The MAC Year of the Snake Collection for Spring 2013 is a fairly small collection with a beautiful Asian-inspired theme to celebrate the Year of the Snake, including special edition product sleeves.  The collection launches in store on February 7, 2013, however you can keep an eye out online as they usually go on sale about a week prior.

I only have three pieces from the collection to show you, so I decided to just make one post and get it done all at once! Unfortunately, the colors and the quality of the collection didn’t speak to me like I hoped they would- but I do recommend checking out the lipsticks, if only for their unqiue design. To see the full collection, click here.

Lipstick

MAC Lipstick in Freckletone

MAC Lipstick in Freckletone

Look at the gorgeous snake-pattern detailing!

Wearing MAC Lipstick in Freckletone

The MAC Lipstick in Freckletone ($15 USD / $18 CAD) is by far my favorite piece from the collection; not because I am head over heels with the shade (it isn’t particularly flattering on me, really) but because of the engraved snake design on the bullet. This isn’t something we’ve really seen from MAC before on their lipsticks, so it’s a cool, special touch that makes the product even more awesome.

Freckletone, a warm peachy nude, is a permanent shade in the MAC Pro line, so while there isn’t anything new about the lipstick per sé, this special snake-print design is limited-edition. The lipstick is a Lustre formula, which I particularly enjoy, becuase it offers medium to full coverage with a soft sheen that is comfortable and fairly long wearing as well.

Be sure to check out the other shades in the collection if you’re in love with the special design too!

RATING: A-

Large Eye Shadow

MAC Large Eye Shadow in Altered State

MAC Large Eye Shadow in Altered State

MAC Large Eye Shadow in Altered State

MAC Large Eye Shadow in Altered State, Swatched

The MAC Large Eye Shadow in Altered State ($21 USD / $25 CAD) also has a unique snake imprint in the powder; something that we’ve seen before from MAC, but is still cool none-the-less. I’m not a fan of the concept of the Large Eye Shadows in general, particularly with shades this deep- I just find that it would probably take me a lifetime to go through a regular sized eyeshadow, there’s no need to buy a bigger one (at a higher price, of course). I can understand if it was required for the special embossed pattern, but still- just not a fan of the concept.

This eyeshadow didn’t really wow me in terms of quality either. It went on patchy, chalky and took about 7-8 good layers to get a decent looking swatch on my arm.  You really have to work with it and blend it, making it not a very “friendly” eyeshadow. Some of the other shades in the collection looked awesome though.

RATING: B-

MAC Pigment in Push The Edge

MAC Pigment in Push The Edge

MAC Pigment in Push The Edge

MAC Pigment in Push The Edge, Swatched

The MAC Pigment in Push The Edge ($21 USD / $25 CAD) isn’t one of the best pigments I’ve seen from MAC. Again, I had to layer the swatch about 5-6 times just to show the texture and color… and while it does look nice in the swatch, the amount of product and work that it takes for an even appearance just isn’t worth it to me.

Plus, I’m not a fan of the texture of pigments either. I find loose powders messy, and rarely reach for them.   The color is nice, almost like Stars ‘N Rockets in pigment form… but it just wasn’t friendly enough for me. If you love pigments… well, then you may still want to check it out.

RATING: B-