Repurchase: No
Price: $10.00 (retail $14.00) (0.10 oz)
Product: 8/10
Packaging: 7.5/10
Value: 9/10
Overall Grade: B-
While on my trip, I visited the Carlsbad Premium Outlets and of course had to stop by CCO (The Cosmetics Company Store.) They didn't have too much but I did find MAC's A Rose Romance lipstick which I wanted but my MAC store had sold out of. I decided that for only 10 bucks, I'd give it a go.
Helpful Hint: If you plan on going to any of the Premium Outlet Centers (here are listings and locations of all their outlet centers), be sure to sign up for their free VIP Club. Members receive all sorts of deals including a free coupon book (retail is $5.00) that includes many of the stores. Members also receive access to many printable coupons for different stores and restaurants (coupons vary by outlet center.)
The Packaging: MAC lipsticks are packaged in sleek black tubes with silver bands and lettering. To me, the packaging is pretty average -there aren't any "special touches."
Product Ingredients
The Product: I've stated before that MAC lipsticks (in any finish) are not my favorite. For me, lustre finishes tend to work a little better than the other finishes but my lips still get super dry afterwards. I know MAC lipsticks work great for lots of people but for whatever reason, they always dry out my lips.
A Rose Romance feels neither dry nor moisturizing on my lips but after wearing it for a few hours, my lips become dried out. On my lips, the lipstick accentuates some of my dry patches. However, if I exfoliate prior to wearing the lipstick, it would look fine.
Like all MAC lipsticks, A Rose Romance has a vanilla scent that goes away once it's applied. The lipstick lasts for about 3 hours (without eating/drinking.)
MAC A Rose Romance Lipstick
The Color: A Rose Romance is a sheer, light, natural pink with some mauve to it. It's not incredibly pigmented but it's slightly buildable so you do get some color. The lipstick also has a nice sheen to it.
Above (no flash): MAC A Rose Romance Lipstick
Above (no flash): MAC A Rose Romance Lipstick
Above (with flash): MAC A Rose Romance Lipstick
Overall: The color isn't as great as I thought it would be but it's a nice, natural pink for days where I just want a more natural look. It would also pair nicely with a smokey eye.
Honestly though, I haven't reached for any of my MAC lipsticks for months because they always end up making my lips dry. However, what tends to draw me back in is the great color selection and low price. And if my lips didn't always get so dry from MAC lipsticks, the grade would definitely be higher.
Where To Buy: Try your CCO =)
