M∙A∙C forges ahead with a three-in-one force: Powder, Foundation and Tinted Moisturizer all together. A broad, all-inclusive shade range means M∙A∙C Artists can cover everybody, one beautiful conquest at a time. Call your clients most in need of convincing, and watch what happens!

MAC’s newest collection not only focuses on your face now but it is all about the future as well. If we aren’t doing all we can to take care of our beauty and preserve it for the future, we’ll be disappointed when that time comes. The collection “Future Face” combines skin care products and makeup products that are beautiful and healthy for the skin. The combination will leave you looking great now with flawless skin, and great in the future with flawless skin free from the aging affects of daily life.

The collection is somewhat small compared to many other collections that MAC releases. There is a pressed powder, a liquid foundation, the return of the tinted moisturizer and a couple of brushes. I love collections like this where the whole thing really does go together. I want to buy one of everything so I have the complete “set” to moisturize and keep my face looking great now and for the future.

Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder is the new product. Is it makeup or skin care; that is the question? It offers sheer to medium coverage depending on what you want or need. The powder is supposed to nourish as it covers allowing your face to look beautiful now while still preserving the beauty for the future. The powder has a very smooth finish so you there won’t be people paying attention to the dry powder look as the day goes on into the night.

Another great thing about this new Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder is that it can either be used all by itself or with other products as well. You can apply it over the liquid foundation or in addition to the moisture tint. It’s easy to carry around in your purse for touch ups through the day. So how is the powder so healthy for your skin? It has a unique blend of botanicals including Safflower Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Olive Oil and Lecithin. The powder is also very versatile since it is okay for all skin types.

The Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder is getting a lot of attention. It could quite possibly revolutionize the way most of us think about pressed powders. I know that I am very excited about it. I have always liked the convenience and ease of a pressed powder, but haven’t always liked the way it made my skin look. If it does what it says it does, I am very excited to try it. What do you think? Is the Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder everything it sets out to be?

I’ve listed the complete collection below including the MAC brushes offered. I’ve found you can never go wrong with a MAC brush. Each of these products are joining MAC’s permanents.

Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder
Light—Soft pale beige
Light Plus—Pale golden beige
Medium—Soft creamy beige
Medium Plus—Tan beige
Medium Dark—Caramel beige
Medium Deep—Rich golden tan
Dark—Deep caramel
Dark Deep—Rich golden bronze

Studio Fix fluid SPF 15 Foundation
N18
NW18
NW22
NW33
NW44
NW46
NW48
NW58

Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15
Medium Plus—Tan beige
Dark Plus—Neutral tan beige

Brushes
190 Foundation Brush
150 Large Powder Brush

MAC has amped up their superhuman forces with their latest collection, Wonder Woman. The collection is a very big one complete with accessories and online exclusives. The products offered include everything from lipsticks to eyeshadow quads, from lashes to nail lacquer.

When I first heard this collection was going to be be released, I was really excited. Wonder Woman is one of the first well-known female superheros. She was one of my superheros. What better icon is there to speak to the strong, capable woman in each of us?

Once I started to review the collection, my feelings started changing. My first thoughts were, “How fun!” But unfortunately, my thoughts didn’t go much beyond that, at least not in positive terms. Even though I want my makeup to be fun and playful, I think this collection might be a little too much for even me. As I reviewed the colors, I found myself envisioning me in this year’s Halloween costume as Wonder Woman. All of the products would definitely come in handy then.

Even many of the names went a little over the top for me. I usually love the intelligent names that MAC comes up with for their products. They fit the products so well. I guess in this case, MAC still held true to their M.O. The names do fit the products. Names like Pink Power, Spinning Transformation, Deep Truth; Again, it’s all just a little too juvenile for me.

The packaging is another thing to make mention of. Usually, MAC packaging is so perfect. This packaging just makes me think of saving my pennies to buy that one toy I wanted at the local drug store. I have seen many mixed reviews on the packaging. Many think it looks too tacky—especially for MAC. Others feel it is reminiscent of their childhood. I think I have to agree with those who feel it’s just a little too tacky.

