The online-only MAC Ruffian Collection for Summer 2012 has officially launched (well, it launched on Monday- but it’s looking like everything is still in stock online).  This small collection is a collaboration with New York designers Brian Wolk and Claude Morais of Ruffian and it features three sets of ready-to-wear, pre-glued artificial nails and lipsticks.

Apparently the models at Ruffian shows were always stealing their press-on manicures, and therefore they wanted to bring them to all women through their collaboration with MAC!  I like simple and small collections like this.  I have one of the lipsticks and one manicure set, but if you wish to see the full collection, click here.

MAC Ruffian Manicure in Demilune & Lipstick in Ruffian Gold

Manicure

Each MAC Ruffian Manicure ($25 USD / $30 CAD) set comes packaged in a sleek and sturdy box. Inside you’ll find 24 individual, pre-glued nails placed in their own slot (12 different sizes, two of each size).  The nails themselves have a beautiful design (shown here in Demilune, probably the most basic design out of the three).  Demilune has a matte black base with a gold accent at the cuticle (which really looks like it should be at the tips, but its not).  I like the fact that the nails come in twelve sizes- it makes it much easier to fit them to your nails… however, there will still be a lot of left-over individual nails.

I’m actually a huge fan of press-on nails, however I must say… these ones aren’t the best I’ve tried (I DO have a fix on how to make them better- keep reading).  Because of the glue, they stick out and don’t fit nicely to the nail… making them look fake.  I think for a special event or evening out, these would be quite interesting… but at the price of a regular spa mani- I don’t think they are that functional.

Trust me- there is nothing worse than snagging a nail from the cuticle end. It feels awful.

MAC Ruffian Manicure in Demilune

MAC Ruffian Manicure in Demilune (both trays)

MAC Ruffian Manicure in Demilune

Wearing MAC Ruffian Manicure in Demilune

See how it doesn’t fit flat on the nail?

She shapes are nice- Demilune has a square shape while the other two are more rounded off.  They are a little long for my petite nails, but nothing outrageous (I can still type and do my makeup with them).  The glue on the nails is pretty sticky, but still, not the best I’ve found.  After a day of wearing them, they were starting to lift and snag… so I’d really just reserve these for special events.

Removing them was quite easy, and all the glue came off but it did leave a little residue.  With a few swipes of acetone though, it was gone.

MAC Ruffian Manicure in Demilune with glue removed- it fits MUCH better!

RATING: B-

Lipstick

The collection also featured three MAC Lipsticks ($14.50 USD / $17.50 CAD), each matching one of the Ruffian Manicure sets.  The shade I have, Ruffian Gold, is a metallic gold glitter lipstick with a frost finish.  It’s is very glittery, and it’s not that easy to wear alone. If you want a gold pout, wear it over a nude base (I just used a little foundation), but my favorite way to wear it is on top of another lip color- it adds a nice golden sparkle!

The texture is a bit gritty, when I rub my lips together, I can definitely feel the glitter. It’s not uncomfortable though, and I don’t mind it (I’ve felt much worse).   It’s not drying and it wears for several hours without fading.  I’ve always been a huge fan of MAC Lipsticks, and this one is a nice “texture” to add to the collection, although I might not wear it alone much.

RATING: A-

MAC Lipstick in Ruffian Gold

MAC Lipstick in Ruffian Gold

MAC Lipstick in Ruffian Gold

MAC Lipstick in Ruffian Gold

MAC Lipstick in Ruffian Gold

Wearing MAC Ruffian Manicure in Demilune & MAC Lipstick in Ruffian Gold

See More

LOOK BOOK
Look Book: Demilune

Summary

• Price: $25 USD / $30 CAD (Ruffian Manicure) and $14.50 USD / $17.50 CAD (Lipstick)
• Availability: MAC (Online exclusive)
• Selection: See the full collection here
• Overall: The manicures are a nice idea and the designs are pretty, but they are very much a novelty piece to me. I’d wear them for an event or evening out, but they aren’t practical for everyday. The do fit and wear much better though if the glue is removed and regular nail glue is used. I’m definitely a fan of the lipstick, even though it is slightly gritty and I wouldn’t wear it alone, it really looks nice worn on top of other shades.
• Rating: B+ (Collection as a whole, individual products rated above)