MAC Liptensity Lipstick Swatches & Review - Mulling Spices, Postmodern, Hellebore, Gumball

Press Sample

MAC Liptensity Lipstick Review

You guys know I love a good lipstick, but I'm super picky when it comes to how they feel on my lips, which is why I really like a good gel formula when I can get my lipstick-loving hands on them. The problem is, most gel formulas are often semi-sheer from my experience, which works for some looks, but not all.

When I heard MAC was releasing a hyper-pigmented gel formula (I see you, Liptensity!) I did a little dance and I'm happy to say I may have done another after giving 4 of them a try!


Liptensity Lipsticks are meant to be, according to MAC, hyper-pigmented lipsticks in a gel base. I read that the shades were actually created by MAC with the help of a tetrachromat, someone that can see 100x the normal number of shades, named Maureen Seaberg. The goal was to create 24 shades that were so pure they could work well on a variety of individuals. Did you know apparently only women can be tetrachromats? I had no idea!

Anyway, I was immediately taken with the shades launched in the Liptensity line up and thankfully sent over 4 for me to test out and share with you guys.

Where to Buy: MAC Stores & Counters/MACCosmetics.com 
Price: $21 retail

MAC Liptensity Lipstick Swatches & Review

First of all, the second I saw that these lippies came in coordinated tubes I flipped my lid. I love when MAC does this! There's something so visually pleasing--to mention how easy it makes it to identify the shades.


Anyway, the formula itself is definitely a gel formula and there's a bit of tug on the lips as you apply, though I found this was less when applied with a lip brush (my preference) rather than straight from the tube. The tug isn't bad, but a little noticeable.

The formula melts, as its meant to, into the lips and the finish is a beautiful satin.

The shades I received were nicely pigmented with Hellebore being the only one that was not a giant POW in the face with pigment. As a result, it wasn't quite as even as the others when applied to bare lips. Still gorgeous, but I'd pair it with MAC Heroine lip pencil.

The shades I had were comfortable and while not hydrating, they weren't irritatingly dry either. I did find that, like most lipsticks, they got a tad dryer with wear, but nothing like a liquid lipstick.

You guys know I never talk about wear since I get an abnormally short amount of wear on my lips compared to everyone else, but I've heard they last several hours on others.

Sorry for the arm swatches, guys. I'm sick and lip swatches was just not a possibility. I know you guys like side-by-sides anyway though, so here you go...

L to R: Mulling Spices, Postmodern, Hellebore, Gumball

L to R: Mulling Spices, Postmodern, Hellebore, Gumball

As we all know, MAC's swatches and descriptions can sometimes leave you scratching your head compared to the shades in real life, but I found Mulling Spices to be the most confusing shade name as I assumed this shade would be a brown with red undertones. Instead it was a gorgeous, moderately deep, cool-toned red with slight raspberry undertones. I'm not complaining because I love a good blue-based red and it's gorgeous, but what's with the name? ;)

Final Thoughts

I'm a fan! I love gel lipsticks in general, but these are SO pigmented and pretty--love! They go on nicely, they're definitely comfortable and the cute coordinated packaging is an added bonus. I do wish they were more hydrating, since I love a good hydrating lipstick, but given how pigmented they are I'll settle for the fact they don't make me want to peel my lips off my face and they pack a color punch.

Overall, I love the 4 shades I have and I definitely have to grab a few of the nudes and maybe another pink or red. You know, for research's sake!

Will you be grabbing any of MAC's new Liptensity lipsticks?

Where to Buy: MAC Stores & Counters/MACCosmetics.com 
Price: $21 retail

Note: Products in this post were provided by PR/the brand. All opinions are my own based on my experience.