6 MAC Lipsticks to Try for Fall
One of the most popular trends for Fall this year is wine and berry shades for the lips, very similar to last year’s trend as well. Surprisingly, nude lips are also on trend this year too, so if the berry/wine trend isn’t your thing, you can still go nude! Some of these shades are rather daring, but I wanted to include a wide range to suit a variety of complexions. 😉 Which one will you try or do you have an existing favorite? Feel free to share yours in the comments below!
*Money-Saving Tip* I never purchase MAC lipsticks without trying them first! Generally if you visit a MAC store, you can try the lipsticks there in person and you might be able to snag a sample from a sales associate, but that isn’t always the case. I buy my MAC lipstick samples for around $2-3 from The Body Needs – great way to try before you buy!
If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives from the drugstore, you’re also welcome to view my 6 favorites from the drugstore here, too.
MAC Russian Red
One of my all time favorite red lipsticks from MAC is Russian Red, not only for the flattering blue-toned red given, but also for the matte finish. If you have had difficulties finding a red shade suitable for your complexion, I highly recommend giving Russian Red a try before any other, as it’s usually a one-stop shop type of color. Perfect for a modern-day retro pin-up look, too!
MAC Chili
MAC’s Chili lipstick was a recent discovery for me and after trying the sample size of this color, I knew instantly it was one of those shades I HAD to have! Chili has more of an orange base to it, so it is more suitable for warm complexions rather than cool complexions. I feel like this is one of the more subdued reds from MAC that isn’t over the top and hard to wear.
MAC New York Apple
Another recent find for me, and I must say I am in LOVE! This is the most perfect red in terms of the color and finish. Not a shocking red color, this one is a mixture between a pink and a red which makes it so easy to wear. I’d describe it in color as being equal to MAC’s Cranberry eyeshadow, in lipstick form. Even though there are not any sparkles in the formula literally, I feel like this one makes my lips sparkle, something different about the formula with this one. I am madly in love; my new favorite red!
MAC Dark Side
All I can say about this shade is … WOW! I knew this one was going to be realllly dark on me, but to be honest with you … I kinda like it! Haha! Dark Side is the epitome of the Fall wine trend and naturally this shade is perfect for medium to dark complexions. If you’re a daring fair chick like me though, don’t be afraid to rock this one for an evening out! I know my husband will NOT like it, so maybe it’s just for a night with the girls, but still … 😉
MAC Rebel
Rebel is a tricky one to photograph! I don’t feel like this color comes off as beautifully in pictures as it looks in real life, so this is one you will need to try in person to see whether or not you like it. On my monitor, it looks more red than how it really is in life – a plum-berry shade. The swatch above is much more accurate with the color. This is one of those shades that can look different from one person to the next though, too so do try it for yourself (and let me know what you think!)!
MAC Captive
One of my all time favorites has to be Captive, hands down. While not a true red, this is more of a burgundy shade which makes it real easy to wear anytime. I feel like it’s one of those shades that’s a great transition into a truer red shade, too. If you’ve had qualms about trying a true red lipstick, giving MAC’s Captive a whirl might help ease you into the idea! Creamy finish, beautiful color, long-lasting and pairs well with a variety of eyeshadow looks!
boops
On you-I think Dark Side looks the best, I don’t have any real reds, wish I could wear them, but it makes my lips look too thin.
Flavia Artizzu
Perhaps you can try bright reds such as Chili or Lady Danger.
Flavia Artizzu
Or Ruby Woo…
boops
Thanks Flavia I’ll try something cause I do love RED.
Zabrena
Aww! Did you see the drugstore list I posted on YouTube today? There’s one in there by Revlon called ‘Fashionista’ – it’s a realllly light red, and I just love it. I wonder if a light red would be better for you …? Those darker reds can have a ‘black dress’ effect for lips, I know what you mean.
boops
Thanks Z-I’ll look for it today, maybe that will work for me, maybe I’ll put some lip fusion XL on and then this.
Rebecca
MAC Chili is gorgeous for fall. I discovered it last year when I was looking for a lipstick like Audrey Horne wore in Twin Peaks.
Zabrena
Ouuu! Genius!
Flavia Artizzu
I have three of these lipsticks: Russian Red, Dark Side and Rebel and I love them all! But I find Dark Side an absolute WOW on my really pale complexion. I think that dark lipsticks looks the best on pale skin though I would have never imagined that before trying Dark Side on!
I also love Diva and Hang Up (very similar to DS though).
RR is the best red in the world and Rebel…well is one of the most beloved MAC lipstick, but sometimes I find it so strong and dark on me… I don’t know, it appears different from how it looks on you.
Want to try Captive, though I’m afraid is too similar to Craving which I own (and LOVE).
Anyway, all these shades suits you so well!
