Fall. Smoky eyes. They go hand-in-hand.
Look at those colors in the palette to the right. They scream Fall, too, don't they?
That palette is from L'Oreal, and it's going to cost you about six bucks.
But it it worth it? Keep reading to see my review.
Continue reading "A pretty little palette, right on-trend. From L'Oreal!" »
Makeup palettes are hot this Fall, aren't they? They're everywhere! I've been looking for ages for the perfect eyeshadow palette: it would have a few neutrals, a great taupe (my favorite!), and one or two darker or accent shadows.
Take a look at LORAC's new eyeshadow palette, Private Affair. It seems to fit the bill, doesn't it?!
Keep reading to see swatches, more pictures, and read the review!
I know, I know: I've been incommunicado this week. Sorry! It's the teething baby again. She's wearing me out! I'll show you her cuteness so you're not mad:
Now... back to the makeup!
I am not obsessed with Bobbi Brown, but there have been a prevalence of posts about her line. Here's why: a) because she's got some sweet stuff going on right now and b) because I'm going to be freelancing for her this Winter, so I've been more exposed to her line lately. I told you about some of the sweet stuff the other day, but I extended my swatch fest past the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows and onto the Chrome collection. (Well, some of it)
Look for my new series "What I learned from Bobbi"
-insider info from my freelancing training-
COMING SOON!
This collection is what it sounds like: a sort of celebration of smooth metallics. Where the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows were glittery, these shades are molten!
Chrome
Palette- her cool, contemporary take on holiday beauty. Featuring icy
shimmering accents for eyes and lips, this chrome fold-out palette includes
everything you need to create countless party-read looks including: 10 eye
shadows, 4 lip shades, a Mini Eye Shadow Brush and a Mini Lip Brush.
For those of us who don't have a gazillion Bobbi Brown eyeshadows or a truckload of shimmery neutrals, this palette is a great find (though I loathe lipsticks and lipglosses in palettes!). The 10 shades are neutral-metallics, so most likely you can wear a majority of the colors in there. And the metallics aren't so OTT that you look like a Disco Ball! As usual, Bobbi's formula glides on and looks smooth and silky. A very nice, if pricey, palette! I'm kicking myself for not swatching them, but my buddy KarlaSugar has on her amazing blog The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself, so I'll throw to her! $75
Lookit that! Some of those colors look like marble and granite, don't they!?
Chrome Lips | $22
Chrome lips are another trend Bobbi loves for the holiday season- which is why she is introducing three new limited edition products for lips: Port Lip Color, Chrome Metallic Lip Color and Plum Pearl Metallic Lip Color.
I had high hopes for Chrome, thinking it would be a bangin' silver lipstick. Blah- it was really sheer and essentially looked like an off-grey lipgloss. The other two shades are pretty, and probably unique in the Bobbi collection, but are shades you can also find elsewhere. Worth picking up if you love the Bobbi formula, but check your stash if you're just looking at the colors.
click to enlarge
Chrome Brushes | $55
The
collection also includes Bobbi’s holiday Chrome Mini Brush Set- the
perfect present for the beauty-junkie in your life (or yourself!). The set,
which comes in a chrome zip-around cases features a Mini Face Blender, our new
Mini Angle Eye Shadow Brush and a Mini Eye Liner brush.
I like the chrome brush case - cute! And my experience with Bobbi's mini brushes is that they're pretty darn good. I absolutely, positively adore Eye Liner Brush. It's the best eye liner brush I've ever worked with! I'm not terribly big on angled shadow brushes, but this one is dense enough to be fairly versatile. The Face Blender is one I'm not as experienced with - any Bobbi fans out there? Chime in and tell us if this brush is a "go" or "no-go"!Chrome Shadows | $22
Nothing says holiday glamour like eyes dressed up in new Chrome Eye Shadow. Developed with highly reflective pearls, this opulent formula looks like liquid metal on lids and reflects light beautifully. Featured in our signature eye shadow compact, customized for the season with a luxe chrome finish.
Absolutely my favorite find recently! When I say that, I mean it's my favorite from all of the lines, not just my favorite Bobbi product. These are silky and dreamy and just perfect metallics! Now, I admit: the gold is a bit more gold than I personally want to wear, but it's divine and if gold is your thing --- GET IT! The Pewter is like a soft taupe, and you know how I love taupes! Silver- well, silver is my favorite makeup color, I think, and I snapped that shade up at the counter. I would have gotten Pewter, but they were out-of-stock, damn it all!
Our award-winning cream shadow - now infused with glistening sparkle. Lightweight formula goes on comfortably and leaves a soft, velvety finish. For sheer color, use your fingers. For a dramatic look, use the Cream Shadow Brush and apply two layers. Stays color-true and crease-free all day. Available in 8 glamorous new shades. Mercury featured in the Rich Color Gloss Look [shown below].
I was tipped off to these cream shadows by a buddy online, and just had to take a peek during a recent trip to the Bobbi Brown counter. I promised I'd swatch and review, and so I am!
Since I wasn't familiar with the product, and am also trying to learn "the Bobbi way to do things", I sat down and let the artist at the counter put some on me, just to see a) how she (and Bobbi) thought it should be applied and b) what color she'd pick.
