Fifty-cent Head

Lancôme La Base Pro - a makeup primer from one of my favorite companies!

Prepare your canvas with La Base Pro

I firmly believe in the power of primers. They help smoothe the way for makeup, minimizing the appearance of pores and other minor flaws. Lancôme is one of my favorite makeup lines, and so when I spotted their new primer, La Base Pro, I was so excited - I just had to try it!

 

La Base Pro is oil-free, which is a must for my combination skin. The product features something called "Exclusive Lancôme Elasto-Smooth™", a technology that creates a silk-like network across the face, like a second-skin. It does what a normal primer does, plus diffuses light a bit, softening the appearance of flaws like a filter on a camera lens.

Well, Lancôme, you've really done it. That fairly neutral comment is sort of good, and sort of bad. Let's do a "pros and cons list" on this product, shall we?

Pros:

• After application, skin is silky smooth
• Skin is mattified
• Pores seem magically minimized
• Makeup glides on
• Skin looks a bit more flawless
• Makeup stays put, looking hawt all day long!

Cons:

• $42 USD
• Cystic acne

That's right, folks. I mentioned the other day that I had to go back to basics and clean the skin out because of breakout from something (?) I was testing. Well, at least in part that breakout was from Lancôme La Base Pro. I cleared my skin up, then yesterday tried this primer again with no other new products. BANG! Before the day was out: a nasty cystic bump formed.

After I stopped weeping, I checked the product and naturally that silky smooth feeling is from the silicones in the product. As much as I love the silicones in appearance, I don't love them in result: cystic acne for me.

So, if you're not silicone-sensitive and you have some money to burn, check out this primer. In all other ways it's excellent. If you're like me, though, and you can't tolerate the skin-smothering silicones - PASS.

(Sorry, Lancôme)

Bobbi Brown- Fall | Chic Shimmer Metallics

Bobbi Brown- Fall | Chic Shimmer Metallics

I really can't comment on these, due to the drooling. Take a look...

The Promo:

The Eyes:

Availability: In August '08

The scoop: Richly pigmented, silky, long-wearing, crease-proof; fits in the new palettes; 17 shades; $20.

 

The Lips:

Availability: In September '08

The scoop: New formula: high-shine emollients, light-reflective pearl; medium coverage; 15 shades; $22.

 

The Lemmings:

I dunno... I have to see the shades of the shadows to know, but I LOVE this texture and the color payoff. This could be disastrous to my wallet. Let's err on the safe side and say "all". :)

I will also wait to see what the lippies are like, but it's a safe bet I'll try one of the darker and/or plummish ones at least!

FCH sneak peek at upcoming MAC collections!

FCH sneak peek at upcoming MAC collections!

 

(source)

Get ready, get set, and let's go my friends! There's lots of MAC goodies on their way, and I just can't wait! Wanna take a little tour with me? Grab a notebook and pen, 'cause you'll want to jot down a shopping list...

July has tons of collections coming up, so grab your credit cards and beat the heat with these fab offerings:

• Sonic Chic ~ 7.10.08 US (click here for coverage of this collection)


• New View ~ 7.10.08 US (click here for coverage of this collection)


• Electroflash ~ 7.10.08 US (click here for coverage of this collection)


• Color Forms ~ Nordstrom's exclusive Anniversary Sale collection ~ 7/18.08 US
• Starflash ~ 7.31.08 US
• Lustre Twins ~ 7.31.08 US

August drags us kicking and screaming towards Autumn - well, some of us. I, personally, love the fall and can't wait for the crisp air, the jeans and sweaters, the turning leaves, the pumpkins, and most importantly the deeper tones of Autumn makeup:

• Overrich ~ 8.21.08 US
• Cult of Cherry ~ 8.21.08 US

September is many people's favorite month, since it starts with the heat of Summer and gently swings towards cooler temps by the end. It also reminds me of new beginnings, probably because I still associate it with back-to-school newness and excitement from (way back in) my youth! Here's the newness MAC gives us to get us in the mood...

• Gold Fever ~ 9.25.08 US
• Suite Array ~ 9.25.08 US
• MAC for Ungaro (!) ~ 9.25.08 US

And when I think of October, I think of... Christmas? No, but when it comes to retailers, October equals pre-holiday blitzes! For me, I'm in Seventh Heaven because it's cool outside, Autumn is in full-swing, and Halloween and The Day of the Dead  are just around the corner. Check it:

• Sheer Minerals ~ 10.15.08 US
• MAC for Manish Arora ~ 10.9 US
• CremeSheen ~ 10.2.08 US

MAC Holiday is coming, too, which makes wallets around the world scream in agony while their owners SQUEE with glee! 'Tis the season...