Zabrena
Thank you, Flavia! I have Craving and can tell you it’s a little lighter and slightly more pink than Captive; it’s worth checking out! I’d go the sample route though to see if you really like it 🙂 Ouu! Thanks for mentioning Diva and Hang Up; I am always looking for new ones to try! I was reallllly torn on using Russian Red or Ruby Woo in this post, as I love them both so much, great colors, you’re right! Did you ever see Black Cherry from Milani? I feel like it’d be a great dupe for MAC’s Dark Side here. I remember trying that one on last year and thinking “oh yuck!” but I actually quite liked how Dark Side looked. Hmm! Funny how our tastes change; there is something to be said for the contrast factor though; it is a dynamite combo for us! 😉
Katara Coates
Omg…love this. I purchased chili last night and have it on today ;-)….it looks more orange on me. I love it.
K
Zabrena
Ouuu! Gorgeous, Katara! I can see that one being amazing on your complexion! Great shade for you! I love the orange based reds!
Karah
Hi,
New York Apple looks gorgeous on you! Love it. 🙂 I agree with Flavia about darker lipsticks looking better on lighter skin. She’s right that Craving is a beautiful color.
Unfortunately, one of my favorite MAC reddish lipsticks was discontinued. It was Cyndi Lauper’s Viva Glam. It’s a perfect color for cooler skin tones. I wish MAC would bring it back. I’ll have to try New York Apple.
Zabrena
Hey K! Thank you! You definitely must try New York Apple! That’s such a WOW color! Aw! Sorry to hear about the Cyndi Lauper shade being discontinued; that really stinks! Especially when it’s hard enough to find a really good red! 🙁
KristaS
Love love love these, thanks for sharing, and for your drugstore picks as well. I am a big fan of berry/vampy lipsticks as long as they’re not too blackish. However, I don’t wear lipstick much because aside from getting over it being noticed by others who comment (isn’t that the point?!?) because I don’t wear it often and it looks nice (or I am paranoid that it might NOT look good. Ok, I have issues…), my problem is how to keep the darn stuff on. Any tips on how to put it on and keep it on? I hate eating with it on and so yeah, I’d have to reapply it after lunch, but it always comes off on my cup or water bottle. That’s bad enough, but then I find out there’s no more color left because of it and I’ve been walking around with partially faded color. Not attractive. So I’ve become sort of paranoid, always checking it when I do bother to wear it. I don’t want to do the blot it with powder thing because not only have I then changed the color that I like enough to actually wear, but I’ve changed its finish as well. Any suggestions? I want to bust out of my self imposed shell and wear some lipstick, dang it! 😀
Zabrena
Hmm, the only suggestion I have is to look for matte finish lipsticks. In my experience, those are the ones I find to last a lot longer than the regular amplified or more creamy finishes. A lip liner applied underneath can help prolong the color, too!
KristaS
So, do you just keep reapplying all day if you’re not wearing a matte? I guess if that’s what I need to do, then that’s what I’ll do.
Zabrena
LOL Yes, unfortunately 🙂
KristaS
Yeah, I am a total (38-year-old) lipstick newbie. Good thing I have you, right? 😀
Zabrena
Haha! RIGHT! 😉
Andrea Anderson
Well dye my hair black and put on Nine Inch Nails, that Dark Side is Ninties! 😉
Really like Captive.
Zabrena
Haha!! Turning it back old school! 😉
Tracey Hall
I need spring summer recommendations for those of us in Australia
Zabrena
Hi Tracey! I would recommend pinks and corals for summer – lucky you! That’s probably my most favorite part about summer, getting to break out the coral shades. Ones like MAC Creme Cup, Lipblossom, Candy Yum Yum, Show Orchid, Flamingo, Pink Nouveau, Impassioned, Vegas Volt and CB96 would be awesome for spring/summer! 😉
Mariella
I am SO going to have to check out Captive when I’m next at MAC – it is beeeee-yooooo-teeee-ful. What is the finish of it, Z? I absolutely ADORE New York Apple, which surprised me when I first got it because I generally don’t like “frost” lipsticks by NYA is so different from your standard frosts. I think I’m on my 2nd (possibly 3rd) tube. I have Rebel but rarely wear it. Two others I love that aren’t in your list but are “go to’s” for me are Dubonnet and Capricious.
boops
Just checked my mac lip collection and I have Craving-I don’t think I’ve used it yet. HHMMM will give that a try next time I go out.
Mariella
boops, Craving is one of my all time favourite lipsticks – I probably have 4 tubes of it on the go at any one time (one at school, one in my bathroom, one in my purse and one in the kitchen drawer!). It’s an amplified cream, which is my favourite finishes because it lasts very long and yet isn’t drying (several of my faves are all amplified creams – Brick-o-la, Craving, Dubonnet, Impassioned). Craving is so wearable – I’m sure you’ll love it.
boops
thanks mariella, I also have Brick O la which I have worn and do like. All my Mac Lippies were free with Back to mac so I chose a variety of colors.
