Review: MAC Cosmetics In High Def Collection

Just launched, MAC’s In High Def Collection (see full collection details here) contains several hand-picked products from the existing line as well as some new products that are designed to work well in the high definition environment. There are four new shades of lipstick: Close to Real, High Def, Resolutely Red, and Sharp Focus. The rest of the collection is permanent, existing products (Face & Body Foundation and Mineralize Skinfinish Natural).

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Close to Real is a pale, frosty peach. Despite having a lustre finish, it doesn’t feel like one to me. It feels much more like a frost lipstick, and it definitely looks like it on the lips. I found this one to seem to grab onto every imperfection on your lips–even after I had exfoliated–it just didn’t look very flattering. The color is really pale, so I’d vote on using this more as a layering shade than standalone.
• High Def is a creamy, opaque pinky-coral color. It has a slight sheen, but it doesn’t contain any shimmer. On my lips, it doesn’t read very much coral (unfortunately, as MAC lacks corals!), but it’s still pretty. It looks more like my-lips-but-better with a bit more pinky-brown.
• Resolutely Red is a mostly opaque, lightly creamy shade of reddish-wine. It’s not super bold or bright, so it’s more of a wearable red. It’s not too cool or warm, either, which I definitely like. It has a glossy look to it when applied.
• Sharp Focus is semi-opaque muted, browned-down red with almost a bit of plum undertone. It’s almost like a vampy lip color, yet not really. If you’ve wanted to go for a darker lip, but have found vampy shades too dark too fast for you, this might be one way to start.

Face & Body Foundation

Face & Body Foundation is a water-based sheer to light-medium coverage liquid foundation. MAC says that it is water-resistant, and I’d agree that it holds up pretty well under water, though I’ve never say, showered, in it either. (I’m now curious, so I may try it!) It has a slightly dewy finish, which may be too much for those with really oily skin. It’s a solid foundation, and I actually used this as my go-to for maybe six months or so a year or two ago. I liked it a lot during summer, because it was very lightweight and held up under the summer heat.

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

This is a baked mineral-based powder that has a near matte finish (there is just a slight, slight bit of luminous-ness to it) — MAC calls the finish “natural-matte.” I personally can’t wear MSFN due to the fact that it breaks me out, but I know it is an often raved about products for others. I wish I could say I experienced the same amazingness (despite breakouts), but it just didn’t wow me. It’s a great setting powder, and it can be used as a very light, sheer foundation (I recommend the 189 brush for foundation application). Many like it because it gives their face a sheer, even look. I’m sure plenty of you have tried this, so please do share your thoughts for others who haven’t!

You can view reviews for: 187 Brush and 188 Brush, as well. (Both brushes are permanent.)

Recommendation: This collection left me unexcited, to be honest. The lipsticks were so-so, but I didn’t feel like there weren’t already as good, if not better, options available in the permanent line. I have no problem with MAC pointing out, “Hey! We have products that look great for HD work already!” I’ve always liked Face & Body, so I do recommend that if you haven’t checked it out. But overall, it’s just not a very exciting collection, yeah? Bring on Fall Trend!

Availability: MAC Cosmetics

See swatches…

Close to Real, High Def, Resolutely Red Lipsticks

Close to Real Lipstick

High Def Lipstick

Resolutely Red Lipstick

Sharp Focus Lipstick

Sharp Focus Lipstick

Sharp Focus Lipstick

HIGH DEFINITON TELEVISION Q&A WITH MARIE DELPRETE EMMY® AWARD-WINNING MAKEUP ARTIST

Q: You’re an Emmy Award-winning professional makeup artist and long-time supporter of M·A·C. Now you’re partnering with the brand to “Demystify HDTV” through a series of master classes in Spring 2009. What are the top three lessons you’ll be sharing with the attendees of these classes?

I titled these M·A·C master classes “Demystifying HD” because I wanted to take some of the mystery out of high-definition makeup; so the first thing we’ll do is debunk some of the prevailing myths surrounding this new medium. Second, through lecture and demonstration, we’ll explore the many challenges of HD and propose solutions for each problem. Third, we’ll identify the proper products with the necessary texture, finish and luminescent properties for the demands of high-def. We’ll top it all off by deconstructing a basic, HD-ready beauty makeup on a live model.

