One of the perks of maintaining a blog (the next best thing to being editor of a magazine, I suppose) is being able to interview make-up artists or the people behind a brand. Sure, it’s nice to receive products for review but these days, I look forward to interviewing people more because I love getting the inside scoop on a collection or certain products. At the official launch of Shop MAC Cook MAC Collection, I had the pleasure of interviewing MAC Senior Artist, Haritha Shan whom I have come to know and love for her approachability and warmth.

What’s the colour story of the Shop MAC Cook MAC Collection?

The inspiration is “Desperate Housewives” in the 1960s. It’s about looking good while you shop and cook. In this generation, many women would (eventually) like to be housewives/”tai-tais”. It’s about looking good/beautiful when you are going to the supermarket or taking out the garbage. When you go the grocery store, you’re going to be cooking what you have bought.

Which of the 4 MAC Spring/Summer Make-up Trends (Ore-Inspired, Nouv-eau, Neon & Ath-elite) does the Collection reflect?

Ore-Inspired as it’s monochromatic make-up but you can see the different tones of orange. This season for summer, we will see a more monochromatic orange.

What are the must-haves of the Collection?

The Kissable Lip Colours. They are like a combination of lipstick and lip gloss. Colour is buildable and opaque, perfect for someone who needs a quick touch-up on lips.

Also the Tendertone Lip Balms SPF 12. There are beautiful shades of red and orange and they smell so good. They offer a tint of colour and are very moisturising.

Are the Cremeblend Blush easy to control when applying? For the best results what type of brush should be used for applying? Are they suitable for all skin types? Should people with oily skins avoid them?

There is a control to the blush. It is easier to apply with a brush (use brush 109) than with fingers as very little sticks to the brush whereas more blush will stick to fingers. Colour is easily buildable. Swirl the colour on cheeks and blend. It is suitable for all skin types as it’s water-resistant.

The Tendertone Lip Balms first came out in the Tendertones Collection as a Limited Edition Collection and are now being repromoted in a limited range of colours. 2 of these colours were from the original 2007 Collection, namely Purring & Hush Hush. For the benefit of those who are new to the brand, what can you tell us about them and how are they different from ordinary lip balms? What are the benefits of the Tendertones? For best effects, how should they be worn, e.g. under or over lipstick? Are they best applied with fingers or a brush? If a brush, which one?

They are a combination of lip conditioners and lip balms. They are tinted for those who don’t like using lipsticks. They can be worn under or over lipsticks. Use brush 316 to apply.

What do you most like to shop for and where?

I love lingerie shopping as it releases stress. I have about 60 bras, it makes me feel very happy to walk into my walk-in wardrobe and see the stacks of lingerie. My favourite shop is La Senza.