We’ve just stepped foot gingerly into November and already we’re seeing Christmas collections popping up everywhere. O.M.G. Can you say overwhelmed?? Can you say TOO EARLY?
Anyway, I have a small confession. I don’t really do the Christmas coffret thing. I mean I like that brands take the trouble to come up with excellent deals in their coffrets but I always find that inevitably there’s one thing in there I don’t like. Also, I don’t do limited edition too well. Bah humbug! What a Grinch! 😛
I will admit however, that coffrets and gift packs are excellent for gifting because it isn’t terribly expensive (for the most part) and they always come nicely packaged. I may not have too many holiday coffrets or collections featured here on the blog, but I hope I have time to feature some or any that I might like particularly. I may feature them on the Facebook page though since its information that moves more quickly.
Last year, MAC took to the Scottish Highlands with their rather gaudy Tartan Tale collection. This year, they went up further to the North Pole, opting for a white glittery collection. Even the packaging of the collection is in white. Know what? I rather like that! Everything in the collection looks a wee bit different than their usual range of products. However, I read also that quality isn’t quite up to par with their regular range of products. I’m not one to say much about that (it being MAC and all) but I will have some pictures from this collection for your viewing pleasure 😉
The collection is a HUGE one. I”m not going to feature everything. There are enough blogs out there already gushing over this. I liked that there was a bright red lipstick that comes in a set. That red, against that white packaging looks quite perfect!
L-R: Love Alert Dazzleglass, Creme de Nude lipstick, Asiatique Nail Lacquer and Kanga Rouge Lipstick
There are a few choices of eyeshadows this time round. You have duos that come in a metallic silver pouch with a mascara, and Technakohl and 275SE brush…
… and you have 6 colour eyeshadow palettes that come in 3 colour combinations.
I found my eye particularly drawn to the Warm palette. I’m not sure why. There’s no way I can see myself pulling off those shades although the colour in the bottom left does call to me. Its a blacked green with glitter and I think it looks amazing! I do have a bit of a problem with the packaging. It looks all lovely and sleek when viewed like this.
But in actual fact, on the cover, is a snow globe. So you get this glitter filled globe thing that protrudes from the cover and that means you can’t stack up your palettes because the globes get in the way. Pretty, but not very functional otherwise.
There are mineralize eyeshadows that come in pale shades, beauty powders, paint pots and false lashes. There are LOADS in this collection. But I’m feeling a bit dizzy thinking about it, so I’ll direct you over to Lipglosseater who has everything MAC on her blog so you can view pictures, and check out the full Glitter & Ice collection there.
I was quite fascinated after the local Glitter & Ice launch last week, to realise that this MAC Holiday 2011 collection launched pretty much simultaneously worldwide. Usually, we are a month behind. This time, everyone everywhere is featuring the MAC Glitter & Ice collection so there’s lots to see on the interweb if you’re into it 🙂
Now, is it me or is Christmas coming way too early this year? Before we know it, everyone’s going to be talking about Spring collections in December and you know what? I think that’ll be a tragedy. We’ll never live in the present! Bummer.
Paris B
xin says
November 3, 2011 at 9:27 amim not big of christmas coffret thing either, but i sometimes am drawn to the extras that come with them, eg cute bag etc. LOL. xmas is def coming earlier and earlier, i guess in hope that the earlier they launch before the others,more people will buy when they have not many options 😛
ParisB says
November 6, 2011 at 12:01 pmYeah they’re definitely trying to cash in as quickly as they can! Doesn’t stop me from looking – some are really nice – and they do give nice extras
Hanny says
November 3, 2011 at 9:48 amAm not a fan of Mac’s xmas offerings this year.
Methinks that this be the excellent time to whip out them carols!!! My Chemical Romance’s cover of All I Want for Xmas is You, anyone???
ParisB says
November 6, 2011 at 12:03 pmIf I’m not mistaken I was first introduced to MAC through one of their early christmas collections. They used to be better back then I think. But I must confess I love carols so bring them on! 😀
Jenn says
November 3, 2011 at 9:53 amThanks for the link love! 😀
Yeah every year MAC comes up with a huge, dizzying holiday collection. I must say that i prefer this year’s though, compared to last year’s. Like you, i’m not a fan of MAC holiday palettes, but i’ll have to admit that they have come a looong way from the old, horrid eyeshadow palettes where there’re perhaps only 1 or 2 shades with a nice texture out of the 6 in there! 😛
Didcha get anything? 😀
ParisB says
November 6, 2011 at 12:04 pmDidn’t really get anything. Not enough into MAC to hehe 😉 I’m sure you got tons!
LeGeeque says
November 3, 2011 at 10:48 amPretty collection but I’ve never had good experience shopping with MAC and this is not pretty enough to make me want to splash my cash. I avoid as much as I can. I think my rants and rave can fill volumes.
On the other hand, have you seen the miniatures of Chanel perfumes for the Christmas collection? Too cute for words! 🙂
ParisB says
November 6, 2011 at 12:05 pmChanel miniatures? How adorable! I haven’t checked them out 🙂 To be honest I don’t even know what other brands are launching for Christmas! Bad me :p
peach_ says
November 3, 2011 at 11:14 amWhite is one of my favorite colors, so I’m drawn to the packaging…yet, when given too many choices, I become overwhelmed and end up choosing none.
