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Monday, November 10, 2014

MAC Cosmetics Studio Sculpt Foundation, Pro Longwear Concealer, Blot Powder Loose & 150 159 286 Brushes Review

[UPDATE at end of post ] While staying in Cincinnati, OH (this summer) I ran out of Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation. I love Urban Decay, but I wanted to try another brand after using it for two years. I went to Macy's in Kenwood Mall and visited their MAC Cosmetics counter. The young lady (she was nice) asked what type of skin I had (DRY) and I explained I wanted a full coverage foundation and concealer. She did my makeup. I looked great! I purchased all the products she suggested and began using them myself at home. Something just wasn't right, and now I know why! Below are my thoughts.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet
supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)


MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation NC35 ($32) - Bittersweet 

The MAC sales lady suggested this foundation for me, because I told her I have DRY skin. Let me mention the POSITIVES! It provides excellent coverage. It matched my skin tone beautifully. It gave me a nice glow (once powdered down). Now the NEGATIVES! It's TOO HEAVY! Once applied, you HAVE to powder it down or else you'll come across too shiny. My dry skin did not absorb this well (and I have DRY skin). I tried to use less, but then I didn't get the coverage I needed. I'm going to finish this up during the winter months, but I plan on going back to MAC (this time in Metairie, Lousiana), explain what went wrong, and hopefully they can recommend another foundation for me. I'm sure not ALL MAC foundations are this heavy. If anybody out there uses MAC foundation, please let me know which formula you use (and like).



MAC Brushes 150 ($42 Large POWDER Brush) , 159 ($35 Duo Fibre BLUSH Brush), 
286 ($32 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending Brush EYE SHADOW) - Supersweet (but read my problem below)

Did I purchase eye shadow or blush? Do you see any in this post? No. Then WHY did the MAC sales lady sell me an eye shadow and blush brush (when I needed a foundation and concealer brush)? I kept using the 159 (BLUSH BRUSH) to apply my foundation and it felt WRONG. I stopped using it! When I started writing this post, and looked up the number (for the type of brush) I found out it was a BLUSH BRUSH and NOT a FOUNDATION BRUSH (which is 132). There is a DIFFERENCE!!! Then she sells me an EYE SHADOW BRUSH (286) to apply my concealer. Really? I look on MAC's website, and a concealer brush is (195). ALL OF THESE BRUSHES are EXCELLENT QUALITY (I love them and can use them for other things), but how can I properly apply makeup that was sold to me, when a MAC sales lady gave me the WRONG type of brushes? LOL There were no other customers at the time. Just my mom and I (I just checked, and they gave her the wrong foundation brush also)! You guys KNOW I'm going to let MAC know about this!



MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC30 $20 - Bittersweet 
MAC Blot Powder/Loose Medium Plus $26 - Supersweet

Let me start with the concealer. It does a nice job concealing flaws (as you'll see in my picture below). What I dislike is the packaging. I dislike the packaging so much, that I'll never buy this concealer, while its in this packaging ever again. The pump is SO hard to pump (you have to press hard for the product to come out). Plus when you do, TOO MUCH product is dispensed. You end up putting concealer everywhere just to USE what comes out. The loose powder is very nice! Shake what you need and then use a powder blush to apply. It's finely milled and blends really well with your foundation.


The bottom line (with my experience at the MAC cosmetic counter) is, I don't like questioning, second guessing, looking over a person's shoulder or telling someone how to do their job. That's not me. I let the MAC sales lady tell ME what products and tools to use because SHE works for MAC and SHE is the makeup expert. I love makeup, but I'm NOT a makeup expert. But when I come home and find out she sold me two wrong makeup brushes totaling nearly $70, there's a problem. My makeup looks good in these pictures. I just don't like how it feels (formula is heavy), but that can be adjusted by switching to another MAC product (which I'm open to doing). My mom treated me to this makeup & brushes, so she was displeased to learn of all this (and that she to was sold the wrong type of brush). I definitely plan on letting MAC know. I will keep you informed of their response. As you all know, I LOVE their makeup COLLECTIONS. So that's why I wanted to try their foundation makeup. My suggestion to all of you is don't go to a makeup counter blindly, like I did (I shop online, but HAD to go in to get a foundation match). Research the products a company sells and write down what YOU think might work for you. This will hopefully prevent them selling you ANYTHING.



