MAC Dionysus, Burnt Violet, Double Fudge Liptensity Lipsticks

MAC Liptensity Lipstick

MAC Dionysus Liptensity Lipstick ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark burgundy red with subtle, warm undertones and a glossy, creamy finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, which had fairly even coverage, though the darker color paired with the more emollient texture seemed to highlight lip lines slightly as the color would settle and appear darker in mine. The texture was lightly balm-like as it melted against the lips and glided across with minimal tugging initially and then no tugging at all once it warmed up. This shade wore well for seven hours and was non-drying, which is close to as described for wear. NARS Ingrid (P, $32.00) is warmer (95% similar). Bite Beauty Liquorice (P, $26.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Bite Beauty Black Cherry (LE, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Your Majesty (P, $35.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Lingering Kiss (LE, $17.00) is more muted, less glossy (90% similar). Bite Beauty #001 (Reformulation) (LE, $36.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). NARS Bette (P, $32.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). NARS Mona (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

MAC Burnt Violet Liptensity Lipstick ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a blackened plum with subtle, cooler undertones and a creamy, lightly glossy finish. This shade did not apply well, unfortunately, as the texture seemed to separate and look almost like fine crumbles or grains on the lips, despite the texture itself feeling creamier and more balm-like on the lips. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with some color that settled noticeably into lip lines. It did wear for seven hours and left a strong stain behind, though it was a bit drying. NARS Liv (P, $32.00) is lighter, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Confession (DC, $22.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). MAC Heart Hangover (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter, less glossy (80% similar). MAC Dramatic Encounter (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

MAC Double Fudge Liptensity Lipstick ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep, brownish burgundy with warm, red undertones and a glossy, creamy finish. It had mostly opaque pigmentation, which covered the lips with smooth, even color, but there was a bit of translucency where the natural lip color peeked through. I had some trouble getting higher coverage along the inner portion of my lips, which might be due to the formula or the amount of slip in this particular shade (slightly higher than other shades in the range). The texture felt firmer in the tube initially, but it started to melt and glided on to the lips well after a couple of seconds. It was lightly tacky, so despite the glossiness, I did not experience feathering or color migration over time (but I am not prone to either, so your mileage may vary if you experience it more often). This shade wore well for seven hours and left a stain behind, and while it wasn’t hydrating, it wasn’t drying either. Make Up For Ever C407 (P, $22.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Black Dahlia (P, $16.00) is darker (95% similar). Colour Pop Paramour (LE, $5.00) is lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Chocolate Cherries (P, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Formula Overview

MAC Liptensity Lipstick ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is supposed to have “intense amounts of pigment” with a gel-like texture that melts on lips that leaves behind a satin finish and wears for “eight hours.” It’s supposed to be “comfortable” to wear, but there are no claims about hydration–and overall, they were non-drying. The majority of the range varied from semi-opaque to fully opaque in one stroke, while the texture had some body and thickness to it but was not heavy. The consistency feels firmer in the tube, but it became softer and more pliable as it warmed up against the lips. This was also true about how the color settled and looked on the lips–it tended to fill up lip lines without emphasizing them as much after thirty seconds of wear. The formula didn”t have a lot of slip, and it was actually lightly tacky, which helped it stay in place better. The wear ranged from four to eight hours with lighter shades typically wearing shorter than deeper and more intense shades. The finish was anywhere from satin to natural with noticeable sheen, sometimes glossiness, but it often wore to a satin to semi-matte finish after a few hours. The formula has MAC’s typical vanilla scent but had no discernible taste.