MAC Chicory Lip Liner Review 2026: Peachy Brown Perfection

Are you tired of lip liners that skip, drag, or fade before lunch? The MAC Chicory Lip Liner has been making waves in the beauty community, and for good reason. This peachy brown shade has earned its cult status among makeup lovers who want that perfect nude lip.

Whether you are building your everyday makeup collection or searching for that one liner that does it all, this review covers everything you need to know about MAC Chicory in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

Perfect Peachy Brown Shade: Chicory delivers a warm peachy brown tone that flatters multiple skin tones, making it an excellent choice for creating natural nude lips or adding depth to bolder looks.

Smooth Creamy Formula: The creamy texture glides on effortlessly without tugging or dragging on your lips, while the slightly firmer consistency ensures it stays put throughout the day.

Multiple Application Methods: You can use this liner to outline, fill in completely, or blend with other lip products, giving you incredible versatility in one pencil.

Long Lasting Performance: This lip pencil stays in place for hours without feathering or bleeding, making it ideal for all-day wear whether you are at work or out for dinner.

Budget Friendly Alternatives Exist: While MAC Chicory is worth the investment, NYX Ever provides a nearly identical dupe at a fraction of the price for those watching their budget.

What is MAC Chicory Lip Liner

MAC Chicory Lip Liner sits in the peachy brown family of lip shades. This specific color delivers warmth without being too orange or too brown. The formula comes in a standard pencil format that you need to sharpen regularly. Many users describe it as their go to liner for creating that perfect 90s inspired nude lip look. The shade works beautifully on its own or paired with various lipstick shades. It belongs to MAC’s permanent collection, so you can always restock when you run out.

The Formula and Texture Experience

The texture of MAC Chicory strikes a balance between creamy and firm. When you first apply it, you notice the smooth glide across your lips. The formula does not skip or catch on dry patches like some budget liners do. However, it maintains enough firmness to hold a sharp point after sharpening. This firmer texture helps with precision when outlining your lips. The matte finish sets down nicely without feeling overly drying. Some users with very dry lips might want to prep with a lip balm first. The formula contains enough slip for easy blending but sets to prevent smudging. You get that professional makeup artist quality in a pencil you can use at home.

Understanding the Chicory Color Story

Chicory leans into the peachy brown territory with warm undertones. It is not quite nude, not quite brown, but somewhere perfectly in between. On lighter skin tones, it appears as a warm neutral that adds definition without looking harsh. Medium skin tones find it creates that coveted 90s supermodel lip effect. Deeper skin tones can use it as a transition shade or mix it with deeper browns. The peachy notes prevent it from looking muddy or flat on the lips. Unlike cool toned browns that can make lips look dull, Chicory adds life and warmth. The color pays off richly in one swipe, so you do not need to layer multiple times. This shade particularly shines when you want a your lips but better effect.

How Chicory Performs Throughout the Day

Long lasting power is where MAC Chicory truly shines. After application, it sets down within minutes. Throughout the day, it maintains its position without migrating into fine lines around your lips. Even after drinking coffee or water, the color stays put remarkably well. Eating does fade it somewhat, but not completely. You get about four to six hours of solid wear before needing a touch up. The liner does not feather or bleed beyond your lip line, which is crucial for maintaining a clean look. Some transfer occurs onto cups and napkins, but significantly less than traditional lipsticks. By midday, you might notice slight fading in the center of your lips while the outer edges remain defined. A quick reapplication brings everything back to fresh. For all day events, carrying the pencil for one touch up usually suffices.

Top 3 Alternatives for MAC Chicory Lip Liner

Application Techniques That Work Best

Applying MAC Chicory can be done several ways depending on your desired look. For a classic outlined lip, start by sharpening the pencil to a fine point. Line just outside your natural lip line to create subtle fullness. Follow your natural lip shape, paying extra attention to the cupid’s bow for definition. For an all over lip look, line first, then fill in your entire lip using small strokes. This creates a base that makes any lipstick last longer. Blend the liner with your fingertip or a lip brush for a softer, diffused effect. Some makeup artists apply Chicory all over, then dab a lighter lipstick in the center for dimension. Layer it under glossy formulas to prevent the gloss from bleeding. The creamy texture makes blending easy, so you can experiment with different application methods until you find what works for your lip shape.

