Search Results for: mac lipsticks

I first wrote about purchasing this collection a while ago but I’ve re-discovered my favourite Ellie Goulding x MAC Lipsticks favourites so I figured I’d write another post on it!

It’s no secret that MAC makes some of my favourite lipstick formula’s. Incentivized with the B2M recycling program, I am a regular visitor and shopper at my local MAC counter, always hitting up the newest and latest colours to add to my collection.

It wasn’t until my recent purchase of several lipsticks from the Ellie Goulding x MAC Cosmetics collaboration that I discovered two additional nude lipstick favourites to share with you.

Aside from the rose gold/black themed packaging that just hits all the right note, I have been a huge fan of MAC’s creamsheen formula for the longest time as they strike the right balance between pigmentation and comfort. Both colours from the collection have this finish and has quickly moved up the ranks and coming close to replace Shy Girl as an all-time favourite lip colour.

MAC Only You Lipstick is more coral-toned and leans warmer on my skin so it’s perfect for everyday. When I first swatched this colour, I almost immediately thought of a Tom Ford coral lipstick that has been on my wishlist for some time. MAC Without Your Love Lipstick is a little more baby-pink and comes off sheerer on my lips, almost leaning towards nude-like on the lips.

Although these colours are limited edition, MAC carries such a wide range of colours that I am sure these colours are highly dupe-able, either from MAC or even drugstore brands to choose from. I’m truly digging the triangle/EG embossing on the lipsticks right now because they are reminding me a lot of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows…

Have you tried MAC’s creamsheen lipsticks?

MAC Cosmetics is like the Queen Bee in the world of beauty. Its complexion numbering/naming system is the standard way of comparing foundation colours, even if you don’t shop there. Its lipstick shades have gained not only cult following, but become so universally recognized that no one would ask what is “Ruby Woo” or “Teddy” lipliner.

Collaborations with celebs, designers have only proven time and time again, its pull to women of all age, and colours. Themes from tame to the wild and somewhat questionable (remember that Laundromat-inspired collection?) collections have won many hearts and many kisses of approvals from women worldwide. It helps that MAC has an extensive range of lipstick colour, and finishes. I’ve reviewed many in the past, and that’s barely scratching the surface.

MAC continues to be my go-to brand when it comes to long-lasting, pigmented pout that I can rely to get through the day. Given that neutral (mostly nude) lip shades are my favourite, I felt it was appropriate to share to give you some ideas for your next shopping trip. These four colours are my trusted, go-to neutral/nude shades that are especially flattering on NC25-30 skintone.

MAC Pure Zen – This cremesheen is described as frosted warm nude by MAC. At first, I was concerned that it would be too frosty and shiny a la ’90s glosses, but this pinky nude colour looks incredibly flattering on those with warmer skin tones. On my NC25-30 skintone, this works to lighten up my naturally pigmented lip colour to achieve that sophisticated nude lip that doesn’t wash me out or make me look sick. The creamsheen formula isn’t meant to be too pigmented so this lip colour actually looks good on a lot of people because it allows for the natural lip colour to shine through. Add a nude liner underneath, and this becomes my go-to nude lipstick to pair with smokey eyes.

MAC Kinda Sexy – I admit, I bought this because of the whole hoopla with Kylie Jenner’s lip job (did she have it, did she not?) debate. I wasn’t really looking for a brown lip colour that was so in back in the 90’s but I was looking for some new neutral/nude colours that would complement my colouring. The MAC artist who helped me was so helpful and recommended the matte formula called Kinda Sexy which is pretty much the exact same colour as my lip shade. Despite the matte formulation, it doesn’t sit drily or highlights any lines on the lips. This lip colour help me look polished, and naturally brightens the rest of my complexion while staying true to my natural lip colour. This is my go-to #GirlBoss shade for important meetings and presentations at work.

MAC Shy Girl – I think I’ve talked Shy Girl to death on the blog, but I definitely found “the one” with this colour. It is such a perfect match to what I was looking for: subtle neutral lip colour leans more coral nude but still adding that brightness to my complexion when wearing it. Again, the creamsheen formula makes it semi-sheer, but 2-3 layers of the lipstick will ensure it looks pigmented on the lips. This lipstick colour is one of those that you throw on when you are rushing out the door or the one that you quickly swipe on before going for an interview.

MAC Patisserie – The sheer formula is like MAC’s Kinda Sexy but a lot sheerer, making it my exact my lip but better colour. It doesn’t add too much on the lips, but that’s sometimes how you like things, right? It’s definitely for the days when you’re not really up for wearing too much lip colour, and just want a glossy finish to show that you made some effort. It’s a lovely neutral pink that adds a bit of oomph on your lips with a little bit of glitter to add some brightness on the skin.

I think four is a pretty small number of neutral MAC lipsticks I own, so I’d love to hear your recommendations! What are your favourite neutral MAC lipstick shades?

I am breaking my regular posting schedule to share an exciting beauty news (or two) for all of you! As someone who’s been very disciplined with my makeup spending this year, I’m always keen to know how I can spend as little money as possible and still get a new goodies to play with. That being said, look no further than your local MAC stores/counters and Sephora this weekend!

Sunday July 29 is the #NationalLipstickDay and both retailers are celebrating with a pretty generous offering that you might want to set a reminder for!

If you plan on heading to the mall this weekend, make sure to go early! Plan your route ahead of time so you get the items you want to pick up ???? I think I might skip the in-store part and head online to try my luck. Luckily I get early access with MAC and I’m hoping there will be good sets left from Sephora!

