Mac Lipstick Collection & Dupes

This will be a long ride, for you and me. I've put a lot of effort in this particular post and it took me over 3 days to photograph, edit and write about my favourite thing - lipstick. Not just any lipstick but cult favourite MAC lipstick. My MAC collection includes 12 colors, surprisingly I forgot to take pictures of Bubbles, a shimmery white topper. I've built my ''army'' slowly but thoughtfully, also with generous gifts from other bloggers. In general, MAC lipsticks have a lovely arrange of colors, they have different finishes, are high quality and preform wonderfully. Once you've tried one, you will probably want more.

MAC Approaching Storm (LE, Pro Longwear Lipcreme) is a deep reddish brown with grey undertone. Pro Longwear Lipcreme formula starts with really creamy application but color sets in terms of minutes. With time, color becomes more and more matte and doesn't budge for hours. Comfortable wear with longevity. MAC Amorous (Satin) is a deepened muted red-mauve. Satin finish makes it comfortable and semi-matte. Amorous in particular still budges so I recommend it setting with powder. MAC Viva Glam II (Satin) is a lovely defining brown nude with grey undertones. Not too warm, not too cool. A perfect balance for fair and medium skin tones. Love! MAC Peach Blossom (Cremesheen + Pearl, review here) is a sheer perfectly balanced everyday pink. Has micro blue shimmer that's visible only on the sun. Cremesheen formula is creamy and comfortable. MAC Nude Scene (LE, Cremesheen) is a pale, pale peach shade with multidimensional shimmer. Lovely as a topper or over darker lip liner. 

MAC Up The Amp (Amplified) is a smokey greyish medium purple/lavender. Really unique shade and easier to wear than expected. However, teeth my look more yellow than usual. Amplified finish is fully opaque with enough grip. Reminds me on Satin finish but with slightly more creamy finish. MAC Viva Glam Gaga (Lustre, review here) is a perfect baby pink with sheer texture. Easily build up and transparent with one layer. Lustre finish offers sheer layers that can be build up for more color intensity. Leaves natural, slightly shiny layer. MAC Candy Yum Yum (Matte) is intensely bright blue based pink with lots of white tones. MAC's Matte formula is usually comfortable with matte finish. Texture is slightly harder but fully pigmented with one swipe. MAC Viva Glam Nicki (Satin, review here) is a yellow based pink with coral undertones. Quite bright once it's on the lips. MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus (Amplified, review here) is a current limited edition Viva Glam pick until June 2015. A lovely warm fuchsia pink with intense pigmentation. MAC Relentlessly Red (Retro Matte, review here) is a gorgeous, fully matte deep warm pink-red. Stunning. Matte Retro finish leaves ultimate matte finish with harder texture. Still workable and easy to manage. 

DUPES

Half of my collection is based upon Limited Edition shades, mostly around Viva Glam range. That's why I've decided to find similar colors so you won't be left empty handed. Some shades are dupes, while others are fairly close to categorise them in same color family. Personally, none of them look identical while they do look really similar once on the lips. 

MAC Peach Blossom has a lot of dupes in the drugstore. Catrice Gel Lip Colour 100 Sweet Macaron is slightly pinker but the closest out of three. Benecos Pink Honey is a natural alternative with a darker, peachy base. Revlon Lip Lacquer is sheerer, peachier and glossier version of MAC Peach Blossom.

MAC Viva Glam II dupe is Jordana Modern Matte in Matte Blush. It's a tinge less grey and more matte. Catrice Made Ultimate Stay Lipstick in Mauve Your Lips is a shade or two cooler.

MAC Amorous was difficult to spot. Catrice Ultimate Stay lipstick in All that she wants is only similar. It's way too light and has a blue, shimmery chrome effect. A good dupe would be both, Essence Longlasting Lip Liner 05 Lovely Frappuccino and Rimmel Moisture Renew in Vintage Rose. 

MAC Up The Amp is truly a unique, medium purple. Revlon Super Lustrous in Berry Haute is somewhat similar but too warm to be considered as perfect dupe. 

MAC Nude Scene is similar to Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Charm, but without pink undertones. 

MAC Viva Glam Nicki is almost impossible to dupe since it has a strong white base. Similar is Maybelline Color Drama Pencil in In with Coral but without extra brightness. Quite frankly, I prefer In With Coral. 

MAC Viva Glam Gaga is dupable to Lime Crime Great Pink Planet and Isadora Jelly Kiss Ballerina. Lime Crime is a tinge more cool toned, while Isadora a tinge more warm. 

Indepth dupe review for MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus was already made here. The closest is Bourjois Color Boost Lip Pencil in Fuchsia Libre. Has a glossier finish and less opaqueness.

MAC Relentlessly Red was also featured in indepth dupe comparison here. There are a few more shades that are really similar to Relentlessly Red, but Rimmel Apocalips Stellar is the closest budget version (along with Bourjois Rouge Velvet in Frambourjoise).

Which ones are my favourite? Definitely MAC Viva Glam II and Relentlessly Red. While others are beautiful as well, these two are my ultimate picks for matte lip trend. I highly enjoy Retro Mattes, Mattes and Satins. Colour wise, everyone has a different taste. I strongly recommend you sticking with your own likings, don't pay attention to trend recommendations. Also, different skin tones and undertones make lipsticks look different - try lipsticks on your lips before buying. They can always sanitise your picks in pure alcohol. Also, neutrals and everyday shades will be more frequently used than brights.