MAC Q&A
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free skin care · Sat May 24, 2008 8:52 pm

So after a thread reviewing MAC's 217 blending brush, bethany asked me to do a MAC thread. I'm a MAC Product Specialist & My boyfriend is the MAC Regional in New England.

I promise to answer all questions honestly, as a consumer, not as a MAC Artist with a sales goal. Smile

Ask away!

free skin care · Sat May 24, 2008 8:59 pm

What a fantastic resource!! Thanks Nemo!!

free skin care · Sat May 24, 2008 9:28 pm

Nemo this is great. I stumbled across a website called Makeup Geek with a girl named Marlena and she gives these great tutorials on how to use the Mac products and brushes. She is also on You Tube.
I went out today and bought a bunch of stuff including a few of the brushes. I am really bad when it comes to applying makeup, 5 minutes and I am out the door.

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 8:28 am

Tell me about the concealers- the ones in the little squeeze tubes.

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 8:29 am

OMG, you mean you have a link of you tube showing how to do makeup?

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 12:01 pm

I have a question about MAC brushes. I bought the much ballyhooed 187 skunk brush, and it sheds a lot. Brought it back to Nordstrom, and they replaced it. That one shed too. I've washed it five or six times now--still shedding, at least five or more hairs per use.

I really like the brush itself, but the shedding means that it's only pressed into service now when my other skunk brush is drying after washing.

So, am I just unlucky? Is there a quality control issue at MAC? Is there a trick to finding a non-shedding one? Or do they all shed and you just have to grin and bear it?

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 12:10 pm

Maybe there is a specific protocol for washing the brush to prevent such shedding?

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 5:54 pm

Nimue wrote:

Tell me about the concealers- the ones in the little squeeze tubes.

Select Cover-up is my favorite concealer. It's really nice coverage, because it is matte finish I recommend it for oily skin. Great for undereyes and blemishes. It does contain a small amount of oil, but its for a smoother application.

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 5:57 pm

flitcraft wrote:

I have a question about MAC brushes. I bought the much ballyhooed 187 skunk brush, and it sheds a lot. Brought it back to Nordstrom, and they replaced it. That one shed too. I've washed it five or six times now--still shedding, at least five or more hairs per use.

I really like the brush itself, but the shedding means that it's only pressed into service now when my other skunk brush is drying after washing.

So, am I just unlucky? Is there a quality control issue at MAC? Is there a trick to finding a non-shedding one? Or do they all shed and you just have to grin and bear it?

Usually if you shampoo a new brush, all of the initial 'fall-out' is washed away. I recommend a color treated shampoo, as it is best for the delicate brush hairs.

187 is one of my favorite brushes, if you are not satisfied, demand to see all the brushes Nordstrom has in stock and select which one looks best to you.

I will admit, my 187 sheds a little, but usually only 1 or 2 hairs once in awhile.

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 5:59 pm

lunarmm wrote:

Maybe there is a specific protocol for washing the brush to prevent such shedding?

Yes. All Brushes, especially the rather pricey MAC ones, should be shampooed with a Shampoo for Color Treated Hair Monthly. They should also be cleaned with a disinfecting brush cleaner. I clean my facial brushes with MAC brush cleaner [$10] after every use. Brushes used to apply color [eg. eyeshadow brushes] can be cleaned every few days or weekly.

HTH!

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 9:34 pm

Nemo!AtTheDisco, this is so wonderful of you! At first I had no questions but after giving it some thought.......

I'm wondering what's the difference between the tinted lip conditioner (which I love) and the lip gloss (haven't tried any so I can't say exactly which one)? Is one longer lasting than the other? Do they feel differently? I love the conditioner but was hoping for something a little more lasting but I don't care for lipsticks.

About the Prep & Prime with SPF 50, I read that others really like it but also saw comments that you'd need to still wear a sunscreen. Is that true? I was just hoping to skip a step.

Thanks for the personal service!

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 9:39 pm

blesstd wrote:

Nemo!AtTheDisco, this is so wonderful of you! At first I had no questions but after giving it some thought.......

I'm wondering what's the difference between the tinted lip conditioner (which I love) and the lip gloss (haven't tried any so I can't say exactly which one)? Is one longer lasting than the other? Do they feel differently? I love the conditioner but was hoping for something a little more lasting but I don't care for lipsticks.

