I've been a bit lazy with the reviewing lately - a bit stressed with things at the moment so haven't really felt like it but I have been doing swatches and photos of some new products I've got over the last month or so which I'd like to share. Some of them did really need to be tested properly to give an accurate review, I didn't want to just put photos up with a quick first impression, I want you to be able to judge whether that particular product would be a worthwhile purchase for you.
So, coming soon...
Bobbi Brown Corrector
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer
Sleek Finishing Powder
Sleek Contouring Kit
No. 17 Eyeshadow Quad
Benefit Powder Time Lover
MAC Redd liner
Illamasqua Throb picks
Chanel Spring collection picks
plus some NOTD (nail of the day) photos.
See, told you I've been lazy! I will do these throughout next week. I'm at the boyfriend's this weekend so don't have my camera with me at the moment.
Also, MAC fans interested in the upcoming Peacocky collection, I visited the Tumbridge Wells Fenwick counter today (well yesterday but I haven't been to sleep yet so it is still today for me) and they had postcards for the collection. The MAC lady told me it would be available NEXT THURSDAY! That would be the in store date and I expect it to go online Monday/Tuesday. Anyone looking forward to this collection? What are you hoping to pick up?
- Jennifer
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color SPF 12
Bobbi Brown is also releasing a new line of lipsticks this Spring. As far as I know they are permanent.
"What makes these lipsticks so modern is a formula that combines pigments with a colorless lipstick base. The result is crisp, clear color and full coverage without a heavy feeling.” — Bobbi Brown
Bobbi’s new lightweight, color-saturated formula for lips. Created with a colorless base, Rich Lip Color showcases the true color of pigments—so what you see is what you get. This creamy and emollient lipstick also moisturizes and conditions lips as it protects with SPF 12.
I'm actually really liking the sound of these, the colours look great (see below) and it sounds good that they are true to the stick colour. I'm also glad that they are meant to be moisturising because I have quite dry lips. I can't wait to test them in store!
Bikini Pink
Soft Coral
Bare Pink
Heather Pink
Mod Pink
Plum Rose
Rose Blossom
Guava
Sweet Nectar
Cosmic Raspberry
Old Hollywood
Crimson
"What makes these lipsticks so modern is a formula that combines pigments with a colorless lipstick base. The result is crisp, clear color and full coverage without a heavy feeling.” — Bobbi Brown
Bobbi’s new lightweight, color-saturated formula for lips. Created with a colorless base, Rich Lip Color showcases the true color of pigments—so what you see is what you get. This creamy and emollient lipstick also moisturizes and conditions lips as it protects with SPF 12.
I'm actually really liking the sound of these, the colours look great (see below) and it sounds good that they are true to the stick colour. I'm also glad that they are meant to be moisturising because I have quite dry lips. I can't wait to test them in store!
Bikini Pink
Soft Coral
Bare Pink
Heather Pink
Mod Pink
Plum Rose
Rose Blossom
Guava
Sweet Nectar
Cosmic Raspberry
Old Hollywood
Crimson
(credit to Temptalia)
- Jennifer
MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick Collection
This is a new and limited edition collection of lipsticks from MAC due out for Spring 2011. They sound like a new formula, different packaging like the Longwear Lipcremes. The shade list is below but I don't know anything else about them.
- Bare Again
- Behave Yourself
- Can’t Get Enough
- Can’t Resist
- Full Speed
- Good to be Bad
- Gotta Dash!
- Impressive
- Insanely It
- Look at Her!
- New Temptation
- Quite the Thing!
- Supremely Confident
- Ultra Darling
(credit Temptalia)
- Jennifer
MAC Viva Glam Gaga II
New lipstick and lipglass by Lady Gaga for the MAC Viva Glam range. This one is in a really nice looking nude which I look forward to seeing in real life. It isn't a limited edition but it will be around for a limited time (I don't know how long but Viva Gaga I and Viva Cyndi are also around for a limited time. They have been here for a while so if it is the same you should have time to get one if you wish). The Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses were launched to raise money and awareness for AIDS, profits go to the MAC AIDS Fund - http://www.macaidsfund.org/
- Jennifer
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
MAC Lightfully Bright Collection
Brand new Spring 2011 Collection from MAC. This collection quite small, mainly for skincare but there are also four brand new limited edition lipglasses. I love the colours of the promotional image, but the only colours in this collection are in the lipglasses.
U.S./Canada Launch Date: February 2011 (possibly online only)
Lipglass ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
- Outer Space White with pink pearl (Limited Edition)
- Astro Cool Light lavender with pink pearl (Limited Edition)
- Atmospheric Pink with blue pearl (Limited Edition)
- Ethereal Pale blue with pink pearl (Limited Edition)
Lightful Deep Ultramoisture Creme ($38.00 U.S. / $46.50 CDN)
Lightweight, gel-like cream. Provides a moisture-locking barrier for long-lasting protection. Instantly hydrates the skin for a smoother skin surface, and helps it look more luminous over time.
Lightful Active Softening Lotion ($30.00 U.S. / $36.00 CDN)
Hydrating, water-based lotion. Absorbed quickly into skin. Immediately infuses depleted skin with moisture. Leaves it feeling refreshed, soothed and soft with a more even-toned look.
Lightful Foaming Creme Cleanser ($24.00 U.S. / $29.00 CDN)
Soothing whipped creamy mousse cleanses and rebalances skin. Rinses quickly. Leaving skin feeling clean and comfortable…never stripped or dehydrated.
