I’ve been incredibly lucky so far this December, I won my first ever MAC cosmetics lipstick from the lovely Jessica (over at making it up, go and have a lil’ snoop). First ever MAC product. Don’t judge, I’ve just never got round to exploring the counter before – it isn’t exactly cheap and my priorities have been elsewhere whenever I’m in a Debenhams, and I’ve not been in a MAC store long enough to shop. I’ve swatched, but never bought.
So, complete MAC virgin that I am – what do I think of Rebel?
Well. MAC is always one for sleek packaging, so the box and the bullets casing get a thumbs up from me. The tube is weighty, which is always a nice feeling – flimsy lipsticks are not the one – and the lid clicks on securely so there’s no chance of ruining the bullet itself. Score. Hate it when caps pop off in my bag.
The shade itself, Rebel, looks a little bit like one of my Rimmel London shades (128, Starry-eyed) in the tube, though with a touch more red/pink. In the swatches, Rebel is much more pink-toned, a beautiful rich plum colour in a satin finish. The pigmentation is high, you don’t need multiple applications to get a decent swipe of colour, and the formula itself is quite creamy.
On the lips: I’m probably going to have to invest in a lip liner, or just learn how best to apply this, as it feathered quite quickly. My lips aren’t in the best condition right now (I’m poorly, I apologise!), so I don’t have any ‘on-the-lips’ shots for you, but it is pretty true to colour when applied. Though in all fairness that may have caused the feathering. Oopsie.
So not a bad first impression from a MAC cosmetics virgin. I can definitely see why these lipsticks are raved about, the pigmentation is brilliant and the finishes are pretty. I’m eying up a couple of other shades (Heavy Petting, Instigator, Boyfriend Stealer and Diva), mostly darks as you can see, but they are all different finishes so I can see how they compare.
All in all, quite good, I think.
Which are your favourite MAC lipstick shades? What do you recommend I try from MAC’s other lines (no base makeup, though!)? Let me know~
♥
Oh my god! That color is so beautiful! Witchy and polished, all in one. I have one similar that I use- Cherry Bomb by Wet and Wild. I've never had a mac product before either, but I might have to try one.nolongergrey.com
Oooh I've never tried Wet&Wild before, I don't think they stock them in the UK but i'm allll for the similar shades! Witchy and polished, best aesthetic ;)xo
i've become obsessed with mac lately, my faves are velvet teddy, honeylove and stone :)danielle | avec danielle
I'm a completely MAC virgin myself, so don't worry. How interesting that your first ever MAC product is the first item on my MAC wish-list. I'm pretty sucky when it comes to dark lips too and they almost always feather out, so lip liner for sure. Seriously wishing you had on the lips photos but ahh, the swatch will do.I'm eyeing Film Noir, Heroine and Cyber. Dark lippie buddies? I think yes.May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin'
When I'm a little bit better I'll be sure to pop one in so that you can see 🙂 xo
I love this shade, its perfect for this time of the year ♥tipscapsule.blogspot.com
I too am a slight Mac virgin, I used to steal my mum's stuff all the time, but never really invested myself. This lipstick looks lovely, I'm really into the plums and dark autumnal colours, and this one looks brilliant – I also agree, a solid clickable lid is a must, it's too easy to ruin your bag as well as the lipstick when the lid flies off in your bag!Really great review, thanks for your input and you've described it really well!JosieVictoriaa // josievictoriaa.blogspot.co.uk // Lifestlye, Travel and Fashion
I grew up of the MAC lipsticks TBCH! I know Rebel is a cult classic but I have MAC Media myself, which is even darker than this one and it's great for layering – especially if you're too scared if the colour runs too dark. I also have Sunny Seoul (get it just for the name hahaha but it's a girly pink) and Ravishing (salmony pink) and they're not too shabby either… one thing I have to say though, is that I'd stay away from their Creamsheen formulas now because of my poor lip condition and they don't go on smoothly :'( but otherwise I feel like their Matte offerings look super duper! But I'm broke now so I'll definitely have to keep an eye out for a giveaway! Cherie xsay hi at sinonym
I absolutely HAVE TO TRY IT. Media, I mean, and I'd love to pick up sunny seoul too, because I think I need it?Thanks so much for the recommendations xo
Shame it feathered but you cannot deny the colour is simply stunning!Hannah | Oh January
It's such a gorgeous shade. Gonna work on my skills to stop the feathering from being a thing ;D xo
I'm glad you jumped on the MAC lipstick bandwagon 🙂 Rebel is a lovely colour, I think I might purchase that one next! I recommend you try Mehr & Twig, they're very pigmented Neutral / pink toned nudes that rarely need a lip liner underneath, but you could add one to intensify the look!Serene | I Am Serene L
I totally feel you! I bought Cyber as a MAC virgin and after half an hour it started fading, I think I'll have to get one of their lip liners as well, but I was expecting a bit more!
Ohhh I'm glad I'm not the only one!! We might just be missing a trick that comes with many MAC products :') (or more MAC products tbh…)xo
Love the colour.When it comes to applying dark lipsticks I usually exfoliate my lips first and apply a very rich lipbalm about half an hour before applying the lipstick. Then I take it off. Apply a coat of lipstick, blott it and apply a second layer. Saves me the lippencil.As to other shades I love from MAC- I have two everyday shades which are the Viva Glam 2 which is my absolute favourite and Brave. I also have Cosmo, Ruby Woo (amazing Matte Red and soooo long lasting) and Impassioned.Love this post. If you need more inspiration on MAC products I have a post of my Collection and will soon update it- so if you want to check it out head over to fit-and-beautiful-heart.blogspot.de Have a nice dayNadja
Oooh thank you so much for the tips! :)xo
Love that colour! Also the photography is amazing! Steph X
Can't believe it's your first one! I love this shade, but Diva is my all time favourite. Nightmoth liner and Half-red are my favourite liners too. Mac Chili is my all time favourite lipstick xTamz || http://www.throughneweyesx.com
I love Rebel! I unfortunately lost my first MAC lipstick which was Viva Glam Nicki 🙁 I also have Creme Cup but despite all the rave reviews, I found it too pale for me. There are so many others I want though; Velvet Teddy, Patisserie…Kirstie | Kimamely Beauty
Rebel was my first MAC lipstick too! I find it is a beautiful shade too!Claire xxhttp://eclairscares.blogspot.co.uk/