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A complete guide to the best MAC lipsticks for cool undertones, neutral and olive skin, from the new MACximal lipsticks to iconic shades like Faux & Fast Play!
As a makeup artist and an ex-MAC retail artist, I’ve been trained to recognize the different undertones you can find in your skin.
It’s not just cool and warm – that would be way too easy.
Although makeup brands have started sharing more and more tips to help us discover or rediscover our skin’s undertone, it can still remain tricky, especially when you have a darker skin tone.
For instance, if you’re looking for the best MAC lipsticks for cool undertones, it might be easier to know whether you’ve got an olive skin tone than a golden or yellow undertone.
In any case, today, I’ll share with you all the best MAC lipsticks for fair skin and red hair, blondes, and brunettes, as well as beautiful lipstick colors for dark skin with cool undertones as well!
The Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones, Neutral & Olive Skin
I know that some of the most popular MAC lipsticks are matte lipsticks, like Mehr, Viva Glam 1 (one of my absolute favorites, now called Viva Heart), Ruby Woo, and Whirl.
Yes, but what’s the use of writing a complete guide to MAC lipstick colors for cool skin tones if it’s just to share the famous shades everyone knows?
That’s why, in this guide, you’ll get to know about some of the most versatile MAC lipsticks with blue undertones which look amazing whether you have an olive skin tone (like a lot of Arabs, Latinas, and Indians) or a really strong gold undertone.
Also read: The Best MAC Lipsticks for Warm Undertones
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Mehr
Let’s start with one of the most beautiful and versatile mauve MAC lipsticks for cool undertones: Mehr.
You can wear it on its own or wear beautiful MAC Mehr and lip liner combos – your choice, according to the time you have in the morning and how you want to build your makeup look.
The Mehr lipstick is a completely matte lipstick, all pink with a strong mauve, blue undertone which looks perfect whether you have fair skin and red hair, or a really strong olive skin tone.
Do keep in mind that the color of the Mehr lipstick has been slightly altered in the new MACximal formula, as you can read in my comparison of MACximal vs former MAC lipsticks – but I do think the new version is better for cool, neutral and olive skin too.
Read: The Best MAC Lip Liner Dupes from Barry M
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Viva Heart
Next up, you have the MAC Viva Heart lipstick, which is the new version of Viva Glam 1 – and such a favorite of mine, such a good color for most people that you can see it in several guides I’ve written about MAC.
Whether you have cool skin, Indian skin, Asian skin or any other type of skin with warm undertones, Viva Heart is a red lipstick that never lets you down.
I’ve taken to using the Viva Heart lipstick as a blush on my fair olive skin tone, too – when you apply the teensiest bit with a light hand, you have one of the prettiest red blushes you could wish for.
Read: MAC Brick-o-La Lipstick & Lip Liner Combos
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Antique Velvet
I told you time and time again about the Antique Velvet lipstick; it was my very first purchase along with Whirl back when I was deep into that 90s brown lip type of vibe.
If you’re looking for the best MAC lipsticks for cool undertones, the fact that Antique Velvet has a strong red undertone makes it super wearable on cool skin tones – it doesn’t matter whether you have fair skin or ultra-deep skin.
The new MACximal Antique Velvet lipstick is no different, if only for a softer formula, and the slight touch of red in this deep brown color makes it a perfect MAC lipstick for fall.
Read: MAC Nude Model Palette Review & Swatches
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Viva Planet
One of the lightest pink lipsticks currently available at MAC, Viva Planet is the new version of the Viva Glam 2 lipstick in a soft rosebud hue and a comfortable matte finish.
This is one of the very matte lipsticks from the brand that can blend with pretty much any MAC lip liner, be it Plum, Soar, Stone, Chestnut or even Beet for something a little more creative.
It also allows for much creative space on the eyes, too.
Whether you want to pair the Viva Planet lipstick with some strong red eyeshadow or just a wing of black eyeliner, it’s so ‘I’m here but not really’ that it gives a lot of freedom.
