MAC Purchases in February

I went ahead and splurged a little with the MAC Color Forecast Collection this month. I really love purple so I was attracted to the Spring Color 3 items but bought only one of them. The Blush Ombre in Vintage Grape is quite lovely. I was worried that with my pale skin color the darker shade of the blush may be too much and come off kind of cartoon like. However, I have found that if I load my brush with a side-to-side sweep across the pan, when I apply the blusher the darker color is on the bottom 1/3 of the brush only so in essence it is like contouring at the same time as applying the blush that is on the other 2/3 of the brush. This was a real surprise for me and I am very happy with this purchase. It was $25 and the pan is rather larger (9 grams) so I feel like I got a good deal for my money. The Blush Ombres are limited edition so better buy one before they disappear. I had been interested in the purple quad too but once I swatched the Color Stack 1 from the Spring Colour 1 Forecast Collection I forgot all about the quad. It is officially called Crushed Metal Pigment: Stacked 1. It is also limited edition. Four very soft and almost creamy feeling pigments in screw top stackable jars. There is a dark and light purple and a dark and light pink. The colors are: Dark Purple Frost, Light Lilac Frost, Mid-tone Rose Frost & Pale Pink Frost. The consistency of these pigments reminds me of the Volturi pigments I purchased back in November. Very soft and creamy so they have a supper smooth slip when applying them to the eye. The set was $32.50 and you only get a total of 12 grams of product (so figure 3 grams of each color) which would come out to $8.13 per color or $2.71 per gram so when you think about it you are getting a deal on pigments. The new MAC pigments are now 4.5 grams and they cost $19.50 each, which is $4.33 per gram. And as I mentioned earlier, this set is limited edition. While I was there I returned my Back-2-MAC items and picked up a mineralized eyeshadow in Pink Split. The MAC description of the color is "Pink with gold pearl mono/Dirty rose with bronze and pale blue veining (Frost)." It was regularly $19.50 so FREE was an awesome deal with my Back-2-MAC items. The same week as this collection coming out I also bought both of the new Viva Glam Lipsticks in Gaga and Cyndi ($14 each). I love both of them. They are very versatile colors that with the addition of a lip liner and gloss can be worn with just about everything. I will have to get some back ups of both colors. My last MAC purchase in February was a pigment. I love cornflower blue and MAC's pigment called Corn Flower is so perfectly named. It is a pearlized pastel blue with a red-violet flash. It has a nice slip and texture that is smooth. It was the new size pigment but the same old price of $19.50. All in all not too bad for a short month full of new MAC releases. Total spent $112.36.

MAC Packaging

So by now everyone should know that MAC has changed the packaging for their pigments. Yes, the size of the pigments is smaller (now 4.5grams compared to the old 7.5 grams) and the price has remained the same ($19 each). I am not thrilled with this and I am sure many others feel the same way. Also, it just kind of messes up the uniformity of your collection.

Other packaging changes you will see are the palettes. Both the 4 pan and the 15 pan palettes are changing to have magnetic closures with clear covers. Now this is a change I can embrace! The pan sizes are not changing (they are 1.5 grams) so you can still depot and swap colors around if you are a palette fan.

I am just getting around to putting my MAC shadows all in 15 pan palettes so I think for uniformity I will just go ahead and wait to use the new palettes. I was able to see the new 4 pan quad with the magnetic clear cover today at my local MAC store. It is available in the Spring Color Forecast Colletion #3 and #4.

REMINDER - 2 days until MAC Viva Glam Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper lippies are released! I can't wait! Release was originally scheduled for March 18th but has been moved up to Feb 10th!

Modern Geisha

This was my final look for Halloween. It is a Modern Geisha inspired look. I needed a look that would not run because I live in Florida and it was in the 80's yesterday for Halloween and that was just too hot to wear a wig outside for me.

This look incorporates the lush botanicals of subtropical southwest Florida along with the geisha mask. It is softer than the traditional black and red colors because I substituted for pink. I love how it turned out. To add drama to my hair with out having to wear a wig I put on my top hat and even took a walking cane with me when I went out wearing this look.

Hope you enjoy!