• Red She Said ~ MAC Holiday 2008 ~ Debuts late October, early November, 2008.

Let's go shopping

Let's go shopping...

I am in the mood to browse the hallowed halls of some of my favorite places to shop, and I thought I'd take you with me. Put on your comfy shoes and grab a cafe mocha and let's go!

First stop, my favorite: Armani!

• Luminous Silk Foundation and Luminous Silk Powder. I'm nearly out of the former, and want to try the latter. If you haven't tried LSF, yet, and live near an Armani counter, ask for a sample. you'll fall in love! It's light, it's glowy but not overtly shimmery, and it's nice and long-lasting. LOVE.
• The Berry Blush Palette is lovely, and I think I may "need" it. It's got two of Armani's lovely sheer blushes (one cream, one powder), stacked nice as you please.

FCH coverage of two of these products can be found here:  LSF, Luminous Silk Powder.

It's easy to rack up a big bill at Armani, so even thought I'm spending imaginary money I think it's best to move on. In my mind, the next store over is MAC, of course! I need nothing from the permanent collection. In fact, let's be honest: I don't need makeup. But I'm going to focus on the MAC Limited Edition items, here in my dream shopping world.

• Well, let's start with the oldest collection and work our way up, shall we? How 'bout Dazzleglass, which I LOVE (make 'em perm, MACgods! make 'em perm!). I particularly love Pleasure Principle  and want a back-up. I'd also love to get my hands on another Funtabulous and Ms. Fizz.
• I think I'll toss them in the Infra-orange trend bag, which is sleek and bright and happy-making.
• Let's start cooling off with some Cool Heat! I need to pick up the following shades of Slimshines: Swelter, Tropic Glow and  and maybe even High 90s. To balance the spice on the lips, I need some soothing smoothness, courtesy of Solar White, Warm Chill, Cool Heat, and Climate Blue.

FCH coverage of these MAC collections can be found here:  Dazzleglass, Cool Heat.

I don't really care where I pick up the next few things, because there are loads of places that sell 'em. That's not hard at all - the hard part is picking only a few of these great shades:

• That up there? That's the Retro Summer collection from OPI and think it's so hot it's smokin'. The peachy one, Peach-a-boo!, is so sweet and pretty, and the green one, Sit Under the Apple Tree, is crisp and fun.  I also like the looks of the pink, Calendar Girl. It looks so saucy!

And then I must saunter over to Sephora, or as I refer to it: Mecca. (no offense meant)

• I need a few things from Make Up For Ever (MUFE), so let's start there. I'm in love with Aqua Eyes, which are truly no-budge, no-smudge eyeliners (even in the waterline --- WHAT!?). I have Mat Black 0L, so I think I need a bit of color. Shimmering Plum 4L and Blue with Green Highlights 12L seem like good starts, but Bronze 10L may accidentally go into the basket. Oops!
• While I'm standing in front of the MUFE display, I need to grab the High Definition Mircrofinish Powder. There's just too much buzz about this product for me not to try it!
• I need to pick up some more Yu-Be. Have you tried this stuff? This glycerin-based softener and hydrator is really nice. It's great for all of those scratchy, dry situations you may find yourself in over the summer!
• This is the most embarrassing statement I've made as a beauty blogger/makeup artist since I admitted to not having had tried a Tweezerman Tweezer before, but here goes:  I have never used one of The Multiples from NARS. (!) I really want one and can't pick between Antibes and Copacabana. At $37 USD a pop, I can't afford to grab both in my real life, but in this fantasy shopping spree they both go in the basket! PS: I have since tried a Tweezerman, and they do rock. I'll review shortly.
• I really have to try Diorshow. Really.

FCH posts about these products can be found here: Aqua Eyes, Tweezerman.

Fantasy shopping isn't fun unless you go grab handfuls at my favorites spots: Lush and BPAL. Check out the crazy list:

• Lush
  • It's hot. I feel gross. I want bath products: Karma soap, you will be mine! I love this smell: orange, patchouli, spice... it's perfection. Bohemian, you sound nice an lemony light, which is perfect for summer! I have never tried a shower jelly, and have never even been tempted until now. But because it's hot, I think I like the idea! I'm snatching up Sweetie Pie, because it's summer and berries are just the ticket to cool ya off.
  • I'm picking up a Charity Pot, for sure. That's a no-brainer. You can't beat the moisturizing goodness and the fragrance is great for this time of year. The only sticking point is which charity do I support? Sigh...
  • I'll also get another Dream Cream. This stuff is A.MA.ZING. The scent is nice, and fades fairly quickly anyway so even if you don't like it, you don't have to sweat it. But it's great at smoothing bumps and dry patches. I've never used anything that works this well! A.MA.ZING.
  • Sticky summer days and nights call for a dusting of Dusting Powder, and I'm grabbing some more Silky Underwear (I'm obsessed) and getting Karma for the first time. Yum.

• BPAL - note: this is a very abbreviated version of my BPAL wish-list!
  
  • I need a bottle of the following: O, Mama-ji, Morocco (I go through it like I breathe air!), and Kali.
  • I also want to try: Phantom Calliope, Al Azif, Miskatonic University, opium poppy, voodoo lilly, Othello.
  • From The Carnival Diabolique: PRIALA, THE HUMAN PHOENIX, L'HEURE VERTE, THE GRINDHOUSE, AERONWEN, AGRAT-BAT-MAHLAHT, ASHLULTUM, CLÉMENCE, CYTHEREA, DIONYSIA, EISHETH ZENUNIM
  • I'll also get a few bottles of TKO, because I love it and it's soothing and it's so, so gorgeous. And I'll also get a few bottles of TKO massage oil over at the Black Phoenix Trading Post, which is how I first fell for this scent. It makes me smile just thinking about it.
  • While I'm at Black Phoenix Trading Post, I'll also pick up a bottle of Ugh massage oil. If it's half as lovely as the TKO, I'll be happy and so will my achy fibro muscles!

FCH posts about Lush and BPAL are plentiful. Click the links for a list!

What are you lemming?

Fireworks - Shu Uemura's new collection HANA-BI

Fireworks! Shu Uemura's HANA-BI collection

June marks the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the first Shu Uemura boutique. The doors opened in the ritzy Omotesando area of Tokyo, June of 1983. Every single year, Shu Uemura creates a collection to celebrate the anniversary, and this year's collection is especially poignant coming months after the passing of Mr. Uemura.

HANA-BI, which means fireworks, which is apt for the lovely summer months. The name of the collection is a double-entendre of sorts, as the Japanese word HANA means flower and BI means beauty. The collection boasts product created with natural ingredients and packaging inspired by fireworks - perfect for summer!

The inspiration for the collection were three elements: terre/earth, flower/rose, and water/source.

The artwork for the packaging, which features a different burst of fireworks on item, was commissioned by Shu Uemura himself and created by Gwenael Nicolas, an industrial artist from Tokyo. Read more about Nicolas here.

Let's take a sneak peek, then you need to click on the link to keep reading past the jump!

MAC's new collection: Cool Heat

(image source)

Cool Heat

It's summer, kids... the recent weather here leaves no question of that! I have been sweating sticky glistening and warm since the middle of last week. It brings to mind the desert, and that's not a really huge exaggeration, because when I walk outside I'm slammed hard by a wall of heat. The other thing that comes to mind is a jungle, since here in the Southern US, it is HUMID, but the desert is prettier imagery for me (and doesn't make me think of big spiders and poo-throwing monkeys).

I've always loved the colors of the desert - the lovely rusts and oranges and browns. I'm an earthy kinda gal that way. But other desert-inspired items focus on the lovely blue skies (and water when you can find it) and the deep dark reds of the sunsets and cliffs. Those, to me, are striking color combinations.

(image source)

And I'm not the only one who finds those shades inspiring.  Jewelry plays up the tension between the hot fire of red and coral and the cool soothing calm of blue and turquoise, too.

(image source)

The heat right now makes me miss the very, very warm but oh-so-beautiful trip I took to Oaxaca, Mexico a few years ago for my honeymoon. It was so damn lovely, but so damn hot! The colors I saw in Oaxaca were incredible - both landscape and cityscape were striking, the buildings were painted amazing shades that cheered me right up, and the fabrics and crafts were so lively and full of color. One of the color-combinations that stands out the most, though, was the cool blue of the pool surrounded by the red pops of color from the flowers in the surrounding gardens. Gorgeous!

(image source)

So, all of these inspirations collide for me right now and I'm yearning for a way to express them in a minimal-effort-so-as-not-to-get-hotter way. And I've found it!

Keep reading for more info - hint: it involves MAC Cosmetics!

MAC adds Neon to its Pro Pigments range!

MAC adds neon to its Pro Pigments range!

 

What do you think? I think it's pretty rad, but I can't imagine how this is going to fly at Red Door Spa...

Thanks to our news-breaking source Specktra for the heads-up.

FCH Review Round-up: Stila ~ the Kitten collection

Review Round-up: Stila ~ Kitten

Completely unrelated to M Lab is this next item: kitten. I like kittens. I really, really like kittens, in fact, and I think that anyone who doesn't care for kittens must be deranged. I have the same philosophy about anyone who doesn't like bacon. But kittens and kitten are not the same thing, and I am really pretty lukewarm on the latter.

Kitten is the name of one of Stila's best-selling eyeshadows. It's a "shimmery nude pink" frost, and the way some people talk about it there's never been another eyeshadow made in the world! As far as that goes, there are a few other Stila shadows I like better, and certainly a few over at the MAC Urban Decay and NARs counters!

Stila based two new products on the popularity of this shadow, kitten, and since much of my issue with kitten is the texture, I thought I'd check these out as other options. The first kitten spin-off is the silk eye shadow wash, a long-wearing, lightweight, liquid-to-powder version of the gold-pink Kitten shade. The second spin-off product in this litter is silk shimmer gloss, a lipgloss with silk proteins and ulta-fine shimmer that gives that lovely warm pink kitten-esque look.

The Verdict: I was quite interested in silk eye shadow wash, since I like cream shadows and because the only thing that keeps me from being a kitten fanatic is the texture of the shadow. When it comes to cream shadows, I tend to dislike them when they're coming out of a tube and applied with a sponge-tipped applicator (that's how I like my lipglosses, not my shadows!). This is no exception! I find that I have to sploosh the applicator (a technical makeup artist term, "sploosh") around the eye then smooth it out with my finger. That sucks. The color is nice, though, if a bit frosty. I'm over the shimmer highlighter under the brow arch, but if you're not this will work well there. It's also a decent base for shadow, since it doesn't crease too much once you spread it out. I find it feels a bit heavy on the eye, though, and that's not cool. This shade would probably pop on medium-toned skin.

As for silk shimmer gloss, this was a complete waste of money (I did pay for this one myself - and then returned it). It's sheer and it's faint and the shimmer is negligible. Why put on a $22 lipgloss if it's going to barely be noticeable and then fade off before you're even out the door? I take my lipglosses very seriously, and this one just pissed me off. All-in-all: a dud.

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Read the other posts in the Round-up:

• FCH Review Round-up
• Whish Shave Crave

• Olay Difinity line

• Clinque ~ Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
• M Lab Skincare
• Stila ~ The Kitten collection
• Bobbi Brown ~ Almost Bare
• Clinique ~ Even Better Skintone Correcter
• Clinique ~ Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss
• Sally Hansen ~ Lip Fix Lip Repair

MAC attacks with 3 sci-fi inspired collections

Future Earth

Top to bottom:

Volcanic ash exfoliator | It’s a foaming and exfoliating scrub with sugar crystals and volcanic ash from Vanuatu (Survivor fans in da house!?!).  It’s mineral-rich and good at oil absorption and you can use it on face or body. $19 USD

Prep + Prime microfine Lip refinisher | This looks like the stick version of lip conditioner at first blush, but it’s really not at all. The stick is split in half lengthwise, with one side being a mysteriously “botanically derived exfoliator” that is not identified, and the other side being lip conditioner. You’re supposed to apply it flat from the top. Hmmm….  $14.50 USD

Charged water ~ revitalizing energy | It’s back! I love this stuff! Diamond infused. Great scent (citrusy-green tea). Spritzy. Hydrating. Revitalizing, indeed. Stock up until MAC finally makes it permanent! $19 USD

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Solar Field

Top to bottom:

Solar BIts | Sounds like it’s solid little bits of pigments that you can sweep your brush over or smoosh (the first method applying sheerly, the latter giving more pigment). Anyone else think this sounds like Meteorites?  Four metallic shades.  $19.50 USD

