MAC Q&A
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free skin care · Mon May 26, 2008 10:29 pm

Hi Nemo!AtTheDisco,
This is way too much fun! Just wanted to thank you for suggesting those colors - shroom, femme noir & sumptuous olive. I have my list and will head to a MAC counter hopefully this week! Very Happy

free skin care · Tue May 27, 2008 5:15 pm

jf wrote:

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...

I love Navy on a dark brown eye. Some of favorite eye makeups for your eye coloring are Soft browns with a slight plum undertone. Check out Sable & Twinks. If you dont like purple shadows, what about a Plum Liner? Prunella is one of my favorites. Also, with your eye type a bronze or brown eye-makeup with a dark Green or Navy liner would also be very pretty. Wine colors like Sketch & Star Violet are gorgeous, but you may find them too close to the purple color family.

Let me know if that helps, and if not I'm sure I can find a new eye combo you'll enjoy. Smile

free skin care · Tue May 27, 2008 5:16 pm

blesstd wrote:

Hi Nemo!AtTheDisco,
This is way too much fun! Just wanted to thank you for suggesting those colors - shroom, femme noir & sumptuous olive. I have my list and will head to a MAC counter hopefully this week! Very Happy

Add Flourishing to the list, too. It's a matte shade similar to Sumptuous Olive but lighter than Femme Noir. You may like that too. Smile

free skin care · Tue May 27, 2008 7:33 pm

Hi Nemo,

I think what you're doing is so awesome! It's great to get advise from a makeup artist who's not trying to sell you stuff. Anyway, I'm hoping to get some recommendations from you if you don't mind. I'm 25 years old and Asian (Thai) with yellow undertone (NC20-25). I like to wear makeup, but honestly, I'm clueless when it comes to pairing the colors. Can you recommend a combo of browns (neutrals)? Also, the recommendation you gave for bronze and navy or green sound gorgeous. Can you give me the actual names of the colors? Also, I had a look at the MAC UK website and couldn't find Femme Noir. Can you recommend a color that's similar to Femme Noir? It doesn't have to be from MAC. At the moment, I'm either wearing Dior 5-Color in Incognito or Julie Hewett Soiree Palette and I'd like to experiment with other colors. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. Smile

free skin care · Tue May 27, 2008 7:43 pm

andaman_gypsy wrote:

Hi Nemo,

I think what you're doing is so awesome! It's great to get advise from a makeup artist who's not trying to sell you stuff. Anyway, I'm hoping to get some recommendations from you if you don't mind. I'm 25 years old and Asian (Thai) with yellow undertone (NC20-25). I like to wear makeup, but honestly, I'm clueless when it comes to pairing the colors. Can you recommend a combo of browns (neutrals)? Also, the recommendation you gave for bronze and navy or green sound gorgeous. Can you give me the actual names of the colors? Also, I had a look at the MAC UK website and couldn't find Femme Noir. Can you recommend a color that's similar to Femme Noir? It doesn't have to be from MAC. At the moment, I'm either wearing Dior 5-Color in Incognito or Julie Hewett Soiree Palette and I'd like to experiment with other colors. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. Smile

Sometimes I am not notified if certain shades are discontinued. I think that Femme Noir may have been replaced with the color Flourishing.

Sable [light plum brown] on the lid with Handwritten [deeper matte brown, very pigment rich]or Embark [soften deep matte brown] and shroom [light sheen] to highlight the brow would be pretty with liners; Teddy [golden brown] or Prunella [my favorite, a brown-plum].

The bronzey eye with colored liners would be Bronze on the lid with Twinks [deep plum-brown] and Bordeaux-line [plum] liner or Bronze with Greensmoke [soft shimmer moss green] and Tarnish [deep hunter green] eyeliner.

Tried to give names and Color Descriptions, hope it doesn't seem confusing. Smile

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 12:01 am

Thanks Nemo! I'm going to check out the colors you suggested this weekend.

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 12:45 am

Hi Nemo~

I had a question regarding Studio Fix...I've been using Studio Fix NC25 for quite some time now, and have noticed as you mentioned it isn't helping my skin the least bit...The coverage is wonderful, but my skin seems to be paying the price. I have hyperpigmentation of the cheeks and Studio fix does a great job of concealing it; however, I was wondering if you had another suggestions for a powder/foundation mixture from MAC that's not as harsh as Studio Fix. Thanks in advance for your help!

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 6:08 am

Hi Nemo,

I was wondering if you could recommend a matte highlight shade from the e/s? I used to use Shroom or Vanilla, but I've been advised that for photography such as in weddings etc, its better to use a shimmer on your eyelid, and keep the arch of the brow matte.

