Monday, January 6, 2014

MAC A Waft of Grey Mineralize Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches


MAC A Waft of Grey Mineralize Eyeshadow Quad
MAC A Waft of Grey Mineralize Eyeshadow Quad
MAC A Waft of Grey Mineralize Eyeshadow Quad ($44.00 for 0.05 oz.) is the smoky eye quad–a mix of silver-shot white, silver, gray, and black.  I had fall out during wear with the silver and gray shades, as both were quite sparkly, but the colors themselves wore between six and eight hours.  Because it is a smoky eye quad, the colors are rather dupeable, so I would recommend looking elsewhere if you’re in the market for a silver/gray/black palette.
A Waft of Grey #1 is cool-toned white with a frosted sheen. It was slightly powdery and sheer applied dry, and it was semi-opaque when applied with a damp brush. This applied so-so; I couldn’t build up the color or smooth it out entirely, so it always looked a little creased. It was noticeably faded after six hours of wear. Dior Golden Snow #1 (LE) is similar. Dior Lune (001) (P, $30.00) is a cream product. Disney by Sephora Midnight Hour #1 (LE) is lighter. theBalm Metal-ica (P, $16.00) is lighter. MAC Flawless Figure (LE, $15.00) is also lighter. MAC Crystal Avalanche (P, $15.00) is cooler-toned. MAC The Cool Elite (LE, $16.50) is a cream product. Make Up For Ever #4(P, $23.00) is cooler-toned, a cream product. See comparison swatches.
A Waft of Grey #2 is a light-medium silver with a frosted, metallic finish. It was fairly sparkly, too, and I did have issues with fall out during wear. It was sheer when applied dry, semi-opaque when applied damp.  Like the white shade, it doesn’t quite smooth out over the lid.  Though there was fall out, the color itself remained mostly intact after eight hours of wear. If it looks familiar, it should–it’s pretty much the same as the silver in Party of Pastels.Sleek MakeUP Pretty in Paris (LE, $9.99) is a touch darker. Giorgio Armani Silver Chafer (35) (LE, $33.00) is darker. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #6 (P) is slightly darker. Disney by Sephora Your Voice (LE) is similar.NARS Silver Factory (LE, $24.00) is a cream product. NARS Flowers 3 #1 (LE, $24.00) is lighter. MAC Guise (LE, $21.00) is a smidgen darker. MAC Virgin Silver (LE) is a cream product. MAC Extra Silver (LE, $19.50) is less cool-toned. Guerlain Les Aquas #4 (P) is similar. Giorgio Armani #17 (LE, $33.00) is also similar. Le Metier de Beaute Platinum (P, $30.00) is less frosted, more metallic. See comparison swatches.
A Waft of Grey #3 is medium-dark,c harcoal gray with silver sparkle and shimmer. It was very, very dry and stiff to work with, so the color payoff when applied dry was barely-there. Applied with a dampened brush, I was able to get semi-opaque color coverage. MAC A Sprinkle of Blues #4 (P, $21.00) is a little darker and not as sparkly (but they are similar). Makeup Geek Galaxy (P, $5.99) is less sparkly. MAC Thunder and Rain #1 (LE, $21.00) is cooler-toned. MAC Diesel (LE, $15.00) is darker. Giorgio Armani #21 (LE, $33.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
A Waft of Grey #4 is a medium-dark black with a satin finish and cool undertones. The texture was powdery, but the color was mostly buildable. It needs to be used slightly dampened or over a slightly tacky base, because dry, it sheers out and disappears. bareMinerals Black Leather (LE, $14.00) is similar. Wet ‘n’ Wild Three’s a Party #3(LE) is darker. MAC Fashion Legend (LE, $15.00) is similar. theBalm Serious (P, $16.00) is darker. Estee Lauder Black Chrome #1 (LE, $21.00) is darker, more matte. Chanel Premier Regard #4 (P) is more matte. bareMinerals Lights Down (P) is darker. See comparison swatches.

The Estée Lauder Derek Lam Collection Is Finally Here!




Your date night beauty routine (and accessorizing!) just got a whole lot easier thanks toDerek Lam and Estée Lauder creative makeup director Tom Pecheux, who collaborated on a sleek clutch filled with makeup essentials perfect for a sexy night out.
The navy minaudière was inspired by Estée Lauder's iconic dark blue hue, which is sporty enough to work with jeans but elegant enough for cocktail dresses, as well. "I designed the clutch to be a chic yet very adaptable accessory in a woman's wardrobe," said Lam. "Every woman seeks that perfect small bag."
Inside, you'll find five must haves Pecheux created based on the fabrics, textures, and tones of Lam's Spring 2014 collection. The lineup includes a navy and gold palette: Kajal Cray in Near Night, mascara in Black Black, eye shadow in Smoked Gold, lip color in Smoked Blush, and lip gloss in Barely Gold. "The products are subtle and wearable yet can also be used to build a strong, sexy look," explained Pecheux, who has been Lam's go-to guru backstage for seasons. "It's the perfect mix for creating a sophisticated day look that can be turned into a sensual evening look."
The Estée Lauder Derek Lam Collection ($85) is available now. We suggest keeping it in your desk, because you never know when you'll have a hot last-minute date.

Kristen Stewart Strips Down Once Again For Balenciaga


Kristen Stewart has already lent her stare to Balenciaga's Florabotanica scent twice, but we're thinking the third time is a charm. Topless, save for a smattering of fluorescent flowers, Kirsten stuns in her latest ad for the brand. This time, however, she's pushing Balenciaga's Rosabotanica, a bright, spicy scent with notes of fig leaf, grapefruit, pink pepper, and amber. The look of this campaign is similar to that of her second Balenciaga advertisement: black and white with bright punches of color. Kristen closed out 2013 on a high note after it was revealed that she is the new face of Chanel. But if this ad is how she's starting the New Year, we're expecting 2014 to be a big year for her.
Photo courtesy of Balenciaga

New! Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation



clarisonic-pedi-sonic
Stop the presses! My mind was blown this weekend when I discovered that the fine folks at Clarisonic were releasing a new tool, the Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation. I’ve struggled with dry, cracked heels for years now and I have tried almost every single foot file out there, even splurging on the infamous Dimancel files, and countless cracked heel creams.  It wasn’t until I tried a prescription foot cream that I was finally able to gain the upper hand in my pedi situation. This tool piques my interest and gives me hope that I can keep the upper hand in my pedi situation. Good thing sandal weather is coming to a close!
The set retails for $199 and includes:
  • White Pedi Device
  • Pedi Smoothing Disc
  • Pedi Wet/Dry Buffing Brush Head
  • Pedi-Buff Sonic Foot Smoothing Treatment (6 oz.)
  • Pedi-Balm Sonic Foot Softening Treatment (3.5 oz.)
  • Pedi-Boost Sonic Foot Renewal Treatment (1 oz.)
  • USB-Enabled Universal Voltage pLink® Charger
The device has 3 speeds, an adjustable time and is safe for use in the shower or the bathtub. The device itself is intriguing but what I am interested in is the treatments. The smoothing treatment features lactic acid, the same ingredient found in some of my favorite foot creams, as well alpha hydroxy acids to help slough away dead skin. The softening treatment is all about hydrating those poor tired feet with shea butter, apricot oil and honey. The renewing peel treatment goes a step further to get rid of dead skin cells with a lactic and glycolic acid combo. This is all music to my ears, I kid you not.
For the time being, the Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation is available exclusively online. I have a birthday coming up, I think my family should pay attention! ;) Are you intrigued?