M.A.C Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink Is One of the Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks We’ve Ever Tried


MAC locked kiss ink review MAC locked kiss ink review

Earlier this year, I got a text from my beauty-obsessed cousin telling me that I need to be on the lookout for a new M.A.C Cosmetics lip product and that as soon as it was available on Adore Beauty, she’d be exercising her ‘family and friends discount’ rights immediately.

She’s a paediatrician, I’m a beauty editor, yet she knew about his launch before me.

That’s how serious M.A.C fans are.

As beauty lovers, we know any M.A.C Cosmetics makeup launch (especially a lip product - they've nailed this category) is going to be exciting, but what was going to be so good and different about this one I thought?

Could anything really rival the suite of existing and iconic MAC lip products and lipsticks?

Then I got the new MAC Locked Kiss Ink in my hands (and on my pout) and now, I understand the hype.

MAC Locked Kiss Ink has all the hallmarks of an excellent lipstick.

Firstly, the shade I tried was gorgeous. Secondly, it really is like an ink...

After hours of wear, there was no smudging, no transfer and no settling in lines or feathering.

But don’t just take my word for it.

I asked some of my AB colleagues to road-test it too, just to make sure the one I was using wasn’t just a fluke of good luck. That MAC Locked Kiss Ink truly is one of the best long-wearing lip products they’ve ever tried.

Here’s their honest thoughts and their mini MAC locked kiss ink reviews...


What is M.A.C Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink?

Fast facts:

  • M.A.C Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink is a long-wearing liquid lipstick with a rich matte finish and ⁠comfortable feel.

  • Is transfer-proof, waterproof (and kiss-proof!) so no need for touch-ups.

  • Promises 24 hours of weightless wear. No feathering or bleeding.

  • Has an exclusive pigment lock technology featuring double-coated, ultra-refined pigments for a flexible, breathable veil of full-coverage, rich matte colour.

  • The MAC Locked Kiss ink is also infused with passion fruit oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

  • Comes with a slanted, cushiony applicator for precision and to help with a smooth and full application.

  • Is MAC's longest-wearing liquid lipstick to date.

  • Housed in luxe, high-tech packaging.


Our M.A.C Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink Reviews.

Side note: Turns out, a lot of us are partial to a shade of red, but don’t worry, MAC Locked Kiss Ink comes in a range of different shades!


Sadaf, Senior Beauty Editor.

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Shade: Sophistry.

Finding a red lip shade that suits my skin tone is hard. Despite having a lot of people tell me I need to get on the Ruby Woo train, it’s just never suited me.

I’m more of a MAC Chilli girl because it has more of a brown-ish tinge to it.

And that’s exactly why I instantly fell in love with MAC Locked Kiss Ink in shade ‘Sophistry’.

It imparts the perfect brickish-red matte hue that's really flattering on olive skin tones like mine.

The colour payoff is also spectacular. I only need to apply one coat for a rich, pigmented colour.

I know I sound like a broken record but my goodness, the staying power is beyond impressive. 

The first time I wore it (which was for an evening occasion/event) I drank champagne, ate dumplings and it didn’t budge. It was on all.night.

It’s honestly one of the best long-wearing lipsticks I’ve ever tried.

I’m so happy MAC locked kiss ink 'Sophistry' has come into my life because it’s officially one of my new signature shades and has also become a permanent fixture in my makeup bag.

I’m also a big fan of the sleek and no-chance-of-mess packaging.

Beauty tip for those with darker skin tones and naturally darker lips like mine: I like to pop concealer on my darker lips first so whatever lip shade I'm using can lay down as close to its true colour as possible.


Jas, Beauty Editor.

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Shade: Vicious.

"I’m a firm believer that everybody should have a good, reliable red lipstick in their makeup collection. Even on our worst days, a swipe of red lippie can instantly lift our mood and make us feel ‘dressed up’ (even if we’re in sweats).

So, naturally, when Sadaf shared a glowing review of the new M.A.C Locked Lip Ink on her Insta feed, I immediately added it to my wish list—and boy, was she onto something.

It ticks all the boxes you’d want a liquid lipstick to: It’s highly pigmented, long-wearing, transfer-proof and melts into the lips without drying them out.

I love it so much I've already got my eye on at least two more shades..."


Chloe, Brand Partnerships Content Coordinator.

MAC Locked Kiss Ink review MAC Locked Kiss Ink review

Shade: Bodacious.

"The overuse of liquid lipsticks from 2014-2016 made me borderline terrified of any matte lippy formula, so I was only using lip oils and lip glosses after that era of makeup.

MAC Locked Kiss Ink has completely changed my mind.

The formula is very, very light and it doesn’t crust up two hours in. I noticed there was absolutely no transfer on my coffee cup either. Only when eating did I notice a bit of the lipstick come off in the centre (which is totally normal).

The pigment is incredible considering how light the formula is. I do recommend prepping your lips the night before - just the usual exfoliating and popping a balm on.

The shade I chose is 'Bodacious' and its a gorgeous brownish, kind of pink, kind of nude colour that reminds me of cult favourite, Velvet Teddy.

Its non-drying, crust-free formula that lasts all day gets a tick of approval in my books!"


Jordi, Brand Marketing Coordinator.

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Shade: Doyenne.

"Firstly, can we talk about the colour, wow! I’m so impressed with how gorgeous this product is, from the pigment to the effortless application.

It’s very quick to dry and has a matte finish so for a dry skin girlie like me I will need to make sure my lips are well hydrated before using a product like this.

My pic was taken an hour after application and it hadn’t moved one bit. I found that I only needed to reapply after 3 hours but mostly in middle parts of my lips as I ate and drank."


Final Verdict...

If you want a lipstick with top tier staying power (perfect for special occasions like weddings or travelling where there’s minimal time for touch-ups) then MAC locked kiss ink is what your makeup bag needs stat.


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