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An Easy Everyday Neutral Look With MAC Permanent Products (and Pics of My New ‘Do)

September 23rd, 2013 by Karen 64 Comments

MAC Soft Brown, Sable Brownscript, Texture, Sketch
You can’t go wrong with MAC neutrals…

The new hair!

And the neutral look I wore all weekend. 🙂

First off, the hair. Remember how I couldn’t decide whether to keep the lighter brown and caramel highlights or go darker for fall?

Well, I was still waffling when I sat down in the chair on Saturday morning, but then I showed this pic of Megan Fox to Kelli, one of the fabulous colorists at A-Line salon in Corte Madera (they get five stars on Yelp), and we started brainstorming ideas.

Tom Ford Lipstick in Sable Smoke topped with MAC Big Baby Plushglass
Tom Ford Lipstick in Sable Smoke with MAC Big Baby Plushglass on top…

I came this close to not changing the color at all, but then I asked Kelli, “What would you do if you had free reign?”

She thought about it a minute, looked again at the pic of Megan Fox, and said, why don’t we make your roots closer to your natural color, change the current light brown to a dark chocolate, and darken your highlights? She thought that going dark would frame my face and be a fun look for fall.

Um…SOLD.

MAC Deep Brunette Veluxe Brow Pencil (eyebrows); and Clarins Be Long Mascara (upper and lower lashes)
Brows and lashes: MAC Deep Brunette Veluxe Brow Pencil (on my brows, of course) with Anastasia Brow Gel, and Clarins Be Long Mascara (on my upper and lower lashes)

I feel like a completely different person with dark hair!

And I kindasorta love it…

It’s fun to switch things up, ya know? It’s a really easy way to change your outlook.

Deep thoughts on hair…

If you’re ever feeling hair adventurous, but you can’t figure out what kind of cut/color you want, ask your stylist, “What would you do with my hair if you could do whatever you want?”

You don’t have to go with their suggestion, but it’s a good conversation starter and gets the creative juices flowing. Of course, it always helps when you know and trust your stylist and feel comfortable with them. I don’t know if I’d try this with someone new, but it depends… Sometimes you just know, you know? When there’s a good vibe?

Speaking of changes, I took a break last weekend from the vampire makeup I’ve been rocking lately (smokey eyes, dark lips and catwalk brows) and wore this soft neutral look mostly using MAC permanent collection products.

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Peach (cheeks), Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze Bronzing Powder in 40 (under my cheekbones to contour) and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal (my upper cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and my cupid's bow)
Face makeup: Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Peach (cheeks), Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze Bronzing Powder in 40 (again beneath my cheekbones to contour) and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal (my upper cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and my cupid’s bow)

I love so many of MAC’s permanent colors…especially the warm browns. Brown Script, Soft Brown, Texture… Seriously, the list could go on for days.

MAC’s probably most famous for their crazy-@ss colors, but there’s some wonderful wearable neutrals in their permanent line (especially the browns and beiges).

MAC Soft Brown, Brownscript, Sable, Arena, Texture, Sketch
Eyes: MAC Soft Brown (crease), Brown Script (outer crease), Sable (lid), Arena (brow bone and inner corner), Texture (lower lash line) and Sketch (lower lash line) eyeshadows; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion (water lines and upper lash line) and Urban Decay Smoke Out Eyeshadow from the Vice Palette (upper lash line, layered directly on top of liner to soften the effect)

If you’re new to MAC’s neutrals and need a good place to start, check out Soft Brown, Soba, Cork, Brown Script, Saddle, Texture, Wedge, Woodwinked and Shroom.

Those are some of my picks. Now how about yours? What are your favorite MAC neutrals, and how do you wear ’em?

Yes, I’ll take any excuse to try another pan of brown eyeshadow. 😀

No, really, I will.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

An Easy Everyday Neutral Look With MAC Permanent Products (and Pics of My New ‘Do) / Originally published September 23rd, 2013

There are 64 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face of the Day (FOTD), MAC Makeup

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Comments

  1. Laure says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    Rocking the neutral look! I love it! And your hair stylist was totally right, the dark hair really frames your face and adds something warm and sweet to your look.

