MAC Lipstick Finishes
I’ve been itching to visit a MAC store to check out the newest collections, but of course, typhoon Gener happened. I live in the southern part of Manila and am 1.5-2 hours from the nearest MAC stores, and no way do I wanna get stuck in traffic, which from experience I know can be horrendous when there’s flooding. I hope you’re all doing fine and there aren’t any floods in your areas! Well anyway I thought that in the meantime, I’d entertain myself by writing about the various MAC Lipstick finishes. I like MAC Lipsticks a lot—I think they’re worth the dinero. I want to try every single finish out there.
1. Matte
The easiest to explain. It has no shine and no gloss at all. In terms of pigmentation, this packs a punch. A lip brush provides more control over application of the Matte finish and and exfoliation+moisturization beforehand is absolutely necessary. Primer also helps. MAC’s Matte finish is longwearing…very. The MAC Iris Apfel Matte Lipsticks that I have and continue to use last through drinks, full meals, and even toothbrushing. They only come off completely with makeup remover. It leaves a pretty stain and doesn’t fade patchy on me.
2. Amplified Creme
This has a creamy texture and provides medium to full coverage. I find this to be quite pigmented as well, only a little less so than the Matte finish. A single swipe is more than enough for me! Amplified Creme has a bit of a shine to the finish. It is also long wearing. An Amplified Creme that I regularly reach for is the Watch Me Simmer Lipstick, from the Shop MAC, Cook MAC Collection.
Viva Glam Nicki, a Satin
3. Satin
To me the appearance of this finish is just as the name implies—satin. The Satin finish I’ve tried is the Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick, and that, initially applies with some shine on me, but eventually it dries to a more satin-y, semi-matte finish. I find it to be almost as pigmented as the Amplified Creme. It easily gives the lips coverage with a single swipe. This is supposed to be long lasting as well but I find its lasting power average.
4. Lustre
The Lustre finish is glossy and has sheer to, at best, medium pigmentation. This is great for gals, like me, who often don or prefer a natural look, because the sheerness of it looks natural and subtle on the lips. I don’t find this to be as long lasting as the three other finishes listed above, but personally, I like it for its being natural-looking. A current favorite is the Cut a Caper Lipstick, from the recently-released (here) Heavenly Creature Collection.
Crosswires, a Cremesheen
5. Cremesheen
Ahh, I can’t believe I haven’t experienced the Cremesheen finish yet. But I will soon. Cremesheens are supposed to have a creamy and moisturizing finish, and medium to full pigmentation. Some MAC lippie shades that have a Cremesheen finish are Crosswires, a very pretty coral, and Shy Girl, a peachy beige. Both link provided are reviews by the gorgeous Rati.
6. Glaze
Another one I want to try soon, the Glaze finish is slightly glossy and has sheer to medium coverage. Since I like glossy finishes, like the Lustre has, I suspect that I’ll also be pleased with a Glaze. From reviews I’ve seen of Glaze finishes though, they seem quite sheer, even sheerer than Lustres. Some Glaze Lipstick shades you might have heard of are Hue and Frou Frou.
7. Frost
Frost finishes look just as they are named. These contain particles ranging from fine shimmer, which can give a pearlescent look to the lippie, to larger flecks of glitter. Pigmentation is medium which to me sounds like this should be nicely pigmented. Some popular Frost lipsticks are Angel, which is a favorite of Kim Kardashian’s, and Bombshell.
Prolong Pro Longwear Lip Creme
8. Pro Longwear
The Pro Longwear Lipcremes were first released in 2009 or 2010, from what I’ve gathered. I’m curious about how these perform on the lips. Described on the MAC website: lightweight texture, creamy finish and comfortable longwear combine in this has-it-all pro-class lip colour. Slick in use, applies without need of a top coat- and still lasts up to 12 hours. Won’t feather or transfer, and the colour stays true. Helps lips stay soft and hydrated. Wonder if this really wears and lasts as well as described. Pro Longwear in Prolong reviewed by Rati here.
9. Sheen Supreme
The Sheen Supreme Lipsticks are a relatively new release among MAC’s Lipstick types. On the MAC site this type of lippie is described as: combining the colour impact of a Lipstick with the shine sheen of a Lipglass, Sheen Supreme creates the perfect hybrid – with no compromise. Lightweight, non-sticky, slick to apply and comfortable to wear. This is a must-have for all those who have craved this kind of fusion. What I take from that is that it’s very glossy, have good pigmentation, and are lightweight. Sounds kinda like the Revlon Lip Butter, yeah? Review of the Bare Again shade here.
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