Also, can you recommend a sheer or dewy foundation with longlasting coverage (I have oily skin)? I don't like the over heavy foundation look, and now that summers coming up, something a little lighter would be better for me!

Thanks in advance!

PS Also, do you recommend strobe cream? I had this a while ago, but couldnt see any effect, but others still praise it, so maybe I was using it wrong? How do you use this, (and what is it for exactly!!)? Confused

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 4:31 pm

gellys wrote:

Hi Nemo~

I had a question regarding Studio Fix...I've been using Studio Fix NC25 for quite some time now, and have noticed as you mentioned it isn't helping my skin the least bit...The coverage is wonderful, but my skin seems to be paying the price. I have hyperpigmentation of the cheeks and Studio fix does a great job of concealing it; however, I was wondering if you had another suggestions for a powder/foundation mixture from MAC that's not as harsh as Studio Fix. Thanks in advance for your help!

What about using Select Cover-up [med. full coverage matte finish] or Studio Finish [fullest coverage] on the hyperpigmentation & other areas and then dusting some MMU [the MAC Loose MMU is nice] or MAC Sheer Pressed powder? The concealer will cover nicer than Fix, and be better for the skin. Then the Powder will set the concealer and absorb oils and smooth the rest of the skin.

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 4:37 pm

mowgli wrote:

Hi Nemo,

I was wondering if you could recommend a matte highlight shade from the e/s? I used to use Shroom or Vanilla, but I've been advised that for photography such as in weddings etc, its better to use a shimmer on your eyelid, and keep the arch of the brow matte.

Also, can you recommend a sheer or dewy foundation with longlasting coverage (I have oily skin)? I don't like the over heavy foundation look, and now that summers coming up, something a little lighter would be better for me!

Thanks in advance!

PS Also, do you recommend strobe cream? I had this a while ago, but couldnt see any effect, but others still praise it, so maybe I was using it wrong? How do you use this, (and what is it for exactly!!)? Confused

First off, Shroom is a great Highlight. I'm more adamant about Matte colors in the crease, but can kind of see what they mean for Photo. My favorite matte highlight color is Mylar, it's totally neutral and perfect for highlighting the brow, or lightening other shadows.

As for light foundations, Select SPF 15 Foundation is one of my favorites because [a] its water based [b] its super natural, yet med. coverage and [c] it feels like enough that you could apply a Blot Powder to absorb oil, or a Mineral Powder for Radiance. Also, mixing in a pump of strobe LIQUID with Select would be nice, lightweight, and dewy. I wouldn't recommend Strobe Cream for an Oily Skin, Strobe Liquid is lighter in consistency and illuminating.

Most Foundations that are "Satin Finish" or dewy will end up separating due to Excess oils on an oily skin. I'd recommend using a natural finish, Like Select SPF 15 and adding your own Dew. Smile

HTH!

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 5:47 pm

Thanks Nemo for the suggestions! I will definitely have to stop by Nordstroms very soon : )

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 7:10 am

Nemo, I have to say, I stopped at the MAC store and picked up some foundation.. and I don't use foundation! Laughing

I just got Mineralize satin finish in NC30 and 190 brush and a lipgloss viva glam V .. do I need to wash the brush before use? Can I use it damp?

I was pegged as a deep winter, (jewel hues) any recommendation of a blusher and a brow highlighter? I have oily lids, so most eyeshadow don't stay.

Thanks!
A

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 11:05 am

hi,Nemo
i am waitting for the xmas mac brush set to purchase now,since the mac BA told me that was value pack.but i heard the brush set was not same quality as the individual brush,is that true?

thanks a lot
fang:)

free skin care · Fri May 30, 2008 7:33 am

Nemo!AtTheDisco wrote:

andaman_gypsy wrote:

Hi Nemo,

I think what you're doing is so awesome! It's great to get advise from a makeup artist who's not trying to sell you stuff. Anyway, I'm hoping to get some recommendations from you if you don't mind. I'm 25 years old and Asian (Thai) with yellow undertone (NC20-25). I like to wear makeup, but honestly, I'm clueless when it comes to pairing the colors. Can you recommend a combo of browns (neutrals)? Also, the recommendation you gave for bronze and navy or green sound gorgeous. Can you give me the actual names of the colors? Also, I had a look at the MAC UK website and couldn't find Femme Noir. Can you recommend a color that's similar to Femme Noir? It doesn't have to be from MAC. At the moment, I'm either wearing Dior 5-Color in Incognito or Julie Hewett Soiree Palette and I'd like to experiment with other colors. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. Smile

Sometimes I am not notified if certain shades are discontinued. I think that Femme Noir may have been replaced with the color Flourishing.

