Beauty: M.A.C. Paint Pots Review

I used to just throw on some eye shadow in the morning and run out the door without even thinking about using a primer beforehand. I would notice that my makeup would quickly disappear and fade well before I came home at night.

I did some research and tested a few primers out but didn’t like some of the formulas. I was getting a thick, cakey eye makeup that didn’t look so hot. I figured it was better to have my makeup fade than look like I didn’t know how to blend correctly or put a ton of extra makeup in my crease.

I went to M.A.C to get some other products and noticed their Paint Pots and asked if they could be used as primer or if they needed to be worn alone. The makeup artist informed me that they could be used for both and it is a creamy formula that didn’t dry cakey. I knew I needed to give it a try!

Paint Pot description according to M.A.C: A highly pigmented eye color that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colorfast, creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M.A.C shadows and liners.

I purchased the Painterly color because I wanted something neutral to wear alone or dress up if I wanted to. It was the perfect choice. Not only can I wear it alone if I’m going for a more natural look, but can be used as an amazing base for all my other eye shadows without being too much. It has lasted me a long time and when it eventually wears out, I won’t hesitate to purchase it again.

At $18.50 this price point is perfect for the amount of quality product you get. I would recommend it to all of you! There are a ton of other shades to choose from if you want to be more daring than me.

Do you use any makeup primers? Are there any brands you swear by?

Five Summer Makeup Must-Haves

Summer is in full swing – is your makeup bag stocked and ready? Here are a few things I consider must-haves for summer:

Eye and face primers

Don’t let all the work you put into perfecting your makeup look go to waste when you step outside. Make sure you’re wearing eye and face primers, and be sure to pick up separate primers formulated for each area.

A few favorites:

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original

This is my year-round go-to for eye primer. It’s lightweight, easy-to-apply and it speaks for itself – my eye makeup always lasts the whole day.

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Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer in Skin

This eye primer comes in a close second. The product is a little thick, but once blended it will help your eye makeup stay put. As an added bonus, using a beige-toned eye primer helps cover any redness or discoloration on your eyelids making the colors you apply more bright and vibrant.

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Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer in Original

If you have any oiliness whatsoever on your skin, this primer will suck it all up. Enough said.

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Bright eyeliner

Summer is the time of year where you can wear fun and bright makeup colors and it looks totally normal. I’m a huge fan of bright eye makeup, especially eyeliner. My absolute favorite is wearing bright green. Come on – you can’t really get away with that during the winter.

A few to try:

Sephora Collection Nano Liner in Chlorophyll

This bright green is adorable. And surprisingly, it works with a lot of different eyeshadow colors.

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Inglot Matte Collection AMC Eyeliner Gel in 72

Pink eyeliner? If you’re brave enough to try it, I promise it will give your whole face a summer-y look!

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BB cream or tinted moisturizer

Don’t apply a thick foundation – let your skin breathe this summer! A BB cream or tinted moisturizer is perfect to wear “it’s hot outside” is an understatement.

Here are a few favorites:

Garnier BB Cream in Fair/Light

This is the BB cream I am currently using, and I couldn’t be happier. I bought this on a whim from Target and have been really satisfied with how lightweight it feels and covers up any imperfections on my skin.

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Smashbox BB Cream

This is the BB cream Amanda is currently using, and she loves it. You can check out her review here.

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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I don’t think I’m the only one who loves this tinted moisturizer. It’s light and looks really lovely on the skin.

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Bright lip gloss

Second only to bright eyeliner, bright lip gloss is another summer makeup must-have. I prefer it over lipstick, because it doesn’t feel or look so heavy on the lips.

Try these:

MAC Tinted Lipglass (try Pink Poodle, Saint Germain or Angel)

I can’t get enough of MAC lipglasses. These lightweight glosses give a big color payoff without feeling too sticky or heavy.

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Stila Lip Glaze (try Kitten or Watermelon)

Stila’s lip glazes are a little bit thicker than a normal lip gloss, but they have so many color choices that are perfect for summer. The lip glazes don’t wear off easily and no matter which one you choose, you can be sure your lips will have a really pretty sheen or shimmer.

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Bronzing powder

I religiously wear sunscreen, so I can’t say I’m sporting any kind of a tan – even in the midst of summer. In order to fake it, bronzing powder is a staple in my summer makeup routine.

Tarte Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess

This is a perfect color for lighter skin tones – it doesn’t look too orange or ruddy. It’s best applied lightly in layers.

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Smashbox Bronze Lights

Another great bronzing powder choice. Super blendable and gives a lovely glow to the skin.

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What else do you carry in your makeup bag during summer?