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MAC x Giambattista Valli Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches

MAC x Giambattista Valli Lipsticks
MAC x Giambattista Valli Lipsticks

MAC Bianca B Lipstick ($17.50 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “pale white-pink [with a Matte finish].” It is a brightened, very light pink with a strong, white base and a mostly matte finish. It applied without tugging on the lips, but it pulled and separated into every lip line. It’s a product that really needs a primer or heavier lip pencil base and then applied with a lip brush to minimize some of the application issues. The lipstick lasted for five hours, but it was somewhat drying and settled into lip lines more and more as the color wore on. MAC Weekend 1 (LE, $16.00) is more muted, warmer. NYX Rose (P, $6.00) is darker. NARS Stourhead (LE, $25.00) is darker, less pigmented. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

MAC Charlotte Lipstick ($17.50 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a It is a brightened, medium-dark red with subtle, cool undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had good color payoff that covered the lips evenly and smoothly without dragging during application. The color lasted for six hours but was somewhat drying over time. MAC MAC Red (P, $16.00) is cooler. NARS Deadly Catch (LE, $26.00) is lighter, glossier. Kat Von D Hexagram (P, $21.00) is warmer. MAC RiRi Woo (LE, $16.00) is cooler, less glossy. NARS Cruella (P, $25.00) is darker, more muted, warmer. MAC Ruby Woo (P, $16.00) is lighter. Besame Besame Red 1920 (P, $22.00) is lighter, brighter. Clinique Cherry Pop (P, $18.00) is lighter, cooler. Clinique Cherry Pop (P, $18.00) is lighter, cooler. MAC Tenor Voice (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer. MAC Opera (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer. MAC Stunner (LE, $16.00) is warmer. MAC Kinky (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer. Tom Ford Beauty Ruby Rush (07) (P, $50.00) is lighter, warmer. Bite Beauty Fraise (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

MAC Eugenie Lipstick ($17.50 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “dark cherry with blue undertone [with a Matte finish].” It is a deepened, purpled wine with cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had semi-opaque coverage that tended to pull into lip lines and emphasized the natural texture of the lips. The consistency seemed smooth and creamy enough not to tug, but it just didn’t look that way once on. It lasted for over six hours but was drying and settled into lip lines. MAC Fashion Revival (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter. Kat Von D Motorhead (P, $21.00) is warmer. Bite Beauty Bordeaux (P, $28.00) is glossier. Illamasqua Shard (P, $24.00) is lighter. MAC Talk That Talk (LE, $16.00) is darker. MAC Sin (P, $16.00) is warmer. MAC What Joy (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

MAC Margherita Lipstick ($17.50 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “yellow bright peach [with a Matte finish].” It is a brightened, light-medium coral-orange with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had rich, opaque pigmentation that covered the lips evenly, while the consistency was creamy enough not to tug but not so creamy that it slid around. This shade lasted for five hours and was slightly drying. ColourPop Chella (LE, $5.00) is darker, cooler. NARS Lodhi (P, $25.00) is darker. NARS Catherine (P, $32.00) is darker. Too Faced Melted Coral (P, $21.00) is cooler. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Kimber (P, $18.00) is darker, glossier. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

