TheMakeupGirl

Get The Look: MAC's Sr. Artist Romero Does Keri Hilson for MTV's TRL...

Hey girlies!  I have some insider tips for you!!  MAC's Sr. Artist Romero was with Timbaland protege Keri Hilson yesterday when she made the rounds to support her new CD on MTV's TRL and BET's 106 &Park.

Romero’s “how to get the look”:

"Pump up lashes top and bottom with 2 coats of prep and prime mascara
Then add one heavy winter coat of Plushlash mascara in Plushblack.
I then add the #7 lashes which I cut into fine pieces and place on the top lashes!
The skin was primed with Prep + Prime Skin and polished with a sheer coat of Moistureblend Foundation that is highlighted with Moisturelush Eye Cream and contoured Matte Bronzer!
Shadows were pumped up with Creme de Violet used as a liner/shadow under eye while Saddle and Black Tied shadows frames the eye!"

She looks gorgeous...I am going to give this look a try this weekend!

Stay Pretty!!

Summer 2008: MAC New View...

The last of the collections hitting this week is called New View, this one is comprised of Mineralize Skinfinish face powders.  But the twist is these are duos - one side has a shade to match your complexion, the other side has a lighter subtle highlighter...FAB!  I just got a sneak peak at it today and it is GAWGUS!  VERY light texture but if you are a fan of the mineralize line you know that already. They are available in 5 shades and are limited edition.

"Unlike most pressed powders that are pressed into traditional metal pans, MAC Minerlize Skinfinish is moulded onto small terracotta tiles and baked for 24 hours, allowing for a sheer, light application.  This unique powder contains vitamin A and E derivatives, which help buffer the skin from environmental aggression and jojoba oil, which calms and soothes the skin."

The Rundown:

Mineralize Skinfinish

• Light Medium/Natural and Shimmer - Pale golden beige/Warm yellow beige
• Medium/and Shimmer - Soft creamy beige/Light peachy pink
• Medium Dark/and Shimmer - Caramel/Light tan
• Dark/and Shimmer - Deep caramel/Mid-tone yellow gold
• Deep Dark/Natural and Shimmer - Rich golden bronze/Deep copper bronze

Suggested Retail Price: $26.50 U.S./$31.50 CDN

Brush

• 189 Face Brush - Rounded-paddle face brush with chiselled shape on each side for effortless placement and blending of product. Very soft synthetic bristles can even be used by those with sensitive skins.  May be used with almost all M·A·C powder forms and other light emulsions and liquid foundations.

Suggested Retail Price: $26.50 U.S./$48.00 CDN

New View is available beginning July 10th at all MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com.

Shop Pretty!!

Summer 2008: MAC Sonic Chic...

More more more from MAC!!  These long wearing blushes are mineral based so the look is soft and very understated - BUT you still get that pop of shimmer where you want it.  The colors are very buildable without looking heavy AT ALL, BUT they pack a punch!  Be VERY careful when you apply because they are HIGHLY PIGMENTED.  Sonic Chic is a collection of Minerlize Blush in shimmering shades of pink, gold and bronze. 

"The baked powder formula allows for exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. The super fine powder provides soft shimmer on skin and builds color without heavy coverage. This can be worn on face, eyes and/or body."

The Rundown:

Mineralize Blush

• Dainty Light yellow pink with gold pearl (frost)
• Warm Soul Midtone beige with gold pearl (frost)
• Nuance Midtone peach with gold pearl (frost)
• Gleeful Deep dirty blue pink with gold pearl (frost)
• Gentle Raspberry with gold pearl (frost)
• Love Joy Warm midtone brown with gold pearl (frost)
• Merrily Midtone dirty (burned) red with gold pearl (frost)
• Pleasantry Intense midtone blue pink with gold pearl (frost)
• Love Thing Dirty burgundy with gold pearl (frost)

Suggested Retail Price: $21.00 U.S./$25.00 CDN

Brush

• 181 Small Buffer Brush Ultra-soft natural, rounded dome tip brush for application of Blush and Powder. Smaller version of existing 182 Buffer Brush

Suggested Retail Price: $30.00 U.S./$36.00 CDN

Sonic Chic is available beginning July 10th at all MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com.

Blush Pretty!

Summer 2008: MAC Electroflash...

New for summer is a mineral dream with MAC's latest Electroflash.  I loved the mineralize shadows last year (I am still wearing them - they last forever!) This time around, the colors in the shadows are much more vibrant so that is a plus - very 80's dahling!

