MAC Dazzleshadow Review: 3D Shimmer, Wearable Shades & Pro Application Tips

If you’re searching for a high-quality shimmer shadow that combines wearable shades with a stunning 3D effect, this MAC Dazzleshadow Review is for you. 

MAC has long been a cult favorite in the beauty world, known for its professional-quality formulas and iconic packaging. This particular line comes in nine gorgeous shades, and I picked up three to test out. From its travel-friendly design to its creamy, blendable texture, I’ll be sharing the pros, cons, and my top application tips to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your makeup bag.

INFO FROM MAC WEBSITE:

Feel the fever with glitter-streaked Dazzleshadow in riotous hues. The rich, stay-true pigmented eyeshadow adhere to the lid with minimal fallout, imparting eyes with a beautiful, twinkling sheen. The creamy, talc-free formula delivers a texture that's the perfect union of cream and powder, creating a multidimensional, reflective surface that leaves lids looking dazzling yet delicate.

Colour true, high intensity, 3D Glitter effect. 

Php 1,300 ($26) for 1 gram

MAC Studio Fix Powder vs Studio Perfect Powder Foundation

 Here’s a quick comparison of MAC’s popular powder foundations.

PRODUCT INFO:

MAC STUDIO FIX 

A one-step pressed powder and foundation that gives skin a 12-hour ultra-matte finish while controlling shine and without causing acne.

Php 1,950

MAC STUDIO PERFECT FOUNDATION 

MAC Studio Perfect SPF 15 With Moisture-Fusion Complex is a smooth, moist, silky powder foundation which fuses SPF 15 sun protection with flawless performance. Enriched with a skin-conditioning Moisture-Fusion Complex. This foundation is ideal for dry skins.

Php 2,500 (refill) + Php 800 for the empty compact case (the new compact case has a silver color now)

MAC 187, 188, 130 Duo Fiber Stippling brush review

Ola Shopcoholics!

Here’s part 2 of my MAC brush review installment.

Ever since I can remember, MAC is the first company that launched the Duo Fiber Stippling brushes. I can still remember back then these were popularly known as Skunk brushes 😁 

These Duo Fiber brushes have two kinds of hair, the black one is animal hair, and the white one is made of synthetic hair. The stippling term refers to the application type on how you use the brushes to apply products to achieve an airbrushed effect.

MAC 187, 188 , and 130 Duo fiber brushes

MAC 128s Split Fiber cheek brush review (multi-purpose brush)

Good day Shopcoholics!

Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite MAC brushes.

If I have to pick just one brush for travel, this is gonna be it - the MAC 128s Split Fibre cheek brush.

You want to know why? Read on to find out  =)

NARS Orgasm vs MAC Springsheen blush comparison

Hey Shopcoholics! 

As promised from my last post, here’s a comparison between the two. As you all know, Orgasm is one of the most popular blush from NARS. Fyi, this not a spend vs save version because as you can see MAC is also a high end brand, but you can save a few pesos. I’ll tell why in a bit =)

Both blushes are described as a peachy pink shade with gold shimmers.

NARS Orgasm blush (4.5 grams) - Php 1,800 at Rustans

MAC Sheertone blush (6 grams) - Php 1,625 at Rustans and MAC Stores

MAC blushes review and swatches

Inspired by Hollie, my blogger bestie’s post on her favorite MAC blushes, I’ve decided to share with you my favorites as well. MAC is in fact my favorite makeup brand, and it is also close to my heart. I was one of the pioneer makeup artists when it opened its first door here in Cebu. Now, MAC has already 3 branches and counting. I’ve already sold some shades that I rarely use and these are the only ones left.  

MAC Studio Correct and Conceal Palette in Light swatches

If you have been reading my previous posts, you'll know that my Holy grail concealer is MAC Studio Finish. I use it as undereye concealer and for hiding blemishes.

Imagine my delight when my friend from the US, Dona gifted me this concealer palette. 

PRODUCT INFO:
A professional palette of four concealers and two corrector shades in a medium colour wave. Enriched with antioxidants and suited for all skin types, they can be used individually or combined to match any skin tone. Emollient-based formula delivers medium to full buildable coverage in a natural finish. Helps to correct skin tone and conceal dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks.

