This Lipstick Single-Handedly Reignited My Love for Matte Lips
Our honest review of MAC Cosmetics’ Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick.
2016 makeup is back with a vengeance, which of course means matte lips are also facing a major renaissance. Naturally, cult-favorite cosmetics brand MAC is at the forefront of all things nostalgic makeup, so it only makes sense that its newly-launched Powder Kiss Lipstick was the one product to officially convince me to trade in my glossy lips for a blurred matte look.
For some of us, matte lipstick can trigger bad memories of dry, uncomfortable lips that put every imperfection and crack on display. Because of this, I’ve always approached matte lips with extreme caution — especially in the winter time and especially given my chronically chapped lips. So, when I first tested out MAC’s new range of Powder Kiss products, I had low expectations. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by the results.
What To Know About MAC Cosmetics’ Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick
Best for: Blurred, hazy matte lips
Price: $27 USD on the brand’s website
Rating: 10/10
Why The Hype?
Although MAC is known for its entire lineup of makeup artist-approved staples, its signature bullet lipsticks have to be its most prolific product. With over 200 shades and 12 different finishes, the brand has become synonymous with innovative formulas and high-impact color payoff. As for its new Powder Kiss range, MAC is bringing us the same cult-favorite formula and shades we know and love — this time in a soft-focus, blurred finish that moisturizes your lips as you wear it.
How To Use
If you’re already familiar with the application process of MAC’s signature satin and silky matte lipsticks, the new Powder Kiss shades are no different. Personally, I start by roughly applying the lipstick (my go-to shade is currently “Turn to the Left,” a rosy brown) all over my lips and blending it in with my fingers as I go. Once the color is applied to my liking, I clean up the edges with a cotton swab before applying a lip liner of a similar shade to the perimeter of my lips — rounding out my cupid’s bow and emphasizing my bottom lip for a pouty, Nina Park-esque blurred lip.
In addition to the Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipsticks, MAC also launched the Powder Kiss Lip + Cheek Mousse — a multi-use product that’s ideal for all of the liquid lipstick lovers of 2016. Similarly to the classic lipstick version, the mousse gives your lips that effortlessly hazy effect. I also apply it before lip liner and use the wand to swipe it on my lips before I blot it out to maximize the blurry finish. Plus, it doubles as a matte blush, making it a major on-the-go beauty bag essential.
An Honest Review
One major drawback of most matte lip products is their tendency to strip the lips of moisture and cling to every imperfection. However, I discovered that the Powder Kiss lipstick felt extremely lightweight throughout the day and didn’t settle into my lips. Beyond that, the color actually lasted. Although it’s not exactly a true liquid lipstick and does require a few touch-ups here and there, I see it as a small price to pay for comfortability.
While the King Kylie-esque matte lips of the 2010’s are indeed back, the one thing I love most about the Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipsticks is its ability to integrate 2016 nostalgia with 2026 practicality. I’m a sucker for a diffused, popsicle lip and as much as I love MAC’s original matte lipstick formula, the new Powder Kiss finish is the superior way to achieve effortlessly chic lips every single time.
The Final Verdict
If you’re still traumatized by liquid lipsticks of the past, MAC’s Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick might be a fool-proof way to experiment with matte lips again. Just like the rest of the brand’s lip products, there’s a shade for practically every undertone and personal preference, meaning the possibilities are endless when it comes to new lip combos. But most importantly, MAC is finally taking the intimidation out of matte lipstick — so all you really have to do is swipe it on and watch your dream blurred lips take shape before your eyes.
While you’re here, read about Rico Nasty’s recent collaboration with Good Dye Young.
