MAC Cosmetics has leaked the nudes we’ve been waiting for, and in one of my favorite shades, Hodgepodge. I first got wind of the new nude collection in January and wrote about how shade Hodgepodge was the color of the year for 2025 since color trend firm Pantone deemed this the Mocha Mousse year.
After watching several swatch videos on TikTok, I knew I had to have my hands on this sleek satin MACximal lipstick. So I did something that I rarely do, and that’s join the MAC loyalty program and pay full price ($25.00) for my Hodgepodge lipstick. I made sure to get cash back on my online order using Rakuten to help save on some of the cost.
I ordered my lipstick on January 11th and picked out my free sample, along with using my free shipping perk as a loyalty member. After placing my order, Rakuten notified me of the pending cash back.
A few days went by, and on January 16th, I got an email stating that my package had arrived. I eagerly ran to the door and saw my small brown box sitting on the front porch. Setting the box on the counter, I opened it with my scissors and saw my pride and joy inside. I pulled out the mocha brown box and opened the top to pull the jet black case out. It felt heavy, I slid the cap off and slowly rolled the brown bullet up to see the words MAC etched on the front. I stared in awe, thinking to myself, “This is the perfect nude shade for me!“. Shortly after, Rakuten gave me $2.00 cash back on my order after it was confirmed that my package was delivered.
Formulation & Shade
MAC Cosmetics in shade Hodgepodge is a mocha mid-tone brown that reminds me of milk chocolate. It was originally a lip liner shade that MAC collaborated with Teyana Taylor on, and now it’s back in the new nude collection. This lipstick is a part of their sleek satin collection, with the formula incorporating nourishing ingredients like rosehip oil, camellia seed oil, and pomegranate flower extract. Rosehip oil has a high concentration of fatty acids that help to hydrate the lips, while the camellia seed oil and pomegranate extract assist in keeping the lips moisturized. As a dry skin girly, the formula is comfortable to wear all day, glides on smoothly, keeps my plump lips hydrated, and smells like a vanilla cupcake.
Pairing It With The Iconic Chestnut Lip Liner
When it comes to lip liners, pairing MAC’s iconic chestnut shade with shade Hodgepodge is a must to give the most sultry nude lip. This creamy pencil applies smoothly to the lips, making outlining easy even for beginners getting into makeup. Chestnut is an intense brown color that is versatile and can easily be combined with other lipstick shades like Foilo and Stone. Plus, this liner is easy to sharpen, and the color payoff from the pigment is top-notch. I find that this lip combination looks stunning on all complexions, but especially on women of olive or deep tones.
Texture & Application
I truly enjoy the balmy texture from MAC’s satin sleek collection. When I apply shade Hodgepodge to the lips, it only takes a few swipes to see the color show up. The hybrid formula gives enough slip and shine while also drying a little matte to achieve what I call the godlilocks finish. You can apply Hodgepodge the traditional way by swiping the bullet straight onto the lips, or you can go in with your favorite lip brush, dab some off the bullet, and press across the lips. This can help you to get that soft, feathered lip look that’s become so popular at fashion runway shows.
Custom Packaging
Over the last two years, MAC Cosmetics has gone through a complete rebrand. Packaging for the new MACximal line comes with several upgrades. First, MAC changed where its lipsticks are manufactured. They are no longer made in Canada but are now produced in Italy. In the beauty world, Italy is known for making luxurious formulas when it comes to cosmetics. Next, the boxes received a brand new graphic design and are crafted in the custom shade color. This usually costs more to print. So when you pick up MAC Cosmetics lipstick in shade Hodgepodge, you can visually see on the outside what color you’re getting.
The casing that holds the bullet is also heavier, and you get 0.5 more grams of product in the new collection. Plus, the beauty giant focused more on personalization by using a soft mold to etch the MAC name onto the lipstick bullet.
MAC’s Hodgepodge has become my go-to lipstick that I reach for frequently, and is one that I cherish from the nude collection.