September 25, 2008

MAC Suite Array and MAC CremeSheen First Impressions

Well, that was a disappointment!

I’m pretty disappointed in both MAC Suite Array and MAC Cremesheen sadly but I guess it’s good because it leaves me money to indulge in the Ungaro goodies.

Although MAC Suite Array gets major props for it’s uber cute packaging it definitely fails in the way of finish, texture, and formula. The shadows feel awful chalky, sheer, and difficult to blend! Yuk! The Muse no likey the texture at all! These are a semi-matte with a pearl finish which is slightly shimmery but it still couldn’t redeem itself in my eyes even with that tiny amount of shimmer thrown in, although I did simply adored how cute the size and style of the palette was. The palettes are teeny tiny and slide open to reveal the two shades. I found it interesting the shadows aren’t the same size, the left hand side is about half the size of the right hand color. I guess this implies one should be used as a liner or contrasting shade while the large size should be used as a base or main shadow color. I did purchase one which was Shallow V. Deep but I’m seriously thinking of returning it because I’m unsure if I’ll ever make proper of use of it due to the cruddy formula!

The star of the show as far as MAC Suite Array goes are definately the new Pearlglide Eyeliners which come in some seriously stunning shades. I did want to indulge in all of these but I decided I really didn’t need a whole wardrobe of liners when I have the new Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Sets coming my way shortly so I opped out and decided it would be best to skip. However, I do recommend snapping up some of these liners as the colors are truly outstanding!

As for MAC Cremesheen I wasn’t so thrilled to begin with about this release so I’m not disappointed in anyway, shape, or form. The colors are nice but nothing particularly special and I ended up with one color instead of the three I was considering. I purhcased Speak Louder which is a pink poppy shade that’s very flattering. You don’t have to get too crazy with these as they are part of the permanent line and are not LE so even if you don’t indulge now you can always come back for them later!

All in all it was a bit of a bust for me tonight but at least I came out all the richer for it!

How about you?

Haul anything?

Love these collections?

Feeling as meh about them as the Muse?

Do share, I’m super curious what you thought about the two!

P.S. I’ve been utilizing my iPhone to moblog here and there and I really wanted to capture some of these collections and post it here but sadly the MA’s get mighty pissed when you’re snapping pics and swatching so I didn’t really get many pictures! Sorry guys! I tried but when you have MA’s breathing down your back in anger all you want to do is run and hide! I do kinda understand why they don’t like people digging around with their fingers in pots of color and swatching…kinda ruins the product and makes a mess so I can relate to how they feel!

39 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Dao

    Honestly, I don’t know what’s happening to MAC lately, especially their eye shadows. I’m glad you noticed how chalky they are because I feel the same way too. Geeze, today I got something from Wet n Wild that blends better than Flashtrack, for real!

    And as you said, more money to spend on Ungaro. Hopefully the e/s won’t suck. And btw, I chatted with that livechat thing at MAC website and they said the pp is in the lineup and Ungaro is going to be on sale online at 9/30, not 10/8. Cheers!

    P.S: I know this is one long a$$ comment but I did an Ungaro-inspired FOTD today 🙂

  • Ann*

    its not really feeling for me either. i’m heading down to a MAC counter later to check out the Ungaro collection. hopefully i will score something!

    *hugs*

    p.s. it might be my screwy inbox. =) i’m lemming for isle of eden but intl shipping kills.

  • YEE-CHENG

    i think the money wouldn’t be going to ungaro too..
    they’ve already launched that in my country, before suite array which is coming next wk. i was really excited about it despite it being a small collection and popped by the counter early on the first day. the first glance kinda killed my excitement already. and i only picked up the berry colored ccb to SEE before putting it back and going off. now im just hopin suite array’s liners wouldn’t be the same disappointment. there’re actually photos of ungaro at this chinese website http://snowkei.pixnet.net/blog/post/21806421 guess you can just take a look cos the photos are quite spot on accurate.

  • Sandy

    I haven’t got any of the MAC Suite Array products but from pictures, they do look pretty hard (as in texture wise). I find that MAC lipsticks don’t really have a good long lasting colour and it’s not that moisturising. I’m deeply in love with Shu Uemura lippies 🙂

    I’m so saving up for the MAC Ungaro. I have few months to save up cos I live in Australia and it always comes a month or so after the States 🙂

  • Yellow Fever

    I completely passed on these! I was not impressed at all…I’m saving up for Ungaro and of course the Manish collection in that gorgeous packaging!

  • Paopao

    Hi Muse!

    I won’t be getting anything from these collection… excepting the nail lacquer! Love it!

    Lots of hugs and have a superb weekend!

  • Nell

    I�m really glad MAC finally brought out a collecton, I can happily pass on, Suite Array does nothing for me.
    I have Creme D�Nude lipstick from the Cremesheen release though and I really like it. I would have loved to buy more of these because I like the formula, but I was not so impressed with the colors available.
    As you say, dear Musey, more Money for Ungaro…
    BTW I�m going to be in NY in November (29, 30 and 1 Dec). I know it is the Thanksgiving weekend, but maybe you are in the city and willing to roam the aisles of the biggest Sephora you know with me?

  • Anonymous

    Kayvid: Hey, you should definitely go and return the ES…just so they realize what crappy release this is with low sales and high returns from customers…
    And yes, the eyeliners seem *amazing*…love the colors…
    Lippies, not too interested…
    I am saving up for Sheer Minerals and Red She Said…
    Also the Sephora FF in Nov(god knows how long that list is gonna be for me!)

  • jojoba

    this is the first time i saw MAc e/s duo. very strange feeling. it reminds me of Clinique disguised in black. LOL.

    interesting colours but not uncommon. not very impressed though…

    thanks for another great post.

  • Laura

    So glad to hear a not fantastic review,
    more ��� for Ungaro!
    I might succumb to Cremesheen later, but seeing as it’s perm there is no rush =)

  • Phyrra

    Ug!
    I am SO GLAD to read your review on the eye shadows. I’d definitely return it if it’s so difficult. I’ll be skipping on the eye shadows. Though I think the larger pan of color was supposed to be an all over color wash, and then the smaller pan was for outer vee and crease, and you were supposed to pair it with the eyeliners.

    I still want to pick up Rave and Black Russian if they look good to me and on me.

    I’ll be skipping on the lipsticks.
    I’ve seriously got enough lippies to play with right now, I think 😛

    *hug*

    Have a great weekend.

  • the Muse

    Hi Dao!

    Happy Almost Weekend gorgeous!

    Me either meh 😛 Either I’m just not finding it interesting anymore or the products are considerably worst. I’m leaning towards I’m falling off the mac bandwagon…:(

    The chalky feel was just awful 🙁 eep! When it’s comparable to wet and wild you know times are bad lol!

    I just hope Ungaro is as good as it looks! I heard three dates…9/30, 10/2 and 10/8 grrr 😛 I hope 9/30 that’d be fabs..as for the PP I’m actually excited about it 😉

    I like your long arse comments hehe 😉 Oooo I’ll pop by to look now 🙂 looking forward to it!

    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    hi ann!

    Meh…oh well. Means we can save for more holiday goodies and Ungaro 🙂

    Looking forward to hearing what you think!

    I’ll happily order IoE for you but she takes about 4 weeks to ship…are you cool with that? Shoot me off an email love!

  • the Muse

    hello there YEE-CHENG!

    no kidding? Where are you located Yee? Ungaro isn’t worth it either ? 🙁

    As soon as I seen it, without swatching, I was not feeling it at all and quite disappointed 🙁

    The liners are quite nice in all honesty but I have too many to indulge!

    Oh thanks 🙂 I visit Snowkei daily..she’s so beautiful, I’m addicted to her blog!

    Thanks for the comment!
    Have a super weekend!
    Hope I hear from you again soon!

  • the Muse

    hello sandy!

    I’m disappointed to say the least. I’m not sure they are hard..they have a silky feel but they are chalky and sheer 😛 and just the finish..it’s meh!

