MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick ($17.50 for 0.10 oz.) is describeds as a “clean bright red [with an Amplified finish].” It’s a brightened, medium-dark red with neutral-to-warm undertones and a very, very fine ruby shimmer and a soft sheen. MAC Head in the Clouds (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer. MAC Cherry Glaze (LE, $20.00) is sheerer. Tom Ford Beauty Rouge Fatal (LE, $45.00) is warmer, browner. MAC Night to Remember (LE, $16.00) is more matte. NARS Future Red (LE, $26.00) is brighter. Maybelline Infra-red (LE, $7.49) is slightly warmer. MAC Everyday Diva (P, $22.00) is pinker. MAC Ruffian Red (LE, $16.00) is more matte. MAC Red Racer (LE, $16.00) is slightly cooler-toned. MAC Cockney (P, $16.00) is a touch darker. Buxom Provocateur (P, $21.00) is similar. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

It seemed less like your typical Amplified finish, as it was more emollient and had more slip, so the finish also looked slightly wetter. It was mostly opaque, but it didn’t completely hide my lip freckle. It applied evenly and didn’t tug or pull on the lip. The color wore well for six hours, and it left a stain behind. I found the formula to be a smidgen drying on the whole, but it wasn’t too noticeable. It was vanilla scented but had no discernible taste (in line with MAC’s regular lipstick formula).

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MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick

MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick

MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick

MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick

MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick

MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick

MAC True Love’s Kiss Lipstick