Hey Glossies,

One of my peeps asked me about the new  Maybelline quad palettes – Eye Studio™ Color Plush™ Silk Eyeshadow.  I had to check it out because I have never used Maybelline e/s before.  I picked up “Green With Envy” at my local Target, and I will say I was blown away by the texture, the color payoff, the shimmer.

The texture is smooth like…hmmm which word would be appropriate hmmm.  Aww yes SILK!   Creamier than some NARS shimmery single e/s. *I know, I know…believe it* There is no packing on the e/s, highly pigmented! *YESSSS!!!*  The shimmer in this product brings me joy, no glittery mess here!  The green shade is similar to MAC Golden Olive pigment and the Black shade is similar to Prescriptives Caviar e/s.

Maybelline Green With Envy Palette

I definitely will be purchasing a few more palettes!! *Praying for a Maybelline BOGO Free*

Face

• Makeup For Ever HD Primer
• MAC Select Cover-up – NC50
• NARS Cadiz Sheer Glow Foundation
• NARS Benares Sheer Glow Foundation
• L’Oreal True Match – Nut Brown
• MAC MSF Natural – Medium Deep
• MAC MSF Natural – Dark

Cheeks

• MAC Ombre Blush – Vintage Grape

Eyes

• MAC Matte Gel
• Cosmedicine Medi-Matte™ Oil Control Lotion SPF 20
• MAC Moss Scape p/p
• Maybelling Green With Envy Quad Palette
• MAC Aztec Brick
• MAC Creole Beauty
• Shu Uemura Paint Liner – Black
• Urban Decay Zero e/l
• Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara – Black

Lips

• MAC  Sweet Tooth t/t
• Revlon Matte l/s – Cocoa

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

I finally tried NARS foundation and I purchased MAC’s Love Lace e/s.  More on the foundation later.

I do not own any color that is similar to Love Lace…the color reminds me of denim (a combination of navy blue and grey). I totally love the color and the texture.  Veluxe Pearl is my favorite MAC texture and can do no wrong. Initially, I applied Love Lace with no primer and I was pleased with color payoff.  (As long as I have used MAC, I have never sampled the e/s without a primer.)

On to the foundation. I went into a popular chain store to get matched to NARS.  The MA was pleasant.  She did not  the unthinkable, she did not remove the foundation to match my skin to the appropriate shading. I gasped and took the samples and left the store.  I thought, “Who the heck matches foundation without removing foundation? What if the customer/client is wearing the wrong shade to begin with?” Sidear: I am always telling my friends that they have to be active participants in the matching process because some MAs will not do the right thing.  I went to another chain store and tested and received samples of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation and I tried Macao, New Orleans and Benares.  The latter shades are too dark for most of my face, but New Orleans [Who Dat! ] and Benares work well on the lower part of my face. Macao works well on the rest of my face.

I like the fact that NARS really understands the intricate shading of WOC, even in the descriptions. Macao is listed as Medium-dark 4-Medium-dark with deep yellow undertone, New Orleans is Medium-dark 5-Medium-dark with yellow undertone and Benares is Dark 2 – Dark with golden undertone.

I am very pleased with NARS Sheer Glow foundation, which is neither sheer nor glowy.  The coverage is good, medium buildable. Definitely feels light against skin.  When I looked at my face, I forget that I was wearing foundation…it does look quite natural.  I love it!!

Face

• MAC Select Cover-up – NC50
• NARS Macao Sheer Glow Foundation
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation (Base #5)
• Clinique Blended Face powder Transparency #5
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder (Base #5)

Eyes

• Cosmedicine Medi-Matte™ Oil Control Lotion SPF 20
• Stila Smudge Pot – Gray
• Purely Cosmetics CTP – Slate Blue
• MAC Love Lace e/s
• L’Oreal HiP Duo – Platinum (Side:Black with flecks of silver glitter)
• Smashbox Eyelights – (Peach side)
• Shu Uemura Paint Liner – Black
• Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes mascara
• Barry M Kohl Pencil – Black

Lips

• MAC Tender Tone – Sweet Tooth
• Revlon Matte – Cocoa Craving

Mix Maven

Hey Glossies,

The saga continues….

I finally wore my updated Prescriptives Custom Blend (CB) foundation.  I have learned that Custom Blend is as good as the blender.  The second MA did a much better job than the initial MA.  The color shade is not suitable for my entire face, so I have decided to only use the CB Foundation on my Roseacea spots (parts of the cheek and jaw areas) and only using the powder there as well, unless I use MAC 162 brush for the apple area and above. I am resigned to the fact that one foundation shade can and will not satisfy my needs, which I already knew, but a lady can always dream, right?

Face

• MAC  Select Cover-up – NC50
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder
• MAC MSF Natural – Dark

Eyes

• Cosmedicine Oil-Free Lotion
• Indianwood Paint Pot
• Urban Decay Secret Service e/s
• Wild and Crazy You Rock e/s
• TheBalm Shady Lady – Caught in the Act Courtney e/s
• Urban Decay Blaze e/s
• LA Girl Mark My Eyes liquid e/l
• Urban Decay Zero e/l
• Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes mascara

Lips

• NYX pinky l/l
• Revlon Icy Violet (very pretty) (75% off @ CVS)
• MAC Hello Kitty Mimmy l/g

The Eye Shadow –

I am really like the Arissa Baked Eye Shadows.  They are similar to the MAC’s mineralized eye shadows. The pigmentation is pretty good and as I stated in the Baked Holiday Goodies post, that the shadows work best with a sponge-tip applicator.  The baked shadows really pop when used with MAC Paint Pots, L’Oreal HiP Color Cream Crayons and/or Stila Smudge Pots.

Here are swatches of the Arissa Baked Eye Shadows:

Arissa Baked Eye Shadows: L-R - Black Hole, Twilight, Constellation, Galaxy (no base)

Mix Maven

Today is my birthday!! Woop Woop. I am very happy to see another year.

My aim is to always be grateful for the little things in life, family and friends. God has been good to me and the family, so no complaints.

I have been so busy with stuff and stuff that I had not even thought about what I wanted for the birthday.   Sometimes, I feel like that Roots song,”Seed 2.0″, “I don’t ask for much these days…”

Lily Printed Shift Dress

I like this dress. Elegant and chic, yet understated.  The exotic print adds to the visual interest.

Elizabeth and James "Linda" Caged Pump

I am totally drawn to this pump. I love the texture and the 4-in metallic heel.  “Linda” must be the focal point of any ensemble.  These pumps need to be loved, adored and embraced by the eyes.

MAC Photo Realism Palette

I am usually not a huge fan of the pre-made MAC palette. Some weeks back, I swatched these shadows from the Photo Realism palette and my heart skipped a beat and melted all at the same time. lol The texture is divine i.e. more veluxe pearls than frosts.  It seems that everyone is doing the season, so I would settle for the Bobbi Brown Ivy League Collection.

NARS Laguna Blush Bronzer Duo and Orgasm Nail Polish Set

I love NARS and I was not too sure about the Orgasm blush. When I swatched  it, I thought it was nice, but not a must-have.  I must say that  Orgasm works well with the Laguna bronzer, especially for Women of Color who want to have that healthy looking glow.  But the pièce de résistance is the nail polish. I have seen swatches on Nailgal.com and I really, really likey! Plus, it looks great on brown skin, as most (if not all) polishes do.

I will try to have tons of fun on my birthday, but know for sure that I will be celebrating all week or maybe two.

Keep it Glossy,

Mix Maven

There are things in world that some of us do not get, while the people around rejoice at the mere mention e.g. Crocs, The Office, VH-1 programming and The Real Housewives of (Fill-in appropriate location). Well, in the beauty realm, Dior was that for me. I did not get the whole Dior hype.  My homegirl, Adina of KraseyBeauty Blog always raves about the eye shadows and how she could not wait to pick up the new collections.   KarlaSugar’s swatch blog showcased the beauty and luxury of Dior shadows, but I remained unmoved….Until I swatched them for myself.

In Sephora, enjoying the ambiance, I am in my happy place swatching NARS, Smashbox and so forth. I, coolly, walk over to the Dior palettes not expecting much. I begin swatching.  When I see the pigmented shimmer on the back of my smooth hand, my knees get weak…(humming SWV) I was totally blown away and the texture alone (non-chalky and non-grainy) of the product.  I debated between “Electric Lights” and “Tropical Light.”  Tropical Light won out because I love green

.

Dior Electric Lights Palette

Dior Tropical Light Palette - The Winner

Dior Tropical Light Palette - in Natural Light

I think my next Dior shadow purchase will be one of the following:

Dior Chic Palette

Dior Jazzclub Total Eyelook Makeup Clutch

Well, my birthday is coming up soon, so I will be adding these gorgeous palettes to that list.

Which beauty brand have you rediscovered for the first?

Mix Maven

It has been quite humid in my part of the US. Now, I am not complaining because I know other locations have had rain non-stop.

I had been eying the La Femme Emerald sparkle dust, which is reminiscent of MAC Humid e/s, a wonderful mid-tone green that is versatile for all seasons.

In this look, I used Delft P/P and a smear of Pharaoh P/P as bases. I think Delft, Moss Scape and Pharaoh P/P are suitable bases by themselves, no need to mix.  La Femme Emerald on the lid and NARS China Blue in the crease.

Lip products used are NYX Barbie Pink lip gloss (base) and Style Warrior’s Purple Rite lipstick.

I think this product is definitely good quality and many top MAs use this brand. A little goes a long way!  No sticker shock on this price, especially in this economy.  The only con, which can also be a pro, is filled to the top, so I suggest putting the La Femme loose eye shadow powder in a container than has a sifter to reduce spillage.

