In the world of makeup, finding the perfect shade that complements your complexion is always a thrilling experience. One such shade that has captured the hearts of beauty enthusiasts is MAC’s Spice Lip Liner. Known for its deep neutral hue and creamy formula, this lip liner suits a wide range of skin tones and provides a high-impact color that glides on effortlessly. However, the $21 price tag for a MAC lip liner may not fit every budget.
The good news is that there are several affordable and impressive MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes available in the market. These alternatives offer similar shades, pigmentation, and quality without having to break the bank. Moreover, there are cruelty-free options for those who prefer making conscious choices when it comes to their makeup.
I’ve made it a point to prioritize affordability, ensuring that most options listed here are drugstore dupes of MAC Spice that can be snagged for just a few dollars – or pounds, if you happen to be in the US. Let’s get started.
What Is MAC Spice Lip Liner?
MAC Spice Lip Liner is a popular and versatile lip pencil from the famous cosmetics brand MAC. This lip liner is designed for shaping, lining, and filling your lips with rich color and long-lasting wear. It has a creamy texture that easily glides across the lips without any dragging or uneven application.
The MAC Spice Lip Liner is a warm, neutral shade often described as a “pink cinnamon stick.” This makes it suitable for various skin tones and an excellent choice for a wide array of looks, from natural to dramatic.
Using a lip liner like MAC Spice is a fantastic way to:
- Define the shape of your lips
- Prevent lipstick from feathering or smudging
- Enhance your lipstick’s staying power
- Alter the appearance of your lip size
Although the MAC Spice Lip Liner is known for its outstanding quality, some people may look for affordable and cruelty-free alternatives. In recent years, many cosmetic brands have released their own versions of this popular shade, providing consumers with more options to achieve that perfect lip look without breaking the bank.
In summary, the MAC Spice Lip Liner is a versatile and high-quality lip liner with a warm, neutral shade. It helps define, shape, and enhance your lips while providing long-lasting wear. With many affordable alternatives available, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beauty benefits of this popular lip liner.
7 Best MAC Spice Lip Liner Dupes
Below are some wallet-friendly MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes, which offer remarkable performance and deliver the identical rich cinnamon shade you desire:
NYX Slim Lip Pencil “Natural”
An excellent alternative to MAC Spice lip liner is the NYX Slim Lip liner in the shade Natural, which stands out as one of the closest dupes available. Not only does it offer a remarkable resemblance, but it also comes at an incredibly affordable price. While MAC Spice retails for $21, the NYX Slim Lip Pencil range is priced at just $5 per piece.
I’ve found the NYX lip liners to have a creamier texture than the MAC ones, resulting in smoother application. However, due to their creamier formula, they may have a different longevity level than MAC.
Nevertheless, the NYX Natural lip liner is a close dupe to MAC Spice, delivering satisfying results. It has a smooth texture and is easy to apply.
- Affordable option compared to MAC Spice Lip Liner
- Wide range of shades available
- Creamy texture glides on smoothly
- Long-lasting wear
- Cruelty-free
- Some shades may not be as pigmented as MAC Spice
- The pencil requires regular sharpening
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner “Epic”
While I have been quite familiar with Rimmel lipsticks and waterproof eye pencils, I hadn’t paid much attention to their lip liners until recently. However, if you want to find drugstore MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes, then the Rimmel Exaggerate lip liner in the shade Epic deserves your attention.
This automatic lip liner bears a striking resemblance to Spice and is priced at a mere $5.99, which is only a quarter of the cost of the MAC Spice lip liner. Not only does it exhibit exceptional creaminess, but it also boasts impressive longevity, making it an all-around winner.
It offers a similar warm nude brown shade that will complement most skin tones while providing excellent coverage and long-lasting wear.
- Another affordable dupe for MAC Spice
- Automatic twist-up pencil for convenient application
- Contains a creamy formula for even application
- Waterproof and long-lasting
- May not be available at all retailers
- Limited shade range compared to other brands
Milani Color Statement Lip Liner “Spice”
Undoubtedly, one of the most famous MAC Spice lip liner dupes is the Milani Color Statement lip liner in the shade Spice. This lip liner from Milani showcases a captivating blend of brown, peach, and pink undertones, making it an ideal choice regardless of whether you have fair skin, Asian features, medium complexion, or olive skin.
With a price tag of $7.25, the Milani Spice lip liner offers a creamier texture than its MAC counterpart, ensuring it stays in place without budging. Its versatility also shines through, as it pairs seamlessly with nude or neutral lipsticks and even complements bolder lip colors.
