Best Of: MAC Cosmetics
One of my very first makeup purchases was MAC, so this brand will always have a soft spot for me. I figure it was only fitting that I start a new series "Best Of The Brand" by featuring my favorites from MAC.
bases
MAC was one of the first brands to carry a wide range of colors for base products, which is probably why so much of my makeup is from this brand.
I love the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark because it can be light or heavy, depending on how much coverage I want. The best part is that there's a slight luminosity, so it never looks flat on the face. This is my go-to when I'm running out of the door and just want to even out my skintone and keep my face from getting too shiny (more details in this post on my Five Minute Face). Plus, it's a powder foundation, so it'll last forever.
The Pro Longwear Concealer (in NC 42) is a cult classic for good reason. This concealer is extremely long-lasting and will be as close to crease-resistant as anything on the market. Another bonus is that it makes a great eyeshadow base.
The Prep + Prime Highlighter in Bright Forecast caught my eye because one of my favorite Instagram makeup artists (Tredayy) used to wear it all the time. This doesn't really cover dark circles, but it definitely brightens the under eye area. I recommend this if you already use a medium or full coverage foundation, so concealer isn't something you need. When you add this to the under eyes and cheekbones, you get such a nice brightened effect. I've heard that Peach Lustre is great for color-correcting dark spots, so if you have very dark under eye circles or other discoloration, this is good as a base layer before your foundation.
{L-R: Freckletone, Nose For Style, Rebel}
lips
Freckletone is a very pretty and versatile peachy nude. I love nude lipsticks, and this one is one of the few that is creamy and opaque and low-maintenance. I highly recommend it.
Nose For Style was part of the Haute Dogs Collection, and while I love the semi-sheer warm red color, the real MVP is the formula. The Mineralize Rich formula is so creamy and moisturizing. It really feels luxurious on the skin and is definitely worth looking into.
No discussion of MAC lipstick would be complete without mentioning Rebel. This is the perfect fuchsia/berry color that works year-round.
Honorable Mention: Sheen Supreme in Can't Get Enough.
skincare
MAC isn't known for its skincare offerings, but the brand has some serious gems.
Strobe Cream is a moisturizer with a very pretty iridescent tint. This alone will add a gorgeous glow to your skin, or you can layer it under your foundation or tinted moisturizer. During the summer months it may be too much, but now that it's fall, this would be great to add to your skincare regimen if you notice your skin looking a bit dull.
This next item is new to me, but I'm already a huge fan. The Blemish Control Gel is a salicylic acid treatment that really helps treat acne. The best thing about it is that it wears wonderfully under makeup, so you can wear it in the morning without worrying about it flaking or balling up under makeup. If you're looking for a spot treatment, this one is excellent.
blush
You all probably know that I'm obsessed with Sweet As Cocoa blush. This is the most perfect everyday blush and it lasts forever.
{Clockwise from Top: Bronze, Expensive Pink, Groundwork}
Eyeshadows
Bronze is one of my favorite MAC eyeshadows because it's just so versatile. It's very close to my skin tone, but it has some shimmer, so it never looks too flat. This is my perfect crease/transition shade and I use it whenever I want to blend out a color so that everything looks seamless.
Expensive Pink is a super pretty pink/peach color with lots of gold shimmer. You can see it in action in this tutorial. I love that I can throw this all over my lids, and it even looks good as a highlighter! This is flattering on all skin tones, so you have no excuse not to try it.
The Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork is a great eyeshadow base. It's a cool gray/beige that works alone or under any eyeshadow. I think everyone should have a product like this because it's so versatile.
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