MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics: Something for Everyone
Thu, 08/20/2009 by Karen | Posted in: MAC Makeup
Shh… Do you hear that sound, ladies?
It’s the sound of millions of MAC fans being kept on their toes.
Seeing the new MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics collection at the mall today, I had to overlook my preconceived notions of typical fall makeup and remember what I was supposed to be seeing.
MAC chose to name this collection “Make-Up Art Cosmetics” for a reason. It’s the company’s name, after all, and I’m guessing they intended for it to reflect more than just a season.
Remember Cult of Cherry last fall? Or Smoke Signals the fall before that? Both releases epitomized fall makeup with sultry smokey eye colors and vampy lips (mrow!).
With Make-Up Art Cosmetics, however, MAC stitched together a crazy quilt of colors running the gamut from neutrals to brights to bliggity bling-bling — a release representative of the company itself.
Widespread appeal
I really get the feeling MAC tried to include something for everyone.
The subdued neutrals, elegant greens and sheer purples in the Richard Phillips set appeal to the Chanel lover in me, while the vibrant eyeshadows, liners and pigments of the Maira Kalman and Marilyn Minter sets feed my hard-core color cravings and glitter pangs.
It’s a HUGE collection, too, with neutrals for my makeup-shy mom and brights for my makeup-obsessed BFF. Either one could walk away from the MAC counter with something new to wear.
What caught my eye?
Mostly the products in the Richard Phillips set — Notable blush, the Notoriety Eyeshadow palette and the New Spirit Lipglass (funny how they all start with the letter N!) — all great neutrals for work or other responsible daytime looks.
I’d really like to hear your take on this collection. What do you think MAC meant by choosing to name it Make-Up Art Cosmetics, and does it deliver? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Product shots
Private Viewing quad
Notoriety quad
Photo Realism quad
Lipsticks from left to right: Front Lit, High Strung, Lovin’ It, Hold the Pose, Full Body
Lipglasses from left to right: Young Thing, Personal Taste, New Spirit, On Display
Blushes from left to right: The Perfect Cheek, Notable
Eyeshadows in top row from left to right: Crest the Wave, Off the Page, Maira’s Mood. Bottom row: Haunting, Purple Shower, Violet Trance
Technakohls from left to right: Colour Matters, Obviously Orange, Artistic License, Full of Fuchsia, Graphblack
Top row from left to right: Glitter in Reflects Copper Glitter, Glitter in Reflects Rust, Glitter in Gold, Glitter in Fuchsia. Bottom row: Pigment in Cocomotion, Pigment in Brash & Bold, Pigment in Heritage Rouge, Pigment in Push the Edge
Swatches on NC 35 skin
Private Viewing eyeshadow quad
Notoriety eyeshadow quad
Photo Realism eyeshadow quad
Lipsticks from left to right: Front Lit, High Strung, Lovin’ It, Hold the Pose, Full Body
Lipglasses from left to right: Young Thing, Personal Taste, New Spirit, On Display
Blushes from left to right: The Perfect Cheek, Notable
Eyeshadows from left to right: Crest the Wave, Off the Page, Maira’s Mood, Haunting, Purple Shower, Violet Trance
Technakohls from left to right: Colour Matters, Obviously Orange, Artistic License, Full of Fuchsia, Graphblack
From left to right: Glitter in Reflects Copper Glitter, Glitter in Reflects Rust, Glitter in Gold, Glitter in Fuchsia, Pigment in Cocomotion, Pigment in Brash & Bold, Pigment in Heritage Rouge, Pigment in Push the Edge
Also included in this release are Plushlash in Plushblack (see a review here) and Gloss Texture in Clear Gloss.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
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1. Diana Kim said, on August 20th, 2009:
I’ve been dying to see this collection in person! gahh!!
2. Kate & Zena said, on August 20th, 2009:
I like the first and third quads and Violet Trance but that’s about it. I love purple smokey eyes as they’re the one color I can use either to bring out the intense amber brown in my eyes or bring more of the grey out of my eyes depending on shade. It doesn’t help purple is my favorite color.
