Welcome to the 3rd installment of The Artistry Series! This time round I am featuring the ever popular and innovative MAC Cosmetics. MAC has made a name for itself as a trendsetter and boundary pusher over the years and is adored by professionals and consumers alike. Keep reading to learn a bit more about this legendary brand as well as an interview with a senior MAC Pro artist as well as find out what my must haves for the line are. Don't forget to stick around for the giveaway at the end!!
"It’s better to focus on the positive features instead of trying to “fix” something that my client wants to change"
- Caitlin Callahan, MAC Senior Pro Artist
MAC {Makeup Artist Cosmetics} was founded in Toronto by Frank Toskan, a makeup artist and photographer, and Frank Angelo, a beauty salon owner in the early 80's. Developed as a line to fulfill the professional makeup artists by adding a full spectrum of colour into the cosmetic world. Homegrown in their kitchen and sold out of the beauty salon until the brand grew a cult following, making a name for itself with its unisex black pots and fearless, colour vivid products. One of the most popular offerings that MAC had was an intensely pigmented matte red lipstick, that had been used on a photoshoot with up and comer named Madonna. From there, the company took the industry by storm!
MAC made a point of running their counters and stores differently than most cosmetic lines; Individuality and self expression through makeup was encouraged, and education of the art of makeup rather than just sales was mandatory. Traditional approaches to the beauty industry didn't apply to MAC, which inevitably led the brand to carve its own path in the world of makeup that brands still emulate today.
Then in 1994 when MAC was beginning to reach incredible successes, it did something that no beauty brand was doing. As the AIDS epidemic was spreading, the two co-founders reached out to their employees and brainstormed up the MAC AIDS Fund, and amongst the many charitable contributions the Viva Glam range was born, which 100% of the proceeds going to the cause. Living up to the mantra of 'All Races, All Ages, All Sexes', MAC has incredible icons like RuPaul, Sir Elton John, Pamela Anderson, Mary J Blige, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj head up the Viva Glam range. To date the MAC AIDS Fund has raised well over $400 million with the sale of Viva Glam Lipsticks and Lipglasses alone.
Now if you've read this post, you know my love for MAC started at an early age. Over the years I have amassed quite the collection you could say. Let's put it this way, it's a struggle to actually find a MAC shadow I haven't owned at one time or another. The love is real.
I've also developed a strong list of must haves from the brand that I always keep to hand; Some because of reliability, some for uniqueness, some for sentimental sake. Here's a few of my must tries from MAC:
Eyes
My all time favourite mascara for lower lashes is the Extended Play Gigablack Lash, which has the narrowest brush and gets every single lash. Another long time favourite was Bare Canvas Paint as a concrete shadow primer for YEARS. When the Pro Longwear Paint Pots released, I switched over to Soft Ochre because of its slightly more yellow undertone. There's also one MAC eye liner around these days that I still love and adore, and that's Teddy, a rich coppery brown.
I reckon I shouldn't even count how many eyeshadows I own from MAC. If I had to narrow it down to 10 favourites (that don't include limited edition shades because that's just mean!) they would be: Blanc Type, Handwritten, Typographic, Star Violet, Beauty Marked, Sable, Trax, Smut, Paradisco and Coppering.
RIP to some of my discontinued/limited edition favourites: Digit, Krisp, Velvet Moss, Early Morning, Moth Brown and Laven-dah!
Complexion
In my early years I adored Studio Fix Powder, but haven't picked it up since my teens. These days my base products of choice from the brand are Pro Longwear Concealer, which I use solely under my eyes, Face and Body Foundation which is a makeup artist favourite, as well as Mineralize Skinfinish Natural as my long time powder of choice.
RIP to some of my discontinued/limited edition favourites: HyperReal Foundation, which had us all in the strobing trend a good 20 years too early.
Lips
MAC has been known for their bold lipsticks since day one, and I've owned many over the years. Some of my all time favourites are Coral Blossom, RazzleDazzler, Vegas Volt, and Hug Me.
RIP to some of my discontinued/limited edition favourites: Fresco and 3N, and Cedar Lip Pencil.
Brushes
I think everyone and their dog owns at least one 217 brush, and quite possibly one 266 brush as well. Both are total staples in my collection that I use daily. I'm also a huge fan of the 239, 242, 221 and 210 brushes (all eye brushes).
When I set out to write this post I contacted MAC, and they actually offered to have a Senior Pro MAC Artist answer some questions I had, which was super exciting. Turns out, the artist was based right out of Vancouver which is amazing, and I'd actually received assistance from her several times at the Pro MAC store! Small world, I tell you.
Caitlin Callahan, Senior Artist MAC Pro Team, @MAC_Caitlin_C
1. What has been your favourite MAC collection released?
That’s tough! I loved Barbie, Time Rocker, and Dsquared, but I think the most wearable, Haute Dogs, is out right now. All my favorite neutrals in one collection.
2. Which MAC product could you never be without in your kit?
Right now it would have to be my Eye Shadow x 15 Warm Neutral Palette, which is perfect for any face. But also, the new Studio Waterweight Foundation is slowly taking over my kit because it’s quick, easy, and flawless.
3. Which MAC brushes do you think are most essential for the average consumer?
A lot of MAC brushes are practical for the average consumer. I do think for eyes, 217, 213, and 266 are essential. For face I can’t do without 188 and 148.
4. What has been your favourite and/or least favourite makeup trend over the years?
I love a dark lip! MAC Lip Pencil in Redd, Nightmoth and Vino can help to achieve the look. When it comes to my least favorite, I don’t like to paint every feature, but rather I pick one and accentuate.
5. If you could choose a decade for its makeup style, what would it be?
I am obsessing over these over-done Instagram makeup looks that remind me of the 90’s when I started. The trick is the correct application.
6. Is there any particular MAC product that you feel is underrated in the line that we should know about?
The versatility of the Mineralize Eye Shadows is something every makeup lover should know about. I use them dry for a blended smokey look and wet for vibrancy. The neutral ones are even gorgeous when strobing and shading the face.
7. Is there any particular MAC product that you like to use in a non-traditional or unconventional way?
Primers before and after makeup. My go-to is Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer which is a gorgeous highlighter.
MAC Eye Kohl’s in Fascinating and Feline make beautiful bases for a dramatic eye.
8. What is your biggest challenge as a makeup artist?
I took me a while to realize that it’s better to focus on the positive features instead of trying to “fix” something that my client wants to change. Start with a feature they love and the rest of the makeup will fall into place.
9. What makeup look or trend do you hope/think will never go out of style?
A natural, full eyebrow is always gorgeous.
10. What is a piece of advice you would someone who wants to become a makeup artist?
Communication is key. You can be a very talented painter but not have honed your people skills. Listening, investigating, and coming up with new skills are what make a great makeup artist.
