Review + Swatches: MAC Glow Play Blush and Lip Balm
Makeup trends during the pandemic I feel were at extremes: either we go bright and loud, or sheer and barely there. I’ve been on both sides. Sometimes I just want to look completely different because I can, and sometimes I feel like it’s too much makeup for the day’s minor occasions. On those days, I go for sheer makeup that looks like I just woke up with it.
This is why I enjoyed the Glow Play products that MAC sent over a few weeks back. Glow Play’s face is K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink. She is famous for her youthful, natural glow that looks totally effortless. Of course, even “natural” makeup does take some work and a good selection of products too!
Let’s start with the MAC Glow Play Blush (P1,950 in Lazada). This cream-to-powder blush has a mochi-like texture that makes for a fun tactile feel as you apply it. It starts of quite sheer; it’s buildable, but I would say it will take several layers to get to medium courage. Personally, I find that two layers is perfect for that sheer glow!
It can be applied with fingers but I personally prefer using a synthetic brush to get the perfect coverage with the least amount of effort. Staying power is average, at about 3-4 hours without a mask - with a mask, that time is halved.
Wearing the Glow Play Blush in That’s Peachy! here
The finish is almost, but not quite, matte. The interesting thing is that it has ultra-fine shimmer that gives skin a subtle highlight. Plus, unlike most other cream-to-powder products, this blush actually does feel like powder once it’s applied. It doesn’t have a tacky, sticky feel and so does not need to be set with extra powder to preserve its finish.
I have three shades with me: That’s Peachy!, a pinky peach; Groovy, a warm peach; and No Shame!, a mauvey pink. I find That’s Peachy! and Groovy quite similar, and when I’ve had to choose I always reach for the former since it has pretty gold shimmer. I love No Shame! since it works for my skin tone, even though it’s a cooler pink than I would normally wear.
Overall, I find the MAC Glow Play Blushes a great option if you’re looking for glowy cheeks, without the shine. It’s really impossible to get the application of these wrong, too, so it’s something I would reach for when I’m in a rush and just need some color.
The MAC Glow Play Lip Balm (P1,100 in Lazada) is a follow-up release to the blushes, and came out last month. This is a sheer lip balm that feels truly hydrating! It leaves a light stain once it fully dries, and keeps my lips happy for hours on end. You can use this by itself, or as a balm primer for your lipstick.
I have two shades here: Floral Coral, a sheer sweet coral, and Grapely Admired, a light grape pink. Both shades offer good coverage in that even though they are sheer colors, my lips don’t look uneven. The color goes on in a smooth layer.
I like these balms well enough, although I wish they would offer a stronger stain as the color fades. I’m happy about the hydration though! I like that it doesn’t feel sticky, and oh yes, it has a yummy vanilla scent.
Try out the MAC Glow Play line if you’re looking for sheer, natural makeup that applies seamlessly on skin. These are available at MAC’s Lazada Flagship Store.
