MAC Pret-a-Papier Collection and Launch Party
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After the build up and excitement for MAC’s Liberty of London collection, which debuted to rave reviews and sold quickly, some companies may decide to rest on their laurels and relax for a bit. Not the ever fashion forward MAC Cosmetics.
First they wowed the art student in all of us with the cleverly packaged and carefully edited, pencil and marker Art Supplies launch. Now, with the understated yet energetic Pret-a-Papier Collection, MAC brings us flattering corals against a neutral backdrop that you will reach for all summer long.
So, it was with great excitement that wht writer Christy and I headed to the hottest Boulevard in Los Angeles, Robertson, complete with bright lights, velvet ropes and snapping photogs, for MAC’s official launch of the Pret-a-Papier collection. That’s right, the two of us got to hobnob with the Hollywood beauty elite, enjoy pink hued cocktails and yummy snacks (while eying the model worthy male servers) and got an exclusive look at the latest collection, hitting shelves this Thursday, April 22nd. It’s fitting that this collection made its introductions on this row of high-end fashion boutiques so famous for its celeb shoppers. According to MAC, the Pret-a-Papier line is:
“a Project Runway challenge of sorts, with paper as the source, the instigator of ideas, the beginning of something simply, basically beautiful. Lipstick, Lipglass, Eyeshadow, Paint Pot, Chromografic Pencil, Studio Fix Lash, Impeccable Brow Pencil, Sheertone and Mineralize Blushes, and Nail Lacquer in a seamless spectrum of parchment-to-vellum beiges, with an occasional, clever colour spill, coral among the most au courant.”
Upon arrival, this paper + fashion designer mash up of an inspiration greeted us in the form of real life paper dolls – MAC models rocking the Pret-a-Papier collection and dressed in fun and flirty PAPER dresses. They welcomed us from their worktable replete with paper and origami fun and the most high fashion paper dolls you’ve ever seen. MAC teamed up with four amazing designers, Cynthia Rowley, Greta Constantine, Zandra Rhodes and Daniel Vosovic to dress a quartet of paper doll forms. Each attendee received a booklet with the dolls and their celebrity designer outfits for some at home play – just add scissors. Additionally, full size cut outs of all the outfits dotted the store for some photo fun.
Color enthusiasts don’t despair! There are shades of green, red and purple rounding out the line. Plus, there are a number of bright and vibrant, but more importantly flattering coral hues sure to grab your attention. The coral craze doesn’t seem to be fading out, and as you can see by our purchases, we hardily approve:
Lucky attendees were able to purchase Pret-a-Papier products a week early and of course, we had to share our haul:
• Made To Order Lipstick (a creamy mid-tone dirty coral) – This Limited Edition, Lustre Lipstick was Christy’s first choice. It has a sunny bright hue that works great on her very fair skin and will supply a brilliant pop of color against your summer (fake) tan.
• Dressmaker, Dressmaker Lipstick (a creamy light peach coral) – My pick was another of the Limited Edition Lustre Lipsticks, this one a softer and muted version of the color of the moment. I love this sheer hint of color lipstick – a little bit coral and little bit pink, all totally pretty. My new go-to, daily shot of color.
These lipsticks have a very creamy and smooth formula that applies like a dream and lasts (without cracking or feathering) for hours. Here’s a closer look:
• Fold and Tuck Lipglass (a mid-tone bright coral with soft pearl) – Feeling pretty good with the music pumping and a cocktail in hand, how could we not pick up a little something for our lipgloss addict, Stef? We added this high gloss, no sparkle, richly pigmented and true coral to our bag for our resident Lip Glass hoarder.
• Instant Chic Blush (a mid-tone muted coral) – Christy tried, oh how she tried (“I really do not need another blush”), but she couldn’t resist the lure of this so pretty and feminine blush. This blush is fantastic face brightening coral that’s low on the shimmer, for a naturally flushed face.
As always, and even with the music blasting and wall to wall makeup fiends swarming the displays, the staff at MAC were well informed, super helpful and friendly (and always had a smile on their face). We left the event happy and excited for the summer beauty season with a bag full of goodies and even a few extra paper doll booklet sets for my nieces (thanks MAC)!
we heartsters – are you ready for another summer of coral? What’s on your wish list from the Pret-a-Papier collection?
If I hadn’t just spent money at Sephora I would definitely be into the Bamboo eyeshadow. I have to take a MAC break after purchasing stuff from Liberty of London and Viva Glam Gaga.
MAC seems to be set on world domination! Wow!! Wonderful collection after collection. So glad that Tyna and Christy were got to be in on the fun and brought us a sneak peak of this beautiful looking collection. I can’t wait to try it. Made To Order looks gorgeous. Can’t wait to see a swatch! Hope it would work for me. Corals seem to be so tricky for my pale skin.
Looks like a fun night! And the new line looks great! I love the whole paper theme and paper dresses!
Oh, those shades are just beautiful!
I feel you on the bright colors- I LOVE the look, but 9 times out of 10 I end up looking like a clown. Not to mention, it’s kinda hard for me to walk into a client meeting or professional conference wearing some of the brights I love without alienating a few people. This collection seems like the best of both worlds! And I NEED the Made to Order lipstick!!