I’m drawn to holiday coffret and agree they make great gifts! Early Holiday collections just remind me I should get a head start on gift shopping! 😀
ParisB says
November 6, 2011 at 12:06 pmBeing a fan of Japanese cosmetics I’d go mad if I were in Japan. They do very pretty stuff and sets there! But like you when I have too many choices I uust get too confused 😛
lyn says
November 3, 2011 at 12:33 pmOther than the lippies and nail polish, I’m not really interested in this collection. But the packaging is a nice break from their usual black. I actually prefer their Spring and Summer collections more.
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 8:50 pmAhem. Have no comment hehe I can’t keep up with MAC anymore
milktea says
November 3, 2011 at 12:40 pmWell… it’ slightly more than 1 month to Christmas. They just wanted to capture as much of the Christmas coffret market as possible… I’m sure MAC will release 1 or 2 more collections in the days leading up to Dec 25th. They seem to have a lot of makeup collections.
Btw, I wanted to say thank you very much for the party/celebration and goody bag at the MWS-RCA! Very generous! Cheers! 🙂
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 8:52 pmGlad you enjoyed yourself and yeah with just a month to go to Christmas it’s about time to expect the Christmas collections and decor to go up right about now. I won’t put it past MAC to put up a new collection though. Maybe spring 😛
gio says
November 3, 2011 at 3:20 pmIt’s a lovely collection but nothing really stands out to me so I think I’ll pass. I like the packaging though.. it’s a nice change from the usual black.
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 8:54 pmI think that’s the general feel I’m getting about this collection. The products aren’t that great but the white packaging makes a good difference.
Marina (Makeup4all) says
November 3, 2011 at 5:55 pmI am waiting for the Gareth Pugh collection, not sure if I like this one.
As for Spring collections… we are already talking about them 😀
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 8:56 pmI like the packaging of that one too! Its certainly a break from the norm in a good way 🙂
melchewvin says
November 3, 2011 at 7:00 pmI’m sooo gonna get the lip set from mac seen it from other website and it’s FAB!!!!!!!!
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 8:57 pmAwesome! The red lip set does look quite impressive. I saw the deep one and the dark plum was a bit too gothic for my tastes
shusheshe says
November 3, 2011 at 10:05 pmIn my last day in Osaka, I passed the Suqqu counter and found myself seriously eying their holidy coffret. Then the sales lady came and told me that it goes on sale tomorrow. ORZ. I leave on the plane tomorrow! And there went the wind out of my sails for that coffret.
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 8:58 pmOh dear what a pity! The Japanese do lovely coffers sets I have to admit. I’m more tempts by theirs than by other brands
shusheshe says
November 3, 2011 at 10:06 pmOh! And in other thoughts I found this entire holiday from MAC to be really really tacky. Combined with questionable quality in a lot of the products, I’m probably only going to pick up one or two pieces I feel is REALLY worth it.
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 8:59 pmI didn’t check out the collection in detail but I did read mostly unfavorable reviews. A pity that MAC would come up with something so half hearted eh?
alene says
November 3, 2011 at 11:46 pmyeah time flies by too fast. seriously. its frightening
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 9:02 pmVery! We’re already looking at the end of another year!
Petrina says
November 4, 2011 at 7:25 amOmg tell me about it – Christmas decos in Myer here started in October!!!
Sadly I too have lost interest in MAC and this year in terms of Christmas offerings nothing much interests me, not even Chanel 🙁
Btw, thanks to ur post on Lancome’s New blush I got my mum to pick up one for me and finally got it ytd – I really like it so far!! Thanks 🙂
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 9:03 pmYay! I’m so happy the Lancôme blush works for you 😀 I haven’t
Really paid attention to the Christmas collections this year. Too tied up with work. Bad blogger huh? 😛
Rahainah says
November 4, 2011 at 10:42 amwell, i’ve learnt my lesson not to indulge in MAC’s holiday sets, 3 years ago. It was my first eyeshadow palette from the holiday sets which I forgot the name and I also bought the brush set, without even read the reviews online. Big mistake, the color pigmentation was not there and the brushes are so scratchy, I don’t even bother to use them.
But alas, I went to MAC store yesterday to get the MSF then I saw the new lipstick holiday set and I was “wow! look at these cute little bayyybieeessss!!” and before I knew it, I’ve already carrying out them babies back home. Buuuuut! this time around, I’m not even regret one bit cos the 3 items i’ve purchased are lovely, being the lip liner, lipstick and lip gloss is actually the color i want. my lips but better 🙂
Rahainah says
November 4, 2011 at 10:46 amoh yeah, the lip set is MAC Sultry Iced Delights Lip Bag
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 9:11 pmSo sorry to hear the previous collections didn’t work for you but at least this year’s did 🙂
Amanda says
November 4, 2011 at 8:33 pmThe entire collection is like ‘meh’ for me. MAC has released more interesting holiday collections before this one.
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 9:27 pmI think MAC did better in the past 😉
Sam says
November 6, 2011 at 5:20 pmI’m really not into this collection (surprising, as I’m a big MAC-ophile). Going to buy Clinique sets instead.
ParisB says
November 7, 2011 at 10:23 pmThe Black Honey one?