MAC Pigments 101 – What Are They and How Do You Use Them?
MAC Pigments are basically highly concentrated loose color powders that come in different finishes: Matte, Metallic and Frost. They are a dream to blend, do not streak or cake and last forever. And since they go on super pigmented, you only need a teeny bit each time. You can also mix them together to get the color you want.
Another awesome thing about pigments is that they are multi-purpose. Below are some of the ways you can use them:
*Eyeliner: Wet your liner brush with saline solution or MAC Water Base Mixing Medium and line away.
*Blush: Use a small powder brush and apply with a light hand.
*Highlighter: Same as above. Some good colors are Vanilla, Lily White, Frozen White, White Gold, Pink Opal, Provence, Fairlite, Naked and Frost.
*Lipgloss: Mix with clear gloss and apply. Some good colors are Apricot Pink, Pink Pearl, Rose, Electric Coral and Fuschia.
*Nail Polish: Mix with clear nail polish and apply.
I know some of you complain about its price ($19.50) but a jar of pigment lasts forever so I really think it is worth it in the long run. Plus you can always buy samples or split a jar with a friend. Other cheaper alternatives are L’oreal On-The-Loose Shimmer Powder (sadly this is discontinued) and NYX Loose Powder.
*Note: Not all pigments are safe to be used around the eye area. Remember to check the little insert in the box.
Thanks for explaining. I was curious about pigments. :]
wow ~ Those pigments sounds amazing ! I am soo gonna get some! Thanks ~ They are sooo worth getting :] let’s get some everyone!
Hello~
I’m a new (used-to-be-silent) reader and noticed you’re a recent grad of UIUC…I’m a HS senior and am tormenting myself over whether I should attend UIUC for their #1 advertising program (need to decide before May 1! :X). It’s pretty much between UIUC and James Madison Univ. (which is in state-Virginia-for me). aka 40K vs. 15K. So I was jwing, if you knew how difficult it is to get into the college of communications>advertising when I apply the end of soph. year…also, if you could share some feeling about UIUC, I would really appreciate it..! You can email me at lovejini@gmail.com
Thank you!!
Jean
thanks for the info!
erm ok, i hope you make a post next time about HK/Korean/Japanese actors and their skin care tips (or secrets)! i hate my skin (oily type, one of the few unfortunate asians) and would like to get soft, supple, translucent (insert all nice adjectives) skin too! but alas, i don’t think that’s going to happen soon.
i am interested about trying japanese skin care products but too confused with everything.
have you heard of the 5-step cleansing regimen? it’s supposed to be the one used by a lot of japanese/korean ladies and works so well on them.
and have you also heard of palgantong theatrical powder? it’s also supposed to be really fine loose powder. i couldn’t get much info from the net.
sorry for the longish post. looking forward to your next post!!
I want to get some now
btw. have you ever done “tightlining” before?
oh yeah, hope to see more EOTD pixs.
I will do a post on the 5-step skincare regimen next week.
yup I do tightlining all the time. I wrote a little about this in the following entry:
http://makeupforlife.blogspot.com/2006/02/lining-techniques.html
yay. i’ll be looking forward to the 5-step post.
Hi I have a question about the pigments. I have some and i absolutely love all the color options but i can’t gte them to stay on all day at all. By the mid day it’s almost all warn off. I’ve been hearing of a certain base you can put on before applying the pigments. What is good for that? I’m not to good with makeup so I need all the help i can get. And also should you apply with a brish or your finger? PLease help me out!!!
Thanks!
Hey Kathy, I use both my fingers and brushes to apply pigments. I will be doing a post on eye primers soon.
Will mac pigments work as an eyeliner if I apply them dry? Or should I stick to pressed eyeshadows for this?
Of course you can use them as liners. I would suggest using them wet so they stay on better/longer.