If you were reading 50 Shades of Grey on a plane and had to stop and fan yourself for a moment because, whew! — it’s getting hot in hurr — you’d look like you were wearing MAC Powder Blush in Animal Instincts ($22)
Now, to answer what is possibly your first question, yes, MAC Powder Blush in Animal Instincts is pretty dark.
Next, to answer what is possibly your second question, yes, you will still be able to wear it. 🙂
And you’ll look smokin’ hot, especially if you keep the eyes simple (picture bare lids, a shimmering chocolate smudged liner and lots of mascara) and wear it with a rich plummy lip, because the two go together like herds of unicorns and double rainbows.
With this pliant plummy powder blush, which should flatter the heck out of light, medium and darker skin tones, it pays to pick your brush carefully and spend a little time blending out the edges.
I think it’s the most clear-cut nod to classic fall colors in MAC’s new A Novel Romance collection, and it fits right in with the launch’s shmexy theme.
To apply, I use a fan brush, building up slowly on the apples of my cheeks in uber-thin layers (so I don’t go overboard with it). The color lasts from 7-8 hours.
Alternately, for a more artsy, editorial look a la 1980s Grace Jones (so seriously beyond fierce), you could also take it a little lower to really carve out those cheekbones.
I plan to wear Animal Instincts when I’m feeling mmrrrrow this fall, pairing it with a deep plummy matte lipstick. The slightly frosty finish should go well with a matte lip.
Ooh! — I bet it also would look fierce with a dark and super shiny plum gloss.
And big hair.
Definitely big hair.
Claws out, b*tches! Don’t mess with this big cat when she’s on the prowl. 🙂
PRICE: $22 US, $26 CAD
AVAILABILITY: Limited edition; available August 14 online at maccosmetics.com; August 21 – October 2 in North American stores and counters; internationally this September
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A- (needs a little TLC during blending)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
That’s really pretty. How’d you think it’d compare to Mac’s Dirty Plum?
For some reason I absolutely love this shade, I still think it’d be too dark for my skin tone…Maybe if I dye my hair brown it’d go better…
Hi Agata,
No, seriously! You could do it. You’d have to use a super light touch and a fan brush. And dilute like CRAZY before you apply. That said, one pan should last you roughly forever, LOL.
Plum blush!!!!! (Is it fall yet?)
Hi Alison,
I’m slowly getting in the mood for fall. The Dior Bar nails helped. 🙂 How’s the weather out your way? Is summer still doing it’s thang? It’s been unseasonably cool and rainy here in the Bay Area. Weird stuff!
I’m lusting after this blush more than any fall release these days. Love at first sight, lol! I’m definitely snagging one for myself and my mom (I’ve decided that she needs a new blush)! I just hope it’s not sold out before I get off work to snag one…since my mac will not put any product on hold any longer 🙁
Hi 80schicwithglasses,
How sweet of you to get your mom a blush too! Is she a beauty junkie? Also…bummer that your MAC won’t hold any products. 🙁
This blush is so beautiful! I can’t wait to get my hands on it
Hi Fancie,
It will look great on you! Happy (almost) Friday.
Ooh, I want a plum blush in my collection so much! What would you recommend as a plum blush for vampire pale people, Karen? I actually like my blushes quite bold but blendable (my first one was Chanel Affinite, LOL).
Hi Sylirael,
Happy to help. What’s your price point, and what brands do you prefer?
You carry it well Karen! Unfortunately shades like these look really muddy and dull on me.
Hi Karen, Is the shade any close to NARS Lovejoy? I lurve it! I thought it could turn a tad muddy on me but this looks perfecttt!
Please tell me what’s on your lips!!!!
Hi, I really like this blush. I have dark skin, I mean olive skin and this blush fits me gorgeous. I would like to ask you, which kind of lipsticks do you wear? I am interested in both dark and light colors as well. I used to be a Clinique Heather Moon no. 29 wearer but I want to change it for some newer things. Thanks. You look very pretty!
Would you consider this blush color close to Nars Sin? Which one would you recommend over the other? Thanks!
Hi Carolyn,
They’re pretty different. Sin has a golden shimmer that gives it more warmth. I have a warm skin and like that hint of gold, but if you have cool-toned skin then the MAC blush might be a better fit. HTH, and please let me know if you have any other questions.