These are the most popular MAC lipstick shades to suit any skin tone

Surprisingly, a couple of big-hitters don't make the list of the most popular MAC lipsticks

Collage of MAC Matte Lipstick in Taupe
(Image credit: MAC Cosmetics)

Whether you're a complete makeup newbie buying your first lipstick, or you're looking to expand your collection with a few more staple shades, the best MAC lipsticks are a great place to start. Because the iconic brand's extensive color range can seem overwhelming at first glance, having a smaller starting point of the best-loved shades is nice to inspire your next purchase (or two, or three).

Online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC conducted a deep dive into the most popular MAC Lipstick shades, giving us all inspiration for expanding our collections— because as with the best eyeshadow palettes, there are so many choices that it's nice to have a starting point when shopping. 

The list features some of the most recognizable MAC shades across browns, reds, pinks, and beiges. Surprisingly, though, neither Ruby Woo nor Lady Danger made the top 10—nor did the exact MAC lipstick Jennifer Aniston wore as Friends' Rachel Green. Keep reading for the top 10 list in full to find a new favorite MAC lipstick shade or rediscover an old favorite.

Where to buy MAC lipsticks in the US

  • ASOS: Enjoy next day delivery on MAC by shopping the Face + Body section
  • LOOKFANTASTIC: Another beauty e-tailer that stocks your MAC faves
  • MAC Cosmetics: Go directly to MAC to take advantage of things like their "Back to MAC" scheme
  • Nordstrom: The department store often has big sales including discounts on beauty buys

Where to buy MAC lipsticks in the UK

  • ASOS: Enjoy next day delivery on MAC by shopping the Face + Body section
  • Boots: Earn Advantage Card points on Studio Fix, Velvet Teddy, Fix+ Spray and more
  • House of Fraser: Find sporadic MAC discounts and money-saving bundles 
  • John Lewis: The iconic department store is a great place to snap up your MAC faves, sometimes on sale
  • LOOKFANTASTIC: Shop a range of MAC lipstick shades and formulas at the beauty e-tailer
  • MAC Cosmetics: Go directly to MAC to take advantage of things like their "Back to MAC" scheme
  • Next: Now a beauty destination that stocks all your MAC faves as well as fashion and homeware
  • Sephora: Now with a bricks-and-mortar store in London, Sephora also recently became a MAC stockist in the UK
Aleesha Badkar
Former Deputy Editor at My Imperfect Life

Aleesha was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. Previously she was Shopping Writer at woman&home and gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team. She earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London in 2017 and has since worked with a number of brands including, Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto. When she’s not testing all the new beauty & lifestyle products on the market, Aleesha spends her time soaking up the newest bestsellers and Netflix releases, watching everything Marvel, learning about different wines, attempting new languages and traveling as much as she can.