Saturday, March 14, 2015
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 ($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!
Source: Courtesy of Estée Lauder
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
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?
Are you intrigued?Monday, February 4, 2013
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer
A revolutionary foundation primer formula that helps fill in fine lines and even out discoloration for a seamless finish.
What it does:
The experts at Smashbox Studios Los Angeles know that a flawless, print-worthy image requires retouching and color-correcting. This revolutionary lightweight, oil-free, skin-perfecting primer formula—can be worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity. This silky blend of antioxidants, vitamins A & E, and soothing botanicals, like soy, lemongrass, and orchid complex, rejuvenates and refines.
What else you need to know:
ADJUST: green-toned to reduce redness and correct botchy skintone.
BLEND: apricot-toned to even out skintone and specifically counteract dark spots including brown spots and uneven skintones.
BALANCE: lavender-toned to brighten dull or sallow skin and even out skintone.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Best Bronzers For Fall
Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream
Although I this was my must have bronzer for summer I still think that most of you would also love this one for winter. Believe it or not until this year I was terrified of Self Tanners. As the summer began to progress I started to ponder the idea of being a bronzed goddess like the rest of my friends.. Except for the fact that i personally HATE sun exposure. Though natural exposer was unavoidable this product really helped intensify the minimal sun that I did obtain naturally. I was left with the perfect olive golden glow that I had dreamed of and became an avid user instantly... I would say the only downside to the Cream is that you have to work a little bit harder and use more product to achieve the best results!!
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
A Beautiful Glow without the Sun....
This one is my NEW favorite.. As summer began to fade away I started bronzing less or sometimes not at all... like I said the downfall of the creme was that it took forever to apply.... So I came across the gel!! A lighter formula with faster results... Is that even possible, Why yes, yes it is!!!! This guy is hands down the best.. Looks super natural and effortlessly blends throughout your body.. I also love the product is white unlike the creme which is a chocolate color.. My concern for transfer onto my clothing was over!!! Within seconds you can notice the warmth as it develops naturally on your skin.. I found that you could really layer this one for a deeper glow and it wouldn't leave you orange at all!!! MUST HAVE FOR FALL!!!
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
I have never been someone who is fond of a creme or gel bronzer for your face.. I l personally like to add my bronzer daily to my face with a powder. This is my ALL time favorite bronzing product ever!!!! I use the mineralize skin finish often for a regular powder in the lightest shade, recently I started using Medium Dark As my bronzer only... It is amazing.. I have tried every powder bronzer under the SUN and they are either too orange or too shimmery.. The best part about this is that you can build it up and you still look like you have a natural tan. This Backed power that is made in italy leaves you with the perfect glow. One of my favorite tricks is to use this product with a wet Brush for a dewy bronzed effect!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Mac Prep + Prime Skin Smoother & Moisture Infusion Primer
So Throughout the summer I was obsessed with these products they were my go to for priming my skin!! As you can see they are used and abused and I really was pleased with the results. I like to give myself at least a month or so to try out a new product before I give them an intensive review.
Lets Start with the play by play of who would benefit from these two products. Mac launched both of these products around the start of summer just in time for that summer sun!!
Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion Serum
Like myself most of you probably find yourself out in the sun a little more often in the summer months. Therefor you probably find your skin and makeup to not always agree with one another. I started each morning and nightly regimen with the Mac Moisture Infusion Serum! AFTER fully cleansing my skin This was the first thing I applied to my sun struck face... Its a lightweight blast of hydration that instantly leaves your skin with a baby soft feeling... I noticed that I generally got a reduction in any redness from my light acne marks and sun exposure. Prior to using this product my skin was often dry.. It made a huge difference on those extra dry areas like my nose and forehead. Anyways.. long story short.. This is definitely my favorite of the two primers...
Prep + Prime Skin Smoother
When I first got word of this product launching I was super excited!! I personally am always on the hunt for a new Primer. Like a lot of you out there I have really sensitive skin and still suffer from acne. I am always convinced that the primer plays a large roll in my breakouts so that was my first concern when trying this.. Although I do love that it is designed to smooth out any textured areas I did find that if you applied to much of this product it would ball up on your skin... After applying this with my large duo fiber brush for the first week or so I decided to try sponging it onto the skin.. I found that I actually liked the results of this much better than using the brush. Another downfall of the brush application was that the brush hair's often collected in the compact.. Not really a huge deal but the compact starts to show signs of wear right away.. I found that when applied with the sponge you could really blend it into the skin avoiding any buildup... In the end I gave up on this product for my personal use but love it for models and events when looking to really build full coverage with any foundation.
Heres a quick snapshot of the two products on my skin. With a light application of studio fix powder for my foundation and Mineralize skin finish natural Medium Dark for my bronzer.. As you can see I am currently having a few minimal breakouts but the primers do work to cover any redness / discoloration
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mac Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer Review
Every artist knows the secret to creating a flawless look is a smooth well-prepped canvas. Introducing Prep + Prime Natural Radiance, formulated for oily and combination skin. This silky gel emulsion hydrates and primes to improve the application of foundation or powder. Contains rosemary and barley extracts, as well as long-term oil controlling ingredients, laminaria extract and silica. Chestnut and white willow bark extract retexturize and smooth skin. Tangerine peel extract and vitamins E and C protect with antioxidants, as caffeine calms and reduces redness. Golden light illuminating pearl powders reflect for optic brightening.
10 Must Have Mac Makeup Brushes
MAC Cosmetics Brush Review
MAC 130 Short Duo Fiber Brush
This is probably one of my favorite brushes and a must have for all!!! The 130 mac duo brush will change the way your foundation looks and feels. This tiny little gem will allow you to blend and spread your product onto your skin working in a circular motion. The reason I really like this is because you can easily build in areas where you need more coverage by using a stamping motion. Its small enough that you can work around the eye and nose without leaving any streaky areas! MUST HAVE BRUSH!
MAC 193 Angled Foundation / Concealer Brush
I personally love this brush for concealer. Its large enough that you can quickly press in your product and is the closet brush to using your finger. The benefit of using this instead of your finger is that its angled edge allows you to have a clean and quick application with maximum coverage. Its also a great brush for highlighting the cheekbone.. it really allows you to work with the natural shape of the bone adding just the right amount of product in a clean straight line. The Mac 193 Angled brush is for sure the number two must have.
MAC 239 Eye Shading Brush
I love love love this brush for packing bold pigments onto the eye. What alot of people do not think about is that when packing a color on to your lid you will have much more control if you are using a stiffer brush. Not only will you have less or no fall out but the colors will be significantly bolder when using the MAC 239 Brush. So save your fully brushes for your crease area ladies because this brush is a must have for LID area!!
MAC 217 Blending Brush
For any makeup beginner this is a must have!!!!! Although I strongly encourage everyone to have at least two brushes for your eyes when first starting out but technically you can complete a whole shadow look with just the one MAC 217 Blending Brush. I personally love the fact that this brush is stuff enough to deposit a decent amount of color but soft enough to blend out any harsh lines. I highly recommend everyone having several 217 brushes because you will instantly realize how useful this is not only for the crease and brow bone but also even lightly feather a color on the lid when in a rush or not wanting to fuss!!
MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush
As you begin to explore the darker side of shadow you will truly love this brush!!! This is a must have brush for that effortlessly soft smoky eye.. The large fluffy fibers allow you easily blend out any harsh lines that may make your shadow appear to bold.. blending out the colors and transitioning from light to dark is the most common issue I see in everyones makeup.. This brush will solve that problem no problem.. It applies minimal pigment and when swirled in a circular motion through the crease your shadow colors will mary together better than ever!
MAC 275 Medium Angled Shading Brush
This is a great crease brush for beginners. The fact that the brush is slanted allows you to easily guide your product into the crease without overdoing it! I think that beginners often blend their crease colors up far to high so this will eliminate you from doing so. I also love using this brush under the brow to apply a soft brow highlight. The Mac 275 brush is surly to give every user a more uniform look!
MAC 219 Pencil Brush
This tiny little guy is the perfect brush for fine detailing it applies a heavy amount of pigment in the smallest of areas. I often use this brush to highlight the inner corners of an eye or to sweep some darker shadow under the lash line for a more dramatic, effortless smokey eye. The Mac 219 Brush is a must have for anyone looking for bold drama!
MAC 266 Small Angled Brush
This is your must have brush for gel liner!!! Anyone and everyone who has never used gel liner should instantly get out there and get some. I love using this with Mac Fluid line liner Blacktrack. Its also a great brush to have to define the brows with any powder or deposit any shadow you might want to use as a liner underneath the lower lash line!! The Mac 226 is Brush is ultra precise and will allow for a clean sharp definition of your eye!
MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush
I live!!! for this brush and so will you. Don't you hate when you see someone walking down the street with two red apples right on their cheeks. Blush is meant to be sculpted back to across your cheek to improve your face shape and the Mac 168 Brush is just the brush to do it for you!! The super soft fibers allow for you to effortlessly blend out your blush and contour colors.
Mac 116 Blush Brush
The perfect brush for a quick and easy application of blush or bronzer. Personally I love to use this brush for bronzer because it gives you a natural and subdue deposite of color. This is also a great brush for any mineralize blush products.... The Mac 116 Blush brush will make all BLUSH with envy.
MAC 129 Blush / Powder Brush
This is your go to powder brush... It is the perfect size to quickly sweep your powder across your face. I hate using a large brush for powder because you often find the that too much product is dispersed throughout your face. This will allow you to work around your brows and over your nose. The Mac 129 brush also comes in travel size for on the go touch ups!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection
As a MAC Cosmetics lover, I don't think I've ever been excited about a collection. Until Now. Guys. I LOVE the 50s. And the 60s. And fashion inspired by it! And I love Marilyn Monroe's simple bombshell (oxy-moron) look. Yes, I own countless red lipsticks but who cares!!! I will be getting these!!! The irony is that red was a colour that I was always afraid to wear but now I'd rock it til the cows come home! lol The collection features thirty (30) Limited Edition pieces and will include eye-shadows, lip-sticks, nail polishes and eye-liners.
New Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour Shades
An alluring statement of elegance, the iconic lipstick ROUGE ALLURE dresses lips with unmistakable attitude. A true symbol of authentic luxury, its sleek signature black column opens with a click…now to reveal a dramatic new formulation for colour that’s radically intense.New ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Intense Lip Colour represents the next generation of this classic lipstick. Its stunning colour is the result of a concentration of ultra-thin pigments, specially designed to magnify shade intensity. Lighter hues have a unique presence, revealing nuances and depth. Darker tones heighten the drama, with audacity and pure elegance for an ultra-feminine effect. Colour brilliance is only part of the story of new ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Intense Lip Colour. Special hydrating agents and antioxidants, rich in green tea and sappan wood, leave lips supple and protected for lasting comfort, while tea butter ensures colour endures for the ultimate wear.A range of sixteen seductively intense shades, from a delicate beige to a black-red. $34.00.
Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour ($32.50)
- Seduisante Soft pink
- Secrete Blue soft pink
- Exaltee Intense fuchsia
- Extatique Blue intense pink
- Incandescente Fire red
- Coromandel Orange-red
- Pirate Blue-red
- Palpitante Raspberry red
- Passion Blue intense red
- Inimitable Intense pearly red
- Enjouee Pink coral
- Excentrique Intense apricot
- Gracile Pink-beige
- Pimpante Soft peach
- Determinee Violine brown
- Rouge Noir Black Red
New Bare Escentuals Pressed Foundation
foundation’s superstardom in recent years is due to a variety reasons: it achieves buildable coverage without the weighted feeling of makeup on skin, ingredients are purer and kinder to pores making breakouts less common, and application is an easy brush-on breeze that doesn’t require shaking, blending or careful artistic work.
While other mineral makeup brands have been in business before it, Bare Escentuals is the company most credit with turning the craze mainstream. And this September, the brand will once again debut a game-changer: pressed mineral makeup foundation, which will finally mitigate the mess and travel difficulty of what has always been loose powder formulations.
Made with mineral and antioxidant-rich algae and seaweed, rose hip seed oil and vitamins A, C and E to hydrate and restore skin, the powder feels velvety-cream to the touch, and applies with surprisingly good coverage that is easy to build up as needed. A hydrating complex of mineral-encapsulated glycerin and humic acid locks in moisture and is evident in the smooth application – yet it felt comfortable and light on my oily skin.
The shade options, which offers light, medium, tan, dark and deep ranges, offers hues in cool, warm and neutral complected tones – impressive, especially in comparison to other mineral makeup lines. A buffing brush (which you’re supposed to swirl, tap and buff with) truly does make the application more fluid and professional-looking, though I suggest grabbing the Rectractable Precision Face Brush so that you can conveniently throw it on your purse for on-the-go touch-ups.
BareMinerals Ready SPF 20 Foundation ($29) will debut Bare Escentuals boutiques, bareMinerals.com, and at retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Dillard’s beginning in September 2012.
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