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Cyber Mac Lipstick Review & Swatches (vs Rebel & Sin)

For years, Mac Cosmetics has been a household name in the beauty industry. Known for their innovative products and high-quality formulas.

One of their most popular lipstick lines is the Satin collection, which promises a creamy, long-wearing finish with rich color payoff.

In this blog post, I’ll review Cyber, a deep purple MAC Satin lipstick that has become a cult favorite amongst dare-devils. 

Whether you’re a fan of bold lip colors or simply looking to switch up your lipstick game, this review will give you a detailed insight into this lipstick shade and its performance. 

So, without further ado, let’s jump into my review and find out why this beautiful color is a true cult favorite.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

You can get your favorite MAC lipsticks at:

Favourite MAC Lipsticks

As you may know, Velvet Teddy, Mehr, Ruby Woo and Devoted to Chili are MAC’s most popular shades. I have them at home and they’re perfect for keeping it casual or dressing up.

So, it’s no surprise they’re on everyone and their mom’s list of favourite MAC lipsticks. But are you familiar with MAC Cyber?

Cyber Mac lipstick
MAC Satin lipstick in its iconic bullet shape.

It’s not as well-known, but it’s a bold choice that doesn’t quite fit the perfect nude or daily wear category for most people.

Now, you might be wondering why you should add this unsung hero to your lipstick collection. Well, I’ll keep my answer short and simple: because it’s kinda sexy in a nontypical way. 

Purple lipstick

I stumbled upon this amazing lip color during my trip to NYC. I bought it after a friendly make-up artist at the Mac counter in Macy’s convinced me to give it a try.

I was a little unsure at first, thinking it would look better on darker skin tones, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it looked on my medium tan skin with yellow undertones. 

MAC Cosmetics describes it as an intense blackish-purple satin finish lipstick and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a perfect dark and vampy lip color without being too burgundy or black.  

Trust me, this deep purple shade is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth trying if you’re feeling bold and adventurous!

cyber mac lipstick review
This picture shows you MAC Cyber’s deep purple hue.

Benefits Mac Satin lipstick

Did you know that MAC Satin lipstick is completely free of certain ingredients that you might want to avoid:

  • Phthalates
  • Parabens
  • Formaldehyde Donors
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate A.K.A SLS
  • Sodium Laurethsulfate A.K.A SLES
  • Triclosan
  • D&C Yellow No. 11
  • Oxybenzone
  • Synthetic Microbeads 5mm Or Smaller

What I love about MAC’s satin finish lipstick is that it has a creamy formula and medium-to-full buildable coverage.

purple lipstick: mac cyber vs mac sin
Compared to MAC Sin (right) you can see that MAC Cyber (left) is an actual purple lipstick.

As you may remember from my blog post Your Lipstick Guide: from Matte to Satin and Every Finish in between, the benefits of using a lipstick with a satin finish are:

  • high coverage so good color payoff, 
  • semi-matte finish so subtle shine,
  • added hydration so nourishing for your lips
  • and weightless feel.

Coverage Cyber MAC lipstick

I would like to stress that MAC Cyber has a creamy formula. This means your lips will have a subtle shine for the first 10 minutes or so. After that, it transforms into a gorgeous semi-matte lipstick.

Because of its creamy formula using this beautiful lipstick is a breeze. I apply it to my lips directly from the lipstick bullet with a single swipe. 

Although, one single swipe may not give you the full coverage you desire. To avoid any patchiness, just add a few more layers. This brings us to the application process next.

Cyber MAC lipstick swatch medium skin
MAC Cyber swatch on my medium tan. First swatch is 1 swipe. Second swatch is several layers.

It can be a bit tricky at times, especially if you don’t have a trusty lip pencil by your side. Without one, you might end up with a patchy or uneven finish and that’s not what we’re going for. 

Plus, this color can be a tad finicky, so mistakes can stick out like a sore thumb. One little smudge or slip-up can throw off the whole vibe, which might not be the best news for folks who are short on time or patience.

To achieve an even coverage, I highly recommend pairing MAC Cyber with a lip liner (also called a lip pencil). For the best results, I suggest grabbing MAC’s matching Cyber World lip liner

Another option is matching it with a burgundy lip liner like MAC Vino. This will make Cyber less purple. 

Just so you know, both of these lip liners come in a matte formulation. And here’s a little tip: using a lip liner can actually help keep your lipstick from bleeding into those tiny fine lines around your lips.

With a bit of practice you’ll be able to achieve a flawless finish. And hey, mistakes happen to the best of us.

Just remember that you can easily fix those with a bit of concealer or a cotton bud. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with this beautiful lipstick.

vampy lip: cyber mac lipstick review
Me with braids and a few layers of MAC Cyber on my lips. I didn’t use a lip liner or lip brush, but I did use a little bit of concealer and a lot of cotton buds to correct slip-ups.

Is it long lasting?

In my experience MAC Cyber typically lasts for about 4 to 5 hours before it begins to fade, especially on the inner part of your lips. It’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t leave any stains behind though. 

If you want to make it last even longer, I’ve found that using a lip pencil and a lip brush really helps. You could use MAC’s 316 Brush, but honestly, any lip brush will do the trick.

The Verdict: Is Cyber MAC Lipstick Worth the Hype?

MAC Cyber lipstick is a daring choice that sets you apart from the crowd. It’s nothing like the ordinary “my lips but better” shade (the so-called perfect mlbb shade). 