[UPDATE] I sent an email to MAC's Customer Service, explaining what happened and attached a link to this blog post. They responded immediately and a representative spoke to me on the phone. They are sending my mom and I, a foundation brush and myself a concealer brush. I was pleased with their prompt response to this matter. I plan on going to my local MAC store to see if I can get a better foundation and concealer. I'll keep you posted. I want to thank all my blog buddies for your comments and suggestions. It really helped. THANKS! :)
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57 comments

  1. I do like the base look on you. The brush is really key I think, I have only just bought one of those really stout kabuki brushes for applying my base and it is remarkable. I am a MAC fan and I like how their products are a big 'heavy'. Xx

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  2. Aww no I'm so sad such a nice shopping experience was so bad after you got home and realised all was not as it seemed with your purchases!

    I'm always so anxious when I go to the makeup counters, I know nothing, so I just end up buying everything they recommend. It works for their sales targets, but not always nice for my wallet, and I don't always use things! I'm getting much more picky now when they recommend things.

    Away From The Blue

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  3. That's a shame doll! It looks amazing on you, but if it feels weird then that wouldn't be nice to wear all day. And being told the wrong product is really irritating as this stuff costs a lot of money and these people train to know the information through and through, so there shouldn't have been a mishap for any reason. I hope they get back to you and can sort this out since it was a gift. Happy Monday beauty xx

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  4. Oh so sorry doll for such bad experience. You i have faced that experience a couple of time. You should be more careful for next time. By the way you look so beautiful with and without makeup.Happy Monday girl

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  5. Keep us posted Kim, Im curious to know what Mac will reply. So sorry, it happens also here, dont know why she sell you those brushes honestly! Btw, Kim, love your reviews, ur thoughts are always helpful for me.I think the foundation would be heavy for me and I wont pick it. The loose powder instead inspires me a lot. You are utterly cute!:) Happy Monday Kim, many kisses! xo

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  6. Mac makeup rocks like their setting powder

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  7. Wow, MAC needs to set up their training for employees? it's crazy that you got all the wrong products! I didn't realize there was a difference between blush and foundation brushes. I need to look at my Bare Minerals brushes now!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  8. Great review, Kim and bummer it didn't work out the way you wanted. Hope you find a better one that suit your skin type. Have a blessed week! :)

    missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. You look amazing with and without make up . I feel like the brush messed it all up, good luck next time.

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  10. you look good with this foundation but it's not just about look, right? So sad they sold wrong brushes (I can't imagine alike situation in my nearest mac corner) MAC definitely should now
    have a great week!

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  11. You know, MAC is a very expensive make-up brand in my country. Not everyone can afford buying all that stuff and if I were you, I probably would have gone mad! It's really annoying when an EXPERT advises you to buy this or that, and in the end it turns to be the wrong one! Otherwise, I like your makeup on that photo! But I don't use a foundation and the heavy one sounds terrible. Thanks for sharing, I'll be waiting to see what their answer is.

    sunandsany

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  12. This is so not the normal MAC experience. I would honestly call Kenwood's counter and just let them know about this experience. I love my MAC brushes, but even I know which one is the foundation brush. Guess they should hire me lol. I do not use their foundation so I can't help you with that. I have been sticking with a mix of UDs Naked and Kat Von Ds full coverage from Sephora.

    http://lamentinglizzie.blogspot.com

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  13. I think you look lovely with the various products but how annoying that you were basically given all the wrong stuff for your needs! The Mineralize foundation is my fave MAC one and would be good on drier skin I think, it's very moisturising on the skin.

    Emma | Fluff and Fripperies

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  14. What an experience, Kim. I am sorry it wasn't perfect because I this that those kind of experiences (trusting the "expect" and then being let down) leave us feeling a bit silly and, well, robbed (of positive emotions and money). I think the make-up looks fantastic on you, though.

    x

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  15. That foundation looks very natural and pretty on you Kim. It's a shame it's so heavy. And it's a crime that you and your Mom spent all that money to be given the wrong brushes. If I know you, I know you'll have them make this right.

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  16. you always have some really great honest reviews. i hope things work our with mac!

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  17. Ok, first of all, next time you spend some time in Cinci, let me know! I live in the Dayton area so we can meet up somewhere and have a coffee, I would love to meet a fellow blogger as sweet as you! Secondly, that Mac sales lady really screwed you up! I mean, she suggested all the wrong stuff for you and any of those products are cheap! I understand why you are upset and if I where you, I would also complain! If I new more about foundations, I would give a recommendation but right now I'm just using a Neutrogene one that controls my acne! (I'm not much help in the beauty department! lol)

    Anyways, I wanted to apologize for being gone for over a week! I've been super busy with work, school, life and developing my new website! now is up and running but I'm still not all the way done! I hope you get some time to visit it :) Have a lovely week darling!

