The best MAC products are the kind that live on shelves for generations—our grandma’s, our mom’s, and now ours. Even with a constant stream of new launches, the brand still wows with no-brainer, fill-a-gap-in-your-routine staples that stand the test of time. Take Fix+, for example. Launched 25 years ago, this setting spray has had upgrades along the way—like a finer spray pump—but we still reach for it to lock in makeup and add a hit of hydration. And then there are the Lip Pencils, another enduring favorite that’s an everyday staple in makeup artists’ kits (we have plenty of these liners floating around the office, as well). And, at any given moment, the brand always has exciting launches in the pipeline. (Our lips are sealed!) Bottom line: MAC mixes nostalgia with modern updates, and we’re always excited to try both the classics and the new hits.
Our Top MAC Products
Ahead, the best MAC makeup products—editor-tested and endlessly praised by makeup artists—that deserve a permanent spot in your routine.
Matte About You: Retro Matte Lipstick
Why it’s worth it: If you’re all about the mattes, MAC’s Retro Matte Lipstick will definitely tickle your fancy. It skips the shine but keeps the comfort, gliding on smoothly without clinging to dry spots. The finish feels effortlessly worn-in from the first swipe—and it stays put for hours without needing a touch-up. Ruby Woo, a vivid blue-red, is easily the most recognizable shade, and looks amazing across pretty much every skin tone. It’s no wonder Allure editors and celebs, including Taylor Swift, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Priyanka Chopra, always have Ruby Woo on rotation.
P.S. If you prefer a slightly less mattifying formula, pick up MACximal Silky Matte, which is infused with coconut oil, organic shea butter and organic cocoa butter for hours of moisturizing goodness.
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
“Name a more iconic red lipstick shade—I won’t wait because I need to gush about Ruby Woo now. This true blue-based red simply hits every time and makes me feel 100 times more put together and confident. Sometimes I find classics overrated—but never Ruby Woo. In the world of reds, RW will alwasy be S-tier. And despite Retro Matte being, well, matte, it’s really comfortable to wear and doesn’t dry out my lips. (I do usually prep my lips with lip balm though.) Oh, and my lipstick bullet happens to be engraved with my initials (thanks, MAC!), which is extra special.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Cover Story: Studio Radiance Face + Body
Why it’s worth it: With 13 shades across four undertone families—cool, neutral, neutral warm, and neutral cool—finding your perfect match of MAC’s super lightweight and blendable Studio Radiance Face + Body Foundation is basically a guarantee. It’s also waterproof and long-wearing, so if you have a long event like a wedding or a stacked work day, you can rely on it for all-day comfort and wear. It’s our old faithful foundation for long days at the office, weddings, nights out, and the list goes on.
Tester feedback from Allure beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
“Mac has been way ahead of the curve when it comes to the wave of skin tints that hit the market in the past few years. That ‘your skin but better’ look everyone has been chasing has been right here the whole time with Studio Radiance Face and Body. All I do is activate it with some friction and tap away, and I get a flawless veil that helps hide my redness and smooth out my complexion instantly!”—Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, orange peel oil
- Who it’s for: those seeking an ultra-natural look
The Base Case Scenario: Prime and Prep Radiance Primer
MAC
Prime and Prep Radiance Primer
Why it’s worth it: What’s better than a hydrating primer? One that illuminates skin. MAC’s Prep + Prime Radiance Primer creates a buttery-smooth, glowy base for makeup without leaving a heavy, greasy finish. You may not notice them upon application, but the illuminating pearlescent powders in the formula give you a soft, lit-from-within glow all day. The primer comes in two shades—yellow and pink—so you can pick the one that best complements your undertone (warm undertones are best suited for yellow, while cool undertones are best for pink).
Tester feedback from Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
“I haven’t been using this primer for a long time. (maybe three months) but I love it! It gives me such a nice glow and leaves my skin feeling very dewy and moisturized. Because it’s not tacky like E.L.F. or Milk’s grippy primers, I wouldn’t use it for full glam, but if you’re wearing light-coverage skin tints (like me) and need a primer to give you that sunkissed look, this gem is definitely for you.”—Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
- Key ingredients: shea butter, caffeine, willow bark extract
- Who it’s good for: people with dry skin
- Finish: glowy
- Shades: 2 (Radiant Pink and Radiant Yellow)
Draw Some Attention: Lip Pencil
Why it’s worth it: MAC’s Lip Pencils have lived and thrived through every makeup trend (especially the ’90s), and you bet they’re still staples for our lip looks. The creamy, ultra-pigmented formula is a go-to for industry insiders, including New York City-based makeup artist Joseph Carrillo, who deems it “long-wearing and easy to blend.” If you want to keep those ‘90s vibes alive, he recommends using Spice, a brownish-pink shade that just so happens to be a Best of Beauty Hall of Famer.
“Growing up, the MAC wood pencil lip liner was a staple in my mom’s makeup stash, so it makes sense why it’s become my holy grail liner. Not only is this a tried-and-true liner for its color payoff and formulation, but Cork complements my lips so well. It’s so hard to find that perfect shade of brown that is versatile in a way where I can apply one coat for a simple/minimal contrast, or add more product for more definition without appearing too stark.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
All About The Gloss: Lipglass Air
Why it’s worth it: Weightless and invisible are the names of the game when it comes to MAC’s Lipglass Air, which packs moisturizing ingredients—hi, coconut, meadowfoam, and jojoba oils—to keep your lips feeling pillowy soft and hydrated. And, without staining your lips or using drying ingredients, it manages to stay put (and ultra-shiny) for hours without feeling sticky. All 13 colors (except clear) leave a subtle tint with a single coat, or can be layered on for a brighter, punchier look.
“This lives up to the ‘non-sticky’ claims better than any other lip gloss I’ve tried in recent memory. It’s so lightweight that it feels closer to an oil, but the color actually sticks around for more than an hour. All of that plus the fact that Casual, a ‘deep dirty peach,’ is pretty close to my natural lip shade means this has officially become the lip product I reach for most often out of the hundreds in my stash.”—Kara McGrath, content director
- Key ingredients: coconut oil, meadowfoam seed oil, jojoba seed oil
- Shades: 13
Seal The Deal: Mac Fix+
Why it’s worth it: Struggling with temperamental skin? MAC’s Fix+ Original Setting Spray is here to lock in your makeup, without adding to your irritation. This alcohol-free mist is a tried-and-true favorite amongst editors and makeup artists because it grips everything in place while replenishing moisture with a soothing combination of green tea, chamomile, and cucumber extracts. “Fix+ takes away the ‘powdery’ look and allows my clients’ makeup to look like their skin again,” Shervonne Kitto, a makeup artist based in Secaucus, New Jersey, previously told Allure.
Tester feedback from Horgan
“Can you really call yourself a makeup lover without using Fix+? I use it in between multiple steps in my routine to help different products melt together in order to have a perfectly blended base. It’s the ultimate fixing tool, and there’s a reason it’s been a staple in artists’ kits and my own for years now.” —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
- Key ingredients: green tea extract, chamomile extract, cucumber extract
- Finish: natural
- Waterproof: yes
- Fragrance-free: no
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?