1. Free Lipstick at MAC Cosmetics & Early Access MAC Select Members

Most of you will know by now that I am becoming more and more of a MAC Cosmetics evangelist. Their MAC Select Loyalty program is one that I’ve been raving about since I joined in 2016 and having recently picked up my MAC Select 2018 Birthday Gift as a “Devoted” member, I was so thrilled to discover there’s still tons more to love about the program and MAC in general!

I’ve shared the official MAC Canada Instagram post on this specific deal/promo and as I far as I can tell, it’s the same offering on the US page too!

We’re celebrating #NationalLipstickDay in a big way this year! ???????? All MAC Stores and Counters will celebrate #NationalLipstickDay by giving away a free Lipstick on Sunday, 7/29! Quantities are limited, and there is a limit of 1 Lipstick per person- be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss out! #MACSelect Obsessed and Devoted Members will get early access online Saturday, 7/28 and will receive a complementary Lipstick with a $30 online purchase. #MACLovesLips

A post shared by M·A·C Cosmetics Canada (@maccosmeticscanada) on Jul 26, 2018 at 12:00pm PDT

On July 29, you can pick up a free MAC lipstick (in one of the shades indicated below) in-store with no purchase required. I remembered this program being around last year and I think most places sold out of the colours very quickly. It’s worth waking up and lining up early as the colours offered look quite fun and wearable.

For MAC Select Members (Devoted or Obsessed), we get early access on Saturday July 28, online! With a purchase of $30, you can pick one of the lipsticks at checkout. Although I would have loved to not have spent anything for the free lipstick, I think the $30 is a fair exchange for not having to wake up or line up early and be disappointed. I’m so glad that MAC offered this for Select members as it makes my annual $150-200 spending worthwhile! This reminds me to pick up a few items from the Goodbyes section and maybe restock on those lip duos I love so much!

If you need some inspiration, here are some of my favourite MAC products I’ve reviewed on the blog!

As far as I can tell, this offer is available in both US and Canada.

2. Sephora: 25% off Select Lip Kits

Not to be outdone, Sephora is offering another great deal – 25% off select lip kits both in-stores and online. At the time of writing, it’s not clear what is included in the deal. The deal appears to be available to all tier members (including Beauty Insider) and 25% is really generous considering their holiday sales are capped at 20% discounts.

I’ve recently purchased a few new lip kits myself, one from NARS and Nudestix each so I’m kind of bummed as I would have waited for this deal before paying full price! I noticed there are a few new Sephora Favorites lip sets out, two minis from Givenchy and of course the ones from Huda Beauty, Marc Jacobs, Stila, Bite Beauty, Kat Von D! Honestly, what a great way to try out a few new brands and lip colours with these sets?

I’ve long been a fan of Sephora’s value sets and their lip sets are some of the best “small” treats I get myself once in a while! They’re reasonably priced, there are tons of brands offering them so you can always try new formula and shades without having to commit to the full-sized version before trying it out!

Well, I hope that PSA helps! Are you planning to brave the stores or will you be shopping online? Are there any specific items you plan on buying during #NationalLipstickDay?

I really like free. And free makeup is my favourite thing to write about and let you know asap!

I haven’t been to the mall / Sephora / MAC for ages – yep, my self-imposed “No Buy” is going very very well – so when I decided to finally make my way to my favourite mall, it was mostly because I got quite bored at home. And an email from MAC saying that I can redeem for a free mini lipstick was all the incentive I needed to make the drive over.

The Free MAC Mini Lipstick

Immediately as I arrived at the MAC store, I was greeted by 2-3 sales associates – my sister remarked that someone at MAC Corporate must have seen that infamous MAC vs. Sephora Employees video that went viral (It seems the original video was taken down from YouTube so I’ve linked it from another site it was archived in) But I digress. I was here for my free lipstick and then I’m out – no shopping for makeup just because.

Firstly, similar to how there was a bit of confusion with the MAC Select Anniversary gift when I went last time, no one in-store knew about the email I was talking about. Fortunately, I had the email and the unique barcode which scanned when I checked out so they said they were going to let their manager know about this “promo”. I haven’t heard too many people talking about the email that I received but here is the email that I received from MAC. Since it’s been 6 months into 2018 and I have not bought a single item from MAC Cosmetics, they wanted me to purchase something by incentivizing me with a free lipstick.

As you might recall, MAC has a bunch of mini’s of their popular shade. As I already own all the nudes (Velvet Teddy and Whirl), I opted for another colour family. I remembered that Mehr got a lot of positive reviews (it was the shade Tessa Virtue wore when she/Scott won the gold medals this past winter Olympics) so I picked up that one.

One free item down!

The MAC Select Anniversary Gift

I was stoked to discover that MAC Select honoured their Birthday gifts which was one of the perks of their beauty program. To be honest, I haven’t heard anything about the perks beyond the anniversary gift and makeover since the program launched back in 2016. There was a great deal of excitement when she rang me up and said “Oh you’re also eligible for the free Birthday gift!”. Thinking I was getting just another mini, I was surprised when she walked over to their Fix+ display and picked up a full-sized MAC Fix+ and proceeded to scan it!

What the what?!

A free full-sized birthday gift? Thank you very much MAC!

I’m not sure why the receipt is showing my birthday gift as “Anniversary” gift but Reddit seems to agree with me in that the Fix+ is a birthday gift!

Another free item in my basket! So far, my “free” basket is worth $42!

The remainder of my trip isn’t very exciting as I decided to trade in 18 MAC empties for 3 lipsticks (It’s on a separate receipt). All the colours I picked are my go-to and I recently ran out of some. I ended up restocking on Pure Zen, Velvet Teddy and Hug Me.

MAC’s lip products are some of my favourite formula’s and I really like their nude range. Overall, I’m very pleased with my “free” haul – it’s a haul that doesn’t break my “no buy” but gives me the satisfaction of adding another goodie to my collection!