Solar Field Bronzing Powder | Yawn. Here we have Refined Golden again, but since it’s in an orange compact we should be frantic to obtain it, right? Whatever. The other color, Solar Riche, is described as mid-tone deep orange brown.  Sweet: a bronzer that will turn us orange. Really, MAC? Is this the best you could do?  $20 USD

Brushes | The 168 Angled Contour Brush is repromoted, and it’s a great brush (I have two full-sized and 2 "shorties"). But if you’re torn between this and other bits of the collection, skip the brush and get it any other time at the counter. $32 | The 139 Eye Shading Brush is also repromoted, and it’s also a great brush (I have 4) but it’s also at the counter every day of the year. $24.50 USD

 

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NEO SCI-FI

Here’s where the magic starts, kids…

BAM: lipstick.
BAM: lipglass.
BAM: blush.
BAM: Shadows.
BaM: New polishes with a new formula.

Bam, Bam, BAM! This collection should be GREAT!!!


LIPSTICKS - The shades are to the right. The sweet orange packaging is just icing (not the reason to buy the product, but certainly a bonus!)

Sci-Fi-Delity | burnt red with gold pearl | Frost
Pleasureseeker | creamy peach | Glaze
Astral | mid-tone brown pearl with red pearl | Lustre
Electro | bright orange | Lustre
Sunsonic | white gold | Frost

Personally, since I'm cool-toned I can't get terribly excited, but this is a fantabulous selection of shades for warm-toned folk. Have at it, gals! I must say, I am interested in Electro despite the fact that I doubt I can pull it off - but I'll sure as heck try! I loves me some orange!



LIPGLASSES - Shades to the right. Mmmm hmmm... you know I have a lipgloss problem. I'm in trouble, here...

Supreme | bronzed brown with white pearl
Naked Space | creamy mid-tone nude peach
Pink Grapefruit | orange with gold pearl
Soft & Slow | mid-tone creamy plum

Oh yeah. I need them all. First, I have to say Soft & Slow is one of my favorite Lipglasses of all time (it was out before in Smoke Signals, last summer), and I will be picking up a few of them since mine are almost out and I've been rationing them. And I tried Pink Grapefruit this past holiday collection (it was in Curiousitease and before that in C-Squeeze): I very much like it! So that leaves a mid-tone nude peach and a bronzey brown with a cool pearl... Um.... yeah!


Eyeshadows - My other weakness. Oy vey.

Magnetic Fields | black brown with silver pearl | Veluxe Pearl
Femme-Fi | frosty golden cream 
Evening Aura | orange with gold pearl
Time & Space | frosty golden peach | Veluxe Pearl
Expensive Pink | pink with gold duochrome | Veluxe Pearl

Well, first off: if you haven't tried Expensive Pink,  you may want to pick this up. It's a fabulous color and the duochromes are the most fun of all eyeshadows. However, that's part of the perm collection, so unless you're panicked or want the whole set, just wait on it if you're trying to cull down your lemmings for this collection. I'll have to see the others, but will probably snap up Evening Aura (please reference the aforementioned problem I have with orange - I must own all orange eyeshadows!). The others sound gorgeous, but time will tell. If they're unique, they're mine.



 Blush - MAC blushes are great blushes. If you haven't tried them, you may want to check them out. They're not streaky, not dry-looking, and they range in density of pigment so there's something for everyone.

Spaced Out | shimmery peach
X-Rocks | shimmery dirty mauve

May need X-Rocks because mauves look good on me. :)


NAIL LACQUER NAIL LACQUER NAIL LACQUER! - I don't LOVE MAC's nail lacquers, formula-wise, though they aren't terrible. With 3 coats and a good top coat, they're decent and wear ok. I do, though, love the colors they occasionally come out with!

Metalist | neutral coppertone with white pearl
Plasma Blu | turquoise with turquoise pearl
Neon 8 | bright orange, orange pearl
Phosphor| bumble bee yellow

This is a very interesting set of colors. It manages to bridge the summer trends of "brights" and "bronzes" simultaneously. Kudos on that, MAC gods! I will need to try Metalist, Plasma Blu, and Neon 8, and if the refined formula is good I'll pick them up. I am especially interested in Metalist and Plasma Blu - the first because I love nude polish but have a hard time finding colors that are good on my pale pink skin, the latter because I'm into blue polishes at the moment. I will swatch Phosphor but doubt a yellow can look good on my skin (it usually makes me look a tad hung-over - sad, since I hardly drink!).

Repromoted in this collection are the extras:

Plushblack mascara (a good one- maybe the good one, as MAC isn't known for being a great mascara-making company). Note: I wish MAC would step it up and put out a new color in Plushlash. Where's the colored mascara trend everyone else is workin' this year. Dang, man. I mean, MAC is supposed to start trends and they're known for color..... but they repromote black mascara? Dude.

Lip pencils - the dial-up kind. Techincally known as Cremestick Liners, but generally referred to as "the ones you don't have to sharpen". The shades are 80%, Beurre, and Summerfruit. These are all excellent shades (I own them all) and it's a great formula even though I usually prefer pencils you sharpen. Beurre is a fabulous pinky-nude shade that works on most fair-to-medium skin (tip- great lip liner for brides!). 80% is a bit darker, and a wonderful color, a staple for me. Summerfruit is on the orange side, which is sensible since there are orange lip colors in this collection; I don't use it often, but the rare times I rock an orange-y lip, this is my go-to.

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This collection hits counters Thursday and can be viewed online already (though the collection isn’t live there, yet).

 

 

Hi-Def, like a brightly lit bathroom mirror. EGADS!

Hi-def TV. What does it mean, besides a lot of extra money the next time you need a television set? Basically, hi-def tv is digital and extra, extra precise, making the viewing experience much more vivid. Were you watching the evening news in hi-def and the anchors weren't wearing great makeup, you'd know who missed a few hours of beauty sleep and who was having a break-out from ratings stress. Imagine letting the whole world into your bathroom every morning with a magnifying mirror, and you now understand why stars and tv personalities have been running to Sephora and/or hiring better makeup artists!

What ever is to be done? Well, naturally many cosmetics companies have stepped up to the plate to give the entertainment and news industries something blur all of their imperfections. Can we non-performers benefit from these new technologies? I'll have to pose the question to The Beauty Brains - if I can manage to find a functioning contact form on their site.

Take a look at CARGO's blu_ray collection:

blu_ray products are  designed, like most of the hi-def products on the market, to give full coverage without looking caked-on. After all, you want your hi-def makeup to cover a multitude of sins while still looking like radiant and healthy skin! Well, since these are from CARGO, you know they're good.

The line uses "photochromatic pigments" which are meant to self-correct and look good in any light. I picture tiny little magical perfect raindrops covering the skin, glinting their perfection in any situation. But I may be a little drunk at the moment, so don't mind me. (just kidding)

The products use microfine particles that don't really sit on top of the skin the way older makeup might (this microfine particle thing is becoming the norm in quality makeup, by the way). Light diffusers, also common in some other makeup, are a particular friend of mine because they gently and softly diffuse light, minimizing the appearance of imperfections while also adding a bit of radiance .

The lip products are also smoothing, thanks to hyaluronic acid and peptides, making fine lines less visible.

Above are, from left, the CARGO blush/hilighter (it's oil-free!), $27 USD; lipgloss palette (4 neutrals, endless possibilities for blending!), $29 USD; powder, $32 USD; mattifier (use over or under makeup), $24 USD;  and mascara (strengthens and conditions with no clumping), $20.

blu_ray is available at sephora.com.

Other ways we can learn to look better courtesy of the hi-def phenomenon:

• lighting is key! | check your makeup out in different lights- you may not realize it, but makeup applied in the wrong lighting can turn insta-tranny in another environment!
• get into a skincare routine |stars flock to their estheticians for facials more than they ever had, because makeup won't hide bumps. sign-up for regular facials, if it's in your budget, or invest in good skincare so you can cleanse+exfoliate+tone+moisturize your way into flawless skin. let all new skincare systems work for about 3 months so you can see if they work (clearly discontinuing earlier if you're having a negative reaction!). i also recommend the Clarisonic brush to help make sure you're spending enough time really getting your skin clean.
• drink it up! | drink your water and stay hydrated from the inside-out, please.
• ditch the bad habits | smoking is bad for so many reasons (i'm a former smoker, myself). if your health isn't enough to make you quit, maybe you'll quit because i tell you this: smoking makes your skin dull and wrinkly and some people even have skin discoloration from the daggone nicotine. besides, it makes you stink, which has nothing to do with hi-def tv, but someone had to tell you and it might as well be me. even though you think you don't stink, i promise you: if you smoke, you stink of smoke. ew.
• get up and move | i need to take my own advice here, i'll admit it. exercise gets the blood pumping and is overall better for you, which will naturally show in your complexion.
• stop the madness, stop the tanning!  | please. you know this. you think it's cute, but you're wrong. tanning is damaging and aging and ultimately has a dangerous potential for death. and frankly, leathery skin is not attractive in person or on hi-def tv.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Our motto here at Fifty-Cent Head is "we search for beauty news so you don't have to" and whilst surfing yesterday I came across a wonderful treat for you. Ya ready!? I'm about to jingle your bells, ladies and gentlemen!

