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MAC Cosmetics

Here’s My Cowboy Carter Lip Combo Using MAC Products

by Aleah Wright August 15, 2025

written by Aleah Wright 5 minute read

Image of me holding the MAC Tilted Denim Lipstick — *Wearing MAC Tilted Denim*

For Beyoncé’s highly acclaimed eighth studio album “Cowboy Carter,” she inspired many of us fashion and beauty-wise with her western-core outfits and bold makeup looks. From her iconic Americana album cover of her riding on that white horse to her head-to-toe Levi’s denim tour looks, her fashion has embodied that country culture. Taking inspiration from many of her key visuals, I decided to create my own Cowboy Carter lip combo using products from MAC Cosmetics.

Image of the MACximal lipstick in shade Tilted Denim

I purchased tickets to see Beyoncé on her tour stop in New Jersey and wanted to wear denim on denim. I picked out this light blue Levi’s top that featured these two-toned cowboy boots and a light beige cowboy hat. To go along with my top, I paired it with this light/dark wash ankle-length column skirt that incorporated a unique patchwork design.

Once my outfit was pulled, I started envisioning what I wanted my makeup to look like for the day of the concert. I knew a soft beat and a statement lip would bring everything together. For me, it was important to pay homage to denim because it’s been a long tradition of cowboys wearing denim from early 60s and 70s spaghetti western films to modern-day rodeos now.

I decided to step out of my comfort zone and buy a blue lipstick. I began researching and quickly discovered that only a few beauty brands make this shade. But the one that stood out from the rest was MAC’s Tilted Denim lipstick.

MAC’s Baby Blue Lipstick In Shade Tilted Denim

Tilted Denim is a part of MAC’s newer, sleek satin line and features a creamy, hydrating formula. This baby blue shade can be easily built up with a few swipes on the lips. In addition, you can also apply a bit of color theory and change the color of your lipsticks by mixing the blue pigment with other nude shades like Hodgepodge and Peachstock. This rich formula also lasts for hours, including a 3-hour-plus performance from Beyoncé in the pouring rain. Incorporated in the lipstick are nourishing oils like camellia seed and rosehip oil, along with pomegranate flower extract.

Image of the MAC lipstick in shade Tilted Denim

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When it comes to the packaging, several upgrades were made. The bullet is now personalized with the MAC name etched on the front. The casing also feels heavier but is still compact enough to fit into a clutch or small bag.

In this twist-up style lipstick, you get 3.5 grams of this velvety formula for about $25. A little bit goes a long way, so this can last for a while. Plus, you can get MAC’s Tilted Denim for up to 30% sometimes 40% off during MAC’s major sales.

In addition to the sales, you can also get cash back on your online orders for this shade when you use Rakuten.

Cowboy-Core Makeup

Image of the MAC lipstick in shade Tilted Denim applied to my lips

Now that my lipstick was picked out, it was time to find the perfect lip pencil. I wanted a liner in a similar family color that gave a bit of contrast for the lip combo. What I landed on is probably MAC’s second most popular lip pencil shade after Chestnut, which is Nightmoth.

I like how Nightmoth is this beautiful dark plum color that easily adds depth and definition to my lips. This lip pencil is a creamy formula that’s artistry level and easy to use from beginner to pro. I enjoy how it glides onto my lips so smoothly, making outlining a breeze.

When it comes to MAC’s lip pencil, you won’t have to worry about it skipping or dragging. For application, I like to start by drawing out my cupid’s bow. Then I begin lining the lower lip, gently working from side to side. After outlining, I feather out any harsh edges using the back end of the pencil.

Applying My Rodeo-Inspired Lip Combo

Image of the MAC Cosmetics lip pencil in shade Nightmoth

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Next, I take some of MAC’s Tilted Denim and dab it onto the center of my lips. Then, I swipe it a few times to get a saturated look. Finally, I like to use a high-shine gloss like MAC’s lip glass or Squirt plumping stick to finish off my combo.

Attending Beyoncé’s Rodeo Chitlin Tour, I received several compliments on my cowboy-core lip combo from fellow Beyhive fans.

I felt like a true cowgirl saddling up for a great show from the queen herself. I thoroughly enjoyed all the outfit looks, dance numbers, and her final act riding in that cherry red car in the sky. The Cowboy Carter tour was one I’ll never forget, and I got to create a memorable lip combo to commemorate this unforgettable tour.