I used:

FACE
Liquid Foundations from NYX in Pale and Ivory
Translucent Powder from NYC
Coastal Scents Silica Powder

EYES
Vanilla colored shadow from 120 Pro Palette
Light Yellow shadow from 120 Pro Palette
NYX Light Pink and Hot Pink Colored Eyeshadows
INGLOT bright yellow for center of lid
MAC Black Track Fluid Line
Ardell Lashes

FLOWERS
1 Stem of Orchids from Michaels Craft Store
Take them apart and apply with Duo Lash Glue

LIPS
Benefit Posey Tint
NYX Light Pink Shadow in center of lip
MAC clear gloss

Top Hat from Spirit

Halloween Looks

I have much to post since I have been buying and doing a lot with my makeup in the last month but before I do all of that I am posting my Halloween looks for 2009!

Here is the first! I am a Circus Ringmaster!






I used for this look:

FACE
Make Up For Ever Face Primer
NYX foundation in Pale and Ivory
Translucent Powder from NYC
Silica Powder from Coastal Scents

EYES
Red and Black from Make Up For Ever Flash Palette for color base
Red Shadow from 120 Pro Palette to set red base
Oil Slick Black Shadow from Urban Decay
MAC Black Track Fluid line
Some no name False Lashes from Ebay
Milk eye pencil from NYX
Black Mascara from Rimmel

LIPS
Red Lipstick from NYX

Top Hat from Spirit
Wig from Ebay

More looks to come!

MAC Trip

Popped into my local MAC store this afternoon to pick up some Fix+ and find out why I have not been getting mailings for events and upcoming collections. I guess everyone is trying to save money these days on their advertising. The exciting news is that while I was there, I got to swatch the new Makeup Artists' Collection and there are some hits and some misses.

HITS!
The five eyeliners are in new super kewl colors. It seems that MAC may have been taking notice of Urban Decays amazing pencils because Artistic License is a dead ringer for the Urban Decay Glide on Eye Pencil in Electric. (Remember the UD is on sale this week if you use the 30% off code in my earlier post!)

Colour Matters is my favorite of all these pencils. I have never owned a pencil this bright and this chartreuse. It is amazing. If you can only buy one pencil from the collection I think this is the most unique one and I would even say buy two because it will be a favorite.

Full of Fuchsia is the hot pink pencil. I am going to have to try this one on someone who has olive toned skin. I think that reds and pink eye pencils really look great on people with more yellow undertones in their skin and also on people who have brown eyes.

Obviously Orange is just what the name says...orange. I am going to try this one with it's complimentary color, blue and come up with some looks. I will post pics once I have them together.

Graphblack is the last pencil and you probably have a million black liners if you are like me. But seriously, who isn't looking for a really good black eyeliner that is soft enough for your waterline too? Well look no more. Just go for it and buy all five of these pencils!

MISSES!
The lipstick collection. There was not one shade that I saw that made me think that it was totally new or unique or that I "had to have it." I was underwhelmed with the generic use of color.

NOT ON SALE YET!
So you know this collection is not on sale to the public yet. It launches in the US on August 20th. I have an appointment next Friday to go back and play with all the products and pick up the items I selected today, so more news will follow once I have the products home. I will take my camera to the store next week to get pics for the blog so look for those soon.

MAC Style Black Collection (”All Black Collection”) for Fall 2009

MAC Style Black Collection

U.S. Launch Date: September 24th, 2009
International Launch Date: October 2009

Still a month and a half away, MAC’s Style Black Collection continues to create buzz. Slated for September 24th, the collection features a mixture of black shades as well as black-inspired shades (e.g. the mineralize eyeshadows). Are you excited for this upcoming launch? Post a comment below and tell us what you want to try. Being a semi-reformed punk rock girl I myself want to try it all!

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.

