MAC x Patrick Starrr Me So Fleek Face Kit Review, Photos, Swatches
Me So Fleek
MAC Me So Fleek Patrick Starrr Face Kit ($49.50 for 0.74 oz.) contains an eyeshadow quad, blush duo, lipstick, and lipgloss–and everything is full-sized, so it’s actually a great value set if you happen to like the shades included. Based on the last price I have for a blush duo, I’m getting a value of $95.50. I felt like the blush was particularly lovely, while the lip products were as expected for MAC’s finishes, and the quad was decent (which is probably better than average for MAC!).
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Me So Fleek
LELimited Edition. $49.50.
Hey, Boy, Hey!
MAC Hey, Boy, Hey! Lipstick is a rich, pinky-purple with warm undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was thin and a bit firmer in the tube; it had the feel of a Retro Matte but with more slip and thinness overall. I’d say it felt like a combination of Retro Mattes from a decade ago and the newer, more velvety (but very matte) Retro Mattes that have been released. The color applied evenly with nearly opaque coverage that stayed on well for six hours. The formula felt somewhat drying after four hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Dancing Flowers (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Darling Be Daring (P, $24.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Evening Rendezvous (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Candy Stripper (P, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Very Vintage (87) (P, $14.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Stronger (P, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sweet Stuff (LE, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay ZZ (P, $18.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Crank (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Back Up (P, $6.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.1 oz. - $190.00 Per Ounce
MAC Lipstick comes in a variety of finishes, and the pigmentation and wear tend to be dependent on the finish. The sheer finishes, like Lustres, tend to wear for only a couple of hours and have sheer coverage (as designed) and are non-drying.
Some of the original Matte shades have a stiffer, drier formula, while newer ones have a more velvety, silicone-feel to them, and the latter are creamier, more comfortable to wear, and easier to apply, but most Matte shades are quite pigmented and long-wearing, though some are drying.
The Amplified and Satin finishes tend to have good pigmentation, lightly creamy to moderately creamy consistencies with a bit of shine, and moderate to long wear with deeper, richer shades wearing longer. The Frost and Metallic finishes have the most variance between shades with coverage ranging from semi-sheer to opaque with average wear and non-drying to slightly drying formulas. All MAC lipsticks are vanilla-scented but have no discernible taste.
Browse all of our MAC Lipstick swatches.
Hey, Boy, Hey!
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Queen P
MAC Queen P Lipglass is a bright, medium fuchsia pink with subtle, cool undertones and a sparkling, glossy finish. It had medium coverage with a moderate amount of pearl and sparkle. (I really wish MAC would add finishes to their Lipglass range like Sheer, Medium, Opaque for coverage level.) The texture was smooth, light-medium in thickness, and moderately tacky. The color went on fairly evenly and lasted for five hours on me with a lightly hydrating feel.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Tongue Tied (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Pink Trip (LE, $21.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Kink (LE, $10.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Throw a Spare (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Red as Rose (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar).
- MAC Raring to Go (P, $10.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Too Faced Totally Smashed (P, $20.00) is more pigmented (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Plutonic Relationship (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Bubble Butt (LE, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson (LE, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.1 oz. - $210.00 Per Ounce
The Lipglass formula is supposed to be āpigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colorā that can be worn āon its own, over lip pencil or lipstickā and will ācondition lips.ā MAC could use an update on the description as some shades are more pigmented than others but several are sheerer and likely intended to be that way. The formula has a very glossy, high-shine finish with a light-medium weight and moderate tackiness.
I have found that newer Lipglasses (over the last couple of years) are smoother and not quite as tacky as the formula was many years ago. They wear from three to six hours on me and are usually lightly hydrating. MAC recently updated the shade range and packaging for the range (though the formula was said to be unchanged), so worth noting is that with that packaging change came a reduction in quantity to 0.10 fl. oz. (was 0.17 fl. oz.), which may matter for some but not everyone.
Browse all of our MAC Lipglass swatches.
