Colour Craft Fraud

[abbyquack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissChievous I disagree. Obviously the MUA realized he was not able to achieve the same look and strong colors using the actual CC collection by mac so s/he had to use another (cheaper but better pigmented) product. I realize this prob happens often on photoshoots but it also proves that mac is sometimes not pigmented enough to actually replicate mac looks - to me this speaks volumes about the decline of the overall line, and seeing the CC in person confirms that. Mac is no longer a pro line, their products are often un-usable in photoshoot situations, and the CC collection quality was crap tbh. No pigmentation to speak of. Especially on facecharts that are put on the mac website, I'm sure they subbed in mac colors for this look, but it's pathetic when the actual picture was not made with mac products. And yeah, the promo shoot makeups for their recent collections - pitiful. Compare mac's promo shoots with the promo shoots from a new and less known line Illamasqua for example, or from MUFE or Nars. I mean, honestly - I can't even take their photoshoots seriously anymore. Like I've said I've seen better artistic makeup from amateurs in beauty forums such as this one or elsewhere. I have a love/hate relationship with mac - adore some of their products but absolutely hate their recent collections, the lacking quality, the gimmicky packaging and media hype surrounding the brand, and the utter loyalty that many people have to the brand even though the quality is just not there anymore.

Agreed. I'm not impressed with these promo images. It was clearly not created by anything from this collection- I could have told you that the first time I saw it- but the fact that they couldn't pull it off with their own products, which are touted for stage, print, etc, that is a little disappointing.

As a consumer, I love MAC, and I am satisfied with the results it gives me. As an artist, I can also say that I think MAC's product is satisfactory. Which is why I don't understand why they didn't take pride in their own brand and use it on this shoot.

 

[NernersHuman]

I will say that I think that for the most part the MES arent their strongest area. I think they are much stronger with MSF's and that's probably what they should have stuck with. IMO, the shadows were just overkill. I'd imagine the MUA wasn't satisfied with the payoff and used the Ben Nye for extra oomph.

And with the new lines like Illamasqua, who's to say that 10 years down the road if they blow up enough to attain the same status as MAC, that the quality of some of their products won't go down? Right now they are able to devote the time to perfect the small line they have and that's fantastic, but as more revenue floods in and demand increases for them to keep up with different cosmetic trends (i.e, "why don't YOU have a mineralized foundation?") they might have more hit or miss products come out. Especially if they ever ended up getting bought by one of the Estee Lauder's of the world.

Just shows that the bigger you become, the less likely it is you will be able to satisfy everyone.

 

[BunnyBunnyBunny]

They take photos for collections months if not years in advance. Who knows if the collection was even completed or what? Maybe the collection was inspired by this photo, we will never even know if the artists had the collection to their disposal when this was photographed.

I think it's a stunning photo and I don't care what products were used. I work for MAC, but I don't always use MAC. I think it's one of the best collection photos, even though it doesn't really relate to the collection itself. Also none of us were there, we don't know what was specifically put on the model. Maybe the green is Ben Nye but the pink is MAC, or NARS, or who knows? We will never know what's MAC and what's something else. The important thing is most, if not all is dupeable with MAC (though certainly not with Colour Craft itself).

The facechart that was made to simulate the actual photo lists Fresh Green Mix and Passionate eye shadows. Those seem pigmented enough to achieve the displayer look to me.

I also think it's important to understand that it's unrealistic to go to any one brand of cosmetics. It's like hair or even food. You like some things of one brand, and like others of another. Even though it's hard to swallow that a brand itself won't always look to it's own products, it does happen. I work for MAC as a retail artist and you can't expect me to ALWAYS wear MAC every time I'm at counter.

 

[RedRibbon]

I think it's quite brave to show another brand in their backstage photos because it may help some people who buy only MAC realise that MAC is not the be all and end all. However, having said that, it may push people away from MAC not because MAC are showing that you can use other products as well but because people may feel defrauded by MAC in that if they are using Ben Nye for their promo shots which advertise MAC makeup, why should people buy something which isn't being advertised.

Nobody can say for sure how much of the makeup applied to the faces of the models was actually MAC or Ben Nye.

I don't wish to end on a downer but I will say that I was surprised by some of the photos which showed what the makeup artists actually did and then how it was embellished on photoshop. I'm no makeup professional but I feel that as MissChevious said, a lot of non profs could do that as I personally didn't see much blending or anything going on in the photos, it just seemed like clear dabbing colours on.

 

[MAC_Whore]

OK peeps, here's the deal.