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Black Knight Creamy true black (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

Mattene ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

• Midnight Media Dense matte black (Limited Edition)
• Night Violet Deep purple grape (Repromote) (Limited Edition)

Glimmerglass ($18.00 U.S. / $21.50 CDN)

• Bling Black Sheer black with gold pearl (Limited Edition)
• Blackfire Sheer black with pink purple pearl (Limited Edition)
• Blackware Creamy true black (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19.00 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

• Cinderfella Black with silver pearl (Limited Edition)
• Young Punk Black with pink purple pearl (Limited Edition)
• Gilt by Association Black with gold bronze pearl (Limited Edition)
• Blue Flame Black with blue pearl (Limited Edition)

Get more details…

Grease Paintstick ($17.50 U.S. / $21.00 CDN)

• Black Intense black (Limited Edition)

Penultimate Liner ($16.50 U.S. / $20.00 CDN)

• Rapidblack True black (Permanent)

Eye Kohl ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

• Smolder Intense Black (Permanent)

Cream Colour Base ($16.50 U.S. / $20.00 CDN)

• Black Creamy True black (Limited Edition)
• Bat Black Burgundy black with pink pearl (Permanent at PRO)

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S. / $14.00 CDN)

• Nocturnelle True black (Cream) (Permanent)
• Seriously Hip Black with gold particle pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Baby Goth Girl Black with pink and purple pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Brushes

• #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. (Permanent) ($23.00 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)

Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($19.50 U.S. / 23.50 CDN)

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. 3.4oz (Limited Edition)

Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask ($19.50 U.S> / $23.50 CDN)

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 (Limited Edition)

Preview MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief Holiday 2009 Kits

Start savings now for the Holidays!

U.S. Launch Date: October 15th, 2009

Heavenly Dish Neutral Lip Kit ($22.00 U.S.)

Floating Lightly Pale neutral pink beige (Limited Edition)
Heavenly Dish Sheer mid-tone neutral pink (Limited Edition)
Barely Visible Glossy pale nude with pearl (Limited Edition)

Possessed By Pink! Lip Kit ($22.50 U.S.)

Tickled Dark plum (Limited Edition)
Laugh A Lot Creamy mid-tone blue pink (Limited Edition)
Sweet Smile Glossy mid-tone pink with pearl (Limited Edition)

6 Sorceress Eye Shadows ($36.00 U.S.)

Magnetized Light frosted lavender (Limited Edition)
Altered State Deep frosted blue purple (Limited Edition)
White Rabbit Frosted soft white (Limited Edition)
Edge of Dark Charcoal with silver pearl (Limited Edition)
Hold My Gaze Mid-tone cool green grey (Limited Edition)
Hypnotizing Frosted grayed mauve (Limited Edition)

6 Devil May Dare Warm Eye Shadows ($36.00 U.S.)

Dare Ya! Light frosty peachy pink (Limited Edition)
Devilishly Dark Rich brown with gold pearl (Limited Edition)
Oh My Darling Pale frosty cream (Limited Edition)
Prankster Mid-tone frosted olive (Limited Edition)
Sorcery Blackened burgundy (Limited Edition)
Gold Tease Frosty mid-tone gold (Limited Edition)

6 Mystic Cool Eye Shadows ($36.00 U.S.)

Cool Incantation Opalescent white gold (Limited Edition)
Shhh, Don’t Tell Pale neutral pink (Limited Edition)
Blue Enchantment Dark frosted turquoise (Limited Edition)
Rose Potion Mid-tone frosted rose (Limited Edition)
Deep Secret Deep frosted indigo (Limited Edition)
Violet Vow Deep cool brown (Limited Edition)

6 Smoke and Mirrors Eye Shadows ($36.00 U.S.)

Fire in Her Eyes Frost neutral beige (Limited Edition)
Black Magique Black with gold pearl (Limited Edition)
Deception Frosty golden brown (Limited Edition)
Spell No. 9 Soft muted pink beige (Limited Edition)
Wide-eyed Wonder Mid-tone frosty grey taupe (Limited Edition)
(Missing one shadow here — if you know it, let us know!)

Hocus Focus Colourful Face Kit ($38.00 U.S.)

Pretty Baby Soft baby pink (Repromote) (Limited Edition)
Peachykeen Mid-tone peach with pearl (Permanent)
Sunsparked Pearl Frost warm beige with pearl (Repromote) (Limited Edition)

Fab-racadabra Bronze Face Kit ($38.00 U.S.)

Golden Muted gold tan with gold pearl (Permanent)
Sunbasque Gilded peach with pearl (Permanent)
Buffed & Polished Frosty bronzed gold (Repromote) (Limited Edition)