MAC's Mac me over collection Review and Swatches

I know I haven't done swatches and reviews for a while now.. I have a couple of items lined up to review and others I'm still testing.
I was so excited when I first checked out the official information and photos of Mac's Mac me over collection. 
I got a couple of items, not much from the collection since I already had similar items or the same product purchased from previous collections.

Lipsticks:

 Prince Noir (Limited Edition)

This lipstick is actually darker than it appears.It's a deep burgundy color with red and purple hues. In real life it looks more purple than red. It's a tad too dark for me. In the picture the color looks lighter and better!

The lipstick has a matte finish, but not as matte as Ruby Woo.

I don't think I'd be using it since it's a tad dark for my liking.

Runway Red. (Limited Edition)

This lipstick is also darker in real life. I absolutely love this lipstick. It's a blue based dark red, in the picture it slightly gives a fuchsia hint which you don't see in person. 

This is my favorite lipstick from the collection,

Peachstock (Permanent at Mac Pro)

I got this lipstick last year from Mac pro. It's a medium nude lipstick with a hint of peach. On my skin tone it looks like I have concealer on, like most nude lipstick it's best paired with a pink lipgloss.

Rebel (permanent)
This lipstick in an old favorite of mine. It's a Purple/ Dark Fuchsia lipstick with a satin finish.

Left: Runway Red. Right: Prince Noir

Left: Peachstock Right: Rebel

Above Price Noir. Below: Runway Red.

   

Eyeshadows:

Above: Moleskin. Bottom: Creamy Bisque
I bought 2 eyeshadows, and I love them both.
Moleskin: Is a nude caramel beige color. Very close to my skin tone (NC30). This eyeshadow has a matte finish.

Creamy Bisque: Is a creamy Ivory eyeshadow with a frost finish.

I love the texture of this eyeshadow. It's beautiful for highlighting the brow bone and inner corners.


Brushes:

Right: Mac 226. Left: Sigma Small Tapered Brush

I've been dying to get my hands on Mac's 226 brush for so long now. And I'm glad they finally decided to release it in one of their collections. 
This brush was sold out within couple of minutes when the collection was released in the UK website! I was gutted! I found a legit seller on amazon and didn't hesitate for a second to hit the buy now button.
The brush was not even released online in the US due to popular demand and limited stock!
I LOVE this brush, definitely my holy grail crease brush.

It's great for lining your crease and it blends amazingly. Even though the brush released in this collection is not as tapered as the ones released in the Blonde Brunette Red Head collection, It's definitely an easy brush to work with. This brush does not spread out color as much as the 224 since it's more tapered and It's great for highlighting the brow bone and the inner corner of the eye.

As you can see I own the Sigma version of a small tapered brush. 
Comparing these two I prefer the Mac's even though it's not as tapered but it's much better at blending.
When it comes to Mac or Sigma Brushes I prefer Mac's to be honest. Mac has higher quality brushes and I believe it will last longer. 
I find Sigma's a tad mediocre in my opinion as a make-up artist! 
What I don't like about Sigma is you can order the same two brushes and you'll receive two different looking ones! This happened when I ordered two tapered brushes! and let me tell you this wasn't the last time this happened. I later found out I wasn't the only one who has faced this problem!
I can't deny the fact that for the price you pay you are getting amazing brushes so close to Mac's. I would totally recommend them for those who want a good set of brushes for personal use, nothing professional!
To me I'd rather invest in good brushes that will last longer.

How to maintain your Makeup Brushes

Now after blogging about the best brushes, it's extremely crucial to learn how to take care of your brushes. 

Basically, a brush should be washed once a month with a special shampoo that would not cause any damage on the brush. There are some products that you can use to clean them weekly that wont damage your brushes as well.

Her are the products you need.

Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleaner

Other than the lousy packaging as a bottle with a pump would have worked better, this is one of the best brush cleanser I've used. It sure does deep cleanse.

Johnson's Baby Shampoo

  Believeyou me, this product works as good as any other product out there. Baby shampoo is mentioned in Bobbi Brown's book as the product to use to clean your brushes.

If you don't want to splurge on a blush cleanser this is the product for you.

Bobbi Brown Brush Cleansing Spray

I love this product. Now you can't fully depend on this product you still have to wash your brushes once a month. You can use this product weekly or between applications to clean your brush. I really like the fact that it drys fast doesn't damp your brush. It can be used on both natural and synthetic Brushes.

Spray on a tissue paper, then swipe the brush on the tissue to clean.


Blender Cleanser

I use the Blender Cleanser to obviously clean my Beauty Blender. Haven't found a product that works better.

