Hey beauties! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic lip liner collections out there – the MAC Lip Pencils. As a self-professed lipstick addict, I’ve been dying to give you my honest thoughts on these cult-favorite liners. I scoured through tons of customer reviews to bring you the real tea on shades like Whirl, Nightmoth, Cork, Chestnut, and Spice. Get ready for the ultimate low-down on formula, color payoff, staying power, and so much more. Let’s jump in!
The Formula: Creamy, Pigmented Perfection
One thing that stood out in almost every review was the dreamy, buttery formula of these pencils. Users raved about how effortlessly they glide onto the lips, depositing rich, opaque color in a single stroke. As reviewer Lata gushed, “These lip liners glide like butter and the coverage is super great.”
Many also praised the pencils for their incredible staying power. Stellers noted, “This stays put and lasts very well!” Even after meals, Clarissa found herself impressed: “It’s king wearing and a perfect summer lip.” For long, grueling days or nights out on the town, it sounds like these liners have got you covered.
But the real magic lies in how creamy and comfortable they feel on the lips. In a world of drying, chalky lip liners, the MAC pencils are a hydrating oasis. Nicole amelia wrote, “This has a smooth application,” while Liy added, “Very creamy, blends well, and lasts very long.” Bambina even called the formula “extremely comfortable.” Music to my chapped lip-having ears!
Of course, no product is without fault. A few reviewers like Be and Mandy found the pencils too dry and painful to apply. However, the vast majority praised the formula’s creaminess and comfort. As with any product, personal preferences and experiences can vary. But overall, it’s clear that MAC has nailed that perfect balance of pigment and hydration.
The Colors: From Everyday Nudes to Bold Statements
Now let’s talk shades! With an expansive color range featuring nudes, pinks, berries, and bolds, there truly is a MAC Lip Pencil for every mood and skin tone.
Whirl: The Ultimate “Your Lips But Better” Shade
Topping the charts is Whirl, an iconic rosy-brown that’s often touted as the perfect “your lips but better” shade. Its reputation held up in the reviews, with Sara calling it “an everyday liner” and Dee proclaiming, “Whirl is my go to I’ve bought like 4 already and it’s been my go to for years.”
Many praised Whirl for its versatility and natural-looking finish. Jules noted, “The colour is perfect for my neutral skin tone. I use this to shape my double lip line for both neutral and bold lip looks.” Reviewers across a range of skin tones seemed to adore this shade, proving why it’s reached holy grail status in the beauty community.
Cork & Chestnut: Brown Girl Friendly Faves
For melanin-rich beauties, Cork and Chestnut emerged as standout favorites. Mzzza raved, “This lip liner is great for brown skin girls! …This dark brown shade makes it easy to have different lip combos. This is a staple in my makeup bag.”
Reviewers loved how these shades paired beautifully with both nude and bold lipsticks. Bambinaa even called Cork “the perfect liner for your nude combo lip.” With their rich, creamy pigmentation and easy blendability, it’s no wonder these two have become go-to’s for a range of deeper skin tones.
Boldly Bright: Reds, Berries & Plums
For the color enthusiasts out there, shades like Nightmoth, Bittersweet, and Brick proved that a pop of daring pigment is only a pencil away. Nightmoth, a deep blackened plum, was a standout for its ability to deliver impact. Mack commented, “Nightmoth is a true plummy/berry shade in a creamy and versatile formula that can be used to line, fill in, blend with a balm, and layer with other pencils.”
Meanwhile, Brick wowed as a rich, scarlet red that could hold its own or play well with lipsticks. Lexi gushed, “This is my go-to red lip liner, works so well with everything and the colour is flawless.” For head-turning lip looks with depth and dimension, these bold offerings did not disappoint.
Versatility: The Multitasking Marvels
Perhaps what delighted reviewers most was the incredible versatility of these pencils. Far beyond a basic lip liner, users found endless creative ways to incorporate them into their makeup routines.
Many loved using the pencils to totally reshape and enhance their lips. SCS explained, “Amazingly, does not turn into any weird bright colors. Lately, I just outline my lips then put on favorite SPF chap stick, press and smear the liner around and use that for lip color.” By blurring out the edges, you can create the illusion of fuller, more defined lips in an instant.
Others raved about the pencils’ ability to completely transform their lipsticks. Kelly shared, “It’s talked about for a reason because it becomes everyone’s must have and the one you’ll always want to put on. It’s the perfect liner for your nude combo lip.” By mixing and matching pencils and lipsticks, the color combo possibilities seemed truly endless.
Some even discovered the power of these pencils for impromptu touchups and all-over color. Nahomy wrote, “Oak is definitely the most natural looking shade, you can mix & match it with almost anything.” For a quick, effortless lip look on the go, a couple swipes of a MAC Lip Pencil could do the trick beautifully.
The Verdict: Are MAC Lip Pencils Worth the Hype?
After poring over pages of glowing reviews, I think it’s safe to say that MAC Lip Pencils have more than earned their cult-favorite status. With their unparalleled color selection, luscious creamy formula, and incredible multitasking abilities, these pencils truly are the cream of the crop.
While a small handful of reviewers experienced dryness, the overwhelming majority praised the pencils for their comfortable wear and longevity. And with so many shades to choose from, there really is something for everyone, from understated nudes to look-at-me brights.
Of course, at around $19 a pop, these aren’t the cheapest lip liners on the block. However, judging by the rave reviews, a little seems to go a long way. Investing in one or two shades that speak to you could be an easy way to level up your entire lip game.
As a beauty blogger who’s tried her fair share of lip pencils, I have to say I’m thoroughly impressed by the MAC offerings. The customer feedback speaks for itself – these zippy little pencils have the power to reshape, define, and totally transform the lips. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my own makeup bag, and I have a feeling they’ll be gracing vanities worldwide for years to come.
So there you have it, my loves! The MAC Lip Pencils: officially beauty blogger approved. Whether you’re looking for a “your lips but better” enhancer or a punchy pop of color, there’s bound to be a shade that speaks to you.
Here are my top picks based on the customer reviews:
- Versatile Everyday Shades: Whirl, Spice, Oak, Stone
- Perfect Nude Lip Liners: Cork, Stripdown, Boldly Bare
- Best for Deeper Skin Tones: Cork, Chestnut, Nightmoth, Cyber World
- Bold & Bright Lip Pencils: Brick, Nightmoth, Bittersweet, Vino
I hope this in-depth review helps you find your own perfect match! Let me know in the comments which shades you’re dying to try. Until next time – stay beautiful!
Xx, Your Trusted Beauty Blogger
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