THE MAC ATTRACTION

The only MAC store in the Waikato can be found at Centre Place. Located in the Farmers store in the Garden Place end of the centre, it is staffed by professional make-up artists. MAC consultants offer make-up services and lessons – a great option for ball season, brides, or anybody wanting a new look. Makeovers are priced between $90 and $150 payable at the time of booking. On redemption of the service, you can choose to spend this credit in product – a fantastic way to make yourself glamorous whilst also walking away with the products to recreate the look at home!

An easy way to create different looks to suit the occasion or season is with a change of lip colour. Like many women, I am guilty of playing it safe in the colour department and sticking to neutrals. I decided to put myself in the hands of MAC consultant Fran and step out of my comfort zone.

After applying MAC Lip Conditioner to lock in moisture followed by MAC Prep + Prime to create a base, we were ready to play. We decided to try four options; a classic red, a summery coral, a “crazy” colour that I wouldn’t usually wear and a neutral. Fran identified my skin tone as being yellow-based and easily picked out four lipsticks and matching lip pencils from the huge palette in-store.

By applying lip pencil to the entire lip area, Fran created a base colour and outline to define my mouth. Although she chose pencils to match the lip colours, different pencils and lipsticks can be used to create funky custom shades. Pencil can also be used to cleverly conceal imperfections in shape or size of the lips. MAC lip brush #242 was used to apply the lipstick evenly without wastage. Before applying anything to my face all products were carefully sterilised.

Top left: Viva Glam Sia matte lipstick with He Said She Said Pro Longwear lip pencil | Top right: Rebel Satin satin lipstick with Hellebore Liptensity lip pencil | Bottom left: Syrup lustre lipstick with Staunchly Stylish Pro Longwear lip pencil | Bottom right: Lady Danger matte lipstick with What a Blast! Pro Longwear lip pencil

This was our brave and bold selection, a deep chocolate-box purple. At first it reminded me of singer Lorde’s dark lip style, and seemed too edgy for my 40 year old self. However, upon going outside and checking myself out in the natural light, the purple made my freckled olive skin look fair and even, and offset my hazel eyes nicely. I decided that it was a look I’d try in winter.

This was a super bright coral colour. Interestingly it made my skin look more tanned, with a summery playful vibe. My lips were neon bright and the sole point of focus on my face, but I thought they looked so pretty that I didn’t mind! Like most long-lasting lipsticks, the matte texture can be dry so it was important to use the MAC Lip Conditioner.

This was a classic deep red. Normally I don’t suit this type of colour, but Fran nailed it with just the right amount of warmth and coolness suiting my skin tone. I felt very glamorous and refined, but comfortable enough to wear this shade during the day. This was probably my favourite – and the Mr’s too!

This was the “play it safe” neutral but still different shade to my usual. While I tend to choose flat brown-pink shades, this was a mauve pink with a shiny finish. After sporting such bold shades prior, I felt like my lips had disappeared but interestingly this was the colour my friends preferred.

I departed the MAC counter wearing this lipstick, and because it was glossy I expected it to rub off easily. The colour stayed put well after lunch and into the early evening before needing a touch up. Layering the MAC products created a pretty lip colour that really lasted the distance.

• Making an appointment with a MAC consultant and taking advantage of their expertise – while using that credit on products. Talk about having your cake and eating it too! And what an amazing gift idea for someone special.
• Going out of your comfort zone. I was surprised at how my look changed with each colour.
• Layering up! Applied properly, the results are both beautiful and lasting. Make sure to moisturise, prime and always use lip pencil – the staying power is unbeatable.

Note: MAC lipsticks start from $40; lip pencils from $36