Eugenia

MAC | Vibe Tribe Summer 2016

I have a particular weakness for MAC’s Summer collections; one reason is because I am a Summer baby myself (born in July), but actually I suspect it’s more the fact that MAC seems to put out some really amazing items for the warmer season. This year’s Vibe Tribe Collection is no exception to that, with its colourful Southwestern motif-inspired packaging (I mean, just look at it!) and perfectly wearable shades. The only problem? Waiting until it actually hits counters.

MAC | Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Wild Horses Eye Shadow palette, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Wild Horses Eyeshadow palette, limited edition (CAN $43.50) | One of two palettes in the collection, this consists of 2 permanent shades (Brulé and Charcoal Brown), with the other 2 (Blue Mesa and Wild Horses) brand new. All four display an amazing level of pigmentation and a smooth feel upon application, coupled with an excellent blendability. I love how you can literally create a multitude of looks with this one palette — from subtle all the way up to dramatic, all depending on the shade combo and how strongly you dial up the intensity. Wear time on all is excellent (worn over primer), with the colours staying relatively fade-free until removed.

  • Brulé – soft creamy beige satin and a must-have shade from MAC, so useful for creating a base for all eye looks
  • Charcoal Brown – taupe brown matte and another standby MAC fave that works with all skin tones, makes a great crease smudging/blending shade
  • Blue Mesa – deep turquoise satin with the most STUNNING pop of colour, richly pigmented and buttery smooth (looks killer along the lower lash line)
  • Wild Horses – deep espresso satin, a lush & highly saturated shade with a burgundy undertone that’s also perfect for creating a unique smokey eye look

MAC | Wild Horses Eye Shadow palette, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Wild Horses Eye Shadow palette swatches, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Wild Horses Eye Shadow palette, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

226/228 Double Ended Brush, limited edition (CAN $42.00) | I confess to not being a big fan of dual-ended brushes, but I’ll make an exception to this one mainly because the size of the brush heads are both so useful to have. The only downside to this type of brush is a matter of storage – needing to be laid down flat as to not cause damage to either head, but I’m willing to overlook this issue since both ends are just that useful.

  • 226 – a fluffy tapered blending/shade brush that’s smaller than the standby 217 and which gets released from time to time with certain collections, although MAC should really consider making this permanent due to its versatility– it’s seriously one of my go-to brushes (I own 2)
  • 228 – mini shader brush (permanent) that can be used to smudge & diffuse colour in along the lash line, the rounded tip also helps with adding smooth definition along the outer crease

MAC | 226/228 Double Ended Brush, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Desert Evening Patentpolish Lip Pencil, online exclusive (CAN $25.50) | A clear shade with smoothly laying prismatic pearl particles, available online only. I’m relatively new to Patentpolish Lip Pencils, but if my experience with Desert Evening is anything to judge by, consider me impressed. Created to have the high shine of a gloss with the pigmentation of a lipstick (I’m thinking this applies more for deeper hues, as this definitely falls more along the gloss side of the fence), it comes in a convenient retractible chubby stick format that’s totally portable and useful for quick swipes of colour on the go, with the rounded tip making for an effortless application (but don’t expect too much precision). Lips feel hydrated throughout the wearing and even after the colour has faded, which is relatively quick in this case (approx 2.5 hours), but I don’t mind as I am totally obsessed with the lilac/mauve-y hue this shade provides.

MAC | Desert Evening Patentpolish Lip Pencil & Broque Technakhol Eye Liner (macro), Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Broque Technakhol Eye Liner, limited edition (CAN $21.50) | A deep chestnut brown eye liner with bronze & gold flecks that comes in a retractible format and in a formula that applies easily and smoothly, without any pulling or tugging along the skin. Long-lasting as well, you have about a minute to smudge/blend it in before it sets — then it lasts like iron until removed. What I absolutely love about this shade is that it’s not so dark as to appear black, nor is it a wishy-washy kind of brown but a colour that’s richly pigmented and so easy to wear, also suitable with all eye colours.

MAC | Desert Evening Patentpolish Lip Pencil & Broque Technakhol Eye Liner swatches, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Desert Evening Patentpolish Lip Pencil swatch, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Pure Vanity & Hot Chocolate lipsticks, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Pure Vanity & Hot Chocolate lipsticks, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Pure Vanity & Hot Chocolate lipsticks, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Pure Vanity & Hot Chocolate lipstick swatches, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Pure Vanity Lustre Lipstick, limited edition (CAN $22.50) | A pale peach nude hue in a semi-sheer formula that applies smoothly and leaves behind a glossy sheen. This shade can also be layered over a matching lip liner for a deeper impact and longer longevity, but I like how it gives just a light veil of colour along the lips when applied straight from the bullet. Bonus: leaves behind a well-hydrated feel after wearing.

