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Nobody in the blogging world raves about MAC Cosmetics as much as they have in the past, yet the brand still reigns supreme for many non-blogging folk (read: probably several of you, my readers). When I raid my friend’s makeup collections, I’d be hard-pressed NOT to find at least one MAC product floating around. It’s usually well-loved, a repeated purchase, and/or a product that’s been in their makeup bag for centuries (what? makeup expires?! who knew. jk.). Looking at my own collection, there are a few standbys I always keep around. They are high performance and incomparable to anything else out there. Here are my 5 MAC products you need to try ASAP…
In case you didn’t know, MAC is now being sold at Ulta! Huge deal, huge win for consumers. Sometimes I know walking into a MAC store or counter can be intimidating to many, so the convenience of being able to explore MAC while you’re picking up your Maybelline mascara and Benefit brow products is kind of awesome. If you still prefer to shop in MAC stores, they do tend to have more selection, plus the option to get some pro items not available at counters or in Ulta. However, you should be able to find all 5 of my recommendations at Ulta or MAC stores.
MAC paint pots are my top favorite eyeshadow primers! I’ve used both Painterly (more pink toned) and currently have Soft Ochre (more yellow). I love them because they act as a concealer to even out and brighten the skin tone on the eyelids, as well as, allow eyeshadows to last longer and wear brighter.
Although I’m oily, I do love a good facial mist and the MAC Fix+ is a cult classic. The spritzer is incredibly fine and it’s never ever irritated my sensitive skin. I’m on my second (or maybe third?) bottle of this product. I like to apply it before makeup to give the skin a little extra plumpness/hydration before foundation. It also works nicely over any powders to obliterate that dry powdery look, giving the skin a more natural finish.
Now that you can get MAC single shadow pans for $6/each (you have to buy a separate empty palette to store them; MAC sells these starting at $8), there’s no excuse for using eyeshadows from the drugstore that you find have no pigment, don’t last or fade quickly. MAC shadows are professional grade. They have little fallout, are buildable and are some of my longest-wearing shades I own.
Some of my current favorites include Bronze, Patina, Soft Brown and Sketch.
MAC’s lipstick selection is out of control. They were probably the first to offer such a diverse, vast collection. There’s legitimately something for everyone and with the way drugstore prices keep hiking up, MAC lipsticks aren’t so out of reach anymore at $17. The light vanilla scent is so pleasant and I think the shade Velvet Teddy would flatter a majority of skin tones.
MAC’s blushes are some of my most favorite. The amount of product you get is quite fair and I feel like a blush from MAC lasts years! I have Gingerly (my wedding day blush) and Melba in my collection right now, but think Melba is a great everyday shade for so many skin tones. A mid tone light coral/beige, this shade can be layered and layered and never looks too much. Plus, it’s matte so it won’t accentuate any skin texture issues.
What are some of your essential MAC cosmetics products you swear by? I have a Christmas gift card burning a hole in my wallet and would love to hear some new recommendations.
-Steffanie
