Lena Loves… MAC Cosmetics CLOSED
I remember the first time I was introduced to MAC Cosmetics.
I was in grade 10, and trola and I were in second period French class. (For those who have asked, indeed “trola” is a pseudonym for my bestie. Be assured, she has a lovely name and only answers to trola from one person – moi.)
In between verb conjugations, she leaned over and whispered, “Hey, we were cleaning out my garage over the weekend, and I found this lipstick. I can’t wear it – it’s too red for me. Do you want it?” She quickly dropped a smooth black object into my hands, and resumed pretending to take notes while the teacher droned on.
I looked down at the MAC lipstick, and the first thing that hit me – it looked expensive. Definitely not your average Cover Girl tube. And at the time, it was just about the poshest piece of makeup I had ever laid eyes on. (Disclaimer: I know that 10 year olds are wearing MAC makeup now. Yes, times have changed. Just humour me, okay? It was a big thing back then.)
I flipped the tube over and read the colour: “Chili”. Hmm… sounds spicy. When I finally removed the cap to reveal the lipstick, my eyes boggled at the daring red hue with subtle orange undertones – conceivably the perfect shade for olive skin tones. Then and there it became my preferred lipstick for over 2 years – a lifetime for any makeup junkie.
Since that hushed high school introduction, over 15 years ago now, MAC has long been my favourite line of makeup for just about every cosmetic want and need. And as I’ve grown, I’ve adjusted my colours and coverage to reflect my changing lifestyle. My evolution of MAC staples looks something like this:
FACE
Teens: Studio Fix One-Step (cool “new” product)
Twenties: Studio Tech One-Step (extra coverage for flawless skin)
Now: Select Concealer Stick (to minimize dark circles, and that’s about it)
CHEEKS
Teens: Prism (muted, pinkish-brown matte blush)
Twenties: Bronzer in Refined Golden (for that J-LO inspired tanned look)
Now: Blushbaby (sheertone pink blush for a natural look)
EYES
Teens: Brule (safe and neutral highlight)
Twenties: Mylar (satin shimmer for pretty eyes), Handwritten (chocolate crease)
Now: Nothing (poops. I’m boring.)
LIPS
Teens: Chili (smoky red with orange undertones)
Twenties: Oh Baby Lip Glass (golden bronze with sparkling glitter for all that clubbing)
Now: Pink Poodle Lip Glass (because if I’m wearing lipstick, it’s gotta be rock star pink)
As you can see, I’m far from an enthusiast, but love the basics and am not afraid of a little colour. I marvel at the skill and cult-like worship of MAC fanatics, who can identify almost any colour swatch at 10 paces, and own cases of the makeup. Their face is truly their canvas.
A MAC tidbit for you:
MAC Cosmetics Inc. was started in Toronto, Canada (hometown pride!!!) by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo in 1984. Angelo was the original founder. Toskan was a make-up artist and photographer, and Angelo was the owner of a hair salon chain. Since they were both involved in fashion photography, they both quickly recognized the need for more durable, versatile and creative cosmetics products that could handle the demands of professional photo shoots.
Always on the cutting edge with their engagement of celebrity endorsements, awareness of social and cultural diversity, and involvement in charitable social initiatives, MAC Cosmetics has now grown to become one of the most popular and influential cosmetics companies in the world.
MAC Cosmetics can be purchased online (many times with FREE shipping) via their Canadian or US websites – or you can find their lines in department and flagship stores around the world.
Since it’s February, and you’re probably feeling blah… or you’re intrigued and would like to try out the makeup for yourself… or you’re a makeup junkie and spend a good portion of your paycheck on face candy… how about spoiling yourself with some goodies from MAC?
My brushes should have been replaced ages ago, I'd love to restock on a full quality set.
I would buy some shroom eye shadow and maybe some new eye shadow shades. I also love their lip glosses.
I would probably buy some brushes, concealer and eye shadows.
I've been buying MAC eyeshadows for the past few years and they have really started piling up. I'd love to get a palette and some eyeshadow refills, so that I can easily transport my favorite colours. I'd probably go with neutral colours (all that glitters, shroom, bamboo and gleam). BTW, I didn't realize MAC started in Toronto! Just one more reason to love MAC!
I would give the gift card to my girlfriend because I know she uses MAC makeup religiously, and loves the brand!
Doesn't buying Mac make you feel like you just purchased a naughty luxury? Normally I don't splurge much but Mac just draws me in. They certainly have shown the world that Canadians have class too!
I would definitely find a good peachy blush !!! I have tried so many and I know MAC has quality ones. I would also try some skincare products, I have always wondered if they were good. I jad no idea either that MAC started in Toronto ! wow
I would spend the GC on the new GAGA Viva Glam lipstick, it looks amazing! I'd also buy some fun eyeshadow colours!Thanks for this contest!
awesome contest as always lena! :) When I first started using mac cosmetics I was big on collecting unique eyeshadow colours- now I'm really big on the neutral and versatile colours..I would buy colours like bronze, romp, and amber lights. I'm also a big fan of their blushes- from their cream colour bases (pearl, hush) to powder blushes (need to add: springsheen, plum foolery to my collection). If I would still have money left over, I would also get their brushes – the 109 and 188:)
hey! I loooooove MAC as you may tell from my comments on Smart Canucks. If I had $100 to spend on MAC I would be extremely happy cause I fork out a good amount of money on it a year, and I was eagerly waiting for the Friends and Family last month and it never came. I would get MAC studio sculpt foundation, which I have had my eyes set on for months, Studio Fix powder, because I ran out recently and need a new one. Some eyeshadows, cause you can never have enough, probably Sketch, Smut and Copperplate, and maybe another MAC 217 if there is money left over. Thank for the contest!