Queen P
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Play with Me
MAC Play with Me Eyeshadow Quad contains three pink-based shades and a pop of blue. Personally, I felt that the texture of the eyeshadows used in the Floral Realness collection seemed different than MAC’s typical eyeshadow formula; the mattes felt denser and more substantial but softer and a bit more powdery (rather than firmer that I tend to associate with MAC mattes) with the shimmers having more slip like they had added silicones in them. I don’t think that they swatched any better or worse than MAC’s previous eyeshadows (often a mixed bag just swatched) but were a little easier to work with on the lid. The real downside was that they seemed a little more prone to fading and shimmers didn’t seem to stay as intense over time.
Look Using this Product
Play with Me
LELimited Edition. $33.00.
In Living Pink
In Living Pink is a light-medium, peachy-pink with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The eyeshadow had a smooth, almost cream-like texture with a more silicone-like slip to it. The pigmentation was good, and the eyeshadow applied evenly to bare skin. It lasted for seven and a half hours on me before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Peach (New Nudes) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Dior Sugar Shade #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- YSL Paris #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Slay Bells (LE, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Angelic (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Kitten Parade (PiP, $13.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Capital of Light #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Clarins Rosewood #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Sweet as Candy #4 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Rouge Trafalgar #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Looks Using this Product
In Living Pink
PPermanent. $17.00.
All's Rosy
All’s Rosy is a muted, medium-dark mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. This shade has been released previously, though I found the included version in the palette to be richer and have a softer, more velvety texture with better substance. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, somewhat powdery texture, but I found it adhered evenly and blended out nicely on my lid in practice. It wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (DC, $21.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Plum Cabaret (PiP, $25.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Plum Regalia (LE, $25.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Foxglove (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M842 Wine (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Smashbox Nirvana (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Sephora Mauve (LE, ) is brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Clionadh Wildberry (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Too Faced Wrap It Up (LE, $16.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- LORAC High Tide (LE, $19.00) is darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Looks Using this Product
All's Rosy
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
Hickie
Hickie is a bright, medium fuchsia pink with subtle, warmer undertones and cooler, bluish-violet pearl. It had more of a satin finish in practice and did not appear to be as nuanced once blended and worked into an eye look compared to a close-up swatch of it. The texture was soft, somewhat dusty, but blendable on the lid and yielded semi-opaque, buildable coverage. This shade lasted for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Rose Risque (LE, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Fashion Fanatic (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Geode Life (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Woodstock (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Sugarpill Hotsy Totsy (PiP, $13.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sephora Jerrica (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Gossip (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Gumdrop (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Too Faced Monaco (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop On a Lark (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Hickie
LELimited Edition. $17.00.
In the Shadows
In the Shadows is a bright, deep blue with cool undertones and a frosted sheen. It had good color payoff with a smooth, slightly slippery consistency (again, felt like there were more silicone or silicone derivatives in it than typical) that helped it go on more evenly and blend out better on the lid, but I felt like the finish wasn’t as metallic once on and blended. It wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Luckfully (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Nile (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Rivage #5 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC A Sprinkle of Blues #3 (PiP, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Soaring (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Spring-Summer '17 (LE, $39.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Tonight's Temptation #1 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC Weirdly Wonderful (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild I'm His Breezey #5 (DC, $2.29) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Dark Seas (P, $14.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$17.00/0.05 oz. - $340.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "highly pigmented powder" that goes on "evenly and blends well." MAC eyeshadows run the gamut from total failures to long-time, cult-favorite staples. In general, the permanent line has been more consistent in performance--and higher performance at that--compared to limited edition launches, but it can really depend.
The Matte finish tends to have a firmer press and a bit of thinness compared to other matte formulas on the market, so MAC matte eyeshadows tend to build up better and have better wear-time without fallout as they're not powdery at all. Some of the newer matte finish shades have had a more velvety quality to them that gives them a softer feel but aren't powdery; these have been easier to blend and are often more pigmented in one layer.
The Lustre finish is designed to have sheerer pigmentation, and it often has more sheer to medium coverage with a drier, dustier consistency that can be hard to apply with a dry brush. Lustre finish shades can suffer from fallout during application, too. They are the old school version of an eyeshadow "topper." I would recommend applying with a fingertip or applying with a dampened brush to get smoother, more even coverage and minimize fallout.