Pairing Chicory with Lipsticks

MAC Chicory plays well with many lipstick shades. Pair it with MAC Honeylove for a soft peachy nude that suits daytime wear. Combine it with MAC Mull It Over for a deeper, more defined brown lip. Under MAC Chili, it adds depth and prevents the red from bleeding. Nude pink lipsticks gain more definition and last longer over Chicory. Even bold reds benefit from this liner as a base layer. The peachy brown tone works as a transition shade that does not clash with most lip colors. For a monochromatic look, use Chicory alone, then add clear gloss on top. This combination gives you that effortless, low maintenance beauty that looks polished but not overdone. The versatility means you can get multiple looks from one pencil by changing what you layer over it.

Who Should Buy MAC Chicory

This lip liner suits several types of makeup users. If you love neutral lip looks, Chicory becomes a staple in your collection. People who struggle with lipstick feathering find it solves that problem completely. Makeup minimalists appreciate how it works as both liner and lipstick. Those building a capsule makeup collection need this shade as their go to brown liner. If you have warm or neutral undertones in your skin, this shade particularly flatters you. Fans of 90s makeup trends will recognize Chicory as essential for recreating those iconic looks. Anyone wanting to make their lip products last longer benefits from using this as a base. It works for beginners because the forgiving formula blends easily if you make mistakes. Professional makeup artists keep it in their kits for client work because it flatters so many people.

Comparing Chicory to Other MAC Liners

Within the MAC lip liner range, Chicory occupies a unique space. MAC Soar pulls more mauve pink while Chicory stays warmer and browner. MAC Cork leans cooler and deeper without the peachy notes. MAC Spice contains more red undertones compared to Chicory’s peachy warmth. MAC Subculture appears lighter and more beige, lacking Chicory’s depth. When you line them up side by side, Chicory stands out as the warmest peachy brown option. It bridges the gap between neutral beiges and deeper browns. If you already own Soar or Cork, Chicory still deserves a spot in your collection because it creates different effects. The shade family allows you to mix and match depending on your look. Many MAC liner enthusiasts consider Chicory, Soar, and Cork the holy trinity of neutral liners.

The Longevity Factor

How long does MAC Chicory last on your lips? In real world testing, you can expect four to six hours of visible color before significant fading occurs. The edges of your lips maintain definition even longer, often lasting through a full workday. Factors like eating, drinking, and lip licking affect longevity. A light meal causes minimal disturbance to the color. Oily or greasy foods break down the formula faster, requiring a touch up afterward. Setting the liner with a matching lipstick or powder extends wear time considerably. Some users report getting up to eight hours when they apply it over lip primer. The formula resists feathering better than many competitors, even as it fades. Rather than disappearing completely, it fades gracefully to a soft stain. This means your lips never look bare or unfinished, even at the end of the day.

Price Point and Value Analysis

MAC Chicory typically retails around twenty seven dollars, which places it in the mid range luxury category. For a single lip liner, this feels expensive compared to drugstore options. However, the quality justifies the price for many users. One pencil lasts approximately six months with regular use, making the cost per wear reasonable. The formula quality, color payoff, and longevity surpass most drugstore alternatives. You need less product per application because of the rich pigmentation. If you use it daily, the investment makes sense. For occasional users, the price might feel steep. Consider that professional makeup artists trust this formula, which speaks to its performance. The permanent collection status means you can repurchase easily without worrying about discontinuation. When you factor in how it makes other lip products perform better, the value increases.