Zabrena
Hey M! It’s a Satin finish! 🙂 NY Apple is my new favorite, I’m tickled it’s one you love too! Dubonnet and Capricious are gorgeous, too! Great picks!
Mariella
Thanks, Z! I am going to pick it up. I’m was at the gym this morning and before heading out to yoga in a few minutes, I got washed and re-did my minimal makeup (tinted moisturizer with SPF, some eye cream with SPF and nude shadow on top, a bit of blush and I decided “what the heck” and slapped on some Rebel! It’s a lovely colour but I rarely wear it because it looks a bit harsh and “glaring” on me. But like I say, anything goes at yoga! I do need to start wearing it more often so I can get more accustomed to it. As for NYA, when everyone was singing the praises of coral lippies for spring, I had my lovely New York Apple – it’s such a universally flattering shade that it’s as great for spring as for fall or winter.
boops
BTW-mac’s site is discontinuing Fiction Eye shadow already as well as Kid and some lip products. Just a heads up.
Zabrena
I saw that! 🙁 Why Kid?!
Mariella
Fiction’s not being “discontinued” per se…it was only brought back as part of some “users’ choice” thing they do from time to time (they did it with Moth Brown a year or 2 back) – so Fiction was actually a “limited edition repromote”. Why they don’t make it permanent (same with Moth Brown) is beyond me. It’s a fabulous shade and I’m so glad I got it. And to get rid of Kid is just plain stupid!
boops
Agree Mariella-I got fiction back when Z said its a great sub for Greensmoke. So happy I did, I use Fiction a lot now. I don’t have Kid, but some similar colors.
Shaunell
Great shades Z! I personally own, Captive(my very first MAC lip purchase ;), Rebel, love! You’re right, it must be difficult to capture the true color. None the less, a beauty :)) Dark side on you… Wow! Love it! And the New York Apple, have not heard a thing about this one, gorgeous!!
Zabrena
Haha! You must try New York Apple! Instant love! 😉
Saira
Gorgeous lipsticks,Zabrena. I love Chili – I’ve never seen that shade on before.
It’s funny,New York Apple looks much more berry in tone on me. It looks so red on you! I have fond memories of New York Apple as I wore it on my wedding day.My wedding dress was burgundy in colour so I wore burgundy/pale pink tones for my make-up (I did my own make-up) . I was really happy with how it turned out :o) . I finished my tube of New York Apple ages ago….tempted to buy a new one now!
Zabrena
Ouu! That sounds gorgeous, Saira! I could definitely see wearing NY Apple on a wedding day, and you dress sounds like it was gorgeous, too! What a fab look!
Mariella
Okay…guess who just treated herself to a new lipstick? Guess what lipstick? Okay, can’t guess…starts with a “C” and I saw it here…..y’know, at “My Enabler Consultant”!
Zabrena
LOL! Have you tried it?! What do you think?!
Mariella
Have I tried it???? What do YOU think! Of course I tried it. I tried it in-store first but who can tell ANYTHING in THOSE lights. So I wore it all evening and I’ve worn it for the last 2 days. I was a bit surprised that the texture seems a bit dry on application but smooshing it around with a lip brush takes care of that. I find it lasts really well too – generally til lunch time (and from 6 or 7 am, when I apply it, that’s pretty good). The colour is fabulous – I don’t know how I’ve missed it all these years and it’s lovely for fall. On me, it seems a bit more burgundy and muted than a true ‘red’ and I’m just lovin’ it.
Zabrena
LOL! Well DUH! Hahaha! You crack me up! It’s more burgundy on me, too, not a true red like Ruby Woo. So glad you’re liking it! YAY! 😀
May
Love these lipsticks! I have Dark Side but find I have to muster some courage to wear it. It’s SO dark!
Question about lipsticks and travel though: I watched your tutorial on how to depot them – seems easy. Would it be a good idea to melt them into empty eyeshadow pans, and to do the same with some paint pots? Or with empty sample jars from The Body Needs?
You are a great makeup teacher! I have been getting compliments on my eyeshadow application ever since I started reading your blog! So thank you!
May
p.s. I didn’t mean to melt the paint pots, just to take out a bit with a spatula into a round pan 😉
Zabrena
Haha! That definitely is one that takes courage; I still have yet to wear it out of the house myself! 😉
You could definitely melt the samples down into empty eyeshadow pans, if you wanted to make them easier to use. I’m all for making things accessible and easy!
Thank you so much for the compliments and I’m so thrilled to hear others are noticing your skills! That’s the biggest compliment I can only hope to receive! 😀
Jess
Hello!
I wore New York Apple on my wedding day as well and it was beautiful. What eyeshadows are you wearing here? The combination looks fab with all the reds. Thanks!
🙂
Amber Marquez
I too would really like to know the eyeshadow combo that you are wearing here as fall is just around the corner. ☺️