MAC Tats Lipstick ($17.50 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “bright hot pink [with a Matte finish].” It is a brightened, medium-dark fuchsia pink with subtle, blue undertones and a satin-matte finish. It had rich, opaque color coverage that went on smoothly and lasted for six hours while leaving a stain behind. It was a little drying towards the end. Milani Hot Pink Rage (P, $5.49) is lighter. MAC Pleasure Bomb (LE, $16.00) is darker, cooler. MAC Moxie (LE, $16.00) is warmer, less glossy. MAC Girl About Town (P, $16.00) is cooler. MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus (LE, $16.00) is warmer. ColourPop Cougar (LE, $5.00) is darker, warmer. MAC Diva-ish (LE, $16.00) is more muted. MAC No Faux Pas (LE, $16.00) is lighter. MAC Good Kisser (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer. Charlotte Tilbury Velvet Underground (P, $32.00) is cooler, glossier. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Formula Summary: MAC Lipstick ($17.50 for 0.10 oz.) has a variety of finishes, which results in color coverage, finish, comfort, wear, and texture to vary from finish to finish. Lustres tend to be sheer to semi-sheer with a thin, slippery consistency and wear one to three hours; they are lightly to moderately drying on me, despite their slip. Cremesheens typically have semi-opaque to opaque coverage, wear an average of four hours, are sometimes drying and sometimes not drying, and have a light shine to their finish. Amplifieds have a light sheen, opaque coverage, slightly thicker consistency but is less “heavy” in look compared to satins; they are typically not drying but not hydrating and can wear four to six hours. Satins have less sheen compared to Amplifieds but have similar coverage and wear. Mattes, particularly newer iterations of the finish, have a velvety, silicone-like consistency that makes them easier to apply without drag, and they typically have opaque coverage and wear four to six hours, but they can be drying. Retro Mattes are ultra-matte with a very flat, nearly no-sheen finish, and they are often stiffer in the tube but thinner in consistency compared to satins or mattes; they are often drying but wear four to eight hours. All MAC Lipsticks are vanilla-scented with no discernible taste.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Bianca B Lipstick
MAC Bianca B Lipstick

MAC Bianca B Lipstick
MAC Bianca B Lipstick

MAC Bianca B Lipstick
MAC Bianca B Lipstick

MAC Bianca B Lipstick
MAC Bianca B Lipstick

MAC Bianca B Lipstick
MAC Bianca B Lipstick

MAC Bianca B Lipstick
MAC Bianca B Lipstick

MAC Charlotte Lipstick
MAC Charlotte Lipstick

MAC Charlotte Lipstick
MAC Charlotte Lipstick

MAC Charlotte Lipstick
MAC Charlotte Lipstick

MAC Charlotte Lipstick
MAC Charlotte Lipstick

MAC Charlotte Lipstick
MAC Charlotte Lipstick

MAC Charlotte Lipstick
MAC Charlotte Lipstick

MAC Eugenie Lipstick
MAC Eugenie Lipstick

MAC Eugenie Lipstick
MAC Eugenie Lipstick

MAC Eugenie Lipstick
MAC Eugenie Lipstick

MAC Eugenie Lipstick
MAC Eugenie Lipstick

MAC Eugenie Lipstick
MAC Eugenie Lipstick

MAC Eugenie Lipstick
MAC Eugenie Lipstick

MAC Margherita Lipstick
MAC Margherita Lipstick

MAC Margherita Lipstick
MAC Margherita Lipstick

MAC Margherita Lipstick
MAC Margherita Lipstick

MAC Margherita Lipstick
MAC Margherita Lipstick

MAC Margherita Lipstick
MAC Margherita Lipstick

MAC Margherita Lipstick
MAC Margherita Lipstick

MAC Tats Lipstick
MAC Tats Lipstick

MAC Tats Lipstick
MAC Tats Lipstick

MAC Tats Lipstick
MAC Tats Lipstick

MAC Tats Lipstick
MAC Tats Lipstick

MAC Tats Lipstick
MAC Tats Lipstick

MAC Tats Lipstick
MAC Tats Lipstick

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation
  • Urban Decay Naked Loose Setting Powder
  • MAC Petal Power Mineralize Blush
  • MAC Gold Deposit Mineralize Skinfinish

213 Comments

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Katherine T. Avatar

I think the packaging is cute and Eugenie is my kind of color, but it’s a problematic shade for many brands, and seems pretty close to their permanent color Sin.

LB Avatar

I hope I’m not seeing a blue and black dress and everyone is seeing a white and gold dress! LOL!

If you think it’s similar, I will pass on this one then. How funny that it looks so different on different people! 😛

LB Avatar

How weird, it totally does not look like that on me! It’s more coral than pink for sure. It even looked coral on you (which is why I bought it). Maybe my computer screen didn’t show the colors very well?

Aditi Avatar

Oh dear, this is a problem. I love the packaging, it’s so fantastic, but the shades I’m interested in are so dupeable! I’m pretty sure I have dupes for Tats, Eugenie and Charlotte already! I’m really on the fence about this collection. But that packaging…!