Read: The Best MAC Lipstick Dupes from Wet n Wild
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Honeylove
Compared to Viva Planet, MACximal Honeylove is a little bit darker, and just slightly warmer – but compared to the former Honeylove, which was part of the classic matte lipstick range, it is much pinker.
This is easily one of the prettiest MAC lipsticks for cool, neutral and olive skin at this point, especially because it’s so easy to pair with even very light and very pink lip liners, like Edge to Edge, for instance.
However, some of my favorite MAC lip liners with Honeylove would be the classic Whirl, Soar, Half Red or Plum for easy everyday options.
Read: The Best MAC Lipstick Dupes from NYX Suede Matte
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Velvet Teddy
The new MACximal Velvet Teddy is lighter and pinker than the classic, beloved and now-discontinued Velvet Teddy lipstick.
However, if you’ve been a lover of this shade for a long time as I have, then you can still find plenty of Velvet Teddy dupes on the market.
Now that the classic Velvet Teddy shade has been rearranged and split into two MACximal lipsticks, Velvet Teddy on the pinker side and Warm Teddy (perfect for warm skin and medium skin!), we have an even more wearable color for cool, olive and neutral skin.
All the MAC lip liners to pair with Velvet Teddy (the former shade) can still be used with this one, from Cork to Chestnut and, of course, Soar – try it with Plum, Beet, Vino or Nightmoth for something a little more exciting!
Read: 5 Possible Drugstore Dupes for MAC Soar Lip Liner
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal D for Danger
The MAC berry lipsticks all seem prettier than the next, and whether you have dark skin, Indian skin or very pale skin, this is one of the most perfect winter MAC lip colors.
I’ve talked about lots of these shades in the past, but MACximal D for Danger, the new version for the classic D for Danger lipstick, is one of the best you’ll ever try.
It’s a type of brick red with a strong pink undertone, with a comfortable matte finish which lasts for hours on end and can match all hair colors as well, from blondes to redheads – even grey hair!
Pair it with the Beet lip liner for a flawless outline, or with Chestnut, Cyber World, Vino or Nightmoth for a really fall-themed lip combo!
Read: Jeffree Star Jawbreaker Palette Swatches + Review
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: Flat Out Fabulous (Retro Matte)
Flat Out Fabulous and All Fired Up have been two of my favorite winter to summer MAC lipsticks for a few years now – the former is a bright plum, very cool-toned, and amazing on cool and olive skin.
We have here one of the most drying lipsticks from the brand, which means you really, definitely shouldn’t overlook using a lip primer underneath, whether it’s the 3ina Lip Primer or the MAC Prep + Prime for Lips.
Flat Out Fabulous looks wonderful with some baby pink eyeshadow, or, to really go crazy, a wing of bright blue eyeliner and some MAC Lipglass in Clear on top of the lipstick.
Read: The Best MAC Flat Out Fabulous Dupes
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Whirl
With its really cool undertones, the MACximal Whirl lipstick is a very special type of brown lipstick, and whether you have warm skin or very cool skin, it’s that type of 90s nude that you just can’t get over.
Revamped from the original Whirl lipstick, which can sometimes look like a dark nude on skin tones like mine (NW15, fair olive), the MACximal version is even more comfortable, with a full color perfect for fall and winter too.
The Whirl lip liner which used to match the lipstick can still be used with this new version, and for a deeper outline, you can also used Chestnut or Plum.
Read: MAC Flat Out Fabulous & All Fired Up Swatches & Review
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: Syrup (Lustreglass)
Syrup from the Lustreglass range, is one of the most hydrating MAC lipsticks you’ll ever come across, and with its plum pink color, makes for a perfect everyday color for cool skin tones.
We have here a translucent type of lipstick, with somewhat more pigmentation than a tinted balm, and an unforgettable texture that just feels good on the lips.
Another great option, if you love this formula but would rather go for something less pigmented, would be to get Thanks, It’s MAC.
It’s a favorite of mine and can be worn on top of pretty much any MAC lip liner, even the berry Beet lip liner, which it makes appear just slightly more mauve: beautiful!
