I Heart MAC Fafi
Okay, I know I parked myself at the MAC counter 10 minutes (literally) after my local Nordie’s opened on Fafi’s release date, Feb. 13th because I was super excited to see everything, yet it took me a million years to actually break into my Fafi haul.
I spent WAYYY too much that morning so I just wanted to admire my new MAC goodies in their packages before I de-virginized them - strange, I know. Hey, at least I used one of my Nordstrom gift cards from holiday to feed my MAC desire and I didn’t blow all of my future children’s college funds 
And finally, here are my initial thoughts regarding the collection as well as swatches of everything I purchased.
Let’s start with my biggest gripe about the collection - yep, the packaging. I was so disappointed to open up the beautiful boxes to find stickers - on everything. The quads I could forgive because the stickers are applied on better than the lippies. And because most people don’t normally carry eyeshadows in their purses so the stickers won’t peel off.
But the lippies. Oh the lippies. The stickers on these are applied on poorly and I just know that I’m going to eventually peel these off when they get dirty or rip in my purse when I’m carrying them around.
If you can get past the cheap packaging - which I did because I’m freakish and normally keep all my lippies in their original boxes anyway - the colors are AMAZING! They look so bold in the tubes but when applied, they are subtle, fun, and suitable for anyone at any age. Kudos to MAC for making such a versatile collection.
Read on for my full review and more product swatches.
If you look at the colors in the tubes or pots, they look SUPER pigmented and scary for the average person like me who lives and breathes neutral colors. But to my surprise, when I swatched everything on my hand and arms, everything looked so gorgeous, I just KNEW I was going to get myself into trouble and literally bought half of the collection.
Yup, I picked up 4 Paint Pots, 3 lipsticks, 2 lipglasses, both Fafi eye quads, and one blush. And I’m not even ashamed!
For me, the Paint Pots are the absolute stars of the collection. All the colors are wearable and the textures (when swatched, I haven’t worn them yet) are nice and soft. I really believe that anyone with any makeup color preference or age can find at least one they like. My favorites are Nice Vice, a dirty purple with purple pearl, and Cash Flow, green-gold with gold pearl.
As much as I said I wasn’t going to get more lip colors, I couldn’t help myself. I was so surprised to see that the lipsticks were sheerer than they looked in the tubes, I caved for 3 of the 6. I kind of regret not getting all of them because they really are beautiful, but I opted to get shades that I didn’t really have in my own arsenal. They have a hint of glitter which makes it extra sassy and irresistable! High Top is one I KNOW I’ll wear a lot and everyone’s been raving about Strawbaby; so we’ll see, I might go back, you never know
The lipglasses were also really nice - I got Totally It, a sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl, and Sugar Trance, a creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl. This one looks a little more coral to me vs. pink, but it’s a nice color to swipe on my lips for on-the-go days. Hipness blush also looks a little scary in the pot, but applies on as subtle or as bold as you want it to - just build the color to your liking.
I skipped the Beauty Powders because they just didn’t move me. The glitter in them were so dominant, it doesn’t really go with my day-to-day looks. BUT, they make great highlighters and I might check them out one more time when I go search for Strawbaby.
And finally, to round out my haul, I picked up both eye quads. Fafi Eyes 1 is one that I will use on a regular basis. All the colors are right up my alley and I know I can create fun or subtle looks with this.
Fafi Eyes 2 is more for when I want to do more adventurous (for me anyway) looks. I’m 50/50 on Shockwave (the orange color). I’m not sure what I can do with it, but I’ll play around and let you know 
I’ll be posting a couple of FOTDs in the next few days/weeks as I create different looks. I had a ton of fun interpreting the MAC N face charts so you know I’ll do the same for this collection.
What did you get from Fafi? Are you in love like I am? If you want to share any photos for me to post up on the site, I’d love to see them. Or did you pass altogether?
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On February 21st, 2008 kia said:
hot! loved your review! i’m so glad you posted. your pics are on point and on time! can’t wait to see your looks!
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Thanks Kia!
I wish I could have gotten this up sooner, but better late than never!
I can’t wait to see if you create more looks with your Fafi - the orange look is HOT!
On February 21st, 2008 Christine said:
Ugh, yes, I had a sticker or whatever just SLIP OFF when I took the lipstick out of the box for the first time!
On February 21st, 2008 Mrs. Lynne said:
how gorgeous does that look! boo for the stickers though.
On February 21st, 2008 Sandy said:
i think im going to miss the mac fafi collection. doesnt really interest me >.< but if i was to get something, im getting them paint pots =)
On February 21st, 2008 Brittany said:
Looks like Perky can be a pretty good Paint Pot for Shockwave. It definitely is a tough color. I’m still on the fence about that quad washing me out. Hmmm….but I definitely have to get up on the Paint Pots! Everyone has been raving about them! I sooo can’t wait to see some of your FOTDs.
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Christine,
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I can’t believe that the sticker actually fell off the lipstick! That worries me that the adhesive will soon wear off as well - BOO!
Hope you’re having a great Thursday!
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Hey Mrs. Lynne,
Double Boo for sure! I was pretty disappointed to see that the stickers weren’t even applied on very well and are even starting to rip a little bit. I’m going to have to be extra careful with these
When do we get to see more Fafi looks from you?
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Sandy,
I think the purple paint pot, Nice Vice, would be a GREAT color for you to add to your makeup collection. Especially if you wear a lot of purples like I do. I’m not sure why the swatch looks kind of brown, but in person it’s really pretty!
What have you purchased lately? Are you waiting for MACs Heatherette collection?
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Brittany,
Gosh, I didn’t even think of using Perky under Shockwave! That is one combo I’m definitely going to try out.
I definitely think you should give the quads another try and I can’t wait to see what you come up with
Thanks for the idea, Girl! Happy Thursday
On February 21st, 2008 the Muse said:
awesome haul Lil!
I was eager to hear what your thoughts were on the collection and your review doesn’t disappoint
As you know I ranted about the stickers too! Grrrrrrr! So freaking annoying!
I found, like you, the lippes are rather bold in the packaging but on they look delightful and awesome and I think they will be more then flattering on your gorgeous face! I’m taking into consideration your PS Kiss FOTD which I loved and I’m picturing you in some of these Fafi Lippies (which are on par with the PS Kiss in terms of bold and beautiful) and I know you’re going to look amazing wearing ‘em!
I can’t wait to see what you come up with when you use quads!
I owe you an email btw plus I have some other bits to tell you! I’ve been swamped sorry.
Anyways!
Loving the Fafi Haulage and dying to see FOTDS! Hurry up and wear ‘em the Muse wants to see ‘em
Hugs!
Love ya!
On February 21st, 2008 Mrs. Lynne said:
They should have put the stickers unattached so we can put them on ourselves, lol. At least we can have some fun with the downfall of it.
I have a FOTD draft in the works hun. It’s using another paint pot, but more just as a base, not color enhancing. It’s definitely been more challenging this week to knock out some looks. Baby Tyke’s schedule is changing,… AGAIN
So when one sleeps, the other is awake. Normally they nap at the same time during the day which gives me some time to play, hah.
Can’t wait to see your face all Fafi-ed out!
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Morning Muse!
You know I’m going to be rockin’ the bolder colors for spring girl! It’s super drizzly and gloomy in SF right now and will be for the entire weekend - I didn’t even get to see the lunar eclipse last night because it was so cloudy!
So, to make up for it, I’m going to try Fafi Eyes 2 over the weekend to make me feel better. I’ve got Fafi Eyes 1 on today and will post up pictures for tomorrow!
No worries about the email, dear, you are busy! And it’s so fun to chat with you over Comments too
Hugs right back a’cha and Happy Thursday!!
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
That would have been REALLY fun if we got to decorate our own Fafi - I wouldn’t know where to begin! But I know you’d come up with something awesome, Mrs. Lynne, since you’re so crafty
Can’t wait to see your next FOTD! Baby Tyke has to understand that Mama is working, not playing
So if one is asleep and the other is awake, do they amuse themselves? I always played by myself when I was a kid - oh the wonders of being an only child!
On February 21st, 2008 Mrs. Lynne said:
Exactly!! Mommy is working and NOT playing, hah.
Since my sisters and I are 13- and 16-years apart, growing up really felt like I was an only child. I’m the same as you and can keep myself very well entertained on my own.
My Big Tyke is very good at occupying himself but I always have to be on the up to make sure he’s not touching something he’s not supposed to. No matter how baby-proofed the house is, he always finds a way to get into something, hah. We have our own daily hurricane here!
On February 21st, 2008 the Muse said:
Morning..wait afternoon
I can’t wait wahoooooo! I haven’t seen you in anything loud yet! Maybe we can get a pink strip in your hair too!??! hehe!
I couldn’t see it here either. Was kinda gloomy and foggy
I’m looking forward to seeing what you create
Oh but I need my email fix from you =-)
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Wow, Mrs. Lynne, that’s quite an age difference! So does this mean you’re the youngest? Or the oldest?
I used to record MTV videos on VHS when I was little and copy Madonna and Paula Abdul in my bedroom!
Sounds like your Tykes can be a handful at times - I’d probably want to get my hands in your makeup and play if I were them. We’re hoping you keep your paint pots somewhere VERY far away from their little hands
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Oh Muse,
It is rare that I can do a “loud” look without scaring myself. My Fafi Eyes 1 look is very low-key. It took me quite a bit to do eyeshadow beyond how I normally do it - two shades (tops!) with eye liner. LOL
I’ll definitely try to find a pink strip for my hair for Kia’s 80s makeup day - are you doing that BTW??
Hugs and chat soon! Where’s my email?? *taps foot*
On February 21st, 2008 *jen said:
Lilan, I love the pics. I am so jealous of your paint pots! I have to see if I can pick some up this weekend. (maybe tomorrow!)
On February 21st, 2008 Lilan said:
Hey Jen!
Can’t wait to see what else you pick up! Whatcha eying over there??
On February 22nd, 2008 Mrs. Lynne said:
I’m actually the baby my dear
My sisters are old, old women now, lol!
You won’t even believe some of the things I’ve endured in my quest to keep Big Tyke out from makeup. Here’s a funny story. I bought two eyeshadow cake pots from Sephora one time, didn’t like them so I was going to go back to return them the next day. Well, THAT morning I was going to return them, guess who decided to play in it? Yeup. It was a 5-strip eyeshadow slotted right next to each other so since he ran his finger right across the entire thing, it combined the colors. It didn’t ruin the whole thing, not to mention the tiny nail markings in them (lol!), so I just ran tissue over it to clean it up a bit. Even though Sephora doesn’t ask any questions on their returns, I just didn’t want to look completely stupid when they opened the tin, lol.
But trust me, the paint pots (and everything else) are in a safe spot out of reaching distance
If there’s on this that’s baby-proofed, it’s my stash, lol.
On February 22nd, 2008 Vanessa said:
Gosh I know the stickers are horrible! Even the packaging of the lipsticks, it was a regular white box INSIDE of a Fafi sleeve! WTH!
But I agree, the paint pots were the stars of the show despite the fact I only left with “Cash Flow”…I am glad though that this collection was rather blah because at least I saved some moola for their better collections! Can’t wait to see the looks you come up with!
On February 22nd, 2008 Lilan said:
Happy Friday, Vanessa!
I adore the Paint Pots - I just wore Nice Vice yesterday and the texture is creamy smooth!
I can’t wait to see your many looks too!
HUGS!!
On April 9th, 2008 Little Miss Random said:
I chanced upon your web site as I’m currently debating whether to get Fun ‘n’ Sexy, Sugar Trance and Totally It… the main problem being that I have already bought Cult Fave, Squeeze It and Strawbaby and the thought of getting so many lip glosses and lipsticks from one collection was just too much for me.
Then I saw your haul… and now I’m thinking, why not? Why can’t I have two lipsticks and five lip glosses from one collection? Heh.
And thanks for posting all those photos! I’m Oriental and couldn’t quite figure out whether the sheer pinkness of Fun ‘n’ Sexy would work on me.
On April 10th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Little Miss Random,
Thanks so much for stopping by! I really like Fun n Sexy for a sheerer fuschia shade. If you want it to be a little brighter, pair it with Totally It. It’s a fun combo!
I think if you love a collection, why not go for it all?
Hope you’re having a wonderful day and looking forward to the weekend? Any fun plans?
On April 13th, 2008 Little Miss Random said:
Hi Lilan,
Thanks to your comment, my weekend plan consisted of searching for Fun ‘n’ Sexy in MAC stores in London. It’s available online but I wanted to see how it looked on me first before purchasing it. I think I managed to get the last tube available in the city; I visited five stores in total and the last one - the MAC Pro store - only had one tube left, so I just grabbed it!
I decided against Totally It though, as I already have Flashmode and thought they looked quite similar. Unfortunately, the store was out of Sugar Trance, so I couldn’t get that. Oh well!
Hope your weekend’s been good; it’s been rainy for us in London!
On April 13th, 2008 Lilan said:
Wow, you really did search high and low for Fun n Sexy! Do you like it? I think you can find a suitable dupe for Sugar Trance, it’s an opaque pearly shade that’s not too uncommon.
Hope you’re still having a wonderful weekend in London, despite the rain. I really want to travel there someday!
On April 29th, 2008 Little Miss Random said:
At first, I thought Fun ‘n’ Sexy was too bright for me, but I find that it tends to brighten up my face, no matter what I’m wearing.
London’s been great, even with the erratic weather… If only I didn’t have an exam to study for!
On April 30th, 2008 Lilan said:
I’m glad you like Fun n Sexy, Little Miss Random! I’m sure it compliments you well!
What exam do you have to study for? On the bright side, summer is almost here!