MAC Russian Red, Viva Glam I, Cockney, Dubonnet Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Russian Red
MAC Russian Red Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark red with subtle, cool undertones and a satin finish. It had rich, opaque color payoff that applied evenly across the lips and never tugged during application. The consistency was lightweight, just creamy enough to glide on but not enough to slide around while worn. This shade lasted for over six hours, left a stain behind, and was neither drying nor hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Laura Mercier Rouge Ultime (P, $32.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Slay Ride (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Runaway Red (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Immortal Red (P, $26.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Mascate (P, $28.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC A Rose in Harlem (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Ma'damn (P, $18.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Deeply Adored (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Mysterious Red (P, $27.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Viva Glam Sia (LE, $19.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.1 oz. - $190.00 Per Ounce
MAC Lipstick comes in a variety of finishes, and the pigmentation and wear tend to be dependent on the finish. The sheer finishes, like Lustres, tend to wear for only a couple of hours and have sheer coverage (as designed) and are non-drying.
Some of the original Matte shades have a stiffer, drier formula, while newer ones have a more velvety, silicone-feel to them, and the latter are creamier, more comfortable to wear, and easier to apply, but most Matte shades are quite pigmented and long-wearing, though some are drying.
The Amplified and Satin finishes tend to have good pigmentation, lightly creamy to moderately creamy consistencies with a bit of shine, and moderate to long wear with deeper, richer shades wearing longer. The Frost and Metallic finishes have the most variance between shades with coverage ranging from semi-sheer to opaque with average wear and non-drying to slightly drying formulas. All MAC lipsticks are vanilla-scented but have no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Russian Red
PPermanent. $19.00.
Viva Glam I
MAC Viva Glam I Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a slightly muted, medium-dark red with subtle, warm undertones and a satin finish. There’s a hint of brown to it, which gives it a slightly retro vibe. The lipstick felt smooth, lightly creamy as it glided across the lips and delivered even, opaque pigmentation in a single stroke. This shade wore well for six hours, left a faint stain behind, and was non-drying. I can still remember the first time I wore this shade, it was absolutely love–it was such a beautiful, flattering shade that made me feel so confident.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Just Push Play (P, $26.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- Guerlain Luxure (DC, $49.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Such Flare (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NARS Rouge Indiscret (LE, $28.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Hearts Aflame (LE, $19.00) is lighter, glossier (95% similar).
- NARS Infatuated Red (P, $27.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- Chanel Experimente (154) (P, $45.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Consuming Red (P, $27.00) is less glossy (90% similar).
- MAC Studded Kiss (P, $19.00) is brighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Tarte Vibin' (P, $20.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.1 oz. - $190.00 Per Ounce
MAC Lipstick comes in a variety of finishes, and the pigmentation and wear tend to be dependent on the finish. The sheer finishes, like Lustres, tend to wear for only a couple of hours and have sheer coverage (as designed) and are non-drying.
Some of the original Matte shades have a stiffer, drier formula, while newer ones have a more velvety, silicone-feel to them, and the latter are creamier, more comfortable to wear, and easier to apply, but most Matte shades are quite pigmented and long-wearing, though some are drying.
The Amplified and Satin finishes tend to have good pigmentation, lightly creamy to moderately creamy consistencies with a bit of shine, and moderate to long wear with deeper, richer shades wearing longer. The Frost and Metallic finishes have the most variance between shades with coverage ranging from semi-sheer to opaque with average wear and non-drying to slightly drying formulas. All MAC lipsticks are vanilla-scented but have no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Lipstick swatches.
Viva Glam I
PPermanent. $19.00.
Cockney
MAC Cockney Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a brighter, medium red with warmer, yellow undertones and a luminous sheen. It had a Lustre finish, so it had more translucent coverage–semi-sheer to medium pigmentation–that appeared almost stain-like. The consistency was firmer initially but melted and felt more emollient as I applied it. Not all Lustres wear well for me, but Cockney is one of the more versatile and comfortable to wear shades within that finish for me. It wore well for four and a half hours and was lightly hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Night to Remember (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Ultrarose (257) (LE, $45.00) is more muted, less glossy (95% similar).
