For all of you free makeup sample fans out there, you know how difficult it can be to find free MAC Cosmetics samples. We haven’t seen an offer like this one in quite a while. The offer does require participation, but the reward is a makeup kit from MAC’s mineral makeup line, Mineralize. This line was launched in about 2008 and has taken the mineral makeup world by storm, becoming one of the most popular lines on the market. Plus, MAC is one of the most trusted brands in the cosmetics industry, so you can be confident knowing that the products are of the highest caliber.

If you are new to MAC’s mineral makeup products, here are overviews of a few of the more popular products in MAC Mineralize line.

MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish has historically been one of the most popular products by MAC. It is a baked product meant to provide that last, finishing touch to your complexion, whether that be a hint of color, a slight glow, or a little bit of highlighting. These products typically been available only on a limited basis partly due to the difficulty of producing the product. MAC fans gobble these up quickly, and limited edition shades usually sell out in a blink. They are now a regular part of the Mineralize mineral makeup product line.

The MAC Mineralize Blushes are similar in texture to the Mineralize Skinfinishes. They provide a little sheen along with a gorgeous color payoff for the cheeks. They seem to last forever, as do all the baked Mineralize products.

The Mineralize Foundation is a richer cream formula which provides a buildable finish while maintaining a silky, non cakey feel. This product works well for all skin types, although we have heard reports of those with oily skin who report that this foundation might be better for normal to dry skin types. Either way, this product also features SPF 15 protection and skin-hydrating properties for all day comfort and wearability.

Summer is almost here and it is time to get your bronze on. Thanks to MAC’s collection Bronze Everyday, we can get the all over glow of sun-kissed skin without the risk of exposure to sun or tanning beds.

In the era we live in knowing all we know about the importance of taking care of our skin and the damage sun can do to it, I am so grateful for MAC. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am not naturally bronzed and need all of the help I can get. This collection provides bronzing products for every area of the body from head to toe.

The Bronzing Powder comes in four shades to cover every skin tone. Two of the shades, Golden and Bronze, offer a shimmer for those of you who like a little extra sparkle in your skin.

I think I am most excited about the Skinsheen Leg Spray. My legs are somehow a lighter color than the rest of my body. The Skinsheen Leg Spray is supposed to go on evenly and not leave those obnoxious orange streaks all over from application. While this product has been available in the past, I have never used it so I am looking forward to trying it.

All five of the products in this collection are either permanent or will be made permanent as of the collection release date. It is always nice to know if you love a product it won’t be going anywhere.

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)

A fireside fantasy far from the maddening crowd is undeniably appealing. Seek refuge in the warmth, the glow of skin rosy with Refined Golden Mineralize Skinfinish, Shadesticks in Cuddle, Nurture and Snuggle shades, cozy as a mug of cocoa on a bearskin rug. Care Blends Essential Oils in Sweet Orange + Lavender, or Grapefruit + Chamomile feels soothing and sultry when elements are harsh and extreme…add MAC signature innovation with Mineralize All-Over Moisture Lotion, a new permanent product, and see new radiance, revivified lustre, optimum health. Like going on retreat and communing with nature, it’s an earthly way to bring back what the city takes away, and a sensual solution to make life simple, but luxurious. Winter beauty begins here.

MAC Warm & Cozy features many of the colors that you might expect a winter collection to carry: darker shades and neutrals with color names evocative of cuddling up by a warm fire such as Mulled Cider eyeshadow and Warm Me Up lipstick. Part of the fun of winter makeup is getting away with darker shades that you might not be able to pull off during the rest of the year, and from that standpoint this collection does not disappoint.

Warm Me Up Amplified lipstick is a particularly noteworthy shade. It is a great warm pink color that is perfect for everyday wear. It somehow always happens that the best shades turn out to be limited edition and this is no exception. It’s a color that will look great on nearly everyone so grab a few if you really like it.

There are two shades of MAC’s ever-popular Mineralize Skinfinish: Comfort and By Candlelight. By Candlelight is a soft pink color that makes a great highlighter on the cheekbones. You can also use it lightly on your entire face for a pretty all-over natural glow. It is much prettier in person than the description implies.

The Close for Comfort Tinted Lip Conditioner is another great everyday color that gives lips a hint of color without looking overdone. I only wish they would have made it in stick formula for neater application. The Two Tinted Lip Conditioners plus the Lip Conditioner tube and stick in this collection arrive just in time for dry, chapped winter lips.

