MAC Semi Precious Collection: Review, Photos, Swatches

On Thursday July 7th, MAC will release yet another collection( Semi Precious). Are you shocked? Didn’t think so. lol Well this annual mineral collection is composed of  12  mineralized eyeshadows, 3 mineralized blushes and 4 mineralized skin-finishes that have been infused with four finely milled gems – Bronzite, Black tourmaline, Gold Pyrite and Lilac Lepidolite. This collection also offers 4 lipsticks, 5 cremesheen glasses, mascara, 4 new brushes and a host of other mineral products.

Every year I get so excited for this mineralized collection. I don’t really know why, because I hardly reach for or use my other mineral products. But I think it’s the color mixes that intrigue me. And this year there is no difference. As a matter of fact, this year’s collection is the prettiest by far. All the shadows, blushes and MSF’s look like little pieces of artwork. But the stand-outs for me, are the brushes. I’m a sucker/addict/connoisseur whatever you want to call me for brushes. And though this collection is all about the makeup for me the brushes steal the show.

Here’s what I picked up from the Semi Precious Collection. To see a complete list of available products. Head over to maccosmetics.com

Smoked Ruby is a dark blackened blood-red with a hint of warm copper . The color of this eyeshadow is one that looks the same no matter if it applied dry or wet. The depth of color and pigmentation in this shadow makes it the most versatile of the three I purchased. This is going to look amazing applied over flammable paint, artifact paint pot or  any black or copper color base. This is my favorite, as it is different from any other m/e/s I’ve ever seen.

Jade’s Fortune is the m/e/s that looks like a work of art in the pot but, when applied left me somewhat confused. From the pot I thought when swatched it, I was going to see more green and blue but, instead I got a soft ash gray color. This shadow looks totally different when applied dry versus wet. When applied dry it is a sheer ash grey with hints of green and blue. But when applied wet, wow it’s a sooty light grey with a slight mossy green, purple and blue shimmer. I prefer this color wet because the color is bolder and more intense.

Golden Gaze is a dark antique gold black color. The color of this eyeshadow is one that looks very similar no matter if it applied dry or wet. The pigmentation on this one excellent. It is smooth in texture and feel. No glitter chunks which is a plus. When applied wet there is a nice soft metallic finish that is perfect for a great night look. Because golds are always popular I think this may be a big seller from this collection.

Smoked Ruby w/o flash

Smoked Ruby w/flash

Dry/Wet

Jade’s Fortune w/o flash

Jade’s Fortune w/flash

Dry/Wet

Golden Gaze w/o flash

Golden Gaze w/flash

Dry/Wet

MAC 179 Brush is a split fibre angled brush that will work nice for buffing in cream, liquid or powder products.  This brush is super soft and is dense but not overly stiff on the face. Note that when you wash this brush the synthetic side will take extra long to dry.

MAC 128 Brush is a split fibre blush brush that is ideal for person who like to apply cream or liquid blush and then apply a powder to set. The brush in my opinion is the marriage of the mac 116 & 190 brushes. I also think that if you wanted to apply foundation with this brush you could.

MAC 235 split fibre all over eyeshadow brush will work great as a primer/base brush. Meaning apply your paint pot or whatever cream you like with the synthetic side and then apply your powder product over it with the natural haired side. This brush is a hint large so if you have smaller lids beware but, don’t let that stop you from using it as an all over wash of color brush. This brush in my opinion is the marriage of MAC’s 239 & 227 brush.

MAC 234 blending brush confuses me. I usually blend my products out with the tip of the brush and this one just confuses me. Like am I suppose to blend as I normally would with the natural bristle side  and then apply the color with the synthetic side. I don’t know :0( This brush is a marriage of MAC’S 194 concealer brush & 217 blending brush.

MAC 179 Brush

MAC 128 Brush

MAC 235 Brush

MAC 234 Brush

Overall, I’m truly satisfied with the products I purchased. I like the brushes and can’t wait to try out a few looks using the mes. I’m going to check out the blushes and MSF’s in store and hopefully walk away empty-handed. As far as the lip products they all seemed dupable and practical. I wanted the lip products to be as exotic as the mineralized eye shadows. I will say that MAC has improved the formula of the eyeshadows. Some of them seems very smooth and buttery which is a great step in the right direction.

What have/are you planning to purchase from this collection?