M.A.C. product line review by Paula Begoun

Here is Paula’s full review of the M.A.C product line in general. You can read all her other  reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).

 

When it comes to skin care you may be tempted to dismiss the small assortment M.A.C. offers and skip right to their makeup with its well-earned positive reputation. But doing so would mean missing a handful of beautifully formulated products that are worth trying. By no means is M.A.C.’s skin-care line one-stop shopping (at least not if you have blemishes, skin discolorations, or require more than a couple options per category), but you’ll find more than just the color products impressive here, and the prices aren’t unreasonable either!

 

M.A.C. Review by Paula Begoun

I had to buy a few more M.A.C. moisturizers today and I thought I’d take inventory on what I have right now and check the review of my products by Paula Begoun (read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).

Guess what – Paula loves M.A.C.! Yay for me since I’ve spent more than my fair share of paychecks on M.A.C. products. Below is a list of the products I use along with Paula’s review of that product. Only three products received an “average” review, the rest are in the “very good” or “great” (smily face with 2 astricks) category.

Check here for Paula’s ratings system.

~PREP + PRIME~

** Prep+Prime Lip ($14.50)
Prep + Prime Lip is a base that is applied before lipstick to facilitate application and prevent it from feathering into lines around the mouth. Guess what? It works! The silicone- and wax-based stick forms a great barrier to keep color in place, in a way similar to long-discontinued products such as The Body Shop’s No Wander and Coty’s Stop It! As good as this product is, keep in mind that it won’t prevent greasy, slippery lip glosses from migrating into lines around the mouth. It works best with moderately creamy or satin matte lipstick formulas, of which M.A.C. has plenty! (Love this stuff!)

Prep+Prime Skin ($22.00)
Prep + Prime Skin is an ultralight, fragrance-free lotion meant to be applied to skin before foundation. This product doesn’t necessarily prime skin better than similar products labeled as moisturizers, gels, or serums, but it does indeed create a silky-smooth, non-greasy surface that facilitates makeup application. Whether it’s for you depends strictly on whether your skin needs help in this regard. Compared with other products sold as primers, this formula goes a bit further by being more than a mixture of silicones and water. Prep + Prime Skin contains appreciable amounts of plant extracts that serve as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. It is a suitable formulation for normal to slightly dry or slightly oily skin, but has one potential drawback: shine. Rather than the subtle radiance you get from such products as Revlon SkinLights or a foundation such as L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup, this M.A.C. product’s shine is more obvious and more glittery than shimmery. If you don’t mind added shine under your makeup (or on bare skin), this won’t be an obstacle. All others are encouraged to sample this product with foundation to make sure the amount of shine is not objectionable. (Yep, love this stuff too.)

Product Review – Take 2

I did a prior post about some products that use regularly and since I have purchased Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition book by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron (Publisher: Beginning Press) (www.cosmeticscop.com), I thought I’d share with you what she says about the products that I use.

 

Her book has definitely made me rethink some of the products that I am spending a lot of money on. Luckily for me the majority of her reviews of MAC products (makeup and skin care) is in the “very good product” rating.

 

While I don’t agree with all of her reviews her book is very informative and I highly recommend it!

 

Paula’s Rating System

 

**=Excellent. The best of the best. Surpasses the criteria.

=Very Good. The product is worth checking into and potentially worth buying because of its performance or its impressive formulary characteristics. Great product that meets or surpasses the criteria.

$$$=Very Good, but overpriced. Great product that meets or surpasses the criteria but overpriced. Less expensive products delivery the same effect with less money.

=Average. It is OK, but unimpressive and can cause problems for certain skin types and possibly lacking in some newer non-irritating ingredients.

$$$=Average and overpriced, why bother.

=Poor (don’t buy). A product that is truly a poor choice for skin from almost every standpoint, including price, dated formula, performance, application and texture as well as potential for irritation, skin reactions and breakouts.

**PRIMERS**

The Present by Philosophy – $25.00
This is a clear cream. It’s a nice product. Make sure your skin is moisturized before you use it. I like to use it on my forehead before I put any makeup on.
PAULA BEGOUN’S REVIEW - This product is supposed to serve as second skin for those with acne, but the lavender oil in this product can cause skin-cell death. This product won’t net clear skin.

Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition

I just bought this book yesterday at Barnes & Noble and WOW, what an amazing book! Over 1,000 pages packed with great reviews of all cosmetic products including makeup, moisturizers, cleaners, toners, wrinkle cream, stretch mark creams, soap, bath and body products, makeup removers, exfoliaters, acne treatments – you name it. She reviews every level of product from very expensive products sold at major department stores to products found at your local drugstore. Even products only your dermatologist would recommend are in here too.

Paula has written several books and is nationally recognized as a consumer advocate, covering the cosmetics and hair-care industry. She has appeared on hundreds of talk shows including, The View, Dateline NBC, Good Morning America, 20/20, Today, Later Today, CBS Morning News, Hard Copy, Canada AM, NPR and dozens of episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Visit her website at www.cosmeticscop.com

Cosmetic Product Testing

With the passing of my friend Jen Bunich, I have been fortunate enough to get to know some of Jen’s wonderful friends who loved her very much. I had a lovely conversation with Kaylee who enjoys skincare and makeup as much as I do — well, probably not as obsessive as I am but enough that I thought about sharing a few skincare items that I have used and still use that I think really can make a difference.I admit that I used to be an avid tanner (tanning beds and the sun) when I was younger and although I now wear sunscreen everyday the damage to my skin has already been done. No you cannot see it yet – but in a few years it will start to rear its ugly face. I am in full denial and am trying to diminish whatever damage I have done.

My skin is very sensitive and oily. I have found over the years that I am allergic to Salicylic Acid which is found in most acne products. I can only use Benzoyl Peroxide. I am also allergic to PABA which is found in most sunscreens and tanning products. I always looks for the words “PABA Free”.

Here are some products that I have used – some great, some not so great.

Finding the right shades for MAC

Here is a breakdown of MAC’s foundation codes that I found on www.sokissandmakeup.com. To understand how MAC names their shades, here is a breakdown of MAC’s foundation codes:

SHADE	C	NC	N	NW	W
	“Cool”	“Neutral   Cool”	“Neutral”	“Neutral Warm”	“Warm”
MATCH	Yellow-Golden Olive Skin	Golden Beige Skin	Beige Skin	Pink Beige Skin	Pinkish Skin

 To determine what your undertones are, take a look at the underside of your forearm. If your vein looks more blue, then you most likely have pinkish undertones. If your vein looks more greenish, then you have more yellow or golden undertones. The number that follows the letter(s) denotes the depth of the shade. The higher the number, the deeper the color.

FINDING THE RIGHT CONCELEAR <>Slightly yellowish concelears will help to cancel out and cover up dark purpleish/blueish undereye circles. <>Slightly greenish toned concealers will help to cancel out any reddish tones in your skin caused by acne, or other skin condition

  

Depotting Mac Eyeshadows

Here’s another great video I found on depotting – sans heat. I’ve tried this and it works. Just takes a little patience!

M.A.C. Face Charts & M.A.C. Looks

I found a great tutorial from EnKore Makeup on youtube.com which shows you how the MAC artist’s create those face charts. I suggest buying some nice paper at your local craft store (try Michaels). Don’t use too heavy linen paper, the makeup will smudge into the paper. Also, remember – don’t ever use makeup pencils or any liquid on the paper – always use brushes!

Here are some inspirations….M.A.C. Looks

Free Mac Face Charts – DOWNLOAD HERE!