Review: MAC Lipstick in Hue

*I received this product for free through the Back to MAC program*

This was a challenge to photograph. 

When you return 6 empty MAC containers to any MAC location you get a free lipstick.  From my personal experience, when you bring the containers to an actual MAC store (as opposed to a counter in a department store) you get a free lipstick, lipgloss, or eyeshadow as they are all $18.

The packaging is the classic MAC lipstick bullet. It's quite sleek but other than that there are no pros or cons to the packaging. It doesn't feel cheap.

Left: one swipe     Right: several swipes

Bottom of the lipstick

This lipstick isn't terribly pigmented but that's because it has a glaze finish. Less pigmentation can be a good thing for some, a bad thing for others. I was looking for a nude-y lipstick but I didn't want something that would wash out my pale complexion.

Lips.

This lipstick feels nice and has the signature MAC scent which I've loved since I was a child. The wear time isn't amazing, a few hours without much eating or drinking.

Overall: I really like this lipstick and I will probably repurchase it because it looks nice with darker eye make-up.

This product can be purchased at MAC stores, counters, and online.

Review: Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon

*I received this product for free as part of a gift with purchase promotion.*

Super-nourishing balm is loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth. Sixteen natural-looking lip tints in all, each with a subtle sheen. Allergy Tested. 100% Fragrance free.

$19  for 0.1oz

04 Mega Melon is described as a sheer peachy pink. It is a relatively wearable colour but I don't find myself reaching for it very often. It just doesn't "go" with the rest of my make-up (which is fairly neutral). 

Left: one swipe     Right: several swipes

This colour is quite sheer but can be built up to a nice melon-y colour. It is definitely a shade more suited for warmer skin tones. 

The balm felt nice on my lips but it didn't feel as moisturizing as a Maybelline Baby Lips or Revlon Lip Butter. Lip gloss isn't  really needed on top as this product leaves a sheen. There is some very very tiny bits of shimmer but it is practically undetectable. The wear and pigmentation wasn't anything spectacular but it wasn't disappointing either.

Overall: I find this product to be okay. I can understand if someone finds a specific colour that they love and can't find a dupe, but at $190/oz this just isn't worth it for me.