From time to time, MAC will add a previously limited edition, bestselling, super-coveted shade to their basic business line. The last time MAC did this was actually almost exactly a year ago in December 2012, with Candy Yum-Yum. Several weeks ago, MAC announced that they would be re-releasing cult favourite shade, Heroine, and adding it to their permanent lipstick range. Heroine is now available both online and in-stores at both MAC Stores and partnered retailers. As with all of MAC's lipsticks, it is vanilla-scented but taste-free. Heroine comes in regular black packaging, contains 3 grams of product, and retails for $18. It is applicable for the Back To MAC recycling program at all locations.

Heroine

Heroine is a medium-dark vibrant magenta-tinted purple in a Matte finish. This is now a permanent shade, though it is a re-promote from 2012's Reel Sexy collection as well as last year's Fashion Sets collection. The texture is soft and creamy, and it goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It is similar though more matte than Violetta (PRO), darker and more purple than Flat Out Fabulous, darker and more magenta than Up the Amp, and darker than Magenta Lip Pencil.

For those who tried to acquire Heroine the previous two times it was released and failed, you can rejoice because now you can get your hands on it anytime you want! To me, this was the perfect shade for MAC to bring back from their archives to release permanently. Aside from the fact that it was one of the fastest selling shades from MAC (from launches that didn't have special edition packaging, like the RiRi ♥ MAC collections) and achieved cult status almost immediately, it is also a shade that is unique within MAC's permanent range. It is fairly similar to Violetta in colour, but Violetta is an Amplified finish with a slight iridescence, and is only available at PRO. Moreover, Heroine is a truly universally flattering shade. I mean, whether or not purple lipstick is your thing is another story, but this shade actually suits every single person, from fair to deep dark skintones and warm to cool undertones. So whether you have a deep love for purple lipsticks or you have your heart set on trying one, this is definitely one to look at.