MAC Reel Sexy: Powder Blushes

MAC will be releasing a new collection today called Reel Sexy. This collection is this month's "main launch," and features 23 products — 14 of which are new and limited edition, 6 of which are re-promoted and limited edition, one of which is re-promoted and will be added to the permanent line, and two of which are permanent. Reel Sexy sees the release of two shades of powder blush. Each blush comes in regular black packaging, contains 6 grams of product, and retails for $24.

Magenta and Pink Cult

Magenta is a medium-dark bright cool-toned berry pink in a Matte finish. This is a limited edition product, but I believe this used to be permanent at MAC PRO. The texture of this blush is very, very dry, and tends to pull and drag so it is very difficult to blend and even out. It has intense pigmentation, but because of the dry texture, it needs quite a bit of layering to get opaque colour pay-off. It is a very intense colour, which makes it even more difficult to wear, because with bold colours like this, blending is key. It is darker and less cool than both Azalea and Full Fuchsia (PRO products).

Pink Cult is a light-medium soft, muted neutral pink with a slightly grey cast in a Matte finish. This is a re-promoted shade from last year's Jeanius collection. It has a very soft, almost buttery texture, and goes on very smoothly and evenly. It layers well and is easily blendable. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It is warmer than Dame, and slightly darker and more neutral than Well Dressed.

If you're looking for a bright, bold magenta blush, I would totally pass on Magenta — look into MAC's Azalea or Full Fuchsia (both available at PRO stores only) or Tarte's Flush Amazonian Clay Blush instead. The texture of Magenta is just so hard to work with, so unflattering on the skin, and is such a nightmare to blend out. On the other hand, we have Pink Cult, which is one of the most universally flattering shades and has an amazing texture for a matte — so smooth, soft, and silky, and blends out like a dream! It has a slight grey cast, but I swear it isn't noticeable once applied to the cheeks. If you didn't pick up Pink Cult last year, I would definitely look into it now; it's impossible to over-do no matter how much you layer on, and is such an ideal shade for those who have more conservative or office jobs. It will also work well with pretty much any eye look and lip colour.