MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil Review & Swatches

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil was an impulse purchase for me because, for all I know, I don’t need another lip pencil in my life! The promo image is what did it. With that type of luscious, appealing gradient lips, it’s hard for me not to take home a few shades! :D

Patentpolish is a twist-up style chubby lip pencil; no sharpener required. With a unique (or should I say, odd?) round tip, the pencil is not meant for precision, at least not on my lips. I have a somewhat deep Cupid’s Bow and I find the round tip difficult to maneuver in that area. I usually end up filling in the color with a separate lip brush. If you have shallow Cupid’s Bow (or none), you may find it easier to apply.

The formula is moderately hydrating, has a MAC signature sweet vanilla scent and promises “a luscious shine with a single swipe” which I totally agree! While these pencils may look a lot like your typical tinted lip balm, they are actually quite different. I find the texture of Patentpolish lip pencils slightly thick (but not heavy) and tacky. They apply extremely smoothly, though, which I was surprised. The pigmentation is a little more intense than I expected and seems to “cling” to your lips better than most tinted lip balm.

There are 12 shades total. I purchased Fearless — a medium pink, and Patentpink — a pale lilac pink. The two ends of pink spectrum!

Fearless applies semi-sheer but is buildable. It does not settle into lip lines or cling on to dry patches. Its texture reminds me of a cross between a Lipglass and a Lustre finish lipstick with lots and lots of shine! The shade compliments my skin tone really well and does not look too bright for work wear. It’s one of those MLBB shades on my pigmented lips.

Patentpink is a little tricky to apply. It feels creamier, and instead feels more like a Cremesheen and a Lipglass. It catches on dry spots and falls into lip lines, which is to be expected for any pale lipstick with creamy consistency. The pigmentation is good and goes on almost opaque in one coat. The finish is a little less glossy than Fearless but the luminous shine is still apparent. It is a difficult shade for me to pull off but it will be a fun color to pair with a dramatic eye look.

I do like the formula but I wish they would last a little longer. These wear extremely short. The smooth glossy finish disappears within the first hour for both shades and a few hours after, there is barely any color left on my lips. Unless applied over a lip base, I’m afraid reapplication will be needed later on in the day.

Lightweight, balm-like, and lots of shine, Patentpolish is a nice option for Spring/Summer lip product. It doesn’t take effort to use and the color range is fun. I personally think they are quite similar to Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (review). The wear time is undeniably incomparable due to the lack of staining quality but I do feel that Patentpolish is slightly more moisturizing and provides a smoother and glossier finish.

Are you a lip pencil fan? What are some of the best formula you’ve come across?

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