Lightful Charged Essence ($40.00 U.S. / $48.00 CDN)
Concentrated, lightweight, gel-like essence. Absorbed quickly into the skin. Helps it look and feel smoother, softer, brighter and more resilient.
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Dye Day!
I'd never dyed my hair before... that was until yesterday! I'd always been cautious because it would mean changing my shampoo and possibly bleaching my almost black hair and I didn't really want to do either of those. Last week I went for a haircut and my hairdresser talked to me about hair colours. She was really excited at the prospect of dying my hair for the first time and whipped out the colour chart. There was one colour which I really liked, it was a purply red called colour 666 (lol). After talking through how it could be done, we settled on slices of colour underneath the top layer of my hair so it would flash through as my hair moved. That way, it wouldn't be too much of a shock as it was my first time dying it and I could always go for something more the next time. She also told me that bleaching wasn't needed so that was great because I didn't want the red to fade to orange, instead it would just fade towards my natural colour.
Yesterday I went back to my hairdressers. I was excited but a bit nervous because I was worried it wouldn't take properly or it would turn orange or I'd look stupid. I'm sat in the chair, waiting for my hairdresser while she is mixing the dye, still worrying but trying to be rational, 'trust the woman, she is the hairdresser, she does this everyday and knows what she is doing'. She comes back and a couple of minutes later, she has put the foil under my hair and is painting the dye on. Instead of being worried anymore, I was amazed at how she folded the foil around my hair haha.
I think the dye was on for about 1 hour, probably less but it felt like that. A lady next to me was having her eyebrows done and got taken downstairs to the beauty area and I then remembered that I'd wanted to get mine done at some point... because they were basically a mess and I'm far too lazy to do much about them. So as I was already there, I asked if I could have mine done while I waited.
When the beautician was done with the previous lady, she grabbed my hand and took me downstairs (she was also excited because I'd never had my eyebrows done professionally!) I laid on this table thing and she told me that I only needed them tiding up. I was told to close my eyes and I felt this warm liquidy stuff being put on me... WAX ARGH! I forgot about that bit and remembered the first time I tried to wax my legs and why it was also the last time. It actually wasn't even bad, I hardly felt anything when she pulled the strip off. When she started tweezering, that felt much worse. Once she was done, I sat up and wiped my watery eyes, looked in the mirror. It was worth it. I think they look perfect :D
Then it was time to have my hair washed and blow dried. My hairdresser is fantastic at blowdrying, my hair looked like it had been straightened and styled all in one. The colour unfortunately, while it is nice, isn't the purply red I'd hoped for. It is more of a copper and doesn't really show up in natural light. My hairdresser said she would go over it in a couple of days with another colour to get it brighter (she had told me it might not take as well as it could because it was the first time dying it). I'm having that done - hopefully - on Wednesday so I look forward to it.
Meanwhile, here is what it looks like at the moment and a picture of my eyebrows.
- Jennifer
Yesterday I went back to my hairdressers. I was excited but a bit nervous because I was worried it wouldn't take properly or it would turn orange or I'd look stupid. I'm sat in the chair, waiting for my hairdresser while she is mixing the dye, still worrying but trying to be rational, 'trust the woman, she is the hairdresser, she does this everyday and knows what she is doing'. She comes back and a couple of minutes later, she has put the foil under my hair and is painting the dye on. Instead of being worried anymore, I was amazed at how she folded the foil around my hair haha.
I think the dye was on for about 1 hour, probably less but it felt like that. A lady next to me was having her eyebrows done and got taken downstairs to the beauty area and I then remembered that I'd wanted to get mine done at some point... because they were basically a mess and I'm far too lazy to do much about them. So as I was already there, I asked if I could have mine done while I waited.
When the beautician was done with the previous lady, she grabbed my hand and took me downstairs (she was also excited because I'd never had my eyebrows done professionally!) I laid on this table thing and she told me that I only needed them tiding up. I was told to close my eyes and I felt this warm liquidy stuff being put on me... WAX ARGH! I forgot about that bit and remembered the first time I tried to wax my legs and why it was also the last time. It actually wasn't even bad, I hardly felt anything when she pulled the strip off. When she started tweezering, that felt much worse. Once she was done, I sat up and wiped my watery eyes, looked in the mirror. It was worth it. I think they look perfect :D
Then it was time to have my hair washed and blow dried. My hairdresser is fantastic at blowdrying, my hair looked like it had been straightened and styled all in one. The colour unfortunately, while it is nice, isn't the purply red I'd hoped for. It is more of a copper and doesn't really show up in natural light. My hairdresser said she would go over it in a couple of days with another colour to get it brighter (she had told me it might not take as well as it could because it was the first time dying it). I'm having that done - hopefully - on Wednesday so I look forward to it.
Meanwhile, here is what it looks like at the moment and a picture of my eyebrows.
This is what it looks like with camera flash. |
I've clipped the top layer of my hair up here to show the slices off underneath. I quite like my hair worn like this actually. |
I love my newly shaped eyebrows, they look fuller and I wont need to fill them in as much. My skin is still a bit blotchy here from the waxing. |
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Katy Perry OPI collection
When I found out about this collection I did a little oooh! I'm not a huge fan of Katy Perry but I like a few of her songs and I like how she is quirky and cool. I was really looking forward to seeing the colours and when I did, I wasn't disappointed. The glitters were gorgeous especially.
