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.

What's in my travel make-up bag?

This time tomorrow, I'll be boarding the plane to go to Rome! I am so excited as I've wanted to go to Italy ever since my dad came back from a business trip and told stories of how wonderful the atmosphere is there. Plus, we're going for my mum's birthday which makes it extra special.

Considering I've never done any "what's in my ___" posts, I thought I'd start with showing you what I am taking in my make-up bag for Rome. The make-up bag that I am taking with me is see-through so I can use the products on the plane if needed. It also makes it easier for me as I know where everything is!

This is everything I'm taking...

Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara, Maybelline One by One Mascara, Clinique High Impact Mascara, Garnier Eye Roll On, MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder, MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion, Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Clinique Eyeshadow Duo in Victorian Pink, Avon Glimmersticks Brow Definer in Dark Brown and Blonde, MAC Brow Set in Clear, MAC Paint Pots in Bare Study, Nubile and Rubenesque, Benefit High Beam, Benefit The Porefessional, MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Semi-Precious Crystal Pink, Nars Bronzer in Laguna, Urban Decay De-Slick Translucent Powder, MAC Powder Blush in Harmony, Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake and Carmex!

(Underlined items link to reviews)

It sounds like a lot, but trust me, it's not!

I hope you're having a great summer and I'll be back towards the end of the week!

Suzanna xoxo

PS. I've mentioned this before, but I'm going to New York in October for my birthday. I've planned to do several posts before then including what I'm taking for skincare and what I'm taking for haircare. I might also do a whats in my bag post - if interested :)

MAC Paint Pots

MAC Paint Pots. They're very controversial - you either love them or hate them. I know loads of people that hate them as well as people who absolutely love them and have every shade possible.

I'm not that obsessed, but I do like them. A lot.

"Paint Pots are a highly pigmented eye colour that goes to creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. They are long wearing, colourfast. They create a seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based. Available in satin, cream, frost and pearl formulas."

Sounds great? In my experience, most of the ones I have tried have worked and I've kept them. However, I have had problems with the matt natural shades such as Painterly and Quite Natural. They seem too crease like crazy on me, which I know isn't the case for other people. It's all about trial and error!

In total, I have five. Personally, I don't feel like I need anymore, but MAC always does release those "can't miss" collections that always seem to steal my money...

Left to right: Nubile, Morning Frost, Idyllic, Rubenesque and Bare Study

Nubile is a medium flesh toned colour. It's similar to Painterly, yet Nubile has more of a pink undertone and slight shimmer. Limited edition, sorry! 

Morning Frost is a gorgeous sparkly gold colour. I believe this colour is still up on their website - from the Glitter & Ice collection (the white packaging one!). 

Idyllic is hard to describe. The best way to describe it is a dark burnt red with hints of gold sparkle. It's really flattering, yet does take a while to blend. I just checked, and this shade is still on their website. Get it before it goes! 

Rubenesque is one of their permanent shades and their most popular I believe. It's a golden peach with gold shimmer and is the perfect shade to wear all over the lid. 

Bare Study is a soft beige/champagne colour. It's very simple which is why it's my favourite. If All That Glitters eyeshadow was in paint pot form, this is what it would look like. When layered, they look amazing.

What are your thoughts on Paint Pots?

Suzanna
XOXO

PS. Don't you think that April Fools Day is the most pointless holiday ever? I read something on Twitter earlier which I thought was interesting.

What if it is though? Haha!