I must have been 17 years old when I first fell in love with MAC cosmetics while looking at the feisty, vibrant image of Christina Aguilera in the Viva Glam campaign complete with tropical eye makeup and leather and metal choker.

With their understated, matte black packaging and their cutting-edge colours, MAC were not only the coolest kids on the makeup block but they gave off an air of rebellion while maintaining a feel of unashamed luxury. Their choice of bold brand ambassadors said it all: they were cosmetics for the confident that didn’t mind standing out of the crowd and, let’s be honest, pretty perfect to my 17-year-old mind.

Thirteen years later I’m happy to report that the love affair is far from over and after years and years of wistfully looking at collections in foreign shop windows while on holiday and buying Dita Von Teese collaboration lipsticks at hiked up, extortionate prices from eBay vendors, we have finally been blessed with not one but three MAC stores, the latest opening its doors in Valletta very recently.

It was to this particular location that I flocked a few days ago, being promised not only a makeup experience of a lifetime but a tour of the entire shop and the unique services they offer. Something I’ve always liked about the MAC aesthetic is the clean look of the packaging design and this is something reflected in the lines of the shops themselves. Everything is black and minimalist, making the vast range of makeup, tools and products stand out even more.

Something I’ve always liked about the MAC aesthetic is the clean look of the packaging design

New to Malta and currently found in the Valletta branch only, a Play Station has been installed in front of a large mirror allowing customers old and new the opportunity to be able to try out various products completely fuss-free. It also gives you the chance to experiment with colours one might not have originally gone for, which means you constantly have the chance to reinvent your look.

MAC is known for their conscious decision to celebrate uniqueness and diversity and this is seen in their impressive range of foundations which cover every skin tone in existence, ranging from ivory to the richest bronze. Should you want your makeup applied privately, they have a beautiful room at the back of the shop equipped with everything a makeup artist needs to give you a perfect look away from prying eyes. In addition to this, you can also use the room for small makeup parties for you and up to two or three friends and when you phone ahead to book, MAC’s smiling and incredibly dedicated staff will even prepare all the items you and your friends may require, readying palettes, brushes and sponges ahead of your appointment.

MAC make-up artist Karen Debattista busy applying the make-up. Left: Anna Marie Galea feeling red carpet ready.

In addition to this, if you want to take your makeup skills to the next level, MAC offers short training sessions where you can book 30- or 90-minute lessons and actually receive the amount that you paid for the session back in complimentary MAC products. If it is a makeup workshop you’re after to hone your makeup skills, you can even take part in MAC Technique where you will be provided with all the tools necessary to make you look catwalk ready each and every day.

The wonderful tour ended with the very lovely (and very patient) Karen making me look and feel like a million dollars by not only actually applying makeup flawlessly but also taking the time to teach me the tricks of the trade so that I would be able to replicate a similar look at home if and when I wanted to.

Whether you want to try the latest in top of the range makeup, get Kylie Jenner’s look (she has pledged her love for the brand time and time again), or even if you want to be uniquely different by personalising your very own colour palette, MAC makeup will make you live your life to the max.

The MAC Cosmetics stores are located in Tower Road, Sliema; Zachary Street, Valletta; and Debenhams, The Point shopping mall, Tigné.