One of my favourite looks for the past couple of months includes this makeup pairing — MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Grand Duo and Frost Lipstick in Bombshell. I reckon you may remember these babies from my M & M Shopping last April. Now, it’s time to document my thoughts on them. I know it’s not enough that I’d simply tell you folks that I love them, yes?

Primer: “Curiously, I don’t really wear pink lipstick but when I tried this one on, I couldn’t believe that it actually looked good on me. Also, if you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ll know that I bought a Neutrogena Blush not too long ago. So, what made me buy a new one? Well, apart from wanting to try every piece of makeup that MAC offers, I’m venturing into bolder shades, hence, the bright rosy-pink lipstick and the copper pink mélange + plum blush. Sampling it at the counter had already left me giddy so I can’t wait to really try them.” (The M and M Shopping, 25 April 2009)

Let’s look at them a bit closer.

MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Grand Duo

Intimidating at first but my love for mixing and blending won over and caused me to rise up to the challenge.

Sure, the plum shade is a bit strong a colour for a blush but I was more curious than scared on how it would end up looking when worn. Shade strength will depend on the blush application technique you’ll use. Personally, I prefer the swirl technique and the plum is great for contouring. The copper pink mélange works great when blended with the plum blush. It tones down the latter and leaves a frost-y, shimmer-y finish. You can even use it as a highlighter, buffed in small portions on desired areas.

Left - Plum blush; Right - Copper pink mélange

Against my skin, the colours are a bit subdued as compared to when worn by the fair-skinned. The combo leaves a deep, vivid plum-pink shade for the latter (used it on my friend, M). On me, I simply love how I end up with a flattering flush on my cheeks.

Incidentally, one thing I noticed about using it is that I would need to apply pressed powder (loose powder) prior blush application. Reason is that blending will be difficult if I don’t. So, instead of getting an even flush, I’ll be sporting a spot on my cheeks, regardless if it’s in photos or seen in person.

MAC Frost Lipstick in Bombshell

As for this MAC Lippy, it truly blew me away (like all of the MAC lippies I own). It’s fascinating how I actually loved the bright rosy pink shade on my lips. It works really well with the MAC Mineralize Blush and the combo would, more often than not, give me a fresh, radiant look, which is something I really appreciate. They’re perfect for an all-day, not-too-fussy makeup, wearing it from day till night with very minimal retouching. It’s a new and different look that surprisingly worked fabulously on me. Because of these two, I’m seeing pink (on me!) in a different light.

For look samples, see the following:

The Thin and Short of It
Anika Makes Her Debut on Style Manila
FOTD, Bridesmaid for the Nth Time
A Semi-Working Weekend in Tagaytay
Gifted with MAC, Leo Salinas and an FOTD

MAC Frost Lipstick in Bombshell, Php 900.00
MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Grand Duo, Php 1,400.00

MAC makeup here in Manila is still so expensive but I don’t mind shelling out the dough on these two babies. I’m definitely making full use of every peso I spent on them.

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel