MAC Cosmetics

They are always slammed, but very helpful and have what I need.

They are doing the best with what they have, I guess.
Getting ready for a Valentine’s Day wedding (I am the bride, yay!), I went to MAC to learn about what I might do for my eyes so that the pictures wouldn’t look washed out, etc…
There are only 2 people working the counter in a very busy store. I was given a seat and told that to do a «complete» face, I would have to spend at least $ 50.00, which is fine… if I like the product. I agreed and I did like the foundation and blush. However, the main reason I went (eye makeup) was just what I would have done on a normal day. (Black eyeliner and mascara) The makeup artist had to help other customers (of course. and she apologized) between doing my consultation which ended up taking over an hour… it felt like at least three, but I am not sure. Also, after I made a little self-​deprecating joke about the bags under my eyes she began referring to me as a «mature» client, which I did not appreciate at all.
At the end, she separated the pile of products into «face, eyes, lips» and told me to pick what I wanted to buy… it was ALOT of stuff… and I wasn’t sure what went where, when I came in to learn, right?!
I could pick out the foundation, concealer, powder and blush… so I got those. I mean, I still spent over $ 100.00 so who is the sucker here? I guess I could have just ordered them online… but hey, what is life without experience?
Aside from the actual consultation, the area was really dirty. The hand mirror I was given had a huge smudge of something on it. They need to do a deep clean, as there was makeup all over the floor and counter and I came in early in the day. The makeup artists did seem to be taking care to clean between using an item for one customer and another. It is after Christmas, so it seems they are out of a number of products, short of help to get out the new shipment (they were telling people to come back in a WEEK!), and just frazzled in general.
Maybe I will try MAC again at a different location or on a different day… more likely than not, I will keep getting the foundation, etc… and try some other beauty counters to learn about doing wedding eye makeup, as I don’t want to be on the hook for another $ 50.00 if I can help it.

You know those ladies in your office who walk into work with a stunning face of makeup? I’m talking absolutely flawless. The eye shadow is bright, and perfectly contoured to their eyelids, the eyeliner is thick and strong, their blush applied directly to the hollow of their cheeks and the foundation so flawless their skin looks like porcelain. Now, you know those ladies whose makeup still looks like this at 5pm? The ones you want to punch in the face as you peer into your compact eyeballing the eyeliner crease that has somehow found its way up to your eyelid and directly in the middle of your once colored lid? I found out 2 years ago that THOSE ladies buy their makeup at M.A.C.
Since I discovered M.A.C. there is little in the way of makeup that can beat it. I adore the eye shadow shades they offer up and their foundation is the only thing that can hide all my facial flaws, yet not need to be applied with a spackle knife. This stuff is divine. I dare you to find anything that beats it.
The best part of M.A.C. The makeup artists that reside behind the counter. It never fails, you can always find one that you will fall in love with. He or she will painstakingly apply your entire face of makeup paying attention only to you, regardless of the growing line at the counter. They give their customers their undivided attention while it is their turn in line. Because of this, once a year I spend an entire paycheck here. Once a year is all it takes. Why? Because their makeup lasts that long. I have eye shadows from M.A.C. that are 4 years old, and still full. Their pigment powders last FOREVER and are pure pigment, so they always show up on your eyelids. When you divide the cost out, M.A.C. is cheaper than buying your makeup supplies at a drugstore. It will take 7 – 10 Cover Girl or Revlon eye shadows to match up the lasting power of M.A.C. choices. Simply because you don’t have to use that much. It is the best quality makeup out there.
This location is no disappointment. I adore the guys and gals behind this counter. They are attentive, educated and true magicians with a makeup brush. My advice? Walk in with a blank canvas– no makeup on that face of yours. Ask them to do you up right and offer up suggestions on colors to bring out your eyes and the like. You’ll have to make a purchase of some sort– but you will walk away with a face of makeup you’ll never want to wash off and some amazing makeup tips you’ll use for life. I heart you M.A.C!!!