MAC Cosmetics

Misogynists and holier-​than-​thou buzzkills beware, this is essentially a makeup post where I gush effusively about a makeup brand. I do not wear a lot of makeup, mostly because as I’ve gotten older I have just gotten lazy. However, we Asian girls NEED our eyeliner, and I don’t care what anyone says, ain’t a woman alive who doesn’t look better with a smidge of makeup on. So women who brag that they don’t wear makeup — ‘BYE FELICIA.
Time and time again, MAC products demonstrate why they are superior to just about any of their competitors. I’ve been using their products since I was a college student — I chose to spend my spare pennies on Plushglass, not beer;) and I just love them.
Specifically, MAC makes quality lip products and eye shadows. They smell wonderful, don’t damage my skin, they aren’t unreasonably priced, their staying power is unbeatable, the packing is tasteful but distinct, and their blendable, subtly multi-​tonal colors are gorgeous. Although they aren’t cheap products, I don’t feel ripped off and the products last me A LOOOOOONG TIME. I think it’s because I don’t have to use a lot to build intensity, plus I I never have to touch-​up because their stuff stays put without breaking out my skin.
I betray my frugal, discount-​loving side with my fondness for MAC. There are no discount cards or rewards points program. The loyalty program is kind of nonexistent (return 6 empty containers = 1 free lipstick) but I don’t cry about it. What I do get 90% of the time is an actual skilled MUA who knows what s/​he is talking about. I have always liked the company’s nonchalantly rebellious stances on raising AIDS awareness funding and LGBT rights. And the makeup just plain kicks arse.
Uh, yeah, so if you shop at one of the two MAC counters at Kenwood, they’re both pretty good, and they both seem to run out of the same products at the same time. Nordstrom is definitely a bit sexier (Macy’s, get a facelift alreadyyyyyy, you still look so Miracle on 34^th Street-​old school).
But at Macy’s I was helped by this fabulous girl named Ginie, she was a living, breathing doll and the EPITOME of customer service. She was sweet, helpful, patient, made excellent suggestions (I bought all three of her suggestions). And when the counter didn’t have an item I wanted she first called Nordstrom’s MAC counter to see if they had it in stock (they didn’t, *sigh*), then she had it shipped to my house free of charge.
So yes, Kenwood. Macy’s. MAC. Entire paycheck. Ginie. Huggable in Rich Marron. You’re welcome.

Ok, this review is NOT service related!!! This is simply product manufacturing /​recycling related!!!
I have been a MAC WHORE for WELL OVER 10 years!
I have used the pink bottles of liquid makeup remover (in addition to SEVERAL SEVERAL SEVERAL, OTHER MAC PRODUCTS, which I LOVE!) Recently, I have had TOO MANY issues with the lids on the bottles of the makeup remover!
My lid is BROKEN!!! (For AT LEAST the FIFTH OR SIXTH TIME!!!) I’ve only opened it maybe 4 times since the first use! It would take Superman strength to open it now!!! And I HAVE taken a knife to CUT a few previous broken bottles open before, to transfer it into another bottle!!! Now tomorrow, I have to drive 20 miles to exchange it!!!
Not only that… for every 6 empties, your SUPPOSED to get a free lipstick OR eyeshadow, BUT NOW, since they’re only at a Macy’s or Nordstrom’s, I only have the option of a free lipstick!!! WTF??? Why do I get punished for recycling at an authorized store selling MAC products, just because it’s in a larger retailer like Macy’s??? I’m the one driving FARTHER to shop IN AN AUTHORIZED RETAIL MAC counter, rather than online!!! I’m here to buy YOUR MAKEUP… AND RECYCLE YOUR CONTAINERS!!! And you can’t even give me a free tiny pot of eyeshadow or MY choice of lipstick for every SIX I buy (hence RECYCLE!!! ???) After SIX empties recycled??? WTF!!! I’m about to find a new fucking cosmetic line!!! You can even look up my purchase history! Believe me… it goes back to 2004, but it might not go back to 2015 after this week!

I visited MAC in Nordstrom as a part of a girl’s night out. We all had appointments for full face applications. I wish I could remember the name of my makeup artist, but she was wonderful. I was looking for instruction on lipstick application, and I was told she’s the lip expert. Her reputation proved true, she gave me great advice and an even better look. Each of our artists were great and each suggested we return quarterly; which we will be doing!

Both Mac Locations in the Kenwood Mall are great and staffed with talented artists. I would suggest stopping by either the Macy’s Or Nordstrom counter frequently as this is a cosmetic line that comes out with new products about every 3 months!

Okay, my favorite lipstick that I cannot live without is «Fetish». I really hope that they do not discontinue this color! Other than the lipstick, I love their line of eye shadows, Prep + Prime Lip Conditioner, Face protect visage with SPF 50, their plush lash mascara, lip gloss, and the list goes on.
Their products are true to quality! I am addicted!!!

I would consider myself a Mac Cosmetics connoisseur at this point in my make-​up wearing career. Mac heads know what to look for in a quality store or counter. We want a full stock, clean space and awesome MA’s (make-​up artists). Nordstrom’s Mac counter is pretty standard, but I was impressed with the cleanliness and tidiness of the space, as well as the amount of product displayed.
Quality MA’s are hard to come by, so I’m pretty thrilled when someone helps me without selling too hard or doesn’t help me at all. True story, I once asked an MA at a Mac store in Boston to recommend some eye shadows to me. After naming all the ones I owned, she stated very frankly that I had exhausted all my options. Yeah, okay.
Anyways, I was helped by Kimberly Anspach on my visit to this location and she was pretty fantastic. I needed to be matched for powder foundation and Kimberly took her time to give me a couple options. She also helped me choose a mascara that i am currently obsessed with. I have sensitive skin and expressed some doubt that the powder wouldn’t work for my skin. Kimberly explained the return policy and graciously offered me her card if I had any problems. I’m a sucker for anyone who offers to help me in the future, especially in retail.
This is definitely my Mac HQ in Cincinnati.