Dupes and Budget Alternatives

Not everyone wants to spend nearly thirty dollars on a lip liner. Several budget friendly alternatives exist for MAC Chicory. NYX Ever lip liner provides the closest match in both color and formula. It costs around six dollars and delivers impressive quality for the price. The texture feels slightly less creamy than MAC, but the color match is nearly identical. NYX Professional Makeup Line Loud in Ambition Statement offers another peachy brown option. Milani Understatement gives you a similar warmth at under ten dollars. ELF Cream Glide Lip Liner in Dark Cocoa leans slightly cooler but works for similar looks. The drugstore options perform well for everyday wear. However, MAC Chicory still wins in terms of longevity and smoothness. If you want to test the shade before committing to MAC, start with NYX Ever. Many users keep both in their collection, using the dupe for daily wear and saving MAC for special occasions.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Even great products come with occasional challenges. Some users find MAC Chicory can emphasize dry, flaky lips. Solution: exfoliate your lips gently before application and apply a thin layer of lip balm first. Let the balm absorb for five minutes, then apply the liner. Others struggle with sharpening the pencil without breaking the tip. Use a quality sharpener designed for makeup pencils, and place the pencil in the refrigerator for ten minutes before sharpening. This firms up the formula and prevents crumbling. If you find the color too warm for your skin tone, try mixing it with a cooler brown liner on your lips. Apply Chicory first, then lightly layer a cool brown over it. For users who experience fading in the center of lips, try the sandwich method: liner, lipstick, blot, powder through a tissue, then apply liner and lipstick again. This creates an incredibly long lasting base.

The Makeup Artist Perspective

Professional makeup artists have strong opinions about MAC Chicory. Many include it in their essential kit because it works across different skin tones. The slightly firmer texture appeals to pros who need precision when working on clients. Makeup artists appreciate how it photographs well, maintaining its true color in different lighting. The matte finish provides a good base for building lip looks with multiple products. For bridal makeup, artists use Chicory to create lips that last through long ceremonies and receptions. Fashion week makeup artists reach for it when creating 90s inspired editorial looks. The color translates well on camera, making it popular for film and television makeup. Celebrity makeup artists have mentioned Chicory in interviews as a staple for creating natural yet defined lips. The professional endorsement speaks volumes about the formula’s reliability and versatility.

Seasonal Versatility

MAC Chicory transitions beautifully through all seasons. During spring, pair it with fresh pink glosses for a youthful, bright look. The peachy undertones complement spring’s lighter, warmer color palettes. Summer calls for Chicory worn alone with just SPF lip balm underneath for an effortless beach ready pout. In fall, layer it under deeper burgundy or rust lipsticks to add warmth and prevent cool tones from looking harsh. Winter styling works when you combine Chicory with richer browns or even deep plums for contrast. The neutral warmth prevents your lips from looking washed out during darker, colder months. Unlike seasonal limited edition shades, Chicory remains relevant year round. This makes it a smart investment piece in your makeup collection. You can create completely different looks depending on what you layer over or under it, adapting to seasonal trends without buying new products constantly.

Skin Tone Compatibility Guide

Understanding how MAC Chicory appears on different skin tones helps you decide if it suits you. On fair to light skin, Chicory provides subtle definition without looking too dark or harsh. It creates that coveted nude lip when worn alone. Light to medium skin tones find this shade particularly flattering, as the peachy brown adds warmth without overwhelming natural lip color. For medium to tan skin, Chicory works beautifully as an everyday neutral that adds polish to minimal makeup looks. Deep skin tones can use Chicory as a base layer under deeper shades or as a transition color for ombre lip effects. The warm peachy undertones generally flatter warm and neutral undertones best. Cool toned individuals might find it slightly too warm, though it can work when paired with the right lipstick. Testing it in store helps you see how it interacts with your unique skin chemistry and natural lip color.

Packaging and Practical Considerations

MAC Chicory comes in the standard MAC lip pencil packaging. The slim black pencil features the shade name printed on one end. You need a pencil sharpener, which adds a small extra cost if you do not already own one. The packaging feels sturdy and professional, fitting well in makeup bags without rolling around. Unlike twist up liners, sharpening means you control the tip shape and sharpness. The pencil length provides good value, typically lasting six months with regular use. Some users prefer the eco friendliness of sharpenable pencils over twist up plastic mechanisms. The black exterior shows smudges and fingerprints, but this does not affect performance. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent the formula from becoming too soft. The simple, professional packaging lacks the cute factor of some brands, but it communicates quality and reliability.