I’m getting a lipglass? Lucky, lucky! Can’t wait to give it a spin and tell you my thoughts. Corals are my passion.
This looks like a beautiful yet understated (in a good way) collection. Tyna, I think you pegged it perfectly- it speaks loudest to people who may not want to rock, say…a sparkling black pigment (like the one in the upcoming Asia only Alice + Oliva collection). Love the paper dresses too. MAC always does such an amazing job at these launch parties. If you ever get the chance to go to one, do so!
@Lucy Lemons – you’re in luck because Bamboo is permanent. So you don’t need to rush on that like you would on all the LE ones in this line.
@Kellie Butler – I’m with you, I’m eying Made to Order very heavily!
May is going to be a big month for MAC; with a Superglass collection (I’m dying!) and the amazingly gorgeous To the Beach. But don’t hesitate to give this pretty lil’ release a look!
.-= Stef´s last blog ..MAC Art Supplies – review and swatches =-.
Yes, I’m totally eying down the Superlass line.. I’m so spoiled.. all I have to to is get off my butt and walk downstairs to the MAC store! I’ve always been a fan of the blushcreme- I use “Lilicent”(A55) Love it!
@Stef @Kellie Butler you both are right on in eyeing Made to Order. I had to have it and have been wearing it every day. It goes on so smooth and stays like most MACs we all know and love.
And Tyna is so right, I fought getting that blush so much, but in the end I totally caved in impulse buying mode, and I tell you what I’m so glad I did. It is such the perfect hint of color, a nice muted coral, very natural with no shimmer or glittery undertones like some blushes, its truly a little pop of color, very natural and very pretty!
The party was so fun, I couldn’t believe the turn out…as a doll dress maker I was so impressed with the paper dresses.
And you gotta love how MAC has fine daper gents walking the room handing out free cocktails and hors devours.
Fun party, and another amazing collection from MAC.
@Stef I just googled the To the Beach Collection. Those eye pencils ahhhhh time to start saving up for the next MAC purchase :)
Dirty coral! Tyna, your descriptions make me want to line up at the MAC store right now, and Christy, your photos make me swoon! I cannot wait to check out these colors in person!
@Stef good to hear, I need more neutrals, I tend to get drawn into the bright colors!
wow, i want the coral blush. what did u think abt the coral paint pot?
Wow I’m jealous of you guys! Looks like a great time.
@Shimmergrass – @tyna or @christy will have to let you know for sure (I’m hoping one of you ladies swatched it?) But they’re calling it soft coral and when I asked Tyna what it looked like she said “red”.
So I’m thinking it’s on the dark side, at least in the pot…
.-= Stef´s last blog ..MAC Art Supplies – review and swatches =-.
@shimmergrass – I was very curious to see the paint pots – I’ve been hearing a lot about them. Honestly, I wasn’t wowed – the color was more red than coral to me – it may work as a blush on darker or olive skin tones but would look harsh on my fair, cool skin – but I can’t see too many people using it on the eyes. Anyone else see the Coral Paintpots? Am I crazy?
.-= Tyna Werner´s last blog ..MAC Pret-a-Papier Collection and Launch Party =-.
@tyna – They do blend out quite a bit, it’s super concentrated in the pot.
I’ll be on the look out for swatches!
Oh MAC…. I love you so much that I’m not allowed to go in the store anymore! It’s a self-imposed rule, I walked out one day with $80 bucks worth of makeup that I hardly use. But that’s because I get seducced by their bold and bright colors and don’t think of how much everyday use I’ll get out of them. So I tend to stick with just their setting powders and blotting powders because they usually don’t have anything more neutral that I can get a lot of wear out of.
Except now with this collection, it looks like they’re going to wow me with classy colors that I can wear at work… Made to Order may not work on me, but it’s calling my name….
This line is the most ‘me’ of all the lines! I love muted shades. And I love this theme most of all!
is that Nicole from America’s next top model????
Justine, you’ve got a good eye! It is indeed Nicole Linkletter from ANTM.
.-= Stef´s last blog ..MAC Art Supplies – review and swatches =-.
Ooh, I see yet another lipglass in my future! What a charming, fun line! Great job girls, sounds like you had a blast. MAC never disappoints and this collection looks gorgeous!
That Fold and Tuck lipglass is calling my name…
Those paper dresses are too stinking cute!!!! The party looks like so much fun!
Oh Tyna, from one neutral-lovin’ gal to another, I completely agree. These shades are calling to me! I must must must try Dressmaker Dressmaker. It looks divine and so perfect for spring. :)
I bought the paintpot in Coral Crepe from this collection. A peachy cream with a hint of red in it. I am LOVING it on my cheeks, lips, and in the crease of my eyes for a sunkissed look. I will be wearing it pretty much ALL summer.
@kate2004rock – hooray – I’m glad to hear others saw the red in the coral paintpot and I’m even happier to hear that you are wearing and loving it!
.-= Tyna Werner´s last blog ..Carmel Pecan Torte – gluten free with 1 substitute! =-.