The Rundown:

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW (DUO)

• Play on Plums Mélange/Mono - Peachy gold with pink and bronze veining/Bronzed burgundy mono
• Sea & Sky Mélange/Mono - Silvery pale blue with deep blue and silver veining/Bright blue mono
• Hot Contrast Mélange/Mono - Dirty red with silver and black veining/Black mono
• Love Connection Mélange/Mono - Pale beige with gold and blue veining/Warm gold mono
• Two to Glow Mélange/Mono - Dirty bronze with pink and orange veining/Orange mono
• Odd Couple Mélange/Mono - Warm gold with lavender and bronze veining/Purple mono
• Polar Opposites Mélange/Mono - Dirty purple with silver, indigo and pink veining/True silver mono
• Fresh Green Mix Mélange/Mono - Golden olive with blue, gold and aqua veining/Lime mono
• Pink Split Mélange/Mono - Dirty rose with bronze and pale blue veining/Pink with gold pearl mono

Suggested Retail Price: $17.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN

LIPSTICK

• Vanity’s Child - Sheer pale beige with pearl (Lustre)
• Fast Thrill - Frosty clean mid-tone pink with pearl (Frost)
• Mellow Mood - Glossy mid-tone dirty pink with pearl (Lustre)
• Dangerously Hot - Creamy deep brown red (Amplified)

Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

LIPGLASS

• Cultureclash - Frosty clear baby pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)
• Major Minor - Frosty mid-tone beige with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)
• Sonic Vibe - Frosty mid-tone pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)
• Li’ Hot Pepper - Frosty burnt red with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost)

Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

I haven't seen the collection in person yet so as soon as I see it I will have a post up with my thoughts.  Christine at Temptalia has some up close photos of the collection you can see those here.

MAC Electroflash is available beginning July 10th at MAC counters nationwide and online at maccosmetics.com.

Stay Pretty!!

Steal This: MAC Friends & Family Discount...

Discount alert!!  MAC is having a Friends and Family discount of 15% from June 11 to June 16 on anything in the store...

Just print out this post and take it with you to any MAC store (search for one here).  The discount is not valid at department store counters.  UPDATE:  This can also be used online!!  use code MACFF8.

Get your shop on!!!

Shop Pretty!!

Summer 2008: MAC Solar Field and Future Earth...

Rounding out the summer collections from MAC are Solar Field and Future Earth.  Solar Field is a partial collection and is focused around Solar Bits which combines concentrated amounts of powder pigment with extra extra shimmer to give a sparkly look that is soft and very summery (think shimmery eyes at sunset...NICE!) and bronzing powder.  Future Earth is all about your skin and keeping it smooth for that flawless healthy summer look.  Volcanic Ash is the main focus behind this exfoliator I have been using it for a few days and will be back with my findings in a week or so.

"GLAMOUR BEAMS ACROSS THE UNIVERSE VIA SOLAR BITS: TRANSFORMING FREE-FORMED CLUSTERS OF RICH PIGMENT AND PEARL. APPLIES SHINE AND SPARKLE TO EYES, CHEEKS WHEREVER YOU WANT HIGHLIGHTS. CRUSH FOR FULL COLOUR AND SPARKLE EFFECT; FOR A LIGHT SHIMMER, SWEEP YOUR BRUSH OVER THE TOP OF THE CLUSTERS. WEAR WITH SKIN MADE PROVOCATIVELY GOLDEN THROUGH BRONZING POWDER IN SOLAR RICHE AND REFINED GOLDEN. APPLY WITH 168 AND 239 APPLICATION BRUSHES."

The Rundown:

SOLAR BITS
Sunpower Light metallic tan with gold pearl
Black Ore Rich black with gold pearl
Bronzescape Clean yellow brown with gold pearl
Scatterrays Soft metallic peach with gold pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $19.50 US/$23.50 CDN

BRONZING POWDER
Refined Golden Finely spun golden with soft pearl finish
Solar Riche Mid-tone deep orange brown with pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $20.00 US/$24.00 CDN

BRUSHES
168 Large Angled Contour Brush
Suggested Retail Price: $32.00 US/$138.50 CDN239

239 Eye Shader Brush Eye shader
Suggested Retail Price: $24.50 US/$29.50 CDN

GREAT pics and a FOTD of Solar Bits at Necessary Makeup.

