This seems like an embarrassing review to write. My collection of MAC lipsticks seems rather large, especially when I think about the money I must have spent! When I started with makeup it seemed like MAC was all that was on YouTube, and all that I bought. Then I learnt about the limited edition packaging/collections. Oh just give me pretty packaging and it seems like I'll buy anything.
When buying by MAC try not to be intimidated by the girls at the counter! I have had both good and bad experiences. These days though I do buy quite a bit of my MAC products from online from the MAC Cosmetics website directly using my YouShop account as it is quite a bit cheaper.
The packaging is classic, I love the black bullet. The only thing I would change about there packaging is so that you could know what colour is which when looking at them. The lipstick itself often has a slight scent of Vanilla, but nothing I notice once it is on the lips.
Be warned each lipstick has a different wear time and effect on the lips depending on the formula. I make sure (now) to look up reviews of each lipstick before I buy it. My favourite place for that is a site called temptalia as she is incredibly candid and honest.
The Loves; Craving - a BR enabled purchase, beautiful rich dark pinky/reddish tone with a glossy finish. A fantastic bright colour that I feel can be worn everyday. Plus it lasts forever on the lips and suits everyone. Spitfire - A limited edition from the Wonder Woman collection (great packaging). It is a true bluish pink that is super bright. A fav. Rebel- A super dark plummy pink. So many people get scared by the darkness of this shade but it's truly beautiful. You can either tap on the lips for a light shade, or in the Winter I love putting a full covering of this on my lips for a more dramatic look.
The Likes; Modesty - This is a darker nude--y pink shade. Lovely finish as it is a cremesheen so it looks almost like a glossy finish. But on a day to day basis I'm more likely to grab a brighter shade. Lustering - My brightest pink, think hot pink. Don't know why I don't reach for this more often (maybe the size of my lipstick collection). Speed Dial - a toned down version of Lustering, don't know why I have both.
The Eh's; Creme Cup - People go crazy over this on YouTube and I thought it would be my perfect nude-y pink shade. But it is a super pale pink and it just washes me out and makes me look sick, perfect for a darker skin-tone I think. Double-Spin - super duper pale pink from a limited edition, in a white tube that is super beautiful. Too bad the shade looks deathly on me. Fantasia - a dark reddy brown that looks really too dark on me. From a limited edition set.
Overall there are so many shades and finishes anyone can find a perfect shade for them. However they are quite expensive so make sure that you find something you truly love before purchasing as there are many lovely cheaper lipsticks out there.
My first ever MAC lipstick was in the shade Fanfare and I fell in love with it. It was a cremesheen and it was easy to apply and the shade was ideal for everyday wear. Since then my collection has grown a fair few. I now own 5 MAC lipsticks and because of their huge range of shades and formulas it seems that I never fail to find a new shade to take home when I'm at the MAC store. Personally my favourite formula is the Cremesheen range simply because of the ease with which they apply and how easy they are to work with. That being said however, I do also own a Matte formula - Pink Plaid, and 2 Amplified Creme formulas - Up The Amp and Girl About Town. They are beautiful lipsticks to use and I would recommend them to all of my friends!
Tips: Always prep lips before applying a lipstick by using a lip balm or lip scrub to aid staying power of the lipsticks. Using a lip liner increases the longevity of the lipstick and helps to create a crisp edge. When applying a matte shade (which can be more difficult); prep lips with a lip balm to provide extra moisture for the matte formula to soak up before it starts on your lips - this will help it to look better for longer; matte lipsticks dry out so warm up the end on the back of your hand for smoother lip application; keep lips moisturized throughout the day to help keep the matte finish looking its best. Hope some of these things help!