Amongst my group of friends, I am definitely notorious for finishing my Christmas shopping ridiculously early. My secret? I tend to shop for people throughout the year; when I see something that someone will enjoy, I purchase it and store it until Christmas.
Are you looking for a last minute stocking stuffer,
or a small gift for a colleague?
This might be just the answer!
Packaging:
These mini lipsticks are housed in a signature Pat McGrath “lab-like” packaging; so what does that even mean? Pat McGrath launched her first products in a very refined yet raw form. She packages her items in these baggies that are foiled all around and transparent in middle. There is a label on the bottom which displays the the laboratory name (brand name), the batch type, the version (variation), as well as which launch (first time launching, or relaunch).
Let’s move onto other details shall we?
The back of the packaging shows a label which fully discloses more details of the lippies, shade names, formulation expectations, and ingredients.
As the bag is opened, and all the anticipation is released; the consumer will now be flooded with a ton of heavy-duty gold sequins. The term heavy-duty is not used lightly in this context; the sequins do not feel cheap. They not only hold a hefty weight, but also are not maliable like dollar-store sequins. I would say, consider it part of the experience, tearing into this item and the gold sequins come flying out!
After clearing out all the gorgeous sequins, it will reveal this black tube with black on one end and a gold label on the other. However, smack in the middle where the edges of the top cap and the tube meets features a beautiful pair of gold lips; yes gold lips. Remember how I had mentioned earlier that her packaging is very refined and raw? The black tube with gold accents are classic colors and super sleek; but in adding a pair of gold lips to a lippie — now that’s just playful.
Shade Selection & Names:
- Omi: beautiful pinkie nude with a hint of coral undertones
- 1995: retro beige nude with a dash of brown undertones
- Flesh 3: gorgeous deeper nude with warmer brick-red undertones
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together”
– Elizabeth Taylor
Swatches & Pigment:
MatteTrance Lipstick in Omi: This shade is quite unique, depending on the type of lighting the color can pull more dark pink or more coral; it will draw out more of the orange tones in the color, versus the pink. I would consider this a gorgeous night time type of nude glam lip; where in dim lighting you can still see that you have a color on, but it’s not so light where all you can see are your lips. For me, I find it to be a gorgeous every day color since I naturally gravitate toward rosey-pinkie-nudes.
MatteTrance Lipstick in 1995: Like previously mentioned, this shade is definitely more a retro 90ties type of nude, with true beige and brown undertones that are often used to neutralize natural lip colors for some and “my lips but better” for others. I would consider this lippie a more volumizing lipstick, in the sense that the color with a lipliner can make the lips look even fuller.
MatteTrance Lipstick in Flesh 3: If I had to choose one of these lipsticks for glam nights out; this would be on the top of the list. If you’re into vamp-ier lip colors this color is absolutely gorgeous. Although dark, this has enough brick undertones so that it does not completely wash out ones’ skintone. On the darker ladies; this color will be gorgeous as almost a chocolate nude, it’s definitely a luscious nude featuring brick and chocolate undertones.
Application & Texture:
Overall, the texture and application process is really consistent with all three shades. They apply on the skin very nicely; considering how my hand was not prepped prior to the swatch-fest. On the lips after using a lip balm, these apply even better and does not require a second layer to even out the pigment on the lips. My current two favorite lip balms are the Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask and the Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1. These two lip balms are super rich and almost have an oil-balm like texture. Since these lipsticks are more on the creamy side I will say that it will neither last through a meal of Tokatsu Ramen nor some Jollibee Fried Chicken. If you are just drinking or eating things that aren’t excessively greasy this lipstick will definitely last. I don’t find these lipsticks prone to bleeding which are a plus since I am too lazy to use a lipliner most of the time. Best part is, when you re-apply it does not get patchy and still remains smooth.
Natural Light 
with Flash
Cons: All positivity asideā¦
1. The packaging for the tubes are a lot thinner thereby feeling a little bit ‘cheaper’and although all of the same details are there, these minis do not feel nearly as luxe as the full sized ones.
2. This can be a good and bad thing; the creamy texture allows for smooth and easy application, but doesn’t prolong the wear of the lippie. Due to the nature of it remaining matte, but never drying completely, the pigment that is deposited on the lips are given a chance to move around.
Pros:
1. The price is super fair, at $25 you get to try three signature Pat McGrath lippies prior to investing in a full sized one.
2. The lipstick tubes even feature the original design, so it truly gives it a Pat McGrath experience.
3 .The set is packaged in a gift-like format, meaning that whoever opens the package will have that exuberating feeling of flying gold sequins!
Overall Thoughts: Absolutely Worth it!
- Packaging: 4.8/5
- Pigment: 5/5
- Application: 5/5
- Longevity: 4.25/5
- Price: 5/5