Wearing MAC Modern Mandarin Blush on my cheeks
Hello, mellow. 🙂 Compared to a couple of the MAC collections launching tomorrow, the six-piece Très Cheek seems really mellow to me. Reel Sexy has all those bold colors bursting with pigment, and Extra Dimension has that hard-to-miss mirror shine.
Très Cheek may not look like much in comparison, but don’t let that stop you from looking a little closer at these blushing beauties. I think there are some fan-frickin’-tastic blushes in this limited edition launch.
Here’s a look at three of the collection’s six shades. Altogether, they remind me of something MAC does so well…
Blush!
Modern Mandarin: When I apply this satiny reddish orange with my Shu Uemura Fan Brush — WOW! — I barely have to move an inch. The color practically leaps from the brush to my cheeks, bringing with it the slightest hint of shine. Mandarin is generous with pigment and might be a little too bold for some, but it should rock the beach on darker skin tones. I can’t wait to bust this baby out after I’ve gotten a little sun. Oh, and I thought this was neat: when I applied a swatch on the back of my hand today, Mandarin actually withstood a hand washing — with soap!
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-
Lovecloud: This beautiful bright pink has a sheen that says, “You should totally cheek me out.” It’s like a combination blush and highlighter rolled into one, and on my NC42 skin, I think I also see a hint of peach. I absolutely love, love, love Lovecloud. It has the makings of a perfectly pretty spring color just waiting to be worn with peach, pink and coral lips.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+
Peony Petal: The faint sheen illuminating this bright bluish pink flower petal subdued compared to Modern Mandarin and Lovecloud; it’s almost (but not quite) a matte. One layer produces a soft semi-matte flush, so delicate and sweet, like the flush you get running barefoot through a field of wildflowers (or chasing after your rugrat/dog/cat). Of the three blushes here, I think it’s the one that looks the most natural. A little tinted moisturizer, one or two layers of mascara, and MAC Modesty or Right Image on your lips, and you’ll be all kinds of fierce.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+
Peony Petal
Lovecloud
Powder Blush in Peony Petal ($20 US; $24 CDN)
Powder Blush in Lovecloud ($20 US; $24 CDN)
Powder Blush in Modern Mandarin ($20 US; $24 CDN)
Swatches from the left: Peony Petal, Lovecloud and Modern Mandarin
All three of these blushes also perform like champs! They’re easy to apply and last all day long. Any of them should be perfect for spring.
Gonna keep on tryin’, till I reach the…
…Higher Ground has been like my anthem these days. 🙂
Hope you had a happy hump day. Anything new to report?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
All three look stunning on you! Sigh..
Why the sigh, Tracy? 🙂
I’m on a blush ban so I can’t get any of them. Sigh.
NO WAY. I need to protest.
They’re all so beautiful!
Yes they are!
Love the song and these look like a must have especially the mandarin!
Yay, I hope you can get a hold of Modern Mandarin, Danielle!
I only wanted Modern Mandarin till I saw your pictures with all three… Now I think I need half of this collection! Aah
Hi Sunny,
Yup, it’s a good one. It’s not as flashy as the other two, but there are some really nice tidbits, for sure.
Yup, definitely getting Modern Mandarin! <3
And the more I look, the more I want Lovecloud… -_-‘
You should! It’s so pretty!
I want to get Lovecloud, but it’s sold out on MAC’s website and backordered on Nordstrom.com. sigh :-/ I should have gotten it when it went live on MAC’s website.
Aww, do you not live near a MAC counter, Let?
Well, there is a MAC store and counter in Nordstrom near me (15-20 minutes bus ride), but I prefer to buy beauty products online if I haven’t swatched it… Less guilt when returning in case they don’t work.
I might pay a visit to the Nordstrom counter on Saturday though, fingers crossed they still have Lovecloud left! 🙂
Modern Mandarin! I hope it launches soon here so that I can get my hands on it!
Yes! Don’t forget to have your fave fan brush on standby. It’s crazy pigmented!
Awh what lipstick/gloss did you wear in this post? Pretty!
Hi Melinda,
In the Modern Mandarin pic I’m wearing Star Quality Cremesheen from Reel Sexy:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/the-mac-reel-sexy-cremesheen-glasses-whisper-and-shout/
In all the other pics I’m wearing MAC Modesty Lipstick topped with MAC Right Image Cremesheen.
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-unsung-heroes-modesty-cremesheen-lipstick/
You look so adorable!
Higher Ground – for sure, Karen! 🙂
The blushes are gorgeous …. but I skipped. Can you believe that? 🙂
Seriously, that song is my anthem!
I can’t believe you skipped! Well, if you stop by the counter please give Lovecloud a swatch. It’s so pretty!
Amazing no? 😀
I will check Lovecloud out this weekend. Who knows, it might make its way home w/ me!
I have a soft spot for blushes. Gah. These are so pretty.
Hi Ines,
Me too. Just when you think you have enough colors…
What shades are you loving these days?
Looking lovely, Karen! Is that a new foundation or a rediscovered old favourite? Looks much different from posts a few days ago!
Hi Caitlin,
Thanks for noticing! I actually did do something different. I prepped my skin with the new MAC Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion Serum and the Prep + Prime Skin Smoother. The Skin Smoother makes a big difference, I think!
You look soooo gorgeous in these pics, Karen! You make me want to run out and buy them all!
Hi Marian,
Thanks, hon. I hope that you’re feeling better today. I know that in the Monday poll you mentioned you were kind of sad. Keep your chin up!
These blushes made me go, “Wow!” They look amazing on you, and honestly, I don’t look at too many blushes because I am so faithful to Nars Orgasm. You have definitely steered me towards many new beauty products from your reviews, and this post might make me cheat on Nars!
Hi Katherine,
NARS Orgasm is one of my go-tos as well. It’s always fun to mix it up, though! I hope you take a look at Lovecloud. If you like Orgasm, you might like that shade as well!
Hi Karen! Big dilemma over here: I have the chance to get Modern Mandarin but would you rather pick this one or NARS Gilda? As for the pics I’ve seen I think I prefer MAC’s but your advice would be very much appreciated. I don’t have NARS where I live so I wouldn’t be able to try Gilda out anyway.
Thank you!
Modern mandarin is beautiful, and all colors are cute for you, your skin is amazing, the color of your skin is so very pretty. I am not a expert but the only thing, I don´t like is the silver color in your eyes.
Saludos desde Colombia. excuse my english please.
Those all look SO GOOD! Like beautiful candy for me cheeks!
Your hair is sooo gorgeous!!
i have super pale skin, modern Mandarin was too much for me… but, Immortal Flower… was perfect!
Karen, you’ve done it again! I’m been patiently anticipating your posts to follow up the swatches of these blushes.
No surprise, they look gorgeous on you.
“It has the makings of a perfectly pretty spring color just waiting to be worn with peach, pink and coral lips,” sounds like it was written to jump out of the page at me.
I must buy Lovecloud. There’s no choice for me now.
Can’t wait to wear em in Cuba, my very first all inclusive vacation in the sun!