Your QUICK GUIDE to MAC Lipstick Finishes and Formulas

Let’s do a quick guide to MAC lipstick finishes shall we? A woman can never have enough lipsticks. Don’t you agree? Well I can’t! A brand new lipstick is one of the easiest reward we can give ourselves in times of joy, defeat, accomplishments, agony. Okay, we always find an excuse to get that brand new spanking limited edition shade that looks like the one we already have in our kit. Hahaha!

One of the most popular brands of lipstick available in the market today is from MAC. It has cult-classics like Ruby Woo, to smaller celebrity collaborations like Mac for Maine. In case you’re wondering what finish is which. Today I’ll present to you an easy-to-follow guide among the current 11 formulas of MAC (bullets)

GUIDE to MAC Lipstick Finishes and Formulas

Retro Matte

Image Source: https://http2.mlstatic.com/D_NQ_NP_666395-MLA25702149529_062017-F.webp

Has a thick opaque coverage with a crayon-like texture. It’s more long wearing than the original Matte formulation. It doesn’t feather or bleed but it stains like hell. To me it lasts 6-8 hours but fades fast at the center.

Most Popular MAC Retro Matte Lipstick: Ruby Woo

Matte

Image Credits: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEtETlUYpew/VrilD5kNELI/AAAAAAAAIg8/sKyNl3gNBt4/s640/MAC%2BVelvet%2BTeddy%2BLipstick%2B%257C%2BReview%2B%2526%2BSwatches%2B2.jpg

Less drying than the retro matte and is said to be one of the longer wearing formula. It’s pure matte without any hint of cream shimmer or glitter. Little retouch is needed because it lasts 4-6 hours.

Popular MAC Matte Lipstick: Velvet Teddy

Satin

Source: http://ww5.onvacations.co/rebel-lipstick-mac-swatch/

These are still matte lipsticks but more emolient than the former. They’re a dream to apply, has a bit of a sheen but still opaque.

Popular MAC Satin Lipstick: Rebel

Amplified

Credits to source: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3956092350_c9d35a0383.jpg

HI SHEN! (shensaddiction.com) It’s the creamier version of the Matte lipsticks since it has the same opacity and coverage. It’s got a nice sheen going on and excellent colour pay off 🙂

Popular MAC Amplified Lipstick: Cosmo

Amplified Creme

Image source: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53920c3ae4b0e7c55d3dcf11/t/53f98218e4b0ba6a4c5d7b1a/1409128516616/MAC+Violetta+Lipstick+2+Ways?format=1000w

Creamy, glossy, and opaque. Sadly it’s notorious for bleeding! They don’t last very long and annoying to use on a daily basis. Best for photo shoots only. If you really want to wear an Amplified Creme, I suggest lining your lips beforehand.

Popular MAC Amplified Creme: Violetta

Cremesheen

Photo credits: https://dtpmhvbsmffsz.cloudfront.net/posts/2015/06/30/559361a3bf441c76bb0056a1/m_559361a3bf441c76bb0056a2.jpg

Opaque and glossy. It’s got the strong opacity of a cream lipstick with the gloss of a lipgloss. Don’t expect good staying power as this slips away in a couple of hours.

Popular MAC Cremesheen Lipstick: Lickable

Cremesheen Pearl

Image source: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSMhCFK26D-a_lrgvRij9tuE7q3MCky0PvQ4fF_IzOjsL4QZJ2u

Basically cremesheen with shimmer. Looks like something a 6 year old would find appealing

Popular MAC Cremesheen Pearl: Pink Pearl Pop

Frost

Image source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5juk2nAoec/U2DnvrwowMI/AAAAAAAAFyA/eS0XtuFFNNA/s1600/pic20140430122446%5B1%5D.jpg

These are their metallic versions. But the sparkle and frost varies from one lipstick to another. Their pigmentation is also inconsistent.

Popular MAC Frost Lipstick: Viva Glam Rihanna

Glaze

Sheerest of the bunch. Similar to Chanel’s Rouge Coco Shine. Perfect for those who like it natural. Sheer, glossy and has average longevity.

Popular MAC Glaze Lipstick: Hue

Lustre

Credits: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n24uBvhR_YQ/VLJgCdd3cEI/AAAAAAAAAmM/FSNtve27mVU/s1600/syrup%2B2.jpg

I highly recommend this if it’s your first time exploring MAC lipsticks. Their formula is sheer but buidable. Glossy but natural and lasts a good 4 hour wear!

Popular MAC Lustre Lipstick: Syrup

Dazzle

Credits: http://www.bbeautilicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/MAC-Hot-Tahiti-Lipstick-review-1.jpg

Last but not the least, MAC Dazzle. They’re basically glitter on sticks. Perfect for Halloween and costume parties!

Popular MAC Dazzle Lipstick: Tahiti

Honestly speaking, writing this down makes me want to shop and splurge for a couple of MAC Lipsticks! What’s your favorite MAC lipstick shade and why? 🙂