MAC Mac Red Lipstick is another classic red lipstick from MAC Cosmetics. I know it’s redundant and sounds funny when you say it out loud, right? This is the only MAC lipstick with the word “MAC” included in the shade name (that I know of).
Two of MAC’s bestselling red lipsticks, Ruby Woo and Russian Red, both have a matte finish. So it’s a great change to have a MAC lipstick with a non-matte formula.
I don’t have anything against matte lipsticks, in fact I really love them. But for those who have extremely dry lips, it might be problematic for them.
For me, though, I don’t mind wearing either matte, creamy, satiny or shiny lipsticks. As long as they look good on me and don’t dry out my lips, then I’m good.
What MAC says about their lipsticks:
Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M.A.C famous. MAC MAC RED LIPSTICK (SATIN)
MAC Mac Red Lipstick is classified as a vivid bright bluish red with a satin finish. In the bullet, it is a medium dark, cool-toned red that is a bit bright.
When swatched on my arm, it is more noticeable how cool-toned it is. It’s also brighter than how it looks on the tube. I believe that this lip color will suit most skintones.
Performance
MAC Red is very much pigmented. It’s already semi-opaque with just 1 swipe, and the color is buildable. With 3 layers, you can achieve a more even, opaque and full coverage. Just be careful when layering this lipstick on as it’s very easy to overdo it.
It has a slightly creamy texture which makes it fairly easy to apply. MAC Red lipstick glides smoothly across the lips and doesn’t tug at all. It applies evenly without settling into lip lines.
Features
This MAC Satin lipstick doesn’t accentuate the dryness of my lips. But if you have extreme dryness and flakiness on your lips, I would recommend that you exfoliate and moisturize your lips before even thinking of putting this lipstick on.
I don’t experience any feathering with this lipstick. However, with a dark and bold shade like it, you might want to use a lip liner just to be sure. If your concern is that it might slide around the lips, then you don’t have to worry because MAC Red stays put.
MAC Mac Red Lipstick Lip Swathes
The color of MAC Red Lipstick on my lips is really intense. In the lip swatches above, I used 3 layers of the lipcolor for the close-ups and blotted it for the zoomed-out photo.
I also love using this lipstick for gradation lips. I know, I never get tired of the ombre effect.
MAC Red also looks good when only a single layer is applied. It’s not too vivid, but is still a bit bright. A single swipe of this lipstick instantly brightens up my face.
Another thing to love about this lipstick is its longevity. It wears well over 6 hours on my lips and leaves a nice stain. Even after eating and drinking greasy foods like pizza, some lip color is still left.
Color and texture comparison swatches:
A – MAC Mac Red (Satin)
B – Chanel Pirate Rouge Allure
C – MAC Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)
D – MAC Russian Red (Matte)
E – Maybelline ColorShow Downtown Red
Where to buy
BUY IT HERE: Nordstrom or Macy’s
PRICE: $16
AVAILABILITY: Permanent
Final Words
Overall, I think that it’s a great classic red lipstick to add to anyone’s collection. Those with lips that tend to dry out easily will surely love MAC Red instead of Ruby Woo or Russian Red.
Do you like dark red lipsticks, too? Have you tried the MAC Mac Red Lipstick?
M·A·CXIMAL SILKY MATTE LIPSTICK Red Rock
Price at time of publish: $17.50 at Mac Cosmetics.
M·A·CXIMAL SILKY MATTE LIPSTICK Russian Red
Price at time of publish: $17.50 at Mac Cosmetics.
