Plumping Pink

What's this ... more pink lipstick? After I declared I need to put myself on a ban? To be fair: a) It was purchased before I had imposed the ban b) The ban is more a guide in the right direction and a reminder of my excesses than something to be strictly enforced (i.e. let's face it, it wasn't ever going to happen). I'd asked my friend to buy a couple of MAC lipsticks for me while she was in Hawaii recently, since they're $16 USD ($21) rather than $36 in the land of hideously overpriced makeup known as Australia. She ended up very kindly giving the two lipsticks to me for my birthday. Today I'll review Peach Blossom, but I'll have a post on the other one shortly (any guesses what I picked? Hint: it's a classic!).

As a lipstick junkie, the idea of building a MAC lipstick collection is infinitely appealing. The huge shade range and the popularity and individuality of the colours is a makeup lover's dream. I find the quality of MAC lipsticks to be generally impeccable, so I can justify the cost even if they're more than what I'd normally spend on a single lipstick. I now have 8 MAC lipsticks (Shy Girl, Creme Cup, Viva Glam Nicki, Chatterbox, Plumful, Patisserie, Peach Blossom ... and one to be revealed). It's a good number, in that each and every single purchase was thoroughly researched and considered. I'm currently eyeing Sweet and Sour and Velvet Teddy (and possibly Crosswires), but I know there's no limit to how many lipsticks I could let myself buy from MAC. I have to be content with what I have and draw the line somewhere.

A few things pushed me over the edge to seek out Peach Blossom. First was Amelia Liana's Top 5 MAC Lipsticks video, where she mentions it alongside Rebel, Shy Girl, Diva and Morange. The second was Vivianna Does Makeup describing Peach Blossom as possibly her favourite MAC lipstick so far. Add to that a whopping 4.7/5 rating on MakeupAlley and I was beyond sold.

MAC Peach Blossom (Cremesheen)

l-r: MAC Peach Blossom, MAC Creme Cup, MAC Patisserie, Revlon Petal, Revlon Blush

l-r: MAC Peach Blossom, MAC Creme Cup, MAC Patisserie, Revlon Petal, Revlon Blush

Peach Blossom is a sheer light pink with nude/peach tones. MAC Creme Cup is a cooler baby pink. MAC Patisserie is more nudey-caramel and sheerer. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Petal is a darker candy pink with more pearl. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Blush is also darker and frostier, and more reddish brown.

Excuse the state of my bottom lip. It wasn't a good lip day. Peach Blossom is a Cremesheen finish which isn't my favourite (I MUCH prefer Lustre). Contrary to popular opinion, I don't find Cremesheen lipsticks to be particularly hydrating or even forgiving on flaky, chapped lips. If anything, the formula feels a bit thick and sticky, rather than moisturising and lightweight. Problematically, it also settles into lip lines.

Apart from the less than stellar formula, one aspect of Peach Blossom I never anticipated is the frost content. You can't really tell in the swatches, but it has this silver shimmer running through it. I guess it's meant to give a more glossy look to the lips and it's just subtle enough that I can tolerate it, but still, frost in my lipstick in any form is a huge no-no.

Peach Blossom leans slightly warm, though its sheerness can make it appear a touch cool-toned on the lips. It's a very safe, pretty, "wearable" colour. A good example of a lipstick for those with a light to medium skin tone who don't like or wear lipstick often. It's very unassuming, understated, and at times, hardly looks like you have anything on. Patisserie is still my #1, but Peach Blossom is its girlier, pinkier cousin.