Deeper purples tend to bring more brown out while those that lean a bit lavender really bring out the grey. I’m thinking a purple smokey for my first day of school on Monday (ich). Maybe for my dentist appointment next Wednesday I’ll wear the one purple eyeshadow I have that garnered my nickname “fox eyes” at the optometrist. Not that my dentist would care but it would make definitely me feel better wearing my “fox eyes” look. Be a little like Zena with her big brown eyes.
Did you end up bringing anything home from this collection?
It was very, very windy today here in the ol’ Midwest (albeit pretty). I wanted to go inside to change half way through walking Zena. I was so scared my dress would blow up in the back a la Marilyn Monroe! I definitely should wear my shorts on windy days!
3. Solé said, on August 20th, 2009:
Thanks for the swatches!!! You do all the work for us and it’s definitely appreciated.
Although I’m sure they will look different on me, this definitely gives me a good idea of what the colors look like before I go into the store. I always like to have an idea of what I want before I go so I won’t have any regrets afterward. If I had the funds, I would literally buy every piece in this collection, but I think I’m going to stick to the quads and one or two of the lippies since all I have is a Nordie’s giftcard. Thanks. 
4. emma said, on August 20th, 2009:
i want the Notoriety quad!
and the botable blush : )
emma’s last blog post… Thursday News
5. nikki said, on August 20th, 2009:
oh my goodness i wish i had all the money in the world id buy everything from this collection.
i think im love with the lipglass
6. Allison said, on August 20th, 2009:
I have to get my mitts on the Private Viewing Quad! It’s so purplicious! The mere thought of getting to see this collection in person tomorrow has me ridiculously excited!
Allison’s last blog post… If you register your site for free at
7. ines + cha cha said, on August 20th, 2009:
oh geez i think i just had a makeup related headrush looking at this stuff
it’s sad but i just paid off my dance program so no makeup for a while! i’ll probs just save up and hope that i can get something from the collection somehow… i hope not everything is gone, since there is such a large product selection
ines + cha cha’s last blog post… Fragrance Review (the Gardenia Quartet Part I) – Crazylibellule and the Poppies Pompon Gardenia
8. marisa said, on August 20th, 2009:
MUST HAVE technakohl in artistic license….i’m thinking the eyeshadow in haunting too….
9. Sherry said, on August 20th, 2009:
OMG everything so lovely which to choose.
Sherry’s last blog post… How to search in eBay?
10. Jaclyn Rose said, on August 20th, 2009:
hi karen… i wanted to stop by the MAC counter today, but didn’t get a chance to. I totally fell in love with On Display lipglass after seeing it swatched on you. i am sooooo B2Ming for it. hehe, I also kinda want the Full on Fuschia technakohl. it looks so pretty! so MAC counter I shall see you tomorrow =)
Jaclyn Rose’s last blog post… FOTD, OOTD and a date with Jane
11. Tavia said, on August 20th, 2009:
OMG….they are all so beautiful….I’d better not drop by the mall until I would have enough money for all this beauties. I love the Notoriety quad, it has my usual makeup colors included.
Tavia’s last blog post… Review – Clinique Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer
12. Karen B said, on August 21st, 2009:
This collection is just too brilliant. It makes my fingers itch on my empty purse… lol
Do you know if the glitters are eye-safe?
13. Blovet Beauty said, on August 21st, 2009:
I really like this collection. its colorful, fun and vibrant!! Can’t wait for it to arrive!!
Blovet Beauty’s last blog post… G DRAGON EYES ON U!
14. Mary said, on August 21st, 2009:
I have just found your blog through “Amanda’s Sunshine”. I love it!
15. Alexis said, on August 21st, 2009:
Oh boy, I’m loving this collection more and more. I’m definitely picking up Heritage Rouge pigment, Young Thing lipglass, The Perfect Cheek blush, and Plush Lash mascara. On my maybe list are Cocomotion pigment and Notoriety quad. Decisions!
16. Tiffany said, on August 21st, 2009:
I love the concept for this collection, with the 3 artists and all! I think their fall stuff will come later (style black, anyone?).
Notable blush looks so great on your skintone!
