Archive for the ‘MAC Cosmetics’ Category

Hey Glossies,

I think most of us are looking forward to Spring (especially the colors – the yellows, corals, pinks, purples and even browns [tans]).

It seems that MAC is preparing us for said season. MAC Spring Colour Forecast collection was not really on my radar until a few days prior to the official date, well except for the ombre blushes. I saw the excited tweets and status messages, so I had to go check out the other items. One of the items that I did not want was the Colour #3 quad. The swatches on Specktra were underwhelming and I decided to opt out….until I saw it in person at Nordstrom. The colors are probably dupable, but I really feel in a strong like with Bruised Plum e/s.  (Yes, it is  Veluxe Pearl!!)

My other Nordstrom purchase was the Viva Glam VII – Lady Gaga.  The color is described as a light blue pink. I like this color and I think it can be women of color (WOC) friendly.  I used a mauve-colored liner to reduce the coolness of the shade.  I think this lippie is a “should-have!”

Face

• MAC Select Cover-up – NC50
• NARS Macao Sheer Matte Foundation
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation (Base #5)
• MAC MSF Natural – Dark
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder (Base #5)

Eyes

• Cosmedicine Medi-Matte™ Oil Control Lotion SPF 20
• MAC Paint Pot – Artifact
• MAC Colour #3 Quad (Bruised Plum, Black Tulip, and Jungle Moon)
• MAC Colour #4 Quad (Manila Paper)
• Shu Uemura Paint Liner – Night Blue
• Lizzie Pour Moi duo mascara – Black
• Urban Decay 24/7 eye liner – Zero

Lips

• NYX lip liner – Mauve
• MAC Viva Glam VII – Lady GaGa

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

No, not the Swedish pop group who had hit songs like “The Sign” and “All That She Wants.” I am speaking of makeup artist extraordinaire, Toni Acey.

She is a sought-after celebrity make-up artist, based in Atlanta,  who did not imagine that she could even work as makeup artist.  Toni worked in corporate America for many years, as well as working as a model.  Toni found that the MAs either  were not qualified to do make-up for Women of Color (WOC), specifically African-American women.  So she took matters in her own hands and came to the shoots already made-up.   By doing so, industry professionals as well as close friends and family took notice and encouraged her she to get into the business.  Ms. Acey does not have formal training in make-up artistry, but she worked as a freelancer for MAC Cosmetics where she learned a lot through the MAC training programs.  She has continued to hone her craft and teaches airbrushing classes.  Ms. Acey is also well-known for  her signature “Wearable Art” body painting and “Celebrity “Knock-Off Makeovers.

Eight years ago, Toni was one of the first makeup artist to use airbrushing for glamour makeup.  Most artists in the entertainment industry used airbrushing, primarily, for special effects. Her go-to brands for airbrushing are Temptu and Air Makeup.  Toni enjoys the creativity of airbrushing because she can create one-of-a-kind foundations,  lipsticks,  and even blushes to fit her clients’ needs. She has many clients including  LisaRaye, Kenya Moore, Meagan Good, Karen Clarke-Sheard and Sheree from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.  They have all been very pleased with her work and seek her out time and time again.

We talked about beauty trends for the winter/holiday season.  Toni definitely loves to see all women wearing red lipstick, a throwback to old Hollywood glamour. She does recommend that golden tone women wear tomato reds, fair/light skinned women  can wear pretty much any shade of red, but they should stay from bordeaux, unless they are going for a goth look.  For darker skinned women, she loves loves bordeaux.  Red lip color, she believes, can work for  a daytime look, but it should be sheer.  Her must-have lip product is MAC Money Honey dazzleglass.

For the eyes, she loves Urban Decay eye liners and MAC pigments to create a bold, shimmery look for all the holiday parties we will be attending this season.  She loves Urban Decay eye liners because they can be easily smudged and set to wear as shadows.  For the cheeks, Toni raved about NARS blushes and as a fan myself, I definitely think they are must-haves for all beauty aficionados.

She had words of wisdom for all up-and-coming make-up artists ” Be the best that you can be. Be serious about your craft, treat it as a business, (continue) to learn about the craft by staying ahead of the trends.  Make sure to have  a website!”

I asked her about her future goals, she wants to do a follow-up to her book, Make-up FAQs,  to continue with her foundation, “Lipstick Theory” to assist  women’s charities, produce training DVDs and  create her own makeup and skincare line

She was a delight to interview and I will be looking out for all of her upcoming endeavors.  I do wish her all the success, she has a great spirit.

So check out her book and website, definitely will provide inspiration.

Mix Maven

I am really enamored with Young Punk m/es to the point that I compare everything to it.  So I noticed that the Black Violet side of NARS Brousse has tiny flecks of pinkish/purple glitter.  I thought, “Wow, this color looks like it could be Young Punk’s distant relative.”

I really got frustrated with this duo until I decided to use the Black Violet side all over the eye and used the Sable (brownish-taupe side) underneath the highlight color.

