybrid which gives a gorgeous natural flush on the cheeks.  

It blends like a dream, and although it looks a little powdery in the swatch below, it is very finely milled, which makes application extremely easy to control.  I was impressed with the pigmentation too, and found that the satin finish of the blush meant that it didn't accentuate any of my pores - instead it gave a healthy, natural looking flush to my cheeks, which is buildable if you want to create a look that really 'pops'.

Lasting time for Fleur Power was similar to other Mac powder blushes, and I tend to get about six hours wear on my oily cheeks before it starts to fade a little.  Due to its peachy pink leanings, this would be a great blush for those who usually wear pink blush but would like to try something a little different.  It would also be perfect for those who like the look of Nars Orgasm, but are searching for something with less shimmer and sparkle.

I could see this  blush suiting most skintones, although it does lean a little to the warmer side.  I've been wearing it with a fairly neutral look of a coral gloss and lashings of mascara, and have been reaching for it a lot as it seems to go with more looks than I initially thought.

Verdict

I tend to be fairly impressed with Mac's powder blushes from their permanent line and Fleur Power is no exception.  As a shade which is much more complex than it initially seems, this is great for a natural pop of everyday colour, or it can be built up to be more intense, flamboyant look.

4/5

Price - £17.50

Where to Buy -  Mac, Debenhams, Selfridges, House of Fraser