The best MAC Cosmetics lipsticks range from bold, daring shades to cool-toned mauves. These editor-loved shades from InStyle include legendary shades we’ve spotted on celebrities like Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston.

Our lips aren’t sealed on these timeless shades.

In This Article

In This Article

Makeup epiphanies and MAC lipsticks go hand-in-hand. Whether you swiped your signature shade from your mom’s makeup bag or carefully picked from the prismatic rows at its store counter, discovering the best MAC Cosmetics lipstick is a beauty rite of passage. “MAC has always been and will remain the blueprint for creative makeup. Every trend we see today was pioneered and perfected by the original MAC community, drawing inspiration from drag culture and the iconic supermodel era of the ’80s, ’90s, and early ‘2000s,” says celebrity makeup artist Andi Metro.

Even celebrities have their go-to MAC lipstick shades. Think of Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green on Friends wearing a ’90s brown Paramount and Taylor Swift’s signature red color, Ruby Woo. We’re not immune to MAC’s illustrious pull either—InStyle editors have been wearing MAC lipsticks for years. Our favorite shades have outlasted apartments, relationships, and even jobs. That’s why they’re so worth adding to your makeup routine.

“Artists thrive without rules. MAC has consistently empowered customers to personalize their makeup experience by offering versatile products, such as mixing mediums and pigments, that encourage creativity and customization.” —celebrity makeup artist Andi Metro

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick at Sephora Jump to Review Best-Selling: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick at Nordstrom $23 Jump to Review Best for Medium Skin: MAC Lustreglass Sheer Shine Lipstick at Nordstrom $27 Jump to Review Best for Fair Skin: MAC Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick at Nordstrom $25 Jump to Review Best Matte: MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour at Nordstrom $28 Jump to Review Best Glossy: MAC Lustreglass Sheer Shine Lipstick at Nordstrom $27 Jump to Review Best Satin: MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick at Sephora Jump to Review

Best Overall

MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick

View on Sephora View on Maccosmetics.com $25 at Nordstromrack.com

Shade: Paramount

“I can totally see why Jen Aniston navigated toward this lippie during her time on Friends. It perfectly encapsulates ’90s vampiness while still being effortlessly chic. I especially loved how it complemented my dark hair and eyes, making them pop against my ghost-pale January skin. Plus, the satin sheen helped my lips feel hydrated and supple during wear, even though I’m currently dealing with chapped winter lips.” —Erika Reals, Senior Editor

Best-Selling

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick

$23 at Nordstrom View on Maccosmetics.com $23 at Macy’s

Shade: Ruby Woo

“I love wearing red lipstick when I need a boost of confidence or to up the glam, like a big meeting or date night, and this one is classic. It’s blue-red, which is best for my pale skin and red hair (plus it makes your teeth look whiter). Allegedly, it’s also one of Taylor Swift’s favorites, and that’s reason enough for me to try a lipstick—the Queen of Red Lips has never steered me wrong.” —Shannon Bauer, Associate Editorial Director

“As a Black woman, red lipsticks can be intimidating. Ruby Woo makes them feel approachable. It has a creamy, matte consistency that is super buildable, so you don’t get intimidated by the flush of pigment. It’s easy to reapply throughout the day and doesn’t cause cracking. It’s great for day-to-night wear. It was required at most of my sorority events, and I would go for over four hours with it on (and no reapplication). I recommend it to those who want to add a pop to their outfit, whether going in the office or heading to date night.” —Essence Wiley, Writer

Best for Medium Skin

MAC Lustreglass Sheer Shine Lipstick

$27 at Nordstrom $27 at Ulta View on Maccosmetics.com

Shade: Alone Time

“This is genuinely the perfect nude lipstick for my tan complexion. It glides on effortlessly while giving my lips a juicy, hydrated finish. It’s my new go-to lippie for everyday wear!” —Ruby McAuliffe, Associate Fashion Editor

