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...

Collage of MAC lipsticks featuring the shades Velvet Teddy, Mehr, Whirl, Diva, and Honey Love
(Image credit: MAC )
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Aleesha Badkar
By Aleesha Badkar
last updated
Contributions from
Lucy Abbersteen

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: Enjoy next day delivery on MAC by shopping the Face + Body section
  • Lookfantastic: Get 15% off select MAC buys right now with the code "REFRESH"
  • MAC: 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: 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
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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.

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2. MAC Matte Lipstick in Mehr

RRP: $21/£17.50

This mid-tone mauve pink works beautifully on all skin tones thanks to its matte finish and flattering soft pink that is deepened by the tiniest hint of beige.

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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.

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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.

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5. MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Taupe

RRP: $21/£17.50

This one does what it says in the name but comes with a warmer taupe than the usual greyish hue you might expect. The muted taupe brown comes with a reddish tinge for a flattering finish.

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6. MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Diva

RRP: $21/£17.50

A beautifully bold color, this matte lipstick a deep red-burgundy with a hint of plum for something a bit bolder than your usual nude. Ideal for nights out or days when you want to make a statement.

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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.

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8. MAC Matte Lipstick in Honey Love

RRP: $21/£17.50

This light beige is warmed by a hint of rose and is lovely for summer days. Just be aware that it is on the lighter side of the beige spectrum so can show up differently on darker skin tones.

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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.

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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.

Aleesha Badkar
Aleesha Badkar
Deputy Editor at My Imperfect Life

Aleesha is Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she heads 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.

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