What's everyone's favorite thing about Thanksgiving, besides the pumpkin pie? Well, it's the Black Friday releases at MAC, isn't it???

 

Take a look at this bad boy- one of the bags from the 2008 MAC Holiday Collection. It's got square edges, and appears to be shiny... like pleather, maybe? And it's the amazing, dazzling, spectacularific shade of red...

Introducing:

RED SHE SAID














 

More after the jump!

Have I found my muse at MAC?

I have completely lost my muse recently... I have been distracted and tired and not at all inspired. I've been doing a lot of beauty reading - Google Reader is a ready enabler for a bad case of procrastination by way of Writer's Block- and there are so many great writers out there that it's easy to get derailed from one's own agenda and get lost in someone else's.

I've been waiting for my muse, and I'm not sure where she's been. I sniffed for her in my BPAL stash, and I thought she danced by, but she was too quick for me. (She's often found there, but she's being quite quite difficult recently) I momentarily thought she was going to be found in that new Clinique gloss I've been loving, but she wasn't - at least not for long. Flipping though the new Bliss catalog, sadly she was nowhere to be found. I haven't lowered myself to wandering the virtual-aisles of Sephora.com waiting for my muse to poke me, but I thought it was going to come to that.

Then, today, I stopped by the MAC counter, and it's possible I found her. Time will tell, of course, but I just had to come home and tell you about some great finds!

It's very sad, but I'm completely head-over-heels for Dazzleglass. This is the second time I've been at the counter with this collection, and let me tell you it's hard not to just yell "I'll take one of each! Wrap 'em up!!!"

I've been wrasslin' with my muse to come up with description of these, and I think the best I can do is remind you old folk of the Reeses commercial where two people bumped into one another and said "hey, you got chocolate in my peanut butter!" and "hey, you got peanut butter on my chocolate!" It's like that but different. Imagine if 3D Glass ran into Lacquer and then got hit with Lustreglass and a handful of Reflects Glitters. Voila: Dazzleglass!

(If you're new to MAC, that didn't help, did it? Let's just say this is a fairly thick but not sticky, soft-on-the-lips gloss with great multi-tonal reflective shimmer and leave it at that, ok?)

Dazzleglass best-of-the-best:

Above is  Pleasure Principal (Clear white violet, teal and white pearl) which is a must for any cool-toned chica (like moi). I think this is Lustrewhite's fashionable older sister: a clear gloss with shimmers, yes, but these shimmers are bright (but not over the top) and busily glinting away, reflecting amazing shades of purple and blue and green while somehow still not looking too trendy or immature. I consider this a must-try (and will probably need backups for my own stash!). Warm-toned gals, try Sugar Rimmed for a similar result (despite what the description says - "milky pale pink with red, teal and white pearl" - this is a warmer toned gloss).

Below, find Funtabulous (It's purple with violet pearl). It's spectacular. I can't stop swiping this stuff on! (and alas, one must, because it doesn't have tons and tons of staying power - it's good, but it's not "longwear" by any stretch of the imagination) This color just makes me smile. I put it on alone or over a pink, but maybe tomorrow I'm going to put it over one of my purple lipsticks (Full Blown?). That should make the spa ladies scared, no? ;) 

I was starting to feel my muse nearby, but wasn't 100% positive she was there - maybe because I already owned a few of these Dazzleglasses? Maybe because I have a few and have been using them all week? Regardless, at lease I was feeling encourage.

And then I saw Naughty Nauticals. Really a truly stellar collection, it blew me away! Well, please understand my stash is so ginormous that I don't need to add stuff unless it's really spectacularific (hullo, Dazzleglass! I mean, geez, there's a blue one for gosh sake!) so I didn't buy out the counter. But if you're still avidly collecting or especially if you're new to MAC, this collection is worth checking out!