    I love Shu lippies too! 😉 Totally agreed!

    Ugh it’s good b/c you can have a bit of time to save but stinky b/c we’ll have it early and all the reviews will make you lem it harder 🙁

    But! who cares right? so long as you get it 🙂

    Thanks for the comment !Hope to hear from you again soon!

  • the Muse

    hi there yellow fever how are you?

    Meh me too. believe I’m returning both 😛

    Manish!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH can’t wait!

  • the Muse

    hi pao pao!

    How are you love?

    I love the nail lacquer too but the shop didn’t have it yet damn them!

    Have a super weekend my friend!

  • the Muse

    hi nell!

    How are you? Long time no speak 🙂

    Me too. The last few collections I’ve been really meh on and I’m a hardcore collector so it’s abnormal for me to be so tight.

    I think I felt the same about cremesheen..the colors..just ok..I wanted something more vibrant for Fall 😛

    Ungaro and Manish as someone mentioned..I forgot about that collection EEP!

    LOL I’d love that. I’m really busy around the holiday but maybe I can arrange something??? email me when the time draws more near and I can tell you what sort of plans I have. I can do my best but I won’t promise as holidays are normally nutty for me 🙂

  • the Muse

    hello miss Kayvid!

    Happy Almost Weekend!

    I am def. And the lippie too I think 😛

    I liked the liners too but UD is releasing cute sets and I’d rather get those 🙂

    Someone mentioned Manish I almost forget about it..I’m saving for that and Ungaro and yes definately Red she Said 🙂

    Oh god Kayvid!!!! I almost forget about FF!
    *slaps you* don’t remind me of these things!

    LOL!

  • the Muse

    hello miss jojoba!

    *hugs* ditto! Aside from there little duos of ME’s this is the first time too..it kinda reminds me of a blackmarket one you’d find on ebay lol!

    Me either..I’m not impressed at all sigh oh well more money for something else 🙂

    great review on the Clarins by the way!

    Happy Weekend!

    You’re most welcome, my pleasure!

  • the Muse

    hi laura!

    Yay! and other stuff lol! Absolute as the colors are all perm so what’s the sense getting now 😉

    Happy Weekend lovie!

  • the Muse

    hey dd!

    Oh it’s def going back. I think I felt the need to buy at least one to take pics for the blog 🙂

    Ahhh haaa you’re prob right or as a liner itself too if you want but either way they are still crap lmao!

    darlin you never have enough lipsticks hehe!

    Hugs back!
    Happy Weekend!

  • Phyrra

    Did you like the eyeliners enough?
    Do you think I’ll like them?

    I just want them to be creamy when applying, have great color and kinda budge proof.

    I’ve been spoiled by my indelible gel eyeliners. Too bad they don’t make them in all the colors I want. I want a gel eyeliner like Rave, so I’m hoping it’ll work.

    *hug*

    🙂

  • the Muse

    hey dd!

    Absolutely. Liked ’em alot. They are budge proof for sure and they are creamy and easy to apply. However, you’re going to want them ALL which is why I didn’t indulge as I wanted every shade and I decided for $25 or less I could get 5 from Urban Decay with the little kit plus the shades are rocking 🙂

    I think it’s worth grabbing them all if you have a chunk of change to splurge 🙂

    but I did read they aren’t waterline safe I don’t think..so that stinks 😛

    Hugs!

  • Phyrra

    Ack, I may pass then 🙁 I tend to put everything on my lower water line, lower lash line and upper lash line.

    Are the Urban Decay ones out now?
    Are they water line safe?

  • the Muse

    LOL 🙂

    Sephora has 20% off every year in November. FF=Friends and Family Discount 🙂

    Search Sephora FF or Sephora Friends and Family on my blog you’ll see hehehe!

    If you can wait till November you can score 20% off your entire purchase 😉

  • the Muse

    ps it’s a big deal with the beauty junkies of the world 🙂
    people wait all year sometimes to indulge and stock up on staples and favorites as 20% at Sephora is quite a hefty discount!

