Tip for the Day: Top MAC Lipsticks

"What's your top 10 MAC Lipsticks in no particular order?"

The question I got from the reader intrigued me and made me rummage through my lipstick collection! Then I realized, 10 MAC lipsticks would cost a whole lot especially if you're not a makeup artist, well you're probably a MAC lipstick collector if you have more than 10 if not a makeup artist! So for regular people, what are the must have MAC lipsticks or where can you start?

I can still remember my first ever lipstick from MAC which was TWIG which, unfortunately, was lost during a makeup gig *sniffles*, it was the first ever purchase that got me staring at it the whole afternoon as I took all the time to research "the best" shade for me!

With the wide range of MAC lipstick, where can you start?

Here's a guide on how I started with the collection, it's not top 10 but I call it my "MAC Starter Lipstick Collection". Please keep in mind that I'm in no way a MAC lipstick expert but I will be sharing my humble opinion on my favorite shades as I use these the most on gigs!

Let's start with pinks, the ultimate blue-based pink lipstick called Pink Nouveau (smile and click HERE for review) has been used by many actresses and have been a cult favorite! To be honest, Pink Nouveau doesn't look that good on me but, the power of Pink Nouveau cannot be underestimated! Most of my clients look so good on this lip color! Whether they are models or regular people, I find Pink Nouveau can flatter them!

MAC Pink Nouveau on tube

and Swatch

Reds. The ultimate "sexy" color that could make or break a look! A good red lipstick will make you look hot and sexy but a bad red lipstick choice may make you look trashy! *laughs* Okay, it wasn't a good description but you get the drift! There's 2 reds that I totally like!

MAC Russian Red and "Red" She Said

MAC Russian Red is a medium red shade that leans to a cooler tone. This works so well on most skin tone but I have to stress that it takes a lot of "getting used to" to be able to pull off this shade! (Smile and click HERE to see photos worn by different individuals including myself!)

MAC "Red" She Said on the other hand, is a limited edition shade from Holiday 2008, I can't help but include this shade as it is a beautiful deep blood kind of red! This works so well on most of my clients who dislikes the "in your face" red lips but still make the lips pop in a non-car crashing way! Since this is limited edition, a good dupe and a more inexpensive alternative would be the one from Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Red Velvet. (Review HERE)

Left: Russian Red

Right: 'Red' She Said

What if you're not into loud lipstick shades? What's the best lip color for everyday? Neutrals - light pinks or peach. There's 2 that I like to pick up for bridal clients.

MAC Viva Glam V and Sandy B

MAC Viva Glam V was one of those few purchases that took me weeks of research before deciding this shade! I went straight to MAC Counter and got it immediately after I tested it on my lips! This is the type of lip color that spells "Your lips but only better!" This shade is perfect for anyone who's afraid to wear color yet doesn't want to look pale at the same time.

Sandy B, a peachy lip color with gold flecks. I enjoy using this lipstick if I'm on a shoot that requires a healthy, bronze-y, tanned look! This works so well on lighting and it screams "summer time"!

Left: Viva Glam V

Right: Sandy B

Last but not the least, let's move on to people who are into dramatic eyes! What's the best pairing to a super wild colored eye makeup looks? A nude lip color! Nude lipsticks aren't only there for smokey eyes but it's also a great product to "blur out" the original pigmentation of your lips if you plan to apply a light colored lipstick! Oh, have you tried Ombre Lips? Nude lip colors are a great base to start off your Ombre Lips creation --- let's talk more about it in future posts! Let me know if you're interested! :)

MAC Close to Real and Yash

It is easy to save up on lipstick by using your choice of concealer to cover your lip's original color, one huge CON on using concealer on lips, most of them may dry up the lips thus settling into lip lines making the overall effect weird and "not sexy"!

MAC Close to Real is lipstick shade closest to a concealer! The advantage of this over concealer is the appearance of peach. Best applied on light to medium skin tone.

MAC Yash is a favorite of mine to reach out to for people with medium to dark skin tone.

Left: Close to Real

Right: Yash

Keep in mind that some of my "favorites" listed are LE (Limited Edition) but don't fret, MAC has a wide range of lipstick shades and you can always ask help from their SAs and ask for "similar shades". They'll always have at least one!

Most MAC lipsticks that I've tried are a bit drying especially on people who suffer from dry lips. *me!* It helps to moisturize your lips properly while you do your makeup prior to lipstick application and top it with your preferred gloss for that extra shine!

My favorite MAC Lipstick swatches all ined up!

L-R Pink Nouveau, Russian Red, Red She Said,

Viva Glam V, Sandy B, Close to Real and Yash