The most popular MAC lipstick shades to flatter every skin tone
Surprisingly Ruby Woo doesn’t even make the top 10 of the These are the most popular MAC lipstick shades...
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Whether you're a complete makeup newbie buying their first lipstick or looking to expand your collection with a few more key shades, the most popular MAC lipsticks are a great place to start. The iconic brand's extensive color range can be overwhelming, so it's nice to have a smaller starting point of the best-loved shades to inspire your next purchase (or two).
Online beauty retailer Lookfantastic conducted a deep dive into the most popular MAC Lipstick shades to give us all some inspo for expanding our collections— as with the best eyeshadow palettes, there are so many choices that it's helpful to have a starting point when shopping.
The list features some of the most recognizable MAC shades across pinks, beiges, browns, and reds. Surprisingly, though, neither Ruby Woo nor Lady Danger made the top 10—nor did Jennifer Aniston's Rachel Green lipstick color. Can you believe? Keep reading for the top 10 list in full and to find your new favorite MAC lipstick shade.
Where to buy MAC lipsticks in the US
- ASOS (opens in new tab): Enjoy next day delivery on MAC by shopping the Face + Body section
- Lookfantastic (opens in new tab): Get 15% off select MAC buys right now with the code "REFRESH"
- MAC (opens in new tab): Go directly to MAC to take advantage of things like their "Back to MAC" scheme
- Nordstrom (opens in new tab): The department store often has big sales including discounts on beauty buys
Where to buy MAC lipsticks in the UK
- ASOS (opens in new tab): Enjoy next day delivery on MAC by shopping the Face + Body section
- Boots (opens in new tab): Earn Advantage Card points on Studio Fix, Velvet Teddy, Fix+ Spray and more
- House of Fraser (opens in new tab): Find sporadic MAC discounts and money-saving bundles
- John Lewis (opens in new tab): The iconic department store is a great place to snap up your MAC faves, sometimes on sale
- Lookfantastic (opens in new tab): Shop a range of MAC lipstick shades and formulas at the beauty e-tailer
- MAC (opens in new tab): Go directly to MAC to take advantage of things like their "Back to MAC" scheme
- Next (opens in new tab): Now a beauty destination that stocks all your MAC faves as well as fashion and homeware
The top 10 most popular MAC lipstick shades
1. MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy
RRP: $21/£17.50
Loved by the Kardashian-Jenners, the most popular MAC lipstick shade is of course their iconic pinky-peach nude Velvet Teddy. Every lipstick fan will have sworn this deep but ever-so-slightly rosy beige as their staple at some point in time. And it comes with a flattering no-shine matte finish.
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
3. MAC Cosmetics Satin Lipstick in Twig
RRP: $21/£18.50
A gorgeous subtle brownish-pink with a satin finish that leaves lips feeling comfortable and hydrated without fading too quickly. We would suggest wearing it with the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Instant Eye Palette for a soft, pretty look.
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
4. MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Whirl
RRP: $21/£17.50
A dirty rose color, which like the best eyeshadows for dark skin, is pigmented enough to maintain its similar color on different skin tones.
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
7. MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Chili
RRP: $21/£17.50
A beautiful red, this stands out a little from the usual with its burnt finish that creates a unique red-orange-brown blend on the lips. Pair with your best eyeliner for a modern Hollywood glam.
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
9. MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Kinda Sexy
RRP: $21/£17.50
A pretty neutral color, this comes with a pinky rose hue that softens most makeup looks. It's ideal for pairing with your best bb cream for a soft daytime makeup look.
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Lookfantastic (opens in new tab)
10. MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Yash
RRP: $21/£17.50
This MAC lipstick shade is great for a staple everyday color as the deep neutral goes well with all skin tones and most makeup looks. We would suggest pairing with our favorite Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation for a signature glowy look.
- View in the US at Ulta (opens in new tab)
- View in the UK at Look Fantastic (opens in new tab)
Aleesha is deputy editor and beauty & fashion lead for My Imperfect Life, where she heads up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. Previously she was shopping writer for 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 new products, Aleesha spends her time soaking up the newest bestsellers and Netflix releases, learning about different wines, attempting new languages and travelling as much as she can.
-
-
Last call for Lelo's Orgasmic March Sale, including 50% off sex toys
Lelo is celebrating self-pleasure with steep discounts this month, but time's running out to save!
By Danielle Valente • Published
-
Lori Harvey gives us a lesson in edgy workwear at Women’s History Month brunch
Lori Harvey's edgy take on workwear tailoring is a whole look
By Aleesha Badkar • Published