MAC Excite Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.16 fl. oz.) is described as a “bright orange-red [with a Cremesheen finish].” It’s a brightened, medium orange-red with warm undertones and a very subtle gold shimmer. It had a lightly luminous finish with mostly opaque color coverage. This shade wore well for four and a half hours, left a very slight stain behind, and was a little bit hydrating (which is an upgrade, as this finish is usually drying on me). Bobbi Brown Lady Ruba (P, $26.00) is more matte, more opaque. NARS Marlene (P, $32.00) is darker, more opaque. MAC True Red (LE, $16.00) is similar. Lipstick Queen Jungle Queen (P, $22.00) is less red. Estee Lauder Impassioned (P, $30.00) is less glossy, more opaque. Givenchy Carmin Escarpin (306) (P, $36.00) is darker. Maybelline Vibrant Mandarin (P, $7.49) is darker. MAC Sail La Vie (LE, $16.00) is more matte. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

MAC Gospel Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.16 fl. oz.) is described as a “sheer rich burgundy [with a Lustre finish].” It’s a medium-dark, plummy red with a soft shine and subtle warm undertones. It is semi-opaque (which may be a pleasant mistake for some), rather than the sheer as described. It was lightly creamy and glided on easily, and it had a very flattering finish applied. The lipstick wore well for four hours and was neither hydrating nor drying over time. NARS Vera (P, $32.00) is cooler-toned, darker. Givenchy Framboise Velours (315) (LE, $36.00) is brighter, pinker. Marc Jacobs Beauty Headliner (608) (P, $28.00) is cooler-toned, pinker. Bite Beauty Crimson (LE, $28.00) is brighter. YSL Exquisite Plum (22) (P, $34.00) is darker, cooler-toned. YSL Forbidden Burgundy (12) (P, $34.00) is cooler-toned, darker. Givenchy Violine Precieux (312) (LE, $36.00) is more muted, more matte. MAC Candy Apple (LE, $17.00) is redder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

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MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Excite Lipstick

MAC Gospel Lipstick

MAC Gospel Lipstick

MAC Gospel Lipstick

MAC Gospel Lipstick

MAC Gospel Lipstick

MAC Gospel Lipstick