See more Q&A…

Q: As one of Hollywood’s top makeup artists, you’ve worked with countless celebrities on every medium – from print to TV and movies. What is it about the new digital revolution of HDTV that keeps you evolving as an artist?

There’s a new energy in makeup artistry today–an urgency. The HD revolution is comparable to the advent of color film in the 1930s; it’s that big. The industry is mobilizing to meet a completely new set of demands. Artists are experimenting, debating, discarding old techniques and discovering new ones. It’s a great time to be a makeup artist, and it’s exciting to hope I may have something to add to the conversation.

Q: Does your technique vary for each medium? What carries over regardless of print or broadcast work?

The only variable might be a higher level of stylization for a photo shoot, but the principles remain the same. The litmus test for a successful HD makeup is simple: if it looks good when you’re standing right in front of it – if it’s well blended, diffused and translucent–it should look good on camera, no matter what the medium–provided, of course, it’s well lit. (But for HDTV always, always check your monitor!)

Q: What new challenges arise for a makeup artist on an HDTV set and how do you suggest they prepare for them?

HD shows all the imperfections on a face – every wrinkle, asymmetry, blemish or scar – because it intensifies surface textures. In standard definition, these imperfections were less evident and the measures we took to correct them were less apparent. The biggest problem makeup artists face today is being able to correct the imperfections while hiding all the steps it took to do it. We need to find ways to confuse the all-seeing eye of the HD lens. A good Director of Photography (DP) can help with lighting, camera filters and settings, but today’s makeup artist must be able to assess every variable affecting the makeup. In this time of transition, camera tests are an essential tool. Insist upon them.

Q: You’ve perfected the art of makeup – for HDTV and otherwise – with your envy-worthy application of makeup. Can you share your top five tips for HDTV makeup application (eyes, face, cheeks, and lips)?

Brighten, don’t lighten. Use illuminating products to help bring brightness to recessed areas of the face. I love using M.A.C. Strobe Cream. Think satin. Powder the face to a satin finish. A matte finish is too flat and heavy-looking for HD, while a dewy finish reads as too shiny. Satin comes across as a healthy glow. Blotting Paper. It’s great for touch-ups, removing surface oils and helping to limit powder buildup. M.A.C. Blot Film is the perfect product. Good grooming. The high def camera will find all of those unsightly facial hairs, nose hairs, unruly eyebrows, unibrows, ear hairs and peach fuzz. Beards and mustaches should be well-groomed. Finish with a bronzer. Use a bronzer at the very end to put life back into the skin.

Q: You have a wealth of experience with celebrities of all ages and races…what’s a universal tip that applies to every client, no matter what age or race?

Take care of your skin! The best way to look good is to look great with no makeup. Skin should have a regimen of cleansing, toning and moisturizing daily. Prep the skin! Preparing skin is very important for success in HD. Makeup will sit on top of built-up dead skin and will not absorb into the pores, making it read heavier. I like to keep a scrub in my kit, such as M·A·C Microfine Refinisher. Blend, blend, blend! HD is incredibly sharp; hard lines jump right off the screen. Diffuse any hard lines with diligent blending. After completing a makeup, go over the entire face with a wet sponge, blending the foundation on the face and into the hairline.

Q: Obviously, in order to practice great technique, you need the tools to back it up. What specific brushes and / or other tools (i.e.: eye drops, tweezers, Scotch tape, drinking straws) should every makeup artist on an HDTV set have in their kit?

Primers. I always have a good primer on hand. Primers are great for filling in pores and wrinkles. They also can control surface oils – very important in high def. Grooming Kit. There’s nothing more distracting than an unruly eyebrow hair, and a big HDTV screen will amplify it, so you have to keep a well-stocked grooming kit: Tweezers, Scissors (for trimming), Round-tipped Scissors (for nose hairs, etc.), Electric Razor, Electric Trimmer (with attachments), Electric nose/ear hair Trimmer, Nail Clippers/ Files, Disposable Razors & Shaving Cream, Eyelash Comb. Black stipple sponges are great for filling in missing facial hair in beards, mustaches/ sideburns.