MAC works with not only in-house artists, but independent artists as well when shooting their promos. Whilst an independent artist may have products other than MAC in their kit, for example a Ben Nye palette, they will only use MAC product when working on MAC promos. All MAC promos are shot with 100% MAC products.

Were the products in the Colour Craft promo image all from Colour Craft? Maybe not. Perhaps some were MAC pro or from the regular line, but they were MAC none the less. There are more than enough products in the regular and pro MAC lines to give countless possibilities. In the case of the Colour Craft promo, they give us a face chart, so we can clearly see that it was MAC.

As someone else mentioned, with any photo shoot/media there are after shot touch-ups and effects added. That can affect the colour, as well.

The Colour Craft promo was shot with 100% MAC. Hope that clears things up.

 

[Boasorte]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissChievous I have a love/hate relationship with mac - adore some of their products but absolutely hate their recent collections, the lacking quality, the gimmicky packaging and media hype surrounding the brand, and the utter loyalty that many people have to the brand even though the quality is just not there anymore.

Well said hunny, I remember reading a thread in here about other people disliking MAC, and MAC lovers getting 'offended' and that's the reason in a nut shell^^
With that being said, I love MAC but I think its sad that there are people who I like to think of as MAC whore ( not MAC whore the forum's moderator lol) who use everything MAC and swear by it.

I'm loving the pigmentation of Ben Nye, I need to get me one of their eyeshadows

 

[user79]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAC_Whore The Colour Craft promo was shot with 100% MAC. Hope that clears things up.

Hmmmm....but how would any know that though? I doubt MAC would admit that Ben Nye was used. And judging from the pictures prior to editing, the shadows on the model and the paper facechart look exactly like the ones from the Ben Nye Lumier palette - I have that palette and I could probably name each color from the palette that was used. I'm sure they probably thew in some MAC products as well but I'm certain some of those colors were from that BN palette. That palette is amazing because it really is a matter of "what you see is what you get" once applied, so I'm not surprised they used it to create a colorful look. It just bothers me that the promo image could never be replicated in a million years using the products from the collection that it is advertising - it's false advertising. (And I'm not talking about post-photoshopping.)

Anyway it doesn't really matter I guess, but I stand by my own personal opinion that MAC quality is nowhere near professional in most of their recent collections, and that their promo pictures are sub-par when compared to other brands. BTW I don't mind the photo shopping, all printed images are edited these days, that goes without saying.

Why anyone would go to the trouble of using an expensive MAC mineral eyeshadow, having to use Fix+ with it and a base, and applying 10 layers to even get a decent color payoff, when you can buy a Ben Nye lumiere shadow for $8 and get amazing pigmentation in one stroke without a base is beyond me....hehhehehe....

 

[erine1881]

^^^correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't ben nye theatre makeup? do they carry regular makeup? obviously you'll get more colour payoff with fewer layers using theatre makeup than you would with a more everyday makeup, which is what most of mac's products are. yes, mac did start as runway/photoshoot makeup, but most of it has moved into a more mainstream makeup product, with a few items (such as chromacakes, paint sticks, and other pro products) formulated for more professional use.

 

[Boasorte]

yeppie Erine Ben Nye is 100% stage makeup
I heard way back when that MAC was as well, I'm not sure if that's even true.
Isn't Kryolan (spelling?) also stage makeup? Because I see people using it like it's everday m.u as well

 

[erine1881]

^^^mac started out that way. that's why there are different types of stores that carry different products. everything you see at counters and stores is more everyday makeup. its formulated for everyday wear, but still has properties of the original stage makeup (colour payoff, wearability, etc.). but then there's the stuff that pro stores carry (paint sticks, gloss, lip mixes, chromacakes, pigments, chromalines, etc.) that is still basically theatre/runway makeup, but can still be worn by "regular" people. granted, a soccer mom isn't gonna wear basic red pigment on her eyes, but many people on here wear it, along with it being used in photoshoots.

if mac did use ben nye in the promo image, they should'nt have said what they used was mac. but then again, they aren't gonna list that that's what they used, instead they just showed a picture of it.

i think they should've just used products/colours from the pro line and listed those. we recommend pro products to customers all the time at my counter, so the product is still talked about/bought/used by us non-pro artists and customers alike.

 

[Ruby_Woo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissChievous Mac is no longer a pro line, their products are often un-usable in photoshoot situations, and the CC collection quality was crap tbh. No pigmentation to speak of. Especially on facecharts that are put on the mac website, I'm sure they subbed in mac colors for this look, but it's pathetic when the actual picture was not made with mac products. And yeah, the promo shoot makeups for their recent collections - pitiful. Compare mac's promo shoots with the promo shoots from a new and less known line Illamasqua for example, or from MUFE or Nars. I mean, honestly - I can't even take their photoshoots seriously anymore. Like I've said I've seen better artistic makeup from amateurs in beauty forums such as this one or elsewhere.