Sable [light plum brown] on the lid with Handwritten [deeper matte brown, very pigment rich]or Embark [soften deep matte brown] and shroom [light sheen] to highlight the brow would be pretty with liners; Teddy [golden brown] or Prunella [my favorite, a brown-plum].

The bronzey eye with colored liners would be Bronze on the lid with Twinks [deep plum-brown] and Bordeaux-line [plum] liner or Bronze with Greensmoke [soft shimmer moss green] and Tarnish [deep hunter green] eyeliner.

Tried to give names and Color Descriptions, hope it doesn't seem confusing. Smile

Nemo,

Thank you so much for your recs. I went to MAC today and ended up buying loads of things. Unfortunately, many products you mentioned weren't available. I ended up buying eye shadows (Vanilla, Casino, Sumptuous Olive, Flashtrack, Carbon, Shroom), lip glosses (Cultured, Nymphette, Algorithm), eye pencils (Tarnish, Prunella), blushes (Angel, Emote), brushes (239, 224, 169) and Prep+Prime SPF 50. I still haven't figured out how to use any of them yet, but I'll learn. Smile

free skin care · Fri May 30, 2008 7:39 am

mrspiggy wrote:

Nemo, I have to say, I stopped at the MAC store and picked up some foundation.. and I don't use foundation! Laughing

I just got Mineralize satin finish in NC30 and 190 brush and a lipgloss viva glam V .. do I need to wash the brush before use? Can I use it damp?

I was pegged as a deep winter, (jewel hues) any recommendation of a blusher and a brow highlighter? I have oily lids, so most eyeshadow don't stay.

Thanks!
A

The 190 is a Synthetic brush, so you don't have to wash it before use. You could just rinse it briefly under water. And yes, you can use it damp if you wanted to sheer out your foundation, though Mineralize Satinfinish is pretty sheer.

My favorite brow highlights are Mylar [matte] & Shroom [soft shimmer]. And really nice blushes to look at could be Blushbaby [super popular, pink/brown] or True Romantic. [plum pink]

If you have oily lids, apply a paint pot before eye shadows to keep the lid fresh. Smile

HTH!

free skin care · Fri May 30, 2008 7:43 am

fang wrote:

hi,Nemo
i am waitting for the xmas mac brush set to purchase now,since the mac BA told me that was value pack.but i heard the brush set was not same quality as the individual brush,is that true?

thanks a lot
fang:)

Sorry but its true. The brush set isn't the same quality as buying individual MAC brushes. Most of the sets are still nice though.

HTH

free skin care · Fri May 30, 2008 10:13 am

Hi Nemo,

A friend, who's a theatrical makeup artist, turned me onto MAC products. When she does my makeup it stays perfect all day. When I do it, it fades after a few hours. I usually have at least one pretty big blemish plus the scars from past breakouts. She's able to cover everything perfectly. I use Studio Fix Fluid NC15, Select Cover-Up NW20 and Set Powder Natural. I was using the cover-up on my blemishes but it wasn't blending well with my foundation. I've been back to the MAC counter several times and the NW20 looks the best but still isn't quite right. Now I just use it under may eyes and it works well. I'm using the foundation as a cover-up for my blemishes and scars. I had this same problem when I was using the cover-up on my blemishes. The foundation looks good on my blemishes but I'm just not able to get my makeup to last more than a few hours. The main problem is that my blemishes and scars start showing. By the end of the day it looks like I have no makeup on. I've tried using the Set Powder directly on my blemishes but it looks too powdery. I also use the Fix+. I dab on the foundation and blend with a brush similar to MAC's 188. I use a concealer brush on my blemishes. Is there any tip or product that will help my makeup last all day? Thanks!

free skin care · Sun Jun 01, 2008 5:47 pm

Misha wrote:

Hi Nemo,

A friend, who's a theatrical makeup artist, turned me onto MAC products. When she does my makeup it stays perfect all day. When I do it, it fades after a few hours. I usually have at least one pretty big blemish plus the scars from past breakouts. She's able to cover everything perfectly. I use Studio Fix Fluid NC15, Select Cover-Up NW20 and Set Powder Natural. I was using the cover-up on my blemishes but it wasn't blending well with my foundation. I've been back to the MAC counter several times and the NW20 looks the best but still isn't quite right. Now I just use it under may eyes and it works well. I'm using the foundation as a cover-up for my blemishes and scars. I had this same problem when I was using the cover-up on my blemishes. The foundation looks good on my blemishes but I'm just not able to get my makeup to last more than a few hours. The main problem is that my blemishes and scars start showing. By the end of the day it looks like I have no makeup on. I've tried using the Set Powder directly on my blemishes but it looks too powdery. I also use the Fix+. I dab on the foundation and blend with a brush similar to MAC's 188. I use a concealer brush on my blemishes. Is there any tip or product that will help my makeup last all day? Thanks!

