My Favorite MAC Lipsticks of All Time

If you've been reading the blog for a while, and even if you know me well, you know I could talk about lipsticks all day. I could go on and on about my favorite shades, finishes, and even dupes if it comes to that. And if you aren't careful, I'll talk you into trying a new shade or two. There's just something about trying a new lipstick that empowers me (and empowers me to empower other women as well).

One thing I haven't talked about in a long time in this space here, however, are my favorite lipstick brands. After gushing over my all-time favorite lipstick on National Lipstick day via Instagram, many people asked me about lipstick suggestions via DM. In fact, a few of you guys even asked me what some of my favorite MAC lipsticks were. And since MAC is one of my favorite beauty brands when it comes to lipsticks, I decided it would be cool to share my favorite MAC lipsticks here on the blog, too.

Not only do these high-quality lipsticks come in so many shades, there's a finish to suit everyone's fancy-- 7 to be exact. Everyone can find a shade that compliments their skintone. And MAC lipsticks always meet the criteria for what I'm looking for in a lipstick: great color pay-off, long-lasting, and great scent/flavor. So without further adieu, here are some of my favorites from the brand.


1. RUBY WOO (retro matte) | There’s isn't a lipstick lover alive that hasn't heard of the cult-classic that is Ruby Woo. Tracee Ellis Ross swears by it. So does Gwen Stefani. In fact, many women define their signature red lip with a smooth application of the beloved Ruby Woo. A blue-based retro matte lipstick, Ruby Woo applies evenly on my lips and lasts for hours. I love how it makes a bold statement whenever I wear it. It makes me feel powerful, confident. Every woman should own her as she is universally flattering and gets along with everyone.





2. IMPASSIONED (amplified creme) | This is an amplified creme warm coral shade that I love reaching for in warmer months. It's a bright, "in your face" shade that I also find flattering against all skintones. Don't be fooled by the "bright fuchsia" description MAC gives this lipstick. It's one of the most warm coral pinks you'll come across. If you're looking to bring your "A" game to any event, try Impassioned on for size. It packs a bold, yet beautiful punch that will leave a lasting impression on you and everyone you encounter while wearing it.


3. SHY GIRL (cremesheen) | This nude lipstick is one of my favorite nudes by default, because it's the first MAC lipstick I ever purchased. Lured by the simplicity of the name, this shy girl found herself wearing this peachy nude lipstick everywhere she went. It has a cremesheen finish, making it buildable, smooth, and very comfortable. I love to pair it with a chocolate liner (like NYX Espresso or Jordana Coco Loso) for daily wear. 



4. UP THE AMP (amplified creme) | You may see a pattern here with my love for amplified creme lipsticks. They are so creamy and apply smooth and evenly. And Up The Amp is another one of my MAC firsts. It was my first attempt at rocking an intense, pastel color several years ago. And I've been repurchasing and making it work every since. It's a bright pinky-purple that also makes a bold declaration. I love reaching for this beauty in the warmer months and rocking it in cooler months with deep berry lip liners (like NYX Purple Rain or Prune).

5. HEROINE (matte) | If Ruby Woo is the most celebrated MAC lipstick, Heroine is definitely her alter-ego. It's a bright purple lipstick with a matte finish, known to land all eyes on you at the function. I love this lipstick for the cooler months, but don't mind rocking it year-round. It has a bold, long-lasting formula that will play you close until you wipe it off. And even then, she will leave her traces on your lips for some time. She's universally flattering and is one shade I feel all lipstick lovers should have in their arsenal.


6. GIRL ABOUT TOWN (amplified creme) | This cool fuchsia beauty almost stole my heart the very first time she landed on my doorstep. She's my favorite color, she applies like a silky smooth dream, and she lured me in with that signature vanilla scent MAC lipsticks are known for. The amplified creme formula makes Girl About Town a comfortable wear for as long as you want to rock her. She can be toned up or pared down with the right amount of application and/or the help of a lip liner. I like to wear her just as she is, throughout all seasons.

7. FLAT OUT FABULOUS (retro matte) | If you follow me on Instagram, you already know this is my all-time favorite lipstick. Every ounce of love and devotion I had for Girl About Town was tested when I met Flat Out Fabulous. I first bought this lipstick on a whim when it was a part of a limited edition set. Initially, it looked like nothing special. "Girl, don't you already have enough fuchsia lipsticks?" I asked myself. But I just couldn't walk away from it. Besides, my beloved Girl About Town was running out at the time. That gave me plenty of reason to try my favorite color in a retro matte formula. And I wasn't disappointed. Like Girl About Town, Flat Out Fabulous is a cool fuchsia. Unlike Girl About Town, however, Flat Out Fabulous is matte. While the former may like to come out and party, the latter doesn't mind hanging out all night (or until you wipe her off with a determined makeup remover). She's definitely a showstopper and an instant confidence-booster in a bullet tube, for sure.




Each of these lipsticks hold a special place in my heart and in my makeup bag. I almost always go back to them and will repurchase each of them if I run out. And while I don't usually like to spend a lot on cosmetics, I like to think my MAC lipstick purchases are well worth the price. All lipsticks mentioned are a part of MAC's permanent collection. They can be purchased online at the MAC website, in Ulta, or at your local MAC counter for $19 $21 each.  

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MAC LIPSTICKS?
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