So this is the first time I'm writing about MAC, and what better way to let you in into my MAC stash than to begin with my (and I'm sure most people's) absolute favouritest MAC thingie - the MAC lipstick! Now, I'm not a MAC hoarder - I don't typically go crazy after LE stuff and I like exploring other brands too. But there are some gems from MAC's permanent collection - blushes, lipsticks and eyeshadows especially - that are classics and I like adding a few items from those into my collection, mostly for effortless daily wear. The lipstick I'll be talking about today is one such lovely gem - I've repurchased it twice already and shall be repurchasing it throughout my life (as long as I continue to look graceful in pink lipstick, that is!). So without further ado, here's my most favorite MAC lipstick for you to drool over -MAC Lustering!!! Read on to know what makes it so special :)
Price: Rs.1190/- for 3 gms. (used to be Rs.990/-)Packaging: MAC's standard and very famously unique black bullet with sparse silver flecks. Classy, elegant, understated. Feels solid yet light in hands, cap closes securely- has never come-off in my bag. The only problem is, if you have too many of these bullets it's quite a task locating the exact shade you want in a hurry as the bullets are not colour-coded.
Shade/Colour: MAC describes it as an
“outspoken pink lustre” - it is a blue-based medium hot pink that is fairly neutral, so will look good on most skintones. Depending on your skintone and the level of pigmentation on your lips, it can come out as a rosy pink, fuchsia pink or a warm watermelon pink. Any way, it is an extremely flattering shade of pink to wear.
Texture/Finish: Lustre finish by MAC - my absolute ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE finish! It gives a translucent, wet, glossy look to the lips, and no matter how many layers you apply it never settles into lines or cracks. For extremely dry lips you might need to exfoliate and moisturise with a balm before application, otherwise it goes on quite smoothly on my normal-dry lips. Coverage is semi-sheer to medium, and it doesn't emphasize dry patches. A friend of mine with extremely pigmented lips tried this, and on her lips it turned a glossy rosy pink which showed up quite well, so beauties with dark lips shouldn't have an issue with the translucent finish :) The Lustre formula, on my lips, is mildly hydrating and quite comfortable to wear as it doesn't dry out my lips over time.
Lasting Power: Quite low, about 2-3 hours, and with food/drink it disappears faster. It doesn't leave a stain so touching up becomes necessary, which I don't mind personally.
On the flip side: Transfers easily, low lasting power, which does hurt at this price point.
To sum up: MAC Lustre lipstick Lustering is my most-used, most favorite MAC lipstick simply because of the stunning colour and the juicy, plump appearance it gives to my lips. If you don't mind the semi-sheer coverage and can overlook the low lasting power then it is a MUST-HAVE lipstick from MAC. In fact, it is a more wearable version of MAC Girl About Town, so if you find GAT too much for day-to-day wear, Lustering can easily become the substitute for the exact shade in a different finish.
Dupe: In case you are looking for a similar shade and finish in a more wallet-friendly range, then do check out Deborah Milano Shine Creator SPF15 Lipstick #8. Priced at Rs.625/-, it is ever-so-slightly blue-er, and the texture is slightly tacky, but it is quite long-lasting and gives a similar effect to MAC Lustering. You can look up a swatch here.
Hope you find this review helpful. What is your favorite MAC lipstick? Let me know in the comments! :)
