MAC Slimshine Lipstick $14.50 USD
A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case. 2.3 g / 0.08 us oz
PRICE
At $14.50 a pop for these skinny suckers, I actually think that it is a very decent buy for a high-end cosmetic lipstick. You are however, getting less product than most of MAC's lip products (ranging from 0.10 oz to 0.17 oz) AND paying $0.50 more than most of MAC's lip products which tend to retail for about $14.00 USD.
But because the formula of this product is more emollient than your standard bullet-style lipstick, it was possibly the wiser choice to put this product in a slimmer casing where the tube would hug the product to keep it in tact and prevent it from shifting from application pressure.
At $14.50 a pop for these skinny suckers, I actually think that it is a very decent buy for a high-end cosmetic lipstick. You are however, getting less product than most of MAC's lip products (ranging from 0.10 oz to 0.17 oz) AND paying $0.50 more than most of MAC's lip products which tend to retail for about $14.00 USD.
But because the formula of this product is more emollient than your standard bullet-style lipstick, it was possibly the wiser choice to put this product in a slimmer casing where the tube would hug the product to keep it in tact and prevent it from shifting from application pressure.
With that in mind, I look at the $0.50 differential as a small price to pay for the sleek and conveniently pants-pocket- and wristlet-friendly casing as well as a little insurance for maintaining the shape of a potentially shifty lipstick in warmer conditions.
PACKAGING
MAC Slimshines are definitely designed and packaged for convenience.
They are about the same girth as my fingers and about a thumb width taller (if not a tad more) than my middle finger. Thinner lipstick casings may be preferable to some because regular bullet-style lipstick casings are a bit bulkier in the purse.
The slick feeling of the case is also a rather chic choice that MAC made in housing this product. For those that have fun touching things, you'll probably find yourself gliding your fingers unknowingly around this thang! Ahem, I speak from experience, hah.
My only gripe would be that the case does look susceptible to dents and dings. The material overall is fairly sturdy, but still thin enough to sustain some non-pretty damage if not carefully handled.
My only gripe would be that the case does look susceptible to dents and dings. The material overall is fairly sturdy, but still thin enough to sustain some non-pretty damage if not carefully handled.
And for the MAC fans that cannot get enough of the MAC logo, you get the double-whammy feature with the Slimshines. On the outer case AND the lipstick revolver! How about that?!
Also included is the snapping mechanism that makes sure your hard earned $14.50 is kept indoors than outside the compound where we all know it's not safe for them to be playing.
Also included is the snapping mechanism that makes sure your hard earned $14.50 is kept indoors than outside the compound where we all know it's not safe for them to be playing.
MAC Slimshines seem to cast a sweet yet faint coffee aroma. I don't know if the rest are this way, but the Bare that I have is. When twisting up the lipstick and leaning in closer for an intimate encounter, you capture a whiff of metal because of the case but nonetheless, a very sweet and pleasant smell.
As for tasty lip smacking, I don't notice much taste other than regular saliva. Oooh,... sali-va (Homer Simpson style).
PRODUCT CONSISTENCY
I've heard from many that the MAC Slimshines are a cross between lipstick and a lipgloss and this is very much the case. It glides on smoothly just like cream, rubs nicely between the lips, shines like a gloss, sheer but pigmented, and leaves lips moisturizes without the non-sticky texture. Definitely my kind of lipstick!
PRODUCT WEARABILITY
Everyone and their mom probably knows my lips are no good without MAC's Lip Conditioner under it. Whether it be rocking the lips in their natural state or riding cozy with lipstick or lipgloss, MAC Slimshines are no exception to the rule. Yes, Lip Conditioner has to hold Bare's hand, but better the "buddy system" when crossing the road than road kill looking lips!
Although the Slimshines are sheerly pigmented, I believe that color is buildable to a lightly-opaque setting. Not truly opaque like cream lipsticks but not like the cheap wannabe pigmented lipsticks that go on like watercolors.
The Slimshines were a huge hit the first time around because of the formulation. But the biggest grumble was the actual wear time. Slimshines are definitely creamy but unlike lipstick, the color doesn't sink into the lips which sometimes helps in wearing the color longer. And because the formula is creamier than most, this means that product transfer is more likely to happen. So if you need that cup of coffee in the morning or snack on those conference danishes, better to apply a Slimshine once breakfast has made it's rounds.
Despite that these gals don't sit still for long, filling in the lips with lipliner beforehand is optional. This will help to keep at least the color of the lipliner on even if the Teriyaki Chicken during lunchtime gets a little klepto with the Slimshine.
WHAT I LIKE
- The packaging of the product. It's professional looking.
- The moisturizing properties and that it glides on smoothly.
- There are 20 choices in colors to choose from.
WHAT I DISLIKE
- That I can't wear it on it's own. Wearing it with Lip Conditioner under makes it even more susceptible to transferring to anything the lips touch.
OVERALL
I definitely would like to pick up more Slimshine lipsticks. I really enjoy the sheer yet pigmented color payoff and even though I still need to use Lip Conditioner under, I can deal with it in having it's own wear time shorter than others. Being that this is a permanent MAC collection, that puts the anxiety of purchasing them all aside as they'll be available when I'm ready to get them - thank goodness!
YOU'LL PROBABLY LIKE THIS IF...
- you're lips need moisturizing but want something a bit fancier than the normal chapstick or lipbalm.
- you're down with the convenience of a lipstick/lipgloss 2 in 1.
- you resonate with one or more of the 20 available colors.
- you like the packaging.
YOU'LL PROBABLY DISLIKE THIS IF...
- you are looking for a longer lasting color product and don't have the tolerance to reapply.
- the price is out of your comfort range.
Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne
