MAC Cosmetics Collection Tips

Do you guys remember my MAC Archies Girls blog post? I scored some nice stuff huh? Well MAC cosmetics releases themed collections like that several times a year. Past collections (since 2008) have included, Marilyn Monroe, Shop Cook, Wonder Woman, Venomous Villains and many more. MAC Archie's Girls was my 1st MAC Collection (I'm a MAC newbie) and I truly learned a lot while waiting for the collection to be released. I learned so much, I thought I would share some tips with you. Enjoy!

Tip #1 - Join Specktra! It's Free!

Specktra is a (cosmetic fans community) website composed of informative forums & threads. If you love COSMETICS and BEAUTY products, then this site is for you. They mainly talk about MAC cosmetics, but there are forums/threads for other brands such as Chanel, Urban Decay, drugstore brands, Stila, Shu Uemura, mineral makeup and MANY MORE.

If you thought you loved makeup, trust me you don't compared to the members on there. They eat, breathe and live for makeup. They follow these collections from beginning to end. They create threads for each one! They know the official names, colors, when it will launch, free shipping codes, will answer any questions you may have about a product, and give you swatches for every possible skin tone.The members even compare & contrast the colors of new collections with past ones to see if there are any dupes (copies). Once they receive their products in the mail, they showcase them on Specktra and their blogs. Again, it's truly amazing.

MAC is releasing a Baking Beauties and Rihanna collection next. There's already a thread for each one. You know I'm all over the Baking Beauties collection, because the names include chocolate eclair, devil's food, and in for a treat. Yum!

Tip #2 - Study The Collection! Know What You Want!

MAC always releases official names and descriptions of products for each collection. Closer to the release date you'll find that, fashion magazines will do features on the collection, beauty bloggers will receive samples and do posts on products and various forms of social media will promote the products. So constantly study the collection. KNOW the official names and shades of everything you want to buy. Write them down! When the collection goes LIVE and it's time to buy, there is no time to fumble around guessing the names and shades of the items you want.


For my fashion blogger buddies, it's like when Target came out with Jason Wu and Prabal Gurung collection. You paid close attention to what was in the collection. Well the same goes for makeup collections like these. Know it! Know it like you're studying for a test! Because when something sells out, you may have to resort buying it on eBay (and the prices are jacked wayyyy UP by then).

Tip #3 - Create An Account On MAC's Website

MAC Collections sell out FAST and are restocked SLOWLY! You have to know what you want and check out quickly! If not, you will get "CART JACKED"! I learned that from the Specktra girls! HaHaHa Cart jacked is when you put items in your shopping cart, but while you're looking at other items MAC takes things out, gives them to other customers who want the same things and ARE ready to check out.

When you create an account, your shipping information and credit card will be automatically stored making check out quicker and easier. If you have to input all of that information the day the collection comes out, you will end up with ONE item in your cart. HaHaHa

Tip #4 - Be A MAC Pro Member

If you're lucky enough to be one of the following (Makeup Artist, Aesthetician, Cosmetologist, Hairstylist, Fashion Stylist, Nail Technician, Costume Designer, Model, On-Air Talent/Performer, and/or Photographer), then you can become a MAC Pro Member for an annual fee. This means, you will get first dibs at the collection before ALL others and discounts. MAC PRO members were able to access the MAC Archie's Girls Collection at 4:30am, plus the items were discounted. The general public wasn't able to access the collection until around 4pm!!! So being a PRO, definitely has it's privileges.

Tip #5 - You MISSED The Collection!!! Say Whaaat?

Well hot damn! What are you gonna do? Don't fret. Do I look worried or stressed? No. Certain coveted products from the MAC Archie's Girls Collection SOLD OUT after a day or two on the MAC website. The demand was high, but MAC did a great job supplying a large amount product so all could have a chance. But if you missed the collection, either go to or check the following stores online: Macy's, Nordstrom, Selfridges, Dillards, Bloomingdales etc. and one that I cannot name (it's a secret) usually carry the collection a couple of days after MAC holds their online event (both online and at their store). Follow the thread on Specktra to find out when!

Another option is calling or having a good relationship with your local MAC store saleswoman/salesman. MAC stores have special launch events! Sign up and get an invite! For the MAC Archie's Girls Collection there was picture taking with a character Archie, Veronica, Betty, and you got a cute little heart shaped tin filled with candy. I didn't go, but a friend of mine gave me one. Isn't it cute?


Hope these tips helped. If you have any tips on being successful at purchasing collections, please share them below.