The collection is made up of two glitters (Last Friday Night and Teenage Dream), one duochrome (Not Like The Movies) and one metalic shimmery shade (The One That Got Away).
Last Friday Night: This is a gorgeous blue glitter in a jelly base. The glitter is like opal stones, the way they change colour which is probably one of the reasons I am drawn to it as they are favourite gemstones. The glitter changes from blue, green, turquoise and dark blue. It really is a fantastic colour, it seems to glow from within but the only thing that I was disappointed with is it's sheerness. The colour on the nail is much sheerer than in the bottle and I was expecting that bright blue shade. Due to the sheerness, you have to apply a few coats (I used four) to get it opaque and even then, it isn't as dark as the bottle. It still is lovely though, the sheerness shows the opalescent glitter off to it's best whereas you can't see it well in the bottle.
Not Like The Movies: This is a duochrome which flashes between purple and green although it looks silver in some lights. I wasn't able to get the green or silver in the photos, just the purple but the promotional picture shows this. It is a really nice duochrome and also has metalic shimmer in it. It definately fits with the name, it reminds me of looking through film negatives where you get the weird backwards colours in purples and greens. The colour is slightly sheer and works best with a third coat but it applies smoothly, really nice.
Teenage Dream: This is a light pink glitter with larger holographic glitter particles in it. I wasn't expecting the holographic glitter but wow, it is amazing. This shade is actually quite opaque for a glitter - I used two coats, it does have a coloured base so isn't like the glitters which are only coloured in the glitter itself. It might work for layering but I'm not sure, I'd planned to layer it over a pale pink cream but I think it might mostly cover it. It is incredibly sparkly, it doesn't have a smooth finish so if you can't stand the feel of glitter on your nails then you will need two or three layers of topcoat over it to create the smooth finish.
The One That Got Away: This is a bright fuchsia pink with bright pink shimmer, really pretty, really bright. Love it. Two coats for this one, smooth application but not a high gloss finish. I applied a glossy topcoat to finish it off.
Photos: For all of these I used Leighton Denny Under Cover Base Coat, the number of coats of polish as stated above and Leighton Denny Crystal Finish Topcoat. For the second bunch, I then applied Barry M Instant Nail Effects (same sort of thing as OPI Black Shatter but much cheaper) and another layer of topcoat to give it a gloss finish.
- Jennifer
L-R: Last Friday Night, Not Like The Movies, The One That Got Away, Teenage Dream and Black Shatter |
Last Friday Night: This is a gorgeous blue glitter in a jelly base. The glitter is like opal stones, the way they change colour which is probably one of the reasons I am drawn to it as they are favourite gemstones. The glitter changes from blue, green, turquoise and dark blue. It really is a fantastic colour, it seems to glow from within but the only thing that I was disappointed with is it's sheerness. The colour on the nail is much sheerer than in the bottle and I was expecting that bright blue shade. Due to the sheerness, you have to apply a few coats (I used four) to get it opaque and even then, it isn't as dark as the bottle. It still is lovely though, the sheerness shows the opalescent glitter off to it's best whereas you can't see it well in the bottle.
Not Like The Movies: This is a duochrome which flashes between purple and green although it looks silver in some lights. I wasn't able to get the green or silver in the photos, just the purple but the promotional picture shows this. It is a really nice duochrome and also has metalic shimmer in it. It definately fits with the name, it reminds me of looking through film negatives where you get the weird backwards colours in purples and greens. The colour is slightly sheer and works best with a third coat but it applies smoothly, really nice.
Teenage Dream: This is a light pink glitter with larger holographic glitter particles in it. I wasn't expecting the holographic glitter but wow, it is amazing. This shade is actually quite opaque for a glitter - I used two coats, it does have a coloured base so isn't like the glitters which are only coloured in the glitter itself. It might work for layering but I'm not sure, I'd planned to layer it over a pale pink cream but I think it might mostly cover it. It is incredibly sparkly, it doesn't have a smooth finish so if you can't stand the feel of glitter on your nails then you will need two or three layers of topcoat over it to create the smooth finish.
The One That Got Away: This is a bright fuchsia pink with bright pink shimmer, really pretty, really bright. Love it. Two coats for this one, smooth application but not a high gloss finish. I applied a glossy topcoat to finish it off.
Photos: For all of these I used Leighton Denny Under Cover Base Coat, the number of coats of polish as stated above and Leighton Denny Crystal Finish Topcoat. For the second bunch, I then applied Barry M Instant Nail Effects (same sort of thing as OPI Black Shatter but much cheaper) and another layer of topcoat to give it a gloss finish.
L-R: Last Friday Night, Not Like The Movies, Teenage Dream, The One That Got Away |
L-R: The One That Got Away, Teenage Dream, Not Like The Movies, Last Friday Night |
This shows the glitters off a bit better, you can see the opal colours in Last Friday Night and the Holographic glitter in Teenage Dream. |
Barry M Instant Nail Effects layered on top - no topcoat so it has a matt finish. |
Barry M Instant Nail Effects with Leighton Denny Crystal Finish over the top to get a gloss. |
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Illamasqua Throb Collection
First of all, I LOVE these promotional shots. The makeup is stunning and flawless and it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland - particularly the Queen of Hearts. Although I'd not wear my makeup like this out with the heart painted around my face, this shot totally sells the collection to me.
"Feel your pulse quicken, your heart throbbing in your chest. These are Illamasqua’s latest offerings at the altar of beauty, guaranteed to make you gasp with pleasure.
Bite...