The artist decided I needed to see Brown Metal, which is not at all what I would have chosen (hence the reason it's fun to let someone else pick sometimes!)
I was told exactly what Bobbi's website says: it can go on sheer or you can layer it to make it a bit more intense. I got the "intense" treatment.
Ahem.
Bobbi looks aren't terribly intense, are they!? Witness:
For the record, the only thing on my eye is the Long-Wear Cream Shadow. It was placed on the lid and into and a touch above the crease. I had no primer on, no mascara... just the Cream Shadow.
*Note: because I'm a moron I didn't swatch Brown Metal, the one I had on!
1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone
1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone
1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone
1-Starry Purple; 2-Mercury; 3-Starry Night; 4-Chrome Patina;
5-Antique Gold; 6-Black Pearl; 7- Goldstone
Here are some other pictures that attest to wear:
I adore the colors in these shadows! I think if you're looking for a sheer wash of pretty metallic color, these are a great purchase. Even just looking at the faded swatch marks on my hands 6 hours later attests to the pretty nature of these colors.
They are quite sparkly - not metallic. Unless "metallic" now means "glittery". If you have very creased eyes or are a glitterphobe, you won't love these.
If you're looking for high impact from your color and flawless long wear, you're going to want to keep looking.
I also would suggest that if you have deep-set eyes you may want to only place these on the lid, so you don't have to worry about the creasing issue. I would love to play with these on a flat, open eye! I bet you could create some great looks with that eye shape. As for me, with my deep-set eyes and love of high-impact, I think I'll pass on these. There are other metallic products out there I prefer, and if you use the right basecoat they're creaseproof and long-wearing.
Disclaimer: Not needed. By the nature of the fact that I don't own them, they were neither purchased nor given to me.
__________________________________________________
Edited to add:
I thought it would be nice to show you what the hand swatches looked like now - 9 hours later! This is probably a good indication of a) what a sheer application would look like and b) the actual impact of the glitter and shimmer. So:
I really am digging the MAC Trend F/W '09 collection, as I discussed here. One of my favorite items from the collection is Runway Fave, and I've decided to wax poetic about it for awhile.
Note:
Don't panic and think "Grey!? She's nuts! I'm outta here!"
It's a neutral with maybe the slightest touch of pink swirled in,
and a touch of a nude taupe to ground it. Look at the pics!
Does it look like I'm wearing a "grey lipgloss"!?
Second Note:
I have worn a grey lipgloss. Several of them. More on that another time! ;)
Anyway, isn't she pretty!? Let's look some more:
Now, before you skip down and look at more pics, let's chat a bit. I promise to keep it short and get back to the pretty!
If you are a person with cool undertones, then I bet you have had your share of trouble finding the perfect nude lippie. I know I have! My solution thus far has been to use something with a tinge of mauve, or to mix my own (like C-Thru + a mauve, N1 + Viva Glam VI). But finding a NUDE - a color that's the shade of my skin or lighter - has not really happened.
I turn most "nudes" orange. C-Thru is the warm-skinned girl's best friend (and some boys, too!), but it looks oddly orange-brown on me. I've grabbed all sorts of "nudes" with the same result. Were I feeling belligerent, I'd ask how it's called "nude" if it doesn't work on everyone, but I'm way too nice to go there. ;)
Runway Fave is my dream come true! It virtually disappears on my NW10-15 skin, making it seem as if my lips have just faded way. Like a nude lippie is supposed to! :falls over:
Look:
The perfect nude lip to offset smokey eyes or strong purple eyes or intense blue eyes (hullo, Fall/Winter '09 trends!).
MAC hit one out of the park for us!
MAC Trend F/W '09 is another collection in stores now. I briefly mentioned it here. I got a chance to see it, so let's break it down again I'll tell ya what I thought. If you've seen it/skipped it/bought from it, let us know!
Lipstick
Faultlessly F/W - blackened blue violet
Hipster - burgundy frost
Red Full Stop - bright neon coral
Our Pick - cement taupey grey
Thoughts: Faultlessly F/W is the most gorgeous, sexy, deep purple. Stunning. Lovely. I'm not sure how to wear this, but I'm going to Back-to-MAC for one. I considered, and considered and then walked away without it, and I'm sorry I did. Hipster is a red-purple frosty version of Faultlessly F/W, in my opinion, and right on trend! (shocking, huh, since this is the "trend" collection?) This is a really gorgeous color - I snapped it up immediately. Meanwhile, Our Pick was not my pick. This shade is more of a putty color than I thought I could handle - a bit less cool than the description "taupey grey" implied to me. As you will see in a moment, I love its sister Lipglass, so when I go back to the counter I'm thinking I'll try it on my lips just in case it works better than I though when swatched. Red Full Stop has a puzzling name, since "neon coral" and "red" are not synonyms! This is what I used to call "crazy cat lady coral" in the 90's, but honestly I am warming up a bit more to this type of color. This shade is more neon than I personally can handle, but I'd love to see this on women with darker complexions! It's a Lustre, so a little lip should show through - if you need opacity, use a coral pencil underneath. This is a VERY hot shade. I'm pretty impressed overall with these lipsticks!
