At the top of the list of not-so-smart things I’ve done over the past few days: starting to watch a scary movie at 10:30 p.m. Yes, that’s when I cranked up Insidious the other night thinking I’d only watch “10 minutes of it” before going straight to bed.
Bad idea.
Of course I had to finish it, which was like watching Britney’s infamous breakdown (I couldn’t look away!), except with sudden loud noises, scary silhouettes seen through darkened windows, and creaky wooden floors. NOTE TO SELF: films featuring demon possession do not make for relaxing bedtime fare.
Luckily, I also managed to do something pretty smart this week, which almost balances things out. I remembered where I put my missing pan of MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Sunbasque ($19.50), one of my summer faves for sunkissed cheeks, and arguably one of MAC’s user-friendliest (I don’t think that’s a real word…) blushes.
Sheertone and I met a couple of years ago at a MAC counter when I’d asked a MAC artist for a blush recommendation. I wanted something easy that would look great with a tan, and she pulled out Sunbasque, a shimmery, peachy pink bronze. What made it special, she said, was the slight red it contains, which complements the reddish tones in tanned skin.
It’s like a multifunction printer, but instead of printing, scanning and faxing, it blushes, bronzes and highlights. The bronze tones lend warmth to my cheeks, while the peachy pink adds a flush of color. The subtle shimmer just draws a little more attention to the face, but not so much that I look like I’m rollin’ straight to da club.
Two layers (it’s sooo easy to blend), and I look like I spent the entire day practicing cannonballs at the pool…and napping and reading Us Weekly.
I love the way it looks with traditional summer eye makeup colors, like bronze, gold, coral and teal, but I think it also pairs well with peachy pink lip colors (like MAC Evolution Revolution perhaps).
Have you spent much time with this Unsung Hero? Maybe it’s time to strike up a summer romance. 🙂
The MAC Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite products from MAC’s permanent collection
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Clear Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Humid Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Naked Lunch Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Russian Red Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Syrup Lipstick
- MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Blushbaby Blush
- MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Vex Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Strobe Cream
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Blot Powder/Pressed
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Subculture Lip Pencil
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Soft Brown Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Hero: Woodwinked Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Hero: Powersurge Eye Kohl
- MAC Unsung Heroes: All That Glitters Eyeshadow Is Not Just Another Gold
- MAC Unsung Heroes: The Technakohl Liners
- MAC Unsung Hero: Groundwork Paint Pot
- MAC Unsung Hero: Nymphette Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Viva Glam V
- MAC Unsung Hero: Blacktrack Fluidline
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Lychee Luxe Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Hero: Gorgeous Gold Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Hero: Patina Eyeshadow
Pearls of wisdom…
I know it’s not The Godfather or anything, but I really frickin’ love Clueless. It was on TV the other day, and I can’t believe how much that movie still makes me laugh.
Just great dialogue (“Cher’s saving herself for Luke Perry,” and “You try driving in platforms!”), bizarre characters and totally dated ’90s fashion. Remember those terrible velvet neck chokers? I think I still have one around…
Good times. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Please tell me I’m not the only person who still likes loves Clueless.
Samantha says
I LOVE your mac unsung heroes. It helps me develop a wish list of permanent items! I have one question, and hopefully you will be able to answer:)
I wear NARS casino bronzer, but am tempted to try MAC’s new careblend bronzers. With casino as a reference, should I pick up gold go lightly or lush light bronze?
Thanks so much for your help, Karen. I’m still so pumped for Evolution Revolution!
Bianca says
Hi Samantha,
I saw your comment & I just have to tell you the new careblend bronzers are amazing!!! I picked up go go lightly & I LOVE it! It’s so soft & smooth blends like butter I don’t have Casino but I do have Laguna… The lush light bronze has red in it. Go go lightly will make you look like you have a nice tan. Hope that helps 🙂
Karen says
Great advice, Bianca. I was just about to recommend the same thing. Gold Go Lightly for sure, Samantha!
Tracy says
I love Sunbasque too! IThe only demon posession movie I had trouble falling asleep after was the Exorcism of Emily Rose-the whole 3am thing freaked me out. Still does. I make sure my clock is dimmed all the way now. 🙂
P.sS. You have a repeat paragraph in the post. Sheertone and I met…
Tracy says
And I can’t spell possession!
Brooke says
I could watch Clueless a thousand times and still never get sick of it!
Vijaya says
This blush is one of the ones on my wishlist, but while I was at the store to get it, I wound up picking up Raizin.
