MAC Heroine Lipstick and Lipglass Review & Swatches

What a perfect timing to do a proper review of Heroine since MAC just relaunched this gorgeous purple lipstick a couple days ago to join the permanent line! If you missed it the first time (Reel Sexy Collection; 2012), and the second time (Fashion Sets Collection; 2013) now you can finally own it! :)

I purchased the lipstick and matching lipglass during the Fashion Sets Collection and even though I haven’t been wearing them a whole lot before, I think I’m going to be rocking them a little more now as Pantone announced Radiant Orchid the color of the year 2014! Not that it matters much what color of the year is, it’s just that lately I’ve been really into purple lips – something about it screams edgy yet highly feminine at the same time and I have to say Heroine is one of the most beautiful purple shades I’ve ever come across.

Unfortunately, the matching Heroine lipglass isn’t being re-introduced along with the lipstick but for the sake of the review, I thought I’d throw it in anyway, just in case MAC relaunches it later, you know where to find a good swatch! :)

Lipstick

MAC Heroine lipstick is housed in a standard MAC black speckled packaging. It has the same familiar vanilla scent signature of MAC lip products. The hue of Heroine is very interesting to me in the sense that it turns almost a different color upon different light settings. It appears dark purple in the tube but when swatched on arms, there’s a strong magenta presence. It gets even more interesting when worn on lips, you will see anything from medium to dark purple, to neon purple, and to true magenta depending on one’s natural lip color. It’s a really unique shade in my opinion and that makes it even more fun to wear. Pair it with a lip liner or lipgloss and you get an even more variety!

MAC categorized Heroine as a matte lipstick but I find it to be a hybrid between matte and satin. It definitely goes on satin with a soft shine before it sets to a complete matte that isn’t drying at all but in no way is it a moisturizing lipstick, either. I just don’t find it to dry out my lips even after the color wears off. It does leave a strong pinkish red stain behind that is quite difficult to remove but it contributes to longevity. I typically get an impressive 6-7 hours of wear with Heroine.

The coverage is full; it is so opaque that it completely covers my natural lip color in one pass but it does apply slightly uneven. It also sinks into lip lines just a little bit but if you wear a primer or lip liner underneath, this shouldn’t be a problem. The creamy smooth formula glides on nicely without tugging and is surprisingly lightweight and very comfortable to wear for a matte lipstick. You probably can apply the lipstick straight from the tube to lips but I like to use a lip brush for precision especially in the corners and Cupid’s Bow.

Lipglass

MAC Heroine lipglass comes in a standard MAC lipglass clear tube packaging with a black cap. The applicator is a basic slanted doe-foot that is soft and picks up a good amount of product. The shade is a purple magenta that applies slightly pinkish on my lips. It has this beautiful iridescent pink and purple micro-shimmer to it that I really like. It isn’t a complete match to the lipstick, though as it leans slightly more pink than purple.

The formula is typical to most lipglasses – slightly thick and sticky but sticky also means better wear time. It lasts approximately 3-4 hours on me which isn’t unusual for thicker lip glosses. The coverage is semi-sheer – it packs a good color payoff but still allows the color of the lipstick underneath (or your lip color) to shine through. It feels really smooth and creamy on the lips and provides a lot of shine.

I really do think Heroine is a must-have if you want to own at least one purple lipstick. It’s such a stunning vibrant shade for a bold, statement lip but it can be worn down to be daytime-appropriate, too. I’m so glad MAC decided to make this permanent as there’s no doubt in my mind I will re-purchase when I run out. Now I only wish they would bring back the lipglass as well! :)

Lipstick

Lipglass

Purchase