6 g / 0.21 US oz.

This concealer palette retails for $35 at www.maccosmetics.com

Swatches : MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35++

As you all know, MAC Studio Finish is my HG concealer. I use it as an undereye concealer, brow and face highlight, and to cover imperfections and pimple marks. 

This is the BEST concealer I have ever tried! 

It is full coverage, has SPF 35++, and it's waterproof. 

A tiny pot costs Php 1,100 ($22) here in the Philippines, but will last you up to 2 years with everyday use.

I have the following shades:

NC20, NW20, NW25 and NC30.

 For reference, my foundation is NC20. I use the NW25 shade first as an undereye corrector  because of its salmon color, and then followed by NW20 to brighten.

For pimple marks and imperfections, I usually mix NC30 and NC20 to get the perfect shade. 

For brow and face highlight, I use the NC20 shade.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer swatches

NC30 | NW25 | NW20 | NC20

TIP:

You can mix it with moisturiser for a sheerer coverage.

You may check out my previous post + tips HERE.

Till next time, 

Review: MAC Brush Cleanser

 PRODUCT INFO FROM MAC:

  This one product will clean, disinfect and condition the brush fibers so that brushes will last longer. It is convenient to use and is specifically designed to extend the life of high quality brushes. Brush Cleanser leaves your brushes smelling fresh and clean, and helps shorten their drying time.

PRICE: Php 780.00

NET WEIGHT: 235 ml / 7.9 US Fl oz.

WHERE TO BUY: Rustans, Ayala Cebu

PROS:

* super easy to use

* i like the smell, it smells like alcohol and is not overpowering.

* easily cleans and conditions my brushes in seconds (even my MAC brushes with white goat hair and duo fibre face brushes).

* my brushes smells so clean afterwards

* fast drying time: it takes 5-10 mins for smaller brushes and 15-30 for the big, fluffy face brushes.

CONS: 

* expensive at first but I'm amazed that after 8 months the bottle is still half full.

TIPS: 

* You can buy an atomizer at Watsons for less than 100 bucks and transfer a little amount of brush cleanser into the bottle, that way mas tipid gamitin. All you need is 1-2 sprays for eye brushes and 3-4 sprays for the bigger ones.

OVERALL:

I highly recommend this product for spot cleaning and sanitizing brushes. But please do keep in mind that nothing beats washing your brushes with shampoo and water.

It is recommended to wash/deep clean your face brushes at least once a week and eye brushes once to twice a month. Be gentle when you wash your brushes with water. Do NOT soak your brushes, as it may loosen the glue that holds the hair in place.

More pics

How I clean my eye brushes with MAC Brush Cleanser :

All you need is a paper towel and the brush cleanser.

Here's my dirty MAC 217 blending brush

All you need is just 1-2 sprays and run it back and forth the paper towel. 

Tadaa... Looks clean again =) Amazing right?! haha

After cleaning, I lay them on a face towel to dry. 

After drying, I store my MAC brushes in a leather brush roll.

List of Ingredients 

How do you clean and take care of your brushes?

Till next time, 

Review: MAC Bronzing Powder

It's officially summer! Tan and bronzed skin is now IN! 

Read my review to know more about my favorite bronzer.

  

PRODUCT INFO FROM MAC:

A lightly frosted, tinted powder that gives skin sheer, natural colour effects and highlights. Ideal for enhancing a skin tone or to accent or strengthen a tan. Skin-conditioning and formulated to provide a smooth, even application on all skin types.
 

PRICE: Php 1,350.00

NET WEIGHT: 0.35 US oz / 10 grams

WHERE TO BUY: Rustans, Ayala Cebu

SHADES: Available in 2 shades.
* Golden - for pale to light skintones
* Bronze - for light to medium skintones

PROS:

* Golden is a lovely soft bronze shade with shimmers (according to MAC), but don't worry the shimmers are not that visible when applied.