About the Prep & Prime with SPF 50, I read that others really like it but also saw comments that you'd need to still wear a sunscreen. Is that true? I was just hoping to skip a step.

Thanks for the personal service!

First off, the lip conditioner is more of a treatment. It's focus is hydrating the lip. The Lipglass is a more long wearing sheer color, and has less moisture. I would recommend layering them for both benefits.

I use Prep & prime SPF 50 as a sunscreen in the summer. I find that it has great skin smoothing & mattifying properties and gives adequate sun protection. It uses titanium dioxide as its active sunscreen, which is key. I think that some people are just fanatical about sunscreen, personally. Its a great product for textured or oily skin that needs a high SPF!

HTH!

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 11:21 pm

Nemo!AtTheDisco, never thought of layering them - thanks for the tip! And I think I'll give that Prep & Prime with SPF a try too.

I will definitely be making a trip to the MAC counter very soon.

Thanks again!

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 11:41 pm

I saw a TV programme, it taught us how to clean the brushes. We should use shampoo to wash it followed by a conditionor, just like how we treat with our hair. After washing place it under sunlight to let it dry.

free skin care · Sun May 25, 2008 11:49 pm

Nemo!AtTheDisco, oh, I thought of something else; I hope you don't mind. I am a 49 yo asian who uses varying brown & nude tones for eye shadow. I'm finding that what used to work before in terms of color, doesn't look as nice now. Would you have a suggestion for a different color palette that would offer me another option/variety? I find that reddish or burgundy brown tones tend to make my eyes look tired or swollen. I've seen light grayish, almost lavendar tones on other asians look really nice but I can't seem to find the right color. Do you have any tips to share?

If I'm asking the impossible since you can't see how I look or my color, please excuse me. Just thought I'd take a shot at it and ask for suggestions! Thanks again!

Mon May 26, 2008 11:25 am

Hi Nemo! Thanks for starting this thread! I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about the different charged waters that MAC sells. Are they any better or the same as the Fix +?

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 12:31 pm

wancy_2000 wrote:

I saw a TV programme, it taught us how to clean the brushes. We should use shampoo to wash it followed by a conditionor, just like how we treat with our hair. After washing place it under sunlight to let it dry.

Don't use conditioner on brushes. Use a mild Color treated shampoo, and let them dry laying flat on there side. Conditioner will leave a film on the brush and prevent proper make-up application.

HTH!

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 12:39 pm

blesstd wrote:

Nemo!AtTheDisco, oh, I thought of something else; I hope you don't mind. I am a 49 yo asian who uses varying brown & nude tones for eye shadow. I'm finding that what used to work before in terms of color, doesn't look as nice now. Would you have a suggestion for a different color palette that would offer me another option/variety? I find that reddish or burgundy brown tones tend to make my eyes look tired or swollen. I've seen light grayish, almost lavendar tones on other asians look really nice but I can't seem to find the right color. Do you have any tips to share?

If I'm asking the impossible since you can't see how I look or my color, please excuse me. Just thought I'd take a shot at it and ask for suggestions! Thanks again!

Assuming that you do have a more yellow based complexion (which my ruddy skin envies) my boyfriend and I recommend more champagne & muted green colors. Check out shroom [soft highlight], femme noir [camoflauge green], & sumptuous olive [shimmery olive] when you next visit a MAC Counter. Green beautifully compliments a golden skin tone, but is suitable for daily use. I think that shroom on your brow, and sumptuous olive on your lid & femme noir as smokey liner or a crease color would look beautiful with Tarnish [dark green] eyeliner.

I hope that helps, and keep the questions coming!

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 12:43 pm

Saucy wrote:

Hi Nemo! Thanks for starting this thread! I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about the different charged waters that MAC sells. Are they any better or the same as the Fix +?

Personally I prefer good ole Fix +. I think the only difference in the charged water is the fragrance, and a few ingredients. For the basic function of refreshing the skin and 'setting' make-up I prefer original Fix +.

Though, 'Youth Aura' is really refreshing for a more stressed or sensitized skin. I liked the 'Revitalizing energy' personally, based on the smell. I think that the charged waters do make the skin look dewier as they have minerals in them not found in Fix+.