VOLCANIC ASH EXFOLIATOR
A highly effective foaming and exfoliating scrub containing natural volcanic ash and sugar crystals to cleanse and exfoliate the skin at the same time while adding moisture and leaving skin feeling soft and clean. Made with volcanic ash from Vanuatu, which contains sulfur from deep within the earth and has been used for centuries for the treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions.
Suggested Retail Price: $19.00 US/$23 .00 CDN

PREP + PRINE MICROFINE LIP REFINISHER
A dual-sided lip exfoliating stick with an exfoliator that helps to remove dry, flaky skin from the lips while a lip conditioner conditions and evens out lip texture.
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 US/$17.50CDN

CHARGED WATER
Charged water, fused with vital ionsfrom a diamond and instilled with a spirit-lifting therapeutic aroma, then delivered to the skin in the soothing aura of revitalizing hydrating mist. Like its source – a diamond – on application it makes the skin feel clear, sparkling, pure and energized. Its aroma, a blend of green tea and citrus.Suggested Retail Price: $19.00 US/$23.90CDN

AVAILABLE
June 2008 at all M·A·C locations, 1.800.387.6707 and www.maccosmetics.com

Shop Pretty!!
 

Summer 2008: MAC Cool Heat...

Once more with feeling, MAC comes out with another collection in cool tones in contrast to the  Neo Sci-Fi.  Much like last summer's runaway hits Smoke Signals and Blue Storm - there is a little bit for those who like warm and cool tones.  Plus this time they have included some new shades of my favorite summertime lippies Slimshine!

"Temperatures sizzle…but the perfect balance lies within reach. Cool Heat. Not an oxymoron: Summer’s chillest look. Five Slimshine Lipsticks, seven Eye Shadows, and two skin-cooling fragrances: summer’s favourite Turquatic, and introducing its sister shade, Turquatic Heat."

The  Rundown:

Slimshine Lipstick
Tropic Glow Blue pink with silver pearl (frost)
By Degrees Neutral brown pink (frost)
Gentle Summer Light clean yellow pink with white pearl (frost)
High 90’s Clean pink orange (frost)
Swelter Sheer clean red (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50

Eye Shadow
Solar White Frosty muted white gold (frost)
Warming Trend Frosty light taupe (veluxe pearl)
Warm Chill Frosty seafoam green with gold pearl (frost)
Gulf Stream Frosty mid-tone blue green with green pearl (frost)
Cool Heat Frosty teal with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Climate Blue Mid-tone violet blue with pink pearl (velvet)
Blue Flame Dirty metallic navy blue (veluxe pearl)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00

Creations
Hue Tuquatic Keynotes: Lotus Leaves, Corsican Cedrat, Anemone, Orris and Blue Cedar
Hue Turquatic Heat Keynotes: Cedrat saturated with the clear effervescence of Mineral Water, Lotus Flower, Opulent Orris, Jasmine and Tiare Soul.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.50

Cool Heat will be available June 2008 (US) and July 2008 (international) at all MAC counters and at maccosmetics.com.

Shop Pretty!!

Summer 2008: MAC Tendertones...

MAC Tendertones are back for summer!  heavier than lip balm but smoother than a gloss, I was finished with my pot by the end of summer.  These are sheer but moisturizing PLUS they have enough color to be worn alone.  One of my favorite shades has returned (Thank god!!!)

"The point between love and lust is this succulent, tender, and eat-me as all bon-bon-tinted lip balm. Six new, four popular bring-backs. All of them sheer, satiny, sun-protective and moisturizing. Some richly tinted to provide summer’s deepest sexiest stain. Others deliciously and lightly cotton candy. Delicately strawberry-kiwi-flavoured."

The Rundown:

Tendertones Lip Balm SPF12
Tread Gently Soft lime green with yellow pearl (TMG Favorite!)
E-Z Baby Sheer milky pink
Honey Bare Rosy blue pink with white and gold pearl
Hot n’ Saucy Soft cherry red
Sweet & Nice Sheer red grape with red pearl
Take A Hint Sheer peach with white pearl
Hush, Hush Sheer gold with yellow gold pearl
Sweet Tooth Sheer coral with white pearl
Pucker Sheer berry with red pearl (TMG Favorite!)
Deep Sigh Sheer grape brown with red pearl (TMG Favorite!)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 US/$17.50 CDN

These are available at MAC counters nationwide and online at MAC's website now.

Shop Pretty!!

Summer 2008: MAC Neo Sci Fi...

