Mac Cosmetics reviews and discussion

4.1

84% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Richly pigmented lipsticks collection
  • Long‑wearing eyeshadows performance
  • Iconic fix+ setting spray
  • Durable, blendable paint pots
  • Heavy, cakey complexion formulas
  • Drying long‑wear lipstick formula
  • Sticky lipglass gloss texture
  • Inconsistent foundation shade matching

Mac Cosmetics earns strong reviews for performance: lipsticks, eyeshadows, and Fix+ setting spray consistently deliver rich pigment and all‑day wear, while classics like Studio Fix powders and Paint Pots prove reliable. Reviews also flag drawbacks—complexion products can feel heavy or oxidize, some formulas (Lipglass, certain long‑wear lipsticks) run sticky or dry, shade‑matching and packaging can frustrate, and the brand isn’t cruelty‑free—making Mac a powerful but not universally comfortable choice.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

76 reviews and posts

  • I bought their setting spray. Was meant to have a glowy finish, it didn’t. It also didn’t even set / hold my makeup. Going back to UD. Thank you

  • Everything I ever buy from MAC is super high quality. I'd go there for products I know I want to use frequently, and therefore want them to work well.

  • MAC was one of the first makeup brands I have ever used. I still browse the store every once in a while. They are a great brand with a wide range and somewhat affordable compared to newer brands in the space.

  • I'll admit I haven't tried a lot of MAC products but that's because I've had consistent problems with their brushes. The glue seems to loosen after three or four washes & that's just not the quality I expected from such a pricey brand. When taped back together the brushes are great! They do the job I would like them to. But it's only a matter of time before the tape has done all it could. Gonna try super glue next.

  • I'm still a MAC stan, even if influencer brands have taken over and MAC now feels more like... the rich aunt that has stuck with her holy grails for decades kinda vibe? But as someone who had mostly MAC used on me for my bridal look, I think it's still a high quality, reliable, amazing brand I can trust. The eye shadows still give me exactly what I need, the mehr lipstick is one of my absolute must haves, and the fixing spray is also a regular in my routine - even on less make-up heavy looks. Also appreciate that their pricing recently is more affordable. I'd love it if they brought back the fun collabs and unique collections they used to do (I know they still have LEs but they are not nearly as exciting as they used to be) and I know it would make me purchase more, too!

  • Mac is definitely a staple cosmetic in my home. They last forever and they are amazingly pigmented and great for my skin. my favorite is the foundation and the bronzer and the lipstick.

  • MAC Cosmetics lipsticks are amazing—such rich colors, great pigment, and a smooth application that lasts all day! The shades are versatile, and they really know how to make colors that pop. I do miss the old trade-in program, though; it was a great incentive for loyal customers and made the brand feel even more rewarding to buy. Still, MAC lipstick remains a staple in my makeup routine for its quality!

  • One of my ride or die brands - 100% recommend. The fix plus spray, studio fix compact foundation and the matte lipsticks are a permanent fixtures in my makeup bag. Highly recommend liquid lipsticks. My absolute favourites are the gingery blush and the lipsticks in the shade Capricious, Verve, Whirl, Paramount and Diva!

  • Being 15, getting my makeup done professionally for the first time before going to my first concert Stromae at Madison Square Garden with my mom. Iconic.

  • I have been using MAC products for 30 years! You read that right. The very first max product I got was on Robson St in Vancouver. It was the most beautiful, shimmery blue eyeshadow. I was so excited! I haven’t stopped. There hasn’t been a moment since you won’t see something from MAC on my vanity. Forever loyal!

  • Great quality make up - specifically their blush, khol eyeliner, and eye shadow primer. Their eyeshadows are solid. I don't wear lipstick much, but I have a glossy and matte lipstick from MAC that feels amazing. MWA <3 I've been using MAC for over a decade. I stand by their khol eyeliner as some of the best. Smudges just the right amount. Recently discovered their eye shadow primer. FINALLY a solution to my deep set oily eyelids (Urban Decay wasn't cutting it anymore). I know shopping at MAC isn't as fun as the wonderland of Sephora but it's worth it!

  • Mac is a classic for me when it comes to cosmetics but for some reason I just don't find myself reaching for their products? I feel like my general feelings when I use their products is that it's good but good enough to empty or keep purchasing.

  • I’ve been using my MAC brushes for years and nothing beats the pigmentation and durability of their paint pots. I wish they made the switch to organic and safe ingredients.

  • Solid products that I have been using since the early 2000's - the eyeshadows are prefection and Studio Fix gives amazing coverage with a ton of shades. I really like their new lip balms as well. I will forever be a MAC customer.

  • All time favorite product would have to be the Fix Plus spray. I use it more as a primer than a setting spray. As far as the rest of their products, I can’t say they’re my favorite. Only because I have very sensitive skin and every other product I’ve tried from them ultimately breaks me out or gives me a rash. :(

    Consumer
  • I love MAC for their great prices and lipsticks. They have the most amazing colors and finishes and cannot go wrong with them. Their packaging is also very sleek and I think the best bang for your buck.

  • How can you go wrong with MAC? It's one of the most consistent and quality makeup brands on the market. The price point is somewhere between drugstore and luxury, leaning more towards luxury. I do think that MAC is worth the cost. Makeup is my most favorite hobby and I spend my money on trying products, always searching for my new favorites. I don't think I've ever tried a product from MAC that I didn't like. I would absolutely tell you if I did not like something. I'm still trying to figure out a shade of lipstick I fell in love with back in 1999. I will not give up hope in figuring out what the shade was. It was a cool toned brown with almost a silver hint to it. Maybe one day I'll figure it out. I highly recommend the setting spray, Fix Plus. Also recommended is any eyeshadow, as it will have all day lasting power and it will be highly pigmented. Their lipsticks are comfortable to wear and last for awhile, but touch ups will definitely be needed throughout the day. The white Prime & Prep powder is great for before makeup application like putting it on your eye primer, but it also does wonders for reducing shine and baking your face, if that's something you like to do. I think the only warning I would give is for the Lip glass. Those lippies are no joke. They are beyond sticky. It doesn't bother me at all but I know that the texture could bother some people. The shine is ridiculous and it definitely looks good, but consider yourself warned!

  • ICONIC. I’ve tried a deluge of products from various brands over the years but can’t seem to find any that offer quite the same results as MAC. The smell is to die for.

  • I like the fixative, blush and highlighter palette but not a fan of the eyeshadow and lipstick.