Spring Flower Makeup Series - Vibrant MAC Lipsticks For Spring!

A lipstick selection inspired by ranunculus.
 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
Ranunculus come in a variety of colors.

Nothing says spring to me more than bright, pretty lips.  Here are selection of colors from MAC that put a spring in my step.  Some were limited edition and no longer available but Show Orchid and Impassioned are two of my favorite and are permanent! 

Do you have a favorite spring shade?  I love fuchsia and bright pink in spring and then transition to coral for summer.

 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
 Left to Right: Show Orchid, Flowerplay, Real Doll, Gladiola, Coral Polyp, Impassioned, Toxic Tale
 
Do you like bright lips for spring?

MAC Master Class with Senior Makeup Artist Louise Z. - Eras Reinterpreted!

 Louise Z. & Me

This past weekend I went to one of the three MAC PRO Master Classes that I signed up for this spring.  When living in NYC, I never was in a position to take advantage of these, so when I saw that three upcoming classes worked with my schedule, I was game!  Plus the fee for your class is completely refundable in MAC product.  Win win, right?

Louise Z., Senior Makeup Artist, was conducting the class.  The theme was Eras Reinterpreted.  During the course of the class, we discussed makeup and cultural icons of three different decades: 1920's, 1940's and 1960's. 

Many of the MAC PROs attending the class worked as makeup artists, but it seemed that the majority of students in the class had little experience with editorial makeup.   I try to do what I can at home, but of course, I'm still just a beginner.  It was great to see a master in action.  I regret not being able to take advantage of these classes more while I was in NYC, but that's life eh?  Thank you Louise for an inspiring class.  I learned a lot from your notes and also loved your attitude on makeup. 

Here were some of Louise's tips on editorial makeup:
  • Do your research - know the references, know the designers/photographers/models/icons/movies/culture/experience... Everything!  Immerse yourself!  Knowledge is power, so doing your homework will help you see eye to eye with the designer, stylist, client, whoever you are working with to get that special look.
  • Editorial doesn't always mean literal - A reference can be just that... a reference.  A nod to a certain idea.  Not a carbon copy.
  • Editorial can be wearable - Just because it's titled as editorial doesn't mean that it can't be wearable.  See Louise's 1960's inspired look as an example.  A nod to mega lashes and nude lips of the era without being a straight-up Bardot clone.
Louise Z.'s 1920's inspired look.  This could be straight out of Vogue!
 Love this vampy smoky eye.  I might try recreating this!
 Louise's nod to the 1960's.
 Notice the drawn on lashes. 
Louise's Editorial Must Have blushes.
Louise's Editorial Must Have Eyeshadows.  Happy to see Orange in the in mix!

To read more about the class go to the MAC PRO website.  To sign up to be a MAC PRO go here.

Sunday at Beautyburg - Blogger Link Love Around The World!

 Knut the polar bear.  We will miss you.

Hello beauty friends!  How is everyone's weekend?  Can you believe the past week and few days?  So much uncertainty around the globe.  I was relieved that some of my Twitter friends in Japan were ok, but I know that there are many more out there who have lost loved ones.  Also thinking about the accelerating circumstances in Libya worries me.  And even though this is such a minute tragedy in comparison, I was sad to hear that Knut the polar bear had passed.  I had actually seen him at the Berlin Zoo in 2007.  The photo above is one I took from that trip.  As you can see, he's still somewhat of a cub in that photo.

In times like this, I take a lot of comfort in my blogger friends.  There is so much positive energy from them.  I just wanted to thank them.

  • Bunta, a French bulldog in Japan, writes (or well his owner writes) about what they are experiencing post-tsunami.  They highlight a really inspirational story from the news where a 4-month old baby was found alive after 68 hours.  What a miracle! It gives you hope. :)
  • A long time ago I was so into graffiti, and I guess I still am.  I would photograph graffiti around New York and obsessively read about NYC's graffiti glory days in the late 70's early 80's.  I was psyched to see MAC's Senior Makeup Artist Keri B's graffiti inspired manicure.  She is inspired by Shepard Fairey, who is most recognized for his Hope poster of President Obama.  Her one nail is accented with an Obey Me face, which is actually based off of Andre The Giant. The other hand is devoted to Banksy.  Her ring finger is highlighted with Banksy's balloon girl.  This mani totally disproves the theory of nail art being cheesy.  Check the rest of her blog, Nail Art Junkie, for other seriously awesome manicures.
I have high hopes for next week and am trying to stay positive.  What do you do to try to exude good energy?

