Beyond MAC

(Image from ShuUemura.com) 

I've noticed a lot of women head straight to the MAC counter for their first big step when it comes to makeup. I understand the appeal. MAC is everywhere and it has become the instant go-to when you think of graduating from the drugstore makeup aisles. There is a large community of makeup artists that does not like MAC because (they say) MAC has monopolized large industry events like NY Fashion Week and put a lot of freelance artists out of work. Also, since MAC was purchased by Estee Lauder, there is another argument that the quality of the product is no longer what it used to be.

Then there are those who love MAC no matter what and drool over every collection. I used to be a huge MAC addict and then life got in the way of my love of makeup and I laid off the shopping sprees quite a bit. I still love the products I have but I realize that there are a lot of women out there that don't know what lies beyond the realm of MAC. Hopefully, this post gives you some ideas! In case you're wondering: I still love MAC! I just don't buy as much of it :)

The goal of this post is to give high-end alternatives to what MAC offers for those of you wanting to venture out of the black box. The prices of these products might seem high, but all you need to do is head to the drugstore for a reality check. The price of drugstore makeup is climbing rapidly, and if you're going to buy makeup of a similar price, you might as well get something of good quality. I will only mention brands I have experience with, but feel free to suggest products or a category I forgot in the comments. Let's get to it!

Instead of MAC Foundation and Powder...

Make Up Forever (MUFE)

I don't know about you, but MAC Foundation and powder has ALWAYS broken me out. I have sensitive skin but there is something about MAC foundation that kills me. MUFE has a variety of formulas (dry skin, oily skin, face & body, HD) just like MAC and also has a fantastic color range.


Instead of MAC Lipglass...

Fresh, Urban Decay, Lancome, NARS

MAC's Lipglass goes tacky on me. I don't know about you but I don't want my lipgloss clumping on my lips...that's just nasty! MAC has a beautiful range of color with their "lip glass", but the texture can be very thick and sticky. The above brands have great colors and go on a lot smoother than MAC's. Urban Decay's can have a strong scent--a head's up for the "scentsitive."

Instead of MAC Blush...

Lancome, Shu Uemura, NARS, Stila

Shu Uemura has to be one of, if not my favorite, makeup brands. They have a crazy selection of blush colors including purple and bright red. They do a great job of acting like blush...meaning the color it gives you looks like it comes from within. NARS is famous for their "Orgasm" blush and they have beautiful colors as well. Lancome's range is smaller but the color goes on great.

Instead of MAC Eyeliners...

Urban Decay, Christian Dior, Shu Uemura

Urban Decay's pencil liner is great. The pencil liner has a better variety of color selection since the creme liners are fairly new but they last a VERY long time. Christian Dior's pencil liners are also good as are Shu Uemura's. I stick to MAC's gel liners, Urban Decay's cream liners and of course, my SANA Maikohan Liner.

Instead of MAC Eyeshadow...

Shu Uemura, Urban Decay, Stila, Laura Mercier, Christian Dior

All of the shadows above have great color ranges and pigmentation. The Christian Dior quads are expensive, but gorgeous, and Laura Mercier is great for those of you that love natural looks. Stila also comes out with great promotional quads like their popular Barbie line, and of course there is Urban Decay. I would have to say Shu Uemura and Urban Decay are my two favorite makeup lines ever. I can use almost everything from their lines. Go to Shu Uemura for gorgeous quality and check out Urban Decay when you want edge and sparkle.

Instead of MAC Mascara...

Chanel, Shiseido, Lancome, Benefit, Christian Dior, Givenchy

Let me break it down this way: I have small eyes so the mascara brush size DOES matter. Benefit BadGal and Christian Dior's DiorShow are both amazing mascaras but application is difficult because of the large brush. That doesn't mean it's bad for you! The formulation of the mascaras are great, the size is just inconvenient for me.

If you want a mascara that wears like iron check out Shiseido's Lasting Lift. My god, getting that stuff off is HARD! Lancome always makes great mascaras but it irritates my eyes so *I* can't use them (but maybe you can!) My favorite mascara is Chanel's Inimitable...pure mascara magic right there. Givenchy Eye Fly is exceptional for lengthening.

Instead of MAC Lipstick...

Besame, NARS, Urban Decay, Shu Uemura

Besame Lipstick is the best lipstick if you're looking for retro reds that will last a very long time. The packaging is gorgeous, the colors are heavily pigmented and non-drying, and the reds are beautiful. I love Urban Decay's formulas and gorgeous new packaging (Gash is my all time favorite UD lipstick) and NARS also has a beautiful color selection and formulation. Do I need to explain why Shu Uemura is listed? ;)

Instead of MAC Lipliner...

Anything?

I have never been picky about lip liner so I couldn't give a fair commentary. I'll use just about anything really. If you can find Prestige in your drugstore, their lip liner is great and cheap!

Instead of MAC Pigments...

Urban Decay, Bare Escentuals

Who DOESN'T make pigments now? MAC does make amazing pigments though, but they pissed a lot of people off when they made their packaging smaller for the same price. There are a lot of companies, including indie ones, that make makeup pigments. Bare Escentuals has some great pigments as does Urban Decay. For a wonderfully gothic and indie fix check out Morgana Minerals.

*Drugstore Goodie: NYX (Available at Ulta)


Feel free to add your makeup favorites in the comments section!