Pat McGrath Major Red & Strange LuxeTrance Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Major Red

Pat McGrath Major Red LuxeTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark red with cool, blue undertones and a cream finish. It had opaque pigmentation that drenched the lips in a single layer–I don’t even think a full layer would be needed as it was so pigmented. The consistency was smooth, velvety, and dense enough to fill in lip lines yet managed to feel lighter weight and comfortable on the lips. The color was still going strong after 10 hours of wear–the only difference was the shine had worn away by that point–but that was after latte, water, and two meals. More incredibly, my lips felt hydrated after all that continuous wear. It just might be one of my new favorite reds.

Top Dupes

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Pat McGrath Elson (LE, $38.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
Estee Lauder Boldface (P, $32.00) is darker (95% similar).
MAC Como La Flor (LE, $17.50) is lighter (95% similar).
Stellar Beauty Super Sonic 04 (P, $22.00) is warmer (95% similar).
MAC Betty Boop Red (LE, $17.50) is less glossy (95% similar).
Tarte Juicy (LE, $20.00) is darker, less glossy (95% similar).
Make Up For Ever C405 (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
Hourglass My Icon Is (P, $34.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar).
MAC Frenesi (LE, $17.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
LORAC Red Rose (LE, ) is brighter (90% similar).
More dupes -- click to see the full list!

Formula Overview

$38.00/0.14 oz. - $271.43 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have a "intense color payoff" with "comfort" and "rich hydration" that has a "satiny sheen." Of the shades I've tried, they are richly pigmented, long-wearing, incredibly comfortable to wear from start to finish, hydrating, and generally flattering on the lips. The texture was smooth, velvety, and creamy enough to glide across the lips with ease but never felt slippery or too clingy. Most shades performed exceptionally well, and while pricey, they at least lived up to a lot of the claims. There was no discernible scent or taste.

Browse all of our Pat McGrath LuxeTrance Lipstick swatches.

Recommended

Major Red

A+

Permanent

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

Longevity

Application

100%

Total

Recommended

Strange

Pat McGrath Strange LuxeTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a deep, reddish-brown with warm undertones and a cream finish. The pigmentation was opaque in a single stroke, which applied evenly and smoothly across the lips. It had a lightly emollient, creamy texture that wasn’t too slippery nor was it too firm in the tube, so it never dragged but didn’t feather or slide around when worn. It wore well for over eight hours on me and was moisturizing while worn.