Speaking from personal experience, I have found that applying lip liners all over my lips and topping them off with a coat of clear lip gloss creates a stunning effect. In this regard, the Milani lip liner is an excellent option, perfectly catering to my preferences. I also find the shade “Nude” from this range as another dupe for MAC Spice Lip Liner.
- Often cited as the best MAC Spice dupe
- Inexpensive compared to MAC products
- Creamy formula for smooth application
- Long-lasting wea
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Pencil requires sharpening
- Color payoff may vary between shades
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner “Nude 20”
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner in Nude 20 delivers a naturally matte finish, ensuring it remains smudge-proof and feather-free throughout your day. With its high pigmentation, this lip liner effortlessly glides on, allowing you to achieve a precise lip shape while enjoying an intense color payoff.
The creamy formula guarantees optimal comfort for your lips, making it a breeze to apply. The Nude 20 shade, reminiscent of MAC Spice, boasts a stunning neutral color with unique orange, rosy, and brown undertones that set it apart from other Mac Spice Lip Liner dupes. While an exact replication of the shade remains elusive, I’ve found Maybelline Nude to be the closest match to MAC Spice among the options I’ve tried.
It pairs beautifully with satin, creamy, or matte lipsticks when worn alone or combined with lip gloss or lip balm, making it a versatile choice for various lip looks.
- Affordable drugstore option
- Twist-up packaging for convenient use
- Creamy formula for easy application
- Long wear formula
- Fewer shade options compared to other dupes
- Color payoff may not be as rich as MAC Spice
Barry M Lip Liner “Russet”
This lip liner by Barry M offers a beautiful russet shade that adds a touch of warmth and depth to your lips. The smooth and creamy texture of the Barry M Russet Lip Liner glides on like a dream, enabling you to define your lips with utmost precision effortlessly. And let’s not forget its impressive staying power – once it’s on, it’s there to stay, keeping your lip look intact all day long.
You can pair this lip liner with your favorite lipstick, whether for a natural, everyday look or daring to rock a bold, statement lip. The versatility of the Barry M Russet Lip Liner knows no bounds.
I usually pair it with my lipstick and finish the look after applying clear gloss. It gives a sassy girl-next-door vibe. Not only does it deliver on quality and performance, but it also won’t break the bank.
- Budget-friendly dupe
- Wide shade range available
- Smooth application
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Pencil requires sharpening
- Availability might be limited in some regions
LA Girl Perfect Precision Lipliner “Sugar & Spice”
At an affordable price of $4, LA Girl has a dupe for the beloved MAC Spice lip liner in their Perfect Precision lip liner range. The shade is Sugar & Spice, a stunning peachy beige just a touch lighter than the iconic Spice lip liner. Its warm brown color complements various skin tones, and its highly pigmented formula ensures a smooth application that lasts all day.
Let me be upfront with you – it’s not an exact match, but once it graces your lips, it’s hard to tell the difference. The LA Girl Sugar & Spice lip liner is a great alternative that won’t drain your wallet, unlike the $21 MAC Spice Lip Liner.
- Affordable price point
- Wide variety of shades
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Sharpener included on the cap
- Color payoff might not be as intense as MAC Spice
- Wear time may be shorter than other dupes
Nabla Close-Up Lip Shaper “Nude”
The Italian makeup brand has introduced its Close-Up Lip Shaper pencils to replace the Velvetline lip liners. In this revamped range, Nabla focuses solely on offering nude lip liners.
Among the other Mac Spice Lip Liner dupes available, the Nabla Close-Up Lip Shaper in the shade #4 Nude stands out as a fantastic dupe for the MAC Spice lip liner. It offers a perfect match in color and boasts a smooth formula that stays put without transferring, all for a price of $11.50.
While it may be slightly pricier compared to other brands featured in this guide, those familiar with Nabla products understand that it is one of the finest makeup brands in the world. I like the quality and performance of their makeup products.
- Contains a built-in sharpener for precise application
- Creamy texture for smooth application
- Long-lasting wear
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- More expensive than other dupes on this list
- Limited shade range available
These affordable MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes offer a range of similar shades, long-lasting wear, and smooth application. With options from well-known brands like NYX, Rimmel, Milani, and Maybelline, you’re sure to find a dupe that suits your needs and budget.