Nina says
you are SO right — sunbasque is the perfect summer blush!
Nikolas says
I love clueless! The tv show spinoff was not near as funny.
How is sunbasque when compared to my paradise? Right now that is my holy Grail blush. It is perfect for a nice flush of color on my tan skin. I have worn it everyday since it came out, and at least 2 people tell me I am glowing or that my skin looks so pretty.
Nikolas says
I love clueless! The tv show spinoff was not near as funny.
How is sunbasque when compared to my paradise? Right now that is my holy Grail blush. It is perfect for a nice flush of color on my tan skin. I have worn it everyday since it came out, and at least 2 people tell me everyday that I am glowing or that my skin looks so pretty.
Karen says
Hi Nikolas,
I totally forgot that they did a spin-off TV show. I saw it once or twice and was like, “Eh.”
Anywho, Sunbasque has more pink and bronze than My Paradise. That’s My Paradise on the left and Sunbasque on the right:
Jean says
I <3 clueless so much. It was my favorite movie when it came out and it never gets old. I enjoy it as much now as I did then.
Kajal Couture says
I caught the ending of Clueless the other day and it brought back so many memories! I loved the 90s!!
Sunbasque was my first MAC blush and will always be my go-to. I feel like it flatters any type of look and is so easy to work with. It will always remain one of my faves!
Heidi says
This looks like a beautiful shade, but maybe a bit too dark for me? I’m an NC20 and I don’t tan, ever!
Karen says
Heidi,
You could totally do this! I’ve heard a few raves from NC20 girls who love it.
Amber says
You look so freakin’ adorable here!
Liz! says
Oooooh pretty blush! I love blush and there are STILL so many from MAC I haven’t tried yet.
And yes, I too still love Clueless. It’s a classic for me 😀
productdoctor says
Would you believe I don’t own a single MAC blush!?
Naj says
Me neither! But right now, I’m looking forward to getting Surf Baby’s My Paradise, and Blushbaby(Thanks to the unsung heroes series. Haha!). This one looks pretty too, not tempted, YET!!
Karen says
I think it’s time you guys made the jump! Blushbaby’s a good place to start. And yes, I’m totally biased because it was my first MAC blush. 😉
Cristina says
Karen,
Would you please tell me where that necklace is from? It is so chic, I am in love. Thank you 🙂
Karen says
Hi Cristina,
I got it years ago (2007?) at Macy’s. I can’t remember the designer’s name, but since then I’ve seen a few different versions of it at several stores. If I run across it again I’ll give it a shout!
meimei says
Ooooh, Sunbasque. If it were possible to find that one blush that will look good on most Pinays, this would be it! At least that’s the case for myself and most of the Pinay friends I know who have been to a MAC counter. 🙂 One of these days, when I finally get the dough to visit a MAC counter again…
Chris25 says
I have been intrigued by Sunbasque, but I already own Peachtwist and I have waaayyyy too many blushes. 🙂
Speaking of Clueless, I love the show! I used to run home after school in the 10th grade to watch it. I even bought one of those pink feather pens that look like the one Cher used.
Melissa says
Gurrrrrrrrrrl, no joke, I told hubby he was coming with me to the bathroom while I brushed my teeth after we watched Insidious!! AHHH it freaked me out. The end got a little cheesy but man, those creepy faces, and people popping out of places made my skin crawl!
On a happy note, the blush looks great on you. But then again, you are also lit from within for some reason 😉
Melissa says
On a clueless note, “Cher do you know what time it is???” “Watches don’t really go with this outfit daddy” lol
Makeup Morsels says
*whispers* I never got around to watching Clueless…definitely feel like that’s something I should do!
You look like you’re ready for summer with that blush 🙂
Kellie says
Oh you look so glowy here…in a good way!
What is on your lips, may I ask?…Is it the highly coveted EvRev?!?!
Thanks Karen!
Karen says
Hi Kellie,
Yup, I’m wearing MAC Crosswires topped with Evolution Revolution. 🙂
Paris B says
I had sunbasque and I swapped it away because it looks lovely on you but it made me look like I had been left out in the sun for far too long. LOL!
Karen says
Aww, Paris! Did you try it beneath bronzer? Layering it with a bronzer helps with some skin tones.
Instant Karma says
“You’re a virgin who can’t drive.” “That was way harsh, Tai!”
“Do you like Billie Holiday?” “I love him!”