Mostly, you're products are great. But I have some awesome suggestions. First off, start with a foundation primer to create a smooth canvas. I'm very found of MAC Prep&Prime, or if you have a silicone problem Lorac's Aquaprime works ok. Next apply your Select Cover up with a Fluffy eyeshadow brush, instead of a concealer brush. It'll help you get a more airbrushed look and build the coverage better. MAC 224 is great for this. The 188 will sheer out the coverage of your Fix Fluid. Try spraying Fix+ on a paddle foundation brush [190 or 192 by MAC work great] to apply foundation, being careful around the areas you've already concealed. Now I would lightly spray the Fix+ and after that dries set the face with Loose Blot Powder. I find of all the powders its the silkiest and the best at keeping a smooth matte appearance. I don't like Pressed Blot, it's chalky. I don't exactly know which set powder you use, but though I love the glow the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish baked powder, but if you are using that one, it will decrease the wear of your make-up because of the humectants. It's a powder geered towards drier skins.

I hope that helps!

free skin care · Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:27 pm

Nemo!AtTheDisco wrote:

mrspiggy wrote:

Nemo, I have to say, I stopped at the MAC store and picked up some foundation.. and I don't use foundation! Laughing

I just got Mineralize satin finish in NC30 and 190 brush and a lipgloss viva glam V .. do I need to wash the brush before use? Can I use it damp?

I was pegged as a deep winter, (jewel hues) any recommendation of a blusher and a brow highlighter? I have oily lids, so most eyeshadow don't stay.

Thanks!
A

The 190 is a Synthetic brush, so you don't have to wash it before use. You could just rinse it briefly under water. And yes, you can use it damp if you wanted to sheer out your foundation, though Mineralize Satinfinish is pretty sheer.

My favorite brow highlights are Mylar [matte] & Shroom [soft shimmer]. And really nice blushes to look at could be Blushbaby [super popular, pink/brown] or True Romantic. [plum pink]

If you have oily lids, apply a paint pot before eye shadows to keep the lid fresh. Smile

HTH!

Thanks so much, I actually bought Juxt and Phloof, before I saw your reply ^__^ I need to go look at blush and thanks for the tip on paint pot.. the SA was telling me to use a cream eyeshadow as base for my oily lids. Is that better or paintpot better?

Thanks once again, your advice is really appreciated!

free skin care · Wed Jun 04, 2008 10:47 am

Nemo!AtTheDisco wrote:

Mostly, you're products are great. But I have some awesome suggestions. First off, start with a foundation primer to create a smooth canvas. I'm very found of MAC Prep&Prime, or if you have a silicone problem Lorac's Aquaprime works ok. Next apply your Select Cover up with a Fluffy eyeshadow brush, instead of a concealer brush. It'll help you get a more airbrushed look and build the coverage better. MAC 224 is great for this. The 188 will sheer out the coverage of your Fix Fluid. Try spraying Fix+ on a paddle foundation brush [190 or 192 by MAC work great] to apply foundation, being careful around the areas you've already concealed. Now I would lightly spray the Fix+ and after that dries set the face with Loose Blot Powder. I find of all the powders its the silkiest and the best at keeping a smooth matte appearance. I don't like Pressed Blot, it's chalky. I don't exactly know which set powder you use, but though I love the glow the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish baked powder, but if you are using that one, it will decrease the wear of your make-up because of the humectants. It's a powder geered towards drier skins.

I hope that helps!

Thanks so much for the tips. I have a few more questions to make sure I understand what you're saying. I'm confused about the paddle brush. Am I supposed to apply the Fix+ AND the Fluid Fix with it? Then shear out the foundation with 188? Then use Fix+ again except spray instead of apply with brush? I found the Loose Blot Powder on the website but I notice that the lightest shade is medium. I'm quite fair. Do you think it'd be too dark? If so, is there another product you recommend? The powder I use now is the Set Powder in Invisible. It's part of the Mac Pro line. I got it from a friend. I do have the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light. I haven't really used it much so I can't say if I like it. That's so much for your help!

free skin care · Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:22 pm

mrspiggy wrote:

Nemo!AtTheDisco wrote:

mrspiggy wrote:

Nemo, I have to say, I stopped at the MAC store and picked up some foundation.. and I don't use foundation! Laughing

I just got Mineralize satin finish in NC30 and 190 brush and a lipgloss viva glam V .. do I need to wash the brush before use? Can I use it damp?

