Hey there beautiful people! It’s your resident lipstick-obsessed beauty blogger Lila here, ready to give you the tea on one of the most buzzed about lip launches of the year – the new M·A·C Locked Kiss Ink 24HR Lipcolour. When I heard MAC was dropping a new long-wear liquid lipstick formula with major claims like 24-hour wear, transfer-proof, and waterproof, you know I had to get my hands on it and put it to the test! I mean, who doesn’t want a lip color that will last through endless cups of coffee, meals, cocktails, and maybe even a makeout sesh or two (wink wink)?
But as a discerning beauty addict, I know better than to blindly believe the hype. With so many long-wear lip products on the market these days, I was curious to see if MAC’s new Locked Kiss Ink would truly live up to its impressive claims, or end up being a disappointing gimmick. So I scoured through dozens of online reviews from real customers to get the scoop on how this lipstick actually performs IRL. I’ve compiled all the juicy details – the good, the bad, and the smudgy – so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your lip wardrobe.
The Basics
Let’s start with the key details on this lippie. The M·A·C Locked Kiss Ink 24HR Lipcolour is a liquid lipstick that comes in a range of bold and neutral shades. It has a thin, liquidy texture and comes with a standard doe-foot applicator. The brand claims that it delivers:
- Intense, vibrant color payoff
- Comfortable matte finish
- Smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and waterproof wear
- Non-drying, flexible feel with nourishing ingredients like petrolatum, coconut oil and shea butter
- Incredible 24-hour wear
Sounds like a dream, right? A lipstick that looks gorgeous, feels good, and truly does. not. budge. But does it actually check all those boxes? Let’s dive into what the reviews had to say…
The Color Payoff
One thing that almost all the reviewers agreed on is that the Locked Kiss Ink lipsticks deliver when it comes to bold, opaque color in just one swipe. From vibrant reds to softer nudes and plums, people were very impressed by the rich pigmentation. The shades seem to apply true-to-color and look super saturated on the lips.
A few standout shades that got a lot of love in the reviews:
- Ruby True” – a stunning bright blue-red (a liquid lip version of MAC’s iconic Ruby Woo)
- “Gossip” – a vivid fuchsia pink
- “Bodacious” – a warm-toned peachy nude
- “Decadence” – a deep burgundy red
Several reviewers noted that the thin, liquid consistency made it easy to achieve a precise application, especially when defining the lip line and cupid’s bow. The general consensus was that you can create an impactful, eye-catching lip look with minimal effort.
However, a few people mentioned that some of the brighter colors looked different in-person than how they appeared online, leaning more orange or neon than expected. So it may be worth swatching in-store if you want a very specific shade. Overall though, the color selection and payoff was a big hit!
The Finish & Feel
Here’s where things get a bit more divisive. The Locked Kiss Ink is described as having a “comfortable matte” finish that “flexes with your lips.” Some people really enjoyed how it felt, saying it dried down smoothly and had a lightweight, hardly-there texture that didn’t feel tight or cracky. The inclusion of moisturizing ingredients like petrolatum and shea butter seemed to help it feel less dry and more flexible compared to other liquid lipsticks.
However, quite a few reviewers complained that it made their lips look and feel very parched and shriveled up, especially after a few hours of wear. Even those who prepped their lips beforehand still experienced that dry, dehydrated sensation. Some found the formula very flat and paint-like rather than velvety and creamy.
Interestingly, several people noted that the darker shades seemed to be more drying and harder to work with compared to the lighter nudes and pinks. The deep reds and berries had a tendency to cling to lip lines, flake off in patches, and be tricky to reapply evenly.
So the matte finish seems to be a matter of personal preference. Those who like an ultra-matte look and feel were thrilled, while those with chronically dry lips were less enthused. I’d definitely recommend exfoliating and moisturizing your lips well if you want to rock these comfortably!
