This is absolutely one of the hardest posts I've had to write, because to be honest, I can name 32 must haves from MAC. I've been using the products since 2001, and I've tried my fair share of the products. I made this list simply by naming items that I have purchased over and over and over again. I did a video on this very topic back in 2008, but it was time for an update! After I discovered the $3 dupe for Chestnut lip liner and other big savings, I had to seriously rethink my list. But since I get such an outpouring of requests from the brand, it's time to go for it and share!
Bronze Eye Shadow
A go to, easy to wear eye shadow during any occasion, work or play. It works well on every complexion. I don't want to be brought here but just know that the brand makes really great eyeshadows. My favorite texture is Frost, Matte, Veluxe, Matte2 squared.
Other notable colors: Sable, Swiss Chocolate, Saddle, Satin Taupe, Tempting, Shadowy Lady, Amber Lights, Woodwinked, Brown Script, Carbon...I could go on for 20 more minutes. Here's a video where I swatched my favorites.
Zoom Lash Mascara This is one of the mascaras that instantly makes my lashes thicker and blacker. Some people say it's way too clumpy, but I'm a fan. Note: I do not like Zoom Black Lash or the waterproof version (they are much thinner) . Just the original!
Pinkarat Lusterglass It's a pink/bronze/gold baby that is perfection! Lustreglass is thinner and has a brush applicator, which makes application even and easy. Want to see it? Check out this video.
Pro Finish Concealer This concealer covers everything. EVERYTHING. It's pretty thick, but if you use your finger or warm it up on the back of your hand, it'll thin down enough to make it easy to work with. Here's a video tutorial on how I use it.
Fix + Get rid of the makeup look! This is a liquid mist that is great after your moisturizer. Also, after you've applied all of your make up, it gets rid of that "make up look", softening your powder and mending everything together. Here's a video that shows how I use it.
109 Brush I have been applying my foundation with this for years. Technically, it's a small contour brush, but I like using it for foundation and buffing foundation into the skin. You have to be careful because at times it does shed, but every time I try to get a new brush just like it never quite does the job this way. It's a fan favorite. Here's a video where I show you how to use it.
Spiked Brow Pencil This super slim eye brow pencil mimics the hair in your eyebrows so it's very natural. I knew this was a winner when I watched Sam Fine use it in his DVD.
Tan Pigment This is another really great neutral that you can wear with anything. Because it's a pigment, it lasts so long (years!) even if you use it regularly. It's a great investment.
Painterly Paint Pot You know I cannot go without using Painterly Paint Pot! It gives the skin a great texture fpr shadow to stick to, and it makes your lid all one color. I use this product non-stop. Here's a video tutorial on how to use it.
Volcanic Ash Exfoliator This is the perfect mix of grit and a cream so your skin comes out exfoliated it also comes out looking and feeling great. I'm on my third or fourth bottle of this.
What are your favorite products that you'd recommend?
MAC Holiday Creamsheen and Dazzleglass Sets /
As much as I love MAC's pigment sets for holiday, I have to give credit to their cute little lipglass cousins. This year, MAC is doing Creamsheen and Dazzleglass combinations. I'm not totally sure that I'll like this arrangement(yet), but I'll have to play around and see. I'm a pretty big lipglass fan, so it's slightly disappointing there are none in the mix. These sets are $35 each and are available for purchase at all MAC locations and online November 6th.
Nude and Red Lipglass
PAPER LANTERN frosted warm pink (cremesheen glass) DYNASTY AT DUSK frosted neutral pink (cremesheen glass) DEELIGHT midtone neutral (cremesheen glass) LOVE ALERT raspberry red with red pearl (dazzleglass)
Pink and Plum Lipglass
FASHION SCOOP clear pink (cremesheen glass) LOUD & LOVELY blue pink (cremesheen glass) PAGODA frosted cool pink (cremesheen glass) RAGS TO RICHES plum pink with teal and red pearl (dazzleglass)
Nude and Coral Lipglass
RISING SUN frosted bright orange (cremesheen glass) FASHION WHIM light beige (cremesheen glass) STATELY SHIMMER creamy peach coral with pearl (cremesheen glass) COURTLY CORAL warm rose sparkle (dazzleglass)
Shop MAC lip products below:
Erin's Favorite Concealers, Part One /
Oh concealer. The product that helps us hide, highlight, contour and everything in between. While you can definitely get the same effects by using fuller coverage foundations, there's something about the little containers that makes us feel more "confident". Here's a breakdown of some of my favorite concealers.
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
I bought the LA Girl Pro Conceal because I saw rave reviews on Youtube. You can get a container of this stuff for less than $5, and it comes in a wide array of colors. I like it because it's definitely full coverage and very affordable. However, it's on the bottom of my list today, because, let's face it, you get what you pay for. When you compare it to higher end products, it definitely isn't the best quality out there. But trust me, it does this job.
MAC Studio Finish Concealer
This Studio Finish Concealer ($19) one of those holy grail products. Much like the LA Colors Pro conceal mentioned above, this is a product you have to "warm up" and work with on the right skin textures to get maximum effects. I typically swirl a flat or domed brush onto the concealer to pick up the product, then apply it to my face. If I'm using it all over, I scoop a bit onto the back of my hand and rub it down a bit with my finger. This makes it super creamy. But let me say that this covers anything. In fact, this is the little sister of MAC's Full Coverage foundation. Same product, smaller jar.
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer
My goodness, my goodness. This Bobbi Brown concealer ($25) is lightweight, super creamy and crazy powerful. I once bought this in a kit that had a pressed powder and eye brightener in it. And when I realized that this was such a stellar product, I picked up another shade. This is top quality.
Make Up For Ever Full Cover
MUFE makes this fantastic lightweight concealer ($32) that works wonders. It goes on creamy, then dries down to a satiny, beautiful finish. When I think of multi-purpose makeup, I think of this. I'll show you how to use it in this video.
Check out my favorites below:
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