Guess what? I decided to go back to school on Saturday. Yes, I attended a 2-hour MAC Studio Talk makeup class at Bloomingdale’s in SF, and just like the Chanel Masterclass at Macy’s a couple of weeks ago, it was packed with makeup tips and information on new products.

If you love makeup, brand-sponsored classes like these are a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I found out about the MAC Studio Talk class through the Bloomingdale’s website. Ask in stores as well (check with the counter staff), because other brands offer similar classes.

Makeup classes like these are usually free, but sometimes stores or brands charge a nominal fee. Classes are generally kept small (30 people or less) and in some cases hands-on (as was the MAC Studio Talk class), where you can apply products on yourself. Other times, they will be more conference style. Reserving a spot in a MAC Studio Talk class through Bloomingdale’s costs $75, but that amount also applies to the purchase of MAC products at the end of the class. If you were planning to spend some money on a new collection anyway, a class like this can be a fun way to pair your new products with some professional instruction.

MAC Studio Makeup Talk

Each student was given the option of learning a bridal look or a club-inspired look. I chose the club style and the instructors described each step of the process. I picked up some tips along the way.

1. Beat the heat with MAC wipes

When it’s hot out, keep MAC Wipes ($17) in the fridge. It keeps them crisp and cool against your skin when used to remove your makeup.

2. Fix+ to soothe red areas

If you have red, blotchy skin, spray Fix+ ($16) all over your face before applying makeup. The spray not only prepares the skin for makeup application, but also contains calming chamomile.

3. Primer reduces the need for touch-ups

Face primers are ideal for men and women with oily skin. You won’t have to reapply your makeup as often throughout the day if you use a primer first. MAC has two types, Prep + Prime Skin ($23) and Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 ($28).

4. Use Rapid Response Eye Cream to Minimize Fine Lines

If you have fine lines around your eyes or mouth, apply Fast Response Eye Cream ($28.50) to the areas before applying makeup (including foundation). The formula contains optical diffusers to minimize the appearance of fine lines.

5. Base Layers: It’s Easier To Add Than It Takes Away

A little foundation goes a long way. It’s best to start with less and build up to the coverage you want. It is easier to slowly add product than to remove it.

6. Studio Tech Foundation for Medium Coverage

MAC Studio Tech ($29), a cream foundation in a compact tends to be lighter than MAC’s fluid foundations. I’m normally an NC 35, but Studio Tech in a slightly darker NC 37 provides great medium coverage and helps smooth and blur skin lines.

7. Use Downward Strokes to Apply Foundation

Facial hair and fuzz tend to sit vertically on the skin, from top to bottom, so when applying foundation with a 190 Foundation Brush ($32), move downward and follow the “veil” of the hair.

8. MAC Blot on your T-zone for a natural look

For a natural look, top MAC Studio Tech Foundation with MAC Blot Pressed Powder ($21). In class, I dusted the Medium Deep shade on my T-zone with a 187 Duo Fiber Brush ($42).

9. Apply bronzer like a pro

When applying bronzer, think of a capital letter E. Using Refined Golden Bronzer ($21) and a 187 brush, start near the outer corner of your right eye, sweeping down the curve of your cheekbone (below the apple of your cheek). Then swipe up in the same way. From there, swipe across your right temple towards the top of your forehead, just below your right hairline. The general shape you are looking for resembles a capital E on the right hand side. Do the opposite to your left.

10. Apply blush like a champ

When applying the blush, take a 187 duo fiber brush. Glide it into the blush tray once or twice, tapping off any excess powder. Smile in the mirror to bring out the apples of your cheeks and apply with the blush in a small circular motion. Repeat the process, moving the color up from the apples to the hairline.

11. Tame unruly brows

If your brow hairs are facing in different directions, the Brow Set ($13.50) is a useful product to have on hand. It’s a gel that acts like hairspray for your brows, keeping them in place. It even comes with a mascara brush. In a pinch, you can also use it to tame flyaways on other parts of your face.

12. Prepare your eyes with paint cans

The eye primer extends the life of your eye shadows. Painterly Paint Pot ($16.50) is a great all-purpose eye primer. It is a creamy nude beige shade that goes with almost all colors. Apply the product over the entire eye with a flat brush like the MAC 242 ($23). You don’t need to use a lot of product when it comes to Paint Pots; less is more.

13. Eyeshadow on the brow bone

Shading and color gradients with eyeshadows are not just for the eyelid area and crease. When applying color to the browbone with eyeshadow, begin brushing color directly below the highest point of the browbone, applying less color in any direction thereafter. The center under the arch is where you’ll want the most color. Concentrating the color here creates a focal point and further defines the shape.

14. How to Apply Eyeshadow in the Crease

When applying color to the crease, use a 224 Tapered Blending Brush and start with the head of the brush at the outer edge of the lashes (the side near the outer corner of the eye). Then move the color towards the crease in a back and forth wiper motion. Decrease brush head pressure as you move the brush toward the inside crease; this creates a lighter color application. The result should be a color gradient that gets lighter as you move towards the crease.

15. The way you hold the brush makes a big difference.

Where you hold a brush on the handle affects your control. The closer your fingers are to the cylinder (the silver section under the brush head), the more pressure you put on the brush head. To apply color evenly, place your fingers in the center of the brush handle.

16. Get Big, Bold Lashes With Primer

If you have weak lashes like mine, apply two coats of Prep + Prime Lash ($13.50) after curling your lashes but before applying mascara. Dramatically lengthen and thicken your lashes.

17. Double your fun with false eyelashes.

To take false lashes to the next level, double them up. Glue a row of 7 Lash ($12) on top of a row of 3 Lash ($12).

18. Use gloss to create a full lip

Dab a small amount of gloss in the middle of your bottom lip for a simple look that doesn’t look too sticky or overdone.

The MAC Studio Talk class at Bloomingdale’s was great! I learned a lot of new application tips and also discovered some new MAC products that I really like (Brown Script Eyeshadow and Prep + Prime Lash).

To attend a free makeup class near you, check with your local MAC Cosmetics makeup counter for dates and times.