This is a small MAC branch, but they pack their whole product line into a very small space. As you know, MAC is one of those few cosmetics that will not sell their products at Sephora or Ulta. MAC believes this keeps their product lines exclusive, much like Paul Mitchell does. You must purchase MAC at licensed branches or full-fledged free-standing MAC stores. MAC (Make-Up Art Cosmetics) were originally designed for makeup artist's use, and at their inception in 1984, employed only professional makeup artists. MAC's make-up artists will apply your make up for a fashion shoot, photo shoot, your wedding day, or any other special event you'd like.
This branch is located inside Dillard's Department store. It's on the bottom floor, right where Dillard's exits to the mall, across from Perfumes department.
The product samples at MAC are always kept clean and sanitized. Thank goodness for that! Have you ever walked up to a product demo counter and watched as a gaggle of teen girls swirled around and mixed up all the samples of powdered blushes, making a mess, and then not cleaning it up, but just walking away? They're also trying them out and it's bad for the next user's health! Even worse when they mess with the eye makeup! Can you say pink eye? No thanks!
At this MAC, the cosmeticians don't let this happen and here's why: 1) There are enough employees to take care of all customers, so they're there to demonstrate its' usage; 2) They keep their sample products clean after each usage by sanitizing with appropriate materials.
I like to buy a few things at MAC. The lipsticks are great, especially the VIVA GLAM lipsticks. They go on nice, are long-wearing, and keep my lips well moisturized. The VIVA GLAM line was developed to benefit the M.A.C. AIDS Fund, so 100% of the purchase price of all VIVA GLAM products goes toward this cause. (For more information, visit MACAIDSFUND.ORG.)
I also love their Cheek Blush line, and for Summer, I always use their Mineralized Skinfinish highlights. I don't use a thick foundation makeup, because I used it very heavily during my younger years as a model, and I feel now that it only clogs my pores and creates breakouts and a bad complexion. My skin is much clearer without foundation, plus my pores can breathe much better. Instead, I use something lighter.
For those thinking you just can't, that you must have foundation to even out the imperfections and discolorations in your skin we all have, NO. You don't need something that basically smothers your face all day with a color that doesn't match yours. Sure, there are products out there that claim to match your skin color, and even those that can be custom-color-made. But if you must, try to use a light product that 'illuminates', such as MAC's Strobe Cream. It brightens with iridescent particles that aren't too glittery or shimmery. Just brush Strobe Cream onto your most uneven spots, and that's all. Your face won't feel completely smothered because you won't have the product placed over your entire face :). Or, you can use the powder Mineralized Skinfinish highlights for the same results.
At bedtime, I cleanse all my makeup off and never sleep in it, because sleeping with makeup on will produce breakouts and also creates a breeding ground for germs :).
I do still shop at Sephora though! I wear Nars eyeliner, and Urban Decay's Browbox, and that's the extent of my make-up repertoire. I figure less is more these days, except during special occasions; then I'll wear my regime more heavily.
But Nars and Urban Decay are two things you can't get at MAC, so I'll always be shopping at both MAC and Sephora!
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