Let me tell you about the standouts:

• Been with MAC for years? Maybe slightly jaded or just getting really picky? Check out:
  
  • Party Mate | MAC often bills lipsticks as "sheer midtone pink" and that's how they've labelled this one, but it's actually a fabulous rose. If you loved Longstem Rose Slimshine, you'll want to check this out. It would be a fabulous addition to the permanent collection which is sadly lacking in rose shades
  • Love Knot | When I saw it I figured, "
    Ah, there it is, the standard pale pink offering of the collection." I'm such a cynic. But as I dutifully swatched it, I realized there's nothing standard about this gloss! In case you weren't really paying attention, read the description again: "sheer pink with blue & white duochrome". SHUT UP! It's a pink lipglass with a blue and white duochrome, man! It's soooo pretty! LOVE.
• Got a decent collection, but still jonesin' for more? Check out:
  • Lark About | This pigment is described by MAC as "sheer frosty white blue" and I guess that's exactly what it is. If you don't have a tone of nearly-white pigments, this one is a great one. In fact, I almost took it to the register with me, but talked myself down because I already have 2 jazillion pigments I don't use now! If you love that oh-so-current frosty/white trend, pick this up. If you have Crystal Avalanche, you may not need this. Yes, Crystal Avalanche is a pressed shadow, but it's still a similar color! I used to work for MAC -don't question me! ;)
    
  • Illegal Cargo | This is a really nice shade of muted purple, described as "midtone frosty grey plum". I really liked it and had it out on the counter for consideration, but then looked over at Shale and realized they were fairly similar. I swatched, and indeed they are - Illegal Cargo is lighter by a hair, but they are of the same ilk. If you have Shale and don't use it much, you may want to pass, but if you're a purpleaholic or just want another dusky plum, rock on with the Illegal Cargo, girl!
  • Port Red | I liked this red, and if you haven't gotten a red lipstick yet, come out from under the rock and walk towards the light of the MAC counter - it's 2008! If you are sad you missed out on Queen's Sin, try this one on for size - it's not exactly the same shade, but it may satisfy that craving 'til they bring back Queen's Sin (they have to, right? It was an amazing color! And I'm still kicking myself that I didn't buy it, despite the fact that I rocked it at the counter several days during the collection!).
  • Mutiny | "Clean sky blue with gold pearl" is what they want us to believe. I'll buy that, I suppose, but only if the sky you're referring to is in a colorized black-and-white movie. It's a pretty intense, bright blue. If you can't get enough of Electric Eel and Clarity, check out Mutiny. It reminds me a bit of one of the pigments I already have - if I can beg a tiny tester of this, I'll do a swatch comparison for you. If you like to wear neutrals, this is probably not your cup of tea.
• If you're new to MAC or have a small stash you want to add to with wild abandon, consider: all of the above mentioned products, plus the following...
  • Ahoy There | This glaze (read: sheer and glossy) formula lipstick is "sheer light dirty pink with multidimensional pearl". A very pretty shade, and a great one to carry you through Spring and Summer. This is the kind of color I'm really drawn to, and it may find its way home with me, but I'm trying to be strong.
    
  • Shore Leave | I was confused - I thought this was Stila Kitten at first, then I realized it's actually Phloof!'s fraternal twin sister. "Pale frosty cream" in Veluxe Pearl formula (my favorite!) - lovely, but not unique if your collection fills the spare bedroom. (Who, me!?)
• Don't bother with (unless you have buckets of expendable income and/or just like to acquire makeup even if it's not truly unique):
  • Pandemonium | Girls, don't we have this in about 4 quads? If you don't, you will soon as MAC seems to release this shade or something damn close to it in every other collection. PASS...
  • Naughty Nautical | Memorial Day is just around the corner, and then after that comes the Fourth of July. There: two times this shade of nail polish will come in handy. Is it worth the $10-per-bottle-for-a-easily-chipped-polish? I say nay... if you must, stick with Shirelle, the other lacquer in the collection, which is also in the permanent collection but is a more wearable shade. (And this is coming from a woman with iridescent green toenails at this very moment!)

I'll try to swatch madly tomorrow, and actually take my camera with me (that was my downfall today I realized, after swatching up my right arm). I'll document it all, including my effort to get my fingers into that quad at Nordies. Meanwhile, keep a lookout for my muse - I think that's her trying on the blue Dazzleglass...

Disclaimer: I'm still blacklisted by MAC PR, so I don't have images - I borrowed the ones on the post from