Thank you so much for the contest!I would definitely spend the gift card on re-doing my makeup collection, I can't afford nice makeup like MAC very often so I opt for the cheap stuff but with the gift card I would be able to buy all new eyeshdows, lip glosses, foundation, concealor, blush etc!Thanks again :)
i'd spend it on lipglass, eyeliner and eye shadow.
OMG! You brought back memories:)I remember Chili being the "it" colour but I couldn't wear it. So I wore Del Rio & Twig throughout highschool. Refined Golden bronzer still remains a fave (I'm in my early 30's) and at the moment I have so many other faves. If I had $100 I'd spend it on Fix Spray & a few blushes:)
I Love Mac.There is so much that I want and need,but for now I'll settle for powder brush, blending brush and eye shadow…
I love getting MAC makeovers from the professionals! Great tips!
I would loooove to get some pearlmatte eyeshadow and pearlmatte face powder.shedevil_2002(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would use the gift card to buy new cosmetics. Thanks!
I'd love some new brushes
I've never been able to afford MAC but I'd love to get some lipstick or eyeshadow.
I love Mac lipstick. They have the best colours and lasts a long time. That's what I would get.
I'm running low on my favourite lipgloss, I'd love to get a new one and maybe try something new as well
I would buy a few eyeshadows and a bunch of lipglosses!!! I love MAC!
I loved reading this post because I had a similar experience! My grade 8 teacher was wearing this really nice lipstick and when she told me it was MAC, I searched hi & lo for this at Shoppers drug mart until I realized you had to drive into Toronto to get it. My infatuation began there and today almost my whole makeup bag is MAC. I would love to win this and would def pick up another Studio Fix compact, some new shadows & glosses and might even by some false eyelashes just for fun!
I'd get a new lipstick, lip liner, eye liner, and eye shadow. Love MAC.
would like to get some new blushsmilefest (at) yahoo (dot) com
I have always been a devout follower of the MAC line and i use nothing else. Right now i really need a new eyeshadow primer which is a godsend for anyone who appreciates long lasting makeup! I would also like to invest in mineralize skinfinish which leaves skin looking absolutely glowing! Also maybe a new blush brush! The possibilities are endless at MAC!
Cool. MAC is too expensive to be bought more than occasionally for me but it's great quality.
I would love to buy some brushes & shadows. Can't go wrong with their eye shadows.
I would use it to buy their eye pigment. When i use to go out for a night on the town(Key word use to) i loved this product or i'd use it for their Lipgloss. Love the lip gloss.
I will spend the gift card on whatever will make me look like "me" again post-baby. It's been awhile since I bought makeup so it might just be best to trust the artists on this one.
lol! oh my, i clearly rememeber retrieving that lipstick from the garage, and giving it to you!!! we were so green back then! :) xo
I absolutely love to replace a couple of my brushes. MAC has some great professional products. It's my go-to brand!
most likely I'd get eyeshadow and mascara. Never tried MAC cosmetics before would be nice to try them out. Heard good things about it.
love the quality of mac. i'd likely go for new shades of lip and eye makeup.
great contest! I would buy some of eyeshadows. They are very pigmented and the colours are so differeent.
I would spend it mostly on foundation, powder, and eyeshadows.
I would invest in a new eyeshadow palette, eyeliner and several new and oh very exciting lipstick shades! I've never used MAC before but always wanted to :O) Thanks for the chance to win.lulus.pals@gmail.com
I'd likely spend it all on their lipsticks….I love every shade they have although one my staples is "Verve."
I would love to get some new brushes, since my 3 year old has stolen all my other brushes one by one – she's very sneeky! :-D…and a few tubes of lipglass! Thanks for another great giveaway Lisa!:-D
My friend swears by MAC. I've always wanted to try it out. I would try the eye shadows and lip glosses first.
I would love to replace my makeup with Mac products. I'd try some of their eyeshadows. That would be fun.Thanks for the contest!
I don't own anything from MAC but would love to try the viva glam cyndi lipstick it looks like an awesome shade. I wouldn't mind trying the eye primer either since I need to get one. I am a makeup junkie and honestly I will now be lost on the MAC site for the next hour just looking at all the makeup I don't need haha.
I the coverage the concealers give and their lip glosses are too die for….thanks for the contest.
I'd love to get some new brushes and some moisturizer!
Lips lips lips!!! I loooove Mac gloss!!!!
I want to replace my mascara!!!!! They have the only ones that can make my lashes look looong
Brushes and Mascera for me! My toddler found my brushes and used them for painting… |I almost cried
My wedding is getting closer and I am getting married in cuba and I would love to win a gift card so I can buy myself some make up. I don't usually use make up but when I put some everybody notice the change. I cant afford Mac make up. I usually go to Zellers or walmart and buy some cheap one and so many times the make up bothered my eyes so I have to run to wash my face.
I think I'd get some concealer, but I'd also like to try their Cremeblend Blush.
anything and everything!!