In the ever-evolving world of makeup, one thing has remained a constant in my kit: MAC lipsticks. Their exceptional formula, coupled with an extensive color palette, has always provided that perfect final touch to any look I aim to achieve.
Having tried and tested countless lipsticks over the years, I keep coming back to MAC for that unbeatable mix of comfort, longevity, and pigment perfection.
This year, I’m particularly excited to share my curated list of the top 12 MAC lipsticks.
1. Shy Girl (Creamsheen)
Shy Girl, described as a creamy neutral coral beige, this shade continues to be my top pick, and maybe my all-time favorite shade. It’s the perfect all-year-round color, suitable for formal and informal events, and is that perfect peachy nude lip shade on my NC25 skin tone.
This is my go-to color for interviews, hanging out with the girls, and for work.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | M.A.C |
| Shade | Nippon |
| Size | 3g/0.1 Oz. |
| Finish Type | Glossy |
| Product Benefits | Softening, Shine, Brightening |
| Skin Type | All |
| Item Form | Cream |
| Package Dimensions | 2.9 x 0.9 x 0.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.12 Ounces |
| Manufacturer | M.A.C |
- High customer satisfaction with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating.
- Preventing lips from drying.
- Provides a smooth, glossy finish for a radiant look.
- Comfortable wear.
- The price point is considered high for some customers.
- Limited availability; the product may be hard to find.
2. Kinda Sexy (matte)
Kinda Sexy is a neutral pinky rose, and this color is my answer to the Kylie Jenner lip trend. Though it’s pinker than it is mauve, on my NC25 skin tone, it definitely still comes off with a tinge of that 90’s mauve-brown shade that was so popular then and now.
The matte formulation can make it a bit drying and tricky to work with sometimes, but a quick balm under the lipstick should do the trick.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | MAC |
| Shade | Kinda Sexy |
| Finish | Matte |
| Size | 3g / 0.1oz |
| Product Form | Cream |
- A great neutral shade that suits many skin tones.
- The matte finish gives a sophisticated look.
- The lipstick’s texture is smooth, making for an easy application.
- The color can appear more brownish than expected.
- The matte texture could feel somewhat dry without a moisturizing base.
3. Blankety – Nib, Always Authentic
The color of this lipstick is neutral enough to complement various makeup looks without overpowering them. Its creamy texture made application effortless, and it didn’t dry out my lips as some long-wear lipsticks tend to do.
The satin finish provided a subtle sheen that enhanced the lips’ natural texture. The longevity was impressive; it stayed put through meals with minimal touch-ups needed, so I found it to be a reliable product for daily use.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Shade | Blankety (Soft Pink Beige) |
| Finish | Satin |
| Coverage | Medium to Full, Buildable |
| Product Form | Stick |
| Weight | 0.1 oz / 3 g |
| Longevity | Long-wearing |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Container Type | Bullet Casing |
| Special Ingredients | Emollients for Moisturizing |
| Skin Type Suitability | All skin types |
- Suitable for various occasions.
- Doesn’t dry out the lips.
- Good staying power, requiring few touch-ups.
- The color may appear different on lips than expected, depending on natural lip color.
- The scent of the lipstick is noticeable.
4. Razzledazzler (Lustre)
When it comes to this lipstick, I would describe it as a light cream peach. If you’re not ready to rock the orange lips full on, this is your compromise. The color is not really orange, but more peach that leans orange-ish on my skin tone, this shade is absolutely work-appropriate and adds a lovely pop to brighten your makeup.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | MAC |
| Shade | Capricious |
| Size | 3g / 0.1 US oz |
| Finish | Lustre |
| Type | Lipstick |
- Rich color payoff
- Moisturizing feel
- Long-lasting
- Versatile shade for various occasions
- Iconic packaging
- May require reapplication after meals
- The lustre finish might not be preferred by those who like a matte look
5. Sushi Kiss (Satin)
If you decide to choose this shade, keep in mind that in real life, Sushi Kiss is a lot more orange. If you’re almost ready to rock the orange lip trend, this is another step in the right direction. Though MAC describes it as a coral shade, it does lean quite bright on my lips – looking a lot brighter than coral against the contrast of my skin tone.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | M.A.C |
| Skin Type | All |
| Item Form | Stick |
| Finish Type | Satin |
| Coverage | Full |
- Long-lasting color that stays put for hours.
- The peach-coral hue is flattering for a variety of skin tones.
- The satin finish provides comfortable wear without drying out the lips.
- Some users found the color to be different from the images, with a more vibrant orange tone.
- The texture may not be as creamy as some other MAC lipsticks, which could affect application smoothness.
6. Sea Sheer (Lustre)
I bought this after hearing recommendations from my favorite MAC guy. MAC See Sheer Lipstick is a luster-finish lipstick, which you know, shouldn’t really have worried me as the bold, pigmented color of the tube will not necessarily translate to the intense color in the tube
It is a lovely muted pink with a hint of red. Head over to the MAC Sea Sheer review page to read more about this shade!
- Lightweight formula that feels comfortable on the lips.
- Buildable color allows for versatility in application.
- The sheer lustre finish provides a subtle shine without needing gloss.
- The shade See Sheer is flattering on various skin tones.
- The product has a high customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Some users may find the staying power less than ideal, requiring reapplication.
- The sheer finish might not be preferred by those who like full-coverage lipsticks.
