“Almost done! Be down in five minutes!”
I wonder if boys are born knowing that that phrase up their actually means that they’re gonna be waiting at least another 30 minutes, or if it’s knowledge they acquire over the years.
Poor El Hub… Sometimes I think I can actually hear his eyes rolling when I yell to him from upstairs, “Almost done! Be down in five minutes!”
It’s all the little bits, ya know? Those are the things that can really add up to take so much time — the things like shading, contouring, highlighting and texturizing we do to give our makeup extra bamf!
You know how it goes… Like J. Renner told Ellen, you start with the basics. “Brows, lashes, lips — frame the face!” (at about 3:34 in the video). But then somewhere along the way, the makeup train derails. Next thing you know, you’re holding five brushes in one hand and two palettes in the other, and the sink is covered in fallout.
Possessed! That’s how you look, but you feel like the queen of the world! 🙂
If those little beauty bits — the things like sculpting, defining and adding texture to your skin — light your fire like they light mine, don’t miss the new MAC Face and Body collection, a 27-piece release.
It includes 13 travel-sized bottles of MAC Face and Body Foundation (1.7 ounces for $27 each, versus $35 for the regular 4-ounce bottles), six Pro Scultping Creams ($20 each), six shimmery Pressed Pigments ($21 each) and two brushes ($25 for the MAC 215, and $35 for the MAC 163).
Here’s a quick look at four pieces from the collection and a few first impressions…
Peachy beige Pro Sculpting Cream in Accentuate
Deep, dirty cool brown Pro Sculpting Cream in Coffee Walnut
Pressed Pigment in Deeply Dashing, a high light pearl powder in NW55
Pressed Pigment in Spot Lit, a high pearl powder in NW35
Swatches from the left: Pro Sculpting Cream in Coffee Walnut, Pro Sculpting Cream in Accentuate, Pressed Pigment in Deeply Dashing and Pressed Pigment in Spot Lit
The MAC Face and Body Collection: A few first impressions
- The Pressed Pigments in Spot Lit and Deeply Dashing: Boy, what these lack in pigment, they sure make up for in glitter. These totally remind me of Bobbi Brown’s Sparkle Eyeshadows, except softer and creamier. The finish almost looks wet, which I think is really cool. You never know know about fallout, though, when it comes to glitter. Fingers crossed that these like lids more than chins and cheeks.
- The Pro Sculpting Creams in Coffee Walnut and Accentuate: More with the sheer! These lightweight creams feel slightly wet to me and sticky when applied, but dry to a smooth, non-sticky matte finish. Haven’t figured out how long they last yet, but I do love how natural they look and how easily they blend into my skin.
- The Face and Body Foundation: It’s not shown up there, but remember this lightweight liquid from a few days ago? If you like sheer-to-medium coverage foundations that photograph well, you might want to give it a try (MAC artists often use it on brides!).
The entire MAC Face and Body Collection includes…
MAC PRESSED PIGMENT ($21 U.S./$25 CDN)

Light Touch: High pearl powder in NW10
Warming Heart: High pearl powder in NW20
Day Gleam: High pearl powder in NC30
Spot Lit: High pearl powder in NW35
Beaming: High pearl powder in NC50
Deeply Dashing: High pearl powder in NW55PRO SCULPTING CREAM ($20 U.S./$24 CDN)

Accentuate: Peachy beige
Naturally Defined: Warm beige
Pure Sculpture: Neutral pink-beige
Copper Beech: Warm golden brown
Coffee Walnut: Deep, dirty cool brown
Richly Honed: Warm deep brown SRPFACE AND BODY FOUNDATION ($27 U.S./$32 CDN)
C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, N1, N2, N3, N5, N7 and N9BRUSHES
215 Medium Shader ($25 U.S./$30 CDN)
163 Flat Contour ($35 U.S./$42 CDN)
MAC Face and Body comes face to face with MAC fans on counters and in stores tomorrow, but it’s already available online now at maccosmetics.com.
More, please
You ever get so sleepy that you can’t sit still? That’s how I feel today… I’ve probably had too much coffee now because I feel…weird. Like I could flap my wings and fly away! But then fall from the sky and quickly pass out, LOL!
