MAC is one of those cosmetics brands that has stood the test of time. With their tried and true foundations (MAC face & body is a personal fav), Prep & Prime Fix+ Finishing Mist, to cult favs like the Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle, there’s a reason why this name has remained popular in the industry. I always seem to gravitate back to MAC because of the quality and consistent performance of the products. Conveniently, Ulta has started carrying some MAC products, for those who may not have the option of a MAC counter nearby.
Of course, you can’t mention MAC without bringing up their iconic lipsticks- those familiar black tubes with the subtle silver sparkles that almost every girl wants or has in her makeup bag. I still remember how excited I was when I purchased my first MAC lipstick, and over the years, I’ve collected a few of them.
MAC lipsticks are available in hundreds of different shades and come in a variety of finishes including: matte, retro matte, satin, amplified, frost and cremesheen, so there’s something that works for everyone. If you’re looking for a good everyday neutral MAC lipstick, see the list below for some of the brand’s best-sellers in 3 different finishes.
Velvet teddy (matte finish): this is one of MAC’s most popular shades. It’s described as a deep tone beige but comes off as more of a warm, brown nude on me
Kinda sexy (matte finish): a neutral, pinky/rose shade bordering on coral. I find this color works best on me when worn over a deeper toned liner
Taupe (matte finish): a deep, reddish brown with a hint of terracotta. This is a warmer nude that has more color payoff compared to its more muted partners
Please me (matte finish): a warm, neutral with a muted rosy undertone. If you prefer a pink based neutral compared to a beige one, this may be a good match for you
Honey love (matte finish): light beige with dusty rose undertone
Modesty (cremesheen finish): muted, neutral pink. This is one of those “your lips but better” colors in the comfortable cremesheen formula
Faux (satin finish): muted, mauve pink shade that looks beautiful paired with MAC’s lip liner in the shade “soar”
Overall, I find MAC’s matte finish to be long-lasting and pretty comfortable to wear (especially compared to the more drying retro-matte finish). Of course, the matte finish is flat without any shine or sparkle and has the most color payoff. I recommend prepping your lips with a good balm for a few minutes before applying if you have dry lips. The satin finish is more moisturizing than the matte finish and has a slight shine to it but no shimmer, so it lasts well without feathering. The cremesheen formula has a shiny finish and a buttery texture on the lips. It has to be reapplied during the day but it is less drying and more comfortable than the matte/satin formulas. If you have a MAC counter nearby, I definitely recommend trying out the different shades and finishes to find the one that’s right for you. These lipsticks retail for around $19 and MAC usually has free shipping on all online orders.
