MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl dupes
lip-liner
Last updated: March 2026
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The original
MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl — Whirl
$22
Cult-favorite dusty mauve-brown lip liner that defines and shapes lips with a creamy, long-wearing formula.
My top dupes
NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner in Cannes
Save 77%$5
"The gold standard dupe for MAC Whirl. The shade is so close that even side-by-side it's hard to distinguish. At $5, this is a no-brainer replacement."
Best for: Everyday wear, anyone who goes through lip liners quickly
- + Nearly identical shade
- + Creamy, blendable formula
- + Excellent wear time for the price
- − Slightly softer lead — may need more sharpening
- − Less precise tip than MAC's
Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Mauve Shimmer
Save 82%$4
"A solid budget option that captures the mauve-brown family. Not as precise a shade match as NYX, but the price makes it worth trying if you're on a tight budget."
Best for: Budget shoppers, fair to medium skin tones
- + Extremely affordable
- + Good shade match for fair to medium skin
- + Long-wearing formula
- − Slightly more pink than MAC's mauve-brown
- − Drier texture — requires more lip prep
At a glance
| Product | Price | Match | Best for | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl | $22 | Original | — | — |
| NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner in Cannes | $5 | 91% | Everyday wear, anyone who goes through lip liners quickly | Save 77% |
| Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Mauve Shimmer | $4 | 83% | Budget shoppers, fair to medium skin tones | Save 82% |
Comparison notes
MAC Whirl is the internet's most-searched lip liner for a reason — it's the perfect 'my lips but better' shade for a wide range of skin tones. These dupes match the shade family at a fraction of the cost.
Full comparison
MAC's Lip Pencil in Whirl became a cult favorite because it's one of those rare shades that works as both a liner and a full lip color. The dusty mauve-brown tone complements virtually every skin tone from fair to deep, creating a 'my lips but more defined' effect. The formula is creamy enough to apply smoothly but firm enough for a precise line, and it lasts 4–6 hours without feathering. NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner in Cannes is the closest match — beauty communities have compared them side by side for years, and the consensus is they're nearly identical in shade. NYX's formula is slightly softer (which means easier application but more frequent sharpening), and the wear time is comparable at 3–5 hours. At $5 vs $22, the savings are significant enough that many MAC loyalists have permanently switched. Rimmel Lasting Finish in Mauve Shimmer leans slightly more pink than Whirl's mauve-brown, but on the lips the difference is minimal. The formula is drier, which is a trade-off — it needs more lip prep but actually stays put longer because of the drier texture. At $4, it's worth owning as a backup even if NYX is your primary swap.
Longevity
MAC Whirl lasts 4–6 hours without eating, 3–4 hours with light eating. NYX Cannes: 3–5 hours. Rimmel Mauve Shimmer: 4–5 hours (the drier formula clings well). All three benefit from filling the entire lip with liner before applying lipstick for extended wear.
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