MAC Diva Lipstick ($16.00 for 0.10 oz.) is described as an “Intense reddish-burgundy [with a Matte finish].” It’s a medium-dark, warm-toned deepened red with a slightly muted quality–it is a lighter and brighter burgundy to me–and has a semi-matte finish. NARS Charlotte (P, $32.00) is glossier, slightly redder. MAC Hearts Aflame (LE, $16.00) is warmer. MAC Studded Kiss (LE, $16.00) is slightly warmer. MAC Fixed on Drama (LE, $16.00) is cooler-toned. NARS 413 BLKR (LE, $26.00) is slightly warmer. NARS Amsterdam (P, $26.00) is similar. MAC Deeply Adored (LE, $16.00) is redder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Over the years, I’ve had a lot of questions asking whether such-and-such new shade was like MAC Diva, but I didn’t have it to compare to–now I do! I’d love to include more reviews of MAC’s permanent range, but with so many limited edition products, I try to use the time between launches to focus on other brands and products. Diva had rich, opaque color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly. The consistency was lightly creamy; just enough that it didn’t tug much on the lips, but it still retained its more matte finish. It’s one of the brand’s more comfortable mattes, and it lasts for six and a half hours while leaving behind a reddish stain. It didn’t dry out my lips, but I wouldn’t call it a hydrating formula either. As always, MAC’s lipsticks are vanilla scented but have no discernible taste.

MAC Diva Lipstick

MAC Diva Lipstick

MAC Diva Lipstick

MAC Diva Lipstick

MAC Diva Lipstick

MAC Diva Lipstick