When it comes to makeup, there are few things I love more than matte lipstick. That’s why I was so excited about MAC’s The Matte Lip Collection for Summer 2015 (currently available). It’s a combination of old shades and completely new ones, but the very best part is that it’s a permanent collection…so you don’t have to worry about falling in love with one and then never being able to get your hands on it, again. Curse you, limited editions! I swatched eight different lipstick shades from the new collection (there are 22, total), which was just about all my lips could handle in one day. Check them out, below!

MAC “All Fired Up” Retro Matte lipstick: This was one of the few that I already had in my collection. Though I love the color, I honestly don’t reach for this as much as my other reds (although this is more of a fuchsia/pink red); because it’s a true matte (they call it “retro matte”), it’s a little on the drier side. But it stays on really well. I shouldn’t have used a warm red lipliner with this, but I was in a pinch and it’s all I had on me! Use the center of the lip as a better indicator of the color.

MAC “Whirl” Matte Lipstick: One thing you’ll notice from these swatches is that some of the shades look less matte than others – this is a combination of my ring light and not blotting, but it should also be noted that if you want a super matte shade, look for “Retro Matte” on the tube. This dusty rose lipstick is my favorite of all the new shades. It’s a great everyday color and would pair well with a smokey eye.

MAC “Pink Pigeon” matte lipstick: Another one of my mainstays, this is the perfect bright pink. It’s not as neon or cool-based as “Candy Yum-Yum” or Melt’s “Stupid Love,” so I usually reach for this when I want something bright but not too intense.

MAC “Persistence” matte lipstick: Described as a peachy cinnamon, I immediately think of the ubiquitous “tawny” shade that graced all of the 90s beauty counters. Oh, how I envied my sister’s first tawny lipstick! My great-grandpa once pumped the brakes (on purpose) while she was applying it, smudging it all over her face. I thought that was hilarious, but she was not as amused. I’m getting off track. The dream of the 90s is alive in MAC lipsticks, and I’m into it.

MAC “Men Love Mystery” matte lipstick: I haven’t done a side by side, but this shade seems pretty close to “Up The Amp” but with a matte finish (Up The Amp is an amplified finish), maybe a little softer. I happen to love “Up The Amp” but prefer matte finishes, so hooray for this one!

MAC “Matte Royal” matte lipstick: I would love to be that girl who can totally pull of blue lipstick, but I don’t think I am. That being said, my best friend’s blue lipstick caught the eye of the boy who would become her high school boyfriend, so there is power in a sapphire pout, my friends. This shade requires a little more finesse and fine tuning than the others, and it has slightly uneven coverage.

 

MAC “D is for Danger” matte lipstick: Brick red with a killer name. Honestly, the name alone makes me want to wear this at all times.

 

MAC “Antique Velvet” matte lipstick: Another 90s dream, this “intense brown” shade is surprisingly a color that seems to be missing from my collection. I have lots of vampy reds and plums, but this is more of a chocolatey hue. In short, I love it.

 

Do you have a favorite? Are there any you want to purchase for yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts!