I wouldn’t consider myself a die hard MAC addict, the weekly collections and purposeful under-stocking is really starting to grate on my nerves. Yet somehow, put me in a MAC store and I always leave with something, or in this case, nine things.
Whoops.
1. Mineralize Blush – Dainty // One of my 2015 resolutions is to buy more blush (priorities in order, clearly), Dainty is warm enough to tickle my pickle yet pink enough to differentiate from my overwhelmingly peachy blush stash.
2. Prep + Prime 24 Hour Eye Base // Dammit, the sales assistant got me. Eye primers don’t get me hot and bothered but it came home with me anyway!
3. Sized to Go Pigments – Rose, Melon & Naked // Because really, who actually finishes a pigment? Naked is a cult favourite but new to me, much excite!
4. Extended Play Gigablack Lash // Youtube research indicates that this is fantastic for the lower lashes? Time will tell.
5. Lipstick – Ruby Woo // I owned this once upon a time and misplaced it one hazy night… oh, to be young! Matte formulas for the win, ain’t nobody got time for a slippy mess.
6. Mineralize Skinfinish – Lightscapade // An interesting marbled pan, Lightscapade swatches relatively white with warm and cool iridescence in equal measure. Not sure if it’s totally unique within my collection but I’m having a moment with highlighters so WHY NOT.
7. Cream Color Base – Hush // I was actually drawn to Luna (pure white cream highlight) but my rational mind told me to diversify so instead, I went with the peachier sister.
8. Brush Cleanser // A repurchase – boring and overpriced but I’m running seriously low. I only spot clean my eyeliner and lip brushes FYI, this stuff doesn’t even approach my Japanese brushes.
9. Fix+ // Another repurchase, I don’t think this differs much from any stock standard water + glycerin mix but I’ve used it forever and old habits die hard.
What are your favourite MAC products? So I can make a list and prevent future impulsive haulin’ 😛 Also, what products would you like to see in a tutorial?
xxkarima
I am definitely curious about those eyes pigments that you have bought. Could you use them in a tutorial please? 🙂 I wonder if you could pair them with Ruby Woo? No? I’ve been thinking about a Disney princess kind of look… :)))
Sure, Aurica 🙂 I can use them in a tutorial! I think they would pair nicely with Ruby Woo!
xx
Yes me too! I bought the watermelon pigment but I’m nog sure hoe to use it. The old gold pigment is gorgeous too!
I’ve actually been having trouble with MAC lately: Rebel, Yield to Love, and Syrup have all dried out my lips. I really thought Yield to Love was the One Lipstick, but, oh, well. I love seeing whatever collections MAC comes out with, but it’d be nicer if they did fewer but higher quality collections. I hope they come out with more Extra Dimension eyeshadows soon!
I agree, fewer collections that are available for longer than a hot minute (!) would be nice. I missed the cool shades within the Extra Dimension range because I don’t stalk counters :-/
xx
I don’t know if it’s still available, but Damn Glamorous is my fav MAC red ever! If you can get your hands on it, you won’t regret it.
I didn’t see that one! I’ll keep an eye out 🙂
x
I got the Rose pigment in one of MAC’s holidays sets and it is gorgeous! I can’t wait to see how you’d wear it.
Pretty sure I have owned it before but lord knows where it is now! Excited 🙂 x
oooooh, when I’ve senn the photo I was actually gonna comment saying how much I looove the lipstick- but it’s Ruby Woo and not Russian Red!!! hahahha Russian Red is my favorite MAC lipstick by far, my favorite red and I think it’s also my favorite lipstick tbh…
I love Russian Red, too 🙂 Great one! x
Is the brush cleanser an alcohol based one? I’m looking for something that will be gentler than most of the alcohol-based ones I’ve found. Also, I’m very curious to know how you care for your Japanese brushes!
Yes, MAC Brush Cleanser is alcohol based with conditioners included. Any efficient spot cleaner will be alcohol based (otherwise the brushes would remain wet) but I find the MAC to be gentler than say, pure alcohol.
I should do a video on how I clean my Japanese brushes, onto it!
x
Please make a tutorial with the naked pigment! And, how do you use the Fix+? And, because I have decided that for me 2015 is the year of the Japanese brushes, tips on how to best care for them would be greatly appreciated 🙂 I only have a few SUQQU ones (bought in London) so far, and I probably would agree with the MUA who sold me the first one asking – are you ready to commit? because there is no way back… Lol. I have to figure out how to ship them to Norway tho, as having them shipped from the store doubles the price cuz of import taxes. And do some serious research to figures out which ones to get. Let me just add that I am a pretty new reader of your blog and love, love, love. Already found lots of inspo and some products that I just – had – to get…
I use Fix+ for so many things: dampening foundation brushes before use, mixed with pigments for foiling, spritzing the face after powder etc.
I will do a video about brush cleaning 🙂 In terms of SUQQU Brushes, have you looked at ichibankao.com? I think the Japanese Yen has declined so it might be cheaper than previously.
xx
I love Lightscapade! One of my favourite everyday highlighters that isn’t too full on
Also, YouTube video suggestion: different ways to apply pigments? I have a few, but I’d like to be able to wear them everyday instead of just pulling them out for night-time looks
Interesting idea! I’ll have a brain storm 🙂 x
That blush looks gorgeous! I have a bad habit of falling in love with all the Limited Edition MAC. Le Sigh!
Madeleine,
Dainty is permanent, thankfully! x
I would love to know how you clean your Japanese brushes. Both spot cleaning and deep cleaning. I have had a lot of trouble with spot brush cleaners leaving oily residue in my brushes and it’s been transferring to the makeup. Huge deal breaker for me.
Yes, I second this! I’d really like to know how you clean your top quality brushes.
Me too!
Me three! I’ve had a search ’round but I didn’t come across anything regarding brush cleaning and I’m really having issues with how to clean my Japanese brushes 🙁 I basically try to not clean them for as long as possible, but obviously that doesn’t last. I’ve already experienced diminishing softness
I hear you guys! I will do a video on cleaning brushes soon 🙂
x
Hey Mia, which spot cleansers have left an oily residue? That’s unusual for an alcohol based product!
I’ve been wanting the dainty blush, when I watched it I remember it being a beautiful “flushed” pink color. I’m minimizing my makeup product purchases to 4 a month. I’m 2/4 this month already, so maybe this might push me to finally get this blush.
4 a month? Good job 🙂 It’s a very pretty shade and I also like the formula, sheer at first but buildable. The finish is very pretty too, not super shimmery.
xx
Can you do a review on highlighters? I was looking for lightscapade but there are so many highlighters on the market… I don’t know what to buy
Good idea, Audrey! A highlighter smack down sounds like a good idea! x
Is the Fix+ bottle design new? I feel like it looks different but I cant put my finger on why. Maybe the white text.
The bottle is frosted now and (at least in the UK) has experienced another price hike 🙂
The bottle is frosted, as mentioned below 🙂 It’s become part of the Prep & Prime range. xx
Your’s is one blog I make the extra effort to read full screen on my computer rather than through the bloglovin’ app on my phone, because it always looks so pretty and it’s always informative without the fluff. I’m among the other’s here who are interested in how you clean your Japanese brushes; I, myself, am in a bit of a bind on that matter. Nothing seems gentle enough while still being effective. Also, I love lightscapade. I am very very fair (must mix foundations with white regularly for near colour match) and lightscapde doesn’t deepen on my skin. It is a highlighter in both colour and luminosity/shimmer/sheen/light-catching, which is something I’m often missing. Many highlighters are more very shimmery blushes to me. It’s a good balance of enough sheen but not too much in a great texture that is very difficult to over- apply xx
Aw thank you! I’m so flattered 🙂
A lot of questions here about how I clean my brushes, I will do a video on that soon 🙂
Also, interesting insight regarding highlight for pale skin! You should also try Shiseido High Beam White if you’d like a more satin highlight that registers on pale skin.
xx
Have you tried Bobbi Brown Conditioning Cleanser? I have used it for years and it is amazing. It is a shampoo and one drop cleans even the largest brush. For creamy concealers and cream foundations I generally double cleanse. It is so gentle on my Suqqu and Chikuhodo squirrel brushes. This stuff instantly dissolves makeup and your brushes will be clean and conditioned in one step. Use warm water to wet your brush, put one drop in the palm of your hand, swirl for a few seconds, then rinse thoroughly avoiding the ferrule. I like to flick the brush a couple times to remove most of the water then gently squeeze the brush into shape. One of my favorite buys of 2014 is the Benjabelle Brush Tree. I hang my brushes upside down to dry and they come out beautifully shaped and like new every time. I only wash them once a month but in between uses I wipe with a soft cloth to remove any product. I hope this helps…
I am really not into MAC either. But I always read your posts 🙂 This one got me curious how do you clean your brushes. 🙂
Hey Senka 🙂
I’ll do a video on brush cleansing soon! xx
I was suddenly very interested to know how you clean your brushes, after reading that you don’t use spot cleaning on your japonese brushes. Is it damaging? I would love to watch a video on this subject.
Not really diggin’ MAC in general (never really found an outstanding product). I only use the Fix+, altered with The Body Shop Vitamine E Face Mist, but to call it great, nah…
Fix+ isn’t a standout, kinda boring. I think MAC has some hits and misses (much like every other brand!)
x
Hi Karima!
I’ve been considering purchasing the cream colored bases as well. Would you mind showing us how to incorporate them into our routines? They all have such different shades, that I just can’t picture what or where it’d be used for. I have (and adore) Lightscapade, but I’ve read that the formula has changed, and the texture does look different with the basket-weave pattern instead of a smooth marbleized top that is signature to MSF products.
Thanks, love!
Hey Amy,
I only own one cream colour base and it’s a highlight, so pretty self explanatory. There are some shades that look like great cream blushers and contours, too!
The texture on Lightscapade is a feature of the collection, the formula is the same as the permanent 🙂
xx
Darn. Don’t you hate when you submit and forget something? Sorry for the double post.
What makes MAC’s eye primer different than the usual suspects enough for you to give it a go?
Also, I said “basket-weave” for the Lightscapade. It’s clearly not that. Knit-sweater pattern? Haha.
Honestly, the primer was just an impulse buy lol. I have no need for it really, although I’ll give it a go and report back!
x
Yay Melon is amazing! I don’t fully understand the cult status of Naked, bought it for my kit and it’s not used much sadly. I find it a little too pink.
Have you ever used the brush shampoos from Clean? If you ever try, I suggest the goats milk formula over the olive oil. It seems to get rid of foundation stains/heavy emollients better. I also recommend Parian Spirit for spot cleaning. Gets rid of the most stubborn gel eyeliner instantly. If you’re sensitive to synthetic orange scent then it might be a no-go though. Very keen to see your brush cleaning methods!
Hey Carly,
Actually I totally agree with you, I’ve swatched Naked a few times and mehhh, it looks a bit dull?
I’ll try Parian Spirit! Anything with goat milk in it is a no go for me – bad experiences, I steer WELL away from goat product.
xx
Hi Karima! I was wondering about what you meant by purposeful understocking? I recently bought a lipstick from a Mac counter in America and was surprised when the sales assistant first said “I’ll go check if I have it.” I was thinking “…why wouldn’t you have it?” The shade I was looking for wasn’t LE or VivaGlam or any sudden hit shade, so I found it odd. Do they do this on purpose? What use is it to understock your stores/counters?
Hey Finn,
It seems MAC under stocks their limited edition ranges to build momentum and hype. I haven’t noticed under stocking in the permanent line, it’s possible they were just low on stock!
x
Um… I sent a question to this post a couple of weeks ago but it hasn’t shown up… What’s going on?
Potentially sent to spam. What was your question?
x