We’re always on the edge of our seats waiting to see the latest styles and beauty inspo to hit the runway from our favorite designers. But it’s backstage -where the makeup, hair, and pieces all come together.
To make sure you have an in to the hottest runway looks and how to wear them, we went to the source: MAC Senior Makeup Artist, Fatima Thomas. She transforms catwalk-worthy looks into sidewalk-friendly ways you can wow every day. Check out the looks she created for our staffers using the MAC Studio Fix Foundation Franchise. Get your notepads and pens ready because you’re going to want to try these out for yourself!
01
Fresh Week, Fresh Face
Begin your week with a clean style that starts with the matte finish and all-day wear of the new MAC Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick. Then follow it up with the Brushblack Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner. “A great black pencil can serve as not only a liner, but also can be blended like eyeshadow,” Fatima explains. “On tan and brown skin, I prefer a carbon black pencil like [the MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline] because it stays true black, making it look so fierce and sexy.” But to really get that fresh face, apply a pink blush – like the Full Fuschia Blush– to the apples of your cheeks and don’t forget the Love Me Lipstick in Hey Frenchie!
02
Power Move
Put your best face forward for that big meeting or presentation with this bold look. Again, Fatima sets the tone with the new MAC Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick. The buildable coverage makes it easy for you to use a little or a lot to create the style you want. And to get the perfect lip color, Fatima uses the MAC Prep + Prime. “It’s like Velcro for your solid and liquid lipsticks, providing the smoothest application and extended wear without feathering,” she says. “Just let it sit for 30 seconds before applying lip color.” She also advises to pair bold lips with a soft, luminous eyeshadow, like the MAC Eyeshadow in Concrete.
03
Playful Vibe
Spice up that mid-week slump with a fun look. For eyes that pop, try a chronographic pencil in primary yellow topped with the chrome yellow from MAC’s Designer palette. Fatima notes that the key to making this all work is using a foundation – such as the MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 – to even out skin tone and adding strategic color correction to help create a flawless natural result. And her backstage tip to erasing dark spots, dark circles and melasma? Mix a bit of orange color corrector into concealer!
04
Flirty Face
Meet up with your girls after work flaunting this dazzling look. To get the look, Fatima suggests that you establish the shape and size of the liner first with a pencil or liquid, then apply duo adhesive using a small liner brush. “Quickly grab an angled liner brush, mist it with MAC Fix+ and dip into glitter, pressing over eyeliner,” she explains. This trick is a great way to wow, especially after work. For a longwearing, all-matte coverage that gives your skin that smooth, finished look, use the Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. Complete the look with shiny lips, using MAC Lipglass Clear.
05
Romantic Look
Take date night to the next level with this sultry look. Smoky always sizzles and this season is no exception. Fatima says you don’t need a bunch of brushes to get the look, just the right ones. Her favorites are MAC brush 239 for shading/building lids and brow bones, along with brush 217 for sculpting/shading the crease. And if you want these stunning lashes but find them too difficult to apply, “try a lash primer, like MAC False Lashes Maximizer, to add volume and the length to your favorite mascara,” says Fatima.
06
Any Day Look
Skin is in every single day, so Fatima says, “optimize skin condition and hydration by gently exfoliating with MAC Lightful C + Coral grass softening lotion on a cotton pad, followed by moisturizer.” And to keep oil and excess shine at bay in your t-zone, try MAC prep + prime skin refined zone, a light weight, poor minimizing, shine fighting serum/primer. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation to control oil and shine, the MAC Pinch o’ Peach Blush for an added natural looking color to the cheeks and Love Me Lipstick in Daddy’s Girl really tie this every day look together.