I think the only positive note for me in this collection is that it does offer lipstick and nail lacquer in true red colors. Every once in a while, an occasion or outfit will call for a nice red lipstick and nail polish. I might consider adding one or both of these products to my personal collection.

I will also say that the collection does take me back to my childhood. My childhood is a place with many fond memories. I remember how terrible I was at putting on makeup and how I wanted to look sophisticated and beautiful. I still want to look sophisticated and beautiful and for me, this collection just isn’t doing the trick. What do you think? Are any of these products your favorite picks?

M∙A∙C Spring Colour 2011 is the feminine force that saves the day! No nemesis can match her super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, Eye Shadows, Lipsticks and Powder Blush for this transformation! Our Artists work wonders every day – now with the help of one of the most exciting feminist figures…

Lipstick
Marquise d’–Sandy cream peach (Lustre) (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Brunette, Blonde, Redhead ’09)
Russian Red—Intense bluish-red (Matte) (Permanent)
Spitfire—Bright creamy magenta (Satin) (Limited Edition)
Heroine—Brown bronze (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass
Emancipation—Pale neutral pink (Limited Edition)
Wonder Woman—Bright red with soft pearl (Limited Edition)
Athena’s Kiss—Bright blue fuchsia (Limited Edition)
Secret Identity—Mid-tone copper with soft pearl (Limited Edition)

Nail Lacquer
Obey Me—True red (Limited Edition)
Spirit of Truth—Navy blue (Limited Edition)

Opulash Mascara
Victorious—Purple (Limited Edition)
Army of Amazons—Green (Limited Edition)
Themyscira—Blue (Limited Edition)
Black—Black (Permanent)

Penultimate Eye Liner
Rapidblack—True black (Permanent)

Lashes
#48 Lash

Defiance Eyeshadow Quad
Defiance—Iridescent white pink (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
Paradise Island—Soft warm pink (Satin) (Limited Edition)
Star Studded—Mid-tone violet pink (Satin) (Limited Edition)
Real Drama—Dark burgundy with pink pearl (Satin) (Limited Edition)

Lady Justice Eyeshadow Quad
Lady Justice—Bright silver with white pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Insurmountable—Dirty blue grey (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
Bold Babe—Deep metal blue with white pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Deep Truth—True dark blue (Frost) (Permanent)

Valiant Eyeshadow Quad
Valiant—Light lime with yellow pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Spinning Transformation—Deep olive bronze with yellow pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Diana Undercover—Dark forest green (Satin) (Limited Edition)
Manila Paper—Pale frost white gold (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Spring Colour Forecast ’10)

Reflects Glitter
Reflects Pearl—White glitter with pearl sheen (Glitter) (Permanent at PRO)
Reflects Bronze—Sparkling rich gold (Glitter) (Permanent at PRO)

Pigment
Bright Fuchsia—Bright magenta (Permanent)
Marine Ultra—Vivid marine blue (Permanent at PRO)

Blush Duo
Mighty Aphrodite—Warm peach coral with gold pearl/Bright coral pink with gold pearl (Satin/Frost) (Limited Edition)
Amazon Princess—Bright yellow pink/Deep blue pink with gold pearl (Satin/Satin) (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Skinfinish
Pink Power—Peachy rose with pink shimmer/Soft rosy bronze/Soft shell pink with fine shimmer (Limited Edition)
Golden Lariat—True coral with fine gold shimmer/Soft suntanned bronze/Soft gold with fine shimmer (Limited Edition)

Wonder Woman Makeup Bag
Wonder Woman—Red (Limited Edition)
Bulletproof—Blue (Limited Edition)

Utility Belt Eye Brush Set (Limited Edition)
Includes 224SE, 213SE, and 194SE

Utility Belt Face Brush Set (Limited Edition)
Includes 129SE, 109SE, and 190SE

Wonder Woman T (Online Exclusive) (Limited Edition)

Invincible Mirror (Online Exclusive) (Limited Edition)

MAC is all about helping us be the most beautiful we can be. Their collection Finally Flawless is no exception. This collection is a small one offering a Mineralize Foundation and a brush.

I love when I get reminders that beauty starts with the basics—if you have a great foundation that allows your skin to look smooth and beautiful, everything else is just icing on the the cake.

This foundation is unique in that it uses a blend of minerals and water. Since our skin is made up almost entirely of minerals and water, the foundation is helping to put back into our skin what everyday life takes out. It has a nourishing effect on the skin. It helps to reduce the appearance of pores and other skin blemishes because it moisturizes so well avoiding the flaky effect as well. It is also a gel based foundation which makes it ideal for normal to dry skin.

Makeup artist love this product. It was used in the Spring/Summer 2010 fashion shows of; BCBG, Carolina Herrera and Baby Phat. But you don’t have to be a model to enjoy the benefits of this product. It is great for any woman who wants to look her best at the office or throughout the evening. It is long lasting up to eight hours which makes this a dream for anyone who is on the go constantly needing to look their best.

The collection offers brush 130 for help in application. The brush can help you get a smooth application especially around the eyes where your skin is most delicate. Neither the brush nor the foundation are new to MAC. This collection is a relaunch of Mineralize Foundation SPF 15. The foundation is permanent to the MAC products.

Mineralize Foundation SPF 15 has the exclusive formula – micronized and coated pigments improve blendability, maintain colour purity with SPF 15, and our liquid mineral ferment complex adds nutrients. Light diffusing optics minimize the visibility of imperfections – FINALLY Flawless!

Mineralize Foundation SPF 15
Available in: NC15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 37, 40, 42, 44, 45, 50, 55; NW15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 43, 45, 47, 50, 55.

130 Short Duo Fibre Brush
A short, round, flat-topped brush ideal for the smooth, easy application of foundations, creams, emulsions, and select powder products. Features a blend of natural bristles and synthetic fibers.

• You should always buy the best quality makeup brushes you can afford. Yes, they can be pricey but this is one case where you really do get what you pay for. Good makeup brushes are an investment. Bad brushes need to be replaced more often and can irritate your skin.

photo credit: Fufi

• Natural bristles are generally better than synthetic ones. They also cost a lot more. Natural bristles are a must for large areas of the face but if you need to save some money, you can get away with synthetic fibers for any brushes that will be used with liquids.

• Pay attention to the material of the handle. Plastic is very easy to clean, which is important when you are working with liquids. Wooden handles, on the other hand, are more elegant and traditional but it can be very difficult to get stains out and these require extra drying time after washing. It’s really a matter of personal preference.

• Consider the density of the bristles in relation to the intended purpose of the brush. Stiff, tightly-packed bristles are a must for an eyebrow shading brush but softer bristles work better for applying loose powder all over the face.

• Look at handle length. Longer handles are easier to work with whereas shorter handles travel better.

• Concealer brushes can be synthetic if you are using them for liquid or cream concealer. Look for a small brush with a tapered round tip for covering blemishes and a flat, tapered square head for covering dark circles under the eyes.

• A good blush brush will be significantly larger than those that are usually included in the packaging of most blushes, yet not quite as big as a powder brush. Look for soft, natural bristles with a tapered head.

• If you are new to brushes, you might want to purchase a brush set from a reputable brand. Brands like MAC and Shu Uemura are considered some of the best. If your budget is smaller, you might want to try Sonia Kashuk or Essence of Beauty. Brush sets take some of the guesswork out of brush selection and are a great way to get a collection of useful brushes together. This often works out to be cheaper than buying them individually as well.

MAC’s To The Beach collection is filled with the sort of items you might expect to find in a summer collection – bronzes and bright colors that look great against tanned skin. Most of us find that the colors we’ve been wearing all winter just don’t look right once we start spending more time outdoors in the summer. MAC comes to the rescue once again with great selections in eye shadow, lipstick, and bronzers.

Everything in this collection features special beach-themed packaging. At first the green eyeshadow pots with white seashells outlined on the front are a bit jarring and almost look like they are not even from MAC. But these cases and the similar green blush compacts with their starfish design actually do have their charm. In fact, it’s fun to pull these out when you’re putting on your makeup and it also makes it easier to find the new summer shades among the sea of black shadow pots you probably have swimming in your makeup drawer. The Sweet & Punch shadow is a fun color that reminds me of key limes. It’s a festive shade perfect for an outdoor lunch or lounging on a boat.

The lipsticks here are perfectly suited to the theme if a bit predictable and boring. Lazy Day is the requisite blue-based pink that only the tannest among us can pull off. Beach Bound is a frosty peach shade that is great if you’re going for a nude lip look, especially if you pair it with the sparkly peach Flurry of Fun Lipglass also in this collection. The lipsticks come in orange tubes with white conch shells and the Lipglasses have orange caps emblazoned with seahorses.

Lustre Drops make a reappearance here from the Style Warrior collection. This is a multi-purpose liquid highlighter that helps you achieve a sun-kissed look. The golden bronze Sun Rush Lustre Drops are the perfect complement to a tan while the Pink Rebel Lustre Drops help give paler skin a fresh glow. Dot on with your fingers or blend into foundation or cream blush for a pearly glow. Scorcher Nail Lacquer could very well be one of the best Nail Lacquers MAC Cosmetics has ever released. It’s the perfect coral shade to paint on your toes for the beach but bright enough that you will want to confine its use only to the summertime.

The Marine Life High-Light Powder is a pressed powder highlighter that uses shades of pink, peach, bronze, and brown to transform the surface of the powder into a work of art depicting a seahorse swimming in the ocean. The design is so beautiful that you almost don’t want to use it but the powder gives such a nice glow that you don’t feel too bad about disturbing the scene.

Eyeshadow – $14.50 US/$17.50 CDN

* Firecraker – Frosted mid-tone red orange (Veluxe Pearl)
* Humid – Intense green with shimmer (Frost)
* Sand & Sun – Light peach (Matte)
* Sweet & Punchy – Bright yellow green (Veluxe Pearl)
* Shimmermoss – Green with green pearl (Veluxe Pearl)

Eye Kohl – $14.50 US/$17.50 CDN

* Float on By – Dark green turquoise
* Rosemary & Thyme – Mid-tone olive gold with shimmer

Lipstick – $14.00 US/$16.50 CDN

* Beachbound – Sheer frosted pale peach (Glaze)
* Lazy Day – Light dirty blue pink (Lustre)
* Thrills – Rosy copper with gold pearl (Frost)
* Funbathing – Mid-tone bronzed plum (Cremesheen)

Lipglass – $14.00 US/$16.50 CDN

* Easy Lounger – Light baby pink with multi-dimensional pear
* Flurry of Fun – Sheer sparkly peach
* Splashing – Mid-tone blue pink with soft gold pearl

Lip Pencil – $13.00 US/$15.50 CDN

* Life’s a Breeze – Soft pink
* Temperature Rising – Loudmouth orange

Powder Blush – $18.50 US/$22.00 CDN

* Get-Away Bronze – Mid-tone Suntan (Frost)
* Hipness – Intense coral with soft white pearl (Frost)

High-Light Powder – $26.00 US/$32.00 CDN

* Marine Life – Multicolour pressed powder

MAC Cream Bronzer – $25.00 US/$30.00 CDN

* Beach Bronze – Golden Glow with Soft Gold Finish
* Weekend – Mid-tone deep orange brown with soft pink pearl

Luster Drops – $18.50 US/$22.50 CDN

* Pink Rebel – Blue pink with gold pearl
* Sun Rush – Peachy bronze with gold pearl

Bronzing Powder – $22.00 US/$27.00 CDN

* Golden – Muted golden tan-beige with golden shimmer
* Refined Golden – Finely spun golden with soft pearl finish

Bronze Body Oil – $22.00 US/$27.00 CDN

* Glowing tan with multidimensional golden shimmer

Nail Lacquer – $12.00 US/$14.50 CDN

* In the Buff – Muted taupe avocado (Cream)
* Scorcher – Creamy bright coral red (Cream)

Makeup Bags

* MAC To The Beach Bag – $49.50 US/$59.50 CDN
Available at MAC Stores only.

Brushes

Brush 130 – Short Duo Fibre – $38.00 US/$45.50 CDN
Brush 130 Short Duo Fibre Powder/Blush – $34.00 US/$41.00 CDN