    PS I was wondering which neutral MAC eyeshadows you would recommend to a girl with long medium brown hair, blue eyes and very pale (pinktoned) skin?
    Thanks!
    Laure recently posted … Personal | Edinburgh: Royal McGreggor

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      Hi Laure,

      Sure. First a question for you. Do you wear warm or cool shades better?

      Reply
      • Laure says

        September 24th, 2013 at 11:00 am

        I usually wear cool shades better. 🙂
        Laure recently posted … Personal | Edinburgh: Royal McGreggor

        Reply
  2. Barbara says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    You hair are getting longer and longer comparing to your old posts and pictures. I like that color on you, really great for autumn.
    BTW my cat name is Smolimo, Smoli in short, or just ‘sssssssssssssss’ souns will do.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      Hey Barbara,

      Oh gosh, it’s because I haven’t had a hair cut in MONTHS. I’m really overdue. I wanted to get a trim last weekend but didn’t have time, unfortunately. My roots needed more attention, so color it was! 🙂

      Aww, what a cute kitty name! How long have you two been together? Tabs and I are coming up on our 7 year anniversary this summer.

      Reply
  3. Heidi says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    LOVING the hair! The color is so great for fall.

    Speaking of neutral MAC shadows, today I’m wearing Arena all over the lid, Swiss Chocolate in the crease, and Mulch on the outer third of the lid and worked up into the crease. It’s one of my go-to looks.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      HEIDI!!! I was just debating Swiss Chocolate last weekend. Do I really, really need it in my life? Everyone I’ve spoken with says yes, although, I wonder sometimes if I really need another MAC brown, you know?

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        September 23rd, 2013 at 6:21 pm

        Yeah, you basically need it! It is just such a warm color that goes perfectly with the peachy golds that I love to include in neutral looks. And it blends amazingly.

        Reply
        • Karen says

          September 23rd, 2013 at 9:18 pm

          Okay, my resolve is weakening. I will have to get a pan. TWIST MY ARM!!

          Reply
  4. Icaria says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Oooh the were some good vibes!!! The color is amazing and super tempting. The makeup = love! You look sexayy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      Hi Icaria,

      Thank you! Happy Monday. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Agata says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Your hair looks absolutely stunning. And it is so peefect for fall. I also love your top! And I think I need Sable eyeshadow. With so many MAC collections coming out all the time I never get to appreciate all the goodies from their permanent collection.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 3:08 pm

      Thank you, Agata!

      The top is by H&M, btw. Oh, I keep meaning to ask if you ever picked up any of the necklaces at Target! I saw them last weekend and saw so many cute ones. I will have to go back and pick up one (or two).

      Reply
      • Agata says

        September 24th, 2013 at 6:00 am

        Oh I need to check that top out! I haven’t made it back to Target yet. I still want to get those necklaces, or just one and I still want those boots from Target!

        Reply
  6. Alison M says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    I’m definitely feeling the red on you. I think the darker hair plays up the darkness of your eyes more and I love it. I don’t color my hair, but I’m new to having it cut. It’s been 8 months since my last trim because I’m afraid to go in. 1) I’m weak and can imagine myself having the stylist cut it all off again and 2) I can’t figure out where to go. Suggestions on how to find a stylist when none of your real life friends see one?
    Alison M recently posted … Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster in Achiote Review and Swatches

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:18 pm

      Hi Alison,

      Check out yelp.com and search for hair salons/stylists in your area. That’s how I found A-Line. Also, if you’re out and about and you see someone with hair that you like, stop them and ask who they go to! I’ve done that before. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Barbie says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Omg! the dark hair looks amazing on you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:17 pm

      Thanks, Barbie! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Aida says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    I love the new hair, Karen! You look gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:16 pm

      Thank you, Aida! 🙂

      How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?

      Reply
  9. Erica says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    You look fabulous. Your hair color warms up your face – sexy and sultry for Fall/Winter. I’m a chocolate girl (NC 50/55) and Mac’s Sable is my absolute favorite Mac e/s. It’s my go to lid color when I’m indecisive. My other Mac favorites are Cork, Swiss Chocolate, Texture, Antiqued and Brown Down. My all time favorite brown is Nars Galapagos. Thanks to your blog, I’ve fallen in love with some great makeup!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:16 pm

      Hi Erica,

      Thank you! 🙂 Oooh, Nars Galapagos is ah-may-zing! I need to take it out and play. Thanks for reminding me. 🙂

      Have a nice week!

