MAC lipsticks, worth the hype?
26 September
I think MAC is one of those brands that you either love or hate, like Marmite. A lot of people think their products are overpriced, others think it's worth paying for the quality of a MAC product, I kind of sit on the fence; there's a few products I think are a overpriced, but are worth splashing out on, whilst some I think are really overpriced for what they are, that I stay away from them even if it's something I'd actually really like. I can be a little silly with money sometimes (easily done if you're a makeup addict), but I generally know where to draw the spending-line.
It actually took me a while to get into MAC, the first product I tried was a foundation and I really didn't get along with it. After that it took quite a while for me to even consider splashing out on another MAC product, but after reading lots of rave reviews, I decided their lipsticks sounded to good to be true. Of all of the products MAC create. their lipsticks are probably the products I hear people talking about the most, the first thing you gravitate towards is the lipstick stand when you go to a MAC store or counter. I remember buying my very first MAC lipstick two years ago, when I was still nervous of approaching makeup counters, sheepishly asking for help in picking the perfect red.
That perfect red was Lady Danger, a vivid bright true red with a splash of coral that I still turn to now, and one I'd repurchase in a heat beat. Since then I've built up quite the collection, trying a few different finishes (my favourite are amplified, matte and satin) and a vibrant shade selection. It's no secret I love MAC lipsticks, there's few things I love more than buying a brand new shade and wearing it for the first time; but I also remember when MAC lipsticks were £13.50 - they're now £15.50.
The lipsticks themselves are quite easily my very favourite lipsticks. If I had to pick one brand as my favourite for lip products, it would be MAC because they're lipsticks tick all the boxes, and their lip liners compliment the range well. I've never bought a MAC lipstick and been disappointed. Sure there's a few finishes I avoid, because I'm generally not a sheer/gloss tint/shimmery finish kinda girl, but there's such a huge variety of shades for each finish that it's easy to find more than a few favourites. They come in the perfect black and silver lipstick bullet and have that oh so satisfying 'click' when you take off or put on the top. I find MAC products to be really pigmented and that's true in their lipsticks, particularly their matte range. The longevity can differ depending on finish, but generally they last a fair while and through eating and drinking, before needing to reapply. They don't bleed, feel comfortable ont he lip and have a delicious vanilla scent - the perfect lipstick package.
So I'm pretty smitten with MAC lipsticks, but I also don't know how much longer I'll continue to add new shades to my stash. I wouldn't want to pay much more for a MAC lipstick than the current price, but I wouldn't be surprised if the price goes up again. I really love MAC lipsticks, but I went through a stage of only buying MAC lipsticks, which not only is a silly way to spend money, but means I really haven't tried that many brands for lip products. I want to branch out. If you hadn't already gathered, I definitely think MAC lipsticks are worth the hype! If you can afford them, then yeah, go for it, but if you can't don't worry. Just because they're my favourite doesn't mean they will be yours, and there's always some budget-friendly alternatives! I love the Maybeline ColorSensational Lipsticks (read here), which I think are massive dupes for a lot of my favourite MAC lipsticks, and at half the price! What do you think, are you a fan of MAC lipsticks?
40 comments
I only have a few lipsticks, I literally could count how many on both hands and the two MAC lipsticks I have are gorgeous. I like the colour, the formula, and the packaging; I think they're reasonably priced for the quality and I would buy more.. but only when I use up the ones that I already have.
ReplyDeleteYou have more restraint than me! Glad to hear you're a fellow MAC lipstick fan xo
DeleteWhat's the far right shade called?x
ReplyDeleteUp the Amp! :) xo
DeleteI think you're spot on here - some brands do some things really well and other things not so well. Some of Mac's products don't tick the boxes I want them to, but I do think that their lipsticks are pretty darn good. The colour and finish selection alone is pretty outstanding and there are some lipsticks which just outdo themselves - I think the Satin and Amplified finishes are particularly impressive from Mac, but my personal preference are their Lustre lipsticks because I love the look the give and I like their colour selection.
ReplyDeleteAngelica // One Little Vice
MAC's shade selection is crazy, it's hard to beat! Glad to hear you love MAC lipsticks too! xo
DeleteI completely agree with you! I bought my first at £13.50 too, and I can't believe how quickly the price has been upped! But I do love the ones I've bought. I can't help but feel as though they're jumping on the blogger MAC lipstick hype and raising them because they now know how much everyone definitely loves them, and they're almost collectables!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try Urban Decay lipsticks - I really like the look of them, but am yet to try one!