Lauren Avatar

I am so excited for this collection! Margherita looks like a beautiful shade. I love Tats and Charlotte too but I feel like I have shades similar to them (but I might just get them anyway 😉 haha)

gabis Avatar

MAC rarely gets it right, do they? When the colors are great the packaging is meh and when the packaging is fantastic the colors are poor- case in point for this collection. These shades seem easily dupable and Bianca B is just a horrid shade altogether. But the campaign is absolutely beautiful and so is the packaging. For the first time that I can recall I will purchase a MAC lipstick solely for the packaging.

Alex Avatar

I was eyeing Chella but I didn’t want to buy the whole set for it, Margherita looks perfect <3 Such a nice salmon orange color, and I just love the matching color bullet!

Olivia Avatar

Margherita is so pretty!!! It’s such a different peachy color. I love the way it looks on you! It looks like the kind of color that would wash me out but I want it anyway! Haha! Tats is lovely but it’s a bit more dupable.

Lorrin M Avatar

I’m really digging Tats and Bianca B. I’d love to find a way to make Bianca B more wearable (it’s pretty ghostly looking) maybe a lip liner or ombre lip? Still, it’s a pretty unique shade.

MissJae1908 Avatar

Bianca B- Way too pale for my NW50 skin lol
Tats- Love it, but it reminds me too much of my holy grail pink lipstick, Girl About Town
Margherita- Probably my favorite of the bunch, but wayyyy to close to Sushi Kiss. #Dupe!
Charlotte Rich- Eh…nothing amazing. Not really into reds
Eugenie- My 2nd favorite. But I’m sure it’s close to MAC’s Media that I’ve had for a year and only worn once. Lol

All that said, I’m probably getting Tats and Margherita…#ItsThePackaging

SandyO Avatar

Bianca’s way too pale for me and I am “fish belly white”. Maybe pale for me isn’t the problem, so much as the white base, which is so unflattering. Couldn’t wear Pervette, either.

Thanks for the great swatches and descriptions, Christine! I won’t tell you what the packaging looks like to me, particularly in the grouped publicity photo. #embarrassing

Nicole Avatar

Me too,lol. I was thinking – all three that I would get for sure I have At least a few dupes for ( if not more). For that price I could buy a Tom Ford lipstick which I forsee a long list of new Fall releases. Plus, my lipstick wishlist is soo long and then there are the Viiseart palettes holding places.idk,if the packaging can win me over enough, That’s a day before my tentative surgery date. So,if they aren’t going to be at my local counter, really is unlikely.

Lotus Avatar

I hope your surgery relieves you of everything that whatever you have been dealing with has been paining you! Best to you, Nicole! Reward yourself! Dior Times Square! 😉

Lotus Avatar

You’ll have a wonderful July! So young for surgery but I hope it is seamless! Healing after is the worst so I’d save money starting yesterday to treat myself while recovering! Enjoy it! 😉

Lauren Avatar

I have no idea why, but shades like Bianca B absolutely give me the heebie jeebies. To me, it reminds me of dried-up, dyed toothpaste.

Michele Avatar

More confused than ever (and no, it’s not my age!) Bianca is horrific! Yikes. I had such high hopes. I love Charlotte and Tats but already have the dupes. Eugenie and Margherita look so pretty on you but, alas, not my colors. Did you get the gloss to review? (Holding out hope…)

Kat Avatar

I’m such a sucker for LE packaging…. at least I’m still in the early stages of collecting lip products (I used to avoid them like the plague) so even though these are pretty dupable I don’t actually have anything exactly like them. I think I’ll go for Tats, Charlotte, and Eugenie. I love Margherita but I don’t think I’d wear it too often. I’ll see how I feel when it comes out!

I really hope these don’t sell out super quick online, because I actually do really like these. At least I live near NYC, so I can hit up like a MILLION different stores for stock! I actually went to the MAC Soho store yesterday and they were out of something (Huggable in Play it Soft) and they’re like “oh go next door!” and I literally went to the next door over, which was Bloomingdales.

(Bianca kind of looks like you put White-Out on your lips…)

Charlotte Avatar

I love reds and I can’t pass up a lipstick with my name lol I’ll be getting Charlotte maybe tats too ill have to try tats on first

Kalli Avatar

I was really looking forward to this launch and I love the colors, but less than thrilled that they’re matte finishes. I think I’m over the matte lip trend, especially for summer! I would have probably purchased Tats or Chalotte if they did them as an Amplified Creme or something similar. Oh well, money saved for something else!

