MAC: the honest verdict.
The Estée Lauder-owned pro-makeup brand that built a generation of Australian beauty editors' kits. Tested across Studio Fix Fluid, Matte Lipsticks, and the Pro Longwear Concealer.
- Position
- Mid-premium · Makeup
- Founded
- Toronto, Canada · 1984
- Available at
- Mecca + David Jones + Myer + MAC stores
The Glow read.
MAC is the brand that taught a generation of Australian beauty professionals how to do makeup. Studio Fix Fluid remains a credible mid-coverage foundation with one of the broadest shade ranges on the Australian shelf (45 shades). The Matte Lipstick range is the category reference — Ruby Woo, Velvet Teddy, Diva are universally recognisable shades for genuine reasons.
Where MAC has lost ground is in complexion innovation. The Studio Fix line was category-defining in 2008 and is now competent rather than category-leading — Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath, and Fenty have moved the category forward. The Pro Longwear Concealer is fine but outperformed by NARS Radiant Creamy at the same price point.
Buy MAC for the Matte Lipsticks (cult shades that earn their cult status). Buy MAC for Studio Fix Fluid if you've been wearing it for years and don't want to switch. Look elsewhere for new-buyer foundation.
What works
- Matte Lipstick range — category reference shades (Ruby Woo, Velvet Teddy, Diva)
- Studio Fix Fluid shade range (45 shades) is one of the broadest on the Mecca shelf
- Pro Longwear formulas have genuine staying power for working-day wear
- Pro discount programme supports working makeup artists and editors
What doesn't
- Studio Fix Fluid has been overtaken by Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty on complexion innovation
- Pro Longwear Concealer is outperformed by NARS Radiant Creamy at the same price
- Brand identity feels 2010 — hasn't moved with the editorial conversation
The buy.
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