MAC Ultimate Lipstick ($23.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new and permanent formula with a shade range of ten (in the U.S., three additional shades available in Asia). The press release doesn’t have any real information regarding the formula, so going off of past years’ Couture offerings, it seems like it should be a hydrating, pigmented lipstick. The released was pushed back from late Semptember to an October 29th (online) and December 1st (in-store) launch, but I’ve yet to see it make its online debut (and I don’t have any updates). Let’s hope they pop up online come the 1st, but nevertheless, here are reviews for three more shades from the range.

To recap: The formula feels very similar to the formula used for the Marcel Wanders’ lipsticks (which is also where the packaging is from). A few of the shades now made permanent were launched previously, too. They’re creamy with some slip, glide on without tugging, are lightly hydrating, and tend to be fairly pigmented with average to good wear. The price is noticeably higher than the standard MAC lipstick, though only a dollar more than the Mineralize Rich Lipstick formula. Worth noting, however, is that these are 50% larger than the standard MAC lipstick. The standard MAC lipstick is $160/oz., while the Ultimate lipstick is $153.33/oz. Of course, if you rarely get through half of a lipstick, then paying less will probably make you better off. Here’s a fun fact: only a $0.50 increase from the price in 2012 (based on Marcel Wanders)!

Audacious is described as a “warm mid-tone red.” It’s a brightened, medium red with warm undertones and a soft sheen. It had mostly opaque color payoff that went on evenly, smoothly, and wore well for five hours. It was lightly hydrating over time. The consistency was lightweight, emollient without being too slippery. NARS Carmen (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer. NARS Rita (P, $32.00) is darker. Bite Beauty Grandifolia (LE, $28.00) is lighter. MAC Cherry Glaze (LE, $20.00) is sheerer. Revlon Provocateur (135) (P, $8.99) is lighter. Tom Ford Beauty Rouge Fatal (LE, $50.00) is darker. Marc Jacobs Beauty Showstopper (134) (P, $30.00) is warmer. NARS Future Red (LE, $26.00) is brighter. MAC Cockney (P, $16.00) is similar. Guerlain Gilda (P, $51.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Ravishingly Rich is described as a “bright mid-tone orange.” It’s a medium orange with a lighter, tangerine micro-shimmer and luminous finish. It was creamy and comfortable to wear with rich, opaque color coverage. This shade lasted well for four and a half hours and was lightly moisturizing while worn. NARS Geraldine (P, $32.00) is less shimmery. Givenchy Corail Signature (317) (P, $36.00) is lighter.Illamasqua Soaked (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker. Bite Beauty Clementine (LE, $24.00) is more matte. NARS Timanfaya (P, $25.00) is lighter. Milani Sweet Nectar (P, $5.49) is lighter. Maybelline Electric Orange (P, $7.49) is less shimmery. MAC Booyah (LE, $18.00) is more muted. MAC Fashion Nomad (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery. MAC Neon Orange (LE, $16.00) is brighter, lelss shimmery. MAC Morange (P, $16.00) is brighter, less shimmery. Chanel Sari d’Eau (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, sheerer. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

The Scene is described as a “deep berry.” It’s a rich, burgundy red with subtle, cool undertones and a glossy finish. It was semi-opaque with color that pulled into lip lines somewhat and looked more like a stain than a lipstick. The consistency had a lot of slip and had a tendency to feather on me, which isn’t something I experience often, so it was disappointing. The color lasted well for five hours. Inglot #293 Lipstick Cream (P, $12.00) is cooler-toned. Bite Beauty Bordeaux (P, $28.00) is cooler-toned, darker. Maybelline Espresso Exposed (955) (P, $7.49) is darker. Urban Decay Shame (P, $22.00) is darker. MAC Tribalist (LE, $16.00) is darker. Guerlain Gigolo (LE, $51.00) is cooler-toned. Buxom Menace (P, $21.00) is brighter. Burberry Bright Plum (15) (P, $30.00) is more matte, lighter. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Audacious Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Audacious Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Audacious Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Audacious Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Audacious Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Audacious Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Ravishingly Rich Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Ravishingly Rich Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Ravishingly Rich Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Ravishingly Rich Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Ravishingly Rich Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Ravishingly Rich Ultimate Lipstick

MAC The Scene Ultimate Lipstick

MAC The Scene Ultimate Lipstick

MAC The Scene Ultimate Lipstick

MAC The Scene Ultimate Lipstick

MAC The Scene Ultimate Lipstick

MAC The Scene Ultimate Lipstick