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Beauty Event, Makeup

Creating Drag: MAC Makeup Class

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I had the pleasure of being able to attend a MAC Cosmetics pro makeup class, “Creating Drag”.  I was so excited to meet the instructor Romero Jennings as he has been a MAC Pro for many years and he has mastered the art of beauty makeup along with editorial makeup you find in Hapers Bazaar, Vogue and other major publications.  I knew that the class was going to be a great lesson in creating contour and highlights in a face not to mention some amazing glamour.  However, I learned more in those 2 hours than I expected, added to my bag of tricks and had a blast.  The transformation was amazing and I thought that I would share some photos so that everyone can see the before and after.

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Makeup

MAC Holiday 2012: Glamour Daze And Fabulousness Limited Edition Collection

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MAC Cosmetics has been full of limited edition collections this fall. However, they decided not to disappoint and continued to release a Holiday collection. The Limited Edition Collection: Glamour Daze is focused on holiday colors from “The glamour of getting ready to step out for the holidays.” The collection features soft pinks, blues and silvers and has a very romantic feel with a splash of shimmer in all of the products. It reminds me of an ethereal winter scene upon look. The packaging of the items is fabulous, with satin boxes, bows and stunning accents that make it superbly girly and a great packaged gift for anyone.

MAC Holiday Christmas 2012 Glamour Daze

Glamour Daze Extra Dimension Eye Shadow – $19.50

  • Ready to Party Pale Lilac
  • A Natural Flirt Soft Peachy Nude
  • Evening Grey Steel Silver
  • Divine Blue Midtone Aqua
  • Stylish Merry Dusty Violet
  • Stolen Moment Dark Taupe
  • Round Midnight Dark Burgundy
  • Tall, Dark & Handsome Black with Pearl

Glamour Daze Fluidline – $16.50

  • Femine Edge Pink Mauve with Dazzle Pearl
  • Catch My Eye Cool Taupe Grey with Dazzle Pearl
  • Little Black Bow Charcoal with Dazzle Pearl

Glamour Daze Kohl Power Eye Pencil – $16.50

  • Feline Intense Black with Pearl
  • Raven Intense Black with Red Pearl
  • Orpheus Intense Black with Gold Pearl
  • Mystery Intense Black with Green Pearl

Glamour Daze False Lashes Mascara – $20.00

  • Extreme Black Black

Glamour Daze Lipstick – $16.50

  • Beauty Pale Cool Pink (Glaze)
  • Innocence Soft Coral (Frost)
  • Outrageously Fun Mid-tone Magenta Violet (Cremesheen)
  • Glamourdaze Midtone Creamy Plum (Cremesheen)
  • Dramatic Encounter Deep Purple (Amplified)

Glamour Daze Lipglass – $16.50

  • Impossibly Sweet Sheer Soft Pink with Pearl
  • Pink Fade Light Creamy Pink
  • Talk Softly To Me Light Creamy Coral Pink
  • Deliciously Demure Soft Cool Brown with Pearl
  • Flight of Fancy Rich Purple

Glamour Daze Powder Blush – $22.00

  • Easy Manner Light Dirty Peach
  • I’m the One Midtone Blue Pink
  • Small Vanity Dusty Rose Tan

Glamour Daze Extra Dimension Skinfinish – $29.00

  • Whisper of Gilt Light Soft White Gold with Shimmery Sheen
  • Superb Soft Peachy Nude with Multidimensional Shimmer

Glamour Daze Extra Nail Lacquer – $17.50

  • Endless Night Pale Grey Pink with Iridescent Pearl (Cream)
  • In the Limelight Creamy Mint (Cream)
  • Girl Trouble Super Glitter Pink (Pearl)
  • Everything that Glitters Black with Multidimensional Glitter (Pearl)

MAC Fabulousness Holiday 2012 Collection

Fabulousness: Holiday Eye Kits – $39.50 A palette of five coordinated colours.

Fabulousness: 5 Warm Eyes –

  • Glamour Light Soft Beige  (Satin)
  • Sketch Burgundy with Red Shimmer (Velvet)
  • Honesty Pewtered Bronze (Lustre)
  • Cognac Golden Bronze (Frost)
  • Retrospeck Beached Blonde (Lustre)

Fabulousness: 5 Neutral Eyes–

  • Brun Deep Brown  (Satin)
  • Blonde Mink Grey Taupe (Lustre)
  • Enviable Mint Green with Pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
  • Smut Muted Shimmery Black (Velvet)
  • Magical Mist Metallic Taupe (Lustre)

Fabulousness: 5 Smoky Eyes –

  • Spellcaster Aubergine  (Matte)
  • Taupeless Lavendar Pink (Lustre)
  • Satin Taupe Shimmery Taupe (Frost)
  • Black Slip Blackened Plum (Veluxe Pearl)
  • Love & Spice Shimmery Rose-Pink (Frost)

The Holiday Collections can be found at MAC Cosmetic stores and online. If you see something you like, make sure to order it as quantities are limited.