Lipglass
Runway Fave -grey toned neutral light pearl / F
New Berry - deep plum / C
So This Season - deep blue violet / C
Thoughts: I shouldn't be surprised that I fell for these Lipglasses. I mean: a berry, a purple and a pale greyed-out shade? C'mon! They've got my name written all over them! New Berry is a cream - I wish it had a bit of shimmer to it, but then it would probably look like other shades I already have. It's a stunner, though, and can be built up to a pretty good intensity even by itself. Layered, she's a mankiller! So This Season is also a cream formula, so again: opaque. It's quite purple, so not for the shy. Again, this is one I'd love to see on some NW45s and NW50s - that's where it's really going to sing! But I, a lousy NW15, will be rocking it, too. And then there's Runway Fave... my fave. I have a few grey-based lipglasses and lipglosses, and love them all. But this rocketed right up to the top of my favorite grey lipgloss list! It's not really a grey, let's be honest. It's a greyed-out neutral pink, but the base pink is quite subtle and as close-to-neutral as pink can be. This is the best nude I have tried in a long time, and cool-skinned gals (who find nudes hard to locate!) should try this one. I'm going to write a whole post on this color, so stay tuned!
Eyeshadow Quad: Tone:Grey
- A Warmer White - pale green grey /S
- Tone:Grey - mid-tone grey - S
- Waft - dark blue grey / F
- The Right Smoke - rich blue with white pearl / F
Thoughts: I passed on this palette, as I pass on most palettes. The specific reasons I passed on this one are: a) I have Waft from its previous palette appearance, b) this is more of a blue than a grey, so I was pissed at the misleading name and c) I feel like I have other palettes that look similar. That said, if you're new to MAC or wearing blue shadows, this is an excellent palette to pick up! The colors are all fairly blendable and pretty, and most skintones will be able to pull off these shades. Blue is a big, big, big (did I mention big?) trend this Fall and Winter, so this is an easy way to snap up four colors that fulfill the trend!
Fragrance (in roller ball form)
Asphalt Flower - violet and iris petals with a sheen of vanilla and patchouli
Thoughts: This is a really, really pretty fragrance, though I am not a fan of the rollerball applicator (am I in the minority here?). I really like the violet and iris, and never complain about vanilla and patchouli. If you're looking for a pretty fragrance, try this one. Unfortunately (?) I have other scents that are similar, and since I don't like the rollerball, I passed.
MAC has several new collections on their counters right now, and I have seen them all. Let's talk about them one at a time, shall we?
Style Black is a two-part collection - one deemed "color" and the other "face". Silly, 'cause the Cream Color Bases, part of the latter sub-collection, are certainly "color products".
Here's what MAC says about the collection:
From "Back to Black" beehive and eyeliner to Steven "80s" Sprouse-in-the-House kohl and fringe to Gareth Pugh London New Goth, Black is simply beyond. Lips, nails, eyes - there's no more dramatic way to declare your desire, separate your sensibility, celebrate your magnetism. They WILL surrender to a Blackfire Glimmerglass, Rapidblack Penultimate Eyeliner, a slash of Greasepaint Stick, and the hot scratch of Baby Goth Girl Nail Lacquer. Style Black is a way of life, a shadowy and mysterious figure of fantasy, even for just one dark and dangerous night.
Something's smoldering. Mad, bad, and delirious. Danger boy. Androgynous girl. Explicitly erotic, whip-smart exotic, and in-your-face expressive. Wicked ideas, archly executed with the dark attitude of a slightly curled upper lip. The eruption will rock you, with Volcanic Ash Exfoliator, Volcanic Ash Mask, and Cream Colour Base...changes the mood to permanent midnight, around the clock. The Dark Knight power of Style Black. Where there's smoke, there's ire...Twilight will bright it out in you.
Color collection:
Lipstick
Black Knight - Creamy true black (cremesheen)
Thoughts: Silky, comfortable, and completely not appropriate for my lifestyle. :(-------------------------
Mattene
Midnight Media - Dense matte black
Night Violet - Deep purple grape
Thoughts: Midnight Media is more brown-black than "dense black". It would be stunning on folks with warmer complexions, but looks a bit deathly on my fair, cool skin. Night Violet is already in my kit, and it's a sexy, deep dark burgundy-purple. Gorgeous, both, and I'm a huge fan of the Mattenes, since they give that matte look without making your lips all peelie and dry.-------------------------Glimmerglass
Bling Black - Sheer black with gold pearl
Blackfire - Sheer black with pink purple pearl
Blackware - Creamy true black
Thoughts: OK - these are certainly pretty, but BOY are they sheer! Bling Black was already sold out the day after the launch (!) but I'll be completely honest with you: I'm not loving it. The "gold pearl" is more of a green-gold, and not terribly cute in my humble opinion. Blackfire is super hot only if layered over another color - would look nice over either Mattene, or Black Knight for that matter. I briefly considered buying this one, but decided it just wasn't going to be that used and I can just mix some glitter up in a semi-sheer black gloss I already own if I really need that efect. Blackware is a typical semi-sheer black gloss, which is nice layered over a red or berry to give it depth.-------------------------
Mineralize Eye Shadow
Cinderfella - Black with silver pearl
Young Punk - Black with pink purple pearl
Gilt by Association - Black with gold bronze pearl
Blue Flame - Black with blue pearlThoughts: Now these are the standouts in the collection, in my opinion. A lot is said about the Mineralize Shadows, and not all of it is positive. I am in the "Pro" camp, though, and think those in the "Con" family may benefit from a few tips... (see tomorrow's post for help!). I picked up Cinderfella, and am 100% thrilled with it. I will go back and get Young Punk, which is also gorgeous. Not sure why I didn't grab it when I was there! I personally don't need a black-blue glitter shadow, and the Guilt by Association doesn't rock my world - again, as with the Glimmerglass Bling Black, I feel like the "gold" is more green-gold and not really complimentary to my complexion, though warmer skintones will look great in it!