Q: Not only do you teach other professional artists about makeup, but you share your know-how with larger audiences via TV appearances. What makeup lessons and tips relate to the pros AND the people?

With the advent of high definition, never before has the work of the professional makeup artist been more relevant to the everyday person. A good Hi-Def makeup needs to be subtle, fresh and youthful. It needs to correct imperfections without looking overly “made up.” It has to look good close-up. It’s exactly what we’re all looking for in our own day-to-day makeup. With a grasp of the basic concepts and bit of practice, good HD technique is possible for anyone to master.

Q: If I were to open your makeup kit right now, what items would be down to the last drop (name specific M·A·C items)?

• Skin Care – Strobe Cream, Prep + Prime Skin, Blot Film
• Foundations – Face and Body Foundation
• Concealers – Select Cover Moisture
• Powders – Invisible Set Powder, Blot Pressed Powder in Medium
• Bronzing Powders – Matte Bronze
• Blush – Blush Créme
• Eyeliners – Penultimate In Rapid Black
• Eyebrows – Eyebrows In Lingering and Fling
• Mascaras – Pro Lash In Charcoal Black and Coal Black
• Lips – Viva Glam V & VI
• Tools – 190 Foundation Brush

M·A·C COSMETICS MASTERS HIGH DEFINITION MAKEUP PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND CONSUMERS REAP THE BENEFITS FROM A RENEWED FOCUS ON FLAWLESS SKIN AND APPLICATION

Not since the 1950s when television and movies switched from black and white to colour has there been such a profound makeup revolution. M·A·C Cosmetics is already prepared for the digital transition with a ,series of Master Classes taught by Emmy® Award winning makeup artist, Marie DelPrete, aimed at teaching the pros how to work in this new medium. These classes will be followed by a fall collection called M·A·C In High Def, a compilation of the greatest HD-friendly formulas and shades for faces and lips that will help regular consumers get the flawless HD look. As the premiere makeup authority since 1984, with a background deeply rooted in providing professional quality cosmetics that are innovative, original and inventive, who better than M·A·C to cultivate a collection of products that prepares skin for the ultimate close-up?

Learn more about the inspiration behind the In High Def Collection…
For makeup pros and everyday people seeking the HDTV-professional look, precise well-blended makeup is essential, as is concentrating on the quality of the finish. It’s all about application and a well-edited makeup arsenal stocked with the right tools, textures and colours. Think lightweight, skin-mimicking foundations that practically melt into skin; it should look like your skin, but better. Steer clear of anything overly glossy or overly matte. Choose warm, neutral colours that enhance the natural skin tone. Blend everything thoroughly with professional tools to achieve a soft finish. “The High Def lens is an artificial eye that sees with almost hyper-clarity. All your makeup techniques are exposed. For pros and consumers alike, the goal is the same: to create the illusion of natural, flawless skin without showing the steps it took to get there,” said DelPrete.

HDTV’S SEISMIC SHIFT IN MAKEUP TECHNIQUE AND THEORY

With more pixels per square inch than standard TV, HDTV brings everything into crystal clear focus, giving pores, pimples and imperfections nowhere to hide. The precise quality and detail of HDTV magnifies flaws and discolourations that were previously disguised by piling on pancake makeup. The visual conversion known as HDTV puts the pressure on makeup artists to train in new techniques and learn new textures to ensure their clients look polished and perfect. Attention to fine detail is essential, as the smallest application mistake is amplified. Artists will need to retrain their mind – and their hands – to abide by HDTV’s new rules. M·A·C Cosmetics has partnered with HD makeup artist Marie DelPrete to help prepare professional artists for the transition, but she also has tips and tricks for women to create a perfect, yet natural makeup look:

• “Less is more – Think lightweight, sheer-textured foundations. I like liquids because they tend to simulate the look of skin. Powder delicately; you want neither matte nor shine. Think satin. Start light and build as needed.”
• “Cover Your Bases – pay special attention to coverage. Use a foundation as close as possible to your skin tone, and make sure you’ve remembered the neck, ears, chest, hands—wherever skin is exposed. With its heightened sensitivity to colour, HD will call you out if you’ve been careless.”
• “Use your colours wisely – Colours intensify on HDTV. For a less made-up look, choose neutrals that naturally occur in your skin. You can use bold hues, but use them delicately in thin washes. Avoid blocks of opaque colour on eyes, lips, cheeks—anywhere.”
• “Think sheen, not shine – HDTV exaggerates frosts, shimmers and glosses. Be very careful with any product that shines; it can accentuate wrinkles or appear as wetness. You want a subtle sheen, whether in eyeshadow, lipgloss or blush.”
• “Blend, blend, blend – HDTV loves sharp lines; Nature abhors them. No hard edges. Use the right brushes and sponges to blend, and keep all lines soft and diffused.”

INTRODUCING M·A·C IN HIGH DEF

The M·A·C In High Def collection is everything an artist or makeup aficionado needs to make a picture perfect face. The cornerstone of the collection is M·A·C Face and Body Foundation. Revered by makeup artists in the photography, film and fashion worlds, Face and Body Foundation has kept skin hydrated, smooth and satiny since it launched over 20 years ago – it’s truly the industry’s foundation of choice for a flawless face. Apply this foundation staple with 187 Duo Fibre and 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brushes. Top off with Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural, this tag team foundation and baked powder works wonders by imitating skin’s natural texture and tone, a must for HDTV. Rounding out the collection are four smooth and subtle shades of Lipstick, ensuring lips are coated in creamy neutrality, perfect for a close-up.

HDTV MAKEUP MUST-HAVES

The digital wave means more than watching your favourite show or celebrity in sharp focus. The HD revolution marks a momentous change in makeup not only on the small screens and large screens but also on the streets! For 25 years, professional artists have relied on M·A·C to take care of their every makeup need. The M·A·C Artist Relations department, who liaises with these makeup masters on a daily basis, knows first-hand what works and what doesn’t in the professional arena. Here is what a few professional artists had to say about M·A·C…

“I use M·A·C Blot Powders and Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural because they don’t leave a heavy powder residue, and with HD, less is always better!”– Debbie Zoller, makeup department head for “Mad Men” and “Castle”

“On ‘Dancing with the Stars’, we always use Prime + Prep Skin, it creates a perfect poreless palette to begin the makeup and we love the Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural! It leaves skin matte and not too powdery looking. The Studio Sculpt Concealer is also fantastic. We love the colour range and it works right into the skin, making it look fresh and flawless.” – Melanie Mills, makeup department head for “Dancing with the Stars”

M·A·C Artist Relations polled top HDTV makeup artists for their favourite products and below is what they chose. The change is coming, so get your makeup bag HD-ready with these M·A·C must-haves:

• Prep + Prime – Create the look of flawless canvas on which makeup is applied. These products were developed specifically to be used with makeup while also offering skincare benefits.
• Face and Body Foundation – Water-based, water-resistant foundation that provides long-lasting, sheer, natural coverage for face and/or body (included in the M·A·C In High Def Collection).
• Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural – A luxurious baked face powder with over 77 minerals, provides a dimensional yet natural-matte finish (included in the M·A·C In High Def Collection).
• Blot Powder – A unique pressed powder designed primarily to provide shine control without creating a noticeable change in colour or texture. Sets foundation and finishes faces.
• Powder Blush in Pinch O’ Peach – This warm peach shade is an instant way to get your glow on.
• Mascara X – Clumps become incredibly visible on HDTV. This mascara builds dramatically longer, thicker and glossier looking lashes without smudging or clumping.
• Lipstick in Hug Me – A universally flattering flesh-toned pink.
• 187 Duo Fibre Brush and 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush – Circular brushes for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments that create soft layers or add textures.