Sunbasque looks really pretty on you! However, I can’t get any more MAC stuff (you know, until the Blogger collection comes out) because I received a box today (some Beach stuff and some additional eyeshadows…and lipstick…eep) on top of the little bit I bought yesterday at the store!
Karen says
OOh! Do tell about your eyeshadows and lippies! Tabs is so excited, LOL.
“You want to practice parking?” “What’s the point? Everywhere you go has valet.”
Instant Karma says
Does Tabs want the box? Tigger was poking at it yesterday but I’m sure he’d be happy to share with his tabby cousin.
Oh, I got too many things! I finally gave in and bought Cockney, despite it sounding so similar to Lady Bug, which I already own and love. I’m really glad I got it, though! I also bought the Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong because I have a red lipstick addiction (red lipstick, gold eyeshadow, and crime procedural TV shows…which reminds me, have you seen Law and Order: UK? SO GOOD. The accents and wigs are fantastic, lol.) I sadly missed Hibiscus from Surf, Baby, but I still managed to grab Gilded White and Sun Blonde. I also got Vex and Naked Lunch per your recommendations (thank you!) and Dazzlelight. I’m going to have a lot of fun playing with these 😀
Karen says
Tabs says “BUT OF COURSE!” He’ll try to stuff himself into any box no matter what the size (see below… and please note his rump):
Cockney is so beautiful! I’m really glad you like it. Oh, I’m also happy to hear that you picked up Vex and Naked Lunch too. They’re fantastic staples.
I haven’t seen Law & Order: UK. Is it just as good as SVU?
Instant Karma says
Awww, that’s such a cute photo! I think the MAC box will similarly be too small for Tabs, but I certainly wouldn’t begrudge him the opportunity to try to stuff himself into it. 🙂 Tigger doesn’t try to jump in boxes all that frequently; he’s more into nipping at them and rubbing his face on them very enthusiastically. Giz hasn’t yet discovered the wonders of boxes. I should give her one and see what happens! Maybe after she stops howling at the birds outside…
I really like everything that arrived! Vex might actually be my favorite of the eyeshadows, which I wasn’t expecting. It’s really flattering, and not too cool on me like I feared it might be.
L&O: UK is the British version of the original Law and Order, so if you like the original, you might like it, too! The accents are fun (the head of the Crown Prosecution Service has a fantastic Scottish accent), and the cast is universally quite strong. That has not always been true of the other Law and Order shows, much as I may love them. The two cops have great chemistry, the crown prosecutor (British version of Jack McCoy back before he was DA) is fantastic, and the female assistant does a great job, too, unlike some of her American counterparts who have been very hit and miss. It’s pretty different from SVU since there’s the equivalent focus on both the police and the CPS, but I think it’s just as good of a show. There should totally be a British version of SVU (ideally with someone as attractive as Christopher Meloni, lol).
Karen says
Does Tigger do the whole rubbing of the cheeks on the corners? That’s Tabs favorite part of box exploration, I think. I read somewhere it’s a sign of dominance, and that they’re marking the box as theirs. Greedy little kitties!
LOL re: Giz howling at the birds. I wonder what she’d have to say about the baby turkeys outside my window.
Ooh! One thing to try with Vex: pop it into the inner corners with a pencil brush. I swear it wakes my eyes right up!
Okay, sold on British L&O. I’ll see if I can Tivo that bad boy. Honestly, if I could surgically attach myself to my Tivo remote I probably would…
Instant Karma says
Yes, that’s what he’s doing! I guess Tiggy has to get his alpha male on somehow.
Oh, I think Giz would love the turkeys. The neighbors put out a bird feeder, and she utterly adores it. She sits behind the couch to watch them eat. I think it’s because she thinks that they can’t see her if she hides behind it :).
That’s a really good idea for Vex! I can use whatever help I can get in that arena. Grr, under eye circles…
Yay! It’s a fun show (although I always feel like an idiot whenever I can’t make out everything a minor character is saying because he has a heavy cockney accent). I know how you feel about the Tivo! However, sometimes I feel like mine is judging me based on the suggestions it saves for me, lol. It occasionally records three hour long blocks of the Weather Channel or that TV show where that dude goes around and eats really large items of food. Is this what you really think of me, Tivo?!
Carrie says
Sunbasque really is pretty. I can’t believe I don’t already own it…I love “Clueless”! One of my all-time favorite movies. I still remember cracking up in the movie theater the first time I watched it with my best friend. I don’t even know how many times I’ve watched it since.
