Caitlyn Jenner claims her new MAC lipstick is “universal” — so we put it to the test
Caitlyn Jenner is on a roll. The reality star and LGBTQ+ advocate received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYs last July, using her platform to raise awareness about the abuse and violence so many trans teens experience. Jenner has visited LGBTQ+ youth centers to offer her support and counseling. And she’s also proven to be quite the fashionista and beauty icon: On April 7th, MAC launched Jenner’s limited-edition lipstick called “Finally Free.”
Finally Free is important, and not just because it’s Jenner’s first MAC collab. The lipstick is important because it stands for an incredible cause. According to MAC Cosmetics website, “One hundred percent of the proceeds from Finally Free…will go to the MAC Aids Fund Transgender Initiative, to expand its funding to organizations and programs improving transgender lives.” Amazing.
The color itself Jenner describes as “universal” and an “everyday lipstick.” Jenner told MAC she chose this shade because she “want[s] people to use it every day so they have to buy more. [She] want[s] to raise a lot of money.” Makes sense.
So, is this lipstick truly universal? Does it look good on everyone? We at HelloGiggles decided to try it out to see for ourselves.
At first glance, the color looks rosy, but subdued. It’s not too deep of a pink, nor is it too light. It doesn’t feel like it’ll apply too shimmery, either. Let’s find out, shall we?
“It was a fine color. Gina told me to put it on darker but I liked it kinda light! It wasn’t too bold for me, and went well with my skin tone. That’s impressive, since it also matched with a lot of other ladies with different skin tones in the office. I’d love to get my hands on it myself, but not for that much cash money.” —Rachel, Staff Writer
“It looked like ashy Viva Glam and I would DEF need a liner or gloss to make it work for me.” —Blaire, Executive Producer of Video
“I found the lipstick to be matronly. It was in a funny place between a metallic, matte and gloss. It also smelled like kids toys.” —Lauren, Social Media Director
“I tend to only buy vibrant, crazy-colored lipsticks, so this shade wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. It was too conventional and, unfortunately, didn’t last very long. However, since the proceeds go to a great cause, that definitely sways my vote and I would happily buy it for my collection. I could always wear it to more conservative, formal events.” —Anna G., Staff Writer
“I’m so pleasantly surprised by this color! It’s very ~grown up~ and makes me feel way more put together than I really am. The pink is sheer, so I think you could layer on for a more intense shade. As always, I love love love how MAC lipstick smells, so obvs that’s a bonus.” —Christina, Video Producer
“I don’t wear makeup that often, so wearing any feels a little weird for me. That being said, since I don’t wear makeup that often, the subtle lunch-with-grandma-chic color of this lipstick was actually very in my comfort zone.” —Kayleigh, Deputy Editor
“Gorgeous color and goes to a good cause. What’s not to love?!” —Iris, Office Manager
“This color reminds me of Black Honey by Clinique, but a bit more on the pink side. I don’t mind it —it’s a conservative lipstick shade I could wear to dinner with my parents without them going, ‘You and your crazy lipsticks!’ but it’s certainly not my FAVORITE. I do like how it feels —it goes on very smoothly, and it’s a bit more glossier than semi-matte, so it’s fairly moisturizing. Overall? Not bad.” —Gina, Senior Editor
“So, I thought it was a pretty shade, though it did remind me of the color my mother has been wearing for the past ten years. Maybe that’s fitting seeing as Caitlyn Jenner and my mom are similar in age? It also felt a bit heavy, almost a bit too thick. But, I’d probably wear it to a wedding or an event, because it was a nice formal shade and I liked it enough.” —Anna B., Social Media Producer
Our verdict?
We all agreed that Finally Free is a more conservative, grown up color. The quality is great, and it truly did look gorgeous on every skin tone. The downsides is that it’s a tad boring. But hey, we all need a lipstick to wear when going to lunch with grams, right? You can buy Finally Free for $17 on MAC Cosmetics’ website.
Grade: B