On the heels of that cool springy collection Naughty Nauticals comes a warm and wonderful burst of summer from MAC.  Neo Sci-Fi is full of sunny color in both the product and packaging (which is bright orange by the way...wooo!!)  Don't be scurred now, because even though the copy says "neon orange" they are referring to the packaging and definitely not the color!  No indeed, that is subtle and warm with flecks of gold for that great look with a tan.

"Out to shock the fashion galaxy with their supersonic ray gun shades and neon orange compacts and cases. Spinning their glamour into another orbit: a magnetic field of alluring hot fluorescents,  modern buffs, beiges and flesh tones set against a cyber-chromatic array of Nail Lacquers destined to test the laws of your style gravity. This is your beauty’s future."



The Rundown:

Lipstick
Sci-Fi-Delity Burnt red with gold pearl (frost) (TheMakeupGirl Favorite!!!)
Pleasureseeker Creamy peach (glaze) (TheMakeupGirl Favorite!!!)
Astral Midtone brown with red pearl (lustre) (TheMakeupGirl Favorite!!!)
Electro Bright orange (lustre)
Sunsonic White gold (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 US/$16.50 CDN

Lipglass (I love them all...LOL)
Supreme Bronzed brown with white pearl (frost)
Naked Space Creamy midtone nude peach frost)
Pink Grapefruit Orange with gold pearl (frost)
Soft & Slow Midtone creamy plum (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 US/$16.50 CDN

Eye Shadow
Magnetic Fields Black brown with silver pearl (veluxe pearl) (TheMakeupGirl Favorite!!)
Femme-Fi Frosty golden cream (veluxe pearl)
Evening Aura Frosty golden pach (veluxe pearl)
Time & Space Frosty copper (frost) (TheMakeupGirl Favorite!!)
Expensive Pink Pink with gold duochrome (veluxe pearl)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 US/$16.50 CDN

Cremestick Liner
80% Deep, deep cocoa
Buerre Dirtied plum
Summerfruit Pale coral
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 US/$16.50 CDN

Plush Lash
Plushblack Deep black
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00 US/$13.00 CDN

Sheertone Shimmer Blush
Spaced Out Shimmery peach (TheMakeupGirl Favorite!!)
X-Rocks Shimmery dirty mauve
Suggested Retail Price: $17.50 US/$22.00 CDN

Nail Lacquer (I love them all!!)
Metalist Neutral coppertone with white pearl (frost)
Plasma Blu Turquoise blue with mathematic white pearl (frost)
Neon 8 Bright orange with matching pearl (frost)
Phosphor Bumble bee yellow (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $10.00 US/$12.00 CDN

Neo Sci-Fi will be on MAC counters nationwide this week (will update with exact date later as this has been pushed up! and is available online now at MAC's website.

Shop Pretty!!

Summer 2008: MAC Skin Sheen...

Looking for a little jumpstart to your summer look???  I love using bronzers to fake color until I get it...and honey my legs and feet are looking a little wintery after being covered up for 9 months - can't wear sandals until that is rectified...seriously!  To the rescue comes MAC's newest creation, Skinsheen Leg Spray.  This is a gel based bronzer that provides medium to low coverage with no streaks.  Buff away with the new 179 brush to  get a flawless finish.  I think I will try this on my arms and décolletage  as well and see how that works.

A sprayable lightweight gel that unlike your fancy, never drifts. Brushes lightly and flawlessly over the skin… undetectable. For the ultimate secret application and smoothest sheen, try the 179 Body Buffer Brush. Skinsheen leg spray applies like a soft mousse to provide a quick, highly blendable application of colour to legs, arms, shoulders and décolletage.

Skinsheen Leg Spray
Medium Sheer soft golden caramel with soft gold nuances (International Only)
Medium Dark Sheer soft bronze with golden tan pearl
Dark Golden bronze
Deep Dark Deep warm bronze with rich golden pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $22.50 U.S./$27.50 CDN

Brush
179 Body Buffer
Suggested Retail Price: $52.00 U.S./$62.50 CDN

Skinsheen is available on MAC counters nationwide May 1st and on the MAC website now.

Bronze Pretty!

Summer 2008: MAC Dazzle Glass...

Just in time for summer is super wet looking, shimmery Dazzle Glass from MAC!  This gloss is SUPER SHINY and iridescent and I mean that 80's kind of shine!  Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight and moisturizing - everything you want in a gloss!  Imagine this much shimmery shine out with your man on an outdoor restaurant patio someplace having cocktails (make sure you sit in the sun so he can watch the sun set on your gorgeous bronzed face and super shiny lips!) 

