Image: MomJunction Design Team
MAC products have established their presence throughout the globe in the cosmetic range. Short form of ‘Make-up Art Cosmetics,’ MAC is known for its variety of cosmetic products, including foundations and lipstick. So if you are planning on getting some of the popular MAC products home, have a look at the list of the best mac products compiled by us.
Paula Navarro, a professional makeup artist, says, “I like the fact the MAC doesn’t do animal testing, and its products are free of parabens (barring MAC Pro Chromacake), phthalates, SLS, triclosan, PABA, and other nasties.”
Continue reading as this list of products from the celebrity-endorsed brand MAC will help you shortlist what you need in your make up kit.
Top Picks
13 Best MAC Products To Add To Your Makeup Kit In 2024
1. Best Long-Lasting: MAC – Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Image: Mac 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 5,240 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
Applying a foundation may not be as easy as it looks on a YouTube video. And not all of us have great skills with the brush or the beauty blender. But there are lines and blemishes to hide. That is why MAC brings you this expert-recommended powder foundation that works as a compact powder and a foundation. This MAC beauty product gives you full coverage to hide all those unwanted lines. Its natural matte finish helps keep oil and shine in check. This non-fading MAC powder lasts all day, so your skin looks fresh and flawless. Check out this review video to understand how the product works.
Pros
- Offers long wearing up to eight hours
- Non-drying formula
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant
- Includes a mini mirror
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
- May be less crease-resistant
"I've relied on this powder foundation for years, and right from my youthful years to my mature skin, it has been consistent in the coverage that it offers. It's super lightweight and covers blemishes without settling into lines. The hinge of the palette did come loose after prolonged use, but despite this minor flaw, it remains my go-to product for its undeniable functionality."
Beauty tip2. Best Highly Pigmented: MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 Lipstick
Ariana Grande is known for her fun and flirty style. She experiments with her makeup quite often but maintains her vivaciousness in all her looks. This Viva Glam lipstick, in collaboration with Ariana Grande, can help you achieve Ariana’s signature style. The lipstick is highly pigmented and has a creamy texture. So, if you are a hardcore ‘Arianator’ and love her makeup, then you might just want to try this MAC makeup lip color.
Pros
- Can be worn alone or under lipgloss
- Glides smoothly
- Suitable for date nights
Cons
- May have more of a purple undertone
3. Best Lip Nourishment: MAC Lipglass Lip Gloss Oh Baby For Women
A sucker for lip gloss? Here is a gloss that can help you achieve an effortlessly glowing look. This professional-grade lip gloss has a subtle sheen and gives you a glass-like finish. This MAC lip gloss comes in various colors and is highly pigmented, so you can rock it all day long. It comes with a doe-foot applicator that makes it quick and easy to apply. It contains jojoba oil that will soften and nourish your lips.
Pros
- Has slight shimmer to it
- Conditions and smoothens lips
- Dramatic color with a glossy finish
- Available in a variety of shades
Cons
- May be a little too pigmented for a lip gloss
- Might be sticky
"This tinted lipgloss has removed the hassle of carrying extra products when out and about. It gives a sparkly effect of lipgloss and the appealing color of a vibrant lipstick. And the bottle is also travel-friendly. Therefore, it has been a worthy purchase."
MAC - Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation | MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 Lipstick | MAC Lipglass Lip Gloss Oh Baby For Women | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All | Combination |
| Color | NW25 | NW25 | Multi |
| Dimensions | 5 x 4 x 5 inches | 5 x 4 x 5 inches | 4 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 0.52 Ounces | 0.52 Ounces | 0.71 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,240 | 302 | 416 |
| Price | $32.0 | $25.0 | $18.02 |
4. Best For Dry Lips: MAC Prep + Prime Lip
Image: Mac Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 596 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
Most of us tend to take good care of our faces but ignore our lips completely. If your lips are mostly dry, but you love wearing lipsticks, then why not prep your lips with this Prep + Prime lip base. It works like a lip primer and also a lip balm. It can moisturize the lips and smoothen them for a healthy and soft look. Additionally, this expert-recommended primer can also be used as lip gloss. Swipe it over your favorite matte lipstick, and you will have that subtle sheen. Check out this tester’s experience with using the lip product in this review video and learn if this is the right product for you.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Suitable for combination skin
- Fragrance- and oil-free
- Minimizes lipstick feathering
- Provides immediate hydration
Cons
- Might be gluey
- May not be long-lasting
"I love this lip primer as it keeps my lipstick from feathering or cracking. It even moisturizes the lips, and the sheer color allows me to wear it with all my lipsticks. Although the quantity feels less, no other product has been able to offer what this one does. Hence, it's a constant in my makeup routine."