  • Phyrra

    Email sent.

    And yes, likely that means I will just purchase 1 eyeliner from Sephora and wait until November to purchase the rest!

    I am going to check out the gel eyeliners they have available though, since I like working with gel, and that’s probably what I’d end up getting in November.

  • Phyrra

    So I checked out the suite array and creme sheen. The eye shadows were kind of sheer and chalky, so I totally skipped those. I really loved how the liners looked, especially Rave and Spare Change. Black Russian wasn’t as pretty as I hoped. Unfortunately, the MA’s said they weren’t meant for the waterline at all. I still _almost_ bought Rave. So I went on to look at Urban Decay’s Lust, and while I liked it, it wasn’t as pretty as Rave. So I think I’ll hold off on getting that until November 😛

    I did end up grabbing a MAC fluidline in Waveline (a navy blue, nice and deeply saturated, I may try pairing with a brown smoky eye or some blues), and a cream color base in Luna.

    I actually posted my shopping exploit in my blog. It was much needed and relaxing.

    Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
    I just finished watching the latest presidential debate on CNN 😛

  • Asta

    Thanks for the info about Sephora FF. I got an UD lippie (yay cute packaging!) in Peroxide today because I fell in love but I’ll wait to do anything else until November. Purity Made Simple, soon you will be mine! I ended up nabbing the Halloween shower gel set AND the cookie shower gel set, but that was online.

    OMG I am in luuurve with the Pearlglide eyeliners! I got them all except for the brown shade. Even though I like UD 24/7, these have a lovely shimmer and glitter that I don’t get from anything else. I’ll probably get the UD sets, too. Sigh. I’m crazy!

    At MAC they invited me to the Red She Said promo/lauch party on Oct 5th. Have you heard anything about that? I think I’ll go for the free booze and the pigments!

  • the Muse

    hey dd!

    got it..somewhere! Eep! I skimmed it but will read more soon!

    Sounds like a plan 🙂

    I love working with gel too especially love Smashbox’s cake liner so great!

    I’ll be reviewing the 24/7’s soon anyway 🙂

  • the Muse

    hiya dd!

    yup my thoughts exactly 🙁

    I’m disappointed I can’t use ’em on the waterline so I totally skipped out 🙁
    Can’t say I blame ya as 20% off is a big deal!

    The combo sounds great particularly like the idea of cream and navy!

    I’ll peek 😉 I wanna see your shopping trip diary hehe!

    Weekend was fab 🙂 How was yours!?

    ugh the presidential debate, the market, and all else is driving me to drink lol!

  • the Muse

    hello there asta!

    You’re most welcome 🙂

    Love the packaging on those 🙂

    Absolutely as you can nab a deal at 20% off!

    Sweet haulage asta 🙂 I’m jealous 🙂 I want to cookie set hehe!

    I liked them too but I was saddened it was a no go for the waterline 🙁

    I want the sets too, review coming soon I’m sure as I lurve them! They have such a lovely melty formula!
    Nothing about Red She Said yet but I’m sure they’ll send an invite sooner or later hehe booze and piggies..best thing in the world eh? LOL!

    Good to see you here Asta 🙂 Missed you!

    Hugs!
    Happy Monday!

  • Phyrra

    So Izzy, Luna Cream Color base sucks! I’m returning it. I wore it under an eye shadow, thinking it would be like a paint pot, and it creased like crazy. Screw that.

    I like Waveline, it’s nice.

    I’m waiting for the Sephora sale because I definitely want some of the 24/7s.

    Yeah my week last week was horrible.

    This weekend was good.

    Friday night shopping with my husband was good. He actually really likes Urban Decay’s products. Apparently he used to use them in SF some, but he’s also the one who introduced me to MAC.

    Saturday relaxing, cleaning house, etc.

    Sunday Epcot for the Food and wine Festival and then Magic Kingdom for Disney After Dark: Mickey’s not so scary halloween party.
    It was the most fun that I’ve had at Disney in a long time.
    I got to spend a lot of quality time with a very close friend of mine who just told me last week that she’s moving back to Chicago, which makes me very sad. I was so proud of myself for not crying, and I loved spending time with her. Only bad thing is, while my shoes were comfortable for walking all day, the back of my heels have blisters because I guess they’re not 100% broken in back there.

