MAC Is So Back—But I Never Stopped Using These 8 Products (2025)

As the old saying goes, “You never forget your first kiss.” Except for me, it’s more like, “You never forget your first MAC.” And I certainly haven’t. Picture it: Mall of America, 2006. I have traveled the
five hours from my hometown of 360 people alongside my 12 classmates for our senior trip. They go on rides. I go to Nordstrom, where I sidle up to the MAC counter and purchase two items: a bright red cream lipstick called MAC Red and a shimmery, rusty-red eyeshadow called Coppering. I wear them as often as possible, and when I move to Minneapolis, I continue to frequent MAC counters across the Twin Cities—even making friends with the makeup artists at Nordstrom. To me, MAC is grown-up but not fussy, edgy but not intimidating, and perfect for my new life as a cosmopolitan city girl.

MAC Cosmetics, which was launched in 1984 creating products for makeup artists, is more than a makeup brand. It’s home to literal decades of iconic products: the Viva Glam lipsticks that support the fight against HIV/AIDS, the countless collaborations with everyone from Hello Kitty and Heatherette to Rihanna and Marilyn Monroe. It’s a place for experienced makeup artists and newbies to perfect their craft. MAC encourages us to play with makeup and not take it—or ourselves—too seriously.

MAC experienced a bit of a lull amidst countless new brand launches and trends; think about it—the whole “clean girl” aesthetic is basically the complete opposite of the MAC look. But thanks in part to increased conversation around the brand and its products on TikTok, a new campaign with endorsements from big stars like Martha Stewart and Julia Fox, and the launch (or is it relaunch?) of Cool Spice Lip Pencil, it seems like MAC is poised for a well-deserved comeback. But then again, some of us never stopped using it in the first place. These are some of the forever faves you’ll always find in my makeup drawer.

MAC Eye Khol Eyeliner Pencil in Teddy

If I don’t have this eyeliner in my possession, I don’t feel like myself. I’ve been wearing Teddy for nearly 20 years, that’s how good it is. It’s so much more than just a brown eyeliner; it’s a gorgeous, blendable formula in a chocolate brown shot with bronze and the teeniest hint of golden shimmer. Doing the “lazy girl smoky eye” is a cinch with Teddy.

MAC MACximal Matte Lipstick

As a beauty writer and lipstick enthusiast, I’ve amassed a collection of dozens of lipsticks. But if you told me I could only wear one formula for the rest of time, I’d choose MAC’s matte without hesitation. To me, their matte bullet lipsticks are the definition of the perfect lipstick. The company recently updated them to the new MAXimal Silky Matte formula but kept most of its shades, including the perennial favorites Velvet Teddy, Diva, and Chili. The deep true red Russian Red (worn by Madonna on the Blonde Ambition tour!), cranberry D for Danger, and pinky-brown Go Retro are my go-tos.

MAC Lip Liner Pencil

Ever heard of a little shade called… Spice? Or maybe Whirl? Beet? Stone? Cherry? They’re all iconic and they’re all worth a spot in your makeup bag. For me, the “dirty rose” Whirl is that girl; I remember stalking the makeup counters when it was sold out (due to Kylie Jenner’s influence!), and as soon as I tried it, I understood why. Stone is also experiencing a moment on TikTok for a Lily-Rose Depp-esque contoured lip, as is the new cool version of the '90s classic Spice. Another perk of MAC’s Lip Pencils is that they’re enormous, so you could honestly use one pencil for years. Sustainable!

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Makeup Setting Spray

Because MAC is a makeup-makeup brand, they know you want to keep that blue eyeshadow and sculpted contour on your face all night long. There are a million setting sprays on the market today, but in my early makeup obsession days, MAC was one of the only options. Thankfully, it’s great. They’ve spun the Fix+ family off into a few different formulas, including a 24-hour spray if you really need to shellac your look for an event, but I still prefer the original. What can I say? I’m old school.

MAC Powder Blush

I know cream blush is The Thing right now, but I’m proudly Team Powder. And MAC makes a good one; their classic Powder Blush comes in so many colors. It recently went viral on TikTok as part of the “blonzer” trend—the shade Coppertone in particular. But you really can’t go wrong with any of the shades! (Their newer formulas are great too.)

MAC Studio Fix Matte Foundation and Powder Foundation

Not all of us can slap on a skin tint and call it a day. Some of us require a little (or a lot) more coverage, and who better to do it than good old Studio Fix? I confess I did take a long hiatus from this product but recently returned to its loving, medium-to-full matte coverage. Why did I ever stray? On days when I don’t feel like wearing liquid makeup, I buff on the Powder Plus Foundation for similar coverage that lasts all day.

MAC Strobe Cream

I’ll never forget the first time I tried Strobe Cream. It was well before every makeup product was “illuminating” or “radiance-enhancing,” and simply swiping the product on my hand was shocking. Why did my skin look so pretty? Could I look this pretty all the time? The shade range has expanded to include a few different colors, but the pearly, lit-from-within glow remains the same.

MAC Pro Longwear Fluid Line Gel Eyeliner

I’ve always struggled with traditional liquid eyeliner brushes, so Fluidline has been my go-to for a cat eye or smoky eye for nearly 20 years. Yes, 20 years. Trust me, its silky formula and long-lasting finish is that good. (And a jar is so packed with product it basically lasts 20 years.)