 * I like that the compact has a mirror for easy touch-ups, and is made of a high quality material. I've dropped it 2x already and thank goodness, the powder and mirror are still intact. Whew!

* texture is finely milled

* pigmentation is quite sheer, but the color is buildable. I personally prefer sheer bronzers compared to the pigmented ones for easier application. Less mistakes too if you accidentally apply too much =)

* I use this to contour, and it looks really natural on my NC20 skintone.

* doesn't look orange or muddy

* long-lasting on my normal-oily skintype.

* doesn't accentuate pores

* looks good with any color of blush. 

* non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores)

* non-acnegenic (doesn't promote acne)

CONS:

* Limited shades available here in the Philippines. 

* Expensive but trust me this will last you a long time. Been using it for more than 6 months already, and I still can't see a dent on the pan.

TOOLS TO USE: MAC 168 Angled brush or any angled bronzer/blush brush

OVERALL:

I have used NARS Laguna bronzer before but I decided to sell it coz of the rubberized packaging that easily attracts dirt. It is a pain in the a** to clean! So that's why I've decided to buy this bronzer coz when I was working with MAC this is one of my fave products.

More pics

 MAC Bronzing Powder in Bronze

Ingredients list

 Swatch

Do you use bronzers? 

Care to share what product you are using?

Till next time, 

Makeup Tips from MAC Artists (Part 2)

Now its time for the ladies to share their makeup tips and favorite products from MAC.
If you missed Part 1, click HERE.
 

 
Image from www.maccosmetics.com

NICO ENRIQUEZ (MAC ROCKWELL)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

 Exfoliate regularly and moisturize daily! Beautiful make up starts with a beautiful canvas so please take care of your skin. It's not just prepping your skin before make up, it's also about giving your skin the proper nourishment it needs before your beauty sleep.

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?

MAC Mineralize Concealer - Php 1,150

Definitely Mineralize concealer. It has this really creamy texture that has a consistency thick enough to give excellent coverage yet still thin enough to blend seamlessly with the skin.
 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup. 

Skin is extremely important. Not just skin care itself but how you apply foundation and concealer as well. You don't have to pile on make up to cover! Try neutralizing discolorations instead like using the NW line to counteract bluish discolorations in the under eye area and the NC line to neutralize any redness. Trust me, neutralizing makes a huge difference.

  ERIN CABRERA (MAC ALABANG)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

As we all know, "Skin is In", keep your skin healthy and glowing even without makeup by keeping it hydrated and well-exfoliated.

 

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?
 
MAC Mineralize Foundation Loose - Php 2,050

One of the best powders that i have worked with is Mineralize Foundation/Loose. It has 77 bio minerals under its belt and has pearlized pigments (optical diffusers) to make the dullest makeup look alive and radiant.

 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup.

The best advice I could give to makeup artists who are just starting out, "Don't let it get to your head" Makeup artistry is your own creativity. It is creating masterpieces of what you think is beautiful and not let other people tell you otherwise. Yes, there will be a few, if not, most judgements in our line of work, but always remember that you just have to find your niche and do the best that you can to make it work.

KIMVERLEY PERALTA (MAC MOA)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

Less foundation and having a luminous beautiful skin is still the best coz its the largest and noticeable part.  

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?
 
MAC 217 Blending brush - Php 1,300

 Super love the MAC brushes especially the 217 coz its multi-purpose, handling anything from any textures to powder ones. I think its a brush must have by any person who loves eye makeup. 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup.

Top secret- have confidence and dont be afraid trying new shades specially when it comes to lipsticks. Be on the nearest MAC counter and don't hesitate to ask questions and the expert will tell you what's the best for you. See yahh!

****************************

 Stay tuned for Part 3 =)

Till next time, 

Makeup Tips from MAC Artists (Part 1)

In this post, I want to share with you some amazing makeup tips that I've compiled from my former colleagues at MAC Cosmetics. Enjoy reading! 

 

HAM VILORIA (MAC Makati)

What is your #1 Makeup Tip? 

Be inspired by anything other than makeup looks done by other artists. I find that paintings, patterns, texture from fabrics are great examples of how you can challenge yourself in interpreting makeup trends. 

