If science fiction movies have taught me anything, it’s that aliens and robots live among us, and 99.9% of the time, they’re not here to party.
As we await the development of a foolproof means of rogue robot/alien detection from the scientific community, most of us still depend on tried-and-true, old-fashioned techniques…
…like dogs. They’re pretty reliable robot detectors (see: the Terminator movies), but since my employment contract with Tabs includes a clause prohibiting close canine contact, I need something else.
Perhaps something like the new Powder to the People from the MAC Beth Ditto collection ($38).
Powder to the People
In my experience, the robots I’ve encountered — I can’t speak for the aliens — have often struggled to understand certain aspects of the human condition, like emotion, music and other forms of creative expression.
Powder to the People, a limited edition polka-dotted powder for eyes and cheeks, definitely pushes one to think creatively with their makeup, by asking things like, “What should I do with this offbeat collection of sheer, semi-matte pink, peach, brown, blue and yellow?”
That’s the kind of creative thinking liable to expose masquerading robots and aliens.
Where a human might see Powder to the People’s multicolored dots (which aren’t over-sprays) and get the creative urge to whip up a watercolor eye look instead of the bright, shiny eye makeup they usually wear, a robot would get confused.
“Danger! Danger! Multiple makeup choices…does not compute.”
But as a human, you’re designed to handle creative decisions. You might decide to highlight your eyes and cheekbones with the powder and a MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush (although I’d probably steer clear of the blue on days other than Halloween), or use a smaller face brush like the MAC 109 to carefully swirl the pink, brown, yellow and peach shades together (again, avoiding the blue) to create a blush.
Humanity has its privileges. 🙂
Next time I find myself at a MAC counter beside someone I suspect of being a robot or alien, I’m gonna slip Powder to the People in front of them and ask, “How would you wear it?”, all the while, watching their eyes…
The eyes are the key…
Powder to the People shades swatched individually on the left and swirled together on the right
Wearing Powder to the People’s peach, brown and blue shades on my eyes, and the pink shade on my cheeks; MAC Casual Colour in Out for Fun topped with MAC Lipglass in Evolution Revolution on my lips; MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara on my lashes
If it’s a robot, you’ll see a flicker of confusion, a short circuit, in their eyes.
Granted, this method isn’t 100% accurate, but until the scientists who work for Tabs in his secret underground lair (affectionately known around here as the “Cat Cave”) figure out something better, it’s all we’ve got.
MAC Beth Ditto Powder to the People
- Sheer pigment and a semi-matte finish
- The peach shade resembles MAC Arena, and the brown shade looks a lot like MAC Soft Brown
- Finely milled powders feel velvety soft
- Could be a perfect fit for lighter skin tones
PRICE: $38
AVAILABILITY: Available now online at maccosmetics.com; coming to MAC counters and stores June 7 in North America and internationally later this month
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Yes, I was in a weird mood this afternoon. I’ve got alien/robot fever. 🙂
Emi at Project Swatch says
I must be a robot then, because I am very, very confused by this product!
Karen says
Maybe you are, LOL!
sarahc says
I like polka dots, but this is an abstract idea. I’m going to give MAC the benefit of the doubt and say it was on purpose.
It’s neat that it’s not just another pan with stripes.
BTW, one week till Prometheus! 🙂
musical says
Singing “We are the robots” by Kraftwerk :-D. Besides, it’s tough to take my eyes off the gorgeous lipcolor ;).
Nikki B. says
I just had to tell you after reading this post that you are an amazing writer. I love how you incorporate stories/analogies/randomness into your reviews. Thank you for doing such an awesome job.
Margaret says
What is this sorcery!? Probably the most quirky product I’ve seen, i’ll be very curious to swatch this IRL
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
eh, kinda unique–but I don’t think it warrents $40 at all. At least not for me. I usually don’t wear these kind of colors so I know it would just go to waste :/ pretty though
Rae // theNotice says
Sarah Connor Chronicles, multicoloured polka dots, *and* tiny dinosaurs on MABB all on the same day. Are you sure this is real life? 😛
Helz Nguyen says
This one surely caught my eyes 🙂 I was wondering how to wear this powder.. I guess I can put it anywhere lol. Pretty creative!
Nina says
I got it around 3 pm on Friday, right before I knocked off for the day. I really like it – the yellow is adorable and would be grat if I just wanted a sheer wash of color all over my lids to make me appear awake. The blue is a bit challenging but im sure I can make it work. Its fun, its pretty and creative — youre right, we human beings have the power to decide what to do, even with makeup!
Rads says
The eyes are the key… 😀 😀
Rads says
I love how MAC does all these crazy things with their makeup…polka-dotted powder! 😀
Eden-Avalon says
Summer Glaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. I think you might be the only non-robot out there though; you’re one of the few i’ve seen actually attempt a look instead of just contemplating attempting a look.
hannah says
i duno what to do with this powder it looked cute in the pan but on it look like facepaint and really cheap i am so gutted as it cost me £20