May 8, 2013

I really appreciate the Back2MAC program. Since I don't buy as much makeup these days, I actually finish some products and get to pick up a few items at my local MAC store. None of the two items I opted for are new, but they've both been on my wishlist for quite sometimes:

Patina Eyeshadow (frost)

Boy, this one is a difficult colour for me to describe! It's a neutral light brown but has some gold cast to it. It works great as part of a neutral everyday look but can also be mixed with brights. I find the texture to be a bit stiff (it's a frost finish after all) but it is workable.





I don't seem to have a dupe for it either:


Left to right: UD Smog, MAC Tan Pigment, MAC Patina

The swatch looks weak on my arm but it's actually much better on the eye. I tried it over gold (MAC Cashflow paint pot) and silver/taupe (MUFE #2 aqua cream pot) bases. I'm loving the dimensions the taupe base adds to Patina:



Pro's:
- goes with everything
- multi dimensional base
- I don't have a dupe for it

Cons:
- texture is a bit stiff


Pink Plaid Lipstick (matte)

I've been on a quest to add to my neutral lipstick collection and Pink Plaid seems to fit the bill just right. I'm a fan of my lips but better shades with pink undertones (over peachy ones) as my lips are quite pink naturally. Pink Plaid is opaque in one coat and can be a bit drying due to its matte texture. It's not as bad as some of MAC's worst offenders.



It reminds me much of my other two beloved neutral lipsticks, Nars Sex Machine and Catfight. But it's not a full on dupe.



Here are the comparison swatches. I don't know why I added MUFE #29, that one is certainly too brown:


Left to right: MUFE #29, Nars Catfight, Nars Sex Machine, MAC Pink Plaid

Pro's:
- great my lips but better shade
- pigmented
- I always love MAC's vanilla scent

Cons:
- slightly dry

Overall, I'm pretty happy with both my picks. I incorporated them into a look yesterday. I added Nars Cordura duo to the mix for the eyes and layered Pink Plaid with Chanel Argonite glossimer to give it some shine. I'm also wearing MAC Ladyblush cremeblend blush to warm up the cheeks but continue on the minimalistic face:

Hope you found this post helpful. Do you own any of these two products? What are some of your favourite neutral eye/lip products?