MAC In High Def Collection

U.S. Launch Date: September 10th, 2009

International Launch Date: October 2009

Cameras everywhere, media, madness, instant images flashed ,around the world in seconds…. You ARE being photographed! Better be optimum-optic, high-frequency fabulous, these are modern times! The In High Def collection is makeup designed for the, new-technology demands of the professional world… The sharp tone, colour and picture clarity of Hi-Def TV. For girls and boys who want to look good no matter who’s looking.

Face and Body Foundation formulated for flawless replication; at last, you can achieve the perfection expected on screen at all times. A complementary collection of ,Lipstick, Lipglass, Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural applied with the 187 Duo Fibre and 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brushes fool the eye, and the camera. The very best in the new look of Hi-Def, made easy.

Lipsticks ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Close to Real Light, neutral peach pink (Lustre) (Limited Edition)
• High Def Mid-tone neutral coral (Amplified Cream) (Limited Edition)
• Sharp Focus Deep brown plum (Lustre) (Limited Edition)
• Resolutely Red Deepened claret (Lustre) (Limited Edition)

Face & Body Foundation ($32.00 U.S. / $38.50 CDN) (Permanent)

A water-based, water-resistant foundation that provides long-lasting, natural coverage for face and/or body. Ideal for all skin types. Face and Body Foundation provides sheer, natural looking coverage in an easy to blend, water-resistant formula. The long-lasting formula is available in a wide range of colours and contains several emollients to help moisturize and condition the skin. It delivers professional looking results that meet the exacting standards of beauty photography and is ideal for perfecting the face and body.

Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation/Loose ($29.00 U.S. / $35.00 CDN) (Permanent)

A lightweight loose powder foundation that utilizes the power of minerals to provide the skin with a smooth, radiant, natural finish. Brushes on the skin for sophisticated, medium-buildable coverage. Special mineral complex helps keep skin healthy and nourished while the blend of moisturizers and conditioners in the formula help create a smooth, flawless application. Provides essential everyday SPF 15 sun protection.

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural ($25.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN) (Permanent)

A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day.

187 Duo Fibre Brush ($42.00 U.S. / $50.50 CDN) (Permanent)

A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres.

188 Brush ($34.00 U.S. / $41.00 CDN) (Permanent)

A flat-topped, full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of any formula colour – fluid, cream, powder or pigment. Ideal for creating soft layers or adding textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres.

Availability: North America, September 10th, 2009 only at M·A·C retail stores, 1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com. International, September 2009 at M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com.

See more promo photos…

Sneak Peek: MAC Cosmetics In High Def Collection

Launching on September 10th, MAC’s In High Def Collection (see full collection details here) contains several hand-picked products from the existing line as well as some new products that are designed to work well in the high definition environment. There are four new shades of lipstick: Close to Real, High Def, Resolutely Red, and Sharp Focus.

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Close to Real is a pale, frosty peach. Despite having a lustre finish, it doesn’t feel like one to me. It feels much more like a frost lipstick, and it definitely looks like it on the lips. I found this one to seem to grab onto every imperfection on your lips–even after I had exfoliated–it just didn’t look very flattering. The color is really pale, so I’d vote on using this more as a layering shade than standalone.
• High Def is a creamy, opaque pinky-coral color. It has a slight sheen, but it doesn’t contain any shimmer. On my lips, it doesn’t read very much coral (unfortunately, as MAC lacks corals!), but it’s still pretty. It looks more like my-lips-but-better with a bit more pinky-brown.
• Resolutely Red is a mostly opaque, lightly creamy shade of reddish-wine. It’s not super bold or bright, so it’s more of a wearable red. It’s not too cool or warm, either, which I definitely like. It has a glossy look to it when applied.

Of the three I tried, none of them really jumped out at me as must-haves. High Def and Resolutely Red are flattering shades, while Close to Real may be more difficult for some to pull off (it is for me, at least!).

• Product: 8/10
• Value: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 8/10
• Packaging: 7/10

Recommendation: If you’re a fan of lustre finishes but have always wanted a bit more color… you might like these, because they pack a lot more pigmentation than your average lustre!

Availability: MAC Cosmetics (August 27th)

See swatches…

MAC Close to Real Lipstick

MAC High Def Lipstick

MAC Resolutely Red Lipstick