As a Makeup Artist, This Is My Go-To Lipstick for a Satin '90s Lip (2025)

We put the MAC Cosmetics MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

“You had to be there.” That’s what I hear from women who were in their 20s and 30s in the '90s. From the music to the fashion, the '90s was a decade full of trends and aesthetics that have seen a huge resurgence, with the beauty looks being no exception. With the launch of MAC Cosmetics’ line of MACximal Sleek Satin Lipsticks, a range that introduces dozens of new and old shades in a full-coverage, comfortable formula, there's now a fresh way to channel iconic '90s makeup no matter your complexion or aesthetic. With a specific lip look in mind, I wanted to give these lipsticks a try. Read on for my full review of this lipstick, from how I applied it to whether the result was everything I dreamed of.

About My Lips: Consistently dry and in need of hydration

My main challenge with my lips and the corners of my mouth is that they're always dry, which I try to combat by drinking tons of water and wearing overnight lip masks. As someone who loves wearing lipstick, this is not an ideal circumstance for me since many formulas can be drying, but I take it in stride, making sure to exfoliate my lips and keep them hydrated.

When doing my makeup, I never skip applying a lip product. What I gravitate towards changes depending on my mood and the type of look I’m going for, but right now, I enjoy wearing the Violette FR Bisou Balm in the shade Sucette and the Milani Cosmetics Fruit Fetish lip oil in Cranberry Currant. As a lover of all lipstick textures (and especially mattes), I was happy to trade in my two go-to products to give MACximal lipstick a try for two weeks.

How to Apply: Prep lips and pair with a liner

MAC Cosmetics has a few tips to help achieve the best look with the MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick. First, the brand recommends prepping the lips with a lip primer. Next, you'll want to apply lipstick directly to the lips. For extra precision and definition, use a lip pencil to finish off the look.

Following the brand’s instructions, I prepped my lips with MAC’s lip primer, followed with the lipstick, then channeled the '90s by using a MAC lip pencil in Root For Me!, a darker shade, to define my lips and give the look more depth.

The Results: A '90s statement lip without the dryness

I love a brown lip moment, but sometimes it can be tricky to find the right balance between my skin tone and the shade that will give me the look I’m going for. As soon as I tried the MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in the shade Hodge Podge, I knew it was a mid-tone brown that would give me the statement lip look I love.

Hodge Podge is a full-coverage, moisturizing satin lipstick, and with ingredients like camellia seed oil, rosehip oil, and pomegranate flower extract, you don't have to sacrifice moisture in exchange for coverage.The formula is creamy and rich, so applying it was a breeze—I never felt any tugging or pulling.

Each time I wore the lipstick, I managed to get several hours of wear before I needed to touch it up, with the only exception being after a meal. The combination of the lipstick with the darker neutral shade of MAC's lip pencil in Root For Me! created so much personality and depth, giving me the nostalgic statement I was hoping for. Overall, I think the MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick is an impressive product with a shade range that makes it fun to find your new signature or recreate a '90s-inspired look.

The Value: On the pricier side, but still accessible

I view MAC Cosmetics as a prestige beauty brand that strikes a balance between quality and accessibility, and the MACximal lipsticks are no different. This lipstick is at a similar price point to other higher-end lipsticks on the market, plus there's enough product to last several months, even with daily use. If you know what you want in a shade, the quality you get here is definitely worth it.

Similar Products: You've got options

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipsticks: If you’re looking for an alternative to the MACximal lipsticks, consider the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. range of lip colors. With a similar hydrating, satin finish and light-diffusing pigments to make lips look full and luminous, these lipsticks hydrate while providing full coverage. They're at a slightly higher price point, and which to choose will likely depend on your budget and shade preference.

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick: Well-known for its affordability and quality, the Colour Riche Satin Lipstick range by L’Oréal Paris hydrates lips without bleeding or migrating. Available in 52 pigmented shades, this is a great option if you want a wallet-friendly alternative.

Final Verdict: A lasting, comfortable '90s look

Testing out the MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick by MAC Cosmetics was a great experience. My lips felt moisturized, the lipstick wore for several hours, and the color Hodge Podge complemented my skin tone well while I created my take on a '90s lip. With over 30 shades available, this is a great option for creating a satin lip look no matter your preference.