MAC Ultimate Collection

Newly launched at MAC counters in Singapore is the gleaming Ultimate Collection, which comprises ten chic lipsticks and a Mystery Powder in two tones.

The sleek gunmetal chrome packaging is designed by Marcel Wanders, a Dutch industrial designer who has collaborated with MAC on a number of collections dating back to 2010.

MAC kindly sent along the Sheer Mystery Powder in Light Beige (also available in Medium Plus) and two Ultimate Lipsticks in Femme-De-Luxe and Lover's Street for review.


Retailing at S$83, the Sheer Mystery Powder is a pressed powder that can be used to set one's foundation for a more polished, refined finish and for touch ups during the day. Underneath the lid is a white sponge cushion to help protect the powder from shocks.

The case has a magnetic closure, with a triangular indent to help indicate its location. The faceted chrome case is a fingerprint magnet and slightly weightier than the usual plastic face compacts.

While the price tag might be hefty for a face powder, it was a nice surprise to discover that this comes with its own 8g refill, so you are actually getting 16g of powder in total. Even with daily use, my guess is that this can last quite a number of months. The powder feels very finely milled and silky, gliding onto the skin to give a soft matte finish without looking over powdery or thickly artificial. When swirling my brush over the powder, there is virtually no powder kick-up. Even after using the powder a few times, the surface is free of powder crumbs and looks virtually new. The refill plastic case also thoughtfully contains a cushion under the lid to protect the powder.

The Ultimate Lipsticks were both well-pigmented with opaque coverage and a creamy finish. Unfortunately, both Femme-de-Luxe (bright pink) and Lover's Street (rose beige) did not suit my skintone, with the former looking too clownishly loud and the latter looking too artificial. My personal preference currently tends towards a slicker formula that virtually melds onto the lips (especially after trying Etude House Dear My Wish lipsticks) as my lips usually have a few dry patches.

For 2015, MAC has a packed pipeline of limited edition collections and collaborations spanning from the movie Cinderella, design duo Isabel & Ruben Toledo, Miley Cyrus (for Viva Glam), milliner Philip Treacy, to designer Giambattista Valli. Of these, the Wash & Dry collection for Summer 2015 looks the most exciting with its vivid gradient packaging. Better start saving up for that!