Sneak peek at tomorrow's tip and look with Cinderfella:
-------------------------
Grease Paintstick
Intense Black - Black base with purple shimmer.
Thoughts: I liked this a lot, actually - more than I thought I would. It's like a perfected Shadestick! This one, though called "Intense Black" is actually black w/ purple, which is odd. Anyway, it's very pretty - the shimmer isn't too strong unless you build the color and rough it up a bit on the skin. I can imagine this being crease-y on oily lids, so try putting your base under it. I want one of these, but wanted to see the D-Squared2 collection and look at all of the Grease Paintsticks together and see which one I "need". I'm looking forward to trying these in a look, though.-------------------------
Penultimate Liner
Rapidblack - True black
Thoughts: I haven't tried it, but it's definitely an intense black, and I like the tip.-------------------------
Eye Kohl
Smolder - Intense Black
Thoughts: This is part of the permanent collection, and I think it ought to be in every person's stash/kit. It's a great black - not too, too dark - and stays put pretty well on the lashline.-------------------------
Nail Lacquer
Nocturnelle - True black
Seriously Hip - Black with gold particle pearl
Baby Goth Girl - Black with pink and purple pearl
Thoughts: I already own Nocturnelle, which is perm. It's a great black creme, but I find MAC polishes "chippy". I don't know if they've changed the formula - if so, it might be worth picking this up. Otherwise, substitute the black creme from any good polish line and you'll be happier. Seriously Hip - again, this looked green-gold to me, and thus too warm for my personal preferences. I also didn't feel like it was terribly unique in the world of polishes. Baby Goth Girl ---- I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, the pink and purple shimmer looks stellar in the bottle and while wet, but I thought the dried-down version was less amazing. I'm going to go with clean nails to the counter the next time and swatch it again - if I get better results, I'll pick it up. Keep ya posted.-------------------------
Tools
#214 Short Shader Brush - Short, rounded, double-chiselled brush with soft, natural bristles. Can be used with shadow to line and smudge around the lash line and very effective for densely shading lids.
Thoughts: I can't believe I don't have this brush. Why?_____________________________________________________________
Face:
Skincare
Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
For all skin types. Volcanic ash (in the form of mineral-rich clay), sugar crystals and natural enzymes combine to exfoliate and remove excess oils from the skin. The VAE is in new packaging. It's in a tube like shave and cremewash. It did go down to 3.4oz (the older style tub was 4.5oz).*Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask
VATM contains natural volcanic ash to cleanse and treat the skin. The mineral-rich ash works with oat kernel flour to help absorb excess oil from the skin's surface. A combo of natural oils (lavendar, sunflower, safflower seed and evening primrose) help lubricate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. It helps to even out the skin's texture and leaves the skin feeling smooth and perfected for makeup application. The unique formula glides effortlessly onto the skin, allowing ample playtime. The mask heats up on the skin when used with water and removes impurities from the surface, leaving skin looking radiant and fresh. Use 1-3 times a week. Derm-tested, non-acnegenic and for all skins. 3.4oz**descriptions courtesy of Specktra.net
Thoughts: I have heard great things about the Exfoliator - it was a big hit when it was first released. I personally don't get along with sulfur, which is a major ingredient in both of these products, so alas: no review from me! :(----------------
Cream Colour Base
Black - Creamy true black
Bat Black - Burgundy black with pink pearl
Thoughts: I don't really love the CCBs, but I'm thinking about getting Bat Black, because the color is so damn hot! (I have a problem, I know!) There aren't a ton of ways to wear these except on the eyes, unless you want to toss it onto the lips or cheeks for a very OTT look! But I think they could do a good job with that "glossy eye" look a lot of folks are trying to rock this Fall.
Did you partake in Style Black? What did you get!?
INTRODUCING M·A·C STYLE BLACK
FROM TOWERING INK-JET BEEHIVE AND EYELINER TO STEVEN “80S” SPROUSE-IN-THE-HOUSE KOHL AND FRINGE, TO STREET-SMART LONDON NEW GOTH, BLACK IS SIMPLY BEYOND!
The ever-overlapping worlds of Fashion and Art may choose to revel in a Technicolour dream or a day-glo fantasy from time to time, but deep down, as Amy Winehouse likes to say in her wicked, wobbly way, it’s always “Back to Black.”We first saw it in Milan for Jil Sander, in the spectacular living sculptures Raf Simmons chiseled from supple, constructed ebony curves and seams, each with an occasional fiery ruffle and flourish. We loved it at Calvin Klein, in boxy structures that echoed artist Richard Serra's epic shapes in their steely, outright boldness, eyelashes like the black widow spiders of sculptor Louise Bourgeois' sexy, sinister giant tarantulas....She mates, and she kills! And we were bouncing like black espresso beans at the New Goth youthquake we saw stomping down the runway at Gareth Pugh in London – the black market equivalent of a boot-leg Clash LP, all slick black vinyl and cool indignation. Quite simply the most intriguing new take on what "Goth" can be in the New Century, the Modern Black-o-Sphere.