More Swatches

Beatin’ the Heat,

Mix Maven

I love Lorac’s eye shadows.   I  had heard about the brand (about how wonderful it is), but I never bothered to check out the  products until  I saw the swatches on Raquel13 Shade Comparison Project.  After seeing the swatches, I purchased eye shadows from Beauty.com and I was quite pleased.  The shadows are soft and highly blended.  The color is sheer yet pigmented.

Seymone and I were chatting about our love for the Lorac eye shadow when we stumbled on Lorac Cosmetics’ VIP section. The section offers discontinued products at a deep discounted prices.  Selected eye shadow pots are selling for $4.99. *Cannot beat that with a bat!*

GIVEAWAY!!! Pumps and Gloss is giving away the adorable Lorac Pink Python Palette (4 eye shadows and 1 blush) Enter your name and e-mail in the pretty pink widget below. You have until May 20, 2009 to enter. Open to residents in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Mix Maven

Who remembers the The Wu-Tang Clan’s song, C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)?

In the FOTD, I tried the Cinema Secrets Hollywood Lights (loose e/s) in Dolla Bill.  This brand is popular among professional makeup artists who work in the theatre and/or movie/tv production .  The Hollywood Lights are similar to MAC pigments and Reflects Glitters (both of which I love!)  I prefer foiling the (non-glitter) Hollywood Lights as the color payoff is more intense.  The cost is 7.50/USD and be easily found on the web.

All MAC Products unless stated.

Face

• NC 50 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• NW 43 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• Natural MSF in Dark

Eyes

• Matte Gel
• Pharoah P/P
• Electro Sky P/P
• Purely Cosmetics Cream To Powder Bronzed Brown
• Smut e/s
• Signed, Sealed e/s
• Cinema Secrets Dolla Bill loose e/s
• Era e/s (highlight)
• Stila Smudge Pot – Black
• Black Russian Pearlglide e/l
• Milani Black e/l
• NYX Teal e/l
• Napoleon Perdis mascara

Cheek

• Warmed MSF
• Stark Naked Blush

Lips

• Sweet Tooth T/T
• NYX Mauve l/l
• Hello Kitty Cute-ster
• Cremesheen Glass Boy Bait

My Sassy Lips need an agent.

Mix Maven

I have been eying Too Faced Beauty Mark for awhile. The duo is part “Black Foil” and “Gilded Rose”.  The “rose” side is a soft neutral color that could work well for day and night and is  similar to MAC’s Expensive Pink.  The color payoff is less gold on me than Expensive Pink.*I just love it*

Too Faced Beauty Mark Duo

I do not recall all the products that I used
other than Too Faced Beauty Mark.

So I have decided that, once and for all, I am giving the Pink e/s a rest (as in acquiring more).  For some reason, most brands, Too Faced and Nouba are the exceptions,  have healthy fall out.  Is there an ingredient in the color that does not agree with my skin…probably.

Anyhoo, if you are a WOC and like Pink e/s, I find the best bases for them are:

1. Benefit Pre-nup creaseless eye shadow – A metallic rose
2. MAC Nice Vice (from the Fafi collection) – A reddish purple.  (Hard to find, so check your local CCOs)
3. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Hot Pink
4. HiP L’Oreal Color Rich Cream Crayon in Unmistakable (A deep pink)

Stay Pretty,

Mix Maven

The Makeup Show is a must-attend for all industry professionals and students.  The Los Angeles show will be held from March 15-16, 2009, 9:30am-5:30pm, Daily. (Sunday and Monday)

THE MAKEUP SHOW L.A.
CALIFORNIA MARKET CENTER
110 EAST NINTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA

Advance Tickets
1-Day: $35
2-Day: $50

At The Door Tickets
1-Day: $50
2-Day: $80

Some brands that will be featured at the event are Lancôme, P&G Beauty, Smashbox, Mario Badescu Skin Care and Kissable Couture, Shu Uemura, Billy B Beauty, Embryolisse, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Pencil Me In, Make Up For Ever, Senna Cosmetics, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Three Custom Color, Linda Mason Elements, and Alison Raffaele Cosmetics.

The keynote speaker will be Billy B, Makeup Artist Extraordinaire.  He will be speaking on A Career in Makeup.

The show will also include workshops, seminars, individual hands-on workshops, business forums (touching upon beauty techniques and applications, skin tones and makeup products, tools of the trade and the business of the beauty industry), and product demonstrations.

The Makeup Show LA is proud to announce it’s palette of beauty authorities from today’s top celebrity makeup artists:

Billy B, Ve Neill, Scott Barnes, Napoleon Perdis, Maurice Stein, Ronnie Specter, Marvin Westmore, Crystal Wright, Joe Blasco, Robin Siegel, Elke Von Freudenberg, Sharon Gault, Eve Pearl, James Vincent, Orlando Santiago, Michael DeVellis, Jon Hennessey, AJ Crimson, Kevin James Bennett, Johnny Lavoy, Patty and Farah Bunch.

For more information about the Makeup Show LA 2009, check out the General FAQs and Travel Info.

I will be attending this event, so I do hope to see you there.

Mix Maven