MAC Lipstick Collection: Review & Swatches

Well I couldn’t do a Mac eye shadow post and not give a nod to my collection of Mac lipsticks, that would have just been rude. So ok, it’s not the biggest collection but I like to think that it’s a collection that has had a lot of thought put into it, has a representation for each colour group and one that caters for most occasions. So here goes…

Mac Twig (Satin) is the latest addition to my collection and described as a “soft, muted brownish pink” which sums it down to a T. This is the perfect shade for days where I don’t want to think too much about my makeup because against my complexion, it’s a very natural, lip-enhancing colour; nothing bold, nothing fancy. It’s my “play it safe” shade and everyone needs one in their lipstick collection.

Mac Modesty (Cremesheen) is a neutral toned, muted pink and is my kind of nude lipstick. Back when it was all about nude lips, and despite loving that clean simple lip paired with a heavy smokey eye, I really struggled to find a nude that didn’t make me look like an extra from the Walking Dead. My actual first nude I bought was Jubilee but when I got home and tried it on properly, I felt that it drained the life out of my complexion (not literally). With Modesty being on the pink side of the neutral fence, it suits me better as my lips are rather pigmented. If you know Mac liptsicks then you will know that the Cremesheen finishes are the most smooth and moisturising.

Mac Plumful (Lustre) is a pretty, neutral plum tone with a hint of rose to stop things looking too purple or too cool. My lips have a tendancy to go quite blue when I detect even the slightest of breezes and I’m definitely not going for that look. Being a lustre finish, it’s a tad more sheer compared to a cremesheen finish. I tend to pair this when going rather cool on the eyes as I feel that it compliments it very well.

Mac Ravishing (Cremesheen) is one I actually purchased to go with a red/coral dress for a wedding I attended last summer. I was after something along the same vein for my lips and picked up ravishing, a peachy coral. I’ve only worn it the once and unfortunately I have no photos with me wearing it on the night but having swatched it again, I think it’s a tad too light for my preferences now. If I remember correctly though, I did have a gloss over the top and it may or may not have been in a darker tone. I think that’s the only way I would wear it now, as alone I think it’s better suited to fairer skin gals (or guys).

Mac Hot Gossip (Cremesheen) was a purchase made whilst looking for a subtle, everyday pink. This works because it’s medium tone and rather neutral, perhaps with a sprinkle of coolness to it. I did eye up the infamous Angel and Cream Cup but they are way too light and slightly too cool for my complexion.

Mac Cockney (Lustre) When I first got this shade, I don’t think I ever wore a proper full on red lip before. But it was one of those things that you see everyone wear and it looks really good on them but I’ve always shied away from reds. It’s definitely a colour I have to be in the right mood to wear because sometimes I feel too self conscious when wearing it, like everyone is looking at you and I’m not one who enjoys being the centre of attention. However, determined to overcome my self consciousness and embrace the red lip, I picked up Cockney. When you say Mac red lipstick, people tend to think of Ruby Woo or Russian Red which are two of Mac’s best selling red lipstick shades. However, both are matte in finish and not previously a fan of the matte texture, I picked up Cockney which is a lustre finish. Being a lustre finish, it might not have the longevity but it certainly makes it easier and more comfortable to wear. Cockney is also described as a “yellow red” which suggests that it’s on the warm side of the fence which I find suits me well.

Mac Dark Side (Amplifed Creme) Like a lot of people who get sucked into the world of fashion and beauty, I am a follower of trends. Although I’m not an extreme follower as I recognise that not all trends or “fads” are for everyone and I tend to like to play it safe and just dip my toe in rather jump straight in. Every year, you will probably notice the transition from bright lip colours like corals, fuchsias and oranges to deep, darker hues like reds, burgundies and plums. Embracing this trend whole heartedly, I was on the hunt for a darker shade for Autumn/Winter. I narrowed it down to Mac Dubbonet and Mac Dark Side. At the toss of a coin, I went with the latter. Mac Dark Side is a a very deep, dark burgundy. If I have to be in the right mood to wear a red lip then I really have to be feeling brave and bold when I rock this lip colour. I remember making the purchase in Duty Free and with patience not being one of my virtues, I applied it as soon as I left the Mac counter (much to the dismay of my boyfriend who thought it was too dark, but what do men know about makeup anyway?). Being an Amplified Creme, it has the same comfort of wearing a cremesheen lipstick but with double the pigmentation.

Mac Viva Glam V (Lustre) This is the only lipstick I have from the Viva Glam range where 100% of the proceeds go to the Mac Aids Fund helping women, men and children affected by HIV and Aids everywhere. I must admit that this is yet another enabled purchase by Tanya Burr which I spotted her wearing in her Top 10 Mac lipsticks video here. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the colour when I got home. On Tanya, although it’s clear that it’s quite a natural colour, it looked more deeper in colour and more rosier. On me however, there is practically no colour but just a wash of shimmer. To be honest, I feel like it’s a bit of a shimmery lip balm as being a lustre finish, it does feel nice and moisturising on the lips. Oh well, at least all the money wasn’t wasted and went towards helping out a charity.

That’s it. Like I said it’s not a huge collection but you have some neutrals, pinks, reds, plum and a peachy coral so a right mixed bag and one to suit every outfit change and for every occasion. There are however, a couple of shades I have my eye on and I’m also quite intrigued to try the other lipstick ranges like the Pro Longwear Lipcreme and the Mineralize Rich. I’d love to hear what your favourite Mac lip shades are and your recommendations as to what I should possibly get next.

P.S. I’ve just added two new Mac lipsticks to my collection since writing this post; Fast Play, an Amplified Creme finish, and Brave, a Satin finish. Both are on the pinky nude side of the spectrum but with Brave being slightly more lighter and a tad more pink. Both also wear extremely comfortably on the lips.

You may also like...