I was pegged as a deep winter, (jewel hues) any recommendation of a blusher and a brow highlighter? I have oily lids, so most eyeshadow don't stay.

Thanks!
A

The 190 is a Synthetic brush, so you don't have to wash it before use. You could just rinse it briefly under water. And yes, you can use it damp if you wanted to sheer out your foundation, though Mineralize Satinfinish is pretty sheer.

My favorite brow highlights are Mylar [matte] & Shroom [soft shimmer]. And really nice blushes to look at could be Blushbaby [super popular, pink/brown] or True Romantic. [plum pink]

If you have oily lids, apply a paint pot before eye shadows to keep the lid fresh. Smile

HTH!

Thanks so much, I actually bought Juxt and Phloof, before I saw your reply ^__^ I need to go look at blush and thanks for the tip on paint pot.. the SA was telling me to use a cream eyeshadow as base for my oily lids. Is that better or paintpot better?

Thanks once again, your advice is really
appreciated!

There are a multitude of eyeshadow bases in cream form. Paints or Paint Pots are the only ones I find that are good, they make a nice base for shadow that stops it from creasing. Less is more, with this product. Buffing it on with a fluffy shadow brush [once again, I go to MAC 224] works best for me. Cream Color Bases or Prep & Prep eye are often sold as Bases, but are terrible and creas quick. I find the best eyeshadow primers or bases are MAC Paints, MAC Paint Pots, or Urban Decay Primer Potion. All the same price, I prefer MAC Paint Pots above all, because the color selection is good and the pot is convenient. HTH!

free skin care · Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:49 pm

Misha wrote:

Nemo!AtTheDisco wrote:

Mostly, you're products are great. But I have some awesome suggestions. First off, start with a foundation primer to create a smooth canvas. I'm very found of MAC Prep&Prime, or if you have a silicone problem Lorac's Aquaprime works ok. Next apply your Select Cover up with a Fluffy eyeshadow brush, instead of a concealer brush. It'll help you get a more airbrushed look and build the coverage better. MAC 224 is great for this. The 188 will sheer out the coverage of your Fix Fluid. Try spraying Fix+ on a paddle foundation brush [190 or 192 by MAC work great] to apply foundation, being careful around the areas you've already concealed. Now I would lightly spray the Fix+ and after that dries set the face with Loose Blot Powder. I find of all the powders its the silkiest and the best at keeping a smooth matte appearance. I don't like Pressed Blot, it's chalky. I don't exactly know which set powder you use, but though I love the glow the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish baked powder, but if you are using that one, it will decrease the wear of your make-up because of the humectants. It's a powder geered towards drier skins.

I hope that helps!

Thanks so much for the tips. I have a few more questions to make sure I understand what you're saying. I'm confused about the paddle brush. Am I supposed to apply the Fix+ AND the Fluid Fix with it? Then shear out the foundation with 188? Then use Fix+ again except spray instead of apply with brush? I found the Loose Blot Powder on the website but I notice that the lightest shade is medium. I'm quite fair. Do you think it'd be too dark? If so, is there another product you recommend? The powder I use now is the Set Powder in Invisible. It's part of the Mac Pro line. I got it from a friend. I do have the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light. I haven't really used it much so I can't say if I like it. That's so much for your help!

I meant wet the paddle brush with Fix+ and use it to apply the Foundation, because it'll help apply it nicely without sheering the coverage like a 188. Then you can spray Fix+ on the face to set foundation before the Blot. If it's Invisible Set Powder from MAC Pro, it's perfect. But Medium isn't very dark, and Blot is very sheer anyway. Blot Powder is basically just tinted retail versions of MAC Invisible Set. The Mineralize Skinfinish powder is great for highlighting, for the cheeks, etc. This is a great product to apply with that 188 duo fiber brush.

Hope that made sense Smile

free skin care · Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:05 pm

Thank you for your patience and your help! I'm quite a novice when it comes to makeup. But I'm learning.

free skin care · Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:28 pm

Misha wrote:

Thank you for your patience and your help! I'm quite a novice when it comes to makeup. But I'm learning.

Anytime, that's what I'm here for! Smile

free skin care · Fri Jun 06, 2008 1:56 pm

Welcome Nemo! What a great source for all MAC-addicts like I´m Very Happy

I love, love MAC especially the E/S and Paint Pots.

Unfortunately I have a great issue when it comes to foundation colors. I´ve Face &Body in C2 but it doesn´t match 100% because I´m olive-toned. The C2 turns a little bit rose. I have to put everywhere green foundation to get a suitable color. Does MAC have any color for olive-toned complexions?

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