Amy Avatar

I’ve been wanting a color like Bianca B for the longest time! All other pastel pink lipsticks don’t look pastel on me at all. Too bad it’s a matte! I think a cream would’ve worked much better.

Lotus Avatar

Not bad at all! Wow! I never thought you were into the zinc oxide lip look, Christine! 😉 You look radiantly tan and well sunblocked up there! Margherita looks beautifully sunny on you in a very good way! 🙂 Again I feel with such dupes, it’s just MAC being MAC. Sales for LE Lippies.. Names changed to protect the innocent… 😉

Lotus Avatar

LOL.. You might, just might.. Lol, be on to something! Eh hem, MAC! 🙂 They COULD have put zinc oxide into Bianca B.. Just saying.. But it’s cool to bring back that gloss! Remember Sorcery & Iridescently? Lip color gloss transformers? They were fun! 🙂 for all the giant collections they do, I’m just bummed that this was all they were inspired by GV to do..

Rachel R. Avatar

I like how the packaging matches the bullets, but the colors are all so dupable. Bianca B. looks just horrible to me: Too white and settles in the lines too badly.

Kat Avatar

I was just thinking that it could be used to lighten other shades, since it’s SO white. Like if there’s a color you love but it’s too dark for whatever look you’re going for, maybe you could mix in a dab of Bianca to brighten it up!

Genevieve Avatar

Eugenie isn’t a brown, but a lovely marsala, Bordeaux colour. Love both Charlotte and Eugenie – gorgeous, vibrant colours. They look stunning on you Christine. However the Bianca colour is only suited to very fair complexions and the colour is, frankly, awful.

LipstickHoarder Avatar

Thank you for reviewing these. I knew you were, but boy was I watching your site every day like a hawk haha. Anyways, I know you only received on date for the release. So when they say “seletced MAC locations” this mean only official MAC flagships? If so this is a huge let down for me since it’s so much easier getting them from Macys/Nordstrom.

Meghan Avatar

I’m coveting this packaging hard. I have dupes for all of the colours I like though; Tats, Margherita & Charlotte. I’m not sure if it’s worth it. If anything, maybe I’ll just go for Margherita! 🙂

macherieamour Avatar

Thanks so much for the review! Do you think Margherita is similar to Sushi Kiss? The color is so lovely but it is kind of wash me out.

Tiffanie Avatar

That Bianca B shade is brutal! Outside of editorial purposes, I can’t see how that would be wearable for anyone lol! How do you think Margherita compares to MAC Sushi Kiss?

Cat Avatar

I love love love the packaging– why has no one else thought of this? It makes me want to buy them all. However, the colors are disappointing, mainly because they are all dupeable. I like them all except Bianca B, which seems incredibly hard to wear, but I don’t know if it’s worth the extra $$ and trouble to try and pick any of them up!

Nancy T Avatar

Ok. So the packaging is really sort of cool, but at least 3 of these shades are so beyond highly dupable that it’s ridiculous! Margherita doesn’t have nearly as many, however it appears too close to Sushi Kiss in color and Sushi Kiss made me look ill and jaundiced. Not the look, LoL! And then there’s Bianca B…..as Lotus mentioned: zinc oxide. Not sure what anyone at MAC was thinking (WAS anyone thinking?) with that Butt Paste looking junk! Just disappointing.

Marissa Avatar

I love the aesthetics of the whole collection! but they look so dupable and somewhat i already have similar toned lipsticks 🙁

i’m tempted to get margherita as the whole packaging junkie i am… it somewhat reminds me to mac sushi kiss or a less pinkier version of vegas volt haha. Eugene’s whole aesthetic is screaming to me… but i already have rebel and hang up… in fact they’re very general colors. i wish they’ve brought out a ‘omg shade i need to get this’ … i think i’ll pass but sometimes i break my promises when it comes to makeup.