      Reply
  10. Katrina Guevarra says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Wow u look great with reddish dark hair! Makes me want to go darker too 🙂
    Katrina Guevarra recently posted … Coral Makeup Tutorial

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:15 pm

      Do it, Katrina! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Ruchita says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Love your hair and makeup. Gorgeous! It’s so nice having a stylist you can trust with your hair. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:15 pm

      Hi Ruchita,

      Definitely. Your new haircut is super cute, by the way! Is it easy to style?

      Reply
  12. Sasha says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Karen, your new hair & fall look is stunning!!!

    It’s lovely to know I’m not the only one who loves boring old neutral shadows! 😀 My faves are (all Mac) Brule for the brow bone, Wedge on the lid, Swiss Chocolate in the crease, Espresso for outer v (if I feel like it!) followed by Carbon to set my eyeliner.

    Phew, that was a long list!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      Hi Sasha,

      Thank you so much!

      You’re the second person to mention Swiss Chocolate today. I don’t have it, but now I’m starting to believe I need it in my life.

      Reply
  13. Natalie says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    You look beautiful! I once said that to my stylist and got straight across, blunt bangs. I loved them! But the upkeep ended up being kind of a pain, so I’m in the process of growing them out now.

    I love MAC patina. I think its such a unique color.
    Happy Monday!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:13 pm

      Hi Natalie,

      Oh, I love blunt bangs. They are so chic! You’re right, though. They are high maintenance. Were yours itchy? Mine itched like CRAZY the first two weeks.

      Reply
  14. Shannon says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    Love love LOVE the hair. ho man. And those neutrals are pretty kick-ass, too 🙂 I need to venture into a MAC store at some point to stock up on some pretty browns… my only worry is that I would never manage to leave!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:12 pm

      I would say set a timer for your stay in the MAC store, but that would just be wrong! 😀

      Reply
  15. Maggie says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    The hair color looks fantastic. Can really see those red tones and such a great transition into fall. =)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:12 pm

      Thank you, Maggie! What hair color are you rocking these days?

      Reply
  16. Lisa @ Lisa Living Well says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    Love the darker hair on you! I am growing my natural color out and while my husband likes my hair lighter, I love the deeper natural blonde tones of my real hair color. The best part about new hair is how your makeup changes with it.
    Lisa @ Lisa Living Well recently posted … {GIVEAWAY} Back-to-school with Gardein

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:12 pm

      Hi Lisa,

      Oh, totally. Now I feel like I can go even more vampirey, LOL!

      Have a great week!

      Reply
  17. Amanda says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    Beautiful! I’m having a MAC renaissance. I broke away a few years ago and I can’t explain why. But now? I can’t get enough MAC! I’m counting the days before I can order the RiRi fall eyeshadow quad, because I NEED those shadows in my life.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:11 pm

      Hi Amanda,

      Ooh, what are your favorite MAC eyeshadows from the permanent line?

      Reply
  18. Liz says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    Pretty! I’m a total mac addict. Have all of those. Heard brown script is being discontinued? Hope not. Great color. Also, love embark, twinx, rice paper, naked lunch. They just rock!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      Hi Liz,

      Hmm, I’m not sure. I hope not! It’s such a flexible color. 🙂

      Reply
  19. lisa says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    oooh. I’m loving everything about this look. I do love sable on you (and me, a fellow NC42). my go to MAC neutrals are wedge, corduroy and sable.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      Hi Lisa,

      Ooh, I’ll look into Corduroy!

      What do you usually like to wear Sable with?

      Reply
  20. Vanessa says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Just gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:09 pm

      Thanks, Vanessa!

      Reply
  21. hanna says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    I love your new hair, it looks so pretty.
    hanna recently posted … Nexplanon Didn’t Work for Me

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you, Hanna!

      Reply
  22. Ingrid says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    Gorgeous new hair colour, it actually looks fresh and very youthful and if I had been you sitting at the hairdresser I wouldn’t have thought going darker would have that effect!
    Mac eyeshadows are great and I love the neutral colours on you, I must pick some up, as I have Urban Decay’s Naked 2 I haven’t bought many MAC neutrals

    Reply
  23. Denise S says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    Your hair looks great! Young and pretty look. You are the queen of the neutral eye. Reading your blog has inspired me to perfect the neutral eye look. I’m going to check out some of those MAC brown eye shadows asap.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 23rd, 2013 at 9:08 pm

      Hi Denise,

      Thank you! Let me know if you pick up any of those MAC browns. We can talk color combos, woo hoo!

      Reply
  24. CatherineM says

    September 23rd, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    I absolutely LOVE your new do! You look amazing in it. I’m always going darker and redder in fall/winter, too, and I will definetly bring your picture with me to my stylist.

    Reply
  25. Tone says

    September 24th, 2013 at 1:08 am

    You’re beautiful as always! My favourite MAC neutrals must be…. Uhm…. God this is hard..

    Naked Lunch, Orb, Swiss Chocolate, Wedge, Handwritten, Sketch (yes, it is a perfect addition to my neutral palette, jazzes things up a bit without screaming “PURPLE!!!” (not that that is a bad thing, but there are days I prefer my eyelids to be quite)) aaaand….Satin Taupe/Sable/Antiqued.

    And all the other ones that I have… God this is hard.

    Reply
  26. Liz G. says

    September 24th, 2013 at 2:50 am

    Love your hair!

    Reply
  27. meredith says

    September 24th, 2013 at 5:11 am

    Love your hair, love the TF lipstick. Its getting harder and harder to resist each time I see you in it, but the price, yikes.

    Reply
  28. Danielle says

    September 24th, 2013 at 7:56 am

    Your hair looks absolutely amazing! Woodwinked is my all-time favorite eye shadow. If I could only wear one eye shadow for the rest of my life, that would be it. And Wedge has been my go-to crease color lately. My other favorites are Romp (discontinued), Amber Lights, and lately – Satin Taupe.
    Danielle recently posted … Eye Shadow Ideas for Fall 2013

    Reply
  29. Akanksha says

    September 24th, 2013 at 8:58 am

    Hi Karen!
    For a fellow nc42 girl, what would you reccomend be my first mac neutral brown eyeshadow?

    Reply
  30. Maheshika Rathnayake says

    September 24th, 2013 at 9:41 am

    Hey Karen,

    Love,love love you with your new hair do!! it’s beautiful and suites you well.
    I know this is out of point but I’d been thinking about a hair color, mainly b’cos of my grays showing around my hair line like an army of angry kitties, and I have naturally curly black hair. I’m a Sri Lankan with warm tan skin. Do you think you might be able to give me any tips?
    Thanks Karen
    Love ur blog( I’m a MBB maniac now)!!!

    Reply
  31. Betsy Clark says

    September 24th, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    OMG, your hair is gorgeous! The burgundy tones suit you excellently.

    Reply
  32. Sherry says

    September 24th, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Karen…your hair looks really cute!! It looks like it has a reddish tint to it. Very pretty!!

    Reply
  33. Lakitha Goss says

    September 24th, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    I love MAC’s shroom, ricepaper, arena, embark, brown script, and brown down.

    Reply
  34. Lauren Sutherland says

    September 24th, 2013 at 8:11 pm

    Love the hair! The oxblood hue on the highlights is fabulous!

    Reply
  35. Akanksha says

    September 25th, 2013 at 12:08 am

    Hi Karen!
    Could you help me pick out my first mac brown 🙂 something for an everyday look. i can see you have many favorites so it might be hard.
    (nc42)

    Reply
  36. The Beauty Glow says

    September 25th, 2013 at 6:55 am

    Love the look but more importantly the dark hair! Looking good lady!
    The Beauty Glow recently posted … Blush Mystery Beauty Box September 2013

    Reply
  37. Kim says

    September 25th, 2013 at 10:57 am

    Love it! Great choice on the hair color! 🙂

    Reply
  38. Ankita@corallista says

    September 25th, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    LOVE the new hair Karen. I’m a huge fan of dark hair!
    Ankita@corallista recently posted … The Body Shop Vineyard Peach range is back!

    Reply

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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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