Enter the NEW GOTH, a hybrid of Fashion and Art, and a fixture on the glamorous, modern gallery scene. No longer a ghoul, but a sophisticated, international creature with makeup that changes the mood to permanent midnight around the clock. M·A·C calls it STYLE BLACK.
Lips, nails, eyes, there’s no more dramatic way to declare your desire, separate your sensibility, celebrate your sexual magnetism. Something's smoldering. Mad, bad and delirious. Danger boy. Androgynous girl. Explicitly erotic, whip-smart exotic, and in-your-face expressive. Wicked ideas, archly executed with a slash of Greasepaint Stick and a slightly-curled upper lip.
How to begin? With skin perfected and purified, whitened and brightened, virgin-pure, clean and chaste. Use M·A·C Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and the Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask to smooth skin into obsidian perfection. The eruption will rock you – these are essential earth elements, modern alchemy – to prep and prime the canvas for the Dark Knight Power of Style Black.
How Goth will you go? Your choice. You can ‘Paint it BLACK’ a la L'Wren Scott, the uber-stylist turned designer who may just have created the best little black dress collection in the world. Her own personal ‘Morticia’ lash and ebony eyeliner an essential accoutrement... where there's smoke, there's ire! Twilight will bring it out in you! Or, if you choose, opt for something subtle, allude to the dark side without crossing over; flirt with a little danger, or simply satisfy a secret craving for a tiny taste of darkling drama.... there's a Style Black technique for every attitude, and you can take it where you want to.
The Style Black trend in makeup picked up steam as the fashion machine gathered momentum around the globe. M·A·C artist innovation made it happen backstage, as the Pro Team ventured into the deep end of the dark view with new M·A·C signature shades. From Charlotte Tilbury's night-charm way with Glimmerglass in Bling Black at Donna Karan; to Pep Gay's Cinderfella androgynous Eye Shadow, bewitching with a touch of Blue Flame for Vivienne Westwood; to Polly Osmond's dramatic use of the season's indispensable Greasepaint Stick on the runway in the exotic milieu of designer Yigal Azrouel. CNC Costume Nationale was the inked with pen-ultimate Style Black. Even fast and furious Diesel got into the neo-Goth night crawler, distressed just the right way, with the smoldering look of M·A·C Black Knight Lipstick paired with the dare of a Blackware Glimmerglass.
MAC, MAC, MAC... if you know one thing better than all else, it's lippies! I am an unabashed fan of Dazzleglass, and the idea of these new Dazzleglass Cremes has me trippin' over my own feet to get to the MAC counter!
LAUNCHING ON THURSDAY (tomorrow!), Sept. 24, 2009
Flashing flecks of lustrous glimmer give lips a new kind of high-beam shine, while the balm-effect of the pillow-top comfort creme keeps the supple going and going. For dazzle with absolute comfort, it's better than brilliant!
M∙A∙C cult favourite Dazzleglass with a creamier, smoother, but no less shiny or dazzling effect. For those who are drawn to the luxe of cream lips, but still want the dazzling allure of its inspiration, this is it.
That description makes me expect that "pillowy" feel I got from the never-to-be-seen-again 3-D Glass of yore, a formula I loved. If that's the case then we have sparkle + opacity + shine + cushiony-feel, and I'm buying every one and tossing my other lipglosses. Yes, I'm almost not kidding. ;)
Ultra-luxurious, no sticky smack or drag, Aloe and Vitamin E
enriched, keeps lips lightweight but strong-willed, for long-lustre,
ultimate luminosity. Wear it alone for medium-sheer, dewy
coverage…. For dazzle with absolute comfort, it’s better than brilliant. And the accompanying applicator brush is a dream.
Here are the colors:
Sublime Shine | Light coral brown with gold pearl
Soft Dazzle | Mid-tone peach pink with gold pearl
Perfectly Unordinary | Bright yellow pink with gold pearl
My Favourite Pink | Light blue pink with pearl
Do It Up | Bright blue pink with pearl
Luscious Spark | Light orange with gold pearl
Totally Fab | |Bright yellow red with pearl
Creme Allure | Bright yellow plum with pearl
Amorous | Deep brown red with pearl
Suggested Retail Price $18.00 U.S./$21.50 CDN
Um, yeah. I want 'em all. Especially My Favorite Pink, Do It Up, Totally Fab, Creme Allure, and maybe even Sublime Shine! How 'bout you? Gonna go haul some Dazzleglass Cremes? If you do (or don't) tell us about it in the Comments! And if you have swatches, please share!
I sure loves me some Autumn MAC. Well, I'm a MAC whore, so I kind of love it all. But Autumn is one of my favorite times in the cosmetics world, MAC being no exception. So let's take a look at the MAC that's available now (and I'll throw in the collection that's coming out next week).