In all reality though, I get the charged waters for free yet I still buy Fix+. I prefer it.

HTH!

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 1:47 pm

Nemo!AtTheDisco wrote:

Nimue wrote:

Tell me about the concealers- the ones in the little squeeze tubes.

Select Cover-up is my favorite concealer. It's really nice coverage, because it is matte finish I recommend it for oily skin. Great for undereyes and blemishes. It does contain a small amount of oil, but its for a smoother application.

Thanks! This concealer and the 2 MAC brushes I have are my only MAC products. I keep hearing that MAC is kinda bad for the skin but the concealer is so awesome. When I use it with the brush over a nice eye cream it really does give this air brushed look.

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 5:13 pm

Nimue wrote:

Nemo!AtTheDisco wrote:

Nimue wrote:

Tell me about the concealers- the ones in the little squeeze tubes.

Select Cover-up is my favorite concealer. It's really nice coverage, because it is matte finish I recommend it for oily skin. Great for undereyes and blemishes. It does contain a small amount of oil, but its for a smoother application.

Thanks! This concealer and the 2 MAC brushes I have are my only MAC products. I keep hearing that MAC is kinda bad for the skin but the concealer is so awesome. When I use it with the brush over a nice eye cream it really does give this air brushed look.

When people say MAC is bad for the skin, they are generally referring to the Powder Foundation Studio Fix. Though its Loaded in talc, its super Matte & long wearing. Great for drag queens, tough on the skin.

Select cove-up is amazing, and it's my preferred concealer. It never makes my break outs worse & it covers them completely. I also adore the MAC Mineralize Loose SPF 15 Foundation. If you have any other questions on MAC Complexion products let me know.

Smile

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 5:16 pm

& P.S. Try buffing on the concealer with a fluffy blending brush like MAC 224. Amazing air brushed coverage. It's how I apply it every day! Smile

MAC 224

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 5:46 pm

Nemo, thanks so much for doing this. I have heard great things about MAC and really want to start investing, as I am pretty laid back with every day make-up (if I get cover-up, mascara and lip gloss on I am "done up") but am in acting school and we start make up classes soon so I have to get more involved. Anyways, my question in all of this is that I know that MAC will do "makeovers" for $40 in the US and then you can use that amount towards purchasing. I am on vacation right now but when I get back I want to do one but am wondering where I should start investing since I won't be able to get everything at once. I guess the short question there is, what are the best MAC products/tools to invest in first, especially for a make-up novice like myself?

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 6:55 pm

gigiab6 wrote:

Nemo, thanks so much for doing this. I have heard great things about MAC and really want to start investing, as I am pretty laid back with every day make-up (if I get cover-up, mascara and lip gloss on I am "done up") but am in acting school and we start make up classes soon so I have to get more involved. Anyways, my question in all of this is that I know that MAC will do "makeovers" for $40 in the US and then you can use that amount towards purchasing. I am on vacation right now but when I get back I want to do one but am wondering where I should start investing since I won't be able to get everything at once. I guess the short question there is, what are the best MAC products/tools to invest in first, especially for a make-up novice like myself?

MAC Brushes are a great investment. A MAC brush can be used with other products to enhance there efficacy. The items that have the biggest impact on an overall appearance are mascara, lip color, blush & a great foundation. Especially important for someone on stage. Studio Tech is a cream to powder foundation with full coverage, great for on stage but can be sheered out for daily wear. My favorite MAC mascara's are Zoomlash [for length] and Plushlash [for intense volume] but in honesty the Mascara in my makeup kit is the Diorshow. If you'd like to tell me more about your coloring and color preferences I could try and suggest some blushes and lip combos for you to investigate.

HTH!

free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 8:14 pm

Thanks so much for answering all our questions! Here's mine: I have dark brown hair with highlights, dark brown eyes and very fair complexion. Every day I use MAC's navy shadow in the crease and blend with a bronze. Sometimes I put a champagne color in the inside corner of my eye too. (Sorry I don't know the color names. The labels have come off.) Anyways, I'm looking for other color combinations. I love to brighten up my eyes. And I hate purple shadows...

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