Makeup

MAC Cosmetics Releasing Marilyn Monroe Limited Edition Collection

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Photo Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Where Old Hollywood meets new beauty.   MAC Cosmetics will be releasing  its brand new holiday limited edition Collection: Marilyn Monroe.  The 30 piece collection “channel’s the legend’s luster and sex appeal in a colour collection distinctively Marilyn”.  The collection will make it easy for anyone to create the icon’s cat eye, as well as the perfect red pout as MAC has created 4 different shades of red so that anyone can achieve the look.  The makeup line is up to MAC standards and if you are a MAC fan then you will love the color pigments and the wear of the line.  However, even if you are not a fan of the makeup the packaging alone is fabulous.  The packaging  features imagery from The Black Sitting.

Photo Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Large Eyeshadow – $21.00

  • How to Marry Soft White (Veluxe Pearl)
  • Preferred Blonde Pale Champagne Beige (Veluxe Pearl)
  • Silver Screen True Silver (Veluxe Pearl)
  • Showgirl Dark Blue Grey (Veluxe Pearl)

Lipstick – $16.50

  • Pure Zen Frosted Warm Nude (Cremesheen)
  • Scarlett Ibis Bright Orange Red (Matte)
  • Love Goddess Mid-tone Pink Red (Satin)
  • Charmed I’m Sure Dark True Red (Matte)
  • Deeply Adored Deep Scarlet (Matte)

Dazzleglass – $21.50

  • Phiff! Sheer Yellow Peach (Frost)
  • Little Rock Soft Sheer White with Pearl (Frost)

False Lashes Mascara – $20.00

  • Extreme Black Black

Brow Finisher – $15.00

  • Clear Clear

Eye Kohl – $15.00

  • Fascinating Intense Matte White
  • Smolder Intense Black

Penultimate Eyeliner – $18.50

  • Rapidblack True Black

Penultimate Brow Marker – $18.50

Lashes – $16.00

  • 35 Lash

Powder Blush – $22.00

  • Legendary Pale Soft Coral (Satin)
  • The Perfect Cheek Neutral Pink Beige (Matte)

Beauty Powder – $28.00

  • Forever Marilyn Sheer Pale Peach Highlighter

Nail Lacquer – $17.50

  • Rich, Rich, Rich Glittery Gold (Pearl) (Online Exclusive)
  • Vintage Vamp Rich Deep Retro Wine (Cream) (Permanent)
  • Stage Red Dark Berry Red (Cream)
  • Flaming Rose True Red (Cream) (Permanent)
  • Kid Orange Coral (Cream)

 

The Marilyn Monroe limited edition collection will be available online starting September 27th and at all MAC boutiques starting October 4th.  And like any good collection, once it is sold out it will be gone.

Makeup

Lady Gaga’s Fame Perfume Hits Shelves In September

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From the Haus Laboratories in Paris, the first ever black eau de parfum compounded by Lady Gaga. “Black, like the soul of fame, but invisible once airborne”.  Fame hits the shelves in September, however you can pre-order yours from retails such as Nordstrom, Sephora and Macysand it will ship to you on September 1st.

The fragrance is built on three main facet’s: dark facet, sensual facet and feminine facet.  The dark facet includes poisonous flower Belladonna and incense, which evolve into the sensual and opulent wave of honey drops, saffron and apricot. A floral veil of Sambac jasmine and tiger orchid embody the feminine facet.  Lady Gaga was very hands on with the fragrance and the packaging as well as the color of the fragrance in the bottle.  This black fluid exudes a lustful, floral, fruity essence for “fabulous little monsters”.lady-gaga-naked-fame-perfume

The 1.7 oz bottle will retail at $55 and the larger 3.4 oz bottle will be priced at $79

Lady Gaga who is on the cover of September’s Vogue did mention in the article,  “The fragrance is called Fame. It must be black. It must be enticing. You must want to lick and touch and feel it, but the look of it must terriffy you.”

Makeup

Make Up For Ever: Black Tango Palette

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black tango makeup forever

(Photo Credit: Makeup Forever)

Experience the sultry side of Argentine Tango with Make Up For Ever‘s new Black Tango Palette.  Founder and Creative director Dany Sanz‘s took her love of Argentine Tango dancing and turned it into a makeup palette that everyone can enjoy and re-create the sexy look.

The limited edition palette features Makeup Forever’s Aqua cream shadows, which are smudge proof cream eye shadows that do not crease or fade.  The four shades are a black with red highlights, black with green highlights, black with blue highlights and ivory.  The shades are ultra rich jewel tones that can be warn this fall and turned into an incredible smokey eye.

Smokey Eye Application:

Photo Credit: Sephora

-Apply a dark shade across the eyelid and blend.
-Using the same shade, line the lower lash line and lightly smudge.
-For an added highlight, apply the ivory shade to the browbone.
-Finish with Aqua Eyes OL and Aqua Smoky Lash mascara for a completely smudge-proof look.

This limited edition palette can be purchased at Sephora for $45.

Celebrity Beauty, Makeup

MAC Cosmetics VIVA Glam Raises $250 Million For AIDS FUND

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MAC Cosmetics announced that their VIVA Glam makeup has raised $250 million for people affected by HIV and AIDS.  The VIVA Glam Campaign began in 1994 to raise funds for the MAC AIDS Fund.

