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MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics: Something for Everyone

August 20th, 2009 by Karen 59 Comments

mac makeup art cosmetics 1a

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.

mac makeup art cosmetics 2a

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.

mac makeup art cosmetics 3a

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

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Private Viewing
Private Viewing quad

mac-makeup-art-cosmetics-swatches-notoriety
Notoriety quad

mac-makeup-art-cosmetics-pr-quad
Photo Realism quad

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Lipstick
Lipsticks from left to right: Front Lit, High Strung, Lovin’ It, Hold the Pose, Full Body

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Lipglass
Lipglasses from left to right: Young Thing, Personal Taste, New Spirit, On Display

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Perfect Cheek Notable
Blushes from left to right: The Perfect Cheek, Notable

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Maira Kalman Eye Shadow
Eyeshadows in top row from left to right: Crest the Wave, Off the Page, Maira’s Mood. Bottom row: Haunting, Purple Shower, Violet Trance

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Maira Kalman Technakohl
Technakohls from left to right: Colour Matters, Obviously Orange, Artistic License, Full of Fuchsia, Graphblack

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Pigments
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

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Private Viewing 1
Private Viewing eyeshadow quad

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Notoriety 1
Notoriety eyeshadow quad

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Photo Realism 2
Photo Realism eyeshadow quad

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Lipstick 1
Lipsticks from left to right: Front Lit, High Strung, Lovin’ It, Hold the Pose, Full Body

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Lipglass 2
Lipglasses from left to right: Young Thing, Personal Taste, New Spirit, On Display

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Perfect Cheek Notable 1
Blushes from left to right: The Perfect Cheek, Notable

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Maira Kalman Eye Shadow-1
Eyeshadows from left to right: Crest the Wave, Off the Page, Maira’s Mood, Haunting, Purple Shower, Violet Trance

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Maira Kalman Technakohl 1
Technakohls from left to right: Colour Matters, Obviously Orange, Artistic License, Full of Fuchsia, Graphblack

MAC Makeup Art Cosmetics Swatches Pigments 1
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

MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics: Something for Everyone / Originally published August 20th, 2009

There are 59 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diana Kim says

    August 20th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    I’ve been dying to see this collection in person! gahh!! 🙁

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:48 am

      Hi Diana,

      Hopefully you’ll get a chance soon. Do you live near a MAC counter?

      Reply
  2. Kate & Zena says

    August 20th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:49 am

      Hi Kate & Zena,

      I picked up Notable blush, Lovin’ It Lipstick and New Spirit Lipglass.

      Reply
  3. Solé says

    August 20th, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:50 am

      Hi Sole,

      Sure thing! 🙂

      Let me know what you end up getting.

      Reply
  4. emma says

    August 20th, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    i want the Notoriety quad!
    and the botable blush : )
    .-= emma’s last blog post… Thursday News =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:51 am

      Hi Emma,

      It’s a very nice quad. I hope you try it!

      Reply
  5. nikki says

    August 20th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    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 🙂

    Reply
  6. Allison says

    August 20th, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    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 =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:51 am

      Hi Allison,

      Nice. I liked the colors in that quad but found the payoff kinda sheer. Did you pick up anything yet?

      Reply
  7. ines + cha cha says

    August 20th, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    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 =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:52 am

      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.

      Reply
  8. marisa says

    August 20th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    MUST HAVE technakohl in artistic license….i’m thinking the eyeshadow in haunting too….

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 am

      Hi Marisa,

      Do it! I heart the Technakohls!

      Reply
  9. Sherry says

    August 20th, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    OMG everything so lovely which to choose.
    .-= Sherry’s last blog post… How to search in eBay? =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 am

      Hi Sherry,

      I’m sure you’ll be able to narrow it down. 😉

      Did you end up getting anything?

      Reply
  10. Jaclyn Rose says

    August 20th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

    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 =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:38 am

      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!

      Reply
  11. Tavia says

    August 20th, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    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 =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:37 am

      Hi Tavia,

      Notoriety is very pretty. The brown is actually very interesting — it has these really tiny gold flecks! You gotta get it. 😉

      Reply
  12. Karen B says

    August 21st, 2009 at 1:15 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:37 am

      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…

      Reply
  13. Blovet Beauty says

    August 21st, 2009 at 4:22 am

    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! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:35 am

      Hi Blovet Beauty,

      When does it arrive on your shores?

      Reply
  14. Mary says

    August 21st, 2009 at 4:24 am

    I have just found your blog through “Amanda’s Sunshine”. I love it!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:35 am

      Hi Mary,

      Thank you! It’s nice to meet ya. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Alexis says

    August 21st, 2009 at 4:31 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:34 am

      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.

      Reply
  16. Tiffany says

    August 21st, 2009 at 4:57 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:34 am

      Hi Tiffany,

      Yeah, everybody’s all up in a tizzy about Style Black!

      Did you end up picking anything up?

      Reply
  17. Michelle (LipstickRules) says

    August 21st, 2009 at 5:22 am

    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! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:33 am

      Hi Michelle,

      Sweet! Are you rocking your new MAC stuff today?

      Reply
  18. Jenn says

    August 21st, 2009 at 5:27 am

    great swatches! BUT from the pictures it looks like Obviously Orange is not obviously orange at all 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:33 am

      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.

      Reply
  19. Vonvon says

    August 21st, 2009 at 6:21 am

    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 =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:31 am

      Hi Vonvon,

      Awesome! Which products are you most excited about?

      Happy Friday. 🙂

      Reply
  20. gio says

    August 21st, 2009 at 7:19 am

    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 =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:30 am

      Hi Gio,

      Me too. I think it really embodies MAC’s creed.

      Are you gonna get any of the Technakohls?

      Reply
  21. Elle says

    August 21st, 2009 at 7:24 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:29 am

      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?

      Reply
  22. Tiffany says

    August 21st, 2009 at 8:41 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 8:53 am

      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.

      Reply
  23. Tiffany says

    August 21st, 2009 at 8:57 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 21st, 2009 at 9:00 am

      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.

      Reply
  24. shontay says

    August 21st, 2009 at 9:16 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:41 am

      Hi Shontay,

      Did you end up going back for more goodies? You gotta let me know how you end up working the Obviously Orange. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Elle says

    August 21st, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Haha, Karen, I’m going to Hooters with some of my friends this weekend. Cos they want “wings”. 😉 What about you?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 am

      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.

      Reply
  26. Tiffany says

    August 21st, 2009 at 10:29 am

    Awesome, thanks! I put RSVP on my wish list. I don’t think my lids are super oily.

    Reply
  27. Dao says

    August 21st, 2009 at 10:48 am

    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 =-.

    Reply
  28. jessica says

    August 21st, 2009 at 11:38 am

    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!

    Reply
  29. Helene says

    August 21st, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    WHYYYYY am I BROKE???? *sobbing* I want the Maira Kalman collection sooo bad! I adore the color.

    Reply
  30. All Women Stalker says

    August 21st, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    Ohh the private viewing eyeshadows look promising.

    -meream
    .-= All Women Stalker’s last blog post… 5 Home Styling Posts to BlogStalk… =-.

    Reply
  31. Daya says

    August 21st, 2009 at 1:03 pm

    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.

    Reply
  32. Karen B says

    August 21st, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 22nd, 2009 at 8:48 am

      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!

      Reply
  33. Catherine says

    August 21st, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    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 =-.

    Reply
  34. Michele says

    August 21st, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    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

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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