The Staying Power
Of course, the biggest selling point with the Locked Kiss Ink is its supposed “24 hour wear.” MAC went big with their claims of this being totally transfer-proof, waterproof, and basically indestructible. Did it actually stand up to the hype?
Many reviewers were impressed by just how budge-proof this lipstick was, especially in the first few hours of wear. It seemed to set quickly to a smudge-resistant finish that held up well through drinking, light snacking, and even a peck or two. People reported very minimal transfer onto cups, straws, their teeth, or other people’s faces when kissing!
The general consensus was that you could count on it lasting solidly through a workday, dinner out, or a night of partying with friends – as long as you weren’t eating anything too oily or messy. Some even bravely tested it with greasy pizza and found that it only started to break down after that.
But here’s the catch – NO ONE reported it actually lasting a full 24 hours as claimed. Most saw significant fading, especially in the center of the lips, after about 6-8 hours and definitely needed to touch up beyond that. So while the staying power is very good compared to traditional bullet lipsticks, it won’t literally survive a whole day and night on your lips. The “24 hour” claim seems to be a bit of an exaggeration.
A few other caveats – several people noticed that while the color didn’t transfer much, it did tend to flake and crumble off the lips over time, especially if they had any dryness or flakiness to begin with. Some had trouble layering the color back on after it started wearing away, saying it looked patchy and uneven.
So overall, the Locked Kiss Ink has above-average longevity that will likely last you through a standard day (or a steamy makeout – yes, one bold reviewer fully made out with it on!). Just don’t expect a full 24 hours of pristine, intact color.
The Removal
You’d think a lipstick designed to withstand the elements would be a huge pain to take off at the end of the day, right? Actually, most people said the Locked Kiss Ink was surprisingly easy to remove with an oil-based makeup remover or balm cleanser.
Unlike some stubborn liquid lipsticks that seem to stain your lips for days, this one thankfully breaks down and wipes away without too much rubbing or scrubbing. It doesn’t leave behind much residual color after cleansing.
The only tricky part seems to be cleaning up any mistakes or smudges in your lip line during application, since the color dries down so quickly. You’ll want to keep a precise makeup remover or some concealer handy for any necessary clean-up!
The Verdict
So where do I land on the MAC Locked Kiss Ink 24HR Lipcolour after analyzing all these reviews? I think it delivers on most – but not all – of its claims.
It definitely offers intense, vibrant color payoff that lasts longer than your average lipstick. If you’re looking for an option that won’t immediately smear off while you’re sipping your latte or smooching your boo, this will likely fit the bill and stay put decently well throughout the day with minimal touch-ups. The extensive shade range and easy-to-use liquid formula are also big pros.
However, the “24 hour wear” claim is a bit of a stretch based on real world testing. It’s definitely long-wearing, but expecting it to look freshly applied after a full day and night is unrealistic. The ultra-matte finish and dry texture also won’t be comfortable for everyone, particularly those prone to chapped lips.
Ultimately, I think it comes down to your expectations and personal preferences. If you want a bold, budge-proof lip that will last you through your 9-5 and beyond, the Locked Kiss Ink is worth checking out, especially in the brighter shades. But if you need a hefty dose of hydration or hate touching up throughout the day, you may want to stick to a creamier, more forgiving formula.
My biggest tip would be to prep your lips really well to ensure a smooth canvas (think: gentle scrub + lip balm), line your lips to prevent bleeding, and don’t skip the balm on top if it starts to feel dry. With a little TLC, you can maximize the wear and comfort.
While not the “unicorn” 24-hour lip product it claims to be, the MAC Locked Kiss Ink is still a solid option with impressive staying power and color payoff. It’s a fun choice when you want a statement lip that won’t back down after a few cocktails or kisses – just keep your expectations realistic and give your lips some extra love!
I hope this honest review and round-up was helpful for anyone curious about MAC’s buzzy new lip launch. Have you tried the Locked Kiss Ink? What did you think? Let me know in the comments – let’s chat all things lipstick!
Pucker up,
Lila
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