MAC Viva Glam Lipglass

(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

Every penny of the $14.50 lipstick sales, of the VIVA Glam Lipsticks and Lipglasses go to the MAC AIDS Fund. Eighteen years ago, the bullet in passionate red was the first lipstick created directly to create awareness and go to men, women and children affected by the disease. VIVA Glam spokespeople are provocative and influential in their communities. These celebrities help create an amazing ad campaign that gets the buzz out.

Niki and Ricky

(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

The MAC VIVA campaign changes their celebrity spokesperson every 18-24 months. The first face of the campaign was RuPaul, followed by Mary J. Blige, Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott, Eve, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga and many more celebrities lending their face to MAC.

The current campaign features both Nicki Minaj‘s “scene- stealing” pink and Ricky Martin‘s colourless lip conditioner.  Which can be purchased at any MAC Cosmetics store, MAC makeup counter, or online.

Makeup

MAC Cosmetics: New Heavenly Creature Limited Edition Collection

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(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

July marks a new MAC Cosmetics Color Collection: Heavenly Creature Colour.  On the surface these colors look marbleized, however, on the skin they blend in for a stunning “celestial” effect.

As with any beginning to makeup application it starts with the skin, and the Heavenly Creature Collection has a Creature Skincare to start with. The trio features a Super Duo Charged Water Technology with a eye cream, moisture gel, and a water cleanser. The limited edition brings back an old favorite with the Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator.

The Mineralize Skinfinish has a high-frost metallic finish in four gorgeous shades: Light Year, Center of The Universe, Star Wonder and Earthshine. It is the perfect product to add color and cheek highlights or over all color to the face like a bronzer.  Perfect for a lightweight summer option.

MAC Heavenly Creature Collection Mineralize Eyeshadow

(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

The Mineralize Eye Shadows have baked minerals refined into a powder that is light yet, still has the amazing signature MAC color pigments that can be applied in light layers to get the color effect you are looking for. Finish off your eyes with False Lashes mascara.  This mascara’s feature is to give you the volume and curl of a false eyelash without actually using false eyelashes. The formula is matched by its unique double-lush brush.

MAC lipstick

(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

The five new lipsticks add color and texture to the lips that stand out on the runway or on the streets. Add the Cremesheen Glass over the lipstick to amplify the color or use alone. The Glass is a non-sticky, creamy lipgloss that has a fantastic sheen.

Hit MAC online or play in your MAC Cosmetics store as theses colors will be gone soon.

Makeup

Smashbox Eye Beam Double-Ended Brightener Review

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(Photo Courtesy: Smashbox)

As a makeup artist I know the importance of making my clients eyes look brighter as well as using the tricks on my own eyes especially after a long night.  While a white eye pencil is a great trick to use in the corners of your eyes or to rim your lower lashes.  I do find that at times white can be a little to bright or the white pencil becomes noticeable and instead of it being a great trick everyone notices the white liner.  I came across Smashbox’s Eye Beam Double-Ended Brightener and was intrigued by the product.  What I immediately noticed is that the two sides are slightly different shades, but more of a flesh tone color.  I decided that I would test it on myself before adding it to my kit.

The inner rim side of the pencil is perfect for lining the lower inner rim of your eye.  The texture of the pencil is soft so as not to irritate your eye and adding a brightness look without looking white.  It brightens your eyes in a subtle way that people will notice you look more refreshed without knowing your secret.

The other side of the pencil is labeled Highlight and can be placed in a couple of places to get the bright eye affect.  The first option is to apply on the inner corners of the eyes.  It also can be used underneath your brow to make your eyes appear bigger and wider.  Smashbox also states that you can apply the product to help with dark circles and use it as a concealer.  I do agree that you can use the pencil this way however, if you have very dark circles it may not give you enough coverage and be better to go with an under eye concealer.

I am a fan of this pencil and have been using it on my clients and brides as a new option for brighter eyes.  Ditch the white pencil for the Eye Beam Double-Ended Brightener worth the $22 investment.

Makeup

The Make-Up-Matte Review

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I am always looking for great new makeup products to share and to make life a little easier.  I was recently made aware of a new product that was designed to keep your counter tops clean and make doing makeup easier.  “The Make-up-Matte is a mineral and powder workspace solution and portable carryall for your cosmetics and brushes when you are on the go.”

While a cosmetic bag can carry all of your products, I do not like them as a brush carrier as the brushes tend to get bent and are not always in great condition after long term use.  With the matte I noticed immediately after unrolling mine that the brushes have their own pockets and rolled up they do not smooshed or bent.  For those gals who use loose mineral powder or loose glitter, then you know the second you open the lid there is always the chance of getting some on the counter, your clothes, the car, wherever you open it.  With the Make-Up-Matte, if you get some on the micro-fiber no problem.  The Matte’s  are machine washable for easy-care convenience.  I took my Matte out on the road with me, as I am always on the go, and that is what the Make-up-Matte advertises.  It rolls small enough to get into a handbag, diaper bag, suitcase, or whatever you carry with you.  I loved that when