MAC Saint Germain Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Saint Germain Lipstick

MAC Saint Germain Lipstick ($15) is described on the MAC website as a clean, pastel pink. It's a very blue-based (cool toned) pink, so it can appear a bit lilac-purple. It's a very "barbie" pink, that can be difficult to pull off, and most times is a hit or miss on most skin tones. I think it's absolutely beautiful on light skin tones (see Katy Perry below) and I actually didn't discover my love for blue-pink lipsticks until I tried one minus my faux tan (around the MAC NC15 coloring).

Because it's very light (pastel), and it's a very opaque formula of lipstick, it can look a bit harsh as it can completely block out the color of your lips (much like any pastel - such as MAC Fleshpot or Myth), but when applied sheer, and combined with a pink lip gloss on top, it's so much more wearable.

MAC Saint Germain on my lips.

NYX Sand Pink Lip Liner, MAC Saint Germain Lipstick and MAC Like Venus Dazzleglass.

The above photo isn't exactly the most flattering photo of my lips - MAC Dazzleglasses are quite thick and tacky, and combined with the dryness of my lips, the colors didn't mix properly. But, hopefully you get the idea of how the color can be easily changed to adapt better to your skin tone.

I typically like applying a pink lip liner, a thin coat of Saint Germain and a pink lip gloss over top. Sometimes I'll mix a bright pink or warm pink lipstick with Saint Germain, as Saint Germain makes colors appear much more vibrant and pink. The combinations are pretty much endless, so do a little experimenting!

Here are some comparisons-

From left to right: MAC Saint Germain Lipstick, MAC Viva Glam Gaga, MAC Royal Azalea Sheen Supreme, Wet n Wild Dollhouse Pink Mega Last Matte Lipstick and MAC Enchantee Kissable Lip Colour.

MAC Viva Glam Gaga is more wearable on it's own as it's much more sheer and slightly less blue. MAC Royal Azalea is slightly lighter and less vibrant, but is a good alternative if you want something equally opaque, with a shiny finish.

If you don't want to invest in Saint Germain, Wet n Wild Dollhouse Pink is a great alternative. It's a bit darker and brighter, but similar enough. NYX Narcissus Round Lipstick and Revlon Pink Pout Matte Lipstick are also similar.

It's one of those lipsticks that's fun to have, but can easily look bad (Jerseylicious or Ganguro) if you allow it to. If seen it look bad on some and amazing on some (from every skin tone; light to dark). To really make this work, make sure to exfoliate and/or moisturize your lips prior to application, as pastel shades can show dryness. Apply a light coat of the lipstick and blot if necessary. If you like the semi-matte finish, you can keep your lips as-is, but if you like a little shine, add your favorite pink gloss on top. Also, pastel blue-toned pinks can emphasize yellow teeth, if that concerns you. It's nothing a weeks worth of Crest White Strips can't fix! :)

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Ultra girly, fun shade
• Bold, pigmented color
• Applies evenly

Cons:

• Formula can be drying on it's own
• Can be difficult to wear on certain skin tones, but is a great mixing color
• Can emphasize yellow teeth

Price: $15, MAC.

Photo Credits: Amber Rose (Media Outrage), Lea Michele (Real Style Network), Katy Perry (Style Bistro) and Kim Kardashian (tumblr).