Best for Fair Skin

MAC Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick

$25 at Nordstrom $25 at Ulta View on Maccosmetics.com

Shade: Velvet Teddy

“I always reach for this shade when I'm sure what lipstick I want to wear. It's neutral in undertone but warmer and darker than my typical nudes, so it goes with most makeup looks. It amplifies natural or glam makeup and is easy to swipe on and wear.” —Shannon Bauer, Associate Editorial Director

“This was one of the first lipsticks I ever wore. My mom wore it in the ’90s, and I fished it out of her purse and tried it on using the overhead mirror in our car. The shade (to be obvious) has a very ’90s feel. It reminds me of those candid photos of Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss during the height of the Supermodel era. It’s a pretty neutral shade, so I think it works on all complexions—my mother was white and very fair, and I’m brown with olive tones.” —Tamim Alnuweiri, Senior Beauty Writer

Best Matte

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour

$28 at Nordstrom $28 at Ulta $28 at Ulta

Shade: Habit

“My lips are quite dark, so finding ‘neutral’ lipstick shades is not an easy task. Habit is a great subtle brown shade for people like me—a brighter brown shade that isn’t murky on my skin. The liquid-to-powder formula is very satisfying and more hydrating than you think. The pigment is good, and it’s buildable.” —Tamim Alnuweiri, Senior Beauty Writer

Best Glossy

MAC Lustreglass Sheer Shine Lipstick

$27 at Nordstrom $27 at Ulta View on Maccosmetics.com

Shade: Spice It Up

“My biggest lipstick gripe is when it feels like you’re wearing lipstick—i.e., The formula makes lips chapped, tight, and dry. I’m so impressed with the Lustreglass Sheer-Shine line’s silky smooth texture, similar to a nourishing lip gloss, except with way more staying power. (Goodbye, lipstick-ringed coffee mugs!). My lips are slightly dewy and healthier, making it the perfect pick for super chapped winter skin. Spice It Up is the winning shade in this collection because it’s a beautiful balance between a bold red hue and a more neutral brown. I can rock a red lipstick without the commitment of going full Morticia Addams.” —Irene Richardson, Writer

Best Satin

MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick

View on Sephora View on Maccosmetics.com $25 at Nordstromrack.com

Shade: Creme In Your Coffee

“I don’t often wear lipsticks, but this one has just enough color—without getting too out of my comfort zone—to pop. It creates a my-lips-but-better finish that elevates boring outfits and distracts from bad hair days. I’d recommend this to anybody who’s like me and is curious about implementing lipsticks into their makeup routine but doesn’t want to dive into ruby red or chocolate brown quite yet.” —Summer Cartwright, Senior Wellness Editor

What to Keep in Mind

Shades: According to the brand, MAC Cosmetics carries 217 lipstick shades and counting. Ruby Woo has been the best-selling lip product for the last five years. Finish: MAC lipsticks include satin, matte, and glossy finishes. “My favorite MAC lipstick formula is the satin finish because it’s super comfortable on the lips and gives them a natural luminosity while still having a decent amount of pigment,” says makeup artist Jasmine Adetunji.

Your Questions, Answered 

What is so special about MAC lipsticks?

MAC lipsticks often perfect what others don’t: staying power, impressive shade range, and versatility. “Its innovative texture and color systems are versatile and intuitive, making them a foundational tool for achieving virtually any look,” says Metro. Besides that, MAC has a nostalgic pull that’s hard to dismiss.

“Many of us grew up seeing our mothers and older female figures wearing MAC lipsticks and wanting to use them, just like these beloved female figures,” says Adetunji. She adds, “Lipstick symbolizes a level of womanhood to many young girls, so owning MAC lipstick feels like you have grown up and can use the things your younger self always wanted to use.”

How do you apply MAC lipstick?

While Metro says the most compelling aspect of applying MAC lipstick is its limitless opportunities, she offers this advice for beginners. “You can apply lipstick first and then liner, or vice versa. Layer it on for intensity or blot it down to create a soft stain. Use a makeup brush for precision or apply directly from the bullet for ease,” says Metro.