- Chanel Rouge (P, $37.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay F-Bomb (DC, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Audacious (P, $23.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Shiseido Toffee Apple (RD308) (DC, $28.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Estee Lauder Drop Dead Red (320) (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer, less glossy (90% similar).
- Maybelline Infra-red (DC, $7.99) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC True Love's Kiss (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Parisian Red (DC, $37.00) is darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.1 oz. - $190.00 Per Ounce
MAC Lipstick comes in a variety of finishes, and the pigmentation and wear tend to be dependent on the finish. The sheer finishes, like Lustres, tend to wear for only a couple of hours and have sheer coverage (as designed) and are non-drying.
Some of the original Matte shades have a stiffer, drier formula, while newer ones have a more velvety, silicone-feel to them, and the latter are creamier, more comfortable to wear, and easier to apply, but most Matte shades are quite pigmented and long-wearing, though some are drying.
The Amplified and Satin finishes tend to have good pigmentation, lightly creamy to moderately creamy consistencies with a bit of shine, and moderate to long wear with deeper, richer shades wearing longer. The Frost and Metallic finishes have the most variance between shades with coverage ranging from semi-sheer to opaque with average wear and non-drying to slightly drying formulas. All MAC lipsticks are vanilla-scented but have no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Lipstick swatches.
Cockney
DCDiscontinued. $19.00.
Dubonnet
MAC Dubonnet Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a deep red with warm, brown undertones and a cream finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation in a single layer with a creamy, light-medium thick consistency. It covered the lips evenly and made my lips appear smoother and did not highlight my lip lines. This shade lasted for five and a half hours and was lightly hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Fire Roasted (DC, $21.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- Besame Red Velvet 1946 (PiP, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Shirley (P, $34.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- ColourPop Liquid Courage (P, $10.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Currant Affair (LE, $27.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever C406 (DC, $22.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Shiseido Bloodstone (RD503) (DC, $28.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Olivia (P, $34.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- NARS Lee (LE, $34.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Nosferatu (P, $20.00) is warmer, less glossy (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.1 oz. - $190.00 Per Ounce
MAC Lipstick comes in a variety of finishes, and the pigmentation and wear tend to be dependent on the finish. The sheer finishes, like Lustres, tend to wear for only a couple of hours and have sheer coverage (as designed) and are non-drying.
Some of the original Matte shades have a stiffer, drier formula, while newer ones have a more velvety, silicone-feel to them, and the latter are creamier, more comfortable to wear, and easier to apply, but most Matte shades are quite pigmented and long-wearing, though some are drying.
The Amplified and Satin finishes tend to have good pigmentation, lightly creamy to moderately creamy consistencies with a bit of shine, and moderate to long wear with deeper, richer shades wearing longer. The Frost and Metallic finishes have the most variance between shades with coverage ranging from semi-sheer to opaque with average wear and non-drying to slightly drying formulas. All MAC lipsticks are vanilla-scented but have no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Lipstick swatches.
All of these look amazing on you. Russian Red is and Viva Glam 1 are perfect MAC classics! I wish both were in Retro Matte finish which is my all time favourite formula.. I’ve got to go drag out Russian Red from the coffers.
Viva Glam I makes me feel… gorgeous. Even though I prefer bluer reds with some sheen, VGI is so special.
Do you have a favorite bluer Red from MAC?
MAC MAC Red! 😀
Russian Red was my first high end lipstick
Aww <3 You went bold!!
I need to try out Cockney, I like the color and the sheen. Perfect for summer.
I agree – it’s very summery with the luminosity!
How do you get your lipstick to last so long? I would love to know your process for putting on lipstick.
I just swipe it on from the tube – nothing extra or special. I have met few red lipsticks that don’t wear a really long time, though.
All gorgeous, my favorite of these is Viva Glam I. I am so angry with MAC for discontinuing Viva Glam IV!
Oh nooo! 🙁
Seriously?!? ? Why, MAC, why?!?
Beautiful red! It’s definitely one of those reds that can work with many skin tones
Which one do you like the most?
All gorgeous, Dubonnet is my fave out of the ones here
Dubonnet is a beauty!
I always like when permanent, core items get high scores and “recommended” tags! These are beautiful reds.