17. Michelle (LipstickRules) said, on August 21st, 2009:
I did have a MAC makeup binge yesterday with the launch. Bought Notoriety quad, Photo Realism quad, Lovin It lipstick and On Display. You are right in that there’s something for everyone!
Michelle (LipstickRules)’s last blog post… Getting to know each other!
18. Jenn said, on August 21st, 2009:
great swatches! BUT from the pictures it looks like Obviously Orange is not obviously orange at all
19. Vonvon said, on August 21st, 2009:
OMG!!! As I have previously mentioned, I’d happily give up half of the cosmetics in my collection now for Make-Up Art Cosmetics.
I was at our local MAC today and was told this huge collection will be out next Friday….can’t wait to play with them all!!
Vonvon’s last blog post… FOTD: Another Nude But STONEd Look
20. gio said, on August 21st, 2009:
I like the concept of the collection and the fact there is something for everyone. Thanks for the swatches, I love the Technakohls and On Display lipglass.
gio’s last blog post… Looks: Sleek Acid Pink + Sleek Curious palette
21. Elle said, on August 21st, 2009:
Thanks for doing all the work for me, Karen
Notable is gorgeous on you. I also think I like the Notoriety quad, but I feel like I have too many shades that are already similar to those. Hopefully this means I won’t be blowing too much cash on this collection!
22. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Elle,
Yeah, I’ve seen that combo before — I have a similar one from Stila!
Will be trying on the Notable blush in a few.
How’s your Friday going? Got any plans for the weekend?
23. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Gio,
Me too. I think it really embodies MAC’s creed.
Are you gonna get any of the Technakohls?
24. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Vonvon,
Awesome! Which products are you most excited about?
Happy Friday.
25. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Jenn,
It’s more coral than orange, yeah.
I have it and am not sure how to work it — yet. My MAC MUA buddy suggested doing a line along the lower lash line, smudging it and then adding a reddish brown like Sketch right along the roots of the lashes. I dunno if it’s going to work but will try it anyway.
26. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Michelle,
Sweet! Are you rocking your new MAC stuff today?
27. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Tiffany,
Yeah, everybody’s all up in a tizzy about Style Black!
Did you end up picking anything up?
28. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Alexis,
I picked up Cocomotion a few months back and LOVE it. It seriously goes with everything and isn’t too over the top.
29. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Mary,
Thank you! It’s nice to meet ya.
30. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Blovet Beauty,
When does it arrive on your shores?
31. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Karen B.,
I asked the MUAs there about that, and they gave me the usual official answer — keep the glitter away from the eyes. They did mention, though, that they know people do it anyway, so…
32. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Tavia,
Notoriety is very pretty. The brown is actually very interesting — it has these really tiny gold flecks! You gotta get it.
33. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Jaclyn Rose,
Girl, if you figure out how to work that Full on Fuschia you gotta let me know! I am kinda at a loss and don’t know what to do with it.
Happy Friday!
34. Tiffany said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hey Karen! I ended up getting the notoriety and photo realism quads! I need to get a good base for them… what’s your fave? maybe the benefit creaseless creams?
35. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Tiffany,
Funny you should mention that quad — I’m playing with it right now. I just busted out some Creaseless Creams too, ha!
I’m thinking RSVP, Sippin N’ Dippin’ or Sambady Loves Me would work.
36. Tiffany said, on August 21st, 2009:
Thanks girlie! I will take a look at those shades… RSVP looks like a good neutral. Do you think the Benefit bases are the best for preventing creasing?
37. Karen said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hi Tiffany,
Yup, I do. If your lids are *very* oily, though, you might want to pop some UDPP or Too Faced Shadow Insurance beneath it just to be safe.
38. shontay said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hey Karen,
I think by choosing the name of this collection, Mac wanted to bring attention back to the art of makeup. It really is art ans this collection make every woman feel as if she is using her face as a canvas to bring out her own personality. This is why there’s a mix between bold and subtle.
I went to a special unveiling and bought on display and personal taste lip glass, notable blush and off the page shadow. I need to go back this weekend to get the photo realism quad, high strung lipstick (which should be awesome with personal taste) and obviously orange liner and maybe even artistic license. This is a gorgeous collection.