Awaken your mouth’s erotic sensuality with the seductive red of Succubus Intense Lipgloss or enjoy the power of being an unashamedly brazen femme fatale with blood red Sangers Lipstick.
...and Scratch
Throb is a passionate red Nail Varnish, the colour of blood spilled by desperate, rejected lovers. Load is a rich, cream coating for the nails and Scorn’s midnight black matt finish is filled with contempt for the love of convention."
- Illamaqua's websiteCollection details:
Nail Polish - Throb (blood red), Load (rich cream), Scorn (matt black)
Lipstick - Sangers (blood red)
Intense Lipgloss - Succubus (blood red)
More photos can be found on Illamasqua's website. I especially like the two nail photos, one is cream with a matt black heart and the other is red with a cream french tip and a black band above it.
- Jennifer
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Purple & Green Sparkly Eyes
This is a look that from Temptalia which is inspired by the Disney character Maleficent using some of the MAC Venomous Villains collection. I loved that collection and have wanted to do this look for a while but only got around to it on Sunday when I went out for the evening with friends. I love the colours and it is really different to my usual makeup. I didn't use all of the products that Temptalia did, I had to subsitute a few things. You can view the original Temptalia version here, Christine looks fantastic wearing this look.
Products used:
Face - MAC Prep and Prime Face, MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 in NC20, Bobbi Brown Corrector, Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Beige, Benefit Dandlelion on cheeks.
Eyes - MAC French Quarter Greasepaint Stick as base, MAC She Who Dares Mineralize eyeshadow (green side), MAC My Dark Magic Mineralize eyeshadow (violet on lid, dark purple in crease), Urban Decay Graffiti 24/7 eyeliner, Urban Decay Heavy Metal liner (silver), Bobbi Brown gel liner (black ink - to tone down the glitter), MAC Plushlash Mascara.
Lips - MAC Violetta Lipstick, MAC Revenge Is Sweet Lipglass
I really enjoyed doing this look and the eyeshadow wore really well over the greasepaint. The eyeshadows are some of the prettiest eyeshadows I've seen, the green looks really cool when used wet. I'd like doing this look again, it makes a change from my usual makeup although it is only suitable for going out in the evening for me.
Photos (excuse how large my nose looks in these photos - it isn't actually that big haha... also excuse the unfinished bathroom!)
Products used:
Face - MAC Prep and Prime Face, MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 in NC20, Bobbi Brown Corrector, Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Beige, Benefit Dandlelion on cheeks.
Eyes - MAC French Quarter Greasepaint Stick as base, MAC She Who Dares Mineralize eyeshadow (green side), MAC My Dark Magic Mineralize eyeshadow (violet on lid, dark purple in crease), Urban Decay Graffiti 24/7 eyeliner, Urban Decay Heavy Metal liner (silver), Bobbi Brown gel liner (black ink - to tone down the glitter), MAC Plushlash Mascara.
Lips - MAC Violetta Lipstick, MAC Revenge Is Sweet Lipglass
I really enjoyed doing this look and the eyeshadow wore really well over the greasepaint. The eyeshadows are some of the prettiest eyeshadows I've seen, the green looks really cool when used wet. I'd like doing this look again, it makes a change from my usual makeup although it is only suitable for going out in the evening for me.
Photos (excuse how large my nose looks in these photos - it isn't actually that big haha... also excuse the unfinished bathroom!)
- Jennifer
Monday, 17 January 2011
Last Friday's Manicure
A little while ago I bought some Accessorize nail polishes in the Superdrug 3 for 2 on cosmetics offer. One of them was the Illusion Electric Blue colour. I'm a fan of Orly's Cosmic FX collection and own 4 of the 6 colours. I had my eye on the bright blue but didn't get around to buying it, then I saw that Accessorize had released some polishes which were really good dupes, and at half the price. The Accessorize polishes retail at £4 for 10ml which I think is pretty darn good considering my favourite brand is OPI and they cost more than double! Having said that, you do get an extra 5ml with OPI. Anyway, Orly is another high end nail brand, their polishes are around £8.95/£9.95 for 18ml over here in the UK but are harder to get hold of. Unless it is a colour you are going to use very often the large bottles aren't nessesarily worth buying so Accessorize is definately worth checking out.
The formula of Accessorize's Electric Blue seemed a little runny compared to OPI and Orly and the brush is on the narrower side. I personally like OPI brushes because they are easy to apply with due to the wider tip and you get a much more even coverage. Due to the brush and the formula being on the thin side, I did find it more difficult to get even application. After a couple of nails I started to get the hang of it and loaded the brush with more lacquer. I used 3 coats but it was actually opaque in 2 but due to me not applying evenly on some nails I did an extra coat and then I had to do an extra coat on the other nails to make them all the same.
The colour is gorgeous, it is like a bright cobolt blue with purple and lighter blue flecks in it. There sometimes seems like there is a turquoisy shade in there too. I really like duochrome polishes, I'd say this is one of my favourites because even when you are in an area where the duochrome doesn't show up all that well, the colour is still lovely.
Having applied this polish on Friday evening, I've still got a nice looking manicure (apart from the smudges due to my clumsiness) The colour is still strong, doesn't seem to have dulled at all and there is only minor tip wear. I did use OPI Nail Envy as my base and top coat (I would recommend making sure you do use a base coat to prevent staining and a top coat to prolong the colour and seal it in) followed by OPI Drip Dry Drops and OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil, as per my usual nail painting method.
