 MAC Marrakesh is one of those classic low-key shades that swing in and out of favour, in a cycle driven by forces I do not understand. This mysterious oscillation seems to be linked to availability; MAC's production and stocking decisions also surpasseth understanding. I don't know if Marrakesh has been discontinued. It was absent from most MAC stores in New Zealand last time I went looking and was appearing for WTF prices on auction sites. I panic-bought in case it slipped away into the ages before having a chance to gather dupe-dust in the heaving bosom of my collection. MAC has an annoying habit of yanking historical stalwarts from its permanent lines without replacing them with improved versions. I feel personally disrespected every time that happens. And it's not that I'm a longtime stan of this shade; this is my first tube of Marrakesh, even though it be an original gangster.   Just one caveat: I bought my stick from an Indian lady who didn't think it suited her, and I see how that could happen. Some mid-brown or golden complexions with strong undertones will, counterintuitively, clash with this saturated ochre. Texturally, it's thick and saturated, so no whacky naked lip tones can piss in its lemonade, and while designated matte, Marrakesh is not 100% flat and retains just enough low lustre to remain comfortable and flattering to most. There are really no technical failures to report; two thumbs up for onsite performance. I was surprised at Marrakesh's singularity and realise now why some may be hyperventilating at the prospect of it being decommissioned. I don't own any true dupes. |   So what is it, even? Marrakesh has been called virtually everything online, from 'bright red' to 'dark brown'. I don't know where or how these people find their descriptors, but they need to step their shit up and invest in a fucking dictionary and/or colour wheel. Marrakesh is a warm medium yellow brown. It reminds me of the dense bauxite-laden soils you find in tropical Australia and Africa, especially after rain. Or the rich ochre of cave and bark paintings. The paprika dusted on your baked potatoes. Rust streaks on ship steel. In fact, that's exactly what Marrakesh is- rust, pure and simple. Colours found abundantly in nature are often our best friends. It matters not where on the light/dark spectrum your face falls; Marrakesh is something you should try at least once. You might think you're too cool or too blue, tonally speaking, but the opposing values in this shade can bring a fingerclick of drama to a look that needs a twist.  |
Nars Rouge Basque (pictured) is closest by a mile, but still redder, glossier and more conventional on the lip. Nars Golshan and Bite Beauty Crushed Chili share a chunk of its DNA but they are, again, closer to red, even if I deem them neutrals. MAC Chili looks like Marrakesh's twin if you haven't seen the former in a while; upon comparison it's surprisingly brighter and yellower. MAC Paramount is quite a bit darker and a definite coppery brown rather than rusty. MAC Auburn pencil is darker and cooler. MAC Brick pencil is far redder. MAC Retro is oddly apposite, yielding a similarly muted, mid-tone effect from different ingredients, being cooler and more dirty-sullen-rosy, so if you can't werk Marrakesh, but are hurting for something moyen, look into that guy. I'm really enjoying this shade and advise you to pick it up... if you can find the damn thing. Get your shit together, MAC.
L2R, MAC unless stated: Russian Red, Marrakesh, Chili, Fresh Moroccan, Mocha,
Nars Rouge Basque, Brick O La
Nars Rouge Basque, Brick O La
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