The best Mac products are the kinds that have lived on the shelves for generations. It belongs to Grandma, Mom, and us now. Despite the constant stream of new releases, the brand has the staples of gap-in-your-your-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in-gap-in- For example, see Modification+. Released 25 years ago, this setting spray was upgraded to look like a finer spray pump, but it reached to lock the make-up and add a hydration hit. And then there’s a lip pencil. Another enduring favorite is the daily staple of makeup artist kits (and there are also plenty of these liners floating around the office). And whenever, the brand is always making exciting launches in the pipeline. (Our lips are sealed!) Bottom line: Mac is always excited to mix nostalgia with the latest updates and try both classics and new hits.
Our Top Mac Products
Going forward, the best Mac makeup products tested and endlessly acclaimed by makeup artists are worthy of a permanent place in your routine.
Your Mat: Retro Matte Lipstick
Why it’s worth it: If you’re all about mats, Mac’s retro matte lipstick will definitely tickle your fantasies. It skips the glow, but keeps you comfortable and glides smoothly without clinging to dry spots. The finish feels like it’s worn out easily from the first swipe. And it keeps going for hours without the need for touch-ups. A vibrant blue red, Ruby Woo is easily the most recognizable shade and looks amazing on almost any skin tone. It’s no wonder Allure editors and celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Priyanka Chopra, have always had Ruby Woo in rotation.
PS If you prefer a slightly less milky formula, pick up a silky macnai mat infused with coconut oil, organic seater butter and organic cocoa butter to keep you moisturized for hours.
Tester feedback from Allure Commerce editor Sarah Han
“Name the more iconic red lipstick shade. I don’t wait because I need to squirt about Ruby Wu. This true blue-based red hits 100 times each time and feels confident. But there’s a lip balm.) Oh, my lipstick bullet just happens to be carved with my initials (thank you, Mac!) – Sarah Han, Commerce Editor
Cover Story: Studio Radiance Face + Body
Why it’s worth it: There are 13 shades across four undertone families, and it’s basically guaranteed to finish the perfect match of the Mac’s ultra-lightweight and blendable Studio Radiance Face + Body Foundation, cool, neutral, neutral cool. It is also waterproof and long attire, so if you have long events like weddings or stacked work days, you can rely on them for comfort and wear all day long. It is our old faithful foundation during long days in the office, spending weddings, nights, and the list continues.
Tester feedback from Allure Beauty Closet Associate Edward Horgan
“When it comes to the waves of skin tones that have hit the market over the past few years, the Mac has far surpassed the curve. The ‘your skin but good’ look has been here overall with the studio’s glowing face and body.
Base Case Scenario: Prime and Prep Radiance Primer
Mac
Prime and Prep Radiance Primers
Why is it worth it: What’s better than a hydration primer? Something that illuminates the skin. Mac’s Prep + Prime Radiance Primer creates a buttery, shiny base for makeup without leaving behind a heavy, greasy finish. You may not notice it when applying, but the pearlescent powder that blows the formula light gives it a soft, illuminated glow all day long. The primer comes in two shades (yellow and pink), so you can choose the best colour to complement the undertone (warm undertones are best for yellow, while cool undertones are best for pink).
Tester feedback from Allure Associate Manager for Audience Development Melanie Curry
“I haven’t used this primer in a long time (probably for 3 months), but I love it! It gives me a very nice glow and moisturizes my skin very much. Curry, a semi-manager of viewer development
Attention: Lip pencil
Why it’s worth it: Mac lip pencils live and thrive throughout all makeup trends (especially the 90s), and you think they are still a staple food for the appearance of our lips. The creamy and ultra-pigmented formula is a go-to for industry insiders, including New York-based makeup artist Joseph Carrillo. If you want to keep those 90s vibes alive, he recommends using spices, which happens to be the best hair salon, a brownish pink shade.
“Growing up, the Mac Wood Pencil Lip Liner was a staple of my mother’s make-up stash, so why would it become my holy grail liner. Not only is it a proven liner for color payoffs and formulations, but the cork can not only complement my lips, but also make up for brown conterast. It’s too strict.” – Social Media Manager Biancalichards
All Shine: Lipglass Air
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to the Lipglass Air on Mac, what’s gravityless and invisible is the name of the game when it comes to the Lipglass Air on Mac, packed with moisture ingredients (coconut, meadow foam, jojoba oil) to give your lips a soft, hydrated feel. And you can leave your lips on for hours without staining or using dry ingredients, without feeling sticky (and super shiny). All 13 colors (except clear) can be layered on one coat to leave subtle shades or for a bright, punchy look.
“This holds up to the ‘stain-prone’ claims more “stain-prone” than any other lip gloss I’ve tried in recent memory. It’s very lightweight so it’s close to oil, but in reality it’s pasted with color for over an hour.
Seal your transactions: Mac Fix+
Why is it worth it: Are you suffering from temperamental skin? Mac Fix + Original Settings Spray is here to lock your makeup without adding to your irritability. This alcohol-free mist is a proven favorite among editors and makeup artists as it grabs everything in place while replenishing moisture with a soothing combination of green tea, chamomile and cucumber extracts. Shervonne Kitto, a makeup artist based in Secaucus, New Jersey, previously told Allure.
Tester feedback from Hogan
“Can I call you a make-up enthusiast without using Fix+? I use it between multiple steps of my routine to help different products melt together to have a fully blended base. It’s the ultimate fixing tool and why it’s the artist’s kit and my own staple food.” – Edward Hogan, Beauty Closet Associate
How to test and review your product
Before reviewing your makeup, I ask about many factors. What ingredients are there? Does the brand offer a wide and comprehensive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers with sensitive skin and those who wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or even more splurge? Is the package consciously designed or is it unnecessary to waste?