Since I listed the product, I'll let you know the right way to wash your brushes. First, apply the shampoo on your palm, wet the brush (do not immerse the head of the brush in soap as the brush is glued to the base and it will come apart), then swirl the bristles on your palm until it's covered in soap. Rise with water repeat if necessary. I usually shampoo them twice. Then, squeeze out excess and reshape the brush head. Lay flat on the counter with the bristle hanging of the counter, so it can dry into a perfect shape.

Store your brushes in a bag or case. 

Make-up Tools and Brushes

It's pretty obvious by now that I'm a make-up addict. I'm always in search for the best products out there so I know a thing or two about the must have tools and brushes you need.

 The Body Shop's Eyelash Curler

I think every girl needs a great eyelash curler. It's essential to invest in a good one since a bad one can damage your eyelashes. This eyelash curler has a rubber grip which makes it easier to use.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush

 Ok, I know this brush is suppose to be a foundation brush, but I use it to apply my primer and oil control lotion blends them well.  

Hint: After applying your moisturizer or primer always pat your face gently with a tissue paper to remove excess oil.

Beauty Blender Sponge

I have posted about the Beauty Blender weeks ago. This is not just a sponge but a miracle multi-tasking sponge. I run the sponge under water, it doubles in size, squeeze the water out, and I'm ready to go. Trust me no brush or sponge can do what this miracle sponge does. I apply my foundation and concealer with it.

check out my Beauty Blender post for more info =)

Make Up Forever 6N concealer brush

 I actually rarely use this brush after I got the beauty blender. But I usually used this brush to apply my concealer and to cover blemishes and marks.

Mac Powder Puff

 I apply powder foundation with this powder puff. I pat it gently all round my face. I use this puff when I have dry patches. If you have an oily skin (like me) use the brush below.


Makeup Forever Kabuki Brush

This brush is so soft and applies powder smoothly, so gentle on the face.

Bobbi Brown Eye Blender brush

I actually use this brush to apply powder under my eyes. It's so fluffy and soft it's perfect. I actually bought it years ago, the make-up artist suggested this for applying powder under the eyes even though it's for blending. I find it to soft to blend with.




Mac Brush in 189

 

I use this brush for sculpting and contouring it works really well.  It is made out of synthetic fibers, which makes it easy to use. It can be used with liquid foundation as well, but i have never tried it with foundation.


Mac Brush in 169

I love this brush one of my favz. This is a large angled contour brush is amazing I actually use it for both applying Blusher and contouring. This is one of the must have brushes.




Mac 187 and 188 Duo Fiber Brush

OK every girls should have at least one of those brushes. These fiber brushes are amazing for blending. After apply foundation and powder use this brush to blend them in. More importantly, I use it after applying bronzer and blusher, as well as after contouring. it makes it look more natural.


Bobbi Brown Blush Brush

I got this around a month ago. I love this Blush brush. It's so soft, I use mac angled brush 169 to contour my cheeks and then use this brush to apply blush on the apple of my cheeks. 


Make Up Forever in 2s

 This is the best Gel liner Brush out there. I have tried so many brushes and this one is the best. You can control the length and thickness you want easily. So smooth and soft.


Mac 219 Pencil Brush

This Brush is amazing I use it to define my crease as well as applying shadow in the inner corner of my eyes. You actually can use it for so many other things.


Mac Brush in 217

I use this brush for blending the eyeshadow. What I do first apply the eyeshadow/s then use this brush to blend them in.


Mac Brush in 224

This Brush is actually for blending too. It's a bit stiffer and longer not as soft as 217.




Mac Brush in 239

 I apply shadow on my eyelids and brow bone using this brush.. Love it..


Mac 212 Flat Definer Brush 

This brush is amazing for defining the eye. If you don't want to apply eyeliner you can use a dark eyeshadow with this brush, instead of sweeping it on your lash line, press it on. It will make your lashes look darker and fuller.


Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush

I use this brush to contour my cheek bone, nose, and my cupid bow. There is a similar brush from Mac in 227.




Mac 318 Lip Brush

I love how this brush opens up. What I love about this brush, it can fit in your small make-up bag.




Mac Brush Roll

(My brush collection=D)
I loved the concept of this case and how I can lay this flat and see all my brushes. What I don't like about this bag is the lower slots get tight when you put your brushes in the first slot, so only small brushes can fit in the lower ones. Makeup Forever released a similar bag but with elastic holders instead of slots. It's not available here yet. Will get one when it is and i will blog about it and let you know what I think =)

I actually have so many Brushes I talked about the ones I use and benefit from the most. I think it's crucial to invest in good brushes, for they last longer and give you better results. Some of the brushes I mentioned I have had for years and they are still as good as new. Brushes will last long if you take good care of them.The best brushes I have used are from Mac, Bobbi Brown, makeup Forever and I have heard that The Body Shop has some good ones too. There are so many other brands with good brushes, but I prefer to by brushes from professional makeup brands. 

Hope my post helped and is a good guide to brushes =)