    XOXO

    Milu
    www.hellolupi.com

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  18. That's unfortunate about the experience afterward Kim. To be honest, I can't wear MAC regular makeup, I only have a couple of eye shadows. but their makeup makes my skin irritated and is not the right shades. I think you look pretty with the makeup. Yes, do let MAC know. Hopefully, you can get the makeup/brush situation rectified. :)
    Breakfast Tablescapes

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  19. Wow that is too bad that you had an experience like that with the foundation and the brushes! I can't believe that and hopefully you will find another product you like better. Take care and enjoy your day and week.
    Julie

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  20. Sorry to hear about the bad experience at the MAC counter. I've never had good experiences at the makeup counters. I've only tried it twice, once at the Clinique one and another at the Chanel one. I always feel like they're trying to sell me stuff that I don't want or need. Hope MAC makes this right for you!

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  21. I'm sorry you had to go through unpleasant moments with these makeup you bought. I couldn't agree with you more by going to the counter knowing what you want and after some research. Don't get pushed over by the sales people. They should sell us what we need and not what they want to sell to us.

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  22. What a disaster, Kim! I'm amazed you can be so positive about it, I would be absolutely livid. It's not so bad that the product formulas aren't your favourite or that the packaging doesn't quite work but to be sold a blush brush for foundation and an eyeshadow brush for concealer?! That's just the limit. The products do look beautiful on you, though.
    xox,
    Cee

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  23. That is so crazy that the mac lady sold you the wrong brushes for what your needed!! I'm glad you are contacting Mac about this though!

    Too bad the foundation didnt work for you! I've heard good things about the prolong wear foundation though. I used the prolong wear concealer too, and agree with you about the packaging I pump the conceal or in a tiny plactic jar so when I get too much it doesn't go to waste

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  24. Great job Kim! I usually only use one product all over to get a brighter and even look but I love what you've done!
    Keep in touch
    xx
    www.JuneWantsItAll.com

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  25. Great review. Mac is myfav. Sorry to know the lady messed up.
    http://rumelatheshopaholic.blogspot.com

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  26. Sadly I haven't used any MAC products before , this foundation sounds great.
    Please let me know if you would be interested in following eachother on GFC and Bloglovin.Would love to stay in contact.

    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
    xoxo

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  27. That is awful, I would totally return the brushes! As far as Mac foundation goes, I have always felt it is way too heavy for me. Even though I love their lipsticks very much, I don't think Imcould do the foundations. Hope you get your money back or exchange for those brushes.

    xx,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

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  28. Loving your comparison photos - you can see the difference clearly. I only ever tried one MAC foundation before and I wasn't really a fan, but that's because I wanted something with a medium/heavy coverage and sales assistant advised me wrongly and suggested light coverage foundation.

    Mademoiselle-Lala.com

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  29. Wow!! This foundation looks great doll!!! I love MAC produts.
    Thanks for share it!!

    XOXO!

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  30. Awesome review of MAC products!!!! So I love Mac
    kisses
    Duapara.com

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  31. It looks good on you, Kim. That's too bad about the sales lady's mistakes though. I have no makeup experience at all and if this happened to you, I can't even imagine what might have happened to me. I would have bought all these expensive recommended products only to go home and find out I spent all my money on all the wrong things..
    (=_=)

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  32. I can't believe the lady sold you the wrong brushes.... thats just outrageous. I've never used foundation from mac and I probably won't use theirs after reading your review. btw, you are so beautiful without makeup, kim! :)
    www.lettersimpromptu.blogspot.com

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  33. The powder looks really nice and natural, even though you have glowing, beautiful skin already! :) So jealous, wish I looked that good without makeup!

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  34. It is very unfortunate that your experience with MAC was so disappointing, though of course it could just be that the person helping you did not know the product that well! (of course it falls to MAC for hiring her, but when you have these national chains it can be tough).

    Hope you can go to your MAC and get the products you actually need!

    http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/

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  35. I have actually never tried any Mac products. I think maybe forever ago I tried their eye shadows. I hate when you get a bad sales lady : (.. it makes all the difference!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  36. I've only bought MAC lipsticks, why? Because I want to get the hell out of Mac shops as fast as I can. The SAs are always snotty and looks at others like we can't afford to purchase the products. They have an attitude that just makes me hate spending even an extra minute in a MAC store. The base makeup looks really pretty but darn, you really did get screwed by the SA. :-(

    Reflection of Sanity

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  37. you're so pretty with or without makeup :)
    thank you for the shopping tips!

    xx
    http://felishmichelle.blogspot.com

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  38. This is a good review! Mac is a great product but I stopped using them after I found out they test on animals!

