MAC Divine Night Flair For Finery lipstick and cremesheen lipglass

I was debating whether to post this as I believe both are already sold out on the Mac cosmetics website, but I have just checked other websites such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and Selfridges and they still have some of the products available. Hurry though, as they are limited edition!

By the way, I must start by saying the lipstick swatches on the website for this collection are horrifically wrong. On the website, the lipstick Flair for Finery appears as a medium, rose toned pink which is totally the opposite of what it is. Just make sure you research the shades before you buy online :)

Flair for Finery is the name of both the lipstick and cremesheen glass in the new Mac holiday collection called Divine Night. I would describe both as a light pink-based nude (just think of a hybrid of Creme D'Nude and Creme Cup). Basically, my idea of the perfect lip colour. The lipstick has really good colour payoff and, for a cremesheen formula, lasts a decent amount of time. And the cremesheen glass is really surprisingly pigmented and I absolutely adore the milky pink shade. Together they make a perfect nude lip.

I also love the packaging of the collection with gold accents instead of the regular silver. I'm not really a fan of completely revamped packaging (anyone remember the outrageous Hello Kitty collection?) so the simple addition of gold detailing this year looks really nice. My only criticism is not about the product itself but about the price! As they are limited edition the prices seem to rocket with the lipstick being £16.50 and the cremesheen glass at a crazy £19. Bit annoying, but all is redeemed by the shades.

Definitely check to see if they are still available online and in stores x

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.

MAC Creme Cup Lipstick

MAC lipsticks are definitely one of my favourites. I think the different formulas are a great idea and, despite the price tag creeping up every damn year, they are worth the £15 in my opinion. Out of all the ones I own (which let's be honest, are all nude and pink hues), the "cremesheen" formula is by far my favourite. Granted, they don't last as long but the colour pay off is still exceptional and they feel so moisturising compared to say the matte formula. They also give such a lovely glossy finish.

The newest edition to my cremesheen lipsticks is probably the most popular shade (second to Hue, of course). It's the one you're advised to buy when you're just getting into MAC lipsticks - Creme Cup.

It's described as a light, blue tone pink - a hybrid of a muted pink with a nude undertone. Not being a pale, life-less shade makes it suitable for virtually all skin colours. It has a really nice glossy finish, hence why it's a cremesheen formula. I really do like it.

It the perfect everyday lipstick as it's a mix of the popular hues which also makes it perfect all ages and all skin types.

Just looking at my other lipsticks I can definitely see a few drugstore dupes including Wet n Wild Think Pink (click link for swatches) and Maybelline Pink Please. Getting started into MAC lipsticks? Yeah, it's a great colour. Wanting a similar shade and perhaps are looking for a cheaper alternative? Look in the drugstore.

I can't complain though. The quality is great and it's a lovely hue. Have a great day :)

MAC Saint Germain

 

I think I've just found my new favourite lipstick. Ah, look how pretty!!!

MAC lipsticks are my weakness. There are so many other brands that dupe the same colours as MAC do, yet they just don't compare. The formula, the texture, the longevity (of most) and the smell of them are amazing.

The only thing that annoys me is the price. The first one I bought cost £11.50. Now, they are charging £14. It might not seem like a massive difference, yet over time, it adds up considerably. Anyway...

I picked up the ever-so-popular shade Saint Germain with summer soon approaching. I think this would look really good with a tan, or even muted down for everyday wear. It's super pigmented, better than most of my other ones and I just love it.

If you haven't tried it, you must!

Suzanna x

Sunny Seoul by MAC

MAC Sunny Seoul, £14

When I bought my first MAC lipstick (which was Hue btw), I never thought I would get as addicted to buying them as I am now. I don't know what it is that is so enticing about them - the packaging, the scent (vanilla ah!), the various formulas to experiment with, or perhaps just the overall concept of owning several MAC lipsticks. But I just love them.

The newest addition to my collection is Sunny Seoul. A cremesheen that is a frosted light warm pink shade.

It's perfect for those who want to wear colour yet don't want to sport bright reds/corals/fuchsias on an everyday basis. It's subtle, yet noticeable. And I love it. 

Originally released as part of a holiday collection, it has now become a permanent shade which is great. So I'd definitely check if out (when available - every time I look it's sold out!) if I was you!

Suzanna x

Ramblings/updates/etc!

- This might be my last post before I go on holiday Sunday as I have nothing to review for you. However, I might do a post talking about what I'm taking on board the plane or showing you what's in my travel makeup bag, before I leave.

- I have a new music obsession: Little Comets! I've literally just purchased their album without even listening to every song fully through - that's how good they are. Here's a link to their YouTube channel with every song from their album listed! Warning: you'll get addicted.

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.