MAC Cremesheen Lipsticks in Creme Cup and Pure Zen

   MAC Lipsticks are an entity all unto their own. They are known as being some of the best lipsticks for a reason, they are good quality at an affordable price point, and have an amazing color selection. I have a habit of indulging in MAC Lipsticks whenever the opportunity arrises, and I tend to lean towards the more colorful side of things. I deviated from that norm recently when I picked up Creme Cup and Pure Zen.

  They are both the cremesheen formula, and that is probably my favorite MAC lipstick formula. It's not drying, like the mattes can be, it's smooth, creamy, and gives a sheen like effect on the lips (like the title would suggest). They can either be worn more heavily and pigmented, or sheered out for a wash of color. 

(Left: Creme Cup; Right: Pure Zen)

     Creme Cup is a very neutral pink, not quite the same color as my natural lips, but close enough that it isn't super noticeable that I'm wearing lipstick at glance.

     Pure Zen is an amazing neutral peachy-coral color. It looks so incredible, no matter what makeup I put with it. It's subtle enough that I can wear it anywhere, school, work, to see my Grandmother; but it has enough color that I don't feel like it isn't noticeable, people comment on it, and it looks gorgeous on all skin tones.

 My favorite thing about these is that they are more natural, without being too natural. I like to have a little bit of color on my lips, but it isn't always appropriate to have really fun colors like purple, orange or even red. These are great, they last for hours and they don't feel like heavy or weird on my lips. I have found with some lipsticks, like mattes, can feel cakey and heavy on my lips, and some non-mattes can feel slippery or waxy.  These don't wear as long as the mattes or the amplified formulas, average 3-4 hours. 

  The only downside that I see to these is what is the downside to all cremesheen lipsticks, they cling to dry skin on the lips. I have really really dry lips, and I can wear these sheerly any day, but to wear them opaque my lips have to be well-hydrated or else it makes them look really obviously dry. I don't think that this is a problem for most people, but for me it's just another step I have to do.

   Not much to say about the packaging, standard MAC black bullet shaped packaging. Very sleek, very nice. Both of these are part of the permanent collection, so that is also a bonus!

Overall; really enjoying these lipsticks, great addition to any collection whether you are a beginner or very experienced.

Rating: 8/10