Four lipsticks, in camera ready shades: Resolutely Red (deepened claret - L ), Close to Real (light neutral peach pink - L), High Def (midtone neutral coral - A), and Sharp Focus (deep brown plum - L).
A repromote of makeup-artist-must Face & Body Foundation
A repromote of BSB fave Mineralize Skinfinish Naturals
Repromoted brushes in cult favorites #187 and #188
Three of the 4 lipsticks are Lustre formulas - a sheer and shiny formulation that lets some of the lip shine through; High Def is going to be a neutralizer of sorts, because it's an Amplified Creme and more opaque like a "traditional lipstick".
The brushes are must-haves in my book. Both are duo-fibre brushes ("skunk brushes"), perfect for liquids, creams and powders, and are to be used in a circular, buffing motion for the most part. The #187 is larger, and great for foundation, bronzer and larger-area applications. I adore the #188, the smaller of the two, and use it for foundation on petite faces and applying highlighter and cheek color.
The Face & Body Foundation has a different numbering system - just a heads-up to you who have memorized your NC/NW shade. It's a great sheer foundation with lots of gleam--- maybe not what you want on your face every day, but lovely on the high planes of the face, or tempered with a less shimmery foundation in places. This makeup is water- and sweat-proof, and was designed to hold-up in fashion show lighting, so it's not gonna budge. It's one of the gentlest on the skin, though - I don't hear as many "MAC makes me break out" stories about this foundation. GREAT for legs, arms, chest, too (as designed)!
Everyone is likely tired of hearing me wax poetic about Mineralize Skinfinish Naturals, but I'm going to do it again: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I use it as a foundation, but it's also a great finishing powder, too. Since it's a MSF, you know you can use it wet or dry (if you use it wet, leave it open on your vanity to dry before closing it up to reduce bacteria build-up), right? And it's great paired with foundations that have a bit of shimmer, since this powder isn't completely matte. Build it up for more coverage (buff it in) or dust a bit on for a light glow. I love it. Did I mention that?
Upstarts Flawless ($56.50) includes full size Mineralize SatinFinish SPF 15 Foundation in your choice of shade, full size Mineralize SkinFinish in Soft & Gentle, travel size Cleanse Off Oil Tranquil, and travel size Charged Water in Revitalizing Energy in a zip-around clear-with-black trim makeup bag.
Upstarts Lined & Lashed ($27) includes full size Zoomlash, full size Prep + Prime Lash, travel size Pro Eye Makeup Remover, and a mini Nightsky Softsparkle Pencil in a zip-around clear-with-black plastic trim makeup bag.
Upstarts Well Prepared ($47) includes full size Prep + Prime Skin, full size Prep + Prime Translucent Powder, travel size Cleanse Off Oil, and travel size Fix+ in a zip-around clear-with-black plastic trim makeup bag.
Upstarts Brightfully Light (S$134) An Asia-exclusive Lightful kit for UV-protected and radiant skin. Includes regular sizes of Ultracharge SPF25/PA+++ Foundation, Active Softening Lotion, Hydro-Charged SPF 30/PA++ Moisturizer and a promotional size of Foaming Creme Cleanser.
FALL ’09 AS SEEN BY MARILYN MINTER, PHOTOGRAPHER
Marilyn Minter, equally at home in art and fashion, has a penchant for iridescence that made her a perfect candidate for M·A·C’s glitter pigments, putting them to utterly seductive use. Minter’s erotic imagery zooms in on a succulently wet, red lip, a dappled, sequined eye, or a silverized stiletto splashing in the mud. The Whitney Biennial Artist says she’s “Never met a model who actually thinks she’s beautiful,” and that observation goes a long way to explain how she connects to what M·A·C wants to say about all-inclusiveness – we’re ALL beautiful sometimes. Pigments in Push the Edge and Copper or Gold Glitter have the power to make anyone feel like they WILL be seen – and desired.
Details after the jump...
Continue reading "MAC - Make-up Art Cosmetics collection: Marilyn Minter" »
FALL ’09 AS SEEN BY RICHARD PHILLIPS, PAINTER
Richard Phillips surprised even himself with this project. Using the expert skills of a photo-retoucher, he subjected his own painting to a M·A·C makeover with the new eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks. Andy Warhol did a cameo on The Love Boat in 1985…and in the same spirit, Richard Phillips’ 1998 painting, Spectrum, made its debut on an episode of the scandalous Gossip Girl – a sign of the times! Recycled and re-imagined ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s advertisments and images, and every colourful issue ever considered when pondering the question of “identity” is what Richard Phillips is all about. His bold and beautiful portraits are highly technical, a refinement of precise, academic painting, so relevant to everything M·A·C artistry is all about. A collection of Eye Shadow quads, Lipsticks, Lipglass, and The Perfect Cheek Blush just leap off the canvas!
read more ater the cut...
Continue reading "MAC - Make-up Art Cosmetics collection: Richard Phillips" »
Did you know that MAC stands for Makeup Art Cosmetics? Meh, you probably knew that. Well, then you know saying "MAC Cosmetics" is redundant, like saying "ATM Machine." That annoys me. That doesn't have anything to do with the fact that MAC is going back to its roots by basing its latest collection on collaborations with three artists. No-- I didn't say "makeup artists". I said "artists". Yay! It's about time!
