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Hey beauties, welcome back to Beautyistic! If you’ve ever hunted for that perfect bold red lipstick that actually lasts all day without fading or feathering, then you’re in for a treat today. We’re taking a close look at MAC’s Macximal Matte Lipstick in the shade 612 Russian Red—a classic, iconic red designed for women who love a statement lip.
This lipstick promises 12-hour full-coverage color, and MAC highlights that it’s non-feathering and non-bleeding while also conditioning and nourishing your lips. At 0.12 ounces, it’s a compact option, but don’t underestimate it—MAC packs a punch in both pigment and staying power.
When I first applied Russian Red, I was immediately struck by how intensely pigmented it is. The color is rich, bold, and true to the tube. The matte finish is velvety, but unlike some mattes that can feel drying, this one actually keeps lips feeling nourished, thanks to the conditioning elements in the formula. It glides on smoothly, which is essential for a matte product—no tugging or patchiness here.
Over the course of my day-long testing, it maintained its color impressively. I noticed minimal transfer after coffee and lunch, and it stayed put even through conversation and light snacking. That said, because it’s a full-coverage matte, I did find it requires a bit of touch-up if you’re eating something oily—but that’s fairly standard for high-pigment lipsticks.
One of the things I love about this lipstick is the balance between bold color and comfort. It doesn’t settle into fine lines excessively, and the lips feel soft, not stiff. The packaging is classic MAC—sleek, sturdy, and easy to carry in a clutch or makeup bag without worrying about it opening accidentally.
Now, let’s weigh the pros and cons. On the plus side, you get a highly pigmented, long-lasting color with a comfortable matte finish, non-feathering formula, and nourishing properties. The consistency is smooth, application is effortless, and the iconic red shade really delivers a statement look. On the downside, it’s on the pricier side for a 0.12 oz lipstick, and like any matte, it can require a tiny touch-up after heavier meals.
Comparing it to other red matte lipsticks on the market, Russian Red holds its own. While some drugstore reds are beautiful, they often lack staying power or end up feathering—MAC’s Macximal Matte clearly outperforms in durability and overall finish. For those who want a true, classic red that feels luxurious, this is worth the investment.
As for value, considering the pigmentation, comfort, and staying power, I’d say the price is justified. The nourishment factor also adds a layer of care that many mattes overlook. If budget is a concern, you could explore similar formulas from high-end brands like NARS or Charlotte Tilbury, but MAC remains a top choice for this level of color payoff and reliability.
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To sum up, MAC’s Macximal Matte Lipstick in Russian Red delivers bold, long-lasting color with comfort and precision. It’s ideal for anyone who loves a statement matte red that doesn’t dry out the lips. It’s high-performing, beautifully pigmented, and true to the classic red everyone reaches for.
Thanks for watching, and if you’ve used Russian Red, drop a comment below! Let us know your thoughts. The link to purchase is in the description box. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, stay beautiful inside and out!
Available to buy here:
