Review + Swatches of the MAC Black Cherry Collection 2021

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Taking inspiration from cherry blossoms, MAC’s Spring 2021 offering is the Black Cherry Collection. Perfectly capturing the spirit of spring, cherry blossoms are no stranger to MAC’s limited edition collections. The collection contains a spectrum of products for the eyes, lips, and skin. For this review, I was able to try and test the Extra Dimension Blushes, Glow Play Lip Balms, and Matte Lipsticks. Here are my thoughts!

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Okay, let’s start with the obvious - the packaging! Ah, the packaging! In addition to the beautiful moon-bloom packaging, which is seen on the box and product, we get a matte black and pink chrome color palette. The colors and print complement each other so well, which makes any piece worthy to be displayed on your vanity table.

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 Arm swatches (L-R): Extra Dimension Blushes in Look, Don’t Touch!, Room To Bloom, and Under My Plum; Matte Lipsticks in Dramarama and Moody Bloom; and Glow Play Lip Balms in Floral Coral and Pinking Of You

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Extra Dimension Blush (P2,050/4g)

I have never tried this particular blush formula, and I’m kind of beating myself for being late into the game. Well, better late than never, right? Anyway, these blushes were honestly love at first sight and swipe for me.

Aside from being really pigmented, which means that a little goes a long way, this blush applies like a dream. Blending it with a dense powder brush was so easy! What I really love about the Extra Dimension Blush, however, is how it looks when applied. It adds a healthy glow to the cheeks, and you’ll find yourself moving your head from left to right just to admire how beautiful it looks. Extra Dimension is the perfect name for it.

Look, Don't Touch! Blush and Moody Bloom Lipstick

Look, Don't Touch! Blush and Moody Bloom Lipstick

Room To Bloom Blush and Dramarama Lipstick

Room To Bloom Blush and Dramarama Lipstick

Out of the three colors I tried - Look, Don’t Touch! (coral-apricot), Room To Bloom (warm, light apricot), Under My Plum (plummy pink), Room To Bloom looks the most natural on me, but I just can’t help myself from gravitating towards plum blushes. Nevertheless, I love all three. Oh, and the blushes lasted for 6-8 hours on me. 

Matte Lipstick (P1,150/3g)

MAC’s matte lipsticks are basically a classic, and it’s just really a matter of preference when it comes to the formula and colors. Personally, I don’t wear a lip balm underneath matte lipsticks. I just make sure to exfoliate my lips before applying one. For those who prefer having a lip base before applying a matte lipstick, MAC’s Prep & Prime Lip (P1,150) is actually part of this collection.

As for the colors, Dramarama (pink coral) reminds me of MAC’s Relentlessly Red, which is slightly darker, and Moody Bloom (bright yellow-red) is a striking addition to my MAC red lipsticks. Both colors are definitely bold and may be an acquired taste for some. I learned to embrace bold lipsticks by telling myself that I can start by applying it sheer until I get comfortable with the full color. Finally, MAC’s matte lipsticks usually last for 6-8 hours on me.

Room To Bloom Blush and Moody Bloom Lipstick

Room To Bloom Blush and Moody Bloom Lipstick

Under My Plum Blush and Pinking Of You Lip Balm

Under My Plum Blush and Pinking Of You Lip Balm

Glow Play Lip Balm (P1,150/3.6g)

Like the Extra Dimension Blush, it was also my first time to try the Glow Play Lip Balms. I must admit, though, it wasn’t love at first sight. The colors are too bright for my liking. Thankfully, however, it was love at first swipe. It felt so nice applying them and to my delight, the brightness didn’t transfer to my lips. Calling it Glow Play Lip Balm is perfect because it really just adds glow and a subtle wash of color to your lips.  

I like both colors, but I prefer Floral Coral (coral pink) over Pinking Of You (milky pink) because the latter lightens my natural lip color. What I do enjoy the most out of the Glow Play Lip Balm is how glossy it looks upon application. It kind of makes your lips look almost wet. If you want to tone it down, then blot with a tissue or kiss the back of your hand. Also, the Glow Play Lip Balm will stay on for 2-3 hours, with no eating or continuous drinking, of course.  

Overall thoughts    

I think it’s pretty obvious that I love the collection. From the packaging to the product performances, MAC’s Black Cherry Collection is definitely a win! If I have to choose one product to recommend, it’s definitely the Extra Dimension Blushes. If you haven’t tried it, then I highly suggest you do before the collection is gone.

 

Shop MAC’s Black Cherry Collection on rustans.com and Lazada.

Firas Abboud

Firas Abboud is a 26-year-old writer, editor, and college instructor. He believes in the transformative power of swiping on lipstick, reading books, and keeping a notebook. Follow his book reviews and beauty stories on Instagram @abboudfiras!

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