The collection is each artist's interpretation of Fall '09. Let's take a look, shall we?
This season M·A·C celebrates the idea of the Artist in every shade and stripe…makeup as art form. M·A·C has selected three individuals who exemplify this idea through both the subjects they choose, and the wildly individual styles and colours used to convey them. Bold, heroic, big; giggly, playful, clever; dramatic, original, abstract: Fall ’09 as seen by Richard Phillips, Maira Kalman, and Marilyn Minter. Be inspired!
Since this is a 3-part collection, I think the best way to do it is to break it down into 3 parts here at Beauty School.
Click the names below and be transported to the artist's vision!
In M·A·C culture, the human face and body are the ultimate canvas for makeup artists. Makeup and brushes are quite literally the tools. M·A·C Artists are influenced by all forms of art from painting to photography to images in film, using makeup as their means of expression. Like fine artists, they create depth, sculpt contours, brush on highlights, blend textures, mix colours, or apply pigment straight from the tube like Van Gogh. But in this case, the canvas talks back.
“We are M·A·C … Make-Up Art Cosmetics. Every face is a canvas to us, a glorious chance for spectacular transformation. It’s nice to be pretty, but it’s so much more fabulous and interesting to be a persona, something once out-of-grasp that has, through the power of art, become thrillingly real,” says James Gager, Senior Vice President/Creative Director. “In keeping with our art heritage, it made sense to ask these three artists to participate in a unique collaboration with us for fall. Working in their individual mediums – drawing, photography and painting – each applied a different colour palette to a portrait, with inspired results.”
Gordon Espinet, Vice President, Makeup Artistry adds, “Art has no boundaries. Art appeals to ‘all ages, all races, all sexes! Art is ultimately all about individual expression. M·A·C makes no distinction between the fine artist and the makeup artist and gives every artist the power to tell their story with makeup.”
Everything at M·A·C is built around the idea that anything is possible when self-expression is honored, exalted, allowed to rise to its ultimate aria. This season M·A·C celebrates the idea of the Artist in every shade and stripe…makeup as art form. M·A·C has selected three individuals who exemplify this idea through both the subjects they choose, and the wildly individual styles and colours used to convey them. Bold, heroic, big; giggly, playful, clever; dramatic, original, abstract: Fall ’09 as seen by Richard Phillips, Maira Kalman, and Marilyn Minter. Be inspired!
I love best-of lists, don't you? Even if half of the items are out of my price range, it's cool to see what people like, don't like, what I've tried and what I haven't. This year's Sept. issue of Self has their Beauty Award Winners, and it's the kind of "best-of" list I like the best - they give a "high end" and a "not-so-high end" option.
I'd give you my opinion on these, but I haven't tried most of them. I'm stunned. I do love the Lancome eye cream - it's great. And I wrote up a glowing review of the Crest Advanced Seal whitening kit. And we know I loves me some MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes! As for the rest--- I guess I need to get to testing!
Take a look at the full list after the jump.
Gloss Interdit. The follow-up to the line's sexy-looking lipstick, Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick. As the title of this article states, I have never tried Givenchy cosmetics before (not even the super cool-looking Phenomen'Eye mascara. I was eager to try these lipglosses because, as we all know, I'm a gloss whore.
Right. So that's them, then. They are billed thusly:
The Review:
I love the packaging. While Givenchy isn't the first to use the squared-off container, it's still sleek and stylish. I also am thankful for the brush applicator. I'm kinda over the sponge-tip. The formula is a bit gloppy on the brush, but easily smoothes out once on the lips.
The smell (I noticed no taste, personally), according to the company, is "an elegant, sensual, and sophisticated new faced of the 'Espieglerie' concentrate found in Rouge Interdit and Rouge Interdit Shine. The fragrance is composed of top notes of bergamot, litchi, and red fruit; the middle notes of rose, jasmine and lily of the valley; and base notes of sandalwood, vanilla, amber and musk." Yeah, well, apparently I have way too much of a class-less American nose, 'cause I thought it smelled vaguely of watermelon, and only briefly. I noticed no dry-down or middle and base notes. *shrug* I don't buy lipgloss for the scent, anyway.
Did I noticed plumping? No. So I wouldn't recommend you buy it for that reason. Buy it because it's a good gloss!
This gloss felt comfortable on, and lasted fairly well. It's got good pigmentation (fairly opaque) and I liked the two colors a lot! I will definitely grab these over and over. For those of you who can swing a gloss that costs $24 or so, this is definitely a must-try.
Rose Taboo | A mid-tone pink I'd describe as almost bordering on praline. Very nice! Just a touch of sparkle keeps it lively.
Capricious Pink | A softer pink, not at all bubblegum and not so soft it disappears. Just a glint of cool shimmer makes this extra dreamy.
The only real downside is that these glosses is that they're a bit stickier or, to use a really un-sexy word, "gloppier" than I prefer. But if you don't slop it on, you can get around that - just take it easy.
I definitely like these glosses! The pickle: I WANT THEM ALL!
Now, if only I knew what "Interdit" means...
I got just about all of the new Urban Decay products, the ones from the Fall collection, and I wanted to show you some product pics, swatches, and my first ever video review!