Creating Different Lip Looks with Chicory

The versatility of MAC Chicory shines when creating various lip looks. For a natural everyday look, line your lips with Chicory, fill them in completely, then top with a nude gloss. This gives you definition without looking made up. A 90s grunge lip requires applying Chicory all over, then dabbing a darker brown lipstick in the outer corners and blending inward. For ombre lips, use Chicory on the outer edges and a lighter nude or pink in the center, blending where they meet. Create a plumped lip effect by slightly overdrawing your lip line with Chicory, then filling in with a lighter shade. A glossy but defined lip needs Chicory as a base, topped with a clear or matching gloss. For evening drama, line with Chicory but fill in with a deep berry or burgundy shade. The neutral base prevents the darker color from looking too intense while adding depth and dimension.

Storage and Maintenance Tips

Proper care extends the life of your MAC Chicory liner. Store it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Extreme temperatures soften the formula, making it harder to apply precisely. Cap the pencil tightly after each use to prevent the tip from drying out. Clean the tip occasionally by gently wiping it with a tissue to remove any buildup. Sharpen only when necessary to avoid wasting product. If the tip breaks off during sharpening, place the pencil in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes to firm up the formula before trying again. Avoid storing it with the tip touching other products, as this can transfer color or pick up bacteria. When traveling, keep it in a protective case to prevent the pencil from breaking. Some users wrap the sharpened tip in tissue before packing. With proper storage, the formula maintains its quality throughout the product’s life.

Final Verdict on MAC Chicory

After examining every aspect of MAC Chicory Lip Liner, the verdict is clear. This peachy brown shade deserves its cult status in the beauty community. The smooth, creamy formula delivers on its promises of easy application without dragging or skipping. The color flatters a wide range of skin tones, making it a versatile addition to any makeup collection. While the price point sits higher than drugstore options, the quality, longevity, and performance justify the investment for many users. The ability to use it as both a liner and an all over lip color increases its value. Budget conscious buyers can explore dupes like NYX Ever, but MAC Chicory remains the gold standard in this shade family. Whether you are a makeup beginner looking for a reliable neutral or a seasoned beauty enthusiast building your perfect lip collection, MAC Chicory proves itself worthy. It creates polished, professional looking lips with minimal effort, and that convenience alone makes it worth considering for your makeup routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MAC Chicory Lip Liner suitable for daily wear?

Yes, MAC Chicory works perfectly for daily wear. The peachy brown shade provides subtle definition that looks professional and polished without appearing overdone. Many users wear it alone or with just a gloss for their everyday makeup routine. The long lasting formula means you do not need constant touch ups throughout the day, making it practical for busy schedules.

Can MAC Chicory prevent lipstick from feathering?

Absolutely. One of the main benefits of using MAC Chicory is its ability to prevent lipstick from bleeding or feathering into fine lines around your lips. Apply it all over your lips as a base before adding lipstick. The slightly firmer, matte formula creates a barrier that holds other lip products in place for hours.

What is the closest drugstore dupe for MAC Chicory?

NYX Ever lip liner provides the closest match to MAC Chicory in both color and texture. The shade is nearly identical, and while the formula feels slightly less creamy than MAC, it performs remarkably well for a fraction of the price. Many makeup enthusiasts keep both in their collection for different occasions.

Does MAC Chicory work well on deeper skin tones?

Yes, MAC Chicory works on deeper skin tones, though it functions differently than on lighter skin. On deeper complexions, it serves well as a neutral base layer under richer lip colors or as a transition shade for creating ombre lip effects. Some deeper skin tones might prefer it as a mixer rather than wearing it alone.

How long does one MAC Chicory pencil typically last?

With regular daily use, a MAC Chicory pencil lasts approximately six months. If you use it a few times per week, it can last closer to eight to ten months. The rich pigmentation means you need less product per application, which extends the life of the pencil significantly.

Can you wear MAC Chicory without any other lip products?

Definitely. Many users love wearing MAC Chicory alone as their complete lip look. The peachy brown shade provides enough color and definition to look finished without adding lipstick or gloss. For a slightly less matte finish, top it with a clear lip balm or gloss. This creates an effortless, low maintenance lip that still looks polished.

Does MAC Chicory require a special sharpener?

MAC Chicory works with any quality cosmetic pencil sharpener. You do not need a MAC branded sharpener specifically. However, investing in a good dual sharpener with different sized holes ensures clean, even sharpening without breaking the tip. Avoid cheap sharpeners that can damage the pencil or waste product through uneven sharpening.

Last update on 2026-01-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API