MAC Cosmetics A/W16 Trend Presentation

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

It seems really odd to be talking or thinking about autumn/winter, when we've barely had a summer, but I got the fab opportunity to attend the MAC A/W16 Trends Presentation. Talking make-up and nail trends for autumn/winter this year, based on designs done on the catwalks of fashion week.

Make-up Trends

Let's start with the make-up trends; It's going to be all about the lightweight base, something we are more accustomed to in summer, allowing the skin to show through, no make-up make-up if you like. NOw don't be shocked, but apparently contouring is going out, yes there's an 'anti-contouring' trend on the horizon, according to MAC. I guess this goes hand in hand with a much more lightweight base and skin looking more like skin.

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

Of course we expect a dark lip for autumn/winter, but MAC is trying to reinvent how this is applied, think grungy but sophisticated. Imperfect lip lines, that are smudgy around the edges. Also glossy lips are in, new technology will allow us to apply a glossy lip that lasts, without the need for multiple reapplications using MAC's lipglass. Eye liner is also being applied haphazardly, as if you've made a mistake, not just sticky strictly to the lash line area. Of course the nude isn't going anywhere either, but think true nudes, that actually look like your own lip colour almost as if you're not wearing a lip colour. It's all about lip prep before application, so you don't actually require that much colour. Also heart shaped lips are in, on the catwalk these were drawn in on the models, where their cupids bows were very exaggerated. Again prepping lips so they look as plump as possible prior to colour application.

Nails

The main thing here I guess is that short nails are out and long pointy nails are in, which is great for me, but I'm sure pointy nails have been in for a while (think stiletto nails). Nails are still matte, but not flat and glamorous, but with an edge and some attitude. Another catwalk trend that may not necessarily translate to everyday is painting the actual fingers, yes, extending the polish down your thumb for instance. It'll only last the night, but it'll be interesting to see if this actually takes off. My favourite of the nail trends however is the idea of not forgetting the back of the nail, that's right a little colour or bling applied to the underside of the nail, which again I guess goes hand in hand with short nails being out! Nail art is going to be paired way back, and be reserved for the underside of the nail too. Also MAC are trying to reinvent the classic french manicure, by leaving them clear instead of painting them white. Pastel nails are also going to be big in A/W, but these are going to be applied with a shimmer topcoat that makes them easier to wear and less chalky. I'd like to see that in practice, as pastel colours can be difficult to pull off on deeper skin tones, it'll be interesting to see if the shimmer topcoat makes a difference.

Obviously trends are just guidelines, and some catwalk trends won't translate to every day wear as easily. Always feel free to continue to wear your make-up and nails however makes you happy, rules are there to be broken after all.

What are your thoughts on these A/W MAC Trends?

Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation; Is this the best foundation from MAC yet?!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Mac Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation

Brand: Mac

Name: Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation**

Coverage: Sheer - Medium

Shade: NW50 

Swatch:

Mac Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: Introducing an innovative foundation that delivers colour in an ultra-fluid, elastic gel- serum formula. With a virtually weightless feel, this hydrating formula is extraordinarily comfortable, lasting for hours. With stay-true colour and sheer medium buildable coverage, it softly blurs imperfections such as pores and fine lines. The unique dropper provides you with a drop of perfection.

Wear time (with/without primer): This foundation has great wear time on my combination skin, I don't even need primer, it lasts all day without touch ups, if I'm going out after work then I'll touch up to keep my makeup going through the evening.

Price (ml): £25.50 for 30ml

Pros: Good shade range
Lightweight
Long lasting
Buildable coverage
SPF 30 with no flashback

Cons:

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Will update soon

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Pipette style dropper applicator. It's not my shade and very red on me, but once I highlight it balances it out somewhat. Once I was done testing, I started mixing in a little Face & Body foundation in C7, which is a little light for me and it was a better match. This is a foundation I would definitely purchase in my actual shade as I like it that much.

Conclusion: I absolutely love this foundation and that says a lot coming from an anti-macaholic (is there a hashtag for that?! lol), it's so lightweight, the type of coverage I like and lasts really well on the skin, with a demi-matte finish. It can be applied with a brush or fingers, I apply 4 drops onto my buffing brush and buff into the skin, applying a couple extra drops to build coverage where needed.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love
**Pr Sample

Aallexxy's foundationfiles; Mac Prolongwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Brand: Mac Cosmetics

Name: Prolongwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation*

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: NW45

Swatch:

What The brand says: A tenacious waterproof formula that can be used as a foundation or concealer, wearing for an unprecedented 24 hours. Neither rain nor tears can budge this oil-free watertight product that actually repels moisture from the surface of the face. The formula blends seamlessly on the skin with medium to full weightless coverage and a natural satin finish.

Wear time (with/without primer): I obviously did not test the 24 hour wear claim, but this has very good staying power alone,  although I did still get a shiny nose. However with the introduction of a mattifying primer, wear time improved slightly, but more notably my shiny nose issues were significantly reduced. This foundation requires minimal touch ups (without primer), if at all any (with primer).

Price (ml): £25.50 FOR 25ml

Pros: 16 shades
You only need a small amount 

Cons: Can look heavy if you apply too much

Only 25ml
No Ingredients list on website

Suitable Skin Types: Normal, Oily, Combination

Ingredients: Not on the website (To be updated if on packaging)

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: I am not usually an NW45 in Mac, so this is too red for me, so I have to highlight to counteract that. However it's not as bad a colour match as usual, one because it's summer, and 2 based on a couple of reviews on the mac website it appears these foundations run lighter than usual. So get colour matched if you are interested.

Conclusion: Considering I'm not a macaholic, I'm surprised how much I like this foundation. I was a little worried from the brands description, about the repelling moisture part, that it would be too drying on certain areas of my combination skin. I did not find that to be the case, this however is a medium to full coverage heavy duty foundation, and one I will personally reserve for going out, and summer months, but not necessarily day-to-day wear.

It is lightweight on the skin, especially for the flawless look it gives. If you are in the market for a longwearing high coverage foundation, or one for special occasions that photographs well you can't go far wrong with this. You can also get it here and here.

**Rating: Lust

*Pr Sample

**Ratings; Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love