Karen says
ME TOO! I tried to count the other day and I seriously couldn’t. I may have seen it over a 100 times (eek!).
Kim says
Sunbasque is super-pretty on you. Very summery! 🙂 It’s been ages since I’ve seen Clueless but I still remember quite a few parts of it, which is a good sign. I’m from a small town, though, and we didn’t have any Cher-like characters here (in real life). I’m sure it’s even funnier for you ladies who might have actually known girls like her in HS. 🙂
Karen says
You need to watch it again. It contrasts nicely with Game of Thrones, LOL!
I didn’t know any girls who were exactly like the lead character Cher, but I do remember rockin’ her ’90s fashion big time. Knee high socks, a-line minis, platform shoes, little backpacks… gawd I need to burn those pics. I looked like the missing Spice Girl.
Kim says
HAHA! That is too funny – now I’ll definitely have to watch again. I could definitely use something more upbeat after so much Game of Thrones!
Hey, that beats my 90s “fashion” hands down. I remember tying flannel shirts around my waist, for goodness sake! 🙂 I think you should scan and post those photos instead of burning them. The old pics with your friends that you put up this week were really cute. Coincidentally, one of my bffs said she unearthed a ton of pics of us while sorting for a garage sale last weekend. They’ll be fun to see!
Sarah says
lip product, please….its so pretty!!!
Karen says
Hi Sarah,
SO glad you like! It’s MAC Crosswires Lipstick topped with Evolution Revolution Lipglass!
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/12-ways-to-wear-mac-evolution-revolution-lipglass/
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/the-mac-bloggers-obsessions-collection-mac-evolution-revolution-lipglass/
jenny says
what is on ur lips? love that combo!
Karen says
Hi Jenny,
That’s MAC Crosswires Lipstick topped with Evolution Revolution Lipglass! You can read more about it here:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/12-ways-to-wear-mac-evolution-revolution-lipglass/
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/the-mac-bloggers-obsessions-collection-mac-evolution-revolution-lipglass/
Edelmc says
Sorry. I don’t know why the wrong user name came up but I thought I would ask the question again with the correct user name…..
Do mac do a pink version of this in their sheertone blush range? A pale pink would be particularly nice
Karen says
Hmm, maybe Ambering Rose? There’s also Dollymix, which I know is nothing close to pale (it’s hot pink in the pan!), but when applied lightly with a fan brush can look *amazing* on pale skin.
Mindy M. says
I’m obsessed with Clueless and have been since it came out. I was 10 and wanted to be exactly like those girls!! :P. Also have Mean Girls memorized. 🙂
This blush looks too dark for me. I love the Unsung Heroes series….gives me a great place to start on collecting permanent staples! I always get sucked into LE’s.
Iram says
I always watch scary movies before going to bed too… not a good idea.
I’m not really a fan of shimmery blushers but you look really good with it on. Really glowy and just beautiful 🙂
larie says
Gah, I never watch demon possession movies…or ghost ones…or zombie ones… <– scaredy cat 😛
Sunbasque looks gorgeous, but it's really your swatch against My Paradise that did it for me! Looks pretty unique!
Rengirl says
You look positively glowy as of late (not just in this post… the last several). Is it the careblend? Am I going to have to break down and purchase my first MAC item in the past 10 years?
Wendy says
JAJAJA a reference to clueless is at times necessary sista!!!
Everytime I use the valet I remember Cher.
What’s you lip color in the second picture girl? If it’s Evolution Revolution I’ll buy it and backups.
I count on your clueless references like I count on my mothers scrutiny of my love life, always reliable
Marika says
wow that’s a pretty blush. I never wore blush until a few months ago but I got Benefit’s Bella Bamba as a present and now I’m a convert :). I want to get a couple blushes from MAC, I was thinking Well Dressed and this one so I would have one that would look good on pale winter skin and one summery one. What do you think?
chibu74 says
gorgeous blush
love your necklace
ik says
Its GORGEOUS! I am getting this asap! 🙂 You look so pretty 🙂 Love how this looks on you!
Polish Earthgirl says
Just bought this because of your post, I am in love!!! This gives me a gorgeous glow! And I love the sheertone shimmer finish! A breeze to apply, thanks Karen!! 🙂
Alison says
I love this whole look – would you happen to remember what else you wore?
Zoorkitty says
Definitely buying this once I am done with (two) mini bottles of chacha tint. Love the colour but soooo over its hard to blend formulation. Mac sunbasque, oh baby wait for me!