Read: The Best MAC Lip Liner Dupes from NYX
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: Ruby Woo
The MAC Ruby Woo lipstick is probably the most famous red lipstick of all time, and with great reason.
It’s the MAC lipstick with blue undertones you want to get if you’ve got… any type of skin tone.
It’s actually also one of the best MAC lipsticks for warm undertones, simply because it’s the most perfect MAC red lipstick you’ve ever seen, especially if you want something really bright, really popping.
PS. It also exists in the MACximal formula if you would like something more hydrating, but still with the iconic Ruby Woo shade – pair with the Ruby Woo or the Cherry lip liner for a crisp lip!
Read: Juvia’s Place Magic Palette Swatches + Review
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: A Little Tamed
Another one of my favorites is part of the range of Powder Kiss lipsticks, which was first released about 5/6 years ago, and has taken the world by storm.
MAC Cosmetics only started with a few shades in the Powder Kiss range, but now, if you’re looking for comfortable MAC lipsticks for cool undertones, there is even a Ruby Woo dupe in the collection.
In any case, for a beautiful everyday MAC lipstick for fair skin and brunettes, or even blondes and redheads, the MAC A Little Tamed shade is an incredible color.
Not only is the formula super hydrating, but it also lasts a long time, is completely matte, and can even be used as a blush on almost any skin tone. What more could we wish for?
Read: 7 Colourpop Palettes Swatches + Review
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: MACximal Avant Garnet
Compared to MACximal Viva Heart, we have with the new Avant Garnet lipstick something way more-blue toned, which means it will make teeth look whiter, and just slightly darker.
Very slightly.
This is a gorgeous fall lipstick shade, but truthfully one to be worn all year round because it’s not dark enough to belong only to the cool months.
Read: The Best Nude MAC Lip Combos
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: Faux
Next up, you have the Satin lipstick Faux, which offers a really, really strong blue undertone mixed with pink – perfect if you’re looking for the best MAC lipsticks for fair skin and red hair, and find that Mehr is too dark on you.
The Faux lipstick looks amazing on any type of skin with cool undertones, from dark skin to Indian skin and fair skin – you just have to combine it with some type of darker lip liner if you find it’s too light for you to be worn on its own.
One thing I love doing as soon as I’m wearing a more hydrating MAC lipstick is to apply a darker lip liner underneath all over my lips.
Just so both colors mix and end up creating a third color – perfect if you’re ever gifted a lipstick you deem too light for your skin tone.
Read: Kiko 3D Hydra Lipgloss & Smart Fusion Lip Liners Review
Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones: Fast Play
I was debating whether I should include the Craving lipstick or the Fast Play lipstick since they look really similar, but I know that personally, on my olive skin, Fast Play looks otherworldly – so here it is!
The MAC Fast Play lipstick is perfect for anyone looking for the best MAC lipsticks for cool undertones, simply because it’s a really blue-toned purple plum lipstick.
It’s really wearable, and while it’s described by MAC as a neutral pink color, you can really see the mauve purple tone in there.
That touch of purple makes it one of the most beautiful MAC lipsticks for fair-skin brunettes, redheads, and anyone from medium to dark skin tones with really cool and olive undertones.
Read: Inglot Nude Matte Lipsticks Review (MAC Dupes)
The Best MAC Lipsticks for Cool Undertones, Neutral & Olive Skin
There you have them, all the best MAC lipsticks for cool undertones, from yellow to golden skin tones, and of course, olive skin!
I’ve tried to pick a bit of everything to share with you – some really pigmented MAC lipsticks with blue undertones, and some red lipsticks as well that can match any type of occasion!
Until next time!
Other Lip Swatches
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- Juvia’s Place Wahala & Wahala 2 Palette Swatches + Review
- Juvia’s Place Olori 1, Olori 2, Olori 3 Palettes Swatches + Review
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- The Best MAC Lip Liners for Fair Skin
- The Best MAC Lip Liners for Olive Skin
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- The Best MAC Lip Combos With Flat Out Fabulous Lipstick
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Other MAC Dupes
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Other Makeup Shops & Brands
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Other Nail Polish
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The Working Line
Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.