MAC Solar Bits: an intriguing experience

In June 2008, our most beloved Canadian cosmetic company MAC did it again by releasing 3 LEs in one day: Neo Sci-fi, Solar Field, and Future Earth. While I got nada from Neo Sci-fi and Future Earth, I hauled two solar bits from the Solar Field collection home. I guess this is no longer hot and heavy news for all of you out there as these 3 LEs has been on sale for more than a month now and all the solar bits have been sold out online. To me, I love these solar bits to bits (pun intended) as they are very interesting and unique materials.

The two solar bits I got are Black Ore and Bronzescape. While many other bloggers out there do not enjoy the solar bits (EnKore included), I beg to differ. To me, these little guys are pigments on steroid and worth every single pretty cents I paid. I think MAC creative department really outdid themselves when created these solar bits because they really blow pigments out of the water. You can lightly brush them for a light and sheer shimmering effect or crush them for intense sparkles. Either way, they are way more pigmented than them pigments and cost the same.

Here's how the jar looks.
I always peel off the stickers on the box and stick them on similar items.

Interesting texture: very chunky and sparkly

Swatch under natural light

Swatch under neon light: they spark like mad

The only downside of the solar bits is they fall down like crazy! Unlike MAC pigments, these guys do not have strong adhesive power so you really need a base to hold it. The MUA I talked to recommended shadesticks, MAC prep and prime, and was excited when I told her I use paint pots.

On my birthday, I decided to use Bronzescape as it is so gorgeous. I always incline more towards Bronzescape than Black Ore. The former one is a clear bronze color with golden brown pigment while the later one is black with gold pigments, hence more suitable for smokey eyes look.

What I used: it's been a while so it may not be accurate

1. Eyes:

MAC Bronzescape solar bits on the lid with #239 brush: I only use a very tiny amount and use it as a wash instead of an intense eye color;
Milani Sun Goddess as a contouring color with Sonia Kashuk blending brush: this color is similar to MAC Amber Lights for those who are wondering;
Milani Java Bean(s ?) near the lash line with #219 brush;
MAC Warming Trend (from Cool Heat collection) as a highlighter;
MAC paint pot in Bare Study as a base.
MAC Teddy eye kohl
Cover Girl LashBlast mascara

Here's how it looks

A quick schematic for those who are interested

2. Face, etc:

Silk Naturals foundation,
Shu Uemura blush in P Brown 76,
Everyday Minerals silk dust as a finishing powder,
Everyday Minerals summer silk dust as a contouring color.

3. Lips:

MAC Viva glam V lipstick,
MAC Sock Hop lip glass (from Heatherette collection).

I truly like these solar bits and use them sparingly because who knows when these guys will come back. And they are so concentrated that a fleck goes a long way. I tried to apply Black Ore wet once and it looked glamorous. Also, wet application solves the flecking problem but the texture does change. I hope the schematic helps. I'm not a schema-wiz like Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog but I'm trying.

Happy Monday ladies! I wish you a productive week ahead!
Your Makeup Blogger