39. Elle said, on August 21st, 2009:
Haha, Karen, I’m going to Hooters with some of my friends this weekend. Cos they want “wings”.
What about you?
40. Tiffany said, on August 21st, 2009:
Awesome, thanks! I put RSVP on my wish list. I don’t think my lids are super oily.
41. Dao said, on August 21st, 2009:
This is a huge collection! I guess after so many collections that did not make a stir, MAC has to do something to win back its fan base. Also, the fall trend this year is bright colors (since the economy is really down) and I think this is refreshing. I personally do not prefer dark, gloomy colors for fall.
By putting its name on this collection, MAC shows people they’re serious. I guess it’s time for them to do so. One and a half of my feet are already out of the door.
Dao’s last blog post… My Messy Updo
42. jessica said, on August 21st, 2009:
Honestly, I was not Wow’ed by this collection…I absolutely adored Cult of Cherry, I bought almost everything! But thats my makeup taste–dark and sultry. That’s why bright rainbow colors and glitter pigments do not do it for me. So I definitely felt like my genre was ignored. I did like the idea of incorporating artists and the promo images, very cool. I did buy one thing–On display lip gloss! and love it!
43. Helene said, on August 21st, 2009:
WHYYYYY am I BROKE???? *sobbing* I want the Maira Kalman collection sooo bad! I adore the color.
44. All Women Stalker said, on August 21st, 2009:
Ohh the private viewing eyeshadows look promising.
-meream
All Women Stalker’s last blog post… 5 Home Styling Posts to BlogStalk…
45. Daya said, on August 21st, 2009:
The colors from this collection are beautiful! I bought the orange liner and want to do a fall look with it…Henna or Nocturnelle maybe on the lid.
46. Karen B said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hmm. It confuses me you know, where are we supposed to use the glitter then? I mean some of the colours are just NOT for cheek/lip stuff. Ah well. I’m broke anyways. Lol.
47. Catherine said, on August 21st, 2009:
Hmm, nothing truly calling to me from this collection, though I hav to say your swatches of Photorealism are prettier than anyone else’s I’ve seen – this quad confuses me so much because it look so different on everyone I’ve seen! Also lemming Cocomotion… but I probably will skip this one in the end. It was hyped up so much and the entire collection is just kind of been there done that for me.
Catherine’s last blog post… RAOK from the lovely gingitsune
48. Michele said, on August 21st, 2009:
I am going right to the MAC counter or online. Ya know even if i buy a quad , I will wind using only one of the colors. Why is that?
Rocking in Voorhees,
Michele
Happy Friday
49. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Shontay,
Did you end up going back for more goodies? You gotta let me know how you end up working the Obviously Orange.
50. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Elle,
Yeah right… wings!
Last night I didn’t do much, just went to Thai food for dinner and relaxed at home. Today I’ve got some writing to do and hopefully I’ll get the chance to go to the movies.
Hope you’re having a nice weekend so far.
51. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Karen B.,
I hear ya. I think officially they’re supposed to say “Keep it away from your eyes” but off the record they recognize that people end up doing it anyway. If you look closely at the Marilyn Minter promo pics it looks like they threw a ton of glitter on the lid!
52. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Diana,
Hopefully you’ll get a chance soon. Do you live near a MAC counter?
53. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Kate & Zena,
I picked up Notable blush, Lovin’ It Lipstick and New Spirit Lipglass.
54. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Sole,
Sure thing!
Let me know what you end up getting.
55. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Emma,
It’s a very nice quad. I hope you try it!
56. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Allison,
Nice. I liked the colors in that quad but found the payoff kinda sheer. Did you pick up anything yet?
57. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Ines,
I think you’ll be fine — I think this one isn’t as highly anticipated as a few more that are coming down the pipe.
58. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Marisa,
Do it! I heart the Technakohls!
59. Karen said, on August 22nd, 2009:
Hi Sherry,
I’m sure you’ll be able to narrow it down.
Did you end up getting anything?