Why are MAC Lipsticks so popular?

In New York-based MUA, Yanni Peña’s experience, “What separates MAC lipsticks from other formulas on the market is their price point, staying power, and scent—everyone knows that distinct birthday cake batter smell that almost always evokes a nostalgic memory

What is the best way to apply lipstick?

The answer is equally confusing and relieving: there is no best way. Just like the rest of our bodies, all lips are different and there is no universal rule to application. As the age-old saying goes, practice makes perfect. But to ensure you’re getting the best results possible, Peña says to always prep your lips by exfoliating with a textured wipe or sugar scrub followed by lip balm for a smooth surface. Adding, that this will ensure a smooth application especially for liquid matte lipsticks.

How do I find the right shade for my skin tone?

“Use your skin’s undertone as a guide to help narrow down your options,” Peña explains. “If your undertone is cool; pink, red, blue-ish, lean more towards lipsticks with a purple or blue undertone. If you’re warm-toned; yellow, golden, or olive, veer more towards orange, peaches, reds, and browns. If you are neutral toned, you have more options to opt for a color in any shade family.”

What is the longest lasting MAC lipstick?

If you ask Peña (which I, of course, did), MAC’s new Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick is an easy answer. Though, if achieving a true matte look is the goal, he says you can’t go wrong with any one of the Retro matte liquid lip colors.

How to prevent staining?

There are a few best practices to help your skin stay stain-free and ensure the longevity of your MAC lipstick. Use an oil-based cleanser, which will dissolve the makeup from the skin. If your skin does not react well to oil, micellar water can work as an alternative. Pro tip: Keep your lips hydrated throughout the day for easier removal and healthier wear

The 17 Best MAC Lipsticks of 2022

Name a makeup brand more iconic than MAC—go ahead, we’ll wait. It’s arguably one of the most omnipresent, heritage brands in the beauty industry, and, if you’re anything like us, is probably one that’s associated with some of your earliest makeup memories. It also always has been (and we’re willing to bet always will be) a staple among professional makeup artists. There’s no shortage of cult classic MAC products to pick from, but their plethora of lipsticks really takes the cake.

“You can’t beat the color range that MAC offers, with over 150 shades of traditional lipsticks plus almost 40 shades of liquid lipstick. There is literally something for everyone,” says celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor, who also raves about the high quality of all the formulas. Per the point of the options being super extensive, we went ahead and made things easy for you by narrowing it down to a dozen of the best MAC lipsticks out there.

Below, find the best MAC lipsticks, according to the Byrdie editors.

Our Top Picks

Best for All Skin Types:

MAC LUSTREGLASS SHEER SHINE LIPSTICK Rich Brown at Maccosmetics.com

Jump to Review

Best for Deep and Dark Skin Tones:

MAC MATTE LIPSTICK Deep brown at Maccosmetics.com

Jump to Review

Best for Medium and Tan Skin Tones:

MAV SATIN LIPSTICK Soft muted brownish-pink at Maccosmetics.com

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Best Coral:

MAC MATTE LIPSTICK tropic tonic at Maccosmetics.com

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Best for Fair Skin:

MAC Frost Lipstick Gel at Maccosmetics.com

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Best Lip Gloss:

mac lipglass very go lightly at Maccosmetics.com

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Best Red:

Mac RETRO MATTE LIPSTICK ruby woo at Maccosmetics.com

Jump to Review

Best Beige:

MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy

Jump to Review

Best Red Orange:

mac Powder Kiss Lipstick ruby new at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Brown:

Mac powder kiss lipstick turn to the left at Maccosmetics.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Works on all skin tones
Shiny formula

What We Don't Like

Can be too sheer

From the pinky-brown shade to the satin formula, MAC’s lustreglass lipstick is well-suited for all skin tones. Its buildable color leans on the side of nude, though when layered with more pigmented shades it transforms into a true lipstick, rather than a gloss. The options are truly endless.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MATTE LIPSTICK Deep brown w. gold undertones

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

A great nude for deeper skin tones
Creamy and smooth formula

What We Don't Like

Might not work on lighter skin tones

For those with darker skin tones, finding that perfect nude shade has proven to be no easy task. Enter: MAC’s matte lipstick in the color Consensual. The deepest hue in an expansive line of tans and brown, it looks especially great when paired with the makeup brand’s creamy lip pencil in the dark burgundy color, Blackened Plum.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Works on all skin tones
Long-lasting
Great color payoff

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

“This muted, brownish-pink is ideal for those who don’t want a super bold lip, and it works on all skin tones,” says Cantor. (He adds that it’s one of his universal bridal go-to’s.) It should come as no surprise that it’s also one of the brand’s best-sellers.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Smooth application
Matte finish
Full coverage