    I wondered if the Smashbox’s cake liner was any good.

    Do you think I can pair a navy liner with a brown smoky eye for a nice look? Or do you think it’d look garish?

    Yeah, the BF likes to watch the presidential stuff. I tend to just read stuff online, but indulge him if he wants to watch that stuff.

    Kind of a bad monday, but I’m working fron home today. I was letting the dog out this morning when the BF came home suddenly, dropped off by a coworker because he couldn’t drive and he’d gotten very ill at work. So I’ve been watching over him all day and working.

    Had another work problem today, but solved that.

    How’s your day been?

  • Asta

    I know you can’t use the Pearlglide on the waterline, but I justified it because I don’t want to wear eyeshadow at work (I’m a new nurse). These liners stay put and let me create a quick, gorgeous look in all sorts of fun color combos. I haven’t been waterlining lately anyway because the 24/7 liners are NOT staying on me at all! It’s weird. I’m grabbing a pot of L’Oreal HIP cream liner to try on my waterline this week. I tried the MUFE Aqua Eyes but didn’t like the formula much…it felt much less creamy than UD or MAC liners.

    Hugs back!

  • the Muse

    sorry dd!

    been a bit backed up with comments 🙂

    Ugh sounds crummy. I’m not big on pp’s but I’ve been trying to use them more and more to avoid fall out 🙂

    I reviewed the 24/7’s in your honor this week lol!

    Sorry about your week from hell 🙁 Mine is getting there but it’s all good. The economy shat is terrifying as hell and it makes my head whirl plus my office is getting ready for renewal season so I worry about that 🙂 Hopefully we’ll be a ok! I have my sis backing me up in our office and it’s rather the perfect working environment for us as we bounce off each other really great!

    I went to Atlantic City this weekend which was good fun 🙂

    UD used to be alot more goth so it doesn’t surprise me he was into them way back when 🙂

    Oh my god I wanna go 😉 I normally go to CA every year for Halloween and end up at Disney but sadly no time this year 🙂 Love Disney/Halloween! Especially when Jack takes over the Haunted Mansion! FUN!

    I’m sorry about your friend 🙁 but at least there is internet when all else fails right?

    sheesh what sort of shoes did you have on love? Sounds painful 🙁

    Sneakers and disney=a marriage most kind!
    Smashbox’s old style liner is my very flavorite! Not the new jet set but the older pot is divine!

    sure! Prescriptives had a beautiful smoked out look with navy on the lower waterline..hotness! Did you see it?

    I’m a bit of an election geek myself at the moment 🙂 I keep up with the political stream as well but I try to avoid it as of late..does my head in sadly!

    girl…hubby…boyfriend…I need to move to Florida..what is going on down there..LOL!

    Is your BF better now!? What happened?

    This was written monday I think..so the good news is I’ve gotten through Monday and working my way through Tuesday..been a busy few days and I’m thankful for that as it means we are doing well 🙂 I hate when its slow, makes me worry!

    Our business can be effected by insanity that’s ongoing right now which causes my worry but hopefully we’ll be a ok!

    So far been a good day but I’m behind on my articles for the week here at Musings but I’m doing my best 🙂

    anyway =-) owe you more replies!
    getting to ’em now!

  • the Muse

    hiya asta!

    oh wow a nurse cool! Congrats 😉 I was worried about irritation if I used them on the waterline..any probs so far if not I may indulge!

    wow I’m shocked as seriously 24/7 are budgeproof on me!

    Mmm the hip liner isn’t so fabs from what I hear..wait till it’s on sale to indulge!

    I haven’t trued the MUFE but I’ve wanted to for a while..good to hear it’s not worth it as I won’t splurge on it in that case 🙂
    Hope you’re Tuesday is going well Asta!

    Always a pleasure speaking to you!
    Hugs!