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.

Your Guide To: Upcoming MAC Collections

If you are an avid make-up fanatic then you'll absolutely love what MAC Cosmetics has to offer in their upcoming collections. All of these collections are being released (or have been released) between February and July. I'll do another post on the autumn and christmas collections when promo pictures are available (or when they've actually made the collection!)

MAC Vera

Flashy florals, butterfly brights, punchy patterns, and a light-as-air spirit fuse in a collection inspired by the art of textile designer, Vera Neumann. Limited Edition.

 Crushed Metallic Pigments

L-R; Strawberry Patch, Aloha and Butterfly Party

Pearlmatte Face Powder

L-R; Flower Fantasy and Sunday Afternoon

Plushglass

L-R; Pretty Plush, Fashion Fanatic (limited edition), Confetti (limited edition), On A Holiday (limited edition) and Butterfly Dream (limited edition)

Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner

L-R; Lord It Up, Industrial, Designer Purple, Undercurrent, Petrol Blue, Black Line and Black Swan

Nail Lacquer

L-R; Play Day and Midsummer's Dream

Cook MAC and Shop MAC

Cook M.A.C

Fluidline 

L-R; Wholesome, Midnight Snack and Added Goodness

Tendertone Lip Balm

L-R Clockwise; Tread Gently, Purring, Hush-Hush and Hot 'n' Saucy

Nail Lacquer

L-R; Kid Orange, Salad Dressing and Al Fredo

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 Other products in this collection:

- Opulash Mascara

- Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder

- 211 Pointed Liner Brush

- 129SH Powder/Blush Brush

Shop M.A.C

Eye Shadow Quads

Top to Bottom; Call Me Bubbles, Colour Added and Shop & Drop

Call Me Bubbles

Colour Added

Shop & Drop

Lipstick

L-R; Innocence Beware!, Watch Me Simmer, Naughty Saute, Quick Sizzle, Dish It Up and  Runaway Red

Kissable Lipcolour

L-R; Enchantee, Woo Me, So Vain,  Scan-delicious and Flaunting It

Cremeblend Blush

Top to Bottom; Florida, Optimistic Orange and Restores Dazzle!

Florida

Optimistic Orange

Restores Dazzle!

 Beth Ditto for MAC Collections

Several weeks ago Beth Ditto announced that she'll be creating her own collection for MAC Cosmetics which will be released during the summer (available globally from June). From her own style we can suggest that the collection will include bold eyeliners, bright lipsticks and an array of coloured eye shadows which is very very exciting! 

We'll keep you posted.

MAC Viva Glam: Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin for Viva Glam

The last time Nicki Minaj collaborated with MAC she created the infamous Pink Friday lipstick which sold out online in under 30 minutes of going on sale. This meant that they only released a limited amount every Friday (fitting, right?) for several weeks. Unfortunately, this mean't that loads of people couldn't get their hands on the lipstick and lead to people paying £40 on eBay! 

Fortunately, Nicki Minaj - and Ricky Martin - is collaborating again in what I'm sure will be another quick-selling collection.

This time they are releasing a lipstick titled Viva Glam Nicki and a Lip Condition, both embossed with their signatures. 

Viva Glam Nicki and Lip Conditioner

Make sure you note the date of release so you don't miss out! It's available February 15th for those in North America whereas it's international in March. Another surprise is that this collection will be available for the whole of 2012 until February of 2013.

MAC Lightfully New Collection

From the promotional pictures released, this collection looks amazing. And by 'looks' I mean the packaging. Is it bad wanting to buy this just for that reason alone? Well aside from the packaging, the products sound interesting.

In this collection, there is:

- Lightful Cleanser

- Lightful Softening Lotion

- Lightful Essence

- Lightful Moisture Creme

The positive to this collection is the packaging and the interesting names of the products. I haven't got the fainted idea what "Lightful Essence" is going to be. However, the negative is the preposterous price tag MAC seems to think I am going to spend on a little tub. All of these items are between £25 and $45 which, I think, is a little too much.

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So that's all for the upcoming MAC collections until June. I hope this helped you in any way. If prices will be useful, please let me know in a comment so that I can include it in future posts.

Thank you!

Suzanna

XOXO

Ps. I'm sorry at the length of this. If you read it all, the kudos to you.