Back in the day, I was just as crazy about MAC as every other, beauty-obsessed teen. I'd spend any extra cash I had on attempting to squeeze the entirety of my local counter into my makeup drawers. Since then, my fixation with the brand has calmed significantly and, as a result of giving other brands some attention, I'm now left with a ton of neglected products. But, there is a handful of gems that I still adore and reach for on the regular. I may get frustrated at the constant flipping and changing of their prices, but MAC will forever remain one of my most-loved brands, so here are my top picks of their products.
So I thought I'd start with the obvious choices. Head to any MAC store or counter and you'll be instantly drawn to their vast array of eyeshadows. With multiple finishes and hundreds of shades on offer, it's possible for anyone to find something they love. With only a few exceptions, the majority of the shadows are highly pigmented, buttery smooth and blend like an absolute dream, making them my most-used eyeshadows from my whole collection. There's a damn good reason why they're coveted by so many pro MUAs. Sitting somewhere between high-end and high-street, their prices aren't too extortionate and you're able to build your perfect, custom palette with the Pro Refill Pans. Personally, my favourites have to be Club, Patina, Omega and Sumptuous Olive, which you can see swatches of in my full MAC Eyeshadow Collection post.
Another MAC must-have is a lipstick, or fifty. Their black and silver bullets are what made the brand famous and, just like their eyeshadows, they offer a plethora of formulas, finishes and shades. From powdery mattes to silky cremesheens and from fluorescent brights to sheer, understated nudes, you can complete any look with a MAC lipstick. Plus, if you buy one of their Viva Glam lipsticks, they donate every penny from your purchase to the MAC Aid's Fund. Essentially, you're getting your beauty fix whilst doing a good deed and helping a charity. Pretty cool. Another bonus for any lip lovers out there, is that you can swap six, empty products for a new lipstick of your choice, with the brand's Back-to-MAC scheme. I may have gone a bit wild and purchased a few, questionable colours in the past (I'm looking at you, Saint Germain), but now I'm pretty happy with my current set, which you can check out in my MAC Lipstick Collection + Swatches post.
Being blessed with a normal to dry skin-type, I have a love/hate relationship with powder. MAC's MSFNs are a cut above the rest, though. Unlike most formulas, which create a totally flat result and leave a chalky residue on top of the skin, these powders have a flattering, barely-there finish. The baked powders are infused with skin-loving minerals and are so finely-milled that they feel like velvet. When swept across the skin, the powder gently absorbs any unflattering shine and imparts a blur-effect radiance that looks perfectly natural. The powders offer a light coverage, which adds some extra oomph to your base when used over foundation. Worn alone, they add a sheer veil of colour to the skin which is great for 'no makeup' days. One thing to keep in mind when wearing these powders, is that they do create flash-back in photographs, thanks to the high mineral content. That aside, I can't fault them!
Another product I adore from MAC's mineralize range, is their blushes. Just like the face powders, they add a gorgeous, healthy glow to the skin and the pigmentation hits the perfect balance between adding enough of a flush, whilst remaining soft and natural-looking. As the blushes are marbled with a fine, soft shimmer, they almost negate the need for a separate highlight, especially when worn during the day. These blushes can emphasize the look of large pores (if you have them), but prepping with a smoothing primer really helps to avoid that. If you ever read my Makeup Must-Haves I Always Repurchase post, then you'll already know about my obsession with the shade Warm Soul. Probably my favourite blush of all-time, it's a pinky-bronze shot through with tiny, golden shimmers that warms up the complexion and pairs well with any makeup look.
It's easy to be sucked in by MAC's dazzling colour cosmetics and quirky, limited-edition collections, which often leaves the basics overlooked. I've only sampled a few of the brand's mascara offerings and I never really thought much of them until I fell in love with their Haute & Naughty Lash. This is a two-in-one wonder, as the wand has varying densities depending on how you unscrew the lid - one providing lots of length and separation and the other adding tonnes of volume and drama. Both effects are gorgeous and I always pack this mascara in my travel bag, as it gives you both a day and night look, in one. Usually, I much prefer plastic brushes when it comes to mascara, but the tapered, bristle brush grips every single lash from the root, to really coat each one and pull it up into a curl. I never hear mention of this mascara in the blogging world and it's such a shame. If you haven't discovered it already, you need to give it a try!