The Satin finish is few and far in-between, but it is softer and more yielding than the Matte finish but performs similarly. They tend to have very low sheen but are quite blendable with medium to opaque coverage. It can be easy to mix the finish up with the Velvet finish, which has more of a sparkle-over-matte effect but are more powdery than the true Matte finish.
The Frost finish is more firmly-pressed into the pan but doesn't have fallout, is often pigmented, and blends out well enough. They can sometimes be a little drier to the touch depending on how much shimmer is in the shade. The Veluxe Pearl finish is one of the creamier takes within the range, and newer shades released in the finish tend to have more moderate, silicone-like slip. I've found that Veluxe Pearl finish shades tend to have more semi-opaque pigmentation and are more consistent in performance than some of the other finishes.
One thing I've found with MAC eyeshadows is that they tend to last longer without primer than the average brand (eight hours). While some eyeshadow shades don't swatch well, they often apply better in practice--as in on the eyes!--than just swatched on the skin. They can be quite hit or miss, and they have inconsistencies between releases (see Carbon and its sordid review history!).
Browse all of our MAC Eyeshadow swatches.
In the Shadows
PPermanent. $17.00.
Take Me Home
MAC Take Me Home Powder Blush Duo is likely the star product in the range, and again, I felt like MAC changed something in the formula as both halves of the duo were very silky and finely-milled without being thin or dry. Both shades were very pigmented and long-wearing.
Take Me Home
LELimited Edition. $26.00.
Take Me Home (Top)
Take Me Home (Top) is a brighter, medium-dark pink-coral with warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. There seemed to be a very slight sheen/micro-pearl to this one, particularly on the skin when buffed and blended on my cheeks. It had excellent pigmentation with a soft, lightly powdery texture that was easy to apply and blend out on my skin. This shade stayed on well for eight hours before I noticed fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NYX Pinched (DC, $5.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NYX Desert Rose (DC, $5.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Life's a Picnic (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Peep Show (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Angel Pride III (LE, $30.00) is darker, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain Madame Rougit (LE, $67.00) is brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Too Faced How Deep is Your Love? (P, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Milani Lady Rouge (06) (P, $8.99) is less shimmery, brighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Hotline (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Melt Into Spring (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.21 oz. - $114.29 Per Ounce
Per the brand, the formula is supposed to "provide fantastic colour with ease and consistency" that "applies evenly, adheres lightly to skin." There are five distinct finishes within the range: Frost ("iridescent, lightly shimmering color"), Matte ("flat, matte finish... builds well"), Satin ("adds subtle highlights to the skin"), Sheertone ("sheer-on micro-refined powder ... that goes on faint"), and Sheertone Shimmer ("just enough shimmer to make light dance on your cheeks"). Their permanent blushes are available in compact form as well as pan-only (the latter will be cheaper).
The following overview has been updated to reflect the most current iteration of the brand's permanent range (whether or not there's been any official change) as I repurchased the majority of the permanent shades as of June 2018. I make a point to say that because I felt that the textures of several shades, particularly the frost finish shades, was noticeably different; they were much smoother and had more slip but were less shimmery/frosted (on average) and seemed to be a bit weaker in pigmentation (but still buildable). Some of the mattes felt like I've encountered in the past (a little drier, pigmented, and fairly blendable), while some felt more velvety and finely-milled.
MAC has a solid blush range but some shades are harder than others to blend out or diffuse, and as it does for most formulas (from any brand), it really comes down to some shades falling shy of expectations. The matte finish had a tendency to darken on my skin within five minutes of application; for most shades, I would recommend applying over a powdered face and/or avoiding applying on still-drying complexion products to make blending the easiest. The matte shades seemed to be semi-opaque to opaque, buildable, and long-wearing (about eight hours).