Actually, MAC is still a pro line. A lot of professionals still use MAC product, its one of the only brands who extend the discount to Hair stylist, Nail techs, models and photographers. I mean, some people who aren't true pro's have been able to get the discount (which I hope they're able to create a better system for applying) and while some people say "Oh why pay for a discount" well, its also a brand that offers master classes, pro to pro events and has a site that facilitates ordering with your discount.

I feel like this sound very MM talk. MAC is not the only brand out there, and Im sure everyone is aware of that, there are very good brands in competition. But I would truly love to see people who have a pro card now apply for one for Shu Uemura, or MUFE. Because unless you are a published or represented artist, you wont get.

I use MAC and a few other brands in my kit when I do shoots and special events, Im sure a decent photographer will get great shots. I always tell people that most foundations w/ Titanium Dioxide will do the "flash back" effect on a handheld cam, but if you're a professional photographer, its not a problem.

I honestly knew they didn't use CC for the promo, just by the looks of it. But having worked at Pro, I could pin point colors that are a true match. Atlantic Blue, Orange, Sky Blue, Passionate, and the yellow is hard to tell but it can be Chrome or Canary yellow, maybe even Bright Sunshine. They might have actually used Ben Nye, who knows, Ill ask my trainer and hope for the truth.

I don't want to single you out Julia, I only quoted you because I've seen alot of "quality gone down" or "no longer pro" well yes, the demand of MAC is so great, they do mass production, and they do adjust things for supply and demand, and look for diferent natural resources. Its the number one cosmetic brand, no longer the little backstage brand it once was. The future collections look more promising.

P.S Face charts are done w/ MAC product. Artist in different counters/stores send their charts in and then corporate picks out the ones that they feel fit the collection best. They get credited for their work in our Update book.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and Im totally cool w/ opposing ones, just thought I'd chirp mine in

 

[MAC_Whore]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissChievous Hmmmm....but how would any know that though? I doubt MAC would admit that Ben Nye was used. .....

I can tell you with 100% certainty that this promo was shot with MAC. I can't go in to details, but I'll just leave it at that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissChievous .....Why anyone would go to the trouble of using an expensive MAC mineral eyeshadow, having to use Fix+ with it and a base, and applying 10 layers to even get a decent color payoff, when you can buy a Ben Nye lumiere shadow for $8 and get amazing pigmentation in one stroke without a base is beyond me....hehhehehe....

They do it on principal. MAC is their brand and that is what they use. Really, I don't see tweaking the colours with Fix+ or Mixing Medium as that big of a deal. It's what artists do. They manipulate colour and their medium (in this case MAC) to acheive the statement they want to make.

As far as the cost, MAC can afford to sacrifice a few Mineral ES and other products to acheive the perfect look for a promo that represents them and a specific collection. That expense is infinitesimal in the big picture. The Colour Craft promo look probably contains about $40 worth of product at cost (if that). That's nothing. That's an adverstising expense. Business 101, really.

On a general note and not directed at the above quotes....

I know a couple of blogs got wind of the Ben Nye palette and are looking to make it as scandalous as possible, but really, it isn't.

Look at it this way: I mentioned that MAC uses in-house and independent artists. Obviously independent artists have items other than MAC in their kit. Would you rather MAC make independent artists empty their kits of all non-MAC products before they come to a shoot? That's a little totalitarian and over the top, IMO. I'm glad MAC doesn't do that. I think most of you would find that quite unpalatable. I would rather the artistry wasn't mixed with a heavy dose of Orwellian tactics.

I love MAC, but when I have seen reason to question a decision or practice of theirs, I have done so. You should never blindly worship anything. I can tell you though, in this case, the whole Ben Nye drama is unfounded.

 

[Boasorte]

I just can't beleive ppl are blowing this way out of proportion, I've also seen it in other blogs. Can't we all just get the eff over it? MAC isn't end all be all, and neither is Ben Nye.
Bloody hell.