Technically, I'd say any of the Mineralize Skinfinishes are gorgeous and worthy of a splurge. But, considering the majority only grace the shelves as part of limited-edition collections and sell out within days, they can be hard to get your hands on. To make sure I don't tease you with a discontinued shade, I can only mention the classic option from the permanent line - Soft & Gentle. If you want an intense gleam on your cheekbones, then this is the highlighter for you. A peachy, champagne shade saturated with frosted flecks, this isn't a product for the faint-hearted. Even with the slightest touch of the brush, this highlight adds an abundance of glow. In my makeup bag, this is strictly reserved for evening wear and special occasions when going all-out. As with many mineral powders, using a brush can kick up some dust, so make sure to tap off any excess before applying to the face, to avoid any fall-down and a complexion speckled with glitter.
What are your favourite MAC products?
AGB X
47 comments
I didn't realise how much I love MAC until I look at my makeup collection haha. Soft & Gentle highlighter, the lipsticks & eyeshadows are also my top favourites from the brand. I also love their Pro Long Wear Foundation & Concealer, along with their Lip Primer & Fix + :D x
ReplyDeleteBeauty with charm
Their Pro Longwear foundation has been on my wish-list for a while now, so I think I might just have to pick it up! I've never even heard of that lip primer, but I can always trust your recommendations so I'll have to check it out next time I'm at a counter :) x
DeleteThe mascara is so strange, for ages I was trying to figure out, thinking it was two wands!
ReplyDeleteKathryn /Cherries in the Snow
I didn't realise straight away, either! x
DeleteI've never tried any of their mascaras but I've recently just ordered one I'm excited to try it out!
ReplyDeleteShellie Skillen
Oooo which one? I need to try more! x
DeleteI see all your MAC products, and get so sad because I only just bought my first MAC product, a lipstick. Gorgeous lippie but just a lippie haha! I really need to start investing in their mineralize blushes! How incredible are those tones?!
ReplyDeletexx Bash | go say H E Y B A S H
We all need to start somewhere and their lipsticks are great! Their mineralize products are so gorgeous, aren't they? :) x
DeleteMy absolute must-have from MAC is the pressed Blot powder. I don't have super oily skin, just combination, but I hate the shine that develops on my T-zone throughout the day, and the Blot powder is the best mattifying product I've ever tried. I also love MAC's lipsticks and their Cremesheen Glasses!
ReplyDeleteBeaumiroir
I'm not really a fan of lipgloss, but I'm intrigued to try the Blot Powder! Thanks for the recommendations :) x
DeleteI haven't tried many MAC eyeshadows but I don't really like them? They're quite hard and not as pigmented as my palettes. Other than those I love everything that I've tried from MAC, especially their lipsticks!
ReplyDeletewww.beautyfromkatie.blogspot.com
I know what you mean, some of the finishes do have a firmer texture and not all of them are as buttery as UD shadows, for example. But, even if it takes longer to build up the colour with some of them, I find that it helps the colour to last longer without fading! x
DeleteTheir mineralize blushes are stunning, I love Warm Soul particularly x
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! x
DeleteI only discovered Mac a few years back when I started reading beauty blogs and watching YouTube and I wanted everything but then I discovered more brands and Mac wasn't as important :) But I still want to try their MSF powders as they seem amazing! x
ReplyDeleteMummy’s Beauty Corner
Yeah, MAC was always a big deal when blogging and vlogging first became popular, but the hype has definitely died down significantly! x
DeleteI actually haven't tried an awful lot from MAC but my favourite is definitely the lipsticks, although I think I only own five! I do have several eye shadows and I really should start actually using them. It would make sense to depot them into a little palette as they're just floating around in my makeup bag and so tend to forget about them x
ReplyDeleteBecky @ The Little Blog of Beauty
I think the lipsticks and eyeshadows are the classics from MAC! I definitely recommend putting them into a palette, as they take up a lot less space and are much better to travel with :) x
DeleteBeing the makeup-obsessed beauty blogger that I am, it's crazy to me that I have never really gotten into MAC products. This post has inspired me to try some things out! So happy that I found your blog, so looking forward to keeping up with your posts.
