MAC launches their new MACximal Silky Matte lipsticks today, and we’ve had a first look at them.
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- MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick, £25 from MAC – buy here
Available on the MAC website and in stores on 28 February, MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick costs £25 and comes in an impressive 44 shades, including classics such as Ruby Woo and Velvet Teddy.
The formula has been upgraded to include cocoa and shea butter, so it feels silkier and smoother when applied, giving a matte finish that feels luxurious and comfortable to wear – no drying feeling or dragging the lips.
The MACximal Lipsticks will stay put all day too, claiming to last for up to 12 hours on the lips and come packaged in MAC’s iconic sleek lipstick cases.
MAC is going back to its roots, as it’s been inspired by the very first MAC make-up product to launch back in 1984: Flamingo Matte Lipstick, a vibrant coral colour.
Fans will be happy to hear that this iconic colour is back in the new MACximal line-up along with 39 more core shades to choose from plus four limited-edition Viva Glam editions.
This huge range means there’s a colour to suit everyone, whether you favour classic reds like Ruby Woo or more modern shades such as Cafe Mocha.
Dominic Skinner, MAC’s director of make-up artistry, shares his tips for a flawless application every time.
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“My top tip for the perfect pout is to apply your chosen MACximal Lipstick BEFORE using lip liner,” he says.
“Simply fill your lips with lip colour and then use the lip pencil to pull the colour out to a fuller and plumper shape.
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- MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick, £25 from MAC – buy here
“This trick is quicker and you’ll have more success than trying to work the lip liner around your lip edge first.
“Try it, you can thank me later!”
But what did we think about the new MACximal line-up? We put MAC’s new lipstick to the test and these are our honest thoughts.
Here’s what we thought of MAC MACximal Lipstick
Shade: Whirl
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Tested by: Pavlina Theodoulou
A couple of years ago, I was introduced to the shade Whirl by a makeup artist in my hometown of Larnaca, Cyprus.
Since then, it has become my go-to shade for a night out.
It enhances the finished look, and is versatile enough to go with a multitude of outfits – it’s pretty good for daywear too.
As a MAC fan, I was excited to try the new silky Matte Lipstick.
When I first opened the packaging, I immediately noticed the upgrade it had received, as the lipstick instantly looked more sleek and luxurious.
The new formula effortlessly glides on the lips, leaving them moisturised.
The shade is very pigmented and only needs one swipe to achieve the colour in the photo.
I was also pleasantly surprised that it lasted for a good four hours without needing a touch-up as I’m a compulsive snacker so I need something with longevity.
- MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Whirl, £25 from MAC – buy here
Shade: Velvet Teddy
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Tested by: Natalie Chui
My lips get very dry so I often opt for a gloss, but they lack staying power so I was excited to see whether a matte lipstick would be a better solution for me.
I often lean towards nude shades in my day-to-day life so I picked Velvet Teddy as I felt that it would compliment my complexion.
When I first twisted it, I was worried it would be too pink for me, but when I put it on, I was pleasantly surprised at how flattering the shade looked on my skin tone, and it looked very natural.
I think it’s a perfect nude for everyday wear and even compliments more glam looks.
Despite being matte, it felt quite moisturising on my lips and managed to last through a long day without much fading, making it my go-to lipstick for anything.
- MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy, £25 from MAC – buy here
Shade: Ruby Woo
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Tested by: Chantelle Symester
For me, you can never go wrong with a classic red lip, and the MAC Ruby Woo shade is a winner for all skin tones in my opinion.
Usually, I have to be careful when choosing a matte formula as it can often be quite drying and end up cracking if my lips are dehydrated (sadly a regular occurrence throughout winter).
However, this MAC formula despite being a matte finish still has a buttery soft texture and feels barely there when applied.
I also like the fact that the highly pigmented lipstick looks great without using a lip liner with it, making it a far more practical option for me to wear as an everyday red shade.
Plus the deep red shade doesn’t lift too much throughout the day either, so you don’t need to constantly reapply to boost the vibrancy of the colour.
It’s a winning staple red for me.
- MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo , £25 from MAC – buy here
Shade: Overstatement
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Tested by: Harriet Flook
I tried one of MAC’s new shades, Overstatement, which is a super wearable orange-red.
My go-to is the bold and fabulous Lady Danger, but I was looking for something a bit subtler for the office, so wanted to give this one a whirl.
First impressions are solid, you’ve got MAC’s iconic packaging with some extra touches (I love the embossed MAC logo on the lipstick).
Of course, there is nothing better than a new lipstick, which couldn’t be more true of MACximal.
It glides on, and there’s no tug as you apply.
It gives a lovely matte finish, that is super smooth but feels soft, dare I say a little balm-like once applied which makes it feel more luxurious and comfortable to wear.
The colour is highly pigmented, so is strong, bright, and long-lasting – seeing me through a whole morning at the office before I feel the need to touch up, lasting through several snacks (whoops) and multiple coffees.
I’m a big fan, it’s heavy enough to be durable from day to night but isn’t ‘too much’ for day-to-day use. I can see this being my go-to before I swap for a sheer-er finish for the summer.
- MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Overstatement, £25 from MAC – buy here
MACixmal is available now, so get ready to shop and discover your new make-up bag must-have.
While you’re shopping, it’s worth checking out another of MAC’s latest launches: Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation, which has gone down a real hit with shoppers.
And if you’re looking for more new lipstick suggestions, you’ll want to check out Charlotte Tilbury’s new Hollywood Beauty Icons collection, with a range of stunning red and pink shades to suit everyone.
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