I am having a ball re-discovering MAC cosmetics. With so many new collections it is hard to resist it all! Well, almost all of it, the Beauty Snob has to draw the line at metallic blue nail polish but that doesn’t mean I am not all over the brilliant blue eyeshadows which are so right on target this Fall! Let’s start with the Smoke Signals collection. I found this collection to be really wearable for both day and night, smoky eyeshadows paired with neutral blushes and lip colors is one of the hottest looks of the season and is flattering on almost everyone!
The smoke eyeshadow quad 01 is a gorgeous palette of smoky greys and blues. Remember the key to smoky eyes is to blend blend blend! I used the dark shadows at the outer corners and blended the lighter shades in the center of my lids and the inner corners. $36 at MAC
This is my absolute favorite of the collection, apply the pale peach shimmer below your brow bone and watch your eyes literally pop! The espresso brown shade is matte and looks amazing on the outer corners. I used the darkest shade as eyeliner with a wet brush and the result was amazing. We had dinner with one of my husband’s oldest friend and he kept saying how I look better each year (he’s a total metro sexual who notices everything so I knew he meant it!) $36 at MAC
The Ablaze blush gives just a hint of color, like you went for a jog, had a good game of tennis or an afternoon romp. $17 at MAC
I am a pink lip gloss girl so this super pale shade called Illicit took getting used to but I have to admit, it allowed my eyes to be center stage. $14 at MAC
I really have no use for lipstick these days as I am a lip gloss addict but some people still prefer it as a base and the “Barely Lit” shade did make the pale gloss last longer. $14 at MAC. Smoke Signals Collection at MAC website and MAC stores worldwide.
The Blue Storm collection is for the adventurous Beauty Snob who can flip a blue nailed finger to anyone who dare question her choice of make up shades. I am not that person but I loved the highly pigmented blue eye shadows($14), I have brown eyes and blue shades really bring them to life! Blue Storm at MAC website and MAC stores worldwide.
I’ve drifted away from MAC, but your review makes me want to give it a try again. Especially love the Ablaze blush. Definitely on my list!
If you get the chance check out the Emote blush – ’tis awesome. I tried it today and I am going to the counter to get a backup.
I love mac. wide variety and selection of colors. always reliable. and i love the free makeover with 50 purchase. I save up my purchases for when I have an event to go to. its like getting the makeover or makeup for free (however youd like to look at it)
Pallet #2 is similar to what i have in my makeup bag. I think I will try the effect the next time I get all dolled up.
Love the blue shades even though i’m lovin the new burgundy/vampy lip look for fall…and mixin them would be a sizzling overkill. Oh well, i can always alternate them! Please somebody explain the “BLENDING” technique, my lids seem to be against it, they seem to drain the colur inside until it’s chalky and uneven. What’s the trick to really blend it in?? i bought great brushes, great eye-shadow textures but once i make eye-lid contact…pouf it’s gone!
I have the brown/peach palette and a liner, lipstick, and gloss for a nude lip and they are wonderful. I was feeling let down/frustrated that I couldn’t find a smoky eye and nude lip makeup for my color. The MAC makeup artist did wonders, she was a little heavy handed but when I got it home and played with it I was extremely happy.