Only a few of the shades in the permanent range seemed to be particularly frosted/metallic on the skin; most shades that had shimmer appeared more softly luminous or pearlescent on the skin to the point where there was little sheen/reflection captured by my camera (I did a double take for a few and re-did swatches only to find the same finish captured yet again!). The Sheertone Shimmer performed most consistently with this: very subtle sheen, more "my skin but better" with having a slightly more noticeable sheen than matte. There were a few shades that had a strong sheen on the skin (like Peachykeen), though. The Frost finish just seemed to have stronger, larger shimmer in it, but the effect on the skin ranged being subtle to moderate. The same was true with Satin--some were more satin-like and some seemed more like a Frost (like Modern Mandarin).
Most shades were blendable, while pigmentation varied from sheer to opaque depending on the shade, but most had decent, builable coverage. The textures were firmer than the average powder blush of current times, but they don't have excess product kicked up in the pan at all. The wear ranged between seven and nine hours with deeper, intense mattes (like Fever or Film Noir) lasted longer.
Browse all of our MAC Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
TALC, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, ZINC STEARATE, ISOSTEARYL NEOPENTANOATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL. MAY CONTAIN: SILICA, MICA, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163), BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090), CARMINE (CI 75470), CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN (CI 77289), CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288), FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510), MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742), RED 6 (CI 15850), RED 6 LAKE (CI 15850), RED 7 LAKE (CI 15850), RED 28 LAKE (CI 45410), RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360), ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140), YELLOW 6 LAKE (CI 15985).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Take Me Home (Top)
LELimited Edition. $24.00.
Take Me Home (Bottom)
Take Me Home (Bottom) is a medium-dark, rosy plum with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. I did find that the finish wasn’t flat or too matte on the skin, as it seemed to absorb just a bit of the natural oils on the skin (without darkening significantly or becoming hard to blend) to give it a natural finish. It had opaque pigmentation with a soft, velvety texture–one of the more finely-milled MAC powders I’ve come across–that blended out fairly easily. It wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Happiest Cruise (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Candid (LE, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Morphology (P, $15.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Potted (LE, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Vogue (LE, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Sesso (Blush) (PiP, ) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- Milk Makeup Beyond (P, $20.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Faith (P, $23.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Plum #2 (PiP, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Viseart Violet #2 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.21 oz. - $114.29 Per Ounce
Per the brand, the formula is supposed to "provide fantastic colour with ease and consistency" that "applies evenly, adheres lightly to skin." There are five distinct finishes within the range: Frost ("iridescent, lightly shimmering color"), Matte ("flat, matte finish... builds well"), Satin ("adds subtle highlights to the skin"), Sheertone ("sheer-on micro-refined powder ... that goes on faint"), and Sheertone Shimmer ("just enough shimmer to make light dance on your cheeks"). Their permanent blushes are available in compact form as well as pan-only (the latter will be cheaper).
The following overview has been updated to reflect the most current iteration of the brand's permanent range (whether or not there's been any official change) as I repurchased the majority of the permanent shades as of June 2018. I make a point to say that because I felt that the textures of several shades, particularly the frost finish shades, was noticeably different; they were much smoother and had more slip but were less shimmery/frosted (on average) and seemed to be a bit weaker in pigmentation (but still buildable). Some of the mattes felt like I've encountered in the past (a little drier, pigmented, and fairly blendable), while some felt more velvety and finely-milled.
MAC has a solid blush range but some shades are harder than others to blend out or diffuse, and as it does for most formulas (from any brand), it really comes down to some shades falling shy of expectations. The matte finish had a tendency to darken on my skin within five minutes of application; for most shades, I would recommend applying over a powdered face and/or avoiding applying on still-drying complexion products to make blending the easiest. The matte shades seemed to be semi-opaque to opaque, buildable, and long-wearing (about eight hours).
Only a few of the shades in the permanent range seemed to be particularly frosted/metallic on the skin; most shades that had shimmer appeared more softly luminous or pearlescent on the skin to the point where there was little sheen/reflection captured by my camera (I did a double take for a few and re-did swatches only to find the same finish captured yet again!). The Sheertone Shimmer performed most consistently with this: very subtle sheen, more "my skin but better" with having a slightly more noticeable sheen than matte. There were a few shades that had a strong sheen on the skin (like Peachykeen), though. The Frost finish just seemed to have stronger, larger shimmer in it, but the effect on the skin ranged being subtle to moderate. The same was true with Satin--some were more satin-like and some seemed more like a Frost (like Modern Mandarin).