Mac Spice Lip Liner Dupes Swatches
In this section, I’ll share swatches of the famous MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes mentioned above.
NYX Slim Lip Pencil “Natural” Swatch
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner “Epic” Swatch
Milani Color Statement Lip Liner “Spice” Swatch
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner “Nude 20” Swatch
Barry M Lip Liner “Russet” Swatch
LA Girl Perfect Precision Lipliner “Sugar & Spice” Swatch
Nabla Close-Up Lip Shaper “Nude” Swatch
How To Choose The Best Mac Spice Lip Liner Dupe?
In this section, I’ll share the factors to keep in mind while selecting the best Mac Spice Lip Liner dupes.
Texture
When looking for a MAC Spice Lip Liner dupe, it’s important to consider the texture. MAC’s lip pencil is known for its creamy and smooth texture that glides effortlessly across the lips without any dragging or uneven application. When searching for dupes, focus on finding products that offer a similar texture for optimal application and comfort.
Milani Color Statement Lipliner in 09 Spice and NYX lip liner in the shade Natural are known for having creamy textures that apply smoothly, making them excellent contenders for MAC Spice dupes.
Pigmentation
Another key feature to consider when comparing MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes is the pigmentation. The original MAC lip liner is well-loved for its rich color, so it’s important to look for dupes that offer high-quality, pigmented formulas. Dupes like the Milani Color Statement Lipliner in 09 Spice and Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Epic ensure that you will achieve a similar, intense color payoff as with the MAC original.
Longevity
Long-lasting wear is an essential feature of any good lip liner, and the original MAC Spice Lip Liner is no exception. When searching for a dupe, prioritize products that promise long-lasting wear and the ability to resist smudging or fading throughout the day. Milani, NYX, and Rimmel are known for their long-wearing products, making their lip liners suitable alternatives for MAC Spice.
Formula
The formula itself plays a crucial role in finding a suitable MAC Spice Lip Liner dupe. The ideal dupe should closely mimic the original’s formula, which is creamy and intensely pigmented. Some available dupes include:
- Milani’s Color Statement Lipliner in 09 Spice
- NYX lip liner in the shade Natural
- Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Epic
While none of these dupes may be an exact match to the MAC Spice Lip Liner, they do provide comparable quality, pigmentation, and longevity. Keep in mind that everyone’s experience with a particular product may vary, so don’t be afraid to test out different dupes to find the one that works best for you.
Popular Shades for Each Dupe
There are several affordable and popular dupes for the MAC Spice Lip Liner. These dupes come in a variety of shades that closely match the original MAC Spice Lip Liner. Some of the popular shades for each dupe are:
Natural: This shade is a warm beige color, perfect for those with fair skin. It is a well-known NYX lip liner dupe for MAC Spice and often used as a complement to MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick.
Nude: A subtle, neutral shade that is neither too brown nor too pink. It’s perfect for everyday wear and provides a beautiful, understated look.
Ever: A classic pink shade that can be worn on its own or combined with other lip colors. It adds just the right amount of soft pink to your lips without being too overpowering.
Pink: A more vibrant and playful color that brings a pop of brightness to any makeup look. It’s perfect for those who want to stand out and show off their love for pink hues.
Spice shade: A warm brown shade that closely resembles the original MAC Spice Lip Liner. It’s an excellent option for those who want the same subtle and mild color as MAC Spice without the high price tag.
While there are many dupes for MAC Spice Lip Liner, some of the most recommended alternatives include Milani Color Statement Lipliner in 09 Spice and Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Epic. These two options have been lauded for their similarities in shade and quality compared to the original MAC product. When shopping for dupes, also consider the brand’s reputation, formula quality, and shade matching to ensure you get the best possible alternative to the MAC Spice Lip Liner.
Remember that each person’s skin tone and preferences may vary, so it’s essential to try out different shades and find the perfect dupe that works for you. Happy shopping!
How to Use Lip Liner?
Using a lip liner can define, enhance, and shape your lips in a variety of ways. In this section, we will discuss three key techniques: shaping the lips, lining the lips, and filling in the lips. Each of these sub-sections will include helpful tips for achieving the perfect lip look.
Shaping the Lips
Shaping your lips with a lip liner can make them appear more full, defined, or balanced. Begin by identifying your natural lip shape and deciding on your desired appearance. Then, follow these simple steps:
- Sharpen your lip liner for more precise application.
- Start at the cupid’s bow and follow the natural curve of your lips, using a lighter hand as you approach the corners.