"Electro-pearl atoms blast their light, switch their shade with each passing ray as Lipglass gets the dazzle treatment. Creates extra dimension and gives the lips fullness with a beautifully sexy depth charge. Launches in a sparked-up, high-energy array of 16 colours"

The Rundown:

Comet Blue Violet blue
Funtabulous Purple with violet pearl
Ms. Fizz Bright pink with blue pearl
Like Venus Clean light bubble gum pink with red pearl
Baby Sparks Pale pink with violet pearl
Money, Honey Mid-tone rosy mauve with red pearl
Rags to Riches Plummy pink with teal and red pearl
Date Night Deep plum with blue and gold pearl
Spanking Rich Raspberry pink with red and gold pearl
Get Rich Quick Warm yellow brown
Bare Necessity Caramel apricot with red and gold pearl
Steppin’ Out Clean yellow pink with red pearl
Glamour O.D. Bright coral red with red pearl
Suugarrimmed Milky pale pink with red, teal and white pearl
Pleasure Principle Clear white violet, teal and white pearl
Love Alert Raspberry red with red pearl

Suggested Retail Price: $16.50 U.S./$20.00 CDN 

I am excited about these because honestly I think that you (and me!) will definitely want more than one of these - 16 shades is a pretty huge range of colors.  I bet the blue one will look sick over a pink or rose lip color or pencil.  When I get my hands on some I will let you know what they look like on. 

Dazzle Glass will be on MAC counters nationwide May 1st and on MAC's website NOW.
 

Spring/Summer 2008: MAC Naughty Nauticals...

Here we go!  MAC is coming out with SEVERAL collections for the warmer months which I have a sneak peek just for you!  First up is Naughty Nauticals which will be on counters May 1st.  As the name suggests, the collection is inspired by the high seas.  Loads of blues and reds with a little shimmery white thrown in for good measure.  I love these color combinations for warm weather, it's so Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday!

"The ship’s in port and she’s out cruising for romance.  Her looks: uniformly chic, superbly shipshape through an alluring fleet of pinks, corals, reds and bell-bottom blues, and the deepest, bluest,
navy Nail Lacquer seen this side of Marseilles. In style and desire, she’s poised, perfect and ready for her evening cruise."

The Rundown:

Lipstick
Buoy-o-Buoy - Creamy neutral pink brown (lustre)
Port Red - Clean yellow red with gold pearl (frost)
Party Mate - Sheer mid-tone pink (lustre)
Ahoy, there! - Sheer light dirty pink with multi-dimensional pearl (glaze)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.0 U.S./$16.50 CDN

Lustreglass
Hey Sailor - Blue plum pink with white pearl flecks (lustre)
Love Knot - Sheer pink with blue & white duo chrome (lustre)
Bateaux - Neutral brown peach with white frost (lustre)
Ensign - Peachy pink with white and gold pearl (lustre)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

Small Eye Shadow
Shore Leave - Pale frosty cream (veluxe pearl)
Illegal Cargo - Mid-tone frosty grayed plum (frost)
Meet the Fleet - Matte midnight blue (matte)
Pandamonium - Frosty gunmetal with white pearl (lustre)
Submarine - Mid-tone frosty clear blue (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

Pigment
Lark About Sheer - Frosty white blue (frost)
Mutiny Clean - Sky blue with gold pearl (frost)
Bell-Bottom Blue - Frosty blue with white pearl (frost)
Lovely Lily - Dirty lilac with red pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $19.50 U.S./$23.50 CDN

Technakohl
Smoothblue - Ocean blue with frost
Greyprint - Rich pewter grey with frost
Suggested Retail Price: $13.50 U.S./$16.00 CDN

Pro Lash
Coal Black - Honest-to-goodness-black
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00 U.S./$13.00 CDN

Nail Lacquer
Naughty Nauticals - Dark royal blue (frost)
Shirelle - Classic “she’s a dame” red (cream)
Suggested Retail Price: $10.00 U.S./$12.00 CDN

Naughty Nauticals will be on counters May 1 and online at MAC's website.

Stay Pretty!!

And The Winner Is: Umbrella Ella Ella Eh Ehh Ehhh!!

Hey girlies!  Okay HUGE props to those that used Rihanna's Umbrella song in their answers as it made me crack up as I was going through and cutting up your names to put them in the hat!!

The answer to the Heatherette trivia question is OF COURSE fabric from used/broken umbrellas...did you see the dresses??  FIERCE.  ANYWAY...the winner is

Lydia Rivera of Champaign, IL

Lydia will be getting the following goodies from the coveted Heatherette collection...

• Beauty Powder in Alpha Girl
• Lipstick in Melrose Mood and Fleshpot
• Dual Edge Eye Pencil in Black Funk/Pop Blue
• Glitter in Reflects Gold
• Nail Laquer in Lola Devine
• Lashes in She's Bad

Congratulations Girl!!  And I want to thank EVERYONE for entering...I was overwhelmed by the response!  More contests to come so stay tuned!  I am going to try and do one once a month.

Stay Pretty!!

Steal This: Last Chance To Enter Heatherette Contest!!!

Just in case you missed it...I am giving away a gift bag with some goodies from the limited edition and wildly popular Heatherette Collection from MAC.

Click here for details on how to enter.  The contest ends on Monday March 31st at 5pm EST.

Good luck!!

Win Pretty!!

March Contest: Wanna Score Some of the Heatherette Collection??

Ahhhh Heatherette!  what would we do without those crazy boys???  I know I haven't had a contest in a while so hello spring!!  I am giving away some goodies from MAC's latest limited edition collection.

 

Answer my quiz question correctly and you can win the following Heatherette goody bag...

• Beauty Powder in Alpha Girl
• Lipstick in Melrose Mood and Fleshpot
• Dual Edge Eye Pencil in Black Funk/Pop Blue
• Glitter in Reflects Gold
• Nail Laquer in Lola Devine
• Lashes in She's Bad

Criteria:

Heatherette were guest judges on Project Runway Canada.  In the comments section of this post tell me what fabric they used for their challenge to make cocktail dresses.  (Do some internet searching if you don't know the answer this one shouldn't be too hard!!)

Official Rules:

If you are in my family or you are in my phone book you cannot enter (sorry...but I have to be fair), Make certain you include your e-mail address with your entry so I will know how to contact you!  The contest will end at 5pm EST on Monday March 31st.  I will draw a winner from the correct answers at random and the winner will be announced April 1st.

Win Pretty!!

Spring 2008: MAC Heatherette...

Okay ladies...MAC has come out with one more collection before the summer stuff hits.  Heatherette hits MAC counters today.  It is named after the avant garde fashion line of the same name designed by Traver Rains and former 1980's NYC club kid Richie Rich (I used to see him every weekend at Limelight & Palladium...LOL!)  The packaging is shocking pink (and is gorgeous). While the lipstick colors follow the same theme and would be perfect for paler MakeupGirls,  I found that I absolutely loved the lip glasses (seriously is there ever a bad color of lip glass??), eye shadows, beauty powders and eye pencils for ANY skin tone.  Of course if you are a pigment/glitter/polish STAN, I would grab those too since the whole thing is limited edition!   

24-Hour Party People know what time it is when N.Y.'s counter-culture couturiers create a paint-by-numbers world of drama with two glittering looks. Choose from Good Girl for day, Bad Girl for night...or be the superstar you are and flip it!

The Rundown:

Eyeshadow Trio #1

• Cloudburst True black with green pearlized pigments (velvet)
• Mood Ring Pastel mint green (veluxe pearl)
• Hoppin’ Pastel peach (frost)

Eyeshadow Trio #2

• Baby Petals Pastel pink (satin)
• Cassette Blackened eggplant (veluxe pearl)
• VIP - Midtone yellow pink (velvet)

Pencil Duos

• Black Funk/Pop Blue True black and turquoise with silver glitter
• Fab Orchid/Dash Lily Jeweltone purple and Midtone lavender with silver glitter
• Phone Me/Text Me Charcoal gray and Metallic silver with silver glitter
• Nighthawk/Front Row Coffee brown and Neutral peach with gold glitter

Lipsticks

• Fleshpot Light neutral beige (satin)
• Hollywood Nights Fuchsia pink (satin)
• Lollipop Loving Midtone coral with green gold iridescence (glaze)
• Melrose Mood Pastel pink (cream)

Lipglasses

• Bonus Beat Sheer yellow beige with gold pearl
• Sock Hop Soft midtone coral
• Starlet Kiss Pastel pink 
• Style Minx Fuchsia pink

Pigments

• Jardin Aires Gilded peach with silver reflects
• Pink Pearl Midtone pink with blue reflects

Reflects Glitters

• 3D Silver Multi-reflective silver
• Reflects Gold Translucent glitter with gold reflects

Beauty Powders

• Alpha Girl Pink with gold reflects
• Smooth Harmony Medium deep bronze

Nail Lacquers

• $$$ Yes Metallic silver foil (frost)
• Lola Divine Soft midtone coral (creme)

Lashes

• She’s Bad
• She’s Good

Available starting today at MAC counters nationwide and at maccosmetics.com

UPDATE: To see some GREATcolor swatches visit Temptalia.

Shop Pretty!!

Spring 2008: MAC Beauty Powder Blush...

New from MAC for spring...limited edition blushes in candy colors perfect for getting that pop of color on your cheeks.  8 shades of color that are finely milled and pressed for a lighter look and pearlized sheen.  These shades are the perfect colors for a fresh spring face...

Shy Beauty - Pastel apricot with gold pearl (satin)
Feeling - Dirty Plum with silver pearl (satin)
Sweetness - Intense blue pink (satin)
Joyous - Peach with gold pearl (satin)
True Romantic - Mid-tone pink with silver pearl (satin)
Serenely - Deep Brownish red with gold pearl (satin)
Eversun - Neutral Peach bronze with gold pearl (satin)
Secret Blush - Dirty neutral plum with gold pearl (satin)
Suggested Retail Price $17.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN

Also available with the collection is the 169 angled brush, which works well with the fine texture of these blushes.  Beauty Powder Blush will be available online and on counter this Thursday March 13th at MAC stores nationwide.

Blush Pretty!!

Diamond VS Rhinestone: MAC Studio Fix Powder VS Covergirl TRUblend Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation

VS.

First off, y'all know I am everything drugstore.... I mean...I AM the DRUGSTORE DIVA after all....lol!!!  But, in my many years in the beauty industry I've never been sold on drugstore foundation. My motto has always been "get your foundation at the counter and everything else at the drugstore".... and I've loved MAC Studio Fix Pressed Powder for as long as I can remember...it's a super-easy, full coverage formula that's super milled so it goes on like silk with a  beautiful matte finish.

Changing gears.... Recently every time  I have gone to CVS, Walmart or Target I can't help but notice that the mass market cosmetic companies have joined the mineral makeup craze....and since I have really enjoyed department store mineral foundations, I decided to give Covergirl TRUblend Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation a go.  Well folks...I have to say I am pretty impressed.  Right off the bat, the Covergirl reminded me of Studio Fix!!! Smooth and velvety, it too is super fine...goes on like a dream and offers beautiful buildable  coverage!!!!  And price? well.....MAC Studio Fix is $25 VS Covergirl TRUblend Minerals' $8 bucks!

Now here are my Pros and Cons:

1. Price.... MAC Studio Fix is still a tremendous value vs other department store foundations... BUT you only get .52oz for $25 vs Covergirl TRUblend minerals'.39oz for $8....so score one for Covergirl.
2. Coverage...both foundations rock!  I think in this department they are in a dead heat.The only  difference I noticed is that the Covergirl TRUblend Minerals' is slightly more drying than Studio Fix. If youare the least bit dry, I recommend doubling up on your moisturizer before using TRUblend.
3. Application....You can forget about using the brush with Covergirl TRUblend Minerals...right away I noticed that it ate up way too much of the powder...felt like you would use up the entire cake in 3 applications...plus, I really need the heavier coverage that sponge application offers....if you want  a lighter coverage, I recommend using a large powder brush with the TRUblend.
4. Packaging....Studio Fix comes with the sponge that I need and has a mirror....and we all know that black compact is a classic...(but we all know that we pay for the "cute"....)

 
SO.. In conclusion.....I was really impressed by the Covergirl TRUblend Minerals, while I will always be a devoted MAC Studio Fix girl (the packaging and formula are hard to beat)... I would definitely say that if you are on a budget Covergirls' TRUblend Minerals is the way to go.  You may not get all the bells and whistles of Studio Fix but TRUblend  gets the job done....on the CHEAP! So think about it next time you run to the drugstore.

Blend Beautifully Ya'll!

Spring 2008: MAC Strobe...

New for spring from MAC is a collection called Strobe, a bevy of sheer soft focus diffusers with SPF 15 for the face and neck with just a hint of shimmer.  Strobe cream has been around for a while, but is being re-introduced with it's lighter weight sister, Strobe Liquid...perfect for warmer months!  This can be used in place of a primer to offer a little glow under a tinted moisturizer or foundation.  Also in the collection are tinted lip conditioners with broad sprectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection that are also formulated with strobe pearl. They have been re-packaged from the traditional lip conditioner pot to a stick (love it!!!)

"The play of pearlescent light, the feeling of euphoria, the instant illumination that brightens and enlightens three ways: strobe cream, the richest, sheerest blend of soft-focus diffusers for the face and neck; strobe liquid, instant radiance in fluid, light-diffusion form with iridescent pigment; and tinted lip conditioner stick SPF15 with strobe pearl, broad spectrum protection, colour and moisture-soft allure. Use under or over colours and textures to glow on and on and on…"

The Rundown:

STROBE LIQUID
Blending soft focus diffusers with iridescent pigments, this ultra-fluid strobe formula produces a soft, radiant light on the skin, reducing the appearance of skin imperfections by providing a natural-looking glow. Refreshing. Spreads on smoothly and absorbs quickly. Leaves the skin looking healthier and more radiant. A lighter weight addition to the popular strobe cream.
Suggested Retail Price $29.50 U.S./$38.00 CDN

STROBE CREAM
Suggested Retail Price $29.50 U.S./$38.00 CDN

TINTED LIP CONDITIONER STICK SPF15
Formulated with Strobe Pearl, this luxurious lip conditioner combines sheer soft light-quenched colour with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF15 protection and moisture.

Strobe Kiss Sheer Coral with a golden strobe pearl
Strobe Rays Light Caramel with golden red strobe pearl
Strobe Blossom Light Blue/Pink with red strobe pearl
Strobe Current Sheer Plum with golden red strobe pearl
Strobe Beam Clear with strobe pearl
Suggested Retail Price $14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN

Collection on counters today and online at MAC's website.

Stay Pretty!!

Beauty By Josi: Brown Mascara, What??

Gotta love JLo........she is definitely one of my makeup idols.....she is fearless and isn't afraid to glam it up..."natural"? Puuullleeezzee sister! I've always in particular loved her eye makeup (her makeup artist, Scott Barnes  is amazing)...now notice her eye makeup...how her eyes look almost green in this picture...

So anyways....a few weeks ago Lianne was the dear she is and sent me a "care package"...in it was MAC Plushlash Mascara in Brownette. Well, my lashes are pretty dark..so I've never used brown on myself (imagine that..in all my years as a frou-frou girl)...I  usually only use brown mascara  on real light blondes and redheads when I am working..

Well, I hadn't tried the MAC Plushlash formula yet so I decided to give it go....and guess what... at work that day the model (with brown eyes like mine) was all "oh, I wish I had eyes like yours"...(and considering mine were brown like hers), I was like, "What are you talking about? We have the same eyes.." and she was all "Oh no, yours have lots of green and are so light!!!!"

Upon further investigation, I realized it was the brown mascara ...if you look at JLo real close in the above picture her eyes look greenish because she is wearing a dark brown shadow  with dark brown mascara...there is something about wearing the chocolate shade that really lightens up a brown eye and gives it dimension..I think the real trick is that by being just a tidge lighter than black, the mascara melts more into the background...visually pulling the eye forward and accentuating the iris....and what I really love about it is that you can get that real intense smoky eye without looking all rocker girl....

So I am in love with brown mascara.....all you brown-eyed girls who never gave it a chance before...give it a go next time (since you buy a new tube every three months, right?). Brown mascara looks beautiful with brown, green and purple liner and shadows especially!!! And if you are wowed by your results, send us a picture!

Keep it  Beautiful Y'all!

Spring 2008: MAC Fafi Rundown...

Okay I know I am late posting these but if you haven't seen it - here is the rundown for FAFI...I have some pieces and there are some that work for me and honestly some that just don't.  I have listed my favorites below for brown girls...Josi will do a FOTD with the other colors...

Undoubtedly one of the best things about this collection is the packaging - just gorgeous.

The Rundown:

LIPSTICK

Fun ‘n’ Sexy Blue pink with blue pearl (glaze)

Not So Innocent Sheer tan with pink and peach pearl (glaze)

Utterly Frivolous Rosy coral with pink pearl (lustre)

High Top Grey purple with blue pearl (glaze)

Flash-n-Dash Intense tangerine red with pink pearl (glaze)

Strawbaby Coral rose with rainbow pearl (lustre)

Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

 

LIPGLASS (Loved all of them!)

Cult Fave Blue mid-tone pink with white pearl (frost)

Sugar Trance Creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl (frost)

Squeeze It Brassy plum (frost)

Totally It Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl (frost)

Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

 

EYE SHADOW X4

Fafi Eyes 1

Howzat Deep grey with silver sparkle (satin)

Hey Neu