When makeup and photography collide, two of my [many] passions come together, and MAC’s upcoming Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Collection is sitting right in the heart of my wheelhouse. Ranking up there with such greats as Richard Avedon, Francesco Scavullo, Iriving Penn, and Guy Bourdain (to name but a few) I’ve been a fan of Helmut Newton’s iconic ‘erotically-charged’ style since I discovered his work back when I began reading Vogue in the early 70s (gah…so long ago!). This tribute collection pays homage to this man’s legendary work, and I for one am going to freeze-frame it all up.
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Helmut Newton (credit: Vanity Fair)
Helmut Newton, Vogue Italia
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton
Point ‘N’ Shoot Eyeshadow X 4 (CAN $42.00) | The four matte shades of this palette were inspired by the black & white aesthetic Helmut Newton was known for, not to mention being pretty much made for a neutral-lover such as myself. Perhaps not groundbreaking colour-wise, this one slim-profile compact holds basically all you need to create a multitude of looks that will easily take you from day to night. The shade breakdown:
- Real Fantasy – soft eggshell, matte
- Hard Currency – grey, matte
- Influential – brown, satin
- Point ‘N’ Shoot – black, matte
With the exception of the black (which is more charcoal in fact and not a true deep black, and thus not quite as pigmented as I expected), the shades show a very good colour payoff, blend effortlessly, and without any fall down . Real Fantasy appears near invisible when swatched on my arm (seen below) but makes for a good base with which to layer any of the other shades over and I personally love it as a natural-looking brow bone highlight.
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Point ‘N’ Shoot Eyeshadow X 4
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Point ‘N’ Shoot Eyeshadow X 4
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Point ‘N’ Shoot Eyeshadow X 4 swatches
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Point ‘N’ Shoot Eyeshadow X 4
Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour (CAN $25.00) | Does anything say allure quite like a red lip? Throw in a matte finish, and you’re basically channelling Old Hollywood glam right there. With MAC’s usual vanilla scent, the soft-flocked diamond applicator makes application a breeze; the flat side enables you to cover a large area quickly while the tip is great for more precision work. The finish is a true matte without any sheen or reflection, but still has depth to keep things from appearing flat. Colour saturation is on the strong side, and lasting power excellent without leaving any excessive drying feel behind. The shade breakdown:
- High Heels – vivid true red
- Chateau M – deep red wine
- Self Portrait – dark plum
If you’re looking to make an impact, then nothing beats a strong matte red lip. Of course, some prep work is also needed; since matte lip products can emphasize flakes or dryness, make sure to properly exfoliate beforehand followed by lip balm to trap hydration (just don’t forget to blot before application). A matching lip liner is also key in creating that sharply defined look, but I don’t mind a bit of imprecision either; shows some flirtiness. Note that Self Portrait might appear slightly patchy in the swatch below, but it actually appears much smoother in person (although it’s still the more finicky of the three).
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour swatches
Studio Nail Lacquer (CAN $15.00) | Drawing inspiration by two of the cities Helmut Newton lived in and the other shade giving a nod to his profession, these hues are classic colours that transcend skin tone & season, easily wearable by all.
MAC · Limited Edition Photographs by Helmut Newton Studio Nail Lacquer
Call Time | A putty crème hue that’s self-levelling, although some patchiness that’s seen by the first coat reaches full opacity at by the second layer. Coming to a glossy finish, this colour is a beautiful compromise between nude & white.
Coats: 2, plus top coat
Monte Carlo | My label has this as a frost (whut? Ummm…no), this is a blue-based maraschino red in a hybrid crème-jelly formula that’s self-levelling and comes to a plush, cushiony, and super-glossy finish. There’s a bit of a spring-back effect seen at the tips during application, while the colour saturation is strong enough to almost make this a one-coat-wonder — the perfect screen siren red. Relatively non-staining, don’t skip base coat just the same.
Coats: 2, plus top coat
Berlin | A deep maroon crème-jelly hybrid, this shade shows a touch of sheerness at the first layer, but reaches a much stronger intensity by the 2nd coat. Self-Levelling and über-glossy at the finish, this colour just screams femme fatale red to me. Relatively non-staining, I’d advise applying base coat first just the same.
Coats: 2, plus top coat (although it really doesn’t need it)
With a selection of images by the legendary photographer adorning the packaging of this collection, there are two more items which I did not receive: Boot Black Liquid Eye Liner & Upward Black Upward Lash Mascara, although I’m thinking to go scope them out when everything launches. Breaking down the collection & starting with the lip products, matte red lips there are a-plenty, but what impresses me here is not only the smooth way these apply, but how non-dessicating they all feel throughout the wearing. The eyeshadow palette is 100% versatile, with shades that anyone can wear (and the one I reach for at the moment). MAC’s nail polishes have come a long way too, with a much better formula and brush, with the gloss factor on all three here being nothing short of WOW. With nary a wild or eclectic hue in sight, this entire collection gets a major thumbs up from me.
Available online October 27, in-store November (North America)
Press samples/As always, all opinions are my own
