Mac 'Show Orchid' Lipstick

You know those products you have on your wish list for yonks yet never get round to actually purchasing? Mac's 'Show Orchid' is one of those products for me. It's been a long time coming.  When I first discovered the joys of Mac around 4 or 5 years ago (a pivotal moment in a beauty obsessive's life I'm sure you'll all agree), I spied this bright, fuschia beauty on the interwebs and fell head over heels in love. Instantly. No swatch required. Just the description and the stock photo was enough for me to know I simply had to have it in my life. So when I found out that it was 'Pro' product, and therefore rather difficult to get your mitts on, I put it to the back of my mind and resigned myself to finding a decent high street dupe.  Skip forward a few years - Mac have very kindly made their Pro products much easier to purchase and my ever so lovely best buddy decided to treat me to it for my 24th birthday. What a good egg she is. 

 

'Show Orchid' is a eye-poppingly bright blue-toned pink with a hint of a glimmer and a gorgeous amplified finish. Everything your fuschia-lipstick dreams are made of! It's not for the faint hearted as it really is quite a statement pink to wear, but it looks absolutely amazing on.  The blue undertones make your tegs look a shade or two whiter and the amplified, slightly glossy finish gives your lips that 'plump' look in an instant.  Not only this, but if you're still boasting the remains of a summer holiday tan it does a fantastic job of emphasising it - it's definitely one to pick up if you're jetting away somewhere sunny.  I don't actually wear a lot of bright pinks now that I'm slightly older - I find muted browns, plums and classic reds suit me much better but 'Show Orchid' is a little nod to my younger self - who doesn't love a slick of barbie pink now and again?! It's fun, it's quirky and it's a perfect summery statement shade that I'm sure I will get tonnes of use out of (despite the fact that autumn is quickly creeping around the corner...)  It's one of those colours that instantly brightens your complexion and brings focus to your face. Needless to say, my love for it is still going strong even after all these years of lusting  - they say you never forget your first love right? (I'm guessing the same is true for Mac lipsticks...) I've never quite forgotten about it and I'm so chuffed to finally own it - #TrueLove right there! I feel as if my Mac lipstick collection is somewhat complete now that I have this beauty sitting in my drawer. I mean, just look at it... Look at itttttt.

Muchos gracias to my lovely friend for treating me to one of my most coveted products ever. You're a good'un, bird! I just need to book another holiday as an excuse to get some proper wear out of it now that summer is coming to a close (any excuse to jet away!) Also, before I tottle off, I thought I'd mention that I'm planning on compiling an updated Mac lipstick collection post now that I feel as if it's complete (saying this, can you ever have too many Mac lipsticks? I doubt it...) - keep your eyes peeled! Mac's 'Show Orchid' retails for £15.50 and is available on the Mac website here.

Do you own any of the Mac pro shades? Which one is your fave? Can you remember the first Mac lipstick you ever fell in love with!?