MAC Nutcracker Sweet Collection Haul & Swatches

When you think of Christmas, you think about (well at least I think):

1. The songs "Silent Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"

2. Christmas Presents

3. Spices like Cinammon in literally everything (your drinks, your candles)

4. Public Holiday

5. Ballad or Christmas classics like "Ghost of Christmas Past", "Nightmare Before Christmas", "Polar Express" and "Nutcracker

I was extremely light headed when I saw images of the MAC Nutcracker Sweet Collection on Instagram and determined to get at least 2 items. Which two? Read on and I'll show you.

Was extremely lucky to attend the preview for the range whereby I manage to get my hands on one of the Face Compact before they sold out island wide. 

Items that I manage to score are a lipstick, a face compact and a blush (Magic Dust Powder they call it but I think its pigmented enough to be called a blush).

The lipstick that I picked is Amplified Creme Lipstick in Saucy Little Darling. There are a couple of other pink, red and purply shades but this particular shade speaks to me. 

Upon swatched, the colour on my skin tone shows this bright pink with a nice subtle sheen to it. I guess this is due to the Amplified Creme finish and I prefer it that way. There is a slight slip during application which makes it easy to apply across the lips without any tugging. On me, this lasted for approximately 4 hours before showing signs of fading. 

Next purchase here is Sweet Vision Magic Dust Powder or a blush with highlighting properties in my opinion. Here's why...

Well, can you just take a look at that swatch. Sweet Vision comes off as a light coral with tiny gold flecks in it. Its very pigmented and I only need to dip my brush lightly into the pan for a nice flush of colour on the cheeks. Compared to the other powder, Yum Yum Yum (a nice baby pink), this one performs much much better as YYY does not give as much colour payoff as I'd like to. 

Another thing that catches my eyes is the star embossment in the pan. Its too pretty and the good news is, it continued to stay on even after a couple of swatches and dipping of the brush. Thumbs up there...

Now here comes the highlight, is the Nutcracker Sweet Peach Face Compact (notice how the names all starts with the word "Sweet"? So cute right?).

Can we just take a minute to enjoy the packaging? 

Its covered in pink stripes and gold thread detailing. Its absolutely stunning.

And then, when you open the packaging, lo and behold, 2 breathtaking prints welcome you. I need to take another minute here. **hyperventilating**

Actually I was pretty sad that I did not acquire the Copper Face Compact as the highlighter in there is gorgeous (also known as the infamous Whisper of Gilt). Nevertheless, I am still in love with this one.

As you can see, the highlighter if applied heavy handedly, you'll get a layer of "white coloured" shimmer. But I do like how it gives a gorgeous sheen when apply lightly and blended out. The blush is a pretty soft pink with a subtle sheen. The texture of the powders are not really on the soft finely milled side but I do appreciate that they did not emphasise my pores or just "sits" on my skin. Do note that prolong used of the powders will result in the vanishing of the patterns so... Yeah, this is going into my "Untouchables".

Overall, I looooooooovvveeeee this collection a lot, from the packagings to the product themselves are all on point and I would definitely recommended everyone to get their hands on these before they sold out quickly.