What We Don't Like

Can be drying
May not be suitable for all skin tones

Coral shades can be a bit tricky, but MAC Matte Lipstick in the shade tropic tonic is a safe place to start. The soft yet intense pigment has warm undertones that don’t feel too warm, and are far from the neon hues of similar shades.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Substantial formula
Metallic finish

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to remove

What we love most about MAC’s Frost lipsticks is the creamy formula in futuristic metallic shades. Staying true to its name, the collection is available in 10 equally pigmented shades that work in a multitude of ways.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Offers subtle shimmer
Suitable for all skin tones

What We Don't Like

Not very pigmented

Whether you prefer a matte lip over something a bit more sheen, almost everyone will love this lip gloss with a slight shimmer. It’s definitely sheer— but when layered over more pigmented shades, it creates the perfect non-sticky finish.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Works on all skin tones
Great color payoff
Balanced red

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

Your hunt for the perfect, classic red lippie ends here. Cantor says it’s truly a perfectly-balanced red, with undertones that are neither too cool nor too warm. Fun fact: It consistently ranks as the brand’s number one best-selling lipstick in the U.S., says Cantor.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Nordstrom

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Belk.com

What We Like

Works on all skin tones
Matte finish
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Can drag when applying

The matte texture coupled with the super pigmented, nude beige hue screams the ‘90s to us in the best way possible. It’s also one of those rare beige tones that looks equally as beautiful on fair complexions as it does deeper tones.

Price at time of publish: $18

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Lightweight
Moisturizing
Buildable formula

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as other options

Byrdie Editor Holly Rhue loves this MAC lipstick formula, which boasts a weightless and moisturizing, yet still matte, texture. Cantor calls out that it’s also one of the brand’s more buildable options, easily layered depending on how pigmented you want the result to be. There are 23 shades to choose from in this variant alone, but we’re partial to this vibrant red-orange, a perfect summer shade that makes a serious statement.

Price at time of publish: $20

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

mac powder kiss lipstick turn to the left

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Suitable for all skin tones
A true brown pigment

What We Don't Like

Can be dry

The tone hits just the right shade of brown wiithout ever appearing muddy. And the color is even better when paired with a deep rose lip liner and sheer gloss to give your lip look a little more dimension.

Price at time of publish: $24

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Créme in Your Coffee

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Moisturizing
Comfortable wear
Glossy finish

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as other options

Lip balm devotees will appreciate the uber hydrating texture of MAC’s Cremesheen lippies, made with shea butter and olive oil, says Cantor. The cushiony feel makes them extra comfortable and they have a glossy finish. That sheen looks especially pretty on this gorgeous berry shade, a mid-tone pink with the perfect amount of brown undertones.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

The MAC Matte Lipstick in Whirl Creates the Ideal '90s Look

What We Like

Universal nude
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

This shade can be described as a neutral, peachy rose color. Think of it as the perfect everyday color to reach for when you want to give your lips a little something-something, but not necessarily look like you’re wearing a ton of lipstick. What’s even better is that it works well on all skin tones.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

mac LOVE ME LIQUID LIPCOLOUR HEY GOOD LOOKING

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Intense pigment
Creamy and smooth

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to remove

This neon, bubblegum pink is as in-your-face ‘80s as it gets. Nostalgia factor aside, Cantor says it’s the perfect tone to help you nail the neon makeup trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

Price at time of publish: $26

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Great color payoff
Creamy
Makes teeth appear whiter

What We Don't Like

Color doesn't match photos online

“The Amplified lipsticks contain finely milled pigments, allowing for three times the pigment payoff of other formulas,” explains Cantor. “They’re full coverage with a creamy texture and semi-lustrous finish.” We’re partial to this vibrant fuchsia, whose blue undertones have the added benefit of making teeth appear whiter.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Suited for all skin tones
Intense pigment

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

Byrdie contributor Shelby Ying Hyde’s go-to color for a vampy lip, MAC’s sin shade has a deep red/burgundy tone that, coupled with the matte finish, does indeed make for the perfect pairing when you want to go dark and dramatic. Even better, it works well on all skin tones.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Buildable formula
Has pearl and metallic finishes

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as other fornulas

If you prefer your lipstick to have a touch of sheen, consider the brand’s Frost lipsticks. “They have medium, buildable coverage and a semi-lustrous finish that ranges from pearlized to metallic,” says Cantor. When it comes to pink options, he loves this one, a soft, baby pink with a slightly pearlized finish.