- Jennifer
The formula of Accessorize's Electric Blue seemed a little runny compared to OPI and Orly and the brush is on the narrower side. I personally like OPI brushes because they are easy to apply with due to the wider tip and you get a much more even coverage. Due to the brush and the formula being on the thin side, I did find it more difficult to get even application. After a couple of nails I started to get the hang of it and loaded the brush with more lacquer. I used 3 coats but it was actually opaque in 2 but due to me not applying evenly on some nails I did an extra coat and then I had to do an extra coat on the other nails to make them all the same.
The colour is gorgeous, it is like a bright cobolt blue with purple and lighter blue flecks in it. There sometimes seems like there is a turquoisy shade in there too. I really like duochrome polishes, I'd say this is one of my favourites because even when you are in an area where the duochrome doesn't show up all that well, the colour is still lovely.
Having applied this polish on Friday evening, I've still got a nice looking manicure (apart from the smudges due to my clumsiness) The colour is still strong, doesn't seem to have dulled at all and there is only minor tip wear. I did use OPI Nail Envy as my base and top coat (I would recommend making sure you do use a base coat to prevent staining and a top coat to prolong the colour and seal it in) followed by OPI Drip Dry Drops and OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil, as per my usual nail painting method.
This photo shows some of the purple flecks in the polish - hard to capture |
Thursday, 13 January 2011
MAC Mickey Contractor Blusher and Mehr Lipstick Review
There are two blushers in the Mickey Contractor collection - Sur (dirty rose) and Gana (bright white gold). Both colours are new and limited edition for this collection.
Sur is a lovely dirty rose colour which looks a bit dark in the pan but actually looks very natural when applied. It gives a nice bit of colour without being too overpowering or obvious, a gentle flush. I think because it has the brown in the pink, it would work with a lot of different colours without clashing. I wore it with Oomph today without clashing whereas usually if I wear a too pink blusher, I end up looking like a painted doll. It is a Satin finish so has very subtle shimmer in it, barely noticeable but helps to give a bit of a glow to your skin, really nice. If using it on a light skintone, it would probably be a good idea to load your brush with minimal colour. The formula is very soft and just a touch on the surface is plenty so light skin may find it too much. I'd advise building the colour to your liking rather than shoving the brush in and then finding it is too much. Darker skintones might find it doesn't show much however.
Gana in my point of view isn't even a blusher, it is a highlighter. It is faaaar too light to use as a blusher, even on light skin, I can't see it working and I don't think it is supposed to. I actually didn't even order this shade but MAC sent it to me by mistake. Good job they did really because it is lovely. It is comparable to Chez Chez Lame from Cham-Pale but it is more of a neutral gold. I actually think this works much better than either of the Special Reserve Highlighting Powders. It is so smooth and pigmented, it applies beautifully. The highlighting powders seem a bit grainy in comparision even though they aren't - that is how smooth Gana is! I actually find it easier to use than the Special Reserves due to it being flat in the pan, the pattern in the others makes it more difficult for the brush to pick up the colour. I also don't want to ruin the pretty pattern in them, silly I know but hey!
The lipsticks in this collection are very pretty. Yash (deep neutral - Matte), Mehr (dirty blue pink - Matte), Gulabi (bright fuchsia - Amplified) , Mocha (Peachy Brown - Satin - Permanent). I chose Mehr, which is a lovely natural pink colour - very similar to my natural lip colour. It swatches a bit darker than when applied, may be due to the pink in my lips coming through although it is very opaque once applied. It is a matte finish which can be drying. My lips do get quite dry so I did find it slightly uncomfortable to wear but I didn't put any lipbalm underneath because I wanted to test it for what it was. Next time I use it I will be applying lipbalm and maybe a clear gloss on top if it is still a little dry. Transfer was minimal which I was impressed with, similar to satin finish lipsticks. I do wish this was a satin as my lips prefer those and I like the look of them more but nevermind. I don't have a swatch of it applied to my lips because my camera decided to throw a fit and the lense kept repeatedly zooming in and out, refusing to focus and I gave up.
- Jennifer
Sur is a lovely dirty rose colour which looks a bit dark in the pan but actually looks very natural when applied. It gives a nice bit of colour without being too overpowering or obvious, a gentle flush. I think because it has the brown in the pink, it would work with a lot of different colours without clashing. I wore it with Oomph today without clashing whereas usually if I wear a too pink blusher, I end up looking like a painted doll. It is a Satin finish so has very subtle shimmer in it, barely noticeable but helps to give a bit of a glow to your skin, really nice. If using it on a light skintone, it would probably be a good idea to load your brush with minimal colour. The formula is very soft and just a touch on the surface is plenty so light skin may find it too much. I'd advise building the colour to your liking rather than shoving the brush in and then finding it is too much. Darker skintones might find it doesn't show much however.
Gana in my point of view isn't even a blusher, it is a highlighter. It is faaaar too light to use as a blusher, even on light skin, I can't see it working and I don't think it is supposed to. I actually didn't even order this shade but MAC sent it to me by mistake. Good job they did really because it is lovely. It is comparable to Chez Chez Lame from Cham-Pale but it is more of a neutral gold. I actually think this works much better than either of the Special Reserve Highlighting Powders. It is so smooth and pigmented, it applies beautifully. The highlighting powders seem a bit grainy in comparision even though they aren't - that is how smooth Gana is! I actually find it easier to use than the Special Reserves due to it being flat in the pan, the pattern in the others makes it more difficult for the brush to pick up the colour. I also don't want to ruin the pretty pattern in them, silly I know but hey!
