MAC recommendations

[Gloria42]

I got a MAC voucher for my birthday and am booked in tomorrow for a makeover to try products first. Any recommendations on which products are worth the extra money? Normally No7 is more my price level so I don't want to waste my money!

I like the eye pencils (esp prunella - good for blue eyes), pressed powder and eye paint pots (cream eyeshadow).

The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish natural powder is one I go back to time and time again.

Thanks. I basically have no idea what I need, stuck in a make up rut

What do you usually wear? What's your skin type, oily? Dry? What's your colouring?

Used to use Virgin Vie one step face base til they went out of business. Haven't managed to find a replacement yet but I like a matt finish.
Brown hair, blue eyes, not pale but not dark complexion, combination skin.
I normally concentrate on eyes (brown or bronze) with just a bit of lip gloss. Lipstick seems to make mine look smaller so I think I'm doing something wrong there.

MAC mineralize skinfinish natural is the best pressed powder I've ever used. I've been trying to downgrade on lots of make up recently,as I have maternity leave coming up, but this is the one thing I won't scrimp on as it makes the cheaper foundations look better/last longer.
I did used to like studio fix fluid too but then found Estée Lauder double wear light was more the coverage I was after for day to day. The studio fix is great for a night out though and does last incredibly well.

The cremeblend blush is really lovely too!

Enjoy your makeover!

Thanks!

I would buy brushes

I love their liquid eye liner, and as a not matte finish their face and body foundation is brill.
The eyeshadows are worth the money imo as they have so much pigment you get a much better result and can use as eyeshadow and liner.

I've found the MAC ladies to be vvv good at creating a look that suits - one spent ages showing me how to cover my vivid arm scar effectively with a little trick, and told me how to use the same products on my face!

Cremeblend blush! I think I recommend these in every S&B post I've been on!

I'm not convinced that their powder eyeshadows and blushers offer anything special, ref. longevity or denser pigmentation. I find the eyeshadows quite hard to blend, so maybe just note the name of any colours that you like and Google to find a cheaper dupe afterwards. The eyeliners though are great, I really like the Pro Longwear pencils.

Lipsticks: really like the Amplified Creme finish lipsticks and I'd pay extra for these. I really wish I got on with the Matte finish ones, as there are some brilliant colours (eg Lady Danger), but they are so drying on me. Make sure you have a sniff of the lipsticks, they have a strong vanilla scent, which wears off once you apply, but some people find off-putting.

Also, check out the brush range.

The powerpoint eye pencils - good vibrant colours, great application and long wear.

And the brushes.

I wouldn't buy brushes from MAC, except the 266 small flat angled brush for doing my eyebrows. Real Technique brushes are cheaper and better IMO.

Yes, the mineralize skinfinish natural is just the best, it it totally non cakey, and kind of gives a matte yet luminous finish to any foundation, with a tiny bit of extra coverage.

I swear by this and their spf 50 prep and prime.

I love the lipsticks and their eyeshadow range is pretty comprehensive.

I think the MAC 218 eyeshadown blenders are worth investing in. I use real techniques for foundation brushes as they arevery good

I love the lipstick, brushes and eyeshadows. My favourite items are probably my 187 brush and Ruby Woo lipstick.

I love the Mineralized Skinfinish Natural too. I use it over any foundation. I also like their Prep & Prime loose powder. It's white but disappears on my skin and sets make-up perfectly. I always use it when I need makeup to stay put.

The paintpots are excellent too. I've never found anything to compare with Painterly. Bare Study is very good too.

Their eyeshadows, blushers and lipsticks are good quality, but it's about finding what suits your skintone. If you are warm toned Shy Girl is a pretty lipstick colour.

I am a mac fan and think i have tried pretty much everything they offer! I am devoted to their Prep & Prime range. The eyelash one (before mascara) and lip one are fantastic. The primer for face is good but I have switched to nars now as I think that's better. They have a fantastic eyeshadow range (but don't get the ones on the stick as not great) and really i recommend the blushers.

Their lipsticks are the best I think, and I've tried a lot of makeup

I see a lot of people recommending the Skinfinish powder - I used to use this a few years back and got it last summer with some vouchers for my birthday. I was a bit disappointed to be honest as I thought it highlighted every line on my face (I'm 38 so no spring chicken but not old and wrinkly either).

Also rate their eyepencils, great for creating a smokey eye as they're very easy to blend out.

Wow!! A lot of MAC love on here. Will take notes and be prepared for tomorrow. Thanks everyone.