ReplyDeletexo, claudia
www.lifesrichpaegant.com
Aw, thanks so much, I'm so glad! What a lovely comment :) x
DeleteWarm Soul is the best! I also really love their Haute and Naughty mascara. I haven't repurchased it in a while, but need to again!
ReplyDeletexx
Nida | Caked To The Nines
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who loves it! x
DeleteEven though I'm not always aware of it, Mac is one of the brands I enjoy the most using and trying and I'm very rarely disappointed by their products! The Haute and Naughty lash mascara sounds lovely I love the idea of two mascaras in one!
ReplyDeletehttp://fannyanddailybeauty.com
I know what you mean, I use quite a lot of MAC products on a daily basis and I'm impressed by the majority of their stuff. Haute & Naughty is definitely worth a try if you like the sound of it :) x
DeleteI have wanted to try the mac blushes and skin finishes for the longest time.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Well then I think it's about time you give them a go - I'm sure you won't be disappointed! x
DeleteMAC was my first makeup love as well, and for a long time I wouldn't use anything else. And up to this day my eyeshadows are mostly MAC, as well as my blushes, and they are so worth it.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I totally agree - whilst I try so many other brands and products, I consistently go back to MAC and always have a couple of their products in my makeup bag rotations! x
DeleteI definitely love MAC lipsticks but it has been a hit and miss with their mascaras. This is the first time I'm reading about Haute & Naughty mascara, will pick that up to try soon.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
Yeah, I have tried a few and most of them were just average and didn't do much to my lashes. I do love Haute & Naughty, though, so I hope you like it too! x
DeleteWarm Soul is also a big favourite of mine. Such a stunning and natural looking blush. Mac's eyeshadows and their lipsticks (especially the amplified and cremesheen formulas) are a must in my collection. x
ReplyDeleteRenata | Speaking Beauty UK
It just goes with everything and pulls any look together, doesn't it? :) x
DeleteAll of these colors are so pretty! I love it when bronzers and blushers have a marbled look.
ReplyDeletexo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com
Me too, cute packaging and little, extra details make products so much more appealing to me! x
DeleteHi Alice, I agree with MAC's skin finish powders (so gorgeous!!) and Mineralise Skin finish. I own quiet a few of the Mac lipsticks, but I don't really like the formula of them that much ( its nice to know they also come with a good charity! though :) if it wasn't for there colour range, I would probably safe my money for other lippies :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
x Josune @ Your Beauty Script
http://yourbeautyscript.com
I see what you mean. I wouldn't say MAC is my favourite brand for lipsticks (I'd probably have to give that crown to YSL, personally), but the colour range does reel me in, along with the fact that they offer so many different finishes! x
DeleteThe MAC eye shadows looks absolutely divine! I haven't yet invested in the eye shadow pots but really want too! Loved this post xx
ReplyDeleteJenny | Krystel Couture + House of Fraser Giveaway
Thanks so much, honey :) x
DeleteI love my Mac shadows
ReplyDeleteStefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin'
Snap ;) x
DeleteYou know, I haven't tried their mascaras...but I do love their blushes!
ReplyDeletexo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
I never really hear much about their mascaras, but they're definitely worth a try! x
DeleteI used to be obsessed with treating myself to MAC lipsticks! I've definitely calmed down now, but still enjoy treating myself to one or two :)
ReplyDeleteDippyWrites
That's exactly what's happened to me! x
DeleteI fall in and out of love with MAC make-up. Totally argree with you about the lipsticks and eyeshadows! They have the best colour collections for each product!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.northernmagpie.com/
MAC are hard to beat when it comes to colour range, aren't they? :) x
DeleteThank you so much for sharing such amazing content.this is such great and helpful information. your content is literally always great and we have been following them a lot. please keep sharing information like this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment! I try to reply to each and every one of them within 24 hours! x