If you expect glamour, bold colors, and an audacious sensibility, you'll be shocked by the simplicity and minimalism of the new MAC DSquared2 collection. Based on the makeup looks seen at Dean and Dan Caten's Fall/Winter 2009 runway show, the collection features a flesh-toned lipstick and lip balm, sculpting powders meant to highlight features rather than provide full-on coverage, along with thick eye liners meant to be worn smudged for a slightly disheveled, messy, grunge-y feel. The result is very downtown New York chic with a rocker, devil-may-care edge.
Here's a look at the products in the collection, along with a couple of swatches. For another look at how they look on, check out this video.
MAC DSquared2 Sculpt and Shape Powder in Accentuate/Sculpt, $21. Visit MACcosmetics.com
Featuring a pale beige and a chestnut brown color, this two-sided powder allows you to contour all your features, so you can highlight cheekbones, illuminate your eyes, conceal any desired areas, and much more.
MAC DSquared2 Sculpt and Shape Powder in Bone Beige/Emphasize, $21. Visit MACcosmetics.com
MAC DSquared2 Greasepaint Stick in B, V and Intense Black, $17.50. Visit MACcosmetics.com
These are probably my favorite offerings in the collection — the Greasepaint Sticks glide on with ease and have incredible staying power. You can use as liner and smudge to your heart's content, but make sure to do so quickly since, once it sets, it's a done deal (which is a wonderful thing!). The B color is perfect for a moody look that isn't quite goth. Check out the swatch below:
MAC DSquared2 Lip Conditioner SPF15 in Fuchsia Fix, $14.50. Visit MACcosmetics.com
Though it looks incredibly bright in its packaging, this lip conditioner goes on really light, just adding a touch of pink to your lips (as if you'd just bitten on them), so that the focus is on caring for the skin on your lips with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, sweet almond oil, and murumuru butter. Plus, it has SPF 15 protection. The one thing: if you happen to lick your lips with this on, it will actually taste like sunscreen so ;d suggest resisting the urge.
MAC DSquared2 Lipstick in Nude Rose and Blood Red, $14 each. Visit MACcosmetics.com
Both of these lipsticks have a natural, barely there feel to them. The Nude Rose, of course, is the subtler of the two shades, with its peachy, flesh-toned pigment. But while the Blood Red sounds like an intense sanguine crimson, it's actually rather sheer and soft — once you apply on your pout and blot, the lipstick will give your mouth this touch of color, as if you'd been out in the cold and your mouth had turned reddish in response to the chill or as if you'd just enjoyed a glass of wine and had the juices penetrate your lips, leaving a temporary tint.Check out these swatches:
MAC DSquared2 Gloss Texture Clear, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com
MAC DSquared2 Brush 165, $34. Visit MACcosmetics.com
I love that you reviewed this! I’m planning on reviewing the Blood Red lipstick later in the week – it’s my absolute favorite these days. I pair it with Beet lipliner and it’s a perfect pink/plum for the summer.
I went a little crazy and bought pretty much the whole collection, I have to say I am in love with the greasepaints, but I have to pass on the lip conditioner – the color payoff was a disappointment
I’m going to try pairing it with the Beet lip liner — thanks for the suggestion!
And yeah, the lip conditioner is one of the few products in the collection I’d pass on — it’s not moisturizing enough and the color isn’t too visible