Without further ado:
There are 3 new Deluxe Eye Shadows:
There are 3 new lipsticks:
There are two 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils:
There are 4 new primers (the two face primers were not received/reviewed):
There are 6 new cream eye liners called Ink for Eyes:
These cream liners are FABULOUS. I love the coffin-shaped cases. I love the consistency. I love the amazing double-sided brush! I just adore these. And they last for-ev-er. I've never been a fan of brown liners, especially those with no shimmer, but Demolition is my favorite - the shade is incredible. Zero is deep black and silky (no shimmer) and excellent for cat eyes, winged liner, and putting on the upper (and lower) waterline where it stays put! Pyrotechnics is a sheer base with shimmery, cool iridescent glitter and it's great as an unexpected pop in the inner corner (above) and layered over... well, anything! Binge, Loaded, and Empire are all great shades (none have shimmer) and I'll use them a lot, but note that you may have to layer those a touch to build to the desired intensity. Still, very easy to use and not a pain in the butt at all.
As for the video, I want to say a few things: this isn't fancy, and I'm still mastering exactly where to position the camera and such (hence some product close-ups that are so close they're a bit blurry). And there's a bandage on my hand from that ridiculous run-in I had a little while ago with a can of beans. It looks stupid, but there ya go. That's me - clutzy, new to video taping, and an Urban Decay junkie!
Courtesy of Cosmetosaur, a new fave blog of mine, some swatches of MAC's upcoming Dazzleglass Cremes. Please visit the Dino - it's a great blog!
That's two of the 6 featured (there will be 9 in the collection). Naturally, I pulled the two I must have. :)
Wanna see more? Go to Cosmetosaur!
(prelim info courtesy of Specktra.net)
27 Aug 09 [US/Canada]
Sep 2009 [international]
Backstage and Front Row, Nail Trend has arrived! More than a colour statement, an of-the-moment approach that dazzles with innovation and style. How to do it? Enter Jin Soon, much-sought-after nail guru who has worked the shows and with the best celebs, collaborating with us to create six nail colours exclusively for MAC. Fashion addicts won't be able to survive without them this Fall.
Nail Lacquers: (LE) $12.00USD/$14.50CAD
(prelim details courtesy of Specktra.net)
27 Aug 09 [US/Canada]
Sep 2009 [international]
We're dramatically lashing out with the help of a pre-eminent authority on the subject: Academy Award-nominated Hollywood makeup artist, Christina Smith, who's developed this innovative collection of glamorous Silver Screen style lash looks just for MAC, and that means you're that much closer to the secrets of being red-carpet ready, runway-ravishing. Part of our continuous commitment to collaborating with the most incredible talents working around the globe, these lashes will step it up and set it off!
False Lashes: $12.00USD/$14.50CDN
I recently got sent two nail products. I knew one was coming and had high hopes, while the other was a complete surprise. BOTH items immediately became treasured members of my Top 5 For Nails list, and I wanted to do a quick post to show you both
Indigo Paris, part of Lancôme’s Fall Collection, is a fabulous blue shimmer that is nearly metallic! It's immediately getting the "Holy Grail" status fro me, because I've been looking for a blue comparable to my beloved China Glaze Coconut Kiss. Meanwhile, Essie's Matte About You topcoat taps into the matte trend by overlaying any polish you have with a sexy satin finish.
I did a mani with Indigo Paris and then layered Matte About You over it on the ring fingers. I then went back with Indigo Paris and painted a French-style stripe on the tip. On the thumbs, I reversed that - shiny nail bed, matte French tip.
Here are the swatches - plain ole Indigo Paris on the left and on the right is the mattified version. Look how radiant this polish is, even with the matte top coat!This is just the perfect blue shimmer (and it wears well, too)! The formula is perfect - no gloppiness, not terribly runny. Nothing to complain about!
And here are some more examples of Matte About You at work:
I used the colors above (pardon the terrible pics) because I thought many of the colors were familiar. Below, skittles nails before Matte About You, then after 1 coat was applied:
A closer look at ♥ matte Coconut Kiss ♥ and Aruba Blue:
A closer look at China Glaze Ruby Heels and Lubu Heels,
and a peek of OPI Shootout at the OK Coral (2009 version):
Matte About You dries in a hot second, leaving behind what can only be described as "yumminess". I wasn't sure how I felt about the matte trend, as only a few of the pre-made colors I've seen were really eye catching. But now I have to say I'm quite interested in the experiments I can do with my current collection of polishes, and I LOVE doing a mixed matte-shiny mani. I may give a second look to Fall's matte collections, now that my eyes have been opened, but all I really need is Essie's Matte About You!
Note: Some of the matte polishes on the market come with a lot of rules. They say "don't use a base coat" and "don't apply lotion" or the formula will degrade. Not with Matte About You! I used my normal base coat and the appropriate number of color coats for the particular shade. In fact, I even topped that with Seche Vite to dry it all quickly (in case I had to change a diaper!). Matte About You glided on top and dried quickly and flawlessly. Using lotion or cuticle oil de-mattifies the topcoat temporarily, but once the oils sink in or rub off (whatever) the finish is back to satiny goodness.
Lancôme’s Indigo Paris comes in at a pricey $18 US, but in my opinion it's worth it!
Essie's Matte About You finisher is only $10 US, and I'll definitely be getting a few more bottles!