A new offering is the Care Blends Essentials Oils. These oils are designed to hydrate skin while relaxing your senses. The Sweet Orange + Lavender variety is particularly lovely. You only need to use a small amount, rub it into your skin before you apply foundation, and the result is very soft, dewy skin and a pleasant, uplifting fragrance.

Warm & Cozy is a large collection filled with such a great range of colors that everyone will be able to find something that lights their fire.

Lipstick

* Siss – Muted golden beige (Satin) (Permanent)
* Spiced Tea – Warmed bronze brown (Glaze) (Limited Edition)
* Warm Me Up – Creamy mid-tone neutral pink (Amplified) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass

* 2N – Creamy neutral yellow pink (Cream) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
* 3N – Neutral brown with gold and pink pearlized pigments (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
* Feeling – Dreamy Pale neutral pink with pink pearlized pigments (Frost) (Limited Edition)
* Light That Fire! – Mid-tone burnt coral with pearlized pigments (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Tinted Lip Conditioner

* Close for Comfort – Pinkish brown (Limited Edition)
* Feelin’ Good – Light neutral beige (Limited Edition)

Lip Conditioner Tube

Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15

Eyeshadow

* Chamomile – Creamy pale yellow (Satin) (Limited Edition)
* Embark – Deep rich brown-black (Matte) (Permanent)
* Milled Cider – Dark warm brown (Satin) (Limited Edition)
* Modelette – Mid-tone warm camel (Satin) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Shadestick

* Cuddle – Frosted light golden yellow (Limited Edition)
* Nurture – Frosted pale neutral pink beige (Limited Edition)
* Relaxed – Frosted dark chocolate brown (Limited Edition)
* Warm & Cozy – Frosted burnt amber with red and gold pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Skinfinish

* By Candlelight – Golden pink (Limited Edition)
* Comfort – Golden bronze (Limited Edition)

Nail Lacquer

* Blissed Out – Creamy light nude (Limited Edition)
* Dim the Lights – Creamy warm dark chocolate (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Face & Body Lotion (Permanent)

Care Blends Essential Oils (Permanent at MAC Stores)

* Grapefruit + Chamomile
* Sweet Orange + Lavender

The MAC High Tea Collection is packed full of new products. You’ll be able to glam up from head to toe in a sophisticated way. It has a little of something from nail color to mascara and everything in between.

I am a big fan of soft pink colors and this collection has plenty of them. The frosty pinks offer a soft elegant look, but if you want to make a bolder statement for the winter, there are plenty of reds and greens with a bit of gold, silver, and bronze.

I don’t always bother investing in nail polish, but I just might have to try the new Eccentrici-tea simply because the name is beyond clever, even for MAC. I can’t wait to see what a pink nail polish with green pearl accents will look like.

This collection has a lot to offer, maybe even a little too much. I personally like it when the collection is just a little more focused, but maybe that’s just because the big ones end up hurting my wallet too much! Anyhow review to complete product list to pick your favorites.

Lipstick

Brew-Neutral beige
Dainty Cake – Coral with red/orange frost
High Tea – Neutral pink with small pearl particles
Oolong – Musted bronzed-brown with icy silver shimmer
Plink! -Pink with white pearl

Lipglass

Darjeerling—Chocolate brown with red frost
Fine China—Light pink with frost
Nymphette—Sunned golden pink
Tartlette—Coral/pink with frost

Eye Kohl

Fresh Cream—Light neutral pink
Rosemary & Thyme—Mid-tone olive gold with Shimmer

Eyeshadow

Angelcake—Pink with red pearl
Buttersilk—Soft, yellow white
Green Tea—Smoked, olive green
Jasmine—Sinfully rich cocoa
Redcoco—Metallic, red pink
Steep—Light neutral pink
Sweet Lust—Pink rose water
Tempting—Olive green
Vanilla—Soft pale peachy-ivory flecked with shimmer
Sweet Tea Eyeshadow Quad—Redcoco, Buttersilk, Green Tea, Sweet Lust

Zoom Lash Mascara

Zoomblack—Deepest darkest black

Mineralize Skinfinish

Porcelain Pink—Pinkish coral with gold sparkle
So Ceylon—Rose bronze with golden bronze sparkle

Nail Lacquer

Duchess—Yellow green with gold pearl
Eccentrici-tea—Pink with green pearl

Gloss

Enriched Gold—Green gold with red pigment
Little Pink—Pink with silver pigment