Left: Sur, Right: Gana |
L-R: Sur sheered, Sur, Gana sheered, Gana |
The lipsticks in this collection are very pretty. Yash (deep neutral - Matte), Mehr (dirty blue pink - Matte), Gulabi (bright fuchsia - Amplified) , Mocha (Peachy Brown - Satin - Permanent). I chose Mehr, which is a lovely natural pink colour - very similar to my natural lip colour. It swatches a bit darker than when applied, may be due to the pink in my lips coming through although it is very opaque once applied. It is a matte finish which can be drying. My lips do get quite dry so I did find it slightly uncomfortable to wear but I didn't put any lipbalm underneath because I wanted to test it for what it was. Next time I use it I will be applying lipbalm and maybe a clear gloss on top if it is still a little dry. Transfer was minimal which I was impressed with, similar to satin finish lipsticks. I do wish this was a satin as my lips prefer those and I like the look of them more but nevermind. I don't have a swatch of it applied to my lips because my camera decided to throw a fit and the lense kept repeatedly zooming in and out, refusing to focus and I gave up.
- Jennifer
MAC Mickey Contractor Oomph Eyeshadow and Fluidlines
The Mickey Contractor collection also has four single eyeshadows - Marvel (Deep purple with pink pearl), Oomph (Forest green with soft gold pearl), Rani (Bright fuchsia with soft pink pearl) and Saffron (Deep coral caramel). I picked up Oomph because green is my favourite colour and it looked gorgeous.
Having swatched it, it is a little disappointing, the green isn't as vivid in the pan and the shimmer doesn't show up as much as I'd like. It goes on quite 'dusty' looking if you sweep it on so patting is best and some kind of base helps it stick better. It is a veluxe pearl finish which is meant to be very soft but I didn't find this eyeshadow particularly soft or buttery. It is still a lovely colour but you do need to build it up to show it off to it's best otherwise it is mainly just the blackened base colour. It is quite similar to Greensmoke so you might prefer that although I found that Greensmoke is more golden in tone and there is more gold pearl in it. Personally, I prefer Oomph over Greensmoke for the greener tones. In the pan it is closer to Humid but they are very different swatched. If you are looking for something that is going to give roughly the pan colour in application, Humid would be a better choice.
If possible, it would be best to swatch this colour in store to really get a feel of what you're getting. If you are a big fan of green, like me, you might feel swayed enough to buy it anyway, just because it is another pretty green. Strangely, Oomph has slightly less product in it than other eyeshadows - not sure why but it is 0.04oz compared to 0.05oz in the rest.
I haven't tried the other colours so can't comment on them but I have read that there are some pigmentation issues with them also so again, if possible try before you buy.
Swatches and photos.
Next are the Fluidlines. I love these products. I used to be into liquid liner but since discovering Bobbi Brown gel liners, I like to use gel. MAC Fluidlines are similar to the BB ones although I find them creamier and a bit thinner in comparison. That isn't a problem though, they glide on smoothly (provided that you have a decent eyeliner brush - I highly recommend Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner brush) and boast a lot of pigment. There are two colours in the Mickey Contractor collection - Ivy (bright green with a slight shimmer) and Siahi (Deep teal/turquoise blue). Fluidlines are long wearing, smudgeproof and waterproof yet easy to remove with makeup remover.
Again, because I am a green fiend, as soon as I saw Ivy I wanted to get it and being in a new favourite eyeliner format, it was perfect. It isn't as strongly pigmented as the other two new Fluidlines (Siahi or Dark Diversion from Stylishly Yours) or the Bobbi Brown gel liners I own but it is still lovely. I had to go over the line again to make the green stronger but you may just want a subtle line so it will be fine. When I saw it, I thought it might be similar to Bobbi Brown Ivy Ink but after checking that colour out in store, BB Ivy is darker with gold shimmer to it if I remember rightly (another gorgeous green, worth a look). Fluidlines are cheaper than BB gel liners £13.50 compared to £15 for the same amount of product so that may sway you if you're undecided which green to get.
Siahi is another lovely colour. In the pot it looks more on the navy side and not particularly interesting, however, onced swatched... WOW. This amazing turquoise/teal blue comes out, really pretty. It is more pigmented than Ivy but both have the same smooth formula. I don't know of anything to compare it to, at least not in the gel liner format so if blue is your thing then this would be the one to get.
I think another use for these could be as eyeshadow bases, as shown in the swatch they do sheer out a bit and if you are quick you could probably use them to help stick your eyeshadow before they dry down. Worth a go I think.
- Jennifer
Having swatched it, it is a little disappointing, the green isn't as vivid in the pan and the shimmer doesn't show up as much as I'd like. It goes on quite 'dusty' looking if you sweep it on so patting is best and some kind of base helps it stick better. It is a veluxe pearl finish which is meant to be very soft but I didn't find this eyeshadow particularly soft or buttery. It is still a lovely colour but you do need to build it up to show it off to it's best otherwise it is mainly just the blackened base colour. It is quite similar to Greensmoke so you might prefer that although I found that Greensmoke is more golden in tone and there is more gold pearl in it. Personally, I prefer Oomph over Greensmoke for the greener tones. In the pan it is closer to Humid but they are very different swatched. If you are looking for something that is going to give roughly the pan colour in application, Humid would be a better choice.
