Beauty MAC Powder Kiss Brickthrough Vs Lipglass Air: Which Wins
Powder Kiss Brickthrough and Lipglass Air are two standout MAC lip formulas. One delivers velvet matte color, the other delivers glass shine. Here is how they compare.
| Factor | MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick i | MAC Lipglass Air in Frosting |
|---|---|---|
| Product | MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Brickthrough | MAC Lipglass Air Non-Sticky Gloss |
| Finish | Velvet matte | Glass-like shine |
| Wear time | Up to 12 hours | A few hours |
| Comfort | Moisture-infused | Botanical oils |
| Color impact | Bold brick-red | Sheer wash |
| Best for | Statement lips | Everyday shine |
| Typical price | Check price | Check price |
Our Verdict
Choose Powder Kiss Brickthrough if you want bold, long-wearing matte color. The 12-hour velvet finish makes a strong statement. Choose Lipglass Air if you want comfortable shine with nourishing oils. The non-sticky formula feels great for everyday wear. Powder Kiss wins for color impact and longevity. Lipglass Air wins for comfort and hydration. Both are genuine MAC quality. Pick matte for drama and gloss for juicy shine, or layer them together.
Powder Kiss Brickthrough vs Lipglass Air: Velvet Matte or Glass Shine
The MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick in Brickthrough and the Lipglass Air in Frosting are two standout MAC lip formulas in opposite finishes. The Powder Kiss is a velvet matte: soft-focus, blurred, modern matte that feels weightless and never looks flat. The Lipglass Air is a glass-shine gloss: juicy, reflective, dimensional shine with a lighter feel than classic Lipglass. Brickthrough is the warm brick-nude shade that flatters warm undertones; Frosting is the shimmering light shade for shine lovers. The choice is finish first, shade second: matte polish or glossy dimension.
The Powder Kiss formula's blurred effect is genuinely flattering on textured lips, since the diffusion softens lip lines rather than gripping them like traditional mattes. The Lipglass Air's shine plumps the look of the lips optically, which suits thin lips. For longevity, the Powder Kiss wins at four to six hours; the Lipglass Air needs reapplying every two hours like all glosses. For comfort, both are strong: the Powder Kiss avoids the dryness of old mattes, and the Air avoids the stickiness of old glosses. Our MAC Blankety picks cover pale nudes in the MAC range.
Matte vs Gloss Nudes: Choosing by Lip Condition
How to choose a nude finish based on lip condition is never guided properly, so here is the framework. Dry, flaky lips: the Lipglass Air's glossy moisture is far more forgiving than any matte; matte on unprepped dry lips looks cracked by midday. Fine-lined mature lips: the Powder Kiss's blurred matte softens lines, while high-shine gloss can settle into lines and emphasize them. Thin lips: gloss reflects light and looks fuller, matte can minimize. Full lips: the Powder Kiss's definition looks modern and precise.
The prep routine changes what each finish can do: exfoliated, balmed lips wear the Powder Kiss beautifully, while neglected lips should stick to the Lipglass Air. For Brickthrough specifically, the warm brick tone is flattering on warm and olive undertones but can look muddy on very cool skin; test in daylight. The two formulas layer interestingly: Powder Kiss as the base for lasting color, Lipglass Air pressed over the center for dimension. That combination gives the longevity of the matte with the plumping shine of the gloss. For more on layering lip finishes, our Fenty Beauty lip picks include versatile layering shades.
Lipstick Expiration: When to Toss the Tube
Lipstick expiration honesty is rare, so here is the timeline. Bullet lipsticks like the Powder Kiss last about twelve months after opening; glosses like the Lipglass Air last six to twelve months. Signs of expiration: changed smell, waxy or chemical; changed texture, grainy or separated; changed taste; or color that applies differently than when new. The doe-foot gloss applicator is the hygiene weak point since it returns to the tube; never share gloss, and do not use it on broken or cold-sore lips.
To extend life, keep lipsticks away from heat: the Powder Kiss bullet softens and the Lipglass Air can separate in hot cars. Wipe the bullet's surface with a tissue periodically to remove the oxidized top layer. When in doubt, replace: lip infections from expired products are unpleasant and preventable. The slim stick format of the Powder Kiss is actually convenient here: less product exposed per use than a wide bullet. For longer-wearing lip color that sidesteps some hygiene concerns, our Maybelline lip stain guide covers stain formulas.
A final layering suggestion: the Powder Kiss formula makes an excellent base for the Lipglass Air, giving you the longevity of the matte with the dimension of the gloss. Apply Brickthrough, blot lightly, then press Frosting over the center of the lips. The combination outlasts either product alone and gives a dimensional brick-nude that flatters warm undertones beautifully.
For warm undertones, Brickthrough is the more forgiving daily shade; for cool undertones, test carefully since warm brick can clash. Daylight testing before committing avoids the most common nude disappointment.
Both formulas reward lip prep: exfoliate and balm first for the smoothest application.
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