What is your favorite MAC product and why? 

 

 MAC Fluidline Blacktrack - Php 1,100

It's a product that provides limitless looks depending on the brush you use.

 RAF MAÑOSCA (MAC Rockwell)

   

What is your #1 Makeup Tip?

For me prepping the skin before the application of makeup really does make a difference. Do your normal skin care routine. Make sure that the skin is well hydrated. And apply whatever primer that works for your skin type. Like with MAC, our skin care line is made to make the makeup look good.

What is your favorite MAC product and why? 

 MAC Fix+ Spray - Php 1,050

It's really a must have product. Coz it's just makes your skin well hydrated. Can also be used as a mixing medium for eyeshadows and pigments. It also takes away the powdery finish of your makeup look.

NOEL NOCILLADO a.k.a KENJIE (MAC Makati)

What is your #1 Makeup Tip?

Apply skincare before wearing makeup. Don't put to much makeup to avoid fine lines, freckles and signs of aging. Always use primer with or without SPF to maintain healthy and glowing skin. 

What is your favorite MAC product and why?   

 
MAC Lightful Marine Bright Formula SPF 25 Foundation - Php 2,350 (refill); 650 (compact)

Lightful Foundation  because of its anti-aging ingredients + Spf 30 to avoid signs of aging. The powder is lightweight on the face and looks very natural, even guys like me can use it without looking too made up. 

*********************

Couldn't agree with them more regarding the importance of skincare! When you have beautiful skin, there's no need to apply a lot of makeup. Don't forget to apply moisturiser with sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 before you head outdoors to  avoid premature aging.

Let me know what you think of this post. If you have other questions regarding makeup or skincare don't hesitate to ask me. =)

Till next time, 

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm Spf 35+

 

Product Info from MAC:

Prep + Prime Beauty Balm is lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions, it creamily re-texturizes the skin and then goes on to excel at being a face primer with high everyday UVA/UVB SPF 35 defense.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Titanium dioxide

PRICE: Php 1,950.00 for 40 ml

SHADES:

Available in 9 shades. The lightest is Extra light while the darkest is Dark Deep.

PROS:
* has SPF 35 for face protection.
* non-sticky and lightweight when applied; easy to spread even without moisturiser.
* can be applied alone or under foundation (as primer). 
* contains Vit E, wheat germ extract, cucumber and apple fruit extracts which is good for the skin.
* has caffeine to wake up the skin.
* When I was working at MAC, I always use this product on myself and on models when I do their makeup during MAC events. This product is good in oil control and makes foundation and powder last all day. Now you know the secret! hehe
* Prevents makeup from melting even if you sweat.
* no white cast on photos

CONS:
* does not cover pimple marks etc.
* expensive

TIPS:
* apply only a pea sized amount if you're going to use this as primer.
* to avoid buying the wrong shade, always test on the jawline and neck area.
* if you are not using a cleansing oil to remove makeup, use makeup remover wipes instead like Purederm or Celeteque to thoroughly remove makeup and to avoid clogging the pores. 
* for light coverage you can set this with MAC Select Sheer pressed powder (my fave).
* for full coverage you can use this under MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation.

TOOLS:
I use my fingertips or MAC 191 flat foundation brush to apply this product.

OVERALL:
This product serves a primer, sunscreen and a light coverage foundation in one. If you are always in a hurry to apply makeup and have no time to retouch during the day, this product is for you.

The compact version is a hydrating beauty balm suited for dry to normal skintypes, while the tube version is for normal, combination or oily skin types due to its oil-controlling properties.

WILL I REPURCHASE:
Let's see after I finish all my face primers.

More pics

 Prep + Prime Beauty Balm in Light Plus

 New packaging

 For reference here's the photo of the old formula and packaging.
The older version has a thicker texture and comes only in 1 shade. 

Swatch

 Light Plus Beauty Balm| Studio Scuplt in NC20

 Light plus is described as a "light beige" shade on MAC's website.

 Light Plus has a beige undertone while NC20 has a yellow undertone.

 Slightly blended.

Till next time,