Top 10 MAC Lipstick Shade Suggestions By JFH Staff – Matte Version

We all know MAC and the kind of cosmetics it makes. However, in the last 3 years in the makeup industry, a lot of other brands and companies have come up which have beaten MAC at the game, making a very Nokia like situation.

I remember a time when everyone wanted to buy MAC products, but now hardly people speak about them. Brands like Estee Lauder, Clinique, Huda Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics have taken MAC’s throne by innovation, better products, and a less entitled attitude towards their customers.

But we here at JFH believe that at present, the only redeeming quality left about MAC cosmetics is their matte lipsticks that come in their signature black bullet shaped cases, which have a gorgeous texture, with a pigmented formula that stays matte.

They aren’t as full proof as the retro matte variety, but they are still up there.

In this post, we will be sharing with you our top 10 shades from MAC’s matte lipstick collection.

Before we begin I will like to say, given the humongous number of lipstick shades that MAC sells, it is kind of difficult to pick just 10, so as a side note, please keep in mind that these are just our top 10 picks. We do not imply in any sense that these are the best of the best out of the lot, because even we have more favorites than just 10 shades.  

10. Heroine

This colour is a bright purple that will give your all the Halloween witchy feels. This colour is a bit out there and isn’t exactly wearable for something other than casual parties, or a night out in the club, or maybe a themed party.

Regardless of how you choose to wear it, (other than maybe at the office) this colour is bold and it is perky; perfect for those of us who like to take risks with our looks or with fashion.

09. Diva

I think this shade is one of those famous MAC shades that live in the same house with shades like Ruby Woo and Velvet Teddy.

It is a reddish burgundy that is reminiscent of fall and everything that it brings with it. I think one of the colours that I associate with fall, other than dark berry tones, is this lipstick’s shade.

The formula isn’t patchy and you can wear it either buy dabbing a bit of colour or go all in.

08. Instigator

This shade is a deep blackened plum which gives a violet finish if applied with a slight hand and a dark almost black finish when you go for its full pigment.

The shade in the bullet will remind you of Revlon’s “Black Cherry” and Charlotte Tilbury’s “Glastonberry”.

This MAC lipstick will fall somewhere in between those two in terms of its price, but colour wise, they are all dupes of each other. Coming to when you can wear it, well, the moment October hits, you can put away those nude lips and take out the plums and berries because nothing goes with your camel jacket and suede boots than a dark berry lipstick.

07. Intoxica

For those of you, who like wearing bright raspberry red lipsticks, I think you will find this shade right up your alley. It has an orange undertone to it, so it will look better on you if you have a warm undertone as well.

The colour reminds me of Allie from The Notebook because even she wore a similar colour like this one in the movie. I think this kind of a red lipstick is perfect for bringing the bit of pop in your otherwise neutral makeup look, taking things from 0 to 100 instantly.

06. Studded Kiss

This shade is an oxblood red with which I have a love-hate relationship. I love its deep red colour which perfectly vibes with my autumn loving heart, but then the formula of this shade is a bit patchy, meaning you do not get opaque pigment in one swipe.

However, depending on the lighting, this colour does look a bit different. Once, under the tube light it looked brown and then under natural light it looked a bit like a warm toned red, like a red brick’s colour would be like, but maybe a little bit darker than that.

05. Mehr

For those of you who prefer wearing nudes, then this dirty blue-pink shade might get your fancy.

The thing about this colour is, it looks like a brown based nude on the bullet but on your lips, it gives a pinky finish. So, it isn’t exactly your normal neutral shade because it does have hints of pink running through it.

However, for an everyday look or a look for your office, this lipstick will do just fine.

04. Punk Couture

Yet another colour that will fulfil your inner grunge queen and make your teen self who was probably obsessed with being an emo kid, proud. It is a deep blackened grape shade that looks quite dark in the bullet but when you put it on, depending on the amount of pressure you apply, you can decide how much pigmentation you want.

Also, if you wear it but taking little bits of it on a lip brush then you can also tone down the dark to your liking.

So, the next time you wear a black dress and feel obligated to apply the usual red lip, resist. And instead opt for this shade, because it is bomb.

03. Persistence

I think this shade is the perfect nude for those of us who are a bit more on the bronzy side. I have come across so many nude lipsticks that look really good on pale skinned girls but when I put it on, the colour washes me out.

This particular shade though is a peachy cinnamon colour that is just dark enough that it won’t wash me out, but isn’t so dark that I won’t be able to categories it as a nude.

This shade will look really well on formal parties or client meetings, because it gives your lips just enough colour without really clashing with the professional setup.

02. Sin

For all you cool toned girls out there who feel like the orange-red lipstick looks funny on them, this shade is the answer to your problem.

It is a deep dark blue based red that compliments cool undertones and makes your teeth look white as well. I always reach for this shade when I feel like I want to play it safe with my makeup but still want a bit of colour that will bring my whole look together.

01. Whirl

The last shade suggestion on our list is another nude. This shade is a bronzy brown that will compliment all skin tones.

I think brown lipsticks are making a comeback after last appearing in the 90s, and with so many people pointing out the need to diversify the nude lipstick colours and come up with shades that fall under the nude category but has a different level of pigment in it so that it fits darker skin tones, that even MAC managed to come up with a shade.

Whether you wear it to class or work, or perhaps even for afternoon brunch, this shade will fit into all your neutral makeup looks.