A Mini MAC Haul (ft. Strobe Cream, a Back2MAC, and more)!

Hi, everyone! There is definitely no shortage of MAC in my makeup stash, and yet discovering new-to-me shades and products from the brand never ceases to excite me. I recently made a little haul at one of my local MAC shops and I'm so happy with what I chose, I thought I'd give you guys a peek! 

The haul was a win on a couple levels- first, it was during MAC's 25% off sale for MAC Select members (the brand's loyalty program). It's only been quite recently that MAC has been putting select items on sale (let alone store-wide discounts), so I had to seize the opportunity! Second, I'd accumulated six empties, which meant it was time for a free lipstick! If you haven't heard of MAC's Back2MAC program, it allows you to recycle empty packaging and receive a free product (Lipstick, Lipglass, or Eye Shadow). Eco-friendly and cost-effective! 

Here are the three goodies I picked up, two at the 25% discount, and one totally gratis thanks to Back2MAC:

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Relentlessly Red ($21 CAD)

This is one stunner of a lipstick that I've been stalking for months. Not only is it totally my kind of shade, but I'd heard endless raves about it from my blogger bud Chelle from Makeup Your Mind. MAC describes it as a "bright pinkish coral matte", which is a pretty apt description. I'd call it a warm, coral-tinged rosy red that's beautifully bright but not at all jarring or garish against my fair complexion. In fact, it brightens my face up so nicely! Its Retro Matte formula makes for a truly matte, ultra long wearing colour- it can be a tad drying, but is still quite smooth and comfortable on my lips. 

MAC Matte Lipstick in Mehr ($21 CAD; I got mine free via the Back 2 MAC Program)

To balance out the boldness of Relentlessly Red, I wanted to also pick a lipstick with a more subtle, everyday hue. I'd first heard of Mehr via Lily Pebbles, who touted it as a super wearable version of the 90s lipstick trend that struck it huge a couple years ago. MAC describes Mehr as a "dirty blue pink"- my translation is that it's a neutral-to cool-toned mid-tone pink with very subtle brown undertones (which is where the "dirty" comes from, I guess). It comes in the brand's Matte formula, which might be my favourite matte option in the lipstick world- their Matte lipsticks are smooth, creamy, and long-wearing and are fully pigmented without being drying on the lips. And Mehr is no exception! 

MAC Strobe Cream Sized to Go ($14 CAD for 30mL)

Finally, I snagged one of  MAC's most iconic cult products, Strobe Cream. MAC describes it as "The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens, freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin and in all lighting conditions from sunlight to spotlight" (from maccosmetics.ca).

My skin always needs an extra brightness boost in wintertime and I love that Strobe Cream not only has iridescence, as other cream highlighters do, but is also packed with skin-loving antioxidants and vitamins that make skin glow from within, rather than just superficially. I've worn it a few times already and I have to say that I'm smitten! It gives my skin the most amazing glow and has not broken out or clogged my skin one bit. My complexion is so finicky, that this is quite miraculous for me! Can't believe it took me this long to finally give this gem a go. 

Here are swatches of the two lipsticks on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone):

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Relentlessly Red and Matte Lipstick in Mehr

And now the lipstick swatches beside the Strobe Cream (first applied heavily, then blended out):

(L-R): MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Relentlessly Red, Matte Lipstick in Mehr, Strobe Cream applied heavily, then blended out

And now the lipsticks in the context of a completed makeup look!

Relentlessly Red:

Mehr:

And now some before and after shots to demonstrate the effect of Strobe Cream!

Before the cream (with a bit of glow due to my skin care):

Wearing Strobe Cream- as you can see, my skin looks even more luminous and dewy! It has also evened out my skin tone slightly: 

This haul makes me super happy, not only because I saved about $30 in the process, but also because I am completely smitten with all three of the items! Mehr is such a perfect everyday pink and Relentlessly Red is a beyond gorgeous bold colour that I'm sure I'll be wearing tons during the holidays. And it seems as though Strobe Cream is one of those "where have you been all my life?" sort of products- it feels so nice on my skin and I'm obsessed with the glow it gives! 

Have you purchased anything from MAC recently? Did you snag anything from the MAC Select sale or have you done a Back2MAC lately?

Hope you're having a wonderful week! xo

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