As a long-time MAC customer, I’m glad that Ulta not only carries the brand but also that they are typically stocked in the store locations I like to visit. I used to have a MAC store in my local mall, but it unfortunately closed. I’m sure that’s not a good sign overall for the brand, but now I typically shop for MAC items at either Nordstrom or Ulta. When I’m not feeling up to chatting with the sales associates at Nordstrom (who are amazing, by the way), I take advantage of the laid-back atmosphere at my favorite Ulta locations.

My love for MAC Cosmetics began in 2013 with the Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation and the original Face and Body Foundation (in the 120 mL size). I didn’t like Face and Body, but Mineralize Moisture Foundation was nice enough that I’ve been shopping from MAC ever since. I can still remember staying up all night the following year to buy the Alluring Aquatic collection. These were the days when Specktra had all the MAC collection product leaks, and we’d all be on there hyping each other up. The Specktra website hasn’t been very active in several years, and it was down when I checked it yesterday, but it was a fun time.

I don’t get quite as worked up over MAC these days, but my fan girl status is still secure. I am getting better every year at not buying from every release MAC has and being more selective. However, you won’t catch me in a store without stopping by the MAC display. So, I thought it’d be fun to share some swatches that I’ve done in-store at Ulta over the last year while shopping for some MAC products that I didn’t end up buying for myself.

This blog uses affiliate links (marked with **).  Although these swatches were done at Ulta, I am not an Ulta affiliate, so the links you will find are from MAC Cosmetics. I am now an Ulta affiliate, so I have added Ulta links in addition to the original ones from the MAC Cosmetics website. I may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on my site. Feel free to shop as you usually would. Learn more here.

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**MAC Glow Play Cushiony Blush, $34

The **Glow Play blushes were reformulated last year, and I haven’t heard any complaints about the new formula. I occasionally try out other types of blush formulas, but traditional powder blushes are still my favorite, so I decided to skip these. I swatched shades Pinch of Marrakesh, Ginger Luck, Big Diva Energy, and Plush Pepper. If you’re curious about the formula change, my friend Lili reviewed the shades Pinch of Marrakesh and Plush Pepper, comparing them to the previous formula (click here for her review).

**Ulta

	$ 34.00 Sale Price $ 34.00 Regular Price
MAC Glow Play Cushiony Blush – Plush Pepper

**MAC Cosmetics

	$ Sale Price $ 34.00 Regular Price
MAC – Glow Play Cushiony Blush

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**MAC MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick, $25

I love so many shades of this **Silky Matte Lipstick formula, but I stopped buying matte lipsticks, so I’ve had to restrain myself. I struggle with dry lips, and I just got tired of fussing with matte formulas.

**Ulta

	$ 25.00 Sale Price $ 25.00 Regular Price
MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick – Avant Garnet

**MAC Cosmetics

	$ Sale Price $ 25.00 Regular Price
MAC – XIMAL SILKY MATTE LIPSTICK

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**MAC Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer, $31

They did a nice job on the packaging for the **Studio Radiance Luminous Lift Concealer. It feels and looks nicer than MAC’s other concealers. I am typically in between NC42 and NC45, so those are the shades I swatched that were available. MAC also carries this concealer in the shade NC44, but it wasn’t in this store.

**Ulta

	$ 31.00 Sale Price $ 31.00 Regular Price
MAC Studio Radiance 24hr Luminous Lift Concealer – NC42

**MAC Cosmetics

	$ Sale Price $ 31.00 Regular Price
MAC – STUDIO RADIANCE 24HR LUMINOUS LIFT CONCEALER

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**MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick, $25

The **Sleek Satin Lipsticks are the only products in today’s post that I ended up purchasing, but I opted for Creme In Your Coffee and the shade Paramount instead of Left on Red. For details on the formula, you can read my review by clicking here. Long story, short, it’s a nice formula. I do have an issue with it slipping into the corners of my mouth, but it doesn’t look bad and is easily fixable.

**Ulta

	$ 25.00 Sale Price $ 25.00 Regular Price
MAC M·A·Cximal Sleek Satin Lipstick – Creme In Your Coffee

**MAC Cosmetics

	$ Sale Price $ 25.00 Regular Price
MAC – XIMAL SLEEK SATIN LIPSTICK

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Do you remember your first MAC purchase? Do you still repurchase it or has it been discontinued?

Have a great weekend!

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If you’d like to check out more of my content, here are some places to start. 

• Blush Index
• Brands A-Z
• Bronzer & Highlighter Index
• Brush Index
• Concealer Ranking
• Eyeshadow Index
• Foundation Round-Up
• Lipstick Index
• Makeup Storage and Organization Ideas
• My Favorite Makeup
• Powder Round-Up

Disclaimer:  I purchased all products featured with my own money.  This site receives a minimal commission from participating in the WordAds program and using affiliate links.  For my full disclosure policy, click here.