www.ceejayell.blogspot.co.uk
It might be, but I think overall MAC is just a hugely popular brand for makeup. Their products and look have a certain flare to them that seems to make them an incredibly popular brand, for bloggers and non-bloggers alike! I have a few Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks and I LOVE them! Really recommend giving them a try :) xo
DeleteThis reflects a lot of my feelings on MAC Lipsticks; I love them but one more price hike and they're going to be a luxury item I purchase rarely. But that may be a good thing so I can expand my horizons a little
ReplyDeleteJasmine // Magpie Jasmine // My Blog Giveaway
Definitely, it's always good to try new brands! xo
DeleteMac lipsticks are great! I love the variety of finishes they offer and the quality. Unfortunately their prices are going up every 6 months now and I think I'll soon stop shopping there, as for the same price or just a little more I can buy Nars and other better brands . x
ReplyDeletespeakingbeautyuk.blogspot.co.uk | Instagram
Ah really, every 6 months? I doubt I'll be dabbling in MAC for much longer at this rate! xo
DeleteI remember when they where £12. I think the new price is crazy, and really putting me off! No idea why as I used to buy multiples. I think it's because drug stores have really upped their game in the last few years. x
ReplyDeleteI have a vague memory of buying them at £12, but I couldn't be sure! I do know that the price rises - considering there's been no changes to the product/packaging - or getting a little bit off putting! Drugstore lipsticks and brands in general have definitely upped their game! xo
DeleteHi, have you tried NYX lipsticks before? Are Mac lipsticks feel like NYX? I plan to buy my first MAC lipstick but if it feels exactly like NYX then I need to reconsider, I feel that NYX is way too creamy for me :/
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I haven't, so I can't compare, sorry! xo
DeleteI'm a terrible Mac hoarder, but they just never disappoint! YSL also do beautiful lipsticks just don't have Mac's colour range x
ReplyDeletetmzn loves / beauty blog
I've wanted to try a YSL lipstick for SO long, but I can never decide on a shade! Do you have any recommendations? :) xo
DeleteI agree. I've never bought a MAC lipstick - shock horror! The only MAC product I have is a foundation which I only use on special occasions. If you can afford it I think it's definitely worth splashing out on it :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! Everyone has different budgets, and you have to go with what you can afford! Soon, I definitely won't be able to afford MAC lipstick soon the way their prices keep rising xo
DeleteI love mac lipsticks but if they keep putting the prices up, I think that will put me off!
ReplyDeleteEmily x // EmGrace
Definitely, I mean I love the quality, but soon the price really won't be realistic xo
DeleteYep I do love MAC lippies, I can't get enough of them! The only finish I've found I don't like is Retro Matte, as I find it too drying. Funnily enough my favourite high street brand is Maybelline too, I think they're a great alternative to MAC :) xxx Thou Shalt Not Covet
ReplyDeleteI do find the Retro Matte finish can be a bit too drying, but the usual Matte range is my favourite! Maybelline lipsticks are a fab MAC alternative :) xo
DeleteI loove Mac lipsticks, especially their matte and satin ones! My favourites have to be Rebel, Velvet Teddy & Plink!
ReplyDeleteChloe Andrews | Nail tutorials & beauty posts
I haven't heard of Plink, but I love Rebel and Velvet Teddy! xo
DeleteI couldn't live without Mac lipsticks, they're my holy grail and for me they just work perfectly. Not all are a blessing but most I find I couldn't live without! I really like Urban Decay, Wet N Wild & Illamasqua too but Mac are by far my faves!!
ReplyDeleteFrancesca xo | www.effstarbeauty.blogspot.com
I wish we could get Wet N' Wild in the UK! I've heard so many great things about their lipsticks xo
DeleteI really wish they would stop increasing the price, it's shocking! The formula of the ones that I have tried have been really impressive. I really want to build on my collection!
ReplyDeleteMegan xo
Thumbelina Lillie | UK Beauty & Fashion Blog
I love my little (well, not so little) MAC lipstick collection, but at the rate the prices keep rising, it's unlikely I'll keep buying! xo
DeleteI do hate the constant price increase, and I will normally opt for a high street shade if I can...but MAC does have the best colour range!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
See I struggle with high-street lipsticks. Other than the Maybelline ones, there's very few I like or would buy! But the price increase is getting a touch too much now for MAC lipsticks xo
DeleteI love my MAC lipsticks too - great quality :)
ReplyDeleteThe Belle Narrative
They really are, aren't they :) xo
DeleteI think MAC lipsticks really do stand apart from the rest because of the massive colour range and all the choice of finishes. I also really like the eyeshadows for the same reason. I do think they're great quality too of course! Not so keen on their mascara and I can't use their powder products because they contain talc :-( xx
ReplyDeleteI ADORE their eyeshadows - I have a couple of posts coming soon :) I've tried a mascara before too, wasn't a fan! xo
DeleteMac lipsticks are fantastic, and Angel,Snob Creme Cup and Ruby Woo are some of my favourites. I would continue to purchase them even if the price did go up again, as I love their quality.
ReplyDeletezoea2812.blogspot.com
See, I'd love to say I would, but it'll reach a certain point where I a) can't afford to and b) couldn't justify it! I love Snob and Ruby Woo too :) xo
DeleteI have one MAC lipstick that was a gift, I love the formula, but its a very summery color so I don't wear it a lot. I've been really wanting to try Rebel and I think I will probably get it around Christmas. Thank you for the post it was a great analysis. I would say my favorite drugstore lip products are the revlon lip lacquer balms and the Rimmel Lipsticks (all of them). I also really like the Apocalips line from Rimmel. Have you tried any of these?
ReplyDeleteI love the Apocalips too! :) Rebel is a gorgeous shade, one of my absolute favourites! xo
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