5. Best For Vibrant Eye Look: MAC Brushstroke Liner
Image: Mac The MAC brushstroke liner can help you achieve accurate, sharp lines and curves that enhance your eyes. This versatile brush applicator features a soft tapered tip that is easy to glide around the curves and edges of your eyes. The black eyeliner offers an intense and vibrant finish to make your eyes stand out and is ophthalmologist-tested to ensure safety. This easy-to-use MAC eyeliner allows you to create whichever look you want in minutes, be it a subtle natural look or more dramatic smokey eyes.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Suitable for combination skin
- Fragrance- and oil-free
- Minimizes lipstick feathering
- Provides immediate hydration
Cons
- Might be gluey
- May not be long-lasting
"I've been using this eyeliner for a while now, and it lasts for an eternity. Whether drawing fine or thicker lines, the pen-like design makes it feel like a walk in the park. It's a silent companion that never fails to uplift my look."
6. Best For Flawless Look: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
Image: Mac Ever wondered how celebrities manage to look their glowing best all the time? Well, sometimes it’s good skin, and sometimes it’s a mineralized face powder like this one. Available in a variety of shades, this face powder gives you a matte finish and medium coverage. It is good for touching up your makeup throughout the day so you too can look flawless all the time.
Pros
- Hides blemishes and skin imperfections
- Blends and blurs smoothly
- Offers natural finish
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May not stay long
- May break into pieces on dabbing with brush over time
"MAC's mineralized skin finish matches my skin tone beautifully and does not look chalky. It blends flawlessly and even blurs out my imperfections. Although some oil does show through at the end of the day, it has been very helpful in keeping my makeup on point all day."
7. Best For All Skin Tones: MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Powder
Image: Mac From the Prep + Prime range comes a transparent powder that helps you set and lock in your makeup. This silky powder helps reduce shine and makes your skin look silky soft. It is dermatologist-tested and suits all skin tones and skin types, including sensitive skin. It helps conceal skin pores and banish fine lines, making it as good as any MAC concealer. You can use it over makeup or even over a bare face.
Pros
- Absorbs excess oil
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Non-acnegenic
Cons
- May leave a white cast
- May have an intense smell
"I discovered this marvelous product while searching for a reliable setting powder for my oily skin. It offers a matte finish that lasts all day, and applying strategically also helps get a blur effect similar to airbrushing. Although it can leave a slight white cast, careful blending can resolve that issue. All in all, this powder is super impressive."
8. Best For Easy Application: MAC Technakohl Liner Graphblack
Image: Mac A single swipe of a good liner can make a lot of difference to any face. This black liner comes in a pencil shape that makes it easy to apply. Its long-lasting formula dries in no time and does not smudge. It is transfer-proof and safe to use on your waterline. The intense black color brings the drama you seek for your eyes.
Pros
- Intense color
- Creamy formula
- Stays up to eight hours
- Non-acnegenic
- Quick-dry formula
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- Hard to master a thin line
"This MAC eyeliner has been a personal favorite and continues to work well. It offers a deep black color and does have a slight glittery effect, but that only adds to its charm. Moreover, the product comes in a retractable tube, removing the hassle of carrying a sharpener."
9. Best Sun Protection: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 NW20
Image: Mac MAC’s expert-recommended Studio Fix Foundations is one of its best-selling products worldwide. It is available in a variety of tones, colors, and coverages. Its oil-free matte formula keeps shininess at bay. It contains SPF 15 that protects the skin from the harsh rays of the sun. It offers medium-to-full buildable coverage. The celebrity-favorite foundation does not make your skin look cakey and does not settle within the lines on your face. It glides smoothly over your skin to give you a natural and flawless look.
Pros
- Oil-controlling formula
- Buildable formula
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant
- Dermatologist-tested
- Blends smoothly
- Available in different shades
Cons
- Makeup may appear thick after application, since this is a hybrid type of foundation, meaning is liquid but dries powdery
- May have an overpowering smell
"This foundation offers impressive coverage, and I have even been able to mix it with other bases. I've had no breakouts, a relief for my sensitive skin. I initially struggled to find my perfect Mac shade, but once I did, it became a constant part of my makeup routine."
Did you know?10. Best Lash-Conditioning: MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
Looking for a high-volume mascara that can enhance your lashes like nothing else? Have a look at this Gigablack Mascara. This MAC mascara comes with a gripper MAC brush, which has micro-spheres that can curl up even the tiniest of the lashes. It contains minerals that not only lift but also condition your lashes. The best part about it is that it lasts for as long as 16 hours. Its smudge-proof formula is easy to wash off.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Flake-proof
- Safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearer
- Humidity- and sweat-resistant
Cons
- May not offer the right lift
- May have watery eyes
11. Best Travel-Friendly: MAC Eyeshadow Palette X9 Dusty Rose Times Nine
Image: Mac The unique nine-shade eyeshadow palette features shadows of diverse textures, from matte to frost, allowing you to create various day and night eye makeup looks and combinations. Its portable design makes it travel-friendly and perfect for on-the-go use. Moreover, this product is free of phthalates, parabens, SLS, SLES, and formaldehyde, making it considerably safe to use.