Most shades were blendable, while pigmentation varied from sheer to opaque depending on the shade, but most had decent, builable coverage. The textures were firmer than the average powder blush of current times, but they don't have excess product kicked up in the pan at all. The wear ranged between seven and nine hours with deeper, intense mattes (like Fever or Film Noir) lasted longer.
Browse all of our MAC Powder Blush swatches.
Ingredients
TALC, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, ZINC STEARATE, ISOSTEARYL NEOPENTANOATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL. MAY CONTAIN: SILICA, MICA, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163), BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090), CARMINE (CI 75470), CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN (CI 77289), CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288), FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510), MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742), RED 6 (CI 15850), RED 6 LAKE (CI 15850), RED 7 LAKE (CI 15850), RED 28 LAKE (CI 45410), RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360), ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140), YELLOW 6 LAKE (CI 15985).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Wow, that is an amazing deal. And it looks lovely! I thing weāve got a winner here.
Wow, I didn’t even notice the price! It is a VERY good deal. The shades just aren’t my cup of tea.
The only thing here that interested me was Hey, Boy, Hey! lipstick. But reading about the formula has saved me from spending my money. I am not a fan of MAC’s retro mattes. But the color sure is pretty!
They lost my money when they sold it as a set. I wouldn’t mind one item or so from each set, but I’m not spending that amount of money just to get one item and have a bunch of other products I don’t use. I wonder why they did it that way as with collabs they usually don’t?
The cynic in me thinks that the last collection didn’t sell very well, so they did this to try and move stock
True dat
This set, these shades, are so “me”! Which tells me to look in my stash. However, if I see that it would mean using 4 different palettes (which would be a pain in the tush!), I may just go for it!
In other words, I don’t know yet? I do know that I am swooning over the eye look you’re wearing in the full face pic!
For a MAC collection this is pretty good if you like these shades. Really vibrant colours.
For a MAC collection this is pretty good if you like these shades. Really vibrant colours. An interesting collection that would suit many differing skintones.
Iāll proly get it for the blush. I do like the gloss but would only use the lipstick with the gloss. I can always gift the shadows.
Some great products/colors here, and an awesome value, but wish they were sold separately!
I wish the eyeshadows popped out of the compact so you could switch them around. There’s two I like and two I’d never use. *^_^*
It is a great deal for the bundle. The collection is definitely scream SPRING… I think I will get this one because I do enjoy colorful looks. š The lipstick is calling my name.. but I do like the blush colors too.. š
I’m in love with your entire makeup look for this post. So beautiful!
That’s a really good deal! The packaging is lovely too
It’s a pity that you can’t buy the product separately though… I would have loved to pick up the blush but I don’t really need the lip products and the eyeshadow quad!
How do you think these collections compare to the La Vie en Rose palette by Pat McGrath, which do you prefer?
I don’t think they’re comparable, since La Vie en Rose doesn’t contain lip products or cheek colors, and there’s no blue eyeshadow in La Vie en Rose, which is obviously a big pop in the quad here. It doesn’t make sense to spend nearly $50 on a single MAC eyeshadow quad if that’s the only thing you care about! The quality of Pat McGrath’s formula is obviously superior (La Vie en Rose scored an A, and the quad scored a B here), so I would prefer to use a higher quality formula.
I picked up the Me so Chic kit. Iām reasonably fair. I wanted this quad. Wondering which kit you think is better for light skin tones with blue eyes. Did I make a mistake or should I bite the bullet and get this kit as well. And just give away the lipstick I would never use.
My goodness! I love love love this collection! I was septical at the price but after I played with it I was happy. The colors work so well with my NW45 shade. The blue is a perfect eyeliner and “V” color. I did sheer out the bright pink but other than that these shades are wearable. Lipstick and gloss together are just beautiful!! I will pick up another set and just gift the blush.