These Are the 12 Best MAC Lipsticks of All Time

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 Review2Coupon editors.

In This Article

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• Our Picks

• Final Verdict

• What to Look For

• Why Trust Review2Coupon?

Best for All Skin Tones:
MAC Lipstick in Twig

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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 have the added benefit of having some of the longest staying power. 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.

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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 Lipstick in Twig is a universal fail-safe, a wearable nude that flatters all skin tones. Prefer a classic red? Check out MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo and you’ll quickly see why everyone is obsessed.

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 Lustre or Powder Kiss formulas are great for those who want more sheer color for everyday wear.

Color

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.