- Emphasize the center of your lower lip to create a more full appearance.
- Blend the liner slightly so that it looks more natural.
Remember, it’s important to choose a lip liner shade that closely matches your natural lip color or your desired lipstick shade.
Lining the Lips
Lining your lips can ensure your lipstick lasts longer and looks better throughout the day. Here’s how to line your lips:
- Maintain a steady hand by resting your pinky finger on your chin.
- Start at the center of your upper lip (cupid’s bow) and draw a small “x” to create the perfect shape.
- Draw from the corners of your mouth to the “x,” staying within your natural lip line or slightly outside of it for a fuller appearance.
- Line your lower lip in the same manner, starting in the center and moving outwards towards the corners.
Pro tip: For even longer-lasting lipstick, apply a lip primer before your liner.
Filling in the Lips
Filling in your lips with a lip liner provides a great base for your lipstick and can create a more seamless look. To fill in your lips using a lip liner, follow these steps:
- Choose a liner shade that matches your lipstick or go one shade lighter for added dimension.
- Fill in your entire lip with the liner, starting at the center and working your way outwards.
- Blend the liner using a lip brush or your fingertip for a smooth finish.
- Apply your lipstick over the filled-in area, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with the lip liner.
Now you have a solid foundation on how to use lip liner. Experiment with different shades and techniques to find what works best for you, and enjoy your beautifully defined and enhanced lips.
Where to Buy Affordable Dupes
Here’s where you can find some budget-friendly MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes without comprising on the quality.
Ulta is a one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs and carries a wide range of drugstore brands that offer Spice Lip Liner dupes. Brands like NYX Professional Makeup and Milani have affordable lip liners in their collection that closely resemble the iconic MAC shade.
For online shopping enthusiasts, Amazon is the perfect destination. You can find lip liners from Maybelline, Rimmel, and L’Oreal Paris that match the color and quality of MAC’s Spice Lip Liner.
When it comes to affordable drugstore brand options, you can trust NYX for their “Natural” shade, which is a popular dupe for MAC’s Spice. Additionally, Milani offers “Spice” in their Color Statement Lipliner range that rivals the original MAC version’s performance.
To sum up, affordable dupes for MAC’s Spice Lip Liner can be purchased at Ulta, Amazon, and several drugstore brands like NYX, Milani, Maybelline, Rimmel, and L’Oreal Paris.
Other Things To Consider
When looking for a dupe for MAC’s Spice Lip Liner, there are a few aspects to bear in mind. These include considerations such as being cruelty-free, suitable for lighter skin tones, long-lasting, and exceptional ingredient quality. It’s also important to consider factors like preventing bleeding and being waterproof.
Many MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes are cruelty-free, meaning they aren’t tested on animals. It’s essential to look out for a cruelty-free label or certification to ensure a product meets this criterion.
Dupes for MAC Spice Lip Liner also cater to various skin tones. For lighter skin tones, it’s crucial to select a shade that complements your undertones and doesn’t overwhelm your complexion. Many alternatives have a range of shades that mimic the MAC Spice Lip Liner while suiting lighter skin tones.
Another significant aspect is the lip liner’s longevity, as everyone wants a product that can withstand daily wear and not require frequent touch-ups. Look for lip liners marketed as long-lasting or having high staying power to fulfill this requirement.
Considering the ingredients used in a lip liner is vital for people with sensitive skin or who prefer more natural cosmetics. Choose products that avoid harmful chemicals like mineral oil, coal tar, triclosan, toluene, silicone, and paraben.
A good lip liner dupe should help prevent bleeding of your lip color and provide a sharp, defined outline. Keep an eye out for reviews that highlight this feature while selecting your MAC Spice Lip Liner alternative.
Lastly, a waterproof lip liner is preferable for maintaining a flawlessly defined pout throughout the day, regardless of weather conditions or potential exposure to water. Search for products specifically labeled as waterproof or water-resistant to ensure your desired outcome.
The Bottom Line
The MAC Spice Lip Liner has earned its popularity for a good reason. Its rich neutral tone complements a wide range of skin tones, and the creamy formula effortlessly glides on, delivering a vibrant burst of color.
Although numerous MAC dupes exist, in my testing, I found that the Maybelline ColorSensational Lip Liner in Nude 20 offers the closest match to the MAC Spice shade.
Explore the other MAC Spice Lip Liner dupes mentioned above and determine which is best for you. Feel free to share your findings with me in the comment section.
