MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires (available here) - $15
Described by MAC as a clean pinky orange, Crosswires is not "My First MAC," but it is definitely the first MAC I picked up just because someone kept asking me to (you know who you are :P). I didn't bother swatching it and coupled with the unreliable store lighting, it wasn't until I got home that I found what a clean pinky orange actually looks like - a bright neon pink is what I would have described it! MAC Crosswire was all set to take the plunge into the makeup-mistakes pile when summer happened, and suddenly, a coral pink was just the color I needed.
MAC Crosswires is an opaque pink-coral color that goes on with a creamy sheen and is quite gentle on the lips. The lipstick has the signature MAC vanilla scent to it. I have read reviews mentioning a hint of a shimmer in it, but it's not something I have noticed so far... The lipstick looks reddish in my photos - am still adjusting to the newer lighting - but in real life, the color in the tube is a slightly less intense pinkish coral.
MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires - Swatches/FOTD
On my darker Indian skin color, Crosswires seems quite bright, more pink than coral, and not a color that I can get away with on an everyday basis. It's best kept for one of my better-skin days. Three things that work best for me with Crosswires: Soft floral dresses, bright summer days, and minimal eye makeup. Here's how it looks on me:
In the photo, I have applied the lipstick directly to get a perfect opaque finish. Most times, though, since I prefer a sheerer finish, I apply it with a lip brush which does tone down the brightness a bit - or topped with a gloss to soften the colour while still retaining the brightness. I get about 3 to 4 hours of staying power with this lipstick, and it doesn't settle into lines or dry out my lips.
MAC Crosswires is perfect for bright summer days when all I want to do is get ready in a jiffy and spend the day eating ice creams :D A beautiful coral-pink color that is sure to brighten the face and the mood, Crosswires is definitely one of the must-have colors from MAC. I do think, though, for anyone my skin color or darker, this might be just a tad too bright for most days :P For anyone who is interested, here's a look at the ingredient list:
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| MAC Lipstick Crosswires - Ingredients |
MAC 187 BrushMAC Brush Cleanser
MAC Amorous Lipstick
MAC Captive Lipstick
Ooh but Rads--it's SO darn pretty on you! You should wear it more. That is definitely more pink than I thought it would be, but it's so so lovely with your skintone! I'm jealous! Makes me want to go out and find my very own neon pinky-coral lipstick (if only i actually wore lipstick...)
ReplyDeleteAww..thank you...but I just amn't comfortable enough wearing such bright shades..I feel I need to have the most perfect skin, and I am usually at the other end of the spectrum :|
DeleteGreat color but true that it is too bright for our skin tone!
ReplyDeleteYa..it's best used sparingly or blotted out or glossed over ...or something ..covered up :D
DeleteLooks great on you . this one and So Chaud is on my Get/not get list :)
ReplyDeleteOh you should definitely get this (..and So Chaud too, probably)...it would look beautiful on you!
Deletelovedddd it Rads .. especially with pearl earrings and the floral top which I can see in pics little little :D :D and i lovedddd the lipstick wiped on tissue paper .... ***do not copy***
ReplyDeleteAwww..thanks..and thanks for the recommendation too :D
DeleteRads the color luks gorjeous on u!!! I came out of my lazy slumber just to let u knw how pretty u luk with it :P
ReplyDeleteHehheee...you cuckoo crazy :D :D :D Thankoo..you try this na when you go anywhere near a MAC counter..am sure you will LOVE it!
Deletei love such bright colors! and it looks really great on u :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kuheli :)
Deleteah...I'm going crazy over Crosswires now...have to have it!
ReplyDeleteOh I am sure it would look awesome on you! :)
DeleteThis kind of colour seems to highlight complexion imperfections. A MAC artist doing my sister's wedding make-up used it on her and it looked awesome though, but of course she did her foundation perfectly too.
ReplyDeleteAm sure getting the foundation perfect does go a long way :D
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