MAC | Pure Vanity Lustre Lipstick swatch, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Hot Chocolate Satin Lipstick, limited edition (CAN $22.50) | A ‘dirty plum’ shade that seems to strike a good balance between being both cool & warm leaning, in a satin finish that leaves a nice sheen upon the lips. Bearing a buttery smooth application, this hue sits right in my neutral-loving wheelhouse and is the perfect dark nude shade — with its plummy undertone giving it a nice kick. Not exactly the brown of hot chocolate (the beverage), but definitely more wearable for a broad range of skin tones as a result. Long-lasting and without any drying after-feel.

MAC | Hot Chocolate Satin Lipstick swatch, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Painted Canyon Powder Blush, limited edition (CAN $27.50) | The second online exclusive of the collection, this is a mid-tone coral shade in a satin finish that is unbelievably pigmented. The texture of the powder is very finely milled and as the saturation of the colour is so intense, a little really does go a long way; make sure to tap off any excess from your brush, as you can always go back in and add more colour, if needed. The shade is an absolutely stunning red based coral that gives a really beautiful flush to the skin and will suit pale all the way up to the darkest complexions. Staying power? Impressive, as in non-fading (especially when applied over foundation) until removed.

MAC | Painted Canyon Powder Blush, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Painted Canyon Powder Blush, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Painted Canyon Powder Blush swatches, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Skin & Blazing Hot Studio Nail Lacquer, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Skin & Blazing Hot Studio Nail Lacquer, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Skin Studio Nail Lacquer, limited edition (CAN $15.50) | Also available in the permanent line-up, this is a nude crème hue with pink undertones in the base to warm things up, in a light density formula that may run easily but still applies quite well — just don’t load up you brush in order to avoid the product pooling around the cuticle area. Self-levelling, there is some patchiness seen with the first coat (fairly typical with this colour group) but which becomes completely opaque by the second layer. Glossy at the finish, it’s one of the best nudes I’ve worn as it doesn’t blend too much into my natural skin tone, offering just enough contrast to avoid the ‘mannequin-hands’ effect.

Coats: 2, plus top coat

MAC | Skin Studio Nail Lacquer swatch, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Blazing Hot Studio Nail Lacquer, limited edition (CAN $15.50) | A coral red crème hue that is the pinnacle of perfection for this type of shade; perfect opacity even with the first coat (basically a one-coat-wonder), excellent coverage and flow to the formula, self-levelling and with a totally glossy at the finish. One last bonus: non-staining upon removal. Not too red nor too orange, Blazing Hot has got to be the truest coral I have in my collection. Doesn’t get better than this, I tell you.

Coats: 2, plus top coat

MAC | Blazing Hot Studio Nail Lacquer swatch, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Painted Desert Makeup Bag (CAN $42.00) | From the plethora of MAC makeup bag releases over the years, none have caught my eye with quite the impact of Painted Desert (there are two designs available); for starters, instead of the usual vinyl/plastic exterior, this comes in a patterned textured canvas fabric with a faux-bead detailing on the handle. Measuring 8″x 5″x 2″, it’s the perfect size to throw in your purse and/or travel with, making it roomy enough to hold your fave go-to items. Another bonus? Forget using this as a makeup bag and make a statement by carrying it as your Summer clutch. Not bad, huh?

MAC | Painted Desert Makeup Bag, Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

MAC | Painted Desert Makeup Bag (detail), Vibe Tribe Summer 2016 Collection

Without having seen the rest of the collection in person (although from my press info, I can tell you now that there are a several more items on my radar), I’m going to say it now: this collection is a hit. Even with the amount of releases MAC puts out every year, the Summer versions still find a way to stand out, from the packaging to the shades and this year’s Vibe Tribe iteration also adds quality totally wearable shades to that mix. Don’t ask me to pick a favourite from what I’ve shown here; everything is a total win for me and I’m already planning on getting backups of the Desert Evening Patentpolish Lip Pencil.

Let me know what’s caught your eye from Vibe Tribe, or what you’re most looking forward to with this collection – love hearing your thoughts!

The MAC Vibe Tribe Collection will launch at counters nationwide on May 19. Find more information on the brand via www.maccosmetics.ca

This gorgeous Summer collection was kindly provided by MAC/All opinions are strictly my own

  • Love
  • Save
    Add a blog to Bloglovin’
    Enter the full blog address (e.g. https://www.fashionsquad.com)
    We're working on your request. This will take just a minute...