If you’re addicted to beauty vloggers but can’t quite translate from watching to doing, we’ve discovered the ultimate shortcut to learning the tricks of the trade.
From a basic contour and highlight to a smoky eye or bold lip, knowing what products and shades to use and how to best apply them is a task usually left for a makeup artist.
How do we take these coveted looks and learn to recreate them from home? Enter, M.A.C Technique.
With 13 workshops and seminars, M.A.C Technique offers an intimate opportunity to learn from and work directly with M.A.C. makeup artists to finesse makeup artistry. The app allows you to jot down all the tips and tricks you learn during the workshops and take them with you beyond the seminar.
To put M.A.C Technique to the test, Rescu. sought out to trial the workshop. Here’s what we had to say…
Sara (left) and Jess (right) after learning a smoky eye and how to contour/highlight
Jess, 26: When it comes to makeup, I’m a total rookie. I have a few products I use religiously. My day to night transition consists of adding a touch of liquid liner, an additional coat of mascara and a pop of colour to my lip. I don’t tend to experiment too far beyond this and not because I don’t want to, rather because I don’t feel confident doing so.
Sara, 24: I have watched so many videos on contouring and as much as I am able to learn the technique, applying the look to my face shape and in my skin tone is a completely different story. I would love to know how to apply the skills I watch on Youtube to my face.
How was your experience with the M.A.C. Technique workshop?
Jess: The workshop was run seamlessly. From the minute you arrive, the M.A.C. staff take full care of your individual needs. From ensuring the app is set up on your phone correctly to asking what you’d specifically like to learn from the seminar, the overall experience was exceptional. I especially liked how the first hour was a demonstration with an artist and model; while the second hour was practical and allowed us to take the techniques we had observed and apply them to our own faces.
Sara: The second hour where you get to try the techniques with the assistance of an artist helping you select product and apply it correctly was so insightful. I have never known the correct shades I should wear for my pale skin tone and having an artist educate me on this, followed by teaching me how to apply them was wonderful.
How was your experience with the M.A.C. Technique app?
Sara: The app was so easy to use once you understand how to navigate your way through it. I have already gone back and used it.
Jess: The app is easy and helpful and has a touch of fabulous, makes the experience special. I was able to write down all the products used in each stage to complete the look which really helped ensure I didn’t get overwhelmed with so many product names and technique tips.
Will you use the MAC Technique app in the future?
Sara: I already have and it hasn’t even been a week. I will definitely be using the eye makeup I learned at least one or twice a week and being able to refer to the app for the tips I jotted down is so helpful.
Jess: I was able to not only write down tips to accompany images of each step by step, but also the product names, specific shades and specific brushes for future reference.
Did you get to learn specifically what you wanted after the demonstration?
Jess: It was great because I was able to focus on a natural contour, while others from the seminar were able to focus on their specific needs with their personal artist. It made the experience truly personal and insightful because I was able to walk away knowing I could apply my new skills.
Sara: I really wanted to know how to master a smoky eye. I usually end up creating a deep black hollow look and having to it off. By the end of the workshop I can honestly say I feel confident in creating a smoky eye – I’ve already replicated the look and have been complimented!
Who would you best recommend a MAC technique class to?
Sara: All of my friends. It is good for people who are less makeup savvy and people who are little more comfortable. They make it so individualised!
Jess: The best part about the workshop is that it is designed for newbies and seasoned makeup users alike. A few of the ladies there had attended a few of the workshops and wanted to perfect a look well beyond my knowledge of makeup, while a lot of us were not experienced whatsoever. I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn something new, and the fun part with makeup is that there is always more to learn.
VERDICT:
Jess: For the cost of $120, you’re not only able to redeem the amount in product, but you get a two hour educational and personal workshop that teaches you how to apply the techniques to your own face – amazing! I can honestly say that none of the products I walked away with would have been on my shopping list prior to the workshop, nor would I have even known about their wonders! Here I am obsessed with the Face & Body Foundation, and have never worn or wanted to wear foundation prior to the workshop in my life!
Sara: I LOVE the app. Usually when you go to these make up lessons its hard to remember exactly what the person did but with this app I can look at my step by step notes so it is so easy! I went to out this past weekend and used the app to recreate the entire look perfectly. I was incredibly happy with the M.A.C instruction and am beyond excited to use the makeup tips I learned in the future.
To download the app and book in your M.A.C Technique class, click here.
M.A.C Cosmetics are a commercial partner of RESCU