We Tested the New SF M.A.C. Pro Store's Makeup Tutorial

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Welcome to Esther Tested, where former pro surfer and Racked SF associate editor Esther Hahn shares her best tips for staying cute, even in the harsh realities of Bay Area outdoor life.

It's nearly impossible to find makeup application in the city that 1. doesn't break the bank and 2. doesn't feel like a rushed demo on the sales floor. But with the recent opening of the new M.A.C. Cosmetics Pro Fusion and flagship store, there's no need to consider anywhere else for putting on your face (and learning a few tricks of the trade). The store's makeup application areas are sectioned off from the product, making the experience more focused and separate from the shopping frenzy. And 46 artists (that speak a collective 12 different languages) are on hand to suit all makeup styles. I sat down in makeup artist Danny Zhen's chair for a natural, daytime look that easily transitions into evenings.

Zhen's mantra is "less is more." And he used expert brush strokes to give me a natural glow. I was impressed by the highly pigmented Pro eyeshadows, but it was the M.A.C. skincare that intrigued me the most. The Lightful Softening Lotion ($32) felt lightweight and hydrating as a baselayer to the makeup. And I swear it helped my made up look's staying power that lasted through to the end of my night out.

One-hour applications and lessons in the private room (which is seriously cool—especially for a make up tutorial date with your bestie) will set you back $100, but it comes with a free mascara, and 20% off M.A.C. products for an entire month. The 45-minute option in the regular chairs costs $50 and also comes with a free mascara. To schedule an appointment, call the Powell Street store at 415-402-0658.
· Get an Exclusive Peek at the New San Francisco M.A.C. PRO Store [Racked SF]
· All Esther Tested posts [Racked SF]