MY PICKS AND SWATCHES FROM THE MAC M.A.CNIFICENT ME! COLLECTION

As you may or may not know, I rarely delve into MAC collections.  For one, they come and go so quick and in such huge numbers and two, I don't usually gravitate towards the brand compared with others.  I am however, a fan of the MAC 239 brush and some of their blushes.  I rarely pick up anything else like their eye shadows as I find the quality and finishes are not as good as I'd like them to be (i.e., in comparison to more high-end brands like Burberry, Chanel and Tom Ford eye shadows.  Yes, those brands have spoilt me indeed! ;) ).  However, when I heard that the M.A.Cnificent Me! Eye Shadow x 9 Palette was pretty good, I had to see for myself...and I'm glad I did!  Here's some photos, description, swatches and my brief thoughts on this palette and other products I picked up from the same collection (yes, I picked up other stuff!!! :-o )

I do love the motivation behind the M.A.Cnificent Me! Collection which is:

Just simple and beautiful. ^_^

I must admit that the cute, compact size of this palette was one of the main selling points for me. :D  It is also a very practical size for travel or on-the-go touch ups or taking a day time look to evening straight after work.  Below is how it compares to my smaller than average hand.

Below are swatches of the eye shadows on my medium to tan, olive skin (~NC30-35) and photographed indoors using a strobe.  They are swatched left to right from top to bottom of the palette.

Below, the swatches under low light to capture any iridescence (photographed without a strobe).

I hadn't planned on purchasing anything else apart from the palette, but when I swatched these paint pots in store, I just had to get them.  Believe it or not I only own one other MAC paint pot which I got years ago from a collection and it was a very shimmery white (great top coater).  In fact, most of my cream eye shadows are more complex, shimmery shades, so it's great to add more shades in my collection that have more subtle sheen, satin to matte finishes which are more suitable for work, every day wear and can also be used as a base for other eye shadows.  I purchased 3 of the 5 from the collection.

Stormy Pink - a "muted grey purple" - matches the Simply Swinging nail lacquer I purchased (see further down below for swatches).  Love this as it has a matte finish and anything grey purplish goes beautifully with brown eyes and olive skin I reckon. :)

Nice Composure - "mid-tone cool grey" with a satin finish.  Again, grey is a flattering shade for those with brown eyes as it gives a gorgeous contrast and makes the eye colour really stand out.  I used to wear grey eye shadows a lot a few years ago, and I think this paint pot has inspired me to get back into it again.

Imaginary - "deep blue plum shimmer".  I love a blue and with this texture and intensity, it really stays a vibrant blue when applied on my olive skin tone rather than turn smokey on me as many navy blues do particularly in powder form.

All these shades applied smoothly and easily on the lids with excellent colour pay off.  I can see that these are definitely going to have long wear times on the eye lids indeed considering they did take a bit of effort to remove from my arm!

Simply Swinging is a "lilac grey" and is a cream nail lacquer.  Gorgeous neutral with a touch of colour - very appropriate for work in particular.  I've nothing quite like this in my collection, but I do love this shade so it's a much welcome addition!

I applied two coats with no base or top coat.  You could probably get away with a thick, single coat if you were really in a rush (or lazy like I often am!), but of course, it's nicer in two coats I reckon and probably will give you a touch more longevity.  Simply Swinging is much darker and more purple than Burberry's Ash Rose (No. 103) which is one of my fave neutral nail polishes.