    ♡Tallia
    Trending In Fashion

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  39. Wow, what a difference between before and after photos! This foundation looks amazing on you :)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  40. Holy cow! What a mess! I am so sorry that you had a bad experience. I *know* that there are different blushes for different things, and I don't use them properly, but a sales lady should! Geez. I hate that about foundation, when the packaging is wrong. I use Rimmel products, and the last tube of foundation I bought does that, it is soooo annoying! I end up wasting so much of it.

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  41. What a disappointment. I'm amazed about this Mac sales person. Not sure if she was thinking when she was advising and selling to you those brushes. With products I always as sample to test just because they're so many on the market and not all suits and it leaves me without big disappointment and thrown out money, because in Ireland we can't return products if they don't suit us.
    Yet Kim these products do look pretty on you.

    xoxo Ra

    http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie

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  42. The foundation perfectly matches your skin, it looks beautiful xox I love your rating idea-the super sweet, sweet,bittersweet etc, a lively idea! :D ive just started a blog of my own and if you're interested you are very welcome to visit xx Followers are desperately needed!!! http://xbeyoutifulx.blogspot.co.uk

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  43. The makeup definitely looks great on you Kim! I've always found the MAC foundations to feel quite heavy on me so I always go for other brands. I'm quite surprised the associate sold you so many of the wrong products though -- it really ruins the experience!

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  44. How frustrating that the saleslady sold you the wrong brushes. The makeup looks beautiful on you though. :) I've been wearing mineral makeup for years but wonder if when I grow older if I'll need to go back to liquid foundation.

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  45. I know what you mean, I do not like being sold to and it is even worse when it is the WRONG thing. I just demanded a refund for chiropractic services totally $265 which they wanted IN ADVANCE! And no x-rays I got my refund. But on another note. I am currently using their under eye concealer but it is not light enough for me for winter.

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

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  46. You look great in the photos, but heavy make up is a definite no-no for me! I couldn't handle it! I'm interested to see what they say about the brushes!

    http://howtomakehome.blogspot.com

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  47. Sorry to hear about this, at least the loose powder was ok.
    I am not a MAC user, I have an eyeliner and something else but that's it.

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  48. i'm no expert either, but i've seen youtubers use brushes for areas other than what they were intended for because they find it works better. if that was the case, they should have explained to you. and if they just gave you the wrong brush, then that was just bad! product looks great, though!

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  49. Wow, I have to say I'm really impressed with the MAC customer service and that they sent you the right brushes. Having an experience like that because of one person behind the counter can almost ruin a brand for me, although I always give second chances like you did her. :) Although, I know what you mean about the MAC foundations being too heavy or looking greasy. I've found their concealers can be very heavy and chalky looking but maybe it's just not right for my skin. I LOVE their eyeshadows, shimmers, lipliners and primers though and have used them for years. Great post Kim and thanks for being so honest and sharing the entire story. :)

    xoDale
    www.savvyspice.com

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  50. I would try MAC but their products seem very expensive, at least in my town that sell it are, interesting review Kim thanks for sharing your experience.

    www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

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  51. Another great review! So glad to hear your concerns were addressed--and so promptly. I had an issue with a vendor (not MAC) last summer and it took three tries with their customer service reps to get the wrong righted! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  52. Oh dear all this must have been so complicated and frustrating! I am so difficult with foundation, I've never used MAC but a MUA did my makeup with MAC and it felt great. I think they did the right thing sending you two brushes (they should have been 3 if Math is not an opinion). Thsnk you for the useful review doll. Ps. You do look fabulous with that foundation!!
    Baci,
    Coco et La vie en rose - Valeria Arizzi

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  53. You still look good without makeup unlike me! :) I'm glad to hear MAC listen to customers.

    http://ahleessa4realz.blogspot.com/

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  54. that foundation looks great on you!

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  55. That's too bad about the experience you had with MAC! The foundation looks great on you! I think it's great that you contacted MAC about your experience with their products!

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  56. There are many types of MAC cosmetics products.MAC cosmetics has less harmful effects in the skin but we have some natual cosmetics products that has no harmful effects in the skin.Natural products always benificial for the human health & skin.So you get more information about natural products pls inter the website.Thanks for giving your important time for discussion.

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