Brand Focus: MAC Cosmetics

MAC are just one of those brands that offer everything makeup wise and everything is up to a really great standard. Except for their foundations (which I haven't actually even tried), I love everything they offer. Some more than others, obviously, so today I thought I'd run through my favourite products MAC sell.

Face
Like I said, I haven't ventured into their foundations as of yet as I heard they break some people out. But their concealers, on the other hand, I have tried and really do like. My favourite is the Studio Finish concealer that comes in a small, black pot. I have mine in NC20 which, as you can see from the photo, is very yellow based which is great for covering blemishes. Some use it under the eyes and opt for an NW shade as it's pink based and counteracts any redness.

Cheeks
The blushes I've tried have all been such great quality that it makes me want to depot them all and create a palette. "Too much money", I keep thinking to myself. However, in particular I love Harmony Blush as it makes the perfect contour shade for virtually everyone. You can also use this as a crease colour and for warming up the lower lash line, did you know.

Eyes
Probably my favourite area that MAC offer as their selection is insane. For a base, the Paint Pots are wonderful. Pictured is one of my most used, Rubenesque, which is a gorgeous coral/bronze. They last forever, keep the shadows in place and exemplify the intensity of colour. Obviously the eyeshadows have got to have a mention. They offer hundreds of shades each with different formulations - I could spend ages umming and erring over which colour to pick next. And I do. Another great product MAC offer in the eye spectrum are their eyeliners. My favourite has to be the Powerpoint Eye Pencil as they are waterproof, long-wearing, easy to apply and come in some great, practical colours. I love Stubborn Brown (deep brown) and Fascinating (off-white).

Lips
What made MAC famous. Their lipsticks are great. They come in so many colours, formulations and finishes that it makes choosing the next one to add to your collection so very difficult. My favourite MAC lipsticks are Saint Germain (pictured), Creme Cup, Sunny Seoul and Myth. I also think their tinted lipglass range don't get enough recognition as, despite the majority being extremely sticky, they smell amazing (like vanilla) and last a long time. Plus come in so many wearable shades. Fun fact: the lipglass in Underage was my first ever MAC purchase :)

Brushes
Yes, they are expensive but they truly are worth the splash. I've had the 129 (pictured top) for over two years and it's in perfect condition. It's definitely my favourite brush as it's so versatile; I use it for bronzer, blush, setting under eye powder, contouring, highlighting - it's the perfect size. My other two most used are the 217 for crease work and the 266 for my eyebrows.

Hope this was useful :) PS, have you heard Birdy's new song titled Wings? It's beautifully amazing. Listen here.

Max Factor All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation

Max Factor All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation, £11.99

Apologies for the picture and the ever-so-slightly obvious foundation marks on the front. I use it a lot, okay?!

Max Factor's new foundation has been designed with a primer and concealer built in. The primer gives a smooth even base, the concealer corrects any flaws and the foundation gives a light finish - thus, in hindsight, creating the perfect beauty product. But is it worth it?

Quite simply, yes. The formula with SPF20 gives a medium to full coverage with a matte finish. The whole "primer" aspect of the product works well in my opinion as it stays on all day. I wore it for school (I applied it at 7.30) and it lasted the whole day before taking it off before bed. I've mentioned before that I have a habit of leaving makeup on for around 16 hours on a weekday. I guess one of my new years resolutions is to stop that.

I love everything about this product, except the colour range. Like most drugstore foundations, the colour selection is very limited with only six shades. I have the shade beige 55 which is the third darkest and I'm not exactly the tannest of people - therefore I can assume people with darker skin tones might find it difficult to find a match. Those with lighter skin tones on the other hand will find it much easier. Additionally, the foundation is very drying. I have combination skin and even I found it a little too much - using a setting spray helped greatly. Overall, this foundation would suit those with pale to tan skin who have combination/oily skin.

For £11.99 (plus it's always on various discounts/offers), it's totally worth it.

Suzanna xo