Price at time of publish: $21

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

MAC

View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Long-lasting
Doe-foot applicator
Matte finish

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

For those who want to think outside the standard tube, Cantor suggests checking out the brand’s liquid lipsticks, which feature the added benefit of extreme longwear. He’s especially partial to this warm, mid-tone nude. Bonus points for the doe-foot applicator, which makes it easy to outline your lips with the tip, then fill in the color with the flat side.

Price at time of publish: $26

Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

You really can’t go wrong with a MAC lipstick. But if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer array of options there are to choose from, here are a few top contenders. MAC Lustreglass Lipstick in Can’t Dull My Shine is a universal fail-safe, a wearable nude that flatters all skin tones. Prefer a classic red? Check out MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo. It’s a tried-and-true classic and you’ll quickly see why everyone is obsessed.

Meet the Expert

Bryan Cantor is a global celebrity makeup artist based in New York City (and a former MAC employee). He brings his impressive knowledge of skincare, makeup products, application techniques, and professional tips and secrets to clients and companies in New York City and across the globe.

Based in NYC, Yanni Peña is a makeup artist specializing in editorial, beauty, runway, and red carpet looks. He has collaborated with photographers, such as Tyler Mitchell, Emmanuel Monsalve, Reto Schmid, Myesha Evon Gardner, and worked on numerous fashion shows, including Christopher John Rogers, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Jo Baker is a London-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with notable names like, Natasha Lyonne and Olivia Wilde. She also has a number of editorial covers in her arsenal, such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Mexico, Elle, and Vanity Fair.

What to Look For in a MAC Lipstick

The Formula

Cantor says this is the most important thing to consider when choosing a MAC lipstick (since they all come in such a wide array of shades). They differ when it comes to everything from the finish to the texture to the pigment level. For example, the Matte, Retro Matte, and Liquid options are great for long-lasting, high-impact color that doesn’t require a lot of touch-ups, while the Luster or Powder Kiss formulas are great for those who want more sheer color for everyday wear.

Color That Complements You

In the quest for finding your perfect lipstick, shade matters. Mac has a wide array of colors, and pinpointing your undertones will typically steer you in the right direction for choosing the shade of your dreams. Luckily, Mac offers many universally flattering shades such as Ruby Woo (mentioned above). Celebrity MUA Jo Baker says, "Every person on the planet must have it if you have the desire for attention in the most flattering form. This classic, true red has slightly blue undertones and brightens up every complexion, from pale redheads with freckles to the darkest of skin tones."

Beeswax

It's important to note that many lipsticks today are formulated with beeswax, and may not be vegan-friendly. Always check ingredient lists before purchasing a cosmetic product for any personal restrictions.

FAQ

Why are MAC Lipsticks so popular?

In New York-based MUA, Yanni Peña’s experience, “What separates MAC lipsticks from other formulas on the market is their price point, staying power, and scent—everyone knows that distinct birthday cake batter smell that almost always evokes a nostalgic memory
What is the best way to apply lipstick?

The answer is equally confusing and relieving: there is no best way. Just like the rest of our bodies, all lips are different and there is no universal rule to application. As the age-old saying goes, practice makes perfect. But to ensure you’re getting the best results possible, Peña says to always prep your lips by exfoliating with a textured wipe or sugar scrub followed by lip balm for a smooth surface. Adding, that this will ensure a smooth application especially for liquid matte lipsticks.
How do I find the right shade for my skin tone?

“Use your skin’s undertone as a guide to help narrow down your options,” Peña explains. “If your undertone is cool; pink, red, blue-ish, lean more towards lipsticks with a purple or blue undertone. If you’re warm-toned; yellow, golden, or olive, veer more towards orange, peaches, reds, and browns. If you are neutral toned, you have more options to opt for a color in any shade family.”
What is the longest lasting MAC lipstick?

If you ask Peña (which I, of course, did), MAC’s new Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick is an easy answer. Though, if achieving a true matte look is the goal, he says you can’t go wrong with any one of the Retro matte liquid lip colors.
How to prevent staining?

There are a few best practices to help your skin stay stain-free and ensure the longevity of your MAC lipstick. Use an oil-based cleanser, which will dissolve the makeup from the skin. If your skin does not react well to oil, micellar water can work as an alternative. Pro tip: Keep your lips hydrated throughout the day for easier removal and healthier wear

Why Trust Byrdie?

Shelby Hyde is a Byrdie contributor who writes for Harper's Bazaar, Refinery29, The Cut Shop and more. She considered dozens of lipstick shades for this story, looking especially for those that are not only rich in color but have a formula that protects and hydrates your lips in the process.

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s a devoted lipstick collector (MAC lipsticks included, of course) and visiting the MAC counter at the mall is one of her earliest beauty memories.

The 6 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Article Sources

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