I have been working my way through the permanent lipsticks I swatched several months ago to get reviews up whenever there’s a little lull in releases, lol!
Red lipsticks bring out the confidence in me as well. These are all beautiful
They are!
I think with all of the LE drama and rapid-fire releases, it’s easy to forget how many killer products MAC actually does have! I have quite a few of their Sheertone Shimmer and Satin finish blushes, and their Matte, Satin, and Amplified lipstick formulas are just amazing.
The Amplified finish is awesome!
Sheertone Shimmer has always been one of my favourite blush finishes and the Amplified Cream lipsticks are among the best out there, IMO. I just wish they’d come out with some new colours.
I love Viva Glam I. One of my faves and I always recommend it. I don’t have Russian Red, not sure I need it though! Dubonnet has been on my radar for years, but I think I’m allergic to its formula 🙁
Oh no! I wonder what is in Dubonnet that’s not in VGI that is bad for your lips! I know the finishes are different, so obviously must be something there.
The Amplified formula (and a few other MAC finishes, but not Matte or Satin) contains lanolin oil, and I have some sensitivity to lanolin products. But I may try it anyway next time I Back to MAC…
Ahh, gotcha! Probably better to avoid if you are sensitive, though 🙁
Viva Glam I is my go to red but I am going to try this Dubonnet I love a good red lipstick
I hope you love Dubonnet!
I love this! Viva Glam I is one of my all time favorites, and now I see I might also love Dubonnet. I do wish there was a Viva Glam I that was retro matte too. I also like applying it with MAC clear lipglass on top.
I feel like if you wouldn’t mind a warmer take on VGI, Dubonnet could work well!
I love Dubonnet! I’ve loved it for years. I love everything about it – the colour, texture, wear and even how it fades. If I could only wear 1 lipstick for the rest of my life, Dubonnet would sure be in the running as the 1 I’d choose (aaack – a dystopian world with only 1 lipstick choice???? what a dreadful thought).
WOW! That is impressive 😉 Have you ever finished a tube?!
I could look at these all day. Those that I haven’t acquired are always on my back burner. Confirmedly duped to death, but always floating around the periphery of the oh, really must get list. MAC really does excel at red lips, which is probably why we get inundated at times. Finally got VG 1 last year, and it is all that and more. Classics, thoroughly. Thanks for doing classic perms.
MAC has so many great reds in their archives and in the permanent collection!
I’m so sad about VG1! It was my “second” mac lipstick (I bought it and twig at the same time!) And I fell in love with it in the tube!
But time I’ve he second I put it on, it turns straight up unflattering brown on me 🙁
So it went back after I tried to work with it for a week!
Noooooo! 🙁
Dubonnet was my first MAC lipstick and is still my favorite. My old tube melted so I need to get a new one!
Aww <3
MAC has always made killer reds, that’s for sure.
So true!
Except Dubonnet, I have all of the above and love them!
Awesome 😀
I love Viva Glam I! It’s just a touch deeper than the other shades!
Yep, it’s a stunning shade!
So much beautiful reds. I can pull off any red in my NC44 (yellow)/Y445 (neutral) skin, but I didn’t find THAT red yet. Cool reds turn pinkish on me due to my warm undertones. Warm reds are not easy to come across, either too neon or too dark.
Really! You haven’t found your red yet? Aww 🙁 I hope you do soon!!
I have got to hand it to MAC, they truly *know* how to do a really great red lipstick! These 4 prove it! Got Russian Red and VG I in my stash, plus a wonderful dupe of Cockney in their LE Yoni Crush. If I wear a significant amount of UD Bad Blood and a few other darker rich reds down, I may have to give Dubonnet a gander!
They really do 😀
Dubonnet was the 1st red lipstick I ever bought at a MAC salesperson’s suggestion. I had never thought I could wear a red lipstick but I rock it. 20 years later I still do and it is my favourite lipstick. I MUST wear it more! So lovely to see you review it! Thank you!
I don’t know what it is about VG1…it doesn’t look particularly exciting in the tube and seems like it will be a slightly boring brick-y color, and then you put it on and BAM. So good (and good on a wide variety of skintones). There are supposed dupes, but I’ve never found anything that matches it exactly. It’s just a strangely special color. Hope they never discontinue it. I would be bereft.