Vanity and Motherhood with MAC

I am not a vain person, quite the contrary, in fact, but that does not mean I don’t like paying attention to my appearance, and I have my mother to thank for that.

Growing up, I looked up to my mother in many ways for many reasons, but it hadn’t occurred to me until now with my own child how difficult it is to make an effort not to look like a zombie in pyjamas while my kid looks like he just walked off a magazine photo shoot. Little did I realise at the time, how much her attention to us and herself would affect me later in life and more so when I became a mother.

My personal preference has always been a natural look and I have probably only ever owned a handful of coloured make up palettes and lipsticks in my whole life. But the result of having a very minimalistic makeup case only made it easier to abandon an already poor routine.

Over the past years, my beauty regime took a major nose dive and went from bad to worse to non-existent. Apart from the constant worrying about my son and his well-being, my battle with breast cancer and all the treatment, things really took their toll on my skin and the image I had of myself.

This year I have enthusiastically been doing everything I possibly can to get my life and self in order and fill the darkness that consumed and destroyed me in so many ways – a year of self spring cleaning and part of this reclaiming of my self-preservation meant building a better beauty routine, but now it meant doing it with a wild toddler tugging at my knees.

Colours, tubes, brushes and bottles. I found myself batting my eyes over every section that seemed a little daunting, whizzing by like when your eyes meet the condom section at the pharmacy – I was unabashedly flustered.

My makeup session was booked with Kim, MAC’s top local makeup artist, and little did she know what a whole new world she would open my eyes to.

Envisaging a bit of a challenge I listed my ‘requirements’ to her and I am pretty sure she could sense my uneasiness.

I was interested mostly in:

• products that could be applied easily and quickly because I am normally in a rush and escaping to the bathroom to get ready while my toddler is occupied with the latest episode of Spiderman
• products that have lasting power – something toddler touch and kiss proof because I don’t know anyone who would refuse those little kisses and snuggles
• products that are going to make my skin look and feel nice
• a natural look

Kim knew and understood exactly what I wanted, and I considered my session with her a micro masterclass! Not only did I learn about what to apply and how to apply it, I also learned more about the MAC brand. I had no idea it originated in Canada (yay for Canadians like me) and it was an added bonus to find out Kim had worked in Canada for MAC, at places I was familiar with. Who knew I would have all these revelations and nostalgic feelings from a makeup session?

Kim began to apply the products and just by ‘preping’ and moisturising my face – I already saw and felt a huge difference – I honestly didn’t think that was possible.

Then came the makeup part and she really kept things simple, clean and natural looking – until the lipstick.

With my fair tones and fall/winter season, she recommended this colour:

Had I been shopping on my own, there was no way I would have even looked at this colour, but I trusted her judgement and when she applied it, I loved it. It was different, it was new but it was flattering and just what this mommy needed. The overall result was natural looking skin, light eye make up and bold lips – it was perfect. Sadly, I don’t have an ‘after’ photo because what’s the single most worst thing that could happen to a blogger – her camera goes on the fritz and doesn’t work.

As I walked out of the shop, and down the street I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful smell from the makeup and creams emanating from my face and my skin felt softer than it has in years.

The real test was applying the products on my own and thanks to MAC, I got to take home some of my favourites:

Prep + Prime Natural Emulsion – with illuminating pearl powders that reflect optic brightening – and you can actually see teeny tiny sparkle on your hands after applying
Mineralize Charged Moisture Gel which Kim told me is just like giving your face a drink – and it really does feel so soothing and refreshing
Tinted Cream SPF 30 with Radiance Booster – this unique complex works to correct your overall complexion by reducing the appearance of pores and diminishing dark spots and hyper-pigmentation, while SPF 30/PA+++ forms a protective barrier against UVA/UVB rays.
Mineralize Charged Water –  A refreshing, hydrating mist that replenishes skin and enhances makeup application and wear. Infused with green tea and citrus scents. You won’t believe how amazing this stuff is-I am addicted.
Lipstick: Hang-up – probably one of the most long-lasting lipsticks I have used.

So far, my routine has improved greatly, I enjoy it, look forward to it and finally understand love for MAC. I have been managing applying the primer while making sure Henry doesn’t unravel the entire roll of toilet paper; giving it a little time to be absorbed into the skin, then applying moisturiser and the rest of my makeup while watching him try to squeeze out the entire contents of the toothpaste tube.

I confess I am a convert. I adore MAC, and the quality of the products – I have already added some items to my Christmas list and need to make a trip to the shop soon.

If you need something for that stylish and trendy mamma on your list – MAC is the way to go, I promise.

In Malta, visit any of the 2 MAC locations – the Point, Sliema and Tigné Street Sliema.