Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
I'm deep in my M.A.C. Cosmetics era again. Though it seems I'm not the only one. Thanks to a viral Lisa Rinna campaign earlier this year (iconic!) and a slew of buzzy launches, the brand has cemented itself back in the beauty zeitgeist again. And in a very big way.
My beloved makeup bag is starting to look like it’s sponsored by them (a girl can dream). From a mascara that delivers lash‑drama without any dramas, a cult lipstick that warms every outfit and a foundation delivers radiant coverage so light, it’s breathable.
Whether I’m doing a five-minute face or full-glam, these are the three products I’m keeping on high rotation.
I take recommending mascaras to others very seriously (i'm very picky), this is one I have no problem recommending. In fact, I've put multiple friends onto this formula already and they have loved it. It looks beautiful - but very different - on each of them. That's the beauty of this formula, it's next-level versatile.
The formula stacks, as MAC says. Infinite layers without clumping. That’s thanks to fibre‑melt technology and lash‑flex polymers that wrap each lash, root to tip, keeping them soft, fluttery and I use the Mega brush. It coaxes every lash thoroughly and creates voluminous lift and curl.
While MAC have touted an impressive 40 coats of mascara, I'm conscious 40 coats of mascara can look, well, 40 coats. My 6 coats seems to be the sweet‑spot where volume and length meet without turning into spider‑lash territory. Though, I have friends that prefer a more 'natural look' and are happy with 1-2 coats on themselves. It's all about preference.
I tend to favour mega-volume and definition, the 'black' shade here delivers both and in spades.
I carry at least 8 lip products in my handbag at all times (a non-negotiable), this is the shade and formula I find myself reaching for the most.
If you're a fan of the OG M.A.C. Matte Lips, you'll love this. If you weren't a fan of the original formula, I have a feeling you'll probably still love this too.
It's not a 'Matte' lipstick like we've known before (drying, no dimension, sits flat), instead this formulas is silky, smooth and supremely pigmented. The finish sits somewhere between a matte (no reflect, full pigment) and a satin (boasting a bit of shine).
Impressively this formula is said to delivery 12 hours of staying power. I've never quite made it the full 12 myself, but I will say it does seem to last longer than other formulas on the market.
The formula is dosed with Cocoa and Shea butter to moisturise and soften your pout. No dry, crackled lips here.
My go-to shade is 'Warm Teddy'. For me, it's THE perfect 90's nude, equal parts: brown and pink toned. It warms up my complexion beautifully too. I can't think of an occasion where this isn't my go-to. She's perfect.
Our lovely Senior Beauty Editor, Sadaf, is also a BIG fan. Here's her thoughts below.
"M.A.C Cosmetics lipsticks are elite (I love a lot of their nude hues as well) and my go-to red lipstick shade is always “Chilli”.
I love it so much I took it with me as my red lip of choice on my Euro summer trip. It paired well with and lifted so many of my outfits, plus when that golden hour hits - it looks even more striking!" - Sadaf Razi
To round out my M.A.C. favourites - a gorgeous, lightweight foundation.
This sheer, foundation-meets-tint formula gives that ethereal, your-skin-but-glowier finish. Sheer, luminous and buildable.
With over 60% water, the formula is infused with hydrating agents and slip-enhancing dimethicone, plus skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E, orange peel oil and wood oil. So your getting those skin-enhancing benefits throughout the day. Despite feeling like a second skin, the foundation is long-wearing, waterproof and transfer-resistant. I've noted some serious staying power.
I wear it on both my face and neck (this will give you the most natural colour results) and blend with a stippling brush for a airbrushed finish. One layer gives that fresh-skin glow; a second builds coverage where I want a little more something-something like undereyes and No cakey moments. And voila - instant radiance. If you're a dewy,
From Lashes To Lips: 3 M.A.C. Products I'm Loving Right Now
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