
MAC Lipstick 5-Alarm // Swatch + Review
My little sister went on a college trip to New York last month and she texted me to ask if I wanted anything from MAC because it works out cheaper with the exchange rate.
I am a huge fan of MAC lipsticks so I couldn’t pass this up, I wanted to pick two but I had no idea which ones to go for. I remembered that See Sheer was definitely on my wish list but I was unsure of the second lipstick. I had an hour to reply to her text before she went back to the MAC store.

I went on the MAC website, browsed through the lustre finish range (can’t go wrong with lustre!) and spotted 5-Alarm, a beautiful sheer red/orange. It was a shade I hadn’t heard of before, so I googled for swatches and reviews, and I was happy with what I saw!

5-Alarm is part of MAC’s Red Red Red collection, and I’ve heard that it’s a limited edition but I’m not 100% sure on that. If it is limited edition, I’m going to stock up on a couple more before it discontinues!
5-Alarm didn’t look as red on the website so when I opened it up and saw how bright the bullet looked, I was initially worried that I might have made the wrong decision.
However, I am so pleased I went for 5-Alarm in the end, it is a soft red lipstick with warm orange undertones which suits my asian skin tone so well. I don’t have the best of luck when searching for a red lipstick but I don’t regret the decision I made on a whim, I love it and have been wearing it loads since I got it!


5-Alarm isn’t a classic red lipstick and as you can see from my hand swatch, it is quite sheer with a slightly glossy sheen. On the second swatch photo, you can see that the coverage and the colour can be built up when it is applied on to the lips to give quite a striking red with orange undertones.

Normally, I don’t have a problem with MAC’s Lustre formula, I expect it to be sheer (and to some extend, buildable) and I’m aware that it doesn’t have the lasting power compared to their other lipsticks but with 5-Alarm, it is noticeably dryer than the ones I’ve tried in the lustre range. But due to how difficult it is for me to find a red lipstick that suits me, I’m willing to let that go. Lip balms at the ready!!
I’d say that if you’re after a red lipstick that you can wear during the day time, 5-Alarm is the one for you! It’s a soft, lustre, semi sheer finish so it’s absolutely perfect for a low maintenance red lip.
SHOP: MAC Lipstick in shade 5-Alarm
£15.50
Click here to read more of my MAC lipstick reviews including my Top 5 Favourite MAC Lipsticks.
Share this post:
It's a pretty colour, next time I'm at a MAC counter I'll have to check it out.
Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
This is a gorgeous color and looks lovely on you Sarah. MAC lippies are the best present probably.
Jackie | fashionxfairytale | bloglovin' |
Wow that shade is amazing! Truly a wearable red day time lip!
Mary-Ann xx
Angel Flicks
This looks like such a great colour! You can never really go wrong with a good ol' red lipstick! x
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
Ah this is such a pretty shade and it looks great on you!
Sophie
x
Story Of A Girl
This looks lovely!…i love a good red lip! xx
KirstyLeighx | Bloglovin'
Oh this looks SO gorgeous on you!
Megan xo
Thumbelina Lillie | UK Beauty & Fashion Blog
Perfect 😉
I like red lipstick;)
Oh my, that is absolutely gorgeous on you! I've never heard of this shade but I'm sad that it might be a limited edition as I'm actively stopping myself from getting anymore red lipstick. I love orange-toned lipsticks for the warmer months and all of the ones I own are pretty opaque…so maybe I'm allowed to justify another purchase? 😛 xxx
Daphne | subgenre of a dream | bloglovin
This is such a Sarah shade! It's gorgeous.
I thought, looking at it in the bullet, that it would look so very vibrant but it's so pretty swatched. That low maintenance but slick, classy look suits you so well. And I'm forever coveting your blush!
x
There's something so chic about red lipstick and stripes! Love the colour on you, I think this is another MAC shade that I need to pick up x
Always, Alice x
When I was reading this I just thought 'whoa, way too bright', then I go and see it on your lovely face and I am converted. Its such a stunning shade on, I need to go and have a swatch pronto!
Annabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
So pretty on you x
It's cheaper over the pond??? No fair! They get the best TV as well!
It looks lovely on you by the way, and I also have glasses envy. 😀
In love with this shade!! Look's gorgeous on you x
http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk
http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk
I've been looking for a shade just like this, perfect!
Lucy | http://www.missdaisylu.blogspot.com
Looks pretty on you. Lovely, fresh spring color.
hushhush990.blogspot.com
This is such a lovely shade of red! I love that it's slightly more sheer as well 🙂
hellomissjordan.blogspot.co.uk xx
I haven't heard of this shade before either – it looks great.
Victoria x
FlorenceandMary.com