March Madness! Greens All Month - MAC Peppermint Patti - From The Archives!

 MAC Peppermint Patti Nail Lacquer

Happy St. Patty's y'all.  Since we are celebrating, I thought I would resurrect a really old polish from my archives for you.  This is MAC's Peppermint Patti which came out with the Sugarsweet collection.  Now this sold out in a heart beat, and it has been making appearances on EvilBay since for lots of green (the money kind).  Since this product was so high in demand, I had actually been saving it and only using it for special occasions.  However, I honestly cannot remember when was the last time the I wore it. 

When I was applying it for this post, I was a little surprised.  This minty green creme polish sucks.  Really bad.  It's so thin and watery.  It was difficult to get a non-streaky application.  What you see on my nails is four coats!  What was I saving this for?  I have no idea.  *rolling eyes*

However, I did wear this to mall today and received several compliments, so maybe there is something to this shade, if you can deal with the formula. 

 Peppermint Patti.
You're not as good as I remember, but you are still a pretty nice green.

Happy St. Patty's everyone!  Do you have any products you revisited and wondered why you loved them in the first place?

MAC Beauty Icon Discussion - My Story and Search for The Next Beauty Icon - Who Would You Want To See Immortalized in MAC?

 Liza for MAC - The First Beauty Icon

MAC and I are in a long term relationship, probably the longest one I've ever been in.  We've gone through many ups and downs over the years, but there have definitely been more good times than bad.  Every now and again, MAC will surprise me and make me remember why I fell in love with them so many years ago.

Some of my fondest MAC memories are of their Beauty Icon series.  Before I had even seen Cabaret, I met Liza for MAC.  Liza Red Amplified lipstick is hands down my favorite red lippie in my collection.  It's the perfect red for my skintone.  A great balance of red and orange.

If you're unfamiliar with the MAC Beauty Icon series, it's a collaborative collection created with a living celebrity that has a signature style.  The Icons are people who have long careers and have a sense of maturity.


Here's a short timeline on MAC Beauty Icons:
2003 - Liza Minnelli
2005 - Diana Ross
2006 - Catherine Deneuve
2007 - Raquel Welch
2008 - Dame Edna

The supreme Miss Diana Ross.

With the first three collections, the products, concept and icon themselves were just tremendous.  Both Liza AM and PM eyeshadow quads were seriously perfection.  I had the AM one on my makeupalley.com wishlist for years.  In the Diana Ross collection, it was the first time (correct me if I'm wrong) that MAC introduced Beauty Powders.  The pink brushes also just made me gaga. 

 Belle du Jour forever.

The Catherine Deneuve collection was immensely popular.  The limited edition kabuki brush was to die for, and I regret to this day not getting it.   However, I did end up purchasing the majority of this collection.  I think MAC just got everything right here.  The colors were super wearable and desirable, and the packaging had a such a sleek, modern and very sophisticated vibe.  I think it captured the entire essence of the Icon so well. 

Raquel Welch for MAC.

Now, the last two collections to me were slight disappointments.  I think Raquel Welch didn't carry the star power or frenzy of the other icons.  If you want to wear the crown of MAC Beauty Icon, there better be no question that you deserve the title.  The not-so-fierce need not apply.  Also, the Rachel products were just kinda lame.


Then came the Dame Edna collection.  I was thrilled with news of the press release; I was psyched to see MAC return to its gender bending roots (a la RuPaul) to celebrate someone with true eccentric style and a certain makeup sense.  The products themselves were also very cool.  The Amplified lipsticks were very unique shades, and the Beauty Powders were just lovely.  However, when trying to capture Dame Edna's signature glasses with a sticker on top of a lovely pretty lavender product (same shade as her hair)... the whole collection just went to pieces.  The glasses sticker peeled off easily, and for me, it just took away from the entire collection.

So MAC, baby.  Can you do me a solid and come out with a seriously ba-nanerz Beauty Icon Collection?  Here are some people I would love to see immortalized!

Some Beauty Icon Candidates:
  • Dolly Parton (MUST)
  • Tina Turner
  • Cher
  • Björk (in maybe 10 years?)
  • Sophia Loren

Who would you like to see as the Beauty Icon in MAC's series?  Do you have any favorites from past collections?  Who has been your favorite Icon so far?

Blush IQ? MAC Jeanius Collection Blushes in Pink Cult and Overdyed - Swatches, Photos

MAC Jeanius blushes in Overdyed and Pink Cult.