7. MAC Captive
I recently tried the MAC Lipstick, and I was impressed by its rich color payoff. It lasted through my day without needing many touch-ups. The texture is designed to apply smoothly, providing full coverage with a comfortable feel.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | MAC |
| Product Type | Lipstick |
| Size | 0.1 oz / 3 g |
| Finish | Varies (e.g., Matte, Satin, etc.) |
| Shade Range | Extensive, with various hues |
- Rich, vibrant color.
- Long-lasting wear.
- Comfortable formula.
- Some shades may vary from online images.
- Price may be higher compared to other brands.
8. Diva Matte
After trying this lipstick, I have to say that it provides full coverage with a single swipe, and the color is a deep, rich burgundy that feels perfect for an evening event. It has a smooth texture that doesn’t dry out my lips, unlike some other matte lipsticks. The staying power is commendable; when I tried it lasted several hours without the need for a touch-up.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | MAC |
| Product Type | Lipstick |
| Finish | Matte |
| Shade | Diva |
| Net Weight | 0.1 oz / 3 g |
- Intense burgundy color that makes a bold statement.
- It can endure for hours.
- Matte finish without drying the lips.
- The matte texture may not be comfortable for all, especially if you have very dry lips.
- The deep color might require precise application to avoid mistakes.
9. Plum Dandy
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | MAC |
| Collection | Plum Lipstick |
| Shade | Plum Dandy |
| Finish | Frosted |
| Size | 3g / 0.1 US oz |
- Rich, pigmented color.
- Long-lasting wear.
- Smooth application.
- The frosted finish may not appeal to everyone.
- The color may look different in person than in online images.
10. Powder Kiss
The MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick offers a unique blend of matte finish with the moisturizing comfort of a balm. This innovative formula is designed to deliver a blur of soft-focus color that mimics the backstage technique of blending out edges for a hazy effect.
This lipstick is perfect for those who desire a matte look without the drying sensation often associated with matte lipsticks. Its buildable coverage allows for a customizable look, from a sheer wash of color to a more dramatic effect.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | MAC |
| Collection | Powder Kiss |
| Finish | Matte |
| Weight | 0.1 oz |
| Form | Stick |
- Lightweight formula.
- Matte finish without the dryness.
- Buildable color.
- Smooth application.
- Long-wearing with minimal need for reapplication.
- The color may fade after eating or drinking, requiring touch-ups.
- Limited shade range may not cater to all skin tones.
11. Lady Bug
This product offers a lustrous finish that brings a subtle shine to the lips, enhancing their natural beauty. Its formula is designed to deliver a sheer to moderate coverage, allowing the natural lip color to blend with the vibrant red hue of Lady Bug.
The stick form of the lipstick ensures an easy and precise application, making it a convenient choice for both quick touch-ups and more detailed makeup routines.
- Sheer to moderate coverage allows for a natural look.
- The lustrous finish provides a subtle shine without being overly glossy.
- The stick form makes for precise and easy application.
- Some users may find the need for frequent reapplication throughout the day.
- The color may vary slightly from expectations based on online images.
Buying Guide
When choosing the perfect lipstick for you, here are a few things you need to consider:
Understanding Finishes
| Finish | Description | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Matte | Rich in color with a flat, non-shiny finish. | Ideal for long wear. |
| Retro Matte | Even more matte than the original, intense color. | Dramatic and bold look |
| Cremesheen | Creamy finish with a soft, subtle shine. | Everyday wear |
| Lustre | Lightweight finish with a glossy sheen. | A natural and shiny look |
| Satin | Semi-matte finish with a velvety sheen. | Versatile and classic |
| Frost | Shimmery finish with a pearlescent sheen. | Glamorous and sparkly |
| Amplified | Creamy, high-coverage finish with a lustrous look. | Bold and luxurious |
Picking the Right Shade
- Fair Skin: Opt for nudes with pink undertones, soft corals, and true reds.
- Medium Skin: Try rosy pinks, berry shades, and brick reds.
- Olive Skin: Go for warm nudes, deep pinks, and reds with orange undertones.
- Dark Skin: Choose from deep plums, rich berries, and reds with blue undertones.
If possible, visit a MAC store to test different shades and finishes. Also, look for reviews and swatches online to see how the colors look on different skin tones.
Ensure you’re buying from an authorized retailer to avoid counterfeit products. Think about the colors you frequently wear to choose a lipstick that complements your style.
Read the Formula and Ingredients
Look for lipsticks with hydrating components like shea butter and vitamin E if you have dry lips. For long-lasting wear, matte and retro matte finishes are your best bet. MAC lipsticks are known for their pigmentation, but some lines, like Lustre, offer a more sheer coverage.
Tips for Buying MAC Lipsticks
- Test Shades: If possible, visit a MAC store to test different shades and finishes.
- Read Reviews: Look for reviews and swatches online to see how the colors look on different skin tones.
- Check for Authenticity: Ensure you’re buying from an authorized retailer to avoid counterfeit products.
- Consider Your Wardrobe: Think about the colors you frequently wear to choose a lipstick that complements your style.
Summary
MAC lipsticks continue to be a staple in the beauty industry for their exceptional quality and range of shades. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement lip or a subtle everyday color, there’s a shade to suit your needs.
Remember to consider the finish, shade, and formula that work best for you, and don’t be afraid to experiment with colors outside your comfort zone. With the right MAC lipstick, you can effortlessly enhance your makeup look for any occasion.