I think it’s leftover excitement from the blog’s new “outfit.” 🙂 It was hard keeping it a secret, but I wanted to make it a surprise. Thank you for all of your input so far. It really helps.
Dang, I think I might even need (want) another cup of coffee. I’m feeling all over the place today…
How’s it goin’ out yonder way? Have you had a good hump day so far?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
penelope says
I feel like going to someone’s blog is like visiting someone’s house. So I feel like telling you how much I love the new look of your house (aka blog). On a random note, I think you have the best swatches in the beauty blogging business. The quality of these pictures are better than real eyes. lol
skincaregirlblog.blogspot.com
Karen says
Hi Penelope,
I feel the exact same way! To me it feels like being in someone’s living room, LOL!
Appu says
I’ve always wanted to try the MAC Face & Body foundation, it sounds great. If I do I’ll pick up a big bottle, seems better value for money. I’m all for sheer, lightweight finishes. Love the new layout, Karen!
Karen says
Hi Appu,
You definitely get more bang for your buck with the larger bottle. I hope you try it and like it…let me know what you think of it once you give it a go.
Crystal says
I can’t wait to try one of those pressed pigments! The new layout looks great, you take amazing pictures so it’s nice to see them.
Karen says
Hi Crystal,
Thanks lady! 🙂 I hope you had a great day!
CrystalCandy says
I didn’t like the pressed pigments at all, glitters all over my cheeks doesn’t look good!
I love the new look, by the way!
Karen says
Hi CrystalCandy,
LOL, I think it’s one of those products where you’ve got to become one with the glitter. I tried it today and now it’s all over my face…
Oh, and thank you! I’m glad you like it. 🙂
Katherine G says
I love the new look of the blog! This MAC collection looks interesting – I will have to check it out!
Karen says
Hi Katherine G,
Thank you!
If/when you peep this launch let me know. Would love to hear what you think about the cream bronzers.
Hope you had a nice day. Did you do anything fun?
Katherine G says
I will probably check out the new stuff in a week or two – gonna start stocking up for things I need for the cruise, which is in October. Yesterday the fiance and I bought weights and barbells for a bench press – we just need the bench and it will be all set up! Excited to start power lifting again. Did you do anything fun today?
Karen says
JEALOUS of your new bench press! I used lift with El Hub years ago and at my best I had 35lb plates on each side. One of the gym gals saw me lift once and said, “Well you’re just a strong little thing, aren’t ya?” To this day thinking of that moment still makes me smile. I miss being able to do that, le sigh.
As for fun stuff, I just finished running. Only three miles today, but it’s better than nothing. After I hopped off the treadmill I decided to put some makeup on (gonna wash it off anyway) and now I’m sitting here typing with some crazy @ss smokey eyes, LOL!
Anywho, your cruise is just around the corner! What makeup are you thinking of bringing on your trip?
Katherine G says
That’s pretty good on your weights for the bench press! I was benching 100 pounds total at the gym before I gave up my gym membership. We are finding out that it’s cheaper to have your own gym at home, and we are using it sooo much more since it’s all right there. I like to experiment with makeup sometimes after working out or just being around the house, lately it’s been playing with red lipstick since I’m totally new to that.
For my trip I’m hesitant to bring some of my more expensive makeup, so I’m only bringing stuff that could be easily replaced should it get lost, broken, or stolen (haven’t flown or really traveled in years, so a bit nervous about dealing with all the packing and luggage). Planning on bringing a few of my L’Oreal Infallible eye shadows like Eternal Sunshine, Amber Rush, and Endless Sea, my MAC Club eyeshadow, and a couple of the Maybelline Color Tattoo ones for eye stuff. For eyeliner I can get away with bringing UD Zero and Bourbon and a couple of NYX liners. Anything big, like body lotion, will go in my suitcase and be checked. Going to look at travel sized stuff at Sephora and Ulta soon!
Windie says
Have to give face and body a try.
Your website is waayy fab!
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!
Karen says
Hi Windie,
I’m glad you like it! 🙂 Let me know if you end up trying Face and Body and what you think of it.