Pros
- Non-acnegenic
- Can be used dry or wet
- Available in wide range of textures
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Compact
Cons
- Might be small in size
- Shades may vary from the image
"The MAC palette added the much-needed pop to my eyes. All its colors are well-pigmented, blend flawlessly, and stay put even during summer. They perfectly flatter my neutral undertone and sharp features and make it easy to experiment with different looks."
12. Best Matte Finish: MAC Matte Lipstick Whirl
It is really hard to talk about MAC and not mention its iconic lipsticks. MAC lipsticks are popular for their unique colors and various textures. MAC Whirl is a popular lipstick because of its universal appeal. It looks good on any skin tone. It is highly pigmented and can last for hours. The lipstick formula offers a matte-finish and makes your lips look smooth. It contains Vitamin E that replenishes your lips and makes them soft.
Pros
- Creamy finish
- Traditional bullet design
- Velvety texture
- Attractive color
- Available in different lipstick shades, ranging from nude lipsticks to bright, pop colors
Cons
- May not last long
- Shade may seem darker than the image
"I love the deep pigments and the matte effect offered by this lipstick. It has moisturizing properties and glides smoother than a chapstick. And although it doesn't last as long as I'd like. Still, I'm fond of its resistance to extreme heat, which genuinely impresses me. Hence, I look forward to exploring different hues in the future."
13. Best Waterproof Formulation: MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Lash ‘Dimensional Black’
Image: Mac The professional-grade In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara features a large molder applicator brush that visibly increases the volume of the eyelashes in an instant. Its result-driven waterproof formulation is free of parabens, mineral oil, formaldehyde, laureth sulfate, and coal tar. Moreover, the lightweight carbon black mascara is non-clumping, making it easy and convenient to use.
Pros
- Tear-proof
- Easy-to-hold wand with fine bristles
- All-day formula
- Safe for the contact lens wearer
Cons
- Lashes may become wiry
"With this product, I've finally found a waterproof mascara that meets my expectations. While the application can be slightly thick, a lash comb fixes that minor issue. It's even sunscreen-proof, which is a big plus. Overall, it's been a great find for an outdoorsy person like me."
How To Choose The Right MAC Product For Yourself?
Like any other makeup product, you can select MAC products based on your skin tone and type. MAC has products for all types of skin colors and skin types. Be it a foundation, a brow product, or even a lip product like a MAC lip pencil, you can check its suitability for your skin using the swipe test online and then make your purchase accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are MAC products good for the skin?
Yes, MAC products are good for your skin. They are devoid of ingredients such as phthalates, SLS, hydroquinone, and triclosan, making them a relatively safe option. Moreover, the pigments in MAC’s cosmetic products are rich and deep and do not clog pores.
2. How long do MAC foundations last?
MAC foundations are long-lasting. There are different kinds of foundations based on the users’ requirements. A liquid foundation can last up to 15 hours, while a cream foundation with SPF can last for an entire day. The waterproof foundations are also long-lasting and provide 24 hours of coverage.
3. Can I use MAC foundations every day?
Yes, MAC foundations are lab-tested and made with approved ingredients, making them safe for everyday use.
4. How long do MAC lipsticks last?
One can go without touch-ups for four to ten hours. For instance, the Retro Matte liquid lipstick lasts up to eight hours.
5. Are MAC foundations good for dry skin?
Foundations for dry skin by MAC have hydrating properties, making them excellent options for people with dehydrated skin requiring extra moisture. Choosing a foundation with the right texture is essential to make dry skin look even and hydrated, You may also choose a cream product or gel-based foundation that is most suited for giving a satin-like finish to dry skin.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is an experienced product writer and reviewer with a passion for fashion and cosmetics. She has compiled this list of the top MAC products to enhance your look after extensively researching each product’s specifications and reviews across numerous platforms. Since MAC is among the top cosmetic brands, its products are diverse and range from basic lipsticks to exotic eye palettes. Poulami has thus explored all the product types to determine the must-have MAC items for your collection.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to makeup, you must choose high-quality products to keep your skin safe and healthy. MAC Cosmetics has a wide range of products, including foundation, mascara, liner, lipstick, and eyeshadow, to help you create and experiment with different vibrant looks. Pigmented and offering a smooth finish, these products are made of nourishing ingredients to make your skin look soft and glowy. We recommend you choose the Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation as it provides maximum coverage and a matte look, and to give your eyes a vibrant look, choose the Brushstroke Liner. Also, make your lips glossy and glamorous with the jojoba oil-infused MAC Lipglass Lip Gloss Oh Baby For Women. We hope our list of the best MAC products can help you analyze the options and make an informed decision.
Infographic: Notable Contents Of M.A.C. Products
M.A.C. makeup products are renowned for their rich formulations and extensive range of shades, enabling effortless enhancement of natural beauty. Understanding the common ingredients used in these products is essential for assessing their quality, as they come in direct contact with the skin. Explore the infographic below to gain better insights into M.A.C. makeup formulations.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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