August 15, 2025

Image of me holding and applying the MAC Cosmetics lipstick in shade Hodgepodge

Beauty

Here’s Why I Love MAC’s Lipstick In Shade Hodgepodge

by Aleah Wright May 21, 2025

written by Aleah Wright 5 minute read

Image of me holding MAC lipstick in shade hodge

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.

Photo: Bloomingdales

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Image of me holding MAC Cosmetics lipstick in shade Hodgepodge — *MAC’s Chestnut Liner with Hodgepodge Lipstick*

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.

Image of me applying MAC Cosmetics lipstick in shade Hodgepodge.

Photo: Bloomingdales

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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.

May 21, 2025

Beauty

MAC Is Giving Us The Color of The Year In The New Nudes Lip Collection

by Aleah Wright January 17, 2025

written by Aleah Wright 4 minute read

Image of the MAC Cosmetics Nude lipsticks — *Credit: MAC Cosmetics*

Lipstick enthusiasts can rejoice now that the MAC Cosmetics Nude collection has dropped. As a 90s baby, I grew up seeing icons like actress Angelina Jolie and supermodel Cindy Crawford on magazine covers and in films. During that decade, both of these women wore sultry nude lips that many of us try to recreate to this day through social media trends like Latte makeup.

The Nudes We’ve Been Waiting For

Up close image of the MAC lipstick — *Credit: MAC Cosmetics*

MAC is giving us all the nudes we need with 3 lip liners, 19 silky matte, sleek satin, and sheer-shine lipsticks, along with 6 powder kiss liquid shades. When it comes to the lip liners MAC Cosmetics went back into the vault and brought back shade Cool Spice, which was beloved by Cindy Crawford. In an interview with podcaster Lauryn Bosstick, Cindy dishes on her key beauty secret for her modeling career, and that was using the MAC Spice pencil to overline her lips.

“It was so 90s,” says Cindy. She used Spice to get that nude pouty lip that was so trendy during that time. MUA Erin Parsons even does a comparison between the two versions. Erin notes how the 90s Spice was more cool-toned while the Spice of today had more warm undertones. After testing the two Erin yearns for the 90s liner saying “It’s the perfect shade, the perfect texture”.

MAC heard the feedback from lipstick lovers through the grapevine and brought us shade Cool Spice in the new nude collection. MUA Erin Parsons excited about the launch did a quick review on the MAC pencil saying “25 years I have dreamt of this color”. Currently, the Cool Spice liner is sold out online but the MAC Cosmetics team was kind enough to send over the shade for me to try. First impressions, the Cool Spice pencil is a creamy formula that’s easy to apply and won’t budge. It has a beautiful deep brown color to it with a cool undertone. This would be ideal to pair with other shades like Folio.

Hodgepodge The “Mocha Mousse” Color Of The Year

Image of the MAC Nude lipsticks — *Credit: MAC Cosmetics*

Mocha Mousse is deemed the color of the year for 2025 by color and trend firm Pantone. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute said “Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is sophisticated and lush”. MAC leaned heavily into this news and developed my favorite shade Hodgepodge, which embodies Mocha Mousse. Hodgepodge is a mocha mid-town brown that’s a part of the sleek satin line. This lipstick color works so well on light and deep complexions. Plus it pairs well with the iconic lipliner shade Chestnut.

Angelina Jolie and Shade Folio

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The MAC Cosmetic Nudes collection also brought back shade Folio, a muted taupe brown with grey undertones. According to Beauty TikTok Creator and MUA Erin Parsons, Angelina Jolie wore this shade in the 90s. To achieve her sultry looks, she wanted a grey nude that felt different from the warmer tones and went well with her complexion.

Since then, many other makeup artists and fashion publications have gone on to recreate Angelina Jolie-inspired makeup. Shade Folio is a part of the sleek satin line which is more of a hydrating formula. This glides on the lips like butter and for ultra high-shine pair it with the MAC lip glass.

#MACNudes has been trending all over social media with Creators showing the versatility of the collection with the warm and cool tones. Plus the packaging for the lipsticks is super sleek, and many of the bullets come in a weighty matte case. You also have a retractable base with the MAC name etched all along the opening and on the bullet.

Overall, you get a wide variety of shades with a top-notch formula that has long staying power. The MAC Cosmetics Nude collection is available to shop at Ulta and MAC.com.

Looking to save on your MAC purchase? When you shop online using Rakuten you can cashback on your orders.

January 17, 2025