GG Avatar

Ugh, I am so, SO reluctant to reward MAC for these LE collections… but Margherita looks awesome!! And it sounds like there isn’t a really close dupe for it at all, given I’ve tried the listed ones and I found them too dark. Maybe I’ll get lucky and someone will sell it used on ebay or something. Bluhhhhhhhhh

Rachael Avatar

OMG! Ive tried to stay away fro swatches the last couple weeks because I buy with no self control but THANK GOD I checked this out if I would of missed out on that packaging…oh how mad I would be!

Naaz Avatar

Hey Christine, is Charlotte sufficiently different from Mac Red? I have Mac Red, which is the perfect red on me. I was hoping Charlotte would be a bit more pinky red but it looks so similar! I don’t want to simply purchase for the packaging!!

Lotus Avatar

I recently noticed a couple of these showcased as most loved of the week… If any are similar to a Viva Glam.. Doesn’t spending money for a cause, with the same lipstick outcome, make more sense? Or is that a personal opinion? Same old, same old.. Oh.. $17.50 now? Yeah, no. Easy pass.

Natalie Avatar

I’ve honsetly never ever bought a MAC lipstick before and this packaging has caught my eye.. I unfourtantly tend to have very dry lips regaudless what I do.. In your opinion, is it worth me buying one?? Charlotte and Tats are what I’m most interested in.. Thanks for your opinion

Natalie Avatar

Yes, I can exfoliate and moisturize and get a nice canvas everynow and then but most brands still emphasize my fine lines.. I’m currently trying out Colourpops lippie primer, fingers crossed I can make the MAC lipsticks work. Always wanted one. Thanks again. Loving your reviews

Alicia Avatar

I read that these will be released online July 2nd then in stores on the 9th. Do you know if that’s true & what time this usually occurs?

Kelly Avatar

I first started visiting this blog years ago and it is still my #1 go-to for swatches and reviews on new releases. I totally trust your opinions and love what you post. Thanks for this post and for all the work you do! Your poor lips must be hurting after all these swatches – any recs on a good lip balm?

Janine Avatar

First of all, your site is my holy grail for reviews. But, on to the lipsticks. I wish just one was a lustre. MAC’s matte or matte-leaning lipsticks are so dry. I love Charlotte and Tats shades. But I have to pass this time. :'( Thank you!

Xochitls Avatar

Why Is everyone hating on Bianca b I got it and love it I think it’s very unique and with the right makeup anyone can pull it off I have kim k type of skin color.

Silvia Avatar

Oh my, Eugenie MUST BE mine!!!!
Christine, how does it compare to Diva?
I’ll probably get Margherita as well…
I find Bianca B horrid, Tats is just a common fuchsia, and Charlotte is really pretty but I don’t think it differs that much to many other reds, doesn’t it?

Katie Avatar

Tats is so my color! I have sooo many dupes of it (no faux pas is my absolute favorite lipstick ever!) ,but some how I want more! Margherita Is very interesting and I like Charlotte! Too bad when I tried to get these lipsticks the MAC site wasn’t working and wouldn’t let me go to my cart and when it finally did, HOURS LATER., they were sold out!! Awful customer service and website is terrible on a normal day! If you’re going to build such hype and sell out in a few hours, at least make a website that works!

Lana Avatar

Hi Christine. Ive been a long time reader but only commenting now :-).
Would you ever wear Bianca? It looks so chalky and it feels like it is a stage show lip colour…you know the ones that the actors would wear on stage? Why does MAC release such weird colours? o_o.
On that note, is Charlotte a blue red? It looks so gorgeous.

Sian Avatar

HI Christine! I was just wondering how similar Charlotte is to Viva Glam Rihanna. I checked the swatch gallery (such a great feature a million thanks!) and they seemed to have a very similar look, but I was wondering if you would consider them dupes or if there is a considerable difference? Thanks so much!

Christina Avatar

Thx, you really helped me with this article!

First I wanted to buy all of them, now I just want Eugene & Tats.
So I saved a lot of Money <3

Marta Avatar

I have a problem with my Margherita… the application is really difficult the swatch on my hand is perfect full color while on lips it is really bad, not bright and fully covered like on your lips.
It stricks and it is tacky and creates lines and color spots.. Really awful alone… I have many other mac lipsticks and this is the only one so bad 🙁 The color and packaging is so beautiful, but i really can’t wear it alone… the only way is mixing with another base… 🙁

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