MAC Cosmetics have hundreds of different colour lipsticks to choose from and it can be quite difficult to decide on which lipstick is best for you. The obvious thing to think about when choosing a lipstick is the colour, however, although you may love the colour, it may depend on the formula of the lipstick as to whether you will like it or not.
I have accumulated quite a few MAC lipsticks over the last couple of years, some I love and some I never use because I decided I wasn’t a fan of a particular formula, so with that being said, I thought it would be helpful to do a review on the different lipstick formulations that MAC have to offer.
Amplified
Described by MAC as a ” Creamy formula with smooth glide, bold colour pay-off with full coverage and a semi lustrous finish.”
I currently own the below colours in this formula:
- Saint Germain
- Dark Side
- Impassioned
- Morange
- Chatterbox
- Vegas Volt
- Up the Amp
Amplified is my favourite MAC formula to apply. They are extremely pigmented yet still creamy and not too glossy on the lips. The colour is long lasting however it can transfer quite easily so I would recommend using a lip liner or a lip primer to help it stay in place.
Cremesheen
Described by MAC as a “Creamy, Balmy formula with a comforting feel, medium buildable coverage, semi glossy finish.”
I currently own the below colours in this formula:
- Pink Pearl Pop
- Crème d’Nude
- Coral Bliss
- Crème Cup
The crèmesheen formula in my opinion is probably one of the most comfortable formulations to wear. It can be quite sheer on the lips however the MAC description is correct in that it is buildable coverage. Sometimes I will even put one of these lipsticks over the top of a Matte lipstick to add a bit of moisture and change the colour slightly. For example, sometimes I will wear Velvet Teddy and then apply Crème D’Nude OR Crème Cup over the top.
Frost
Described by MAC as a “Smooth, medium buildable coverage formula with a high pearl, semi lustrous finish.”
I currently own the below colour in this formula:
- Angel
Frost would be my least favourite of the MAC lipstick formula’s, however, it’s not that the formulation is bad, it’s just that I don’t like the pearlescent/shimmery finish. I had originally only purchased “Angel” as I had heard about it so often from other beauty bloggers, in hind sight I wouldn’t have purchased this lipstick if I knew what the Frost formulation was. With that being said, everyone has their own opinions and a lot of people love this lipstick, so it really is personal preference.
Glaze
Described by MAC as a “Sheer coverage, lightweight formula with a lot of glide on application and a light pearl shiny finish.”
I don’t currently own any lipsticks in this formulation.
Lustre
Described by MAC as a “Lightweight formula with easy glide, sheer to medium buildable coverage with a Lustrous finish.”
I don’t currently own any lipsticks in this formulation.
Matte
Described by MAC as a “Creamy, rich formula with high colour pay off, in a no shine matte finish.”
I currently own the below colours in this formula:
- Candy Yum Yum
- Diva
- Heroine
- Lady Danger
- Pink Plaid
- Russian Red
- Velvet Teddy
Most of my favourite MAC lipsticks are in the Matte formulation and the colour pay-off is really good. These lipsticks are quite long wearing, however, I do find after a few hours that my lips start to become quite dry and slightly flakey looking if I haven’t used a lip conditioner and/or primer. I don’t really have any issues with this as I’m happy to re apply!
Retro Matte
Described by MAC as an “Intense colour pay-off in a longwearing formula with a completely Matte finish.”
I don’t currently own any lipsticks in this formulation.
Satin
Described by MAC as a “Creamy texture breaks into a soft cushiony feel, medium to full buildable coverage, satin finish.”
I currently own the below colours in this formula:
- Rebel
- Snob
I find the Satin lipsticks are very easy to apply and quite moisturising on the lips. I would recommend using a lip liner, at least with the darker colours because they are such a creamy formulation so they can transfer quite easily and I’m sure nobody is a fan of having lipstick all over their face!
My Favourite MAC Lipsticks
- Velvet Teddy (Matte Formula)
- Lady Danger (Matte Formula)
- Crème Cup (Cremesheen Formula)
- Rebel (Satin Formula)