Its intense blackish-purple shade and semi-matte finish give it a unique look that’s not for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to purchase this bold shade is up to you and your personal taste.

While it may not be the most versatile color, it can definitely make a statement and add some edge to your look.

Just be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as the potential difficulty in application and the need for touch-ups throughout the day. 

Just be sure to pair it with a lip liner for an even application and touch it up after a few hours to maintain its intensity.

MAC Cyber dupes
Swatches MAC Cyber (first up) vs Wet & Wild Vamp it Up (second down).

Pros

  • creamy formulation
  • Makes your teeth look white

Cons

  • tricky to apply without a lip pencil and lip brush, and can require a bit of patience.
  • Coverage can be patchy if you only add 1 or 2 layers.
  • Mistakes are easily noticed because of the color.

So, there you have it – the pros and cons of the Cyber Mac lipstick. Overall, it’s worth trying out if you’re looking to add a little edge to your lip game. 

If you don’t mind a bit of extra effort in the application process, then Mac Cyber might just be the perfect addition to your makeup collection.

Still, this dark MAC lipstick might not be your cup of tea if you:

  • rather purchase budget lipstick,
  • don’t frequently wear dark lipstick
  • or prefer burgundy red lipstick that isn’t too dark.

Either way, I got you covered with the following alternatives.

MAC Cyber Alternatives

If you adore the color of MAC Cyber but it’s not in your budget, don’t worry. There are some great alternatives available. 

Budget options

The following two shades are great to consider since they are the closest dupe to MAC Cyber and won’t break the bank:

Other purple lipstick options

If you’re not completely sold on Cyber as your perfect shade, no worries. MAC actually offers a variety of purple lipstick that might be more up your alley. 

As a fellow MAC fan, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed checking out their other options. In fact, if you’re into a reddish-purple MAC Satin lipstick, then I highly recommend giving Rebel a try. 

It’s a fabulous option that’s super wearable for most folks, plus it’s not as dramatic as Cyber. Give it a shot and let me know what you think.

MAC cyber vs rebel
MAC Cyber (left) vs Rebel (right). Rebel could be described as a mid-tonal plum shade.

Different shades you could opt for are:

  • Matte finishes: heroine (bright purple) and Sin (deep dark blue red).
  • Amplified finish: Voiletta (bright clean violet purple)
  • Powder Kiss lipstick: P for Potent (mid-tone purple)
Cyber mac lipstick vs sin vs diva
MAC lipstick swatches from left to right: Cyber, Living Legend (limited edition), Sin, Diva and Herione.

MAC Smoked Purple vs Cyber

Last but not least, what’s the difference between MAC Smoked Purple vs Cyber?

So many people asked me about the difference between the two, so I’ll discuss this briefly in this Cyber review since they both look alike at first glance.

Yet, there are differences between the two even though MAC Smoked Purple and Cyber MAC lipstick are both dark, bold lipstick shades.

Shade

  • MAC Smoked Purple: a deep plum shade with a slightly cool undertone.
  • MAC Cyber: a deep blackened purple with a warmer undertone.

Finish

  • MAC Smoked Purple: has a matte finish, offering a flat, opaque color.
  • MAC Cyber: a satin finish, which means it has a slight sheen but isn’t as glossy as a cream finish.

Overall, both shades are bold choices that make a statement. Your choice between the two would depend on your preference for undertones, finishes, and the level of drama you’re aiming for.

Cyber Ingredient lists 

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Glyceryl Triacetyl Hydroxystearate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax\Candelilla Cera\Cire De Candelilla, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Beeswax\Cera Alba\Cire D Abeille, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil, Ozokerite, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax\Cera Carnauba\Cire De Carnauba, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax\Cera Microcristallina\Cire Microcristalline, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Vanillin, Alumina, Tin Oxide, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 21 (Ci 45380), Red 21 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Yellow 10 Lake (Ci 47005)] ILN35534

MAC Recycling program

Did you know that MAC Cosmetics is all about sustainability and reducing waste in the beauty industry?They’ve created a Recycling Program called Back To MAC.

Back to mac recycling program
With this Back To MAC symbol you can recognize which products you can return in order to receive a complimentary product or discount.

It allows you to bring back your empty MAC products, such as lipstick tubes and foundation bottles, to participating stores or authorized retailers. 

By taking part in this program, you’re making a positive impact on the environment and promoting a more sustainable beauty industry.

Not only will you be doing your part to help reduce landfill waste, but you’ll also earn rewards. 

Depending on where you are and what promotions are going on, you could receive complimentary products or discounts on future purchases just for recycling your empties.

Simply gather up your empty MAC containers and find a nearby participating store. MAC Cosmetics typically accepts the following types of containers:

  • Lipstick tubes
  • Lip gloss tubes
  • Eyeshadow containers
  • Foundation bottles
  • Blush compacts
  • Concealer containers
  • Mascara tubes

Please keep in mind that some restrictions and guidelines may apply depending on your location. To find out the latest details, just check with your local MAC store or visit their official website.

About the author


About me

Angela is a curly girl and has been a beauty blogger since 2012. Because of her passion for beauty and hair, she has been a certified makeup artist since 2016 and has done multiple hair styling trainings. As a cosmetics lover, she writes reviews on cosmetics and provides different solutions that facilitate your daily beauty and curls routine.


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