Mac Giambattista Valli FULL Collection

I know. I didn't exactly need more MAC lipsticks, but I wanted these too much. The much anticipated and desired Giambattista Valli collection finally arrived!

Although Mac did mess everyone around with the release date, and then further more with the release time, I truly believe this collection was worth it. I feel very privileged to have managed to get all 5 in this now super rare collection, as it sold out completely in 15 minutes! It was one of the quickest selling Mac collections in a very long time.

So.. a little background information about the collection. Throughout many websites there were a vast amount of different reasons that I found that had an explanation as to why the famous designer chose these colours, as well as the design.

Known for his floral fashion work, one of the reasons widely read was that each of the colours were based on one of his favourite flowers. Another reason for the bright and beautiful colours was the idea of matching them to his most recent dress designs.

I personally love this idea the most; that they are coloured on the outside because Giambattista Valli has claimed to of said that he was tired of girls spending so long trying to find the colour lipstick they want to wear in the bottom of their bag. 

I must admit, I have spent a fair share of my time scrawling around the bottom of my bag and rolling up lipsticks just to find the colour I need, so therefore I love this prospect.

Packaging wise, I fell in love. Everything about these lipsticks scream elegance and beauty. The boxes again reflect the floral concept with a white floral image, and the words 'Giambattista Valli' are beautifully placed to almost flow with the theme. 

The white of the box is then strongly contrasted by the colour of the lipstick inside. Below, you can see what comes in the box, but unfortunately I couldn't photograph the inside of the box well! Everything about the lipsticks, including their boxes, is elegantly crafted and executed amazingly. Also, its colour coordinated throughout and who does not love colour coordination?!

BIANCA B

Lets get down to business. The first colour, and the most sought after colour, Bianca B. There are good and bad things about this lipstick and I may as well get the truth out of the way: I only bought this because of the packaging. I had seen swatches online and knew that it would be too light on my lips, but I couldn't resist the pale pink dainty packaging. As I said, this really isn't that pink at all. It is basically white with a very very very VERY small amount of pink in it. I also found that the formula wasn't great in this and that it was extremely chalky. If you have dry lips, this will just not work well for you.

However, I do use it! I find that this colour works beautifully in the upcoming fashion of ombre lips and adds a lovely finishing touch to your lips, especially layered on top of another favourite, Velvet Teddy.

MARGHERITA

The first thing I think of when I wear this colour is summer. It's the most beautiful, peach toned orange colour. The balance of orange and peach has been executed perfectly and this is the first 'orange' lipstick I can actually confidently wear. 

For a matte lipstick, the formula is so creamy and goes on so smoothly. 

I love lip lining this lipstick with a coral colour. Margherita is perfect for a nude everyday look and that's why I simply adore it so much.

If you are able to get your hands on this, do it. It's not as neon and shocking as you may think from the packaging.

TATS

As a loving sibling, I bought this lipstick especially for my older sister as I don't personally wear bright pinks, and she looks great when she wears them. Tats is described as a hot pink on the Mac website, which I didn't agree with completely when I first swatched on my lips. 

It has a deeper undertone of red rather than hot pink.

Its again a matte finish (like the whole collection is) but is buttery and pigmented as well as applying just as smoothly as a cremesheen would.

This colour is long-lasting and doesn't budge easily from the lips. I love this lipstick with dark or smokey eye makeup.

CHARLOTTE

An essential colour for any Mac collector, reds are important. Charlotte is definitely my other favourite alongside Margherita. A deep matte red, this colour is pigmented and doesn't need a lot of product to create the classic red lip. 

It does have some slightly yellow undertones, but this really isn't noticeable at all and does allow the colour of the lip to look more vibrant. 

If you weren't able to get your hands on this particular colour, it is remarkably similar to Mac's Russian Red, with the only difference being that Russian Red is slightly more matte.

The formula on this lipstick is definitely the best out of all 5, with pigmentation, creaminess and smoothness all being all out amazing. I love the combination of this lip colour and the liner of Mac Brick which helps accentuate the lip shape and colour.

EUGENIE

Out of all five lipsticks, Eugenie is the only one which I don't believe the packaging reflects the true colour. The packaging is a browny-red which misleads you into obviously believing that the lipstick is brown. When swatching and applying to lips this turned out to be the deepest purple colour.

I compare this regularly to Mac Sin and Mac Diva. 

This lipstick has a sticky feeling to it and does leave the lips slightly streaky due to the sheer darkness off the colour. I'd love to say this applies smoothly and evenly, but the truth is that it's definitely not the best at that at all.

I still love the lipstick though and it is a beautiful colour when layered up and non streaky.

                      

Go forth and let your lipstick collection multiply

Love, Lois xo