Wednesday, April 29, 2009

MAC Master Class: The Most Fun I've Ever Had Putting On Makeup

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in a MAC Master Class at Bloomingdale’s in the Willow Grove Mall. In this interactive seminar, participants were taught how to replicate on-trend looks, using the products and techniques employed my MAC pro artists.

After 30+ beauty-obsessed ladies (and one hilarious dude) took our seats at work stations - which were equipped with mirrors, a set of brushes and a plethora of products - MAC pro artists Will and Jocelyn introduced themselves and we got down to biznass.

Will announced that he would be demonstrating the “club zone” look, complete with a peacock blue eye and Bordeaux gloss. Then Jocelyn informed us that she would be leading the “bridal/wedding” look tutorial. Will and Jocelyn explained that we should pick a preferred look - as they would be walking us through the steps, and demonstrating techniques on models. Since I had plans to meet Mr. Spoiled Pretty for a casual dinner later that evening (and I didn't want to look like a tranny hooker at my neighborhood brasserie), I chose to follow Jocelyn’s lead.

During the two hour tutorial, a handful of MAC makeup artists walked around, assisting participants and helping us choose the most flattering makeup shades. One of the artists, Dana, was especially helpful and introduced me to some of my new MAC faves.

The Master Class only cost $50, which you end up getting back (in the form of a MAC gift card) at the end of the seminar. So basically, the class ends up being free...and you go home with a whole bunch of new goodies to help hone your mad makeup skills. Next time MAC organizes a Master Class is my neck of the woods, I'll be there. Perhaps I'll see you there too?

Here’s the abridged breakdown of the bridal look:

1) Spritz face with Fix +
2) Moisturize skin with Studio Moisture Fix.
3) Prep the skin with Prep + Prime Skin.
4) Fill in brows with Eye Shadow, using the 266 Small Angle Brush
5) Apply Paint Pot in Bare Study to eyelid, from lash line to brow bone, using the 242 Shader Brush.
6) Using the same brush, apply Eye Shadow in Shroom to entire lid.
7) Apply Eye Shadow in Cork to the crease, using the 217 Blending Brush**; start at the outer corner and work the product inward, moving the brush in small circles to deposit color.
8) Using the same brush, apply Eye Shadow in Embark to the crease; start at the outer corner and work the product inward, moving the brush in small circles to deposit color - but stop at the middle of the lid, so that the color is concentrated on the outer half of the eye.
9) With the 266 Small Angle Brush, apply Embark Eye Shadow to lower lash line.
10) Use the same brush to line the upper lash line with Fluidline in Blacktrack*.
11) Apply Select Moisturecover concealer to nose, under eyes and above brows - and blend into skin using the 190 Foundation Brush.
12) Mix small amount of Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation* with a few drops of Stobe Liquid* (for a dewy finish) and apply to parts of the face where you did not use concealer (forehead, cheeks, chin and jawline) using the 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush*.
13) Using the same brush, set fondation with Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation/Loose.
14) Choose a Powder Blush shade that is similar to your own complexion; I used Harmony. Use the 129 Powder/Blush Brush to contour under the cheekbones. To avoid a line that looks too harsh, imagine a line that runs from the middle of your ear to the corner of your mouth...then apply the blush half-way, from the ear to the middle of the cheek.
15) Using the same brush, apply Powder Blush (in a shade that gives a subtle pop of color) to the apples of cheeks; I used Cubic.
16) Apply Prep + Prime Lip to your lips.
17) Line lips in Spice Lip Pencil.
18) Apply Viva Glam V Lipstick, then top it off with Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks*.
19) Coat upper lashes in Dazzle Lash Mascara.
20) Choose a pair of false lashes* and measure them against your eyes. If they are too long, cut to desired length. Apply Duo Adhesive* and allow glue to get a little tacky before positioning lashes as close as you possibly can to natural lash line.

* must-haves for your makeup toolkit!
** if you're on a tight beauty budget, just buy the 217 Blender Brush (a very wise investment).

Will demonstrating the "club zone" look

Dana, me and Jocelyn

Completed look, in natural light (I did this all by myself!!!)

Completed look, in artificial light

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