FYI, the lip color is really not that red.

Face

• Clinique Perfectly Real Liquid Foundation – 46 (N)
• Clinique Blended Face Powder – Transparency 5

Eye

• MAC Matte Gel
• MAC Groundwork P/P
• Purely Cosmetics CTP in Bronzed Brown
• NARS Brousse (both sides)
• TheBalm ShadyLady Mischievous Marissa e/s
• L’Oreal HiP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner – Black
• Tarte lights, camera, lashes! mascara – Black

Cheeks

• NARS Torrid blush

Lips

• Stila Lip Glaze – Fruit cake

Mix Maven

My birthday wish list included the Photo Realism quad, and thankfully, I received this item as a gift. *Woop, Woop!!* I usually do not like pre-made quads because I usually only like one or two colors, but with this quad, I like them all!!

The light green – Fresh Approach reminds of what Warm Chill E/S (from the Cool Heat collection) should have been.  The texture of the shadows are great, even the Frosts.  I have been off  MAC Frost e/s lately because I find them to be hard.

Products used:

Face

• Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Compact Foundation in Warm Walnut
• MAC Concealer
• MAC Natural MSF in Dark

Eyes

• MAC Matte Gel
• MAC Greenstroke Paint Pot
• MAC Photo Realism Quad
• MAC Heatherette Trio – Cloudburst e/s only
• L’Oreal HiP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner – Black
• Urban Decay Zero e/l
• L’Oreal telescopic explosion mascara (my new favorite mascara!!!)

Cheek

• NARS Torrid blush
• Revlon Colorstay Mineral Finishing Powder – Sunkiss (Must have!!!)

Lips

L’Oreal lip gloss

Overall, the colors are tres pretty…definitely a must-have for the true beauty aficionados.

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

One of my favorite beauty icons is Queen Latifah.  She carries herself very well and always looks glam when she is at industry events.  Her makeup is always flawless! She has come along way from her rapping days.  There was not too much about those looks that I admired.  I started to really like her style when she was on “Living Single,”  the precursor to “Sex and the City”. LOL I will say that when I look back on the show, I am not feeling some of her wardrobe.

I must confess that I have not used her CoverGirl line, but I hear good reviews.  One of Twitter peeps recommended one of her bronzers, CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer, Light Bronze Q100.  She loves it very much.

I love this smokey eye look on Queen Latifah.  I wanted to try it out!

FOTD Products:

All MAC Products unless stated.

Face

• Makeup For Ever HD Primer
• Makeup For Ever Mat Velvet + (#75)
• Natural MSF – Dark
• Face Atelier Pressed Powder – Translucent

Eyes

• Matte Gel
• Blackground p/p
• Carbon e/s
• Glamour Check e/s
• Patina e/s
• NYX Nude loose pearl eye shadow (Highlight)
• Soba (Highlight)
• Nouba Black e/l
• Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara

Cheek

• Warmed MSF
• Refined Beyond Bronze Bronzing Powder

Lip

• Pucker t/t
• NYX
• Naked Space l/g

No, I am not going blonde, but I do Love the Blonde MSF from the Blonde Brunette and Redhead collection from MAC.  I know, I know this collection came out in in 1876 LOL, but I was not a huge fan because the collection looked totally dupable.

MSFs and I have a love affair that cannot be easily broken, which is why when I mozied into Macy’s MAC a few months ago, I swatched it.  The Blonde (degrade) MSF is smooth and not chunky like previous MSFs.  Even Stereo Rose (my favorite) is smooth but not as smooth as Blonde. Fortunately for me, I purchased the last one *so they said*

My plan was try this MSF as an eye shadow.  This decision was prior to the post that I was no longer going to try to rock Pink shadows because they were not working out for me.  But I had to remember that the best base for Pink shadows are bright/darker pink bases.  I used Maybelline Cool Effect Liner in Sugar Plum Ice and L’Oreal HiP Cream Crayon in Unmistakable.  The application was much smoother than I am imagined.

FOTD Products:

All MAC Products unless stated.

Face

• Makeup For Ever HD Primer
• Makeup For Ever Mat Velvet + (#75)

Eyes

• Matte Gel
• Maybelline Cool Effect Liner in Sugar Plum Ice
• L’Oreal HiP Cream Crayon in Unmistakable
• Sugar Cream Eye Shadow in Pink Fizz
• Blonde MSF (used the rosiest pink)
• Patina e/s
• Urban Decay Illegal e/s (matte)
• L’Oreal Hip Duo e/s in Foxy (Brown side)
• Retrospeck (Highlight)
• Soba (Highlight)
• L’Oreal Hip Cream Color Truth e/l in Brown
• Powerpoint eye pencil in Stubborn Brown
• —> Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara <— Must have

Cheek

• Stark Naked

Lip

• Sweet Tooth t/t
• Chestnut l/l
• Naked Space l/g

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