If possible, it would be best to swatch this colour in store to really get a feel of what you're getting. If you are a big fan of green, like me, you might feel swayed enough to buy it anyway, just because it is another pretty green. Strangely, Oomph has slightly less product in it than other eyeshadows - not sure why but it is 0.04oz compared to 0.05oz in the rest.
I haven't tried the other colours so can't comment on them but I have read that there are some pigmentation issues with them also so again, if possible try before you buy.
Swatches and photos.
Oomph |
Oomph - left: swatched alone, right: swatched over Urban Decay Primer Potion |
Greensmoke, Oomph, Humid |
Top left: Greensmoke, bottom left: Humid, middle: Oomph, right: Oomph over UDPP |
Next are the Fluidlines. I love these products. I used to be into liquid liner but since discovering Bobbi Brown gel liners, I like to use gel. MAC Fluidlines are similar to the BB ones although I find them creamier and a bit thinner in comparison. That isn't a problem though, they glide on smoothly (provided that you have a decent eyeliner brush - I highly recommend Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner brush) and boast a lot of pigment. There are two colours in the Mickey Contractor collection - Ivy (bright green with a slight shimmer) and Siahi (Deep teal/turquoise blue). Fluidlines are long wearing, smudgeproof and waterproof yet easy to remove with makeup remover.
Again, because I am a green fiend, as soon as I saw Ivy I wanted to get it and being in a new favourite eyeliner format, it was perfect. It isn't as strongly pigmented as the other two new Fluidlines (Siahi or Dark Diversion from Stylishly Yours) or the Bobbi Brown gel liners I own but it is still lovely. I had to go over the line again to make the green stronger but you may just want a subtle line so it will be fine. When I saw it, I thought it might be similar to Bobbi Brown Ivy Ink but after checking that colour out in store, BB Ivy is darker with gold shimmer to it if I remember rightly (another gorgeous green, worth a look). Fluidlines are cheaper than BB gel liners £13.50 compared to £15 for the same amount of product so that may sway you if you're undecided which green to get.
Siahi is another lovely colour. In the pot it looks more on the navy side and not particularly interesting, however, onced swatched... WOW. This amazing turquoise/teal blue comes out, really pretty. It is more pigmented than Ivy but both have the same smooth formula. I don't know of anything to compare it to, at least not in the gel liner format so if blue is your thing then this would be the one to get.
Left: Siahi, Right: Ivy |
L-R: Siahi, Siahi sheered out, Ivy, Ivy sheered out |
- Jennifer
MAC Mickey Contractor Athma Eyeshadow Quad Review
The Mickey Contractor collection is another new collection from MAC which was created with Indian skintones in mind. Mickey Contractor is MAC's Director for Makeup Artistry for India. He has designed the products in this collection using his expersise as a makeup artist for the formulas and also through finding out what Indian women want. Bollywood was a bit inspiration to him, makeup for these films is all about glamour and dramatic yet beautiful eyes and sculpted features. The products are supposed to hold up against the heat of Bollywood film sets and perform well for the cameras. In addition to the new foundation colours formulated for Indian/Asian skintones, there is a gorgeous colour part to this collection which practicly anyone can wear, no matter what your skintone. He has created his own shades and also incorporated some Permanent colours and his favourite brushes into this collection, all to help you create your perfect Bollywood inspired looks... or anything else you want to use them for!
First up is the Athma Eyeshadow Quad. Pretty much all of the products have Hindi names, I'm not Indian but after a search, Athma apparently means Soul.
The quad is made up 2 new colours and 2 permanent colours:
Jaan (Life): Sparkly peach. It is a Lustre finish and is a new and limited edition colour for this collection.
Folie: Reddish dark brown. It is a Satin finish and is a permanent shade.
Vivah (Marriage): Is a gorgeous medium brown with gold shimmer, seems like more than 1 shade of shimmer. It is a Lustre dinish and is a new and limited edition shade for this collection.
Carbon: Black, but not pure black. There are much darker blacks out there but it is nice to use to make shades darker. It swatched awfully but it works much nicer than it looks. It is a Matte finish and is a permanent shade.
The quad retails at £33 which I think is quite a good price, cheaper than buying 4 eyeshadows separately although if you have the permanent shades you might not think it has such good value. They are full size eyeshadows so no scrimping here. Lustre shades tend to have fallout issues so a stickier base would be best - possibly Water Based Mixing Medium (£13) if you can get hold of it from a Pro store or Mail Order via the phone. It would probably be best to do your eye makeup first before your foundation in case any glitter falls under your eyes and onto your cheeks and then you can sweep it away before applying foundation. Also patting them on works best, you don't lose the glitter as much and it actually sticks to your base rather than being swept away on your brush, you could also try a damp brush to help (or again the mixing medium straight onto the brush).
The shades themselves are lovely, they are on the neutral side and very wearable. I really like this quad, I think I like it more than the Caviar Dreams quad from Cham-Pale too, just because these colours are a bit more everyday for me.
My swatch photos aren't great but you get the jist of them, the colours are actually a touch lighter than shown here. The brown is less red but the bad lighting in my house seemed to pull the red out more.
- Jennifer
First up is the Athma Eyeshadow Quad. Pretty much all of the products have Hindi names, I'm not Indian but after a search, Athma apparently means Soul.
The quad is made up 2 new colours and 2 permanent colours:
Jaan (Life): Sparkly peach. It is a Lustre finish and is a new and limited edition colour for this collection.
Folie: Reddish dark brown. It is a Satin finish and is a permanent shade.
Vivah (Marriage): Is a gorgeous medium brown with gold shimmer, seems like more than 1 shade of shimmer. It is a Lustre dinish and is a new and limited edition shade for this collection.
Carbon: Black, but not pure black. There are much darker blacks out there but it is nice to use to make shades darker. It swatched awfully but it works much nicer than it looks. It is a Matte finish and is a permanent shade.
The quad retails at £33 which I think is quite a good price, cheaper than buying 4 eyeshadows separately although if you have the permanent shades you might not think it has such good value. They are full size eyeshadows so no scrimping here. Lustre shades tend to have fallout issues so a stickier base would be best - possibly Water Based Mixing Medium (£13) if you can get hold of it from a Pro store or Mail Order via the phone. It would probably be best to do your eye makeup first before your foundation in case any glitter falls under your eyes and onto your cheeks and then you can sweep it away before applying foundation. Also patting them on works best, you don't lose the glitter as much and it actually sticks to your base rather than being swept away on your brush, you could also try a damp brush to help (or again the mixing medium straight onto the brush).
The shades themselves are lovely, they are on the neutral side and very wearable. I really like this quad, I think I like it more than the Caviar Dreams quad from Cham-Pale too, just because these colours are a bit more everyday for me.
My swatch photos aren't great but you get the jist of them, the colours are actually a touch lighter than shown here. The brown is less red but the bad lighting in my house seemed to pull the red out more.
Top: Jaan, Folie. Bottom: Vivah, Carbon |
L-R: Jaan, Folie, Vivah, Carbon |
Swatched over Urban Decay Primer Potion. L-R: Jaan, Folie, Vivah, Carbon |
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
MAC Wonder Woman Collection!
U.S Launch: February 10th 2011
International Launch: March 2011
Here is some information I've seen on other websites about this collection. Source/Source
I think the collection looks fantastic. My inner nerd adores the packaging, I'd love pulling it out in public and showing off my Wonder Woman lipstick! The colours look great and I'm hoping the MSFs are colours I'd enjoy using because they really good products. I love the blue handles on the brushes. This collection is very me. What do you guys think?
International Launch: March 2011
Here is some information I've seen on other websites about this collection. Source/Source
I think the collection looks fantastic. My inner nerd adores the packaging, I'd love pulling it out in public and showing off my Wonder Woman lipstick! The colours look great and I'm hoping the MSFs are colours I'd enjoy using because they really good products. I love the blue handles on the brushes. This collection is very me. What do you guys think?
Lipstick
- Marquise d’ Sandy cream peach (Lustre) (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Brunette, Blonde, Redhead ’09)
- Russian Red Intense bluish-red (Matte) (Permanent)
- Spitfire Bright creamy magenta (Satin) (Limited Edition)
- Heroine Brown bronze (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Lipglass
- Emancipation Pale neutral pink (Limited Edition)
- Wonder Woman Bright red with soft pearl (Limited Edition)
- Athena’s Kiss Bright blue fuchsia (Limited Edition)
- Secret Identity Mid-tone copper with soft pearl (Limited Edition)
Opulash Mascara
- Victorious Purple (Limited Edition)
- Army of Amazons Green (Limited Edition)
- Themyscira Blue (Limited Edition)
- Black Black (Permanent)
Penultimate Eye Liner
- Rapidblack True black (Permanent)
Nail Lacquer
- Obey Me True red (Limited Edition)
- Spirit of Truth Navy blue (Limited Edition)
Lash
- #48 Lash
Defiance Eyeshadow Quad
- Defiance Iridescent white pink (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
- Paradise Island Soft warm pink (Satin) (Limited Edition)
- Star Studded Mid-tone violet pink (Satin) (Limited Edition)
- Real Drama Dark burgundy with pink pearl (Satin) (Limited Edition)
Lady Justice Eyeshadow Quad
- Lady Justice Bright silver with white pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
- Insurmountable Dirty blue grey (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
- Bold Babe Deep metal blue with white pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
- Deep Truth True dark blue (Frost) (Permanent)
Valiant Eyeshadow Quad
- Valiant Light lime with yellow pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
- Spinning Transformation Deep olive bronze with yellow pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
- Diana Undercover Dark forest green (Satin) (Limited Edition)
- Manila Paper Pale frost white gold (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Spring Colour Forecast ’10)
Reflects Glitter
- Reflects Pearl White glitter with pearl sheen (Glitter) (Permanent at PRO)
- Reflects Bronze Sparkling rich gold (Glitter) (Permanent at PRO)
Pigment
- Bright Fuchsia Bright magenta (Permanent)
- Marine Ultra Vivid marine blue (Permanent at PRO)
Blush Duo
- Mighty Aphordite Warm peach coral with gold pearl/Bright coral pink with gold pearl (Satin/Frost) (Limited Edition)
- Amazon Princess Bright yellow pink/Deep blue pink with gold pearl (Satin/Satin) (Limited Edition)
Mineralize Skinfinish
- Pink Power Peachy rose with pink shimmer/Soft rosy bronze/Soft shell pink with fine shimmer (Limited Edition)
- Golden Lariat True coral with fine gold shimmer/Soft suntanned bronze/Soft gold with fine shimmer (Limited Edition)
Wonder Woman Makeup Bag
- Wonder Woman Red (Limited Edition)
- Bulletproof Blue (Limited Edition)
Utility Belt Eye Brush Set (Limited Edition)
Utility Belt Face Brush Set (Limited Edition)
Invicible Mirror (Limited Edition)
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