Tiffany says
Love the new look! I’ve always wanted to give MAC F&B foundation a try and I like the fact that it comes in a smaller bottle.
Karen says
Thank you, Tiffany!
F&B is excellent, especially if you like sheerer foundations that you can build up. Have you tried any MAC foundations before? Sculpt used to be my fave, but now I’m all about Face and Body.
Hope you had a nice day!
buckycatt says
I was taken aback by the new layout this evening! I like it but I just hope it is Tabs-approved 😀
Karen says
It is! Your nephew, Tabs, sends you EXTRA purrs and kitty hugs, Buckycatt!
Nina says
Again, I havent bitten the bullet on anything from this collection. Maybe I wont, maybe im saving for Marilyn. 😀
Karen says
Hi Nina,
I’m excited for that launch. It looks really pretty!
How are the kitties doing? I hope they’re less grumpy.
Nina says
Theyre better. They like hanging outside the room where all my clothes/makeup are kept. I think they want to hang out w/ momma. 🙂
The M collection does look really pretty! Im so excited about it that I am going to the launch. That has not happened since Wonder Woman. 🙂
Jane says
Love the new look!
Karen says
Thank you, Jane! 🙂
Hope you had a nice day. Anything new to report?
Linh @ Linh's Kitchen says
The new blog outfit looks awesome! The new banner is perfect for highlighting your skills at photography. I hope you add more pics to the collection. The new image centric drop down sections are genius! All the pics are stunning so they make people want to click and explore further.
One small suggestion is to look into making each section (About, Categories and Galleries) scrollable. For example, each time someone scrolls their mouse over Categories, they get a beautiful preview of all the sections within. Not completely necessary but saves a click.
On the topic of contouring, has anyone ever tried contouring their nose? I’ve flirted with the idea but always chicken out!
Karen says
Thanks for the feedback, Linh. Appreciate it! 🙂
As for contouring…I’ve tried it a few times, and it can make a difference, especially in pics. I usually skip it though, and opt to do my cheeks instead.
Linh @ Linh's Kitchen says
Oooh, tutorial some day? It’d be cool to learn for those photo ops. I saw on Youtube, make up gal Michelle Pan started from the inner eyebrow edge all the way down the nose. Seems so dramatic!
I’m all about countouring the cheekbones too. You probably don’t need the tip but I put down my Cornell contour brush (from Michael’s – hehe) for Mac’s 138 brush and fell in love. The online reviews said it’s “like being kissed by an angel” and it’s true. I use the brush everyday to apply bronzer.
P.S. Karen you are such an inspiration! So much hard work, consistently great content and incredible photography. Keep up the great work girl!
Erin says
Karen, the blog’s new outfit looks freaking amazing. What font did you use for the main mbb title? I’m studying media design and geeking out over how pretty everything is, well done!
I’m also liking the pro sculpting creams, but how do you use them? Are they just like glorified bronzers/blushes or what?
Anne says
Hi Karen, love the new outfit
Is this collection limited?
Kiss & Make-up says
The pressed pigment looks interesting and the contouring creams look good too.
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
Oooh I have the same mug (except with my initial, of course) that I use on the daily for my morning tea! 😀
As for those pressed pigments, I was originally pretty excited, but now I’m not so sure. They’re just so…glittery
Lisa S. says
love the new site look!
Kimberly says
Loving the new blog look! It has a very mature flair to it. Anyway just wanted to thank you for all of the inspiration on beauty you give me. I love reading all of your reviews, you make everything so much fun!
Thanks again 💙
Deanna says
Karen, the new website looks amazing! I really love the elegant simplicity of it. There isn’t too much going on but it is still cute!
I purchased MAC F&B foundation last week and I am loving it! I was surprised the lightest colour wasn’t lighter (maybe we have different colours in OZ?) but it is still fine. I’m loving it so far! How do you use the sculpting creams? I’m so useless in that department so any tips would be fab! 😀
Krisabelle says
LOVE the new design, Karen! Fabulous logo! It’s perfect!
cassi t says
Hey Karen! Can you tell me what eyeshadow is above the word “and” in your first picture? It looks like two colors together in one pot. Thank you so much!!