When I first joined Instagram, I noticed that a couple of
brands were extremely popular, these included: Yankee Candle (which smell
disgusting btw), Cath Kidston, Real Techniques and MAC makeup. After looking
through countless Instagrams and seeing all their pretty MAC collections I
figured I’d better give the brand a try. I used to be a complete MAC-o-phobe as
the pretty sales assistants with their flawless makeup intimidated me and the
prices put me off. Then I decided, after trying what feels like a million
different foundations, I figured I would splash out and get myself a bottle of
Studio Fix Fluid, as my 18th
birthday was approaching, I didn’t mind too much about spending that
much money on a foundation. Then, on the morning of my birthday, I joyously
opened a £30.00 MAC gift card. My mum explained that she new I wanted Studio
Fix however the MAC lady recommended that she should buy a gift card as I
needed to be colour matched; I had a rough idea that I would be the palest
colour – NW10 – but for that price, its best to check. A couple of days after
my birthday, me, Joe and baby Charlie went to town and ended up in the MAC
shop. I asked for help and the next minute, I was sat on a chair having Studio
Fix Fluid in NW10 applied to my face. I knew it was love then and there so I
decided to buy it along with a pump (which costs £4.00), I would recommend doing this as it makes
getting the product out a million times easier and you don’t waste any. Whilst
I was in MAC, I figured I may as well look around considering I still had £4.50
left on my gift card (if you have any products you love, let me know! I'm on the hunt for my next MAC product!), at first I wanted to buy a lipstick but then after trying
on quite a few, I figured it wasn’t for me. I then left, smile on my face, MAC
bag in hand.
The next day, I couldn't wait to try it out! I applied a
small amount over moisturized skin using my RT expert face brush. I couldn't believe how easy applying foundation could be! Within minutes, most of my
redness was gone, I didn't look as tired as I felt and you couldn't see my spot
scars at all. Now, I don’t want you to think this foundation makes your skin
look immaculate as lets be honest, none ever will. There were still texture
issues with my skin and my really predominant redness was still visible. Reviews
I had read had said that this foundation has a high coverage but for me
personally, I would say it was more of a medium-high however it is extremely build-able. Compared with low-medium
foundations like Rimmel’s Match Perfection, Studio Fix feels extremely thick
and like it would be at the top end of high coverage, although on me, its not
as I can still see some redness and more major spots. This may be me being
picky but it’s just what I think.
However, this is not a problem as a little bit of my Collection Lasting
Perfection concealer covers any remaining concerns no problem.
After a while I was noticing that my foundation wasn't lasting as long as other users of it were saying, as there were so many people
saying how long lasting it was, I figured it was my fault. After asking the
lovely Abbey on Instagram if she could recommend me a primer, she very kindly
replied explaining how my awful skin care routine – baby wipes and any random moisturizer – was the issue. I took her advice and started to take care of my
skin. I now remove my make up of a night and then, in the morning, I wash my
face in the bath, cleanse, tone, moisturize then apply my Boujous primer to
smooth out my pores and mattify my skin. Finally, I apply my foundation and my
concealer. Taking the time to do all of these steps has really improved the
look of my skin both with and without makeup. Overall, I would highly recommend this foundation as it's thick without looking too cakey, which makes it perfect for problem skin, and it's also matte which I like as my t-zone can get oily. As expected from MAC, the colour range is great so there really is something for everyone. I would also like to add in that you shouldn't be scared! If like me you're slighly intimidated by the MAC ladies, don't be! Seriously, they make me nervous what with being so beauiful and all but honestly, they're so lovely as well as being extremely helpful. When I was there, I felt like they genuinely wanted to help me rather that just sell me some expensive makeup I wan't going to like.
Now my next MAC purchase was something really special.. I
know I didn't exactly loose my ‘MAC virginity’ with this as my Studio Fix Fluid
had the pleasure of that but I still want to include it any; think of it like
my mini MAC collection (if a collection can consist of two products?). For
Christmas Gabbie bought me a Beauty Bizarre – a high end makeup shop full of
MAC, Bobbi Brown Nars etc. set up by Harvey Nichols – voucher which went to
extremely special purchase. And what is this special buy? The one, the only,
the eye shadow blender of all eye shadow blenders, the MAC 217! I’ve wanted
this brush for a while now but the £18.00 price tag has always put me off. Why
must a brush be so expensive?! I was
watching a Tanya Burr video and she had suggested purchasing two. Two?! Anyway,
I thought that, as I had the £10.00 Beauty Bizarre and the remaining £4.50 on
my MAC voucher, now would be the perfect time to buy it. First thing, I ended
up having to add £8.00 rather than £3.50 as apparently MAC vouchers can’t be
spent in MAC as it’s a concession and part of Harvey Nichols. I think that’s
rather stupid myself but hey ho. Anyway, it only cost me £8.00 so I’m not
complaining too much. Whilst I was having a nose around in BB, I fell in love
with the Copper Sparkle pigment but I think I’m going to find a dupe instead of
paying £17.00.
After buying the infamous 217, I couldn’t wait to test it
out and see if it really is as good as made out to be. At first, I was made up
with it. Before buying the 217, I was using the fluffier end of my Urban Decay
double-ended brush that came with my Vice 2 palette however this brush is
terrible for blending – it’s better for applying highlight! I’ve been using it
every day now since I bought it on the 27th December and I’m so in
love. For an everyday look, I apply a base colour (usually a pinky-champagne
colour or if I’m feeling a bit bolder, a gold or copper colour) then apply a
matte medium brown to the outer part of my eye using the 217 and then blend it
in circular motions through the crease. If I want to deepen it and make it a
bit smokier then I apply a darker brown and blend that too. Prior to owning
this brush, I looked like a 10-year-old messing about with their mum’s makeup
when I was going out; now (with my amateur skills) I look somewhat okay. I
really love this brush but I will say, like with all eye brushes, if you use
dark colours without washing it afterwards, these colours will transfer so I
would recommend washing this brush after nights out. Oh, and thank you to
Kayleigh (who’s blog is brilliant btw!) for the brilliant tip of painting over
the MAC 217 writing in clear nail varnish. If you don’t, everyday use will rub
off the label and that’s not good! I will wrap this extremely long post with a
quote from the brilliant Gabbie (who is bringing back her blog so look out for
a link soon!) who sums up the 217 perfectly in that “it changes lives”.
Megan xx
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