This Fall 2012, MAC is joined by three famous illustrators to transform plain makeup bags into works of art. Joined by François Berthoud, Nikki Farquharson and Julie Verhoeven bring colour and life to these Petite ($30 USD / $36.50 CAD) and Small ($35 USD / $42 CAD) makeup bags.  Click here to see the full collection.

Each illustrator created a pattern for both a Petite (the smallest bag, which can fit a couple lipsticks, small lip glosses, individual eyeshadows, maybe a powder…etc) and a Small (a little bit of a misleading name, these bags are quite large and big enough to hold most of your makeup essentials, including small palettes) bag.  The illustrations by the same artist are related, but different for each bag.

The boxed packaging

MAC Small Bag (left) and Petite Bag (right), with cosmetics to show relative size.

I’m a huge fan of MAC makeup bags- overpriced, perhaps, but if you’re an avid art collector or even an admirer of one of these artists, then you’re going to love this collection. The bags themselves are super thick, sturdy and high quality. The canvas-like material makes me think of an artists’ canvas, and ties the collection’s theme together, and makes them even more durable.

Each bag comes in a box with a similar design on it (great as a collectors piece). The bags themselves also comes with a plastic pocket/divider inside, good to keep makeup separated and organized, or even for keeping other items like business cards, bandaids, etc. I love the petite bag for keeping your small essentials with you in your purse during the day, and the small bag for a weekend.

These limited edition bags are available online starting August 16, and will be sold exclusively in MAC stores on the 23rd. Are they must haves? Probably not for everyone- but for those who are attracted to these pieces will be very happy with the quality of them.

MAC Small Bag by Julie Verhoeven

Plastic pouch inside the MAC Small Bag by Julie Verhoeven

MAC Petite Bag by François Berthoud

Plastic pouch inside the MAC Petite Bag by François Berthoud

Summary

• Price: $30 USD / $36.50 CAD (Petite bags) and $35 USD / $42 CAD (Small bags)
• Availability: MAC (August 2012)
• Selection: See the full collection here
• Overall: Even though the bags are quite expensive, I think they will really appeal to the inner artist in many people, or for those who are fans of the illustrators themselves. The bags are high quality, durable and made of thick canvas.  The petite bag is very small, but the small bag is good enough for daily must-haves.
• Rating: A-