For this spring/summer, MAC has collaborated with three big-time makeup artists, and released a collection with 50 new pieces!
I got my hands on a few pieces from the collection, and put together a colourful look.
The heart and soul of MAC Cosmetics comes alive backstage at 34 Fashion Weeks throughout the world. We pride ourselves on discovering and nurturing new talent and working with industry leaders who innovate iconic beauty styles. In January, MAC teams up with thee adored makeup maestros – Diane Kendal, James Kaliardos and Kabuki – to create colour collections reflecting each artist’s signature style.
The first piece is brought to you by Diane Kendal. The Studio Quiktrick Stick in ‘Radiance/Shadow’ ($32 USD/$37 CAD) is a highlight and contour stick.
One end has a matte mid-tone brown, and the other end is a pure white pearl.
I found that the contour end was darker than I expected, since it looked like it might be a bit of lighter shade, when looking at it in the tube. I applied the contour stick around the perimeter of my face – it was very blendable, with a dense face brush. I applied the highlight end to the tops of my cheeks and my browbone. In my mirror I didn’t really see a big, bold highlight, however, in good lighting I could really see a nice, dewy sheen.
Another piece from the Diane Kendal collection is the Kajal Crayon in ‘Flourish Me Vibrant’ ($18 USD/$21.50 CAD), which is a slightly metallic bright teal. It is retractable, and comes in an ergonomically shaped tube, that tapers to a flat end, so it sits comfortable in your hand, when applying.
I applied it to my lower lash line for some added pop. The formula was creamy, and easy to apply. I do imagine, however, that this might be more difficult to use as an eyeliner in the future, as the tip wears down, because I don’t think it would fit in an eyeliner sharpener.
Next up is from James Kaliardos. Pressed Pigment in ‘Black Grape’ is a deep aubergine with a multi-pearl frost finish ($23 USD/$27.50 CAD).
This is my first time trying a pressed pigment from MAC, so I wasn’t sure what the best way to apply it was. I tried using a dense eyeshadow brush, but I had to dip in and apply to my eye several times. By by the end I was applying with my fingertip. It was a bit gritty, due to the glitter, and had a small amount of glitter fallout.
Finally, my favourite of the bunch, from the Kabuki Magic collection, Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in ‘Flamingo Road’ ($21 USD/$25 CAD). This shade is described as a purplish magenta, with a matte finish.
I’m such a sucker for purple lipsticks. The colour is super pretty, and it didn’t feel uncomfortable (for liquid lipstick standards). The formula was a bit patchy, so I had to apply two layers, but it set very well – just the slightest amount of tackiness (99% transfer-proof), and the formula didn’t get crackle-y.
The look wrap up: I applied the contour around the perimeter of my face, and the highlight to the highpoints of my cheeks, and my browbone. For eyes I brought in MAC ‘Coquette’ and applied it through the crease as a transition colour, then applied ‘Black Grape’ all over my lid, ‘Flourish Me Vibrant’ on the lower lash line, and topped it off with some black liquid liner and mascara. I finished the look by applying ‘Flamingo Road’ to my lips.
The MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Spring/Summer 2017 collection will be available in North America, staring January 26, 2017.
Press samples featured