Mac Lipstick in 'Paramount' | A 90's Twist on the Classic Vampy Lip

 

A while back, I shared my Mac Lipstick Collection (you can read it here if you haven't already) and it occurred to me that I hadn't yet written a full post on my newest addition - 'Paramount'.  To be honest, I bought on a bit of a whim - It's by no means one of the most raved about shades and prior to having a good ol' flick through google one dull, autumn evening (dangerous times for online shopping amirite?)  I had no idea it existed.  I was after a new vampy shade to add to my collection but I wanted something a little different from the norm.  As 'Velvet Teddy' has been one of my favourites for a while now, I decided to look for something a little more brown-toned instead of your typical purple-y red hues.  After a little swatching session in store, I decided i'd be a bit of a dare-devil and take a chance on the colour.  Described on the Mac website as a 'reddish brown', 'Paramount' is a satin finish lipstick with a slight gothic vibe - and it packs a lot of pigmentation!  It certainly isn't for the faint hearted...

The colour is really quite unique - in the bullet, it looks like a standard dark brown/deep burgundy but on the lips, it really is quite vampy and dark - it's certainly quite a bold shade to wear.   I did think it would become one of my 'go to' winter staples but at the moment, I'm still sitting on the fence.  I think it's one of those colours that you have to wear with the right makeup, the right outfit and for the right occasion to get it to truly work. However,  when I have worn it, I've really loved how much definition it gives to my lips and the brown, brick-like hue taps in to the 90s trend that seems to be all the rage at the moment.  It's a good way of wearing the 'vampy lip' look in the daytime without it being too over the top as the brown tones in it somehow make it look a little more understated and neutral.  If you didn't want to apply this colour straight from the bullet, it also works well if you just 'dab' some of the colour into the lips slightly after applying a dash of neutral liner - it gives that 'just bitten' look whilst still maintaining the definition.

It looks lovely with subtle brown eye makeup and a simple base - think neutral blush, flawless foundation and a little bit of highlighter to add a touch of a glow to the skin.  It's the perfect autumn/winter statement shade. I have to say it does work incredibly well with my fair skin - i've noticed I really have gotten a little paler the past few weeks (thanks, winter!) and this shade really is quite complimentary against my skin tone. However,  I find I have to combat any dullness with my blush in order to prevent my skin looking too flat or lifeless when I wear it - because it's a dark brown, it can make you look a little dead in the face if you're not careful. Despite this, i'm so glad I have it in my collection - it's such a unique shade. I do love the 90s vibe it has going on - it's perfect for the current season.  I can imagine this would really suit those with darker, more olive skin tones and it's well worth a swatch if you're after something a little bit different.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend having a look in store - like i said, it's not going to be everybody's cup of tea and I have to say it's not one of my ultimate favourites as yet - but one that I still enjoy wearing nonetheless.  If this is a little too dark for you I'm aware that there's a shade called 'Verve' which is ever so slightly lighter (it was between the two for me!).  You can find Mac's 'Paramount' lipstick on the Mac website here, priced at £15.50.

Have you tried a shade like this?