The MAC Versicolour Lip Stain is a unique lip product that blends the creamy, shiny finish of a lip gloss with the long-lasting color of a lip stain. This innovative formula offers a comfortable wear with a high-impact, saturated color payoff.
First Impressions and Formula
Upon application, the Versicolour Lip Stain offers a creamy, shiny, and slick sensation. The formula is described as having a watery-light texture that glides on comfortably, imparting long-wearing, saturated full coverage with an always-fresh wet finish. It is noted to be non-sticky, which is a significant advantage for many users who dislike the feeling of traditional lip glosses.
Initially, the product appears very pigmented and shiny. Over the next approximately 10 minutes, the formula gradually transforms, feeling thicker, akin to a liquid lipstick, before settling into a matte lip stain. This transition provides a dual-wear experience, offering both gloss and stain benefits.
The texture is often compared to MAC's Cremesheen Glass, but with a thinner consistency. One reviewer described it as feeling like finger paints, soft and creamy on the lips, a sensation that reminded them of childhood art activities.
Shade Range and Performance
The Versicolour Lip Stain is available in a wide array of colors, catering to various preferences. While many users are drawn to the darker pinks and reds, the performance of each shade can vary slightly.
One shade, Bitten Babe, a rosy nude, is highlighted as a standout. It is praised for its ability to stain lips evenly, avoiding the common issue of uneven pigmentation where the center of the lips might be darker or brighter than the edges. Bitten Babe starts as a glossy rosy pink and fades into a nude pink stain by midday, lasting for about four hours. This even fading is a desirable trait for those who prefer a consistently colored lip throughout the day.
Darker shades are reported to last the longest, with some users experiencing 6-7 hours of wear. Even with transfer during activities like drinking tea, the stain remains on the lips. After the glossy effect fades, the lips are left feeling soft and looking vibrant.
For a more intense coverage, layering the product and allowing it to sit for a longer duration is recommended. This method can further enhance the staining power and depth of color.
Scent and Flavor
Consistent with many MAC products, the Versicolour Lip Stain has a pleasant vanilla scent. No distinct flavor is detected by users, which is often preferred for lip products.
Wearability and Hydration
Despite its long-wearing stain properties, the Versicolour Lip Stain is surprisingly moisturizing and hydrating. It does not typically cause dryness, cracking, or peeling, even on lips that are already dry or chapped. The formula cradles the lips, and upon drying, it leaves them looking naturally colored without exacerbating any dryness or creasing into flaky areas.
The product is described as a multi-purpose item due to its ability to provide both a glossy finish and a lasting stain, making it suitable for various looks and preferences.
Value and Availability
The MAC Versicolour Lip Stain retails for $22.00 USD and contains 0.28 oz of product, equating to approximately $85.71 per ounce. In the UK, they retail for £20. There are reportedly 17 shades available in some databases. The product is often found in the Lip Gloss section of retailers.
The brand positions this product as the ultimate fusion of gloss and stain, with a fluid formula that melts onto the lips, providing a glassy shine that endures. Infused with emollient oils, its lightweight texture remains bright, lustrous, and comfortable.
How to Create Blurred Lips in Seconds | MAC Cosmetics
Some users have collected multiple shades, enjoying the versatility of using darker shades on the inner lips for a gradient effect and lighter shades all over for a subtle pop of color and shine.