 

[user79]

Quote:

Originally Posted by erine1881 ^^^correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't ben nye theatre makeup? do they carry regular makeup? obviously you'll get more colour payoff with fewer layers using theatre makeup than you would with a more everyday makeup, which is what most of mac's products are. yes, mac did start as runway/photoshoot makeup, but most of it has moved into a more mainstream makeup product, with a few items (such as chromacakes, paint sticks, and other pro products) formulated for more professional use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsWestchesterNY yeppie Erine Ben Nye is 100% stage makeup I heard way back when that MAC was as well, I'm not sure if that's even true. Isn't Kryolan (spelling?) also stage makeup? Because I see people using it like it's everday m.u as well

People always say that but honestly, there's no reason why you can't use Ben Nye or Kryolan for everyday makeup for a "normal" person, just going to work, etc. I don't see why end consumers should have to settle with less pigmented eyeshadows just because they're not being used in a professional setting? Both lines make a huge variety of products, everything from special fx gels and latex to fake blood, to normal foundations, lipsticks and eyeshadows. They aren't a highly commercialized line, they don't invest tons of money on advertising, promotional shoots and retail stores, which is why they are able to keep the cost down. They deliver fantastic products at bargain prices, which is why many professional MUAs use them. But that doesn't mean they are only suitable to theater - both lines are used extensively in film, TV, and even produce products for other lines. They just aren't as accessible to end consumers which is why they aren't as popular, but I use many Ben Nye matte eyeshadows for everyday wear and they are so inexpensive and just as good as the MAC Matte e/s for example.


Quote:

Originally Posted by MAC_Whore Obviously independent artists have items other than MAC in their kit. Would you rather MAC make independent artists empty their kits of all non-MAC products before they come to a shoot? That's a little totalitarian and over the top, IMO. I'm glad MAC doesn't do that. I think most of you would find that quite unpalatable. I would rather the artistry wasn't mixed with a heavy dose of Orwellian tactics.

Oh I agree, and that's totally fine. I don't expect an artist working for MAC or on a promo shoot to only have MAC exclusive in his or her kit. But one should think that the brand has enough integrity to use the products from the collection to shoots the specific promotional image for that collection. If the artist doesn't have the products, you would think that MAC would provide them for the photoshoot at least. The CC collection was probably not used because the artist realized he or she would never be able to achieve that kind of color payoff with them. BTW, I'm not talking about MAC Artists only wearing MAC in retail locations, I'm talking specifically for this CC photoshoot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsWestchesterNY I just can't beleive ppl are blowing this way out of proportion, I've also seen it in other blogs. Can't we all just get the eff over it? MAC isn't end all be all, and neither is Ben Nye. Bloody hell.

It's just a discussion on a topic that interests people - there are many other threads you can read on here.

Don't get me wrong, I still use and like many MAC products - but I don't agree that other products should be used on a promotional photoshoot that is supposed to be selling a particular collection, that's all.

 

[MAC_Whore]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissChievous ......Oh I agree, and that's totally fine. I don't expect an artist working for MAC or on a promo shoot to only have MAC exclusive in his or her kit. But one should think that the brand has enough integrity to use the products from the collection to shoots the specific promotional image for that collection. If the artist doesn't have the products, you would think that MAC would provide them for the photoshoot at least. The CC collection was probably not used because the artist realized he or she would never be able to achieve that kind of color payoff with them. BTW, I'm not talking about MAC Artists only wearing MAC in retail locations, I'm talking specifically for this CC photoshoot. ....l.

They did use MAC, though. MAC does provide the product. You can easily acheive that kind of colour payoff with MAC items. I have done some really vibrant stuff with MAC. It's all in there. If they had an artist who came in to the shoot and said, "I can't do it. I can't make it vibrant enough using just MAC." I would like to think they would have a good laugh and send that artist packing.

********

Here's the look:

Eyes
Use 222 Blending Brush to highlight under the left brow with Passionate Eye Shadow. Blend Fresh Green Mix Mineralize Eye Shadow (solid shade) through the inner and centre of eyelid with 252 Large Shader Brush. Use Smolder Eye Kohl to intensify the waterline, and follow with Rapidblack Penultimate Eye Liner on both upper and lower lashline. Use 219 Pencil Brush to blend Passionate Eye Shadow under lower lashline, diffusing the line outward for an airbrushed effect.

Begin design on the left eye by using 242 Shader Brush to shade a circle of Natural Flare Mineralize Eye Shadow at the browbone. Switch to 219 Pencil Brush to shade a circle of Fashion Patch Mineralize Eye Shadow at the temple. Switch to a clean 242 Shader Brush to shade a circle of Deep Truth Eye Shadow on the eyelid. Follow by using Rapidblack Penultimate Eye Liner to outline all circle shapes with a delicate black line. Begin design on the right eye by using 219 Pencil Brush to shade a circle of Passionate Eye Shadow at
the browbone. Use 242 Shader Brush to shade a circle at the temple with Natural Flare Mineralize Eye Shadow. Switch to the previous 242 Shader Brush used to apply Deep Truth Eye Shadow on the left eye, and shade a circle at the crease to complete the right eye. Follow by using Rapidblack Penultimate Eye Liner to outline all circle shapes on the right eye with a delicate black line. Apply a generous coat of Zoomblack Zoom Lash Mascara on both upper and lower lashes.


Lips
Use Beet Lip Pencil to define lips before shading Lipstick in Trimming Talk along the outer
edge. Highlight the centre of the lip with Lipglass in Miss Marble and Melon Pigment.

*********

I have every single one of the items used in the above CC look. After swatching them on my hand, I can easily see them as photographed in the CC look. I just don't see why some think that this is such a stretch. It's pretty cut and dry if you ask me.

BTW, a lot of you are judging by the intensity of the colour in the behind the scenes photos. Whilst they haven't been airbrushed/softened, etc, they may have enriched the colours and saturation.

I agree about Ben Nye, btw, they are a great line.

Off topic: My personal feelings on "stage" lines, etc: I don't care to categorize makeup brands by "stage makeup" or "everyday makeup". I hate it when lines are pigeonholed like that. Makeup is makeup. It's what the artist does with it that counts.

 

[erine1881]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissChievous People always say that but honestly, there's no reason why you can't use Ben Nye or Kryolan for everyday makeup for a "normal" person, just going to work, etc. I don't see why end consumers should have to settle with less pigmented eyeshadows just because they're not being used in a professional setting? Both lines make a huge variety of products, everything from special fx gels and latex to fake blood, to normal foundations, lipsticks and eyeshadows. They aren't a highly commercialized line, they don't invest tons of money on advertising, promotional shoots and retail stores, which is why they are able to keep the cost down. They deliver fantastic products at bargain prices, which is why many professional MUAs use them. But that doesn't mean they are only suitable to theater - both lines are used extensively in film, TV, and even produce products for other lines. They just aren't as accessible to end consumers which is why they aren't as popular, but I use many Ben Nye matte eyeshadows for everyday wear and they are so inexpensive and just as good as the MAC Matte e/s for example.

i've never used ben nye, so i'm not familiar with any of their products. from what i've heard from a girl that i use to work with (she performs on stage), i thought they just made theatre makeup. the stage makeup that i used in a stage makeup course i took in college was more pigmented than most of the makeup i own. i would assume "stage makeup" would be more pigmented than anything that could be bought at a drug/department store.

don't get me wrong, i don't think people should have to settle for less pigmented products for everyday use, nor do i think that stage makeup should only be used for stage. i just think that for the setting that its used in, in general, stage makeup would be more pigmented than any other type of makeup, but that it shouldn't be limited to that type of setting alone.

does that make sense?

 

[Twinkle_Twinkle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nichollecaren well, no matter what products are used, promo pics are enhanced...i.e. photoshopped! Levels are tweaked, imperfections are cloned out and mistakes are cleaned up! And not just makeup anything!!

So very true! I think though that companies should at least try an incorporate some of the featured products into the promo ad, however it was obvious to me that this was not the case with Colour Craft. The eye shadow was just too vibrant. But Ben Nye, wouldn't have figured that. What does it say about your products MAC that you won't even use something from the Pro or Permanent lines for an ad? Makes me appreciate my Ben Nye more now.

 

[Twinkle_Twinkle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbyquack Agreed. I'm not impressed with these promo images. It was clearly not created by anything from this collection- I could have told you that the first time I saw it- but the fact that they couldn't pull it off with their own products, which are touted for stage, print, etc, that is a little disappointing. As a consumer, I love MAC, and I am satisfied with the results it gives me. As an artist, I can also say that I think MAC's product is satisfactory. Which is why I don't understand why they didn't take pride in their own brand and use it on this shoot.

Exactly! It's obvious that none of those eye shadows on the model were eye shadows on the display. A color blind person could see that. But a Ben Nye palette? I'd be embarrassed. Now is it, or is it not true that MAC MA's must wear MAC products at work? Wouldn't/shouldn't this be the case for promo ads, even if the rule is broken by some "rouge" MA, wouldn't you think that would be policy?

 

[Blushbaby]

I've been lusting after that Ben Nye palette since seeing it at the UK IMATS but damn it's expensive!

 

[User38]

I have been around long enough to know that on many shoots and shows, the actual product line is not used due to pigmentation, lighting preferences, artistic direction, etc. etc. ... however, I do agree that the latest MAC collections have been sadly lacking in quality and thus make up for this by packaging and gimmicks. I want the OLD MAC back!