What do you love more than a pair of tried and true jeans.  From the initial press release, I was stoked about MAC's Jeanius collection.  What's more iconic or American than denim?  With that as a source of inspiration, I was imagining amazing blues eyeshadows in different finishes.  Instead what was the result were pressed larger (more expensive) eyeshadows with oversprays and meh color payoff.... Less than riveting.

However one really nice surprise from the collection were two cool toned blushes.  Overdyed and Pink Cult are the two limited edition powder blushes with Jeanius, and they definitely fill a whole in my blush collection.  Overdyed is a bright magenta with a slight sheen, and Pink Cult is a flat muted matte dusty pink.  Both apply very nicely with good pigmentation.  Pink Cult is super smooth and not chalky at all.  I was actually surprised as to how much color showed on my skintone when it looked so light in the pan.



 
Swatched.  Pink Cult applied heavily, then with a blush brush.  Overdyed heavily and with brush.
 
Overdyed.
 
Overdyed on skin.
Pink Cult looks surprising light in the pan.
Pink Cult on skin.  
You wouldn't think it would show up so much from how it looks in the pan!

MAC Jeanius collection is available at maccosmetics.com and at MAC counters nationwide.  Pink Cult and Overdyed Powder Blushes are $19.50 for 5.6g, 0.19oz.

Michelle Williams At 83rd Annual Academy Awards - Makeup Tutorial Inspired by Michelle's Silvery Blue Undereye Liner Oscar Look!

Michelle's Oscar Night Look and My Inspired Version.

Close-up of Michelle's eyes.  More subtle use of silvery grey eyeliner.

My inspired look, a little more dramatic.  
We all can't have Chanel haute couture, so we gotta bling another way.

Here's another gorgeous look from Oscar night.  I love it when stars are brave enough to use color in their makeup for the red carpet.  Even though subtle, Michelle Williams wore a shimmering silver blue eyeliner on her bottom lashline.  I recreated a similar, but more dramatic look, here.

On my face, I am wearing Guerlain Parare Gold Radiance Foundation in 03 dusted with MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.  On cheeks, Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Dust.  Lips MAC Kissable Lip Color in Enchantee mixed with Mehr lipstick.

 1. Prime eye with Nars Smudge Proof Eye Primer.
 2. Inglot Duraline + Sugarpill Lumi ChromaLust Loose Eyeshadow creates a luminous white, blue/green iridescent base to hold onto color all night.
 3. Add lid color.  I'm using MAC Eyeshadows in Waft and Gentle Fume.
 4. Highlight inner corners of the eyes with shimmering white.  I'm using Rondelle eyeshadow by MAC.
 5. Line the lower lashline thickly with a grey blue pencil.  I'm using Chanel Precision Eye Define in Denim.
 6. Line the outer 1/3 of the upper and lower waterline in a grey pencil.  I'm using Laura Mercier pencil eyeliner in Stormy Grey.
 7. Add MAC Reflects Pearl pigment to the lower lashline.  Use a solution like MAC Mixing Medium to help adhere these tiny glitters to the eye area.  (Remember to use caution and read labels when it comes to glitters.)
 8. Curl lashes and add mascara.  I'm using Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill.
 9.  Add false lashes and fill in eyebrows.  I used Bobbi Brown Gel Long Wear Eye Liner in Espresso Ink on my eyebrows.
A pretty look for your Blue Valentine.

Are there any Oscar winners or nominees that you haven't seen yet?  I have quite a few on my Netflix queue!

 Michelle Williams Image Source

Natalie Portman Best Actress Makeup Tutorial - Makeup Look Inspired by Natalie Portman At The 83rd Annual Academy Awards Oscars

 Recreate Natalie's Oscar night look! 

Hello lovelies!  Yes, Oscar night is behind us now, but that doesn't mean we can't relive some of those fabulous red carpet moments with makeup looks inspired by some of our favorite stars.  It was great to see Natalie Portman go home with the Oscar.  Having followed her career for a long time and now to see her as a mom to be, I am thrilled that she went home with the Best Actress award.

Natalie's look from the red carpet.  Bronzey eye with soft lips and cherub cheeks.  Very elegant and composed without too much focus on one feature.  Just letting her radiant face shine through.

 
 I wish I had earrings like hers!

Here is my step-by-step tutorial on how to get this look inspired by Natalie Portman.  I prepped my face with MAC Strobe Cream to get a lit from within glow.  I primed my face with Make Up For Ever HD Primer in #6 and used Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in #125.  I dusted my face with MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Power.  For blush I used Make Up For Ever HD Blush in #6.  On lips I used MAC Dazzleglass Creme in Soft Dazzle.

 1. Prep eye with primer.  I used Nars Smudge Proof Eye Primer.  Then MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study on the lid and browbone.
 2. Line lower lash line from the inner corners to the center with a light champagne liner.
 3. Line the top lashline and lower outer 1/3 with a bronze pencil.  Line the upper waterline from the center to the outer corner only with a black waterproof pencil.

 4. Apply base soft brown shade.  I'm using MAC Rich Flesh Eye Shadow (Matte).
 5. Apply soft gold shade to the upper part of the lid.  I'm using RMK eye shadow in Shiny Brown Gold.
 6. Use a darker shade to cut a crease and work your way through the outer third of the eye.  I'm using Lancome Colour Design eyeshadow in 4Style.
 7. Blend, blend, blend.
 8. Apply a metallic shade to capture light and draw attention to the eye.  I'm using MAC Tan pigment.  Pack on the center of the eye.
 9. Add the same color to the outer third of the lower lashline, on top of where you put your bronze liner.  Smudge it out.   To create a more dramatic effect you can bring this portion to the tear duct and/or try using a darker eyeliner and then smudging it out.
 10. Curl lashes, apply mascara and lashes.  Draw your brows and you are done!
 Swatches of the products used.  Click to enlarge any photo!
  1. Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in 14K
  2. Clarins Waterproof Eye Pencil in Bronze
  3. MAC eye shadow in Rich Flesh (matte)
  4. RMK Eyeshadow in Shiny Brown Gold
  5. MAC Tan pigment
I apologize because I know some of these products are LE or not available anymore, but it doesn't mean you can't get the same look with similar products.  Remember this is "inspired by!"  Just go with what you got!  Why try to be Natalie when you can be you! 

Get ready for your close-up because you are done!

Lighten Up Your Lipsticks With MAC Lightfully Bright Lipglasses in Atmospheric and Ethereal

 Would Rainbow Brite wear these?

Hi everyone!  I haven't been feeling well lately, so today's post will be quick.  When I went for my MAC Wonder Woman makeover, I found that my local MAC store was carrying the Lightfully Bright collection.  Lightfully Bright is an Asia exclusive and was supposed to be online only, but I guess there are displays at a few free-standing MAC stores.

I picked up two of the limited edition Lipglasses from the collection.  These shades are sheer and probably best applied as accents on top of lipstick.  Their light reflective micro glitters makes them pretty, but I wouldn't go to the trouble of hunting these down.  I think they are easy to dupe and relatively similar on the lips.  Astro Cool, which I didn't purchase, was a less shimmery/duochrome-y version of Atmospheric, which I picked up.  Atmospheric is a sheer fuchsia pink with bright pink, violet, blue irisdescent shimmer.  Ethereal, my favorite of the collection, is a sheer milky baby blue with pink and violet shimmer.  If you liked Best of Breed, from Fabulous Felines, but found it too gray on lips (I know I did), you will like Ethereal!  Outer Space, the fourth Lipglass of the collection, is a sheer soft off-white, but I had similar products.

 Atmospheric, Ethereal
 Click to enlarge to see the shimmer.
 Ruby Woo alone.
 Ruby Woo with Atmospheric.
  Ruby Woo with Atmospheric.
  Ruby Woo with Ethereal.
  Ruby Woo with Ethereal.

As you can see, Ethereal is slightly milkier which lends to more of a color change on lip colors.  Do you *need* both or four?  Probably not.  But it would be nice to have one or one that similar to add a little brightness to your lips when needed.

Lightfully Bright collection is available at maccosmetics.com.  Atmospheric and Ethereal lipglasses are $14.50 for 4.8g, 0.17oz

My Superhero Transformation with MAC Wonder Woman Collection! Plain Jane No More!

 Me glamazon-ed (minus the height).

My local MAC store had a makeover event, and I decided to check it out to get my glam on.  The Wonder Woman collection is all about empowerment and getting larger than life.  It's about stepping out of your daily plain Jane routine and being a feminine force to be reckoned with.  So you best come correct.
 My Plain Jane look. (Before)  Save me Wonder Woman!
 Makeovers, photos, glamorizing!
 Inette, my makeup artist and my AFTER look.

The products from my look:
FACE:
Prep + Prime Skin
Mineralized Foundation SPF 15 in NC30
Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus
Cremeblush in Uncommon
Mineralized Blush in Warm Soul

EYES: 
Fluidline in Dipdown for brows
Paint Pot in Painterly
Wonder Woman Eyeshadow Quad in Valiant
Wonder Woman Opulash in Victorious
My own lashes

LIPS:
Creamstick Liner in Creamola To Shop
Wonder Woman Lipstick in Marquise d'
Wonder Woman Lipglass in Emancipation


 Wonder Women! 
 The goddess herself overseeing all beautifying!
 A comic come to life!
 I wonder how this feels?
 Pink Power!  Me comic-con'ed.
After my makeover, you got to transform once again into a comic with your own custom caption! 
Pow! How powerful can makeovers be?

Wonder Woman Collection is available at maccosmetics.com and at your local MAC counters.  Check your local store for events.

I've Got The Power! Pink Power Mineralized Skinfinish from MAC's Wonder Woman Collection

Pink Power!
I finally got my hands on Pink Power, the jumbo sized Mineralized Skinfinish Trio from MAC's Wonder Woman Collection.  Whooo, let me tell it was hard to track down.  Very few MAC counters in my area got shipments, and Pink Power has been sold out on maccosmetics.com almost since it launched online!

A HUGE amount of product.  
Pink Power in all forms: highlight, bronzer, blush, mixed.
 Pink Power vs. Stereo Rose
There have been talks that when blended, Pink Power was similar to Stereo Rose.  I swatched the two next to each other and they are somewhat close.  Stereo Rose is pinkier and more shimmery.  Pink Power also lends itself to being brown because of the bronzer.  But the biggest difference is that Stereo Rose is more pigmented.  I also swatched the blush portion of Pink Power for comparison. 
Blended Pink Power vs. Stereo Rose
Pink Power's blush portion vs. Stereo Rose
The display.
 Pink Power on cheeks. 

So was this Glamazon disc worth the hunt?  Yes and no.  I jumped minor hurdles to get it, but I don't know if I would fully inconvenience myself for it.  The value makes it nice trophy if you can find it.  But if you are looking for a Stereo Rose dupe, this isn't exact.  And if you can't find Pink Power in your area, fret not!  You can also easily duplicate the shimmer, bronzer and blush portions with other products (though it may cost you more if you decide to stick with all MAC).  

So what does this all mean?  I'm happy to have it, but it's not back-up worthy.  But I got the power!  Let's dance now. 


Remember this jam?

MAC Pink Power Mineralized Skinfinish is part of the Wonder Woman collection and is 20g, 0.70oz for $35 and limited edition and maybe at MAC counters nationwide. Have a great weekend everyone!

MAC Wonder Woman Collection Lipglass in Wonder Woman

Glamazon sized lipglass in Wonder Woman.  Super-sized doe foot applicator.

Have you gotten your girl power on yet?  I am feeling pretty powerful with MAC's Wonder Woman collection.  I like how it encompasses everything I love about makeup: it's fun, playful, empowering and pretty!  I purchased the collection's namesake lipglass.  Wonder Woman, the lipglass, is a pretty semi-sheer pretty cherry red with golden micro sparkly micro glitter. 

These gigantor lipglasses have some positive and negatives.  Let's start positive.  This jumbo lipglass offers a super size value.  Regular MAC Lipglasses are $14.50 for 4.8g, 0.17oz, $85.29 per oz. MAC Wonder Woman Lipglasses are $20 for 10.5g, 0.37oz, $54.05 per oz.  If you love the color, you will get a lot of gloss for less money.  Now for the negative, even though it's a better value, you are still paying more for lipgloss.  The giant size also lends to be a disadvantage for these glosses.  The huge doe foot applicator makes application a little tricky.  If you have thinner lips, applying these glosses may take a really steady hand.  I also found that removing the wand required more than usual effort.  You definitely had to tug to get it out of the tube.  Also, when pulling out the wand, gloss flings during removal.  Be careful not get drop gloss on your clothes or floor.

Overall, I'm glad I picked up the color that I liked most.  There is a ton of excitement for this collection, and I'm sure that many things will sell out quickly.  However, I don't think I will be picking up any other glosses from this collection.  I found the glamazon-sized doe foot applicator difficult to maneuver. 

My haul.  See my review of the powder blushes.
Do you like, love or hate the packaging?
Wonder Woman swatched.  See the tiny golden glitter.
On lips. I think this color is so pretty, but I did find it physically hard to apply.
 
 Wonder Woman launches February 10th in the US.

To Review:
MAC Wonder Woman Lipglass in Wonder Woman is available at maccosmetics.com now and at stores February 10th.
Pro: Big (literally) value.  You get a lot more gloss for your money.
Con: BIG applicator.  Those with thinner lips may find application difficult.  Takes a good heave-ho to pull out the applicator from the tube.  Watch for flying gloss when you're pulling out the applicator.  Limited edition.
Overall Beautyburg Rating: B

MAC Wonder Woman Powder Blush - Mighty Aphrodite and Amazon Princess - Swatches, Photos and Review

Mighty Aphrodite and Amazon Princess powder blush duos.

Pa-pa-POW!  Here are the two blushes from MAC's Wonder Woman collection.  These glamazon size blushes were among my picks from the collection.  The value of the size, and the overall pigmentation and application were standouts for me.  I still would like to pick up one of those big Mineralized Skinfish trios, but Pink Power has been sold out for some time already online and wasn't available at my local MAC's store preview party.  I hope to pick it up later this week when the collection launches in stores. 

The larger sizes of some of the products from this collection offers a chance for a better bang for your buck, if you like the colors.  Take a look at some of the math below: 

Powder blushes from the Wonder Woman collection are $24 12.3g, 0.43oz  $55.81 per oz.
- vs -
Regular powder blushes from MAC are $19.50 6g, 0.23oz $84.78 per oz.

Pretty in pink - Might Aphrodite duo.
Left to right: light portion, dark portion, mixed of Mighty Aphrodite.
Amazon Princess - a blue based pink with darker plum with gold shimmer.
Left to right: Light portion, dark portion, mixed of Amazon Princess.
Love this packaging.  Do you keep boxes when it's this fun?
My haul.  See my post on Wonder Woman Lipglass.
 
Collection will be in stores in the US February 10th, 2011.

To Review:
MAC Wonder Woman Powder Blush in Mighty Aphrodite and Amazon Princess are $24 each for 12.3g, 0.43oz and limited edition.
Pro: Big (literally) value.  Very pigmented colors.  Will last a very long time.
Con: Love it or hate it on the packaging.  Limited edition.  Bigger value calls for bigger price.
Overall Beautyburg Rating: A-

Have you done any Wonder Woman haulage?  Do you plan on getting anything?  Are you loving this or letting it go?

MAC Wonder Woman Preview Party - Photos!

 The displays!

Hey everyone!  Just a quick post for you today.  Last night I went to a preview event at my local MAC store for the new Wonder Woman collection.  If last night showed me anything, it's that people are extremely excited about this collection.  There was a line out the door or this preview party, and many of the items sold out quickly!  I even arrived 30 minutes early, and I was still maybe the 20th person in.  Coming from NYC, where people queue up for any and everything, I wasn't really expecting this type of reaction in the South SF Bay Area.  Well, if last night was an indicator of the anticipation for this collection, I can safely predict that this collection will be something that will sell out.  Maybe not everything, but I think there is enough hype about some of the products that you may want to act quickly.  

The Wonder Woman collection is already available online if you are a MAC PRO, and Pink Power, the glamazon sized Mineralized Skinfish Trio, is already sold out.  Yes, you heard me..... sold out!  Already!  It's not even launched yet!  It's PRO only now, and it's STILL sold out?! 

Of course, I was really excited about this particular item, and at the preview party today, they said that they had only received 4 in their shipment that weren't for the displays.  However, they did assure that there were more coming.  Phew!  I hope I can get my hands on one.

 Wonder Woman making her presence known!

 Lots of MAC fans!

POW!  Can't wait for this collection to launch.

I will be covering an in-store event later when the line launches.  The sales associates at MAC were really pumped about it!  They said there would be a photobooth or something where you can take your picture and it turns you into a comic.  I am officially intrigued! 

MAC Wonder Woman officially launches in MAC stores and counters across the US February 10th, 2011.  As usual, it will probably be online at maccosmetics.com the Tuesday before.  For PROs, it is available online now. 

Are you interested in this collection at all?  If so, what are you thinking about getting?  If you had a super power, what would it be and why?!  :) 

MAC Peacocky Kissable Lipcolour - Enchantée and Strut Your Stuff

 Enchantée and Strut Your Stuff.

Here's more to our MAC Catch Up Friday!  So many new collections out and 2011 is just getting started.  I had so much fun going into detail about Mega Metal Shadows that I completely neglected Kissable Lipcolours which also came out with the Peacocky collection.

Kissable Lipcolours are new formula that's more liquid lipstick than lipgloss.  These are similar in texture to Korres Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipsticks, ($22 for 0.12oz).  MAC's version is cheaper ($18 for 5g, 0.17oz) and a better value.  I also prefer the texture to these vs. the Korres.  They feel really moisturizing on lips, maybe hence the idea of being "kissable."

I purchased only two shades, but there are 12 shades available, including one artist color (Peacocky a teal blue).  These are limited edition, so if you like them, get them now.  Enchantée is a soft blue-based baby milky pink.  This reminds me of the Lady Gaga Viva Glam, but I didn't do a comp swatch.  Very pink, very light.  I purchased this online not knowling what the texture and transparency would be like.  As you can see, these are rather opaque, so for my NC35 skin, it's a little too light.  Strut Your Stuff is a blazen orange red.  The only negative thing I would say about this shade is that considering this formula, I would expect bleeding or straying.  This isn't the type of color that will just stay in place, and also the fact that it's so pigmented, you may want to start first with a lipliner to prevent bleeding.

 Enchantée and Strut Your Stuff.

 Enchantée en lèvres.

Strut Your Stuff on the catwalk, the street, your hallway.  It's a walk-off people!

Have you tried these yet?  Do you like liquid lipsticks?  How do you wear baby pink lips?

MAC Stylishly Yours Dark Diversion Fluidline - Swatches

Dark Diversion. 

Happy Friday everyone!  This is a late post.  So much great stuff coming out recently, but I need to get caught up on some MAC stuff.  Here is Dark Diversion, a limited edition Fluidline from the Stylishly Yours Collection.  I'm glad to see so many new Fluidline colors lately!  I really like MAC's formula, though my favorite is Inglot (but that's not as accessible in the US).  The liner really glides on the eyelid, and once the gel dries, it's there all day.  This is such a pretty shade of dark burgundy.  A not too red, deep dark wine.


 The pot.  Notice the shimmer.

Dark Diversion swatched.


Dark Diversion is $15 for 2.5g, 0.08oz and available at MAC counters and www.maccosmetics.com.

What would you wear this with?  Do you stick to black and brown liners or like color? 

MAC Peacocky Mega Metal Eyeshadows - Comparisons, Summary and Final Review!


Hand it to MAC to come out with fifteen limited edition eyeshadows all at once.  I'll keep this brief since there are a photos to get through.  Mega Metal eyeshadows are a new formulation of pressed eyeshadow created by MAC for the Peacocky collection.  They have great texture, color payoff, pigmentation.  They are large than regular MAC eyeshadow pans (3.4g, 0.11oz vs 1.5g, 0.05oz), and they are also more expensive, $19.50 each vs. $14.50 each.  However, they are a better value.  

Math Breakdown (Makeup Geek Out Time)
MAC Mega Metal Shadow $19.50 each for 3.4g, 0.11oz =  
$5.37 per gram, $177.27 per oz.
MAC Eye Shadow $14.50 each for 1.5g, 0.05oz =  
$9.66 per gram, $290 per oz.

But if you are like me and know that you will never finish a pan.  To save $, I would skip lighter, paler shades and go for the richer, more vibrant colors.  In summary, get these; you will be happy. 

Here are some comps for you.  I apologize in advance.  I don't own that many MAC perm colors.  I don't think I had ever felt before that I didn't have a lot of eyeshadows before, but when trying to comp, I really felt like I was in short supply.  I tried to keep these in the MAC world of eyeshadows, but many are LE or HTF (hard to find).  I just put this together for those who may have some of these past LE's and may want to skip colors because they own something similar.  But if you just love swatches, as I do, go ahead and knock yourself out too.

There went trying to keep things brief.  I'll be quiet now.  Enjoy the photos.  If you missed other swatches and pictures, here are the links:


*Unless noted, all of these eyeshadows swatched are by MAC.  Captions label swatches left to right.  Formulation is indicated when known.  If it's not there, then I wasn't sure (sorry!).
Peek-At-You, Gold Dusk (Pig.), Provence (Pig.), Femme-Fi (VP).

Prance, Shoreleve (VP), Shimmertime (Pig.), Your Ladyship (Pig.).

Dalliance, Retrospeck (L), Creme Royale (VP).

Paparazz-she, Firespot (VP), Off the Radar (Pig.), Rushmetal (Pig.).

Sexpectations, Bravado (VP), Star Violet (VP).

Tweet Me, Jardin Aires (Pig.), Melon (Pig.), YSL Eclat de Givre #2, Pink Bronze (Pig.).

Ego, Gulf Stream (F), Steel Blue (Pig.), Odalisque, Parrot (F), Teal (Pig.)

Dandizette, Silver Fog (F), Blue Flame (VP), Waft.

 
Noir Plum, Top Hat (SF), Satellite Dreams, Grape (Pig.). 

Mating Call, Stars & Rockets, Lotusland (SF).

Top of the Posh, Apricot Pink (Pig.), Revved Up (Pig.), Pink Venus (L), Gateaux (F).

Spectacle of Yourself, Chocolate Brown (Pig.), Goldstroke (Pig.)

Centre Stage, Magnetic Fields (VP), Mauvement (Pig.)

Unflappable, Smoke + Diamonds (SF), Moth Brown (F), Sweet Sienna (Pig.).

To Review:

MAC Mega Metal Shadow $19.50 each for 3.4g, 0.11oz are limited edition at MAC counters and www.maccosmetics.com. 
Pro: Pigmented, large pan, good value, great color payoff, lovely texture.
Con: (For some, the pro might be con) Large pan.  Limited edition. Paler shades don't have the same level of color payoff. Pricier than regular MAC shadows (albeit larger).
Overall Beautyburg Rating: A

MAC Peacocky Mega Metal Eyeshadows - More Swatches in Natural Light

More Mega Metal!

If you guys still need help deciding on MAC Peacocky Mega Metal eyeshadows, I thought I would take some quick swatches in natural light for you all.  

If you missed the product shots and original swatches, click here for the post. 

Mega Metal eyeshadows are Limited edition. $19.50 each for 3.4g 0.11oz.  Available at MAC counters and www.maccosmetics.com. 

 
  Peek-At-You, Prance, Dalliance.

  Paparazz-she, Sexpectations, Tweet Me.

  Ego, Odalisque, Dandizette.

 Noir Plum, Mating Call, Top of the Posh.

Spectacle of Yourself, Centre Stage, Unflappable.

Click here for more swatches and product shots.

Do any of these colors call out at you?  What do you think of the larger pan size?

MAC + Mickey Contractor - Fluidlines in Ivy and Siahi

 Siahi and Ivy, new limited edition Fluidlines from MAC + Mickey Contractor. 

  Siahi and Ivy.

C'mon MAC!  Two launches in 1 day?  This is a trend that is considerably hurting wallet.  Not that I'm complaining.  MAC + Mickey Contractor and Peacocky are two collections that I have been actually pumped about!  To add to the excitement are two new Fluidline colors.  I love Fluidline's gel formula.  Blacktrack and Dipdown are every day staples for me.  I think they glide on better on the lid better than Bobbi Brown gel liners for me, and their wear is really long-lasting, especially when sealed with powdered eyeshadow.

Siahi and Ivy are two limited edition Fluidlines from the MAC + Mickey Contractor collection.  Siahi is a shimmering turquoise blue, and Ivy is a bright grass green.  I cannot wait to use these with the new Mega Metal eyeshadows.  Check out this post to see swatches.





Siahi and Ivy are $15 each for 2.5g 0.08oz and at a limited number of MAC counters and www.maccosmetics.com.

How would you wear these Fluidlines?  What would you pair them with? 

MAC Peacocky Mega Metal Eyeshadows - Pan Shots and Swatches - PIC HEAVY!

 MEGA MEGA MEGA! 

Today with the release of MAC's Peacocky collection come 15 new limited edition eyeshadows in a new formula called Mega Metal.  These are pressed eyeshadows, not creme like Metal-X.  I just got my package this afternoon, so I haven't had much time to play with them.  However, just from swatching I can tell that these are something to get excited about.  Super richly pigmented, great soft creamy powder texture and some really unique, fun shades.
There are a lot of photos here, so I'll shut up for now.  I'll try to post some swatches in the sun/natural light tomorrow and some comps.  Remember, click to enlarge any photo.


 Peek-At-You, Prance, Dalliance




 Paparazz-she, Sexpectations, Tweet Me




 Ego, Odalisque, Dandizette




Noir Plum, Mating Call, Top of the Posh




Spectacle of Yourself, Centre Stage, Unflappable




Mega Metal Eyeshadows are part of MAC's Peacocky collection.  Limited edition. $19.50 each for 3.4g 0.11oz.  Available at MAC counters and www.maccosmetics.com.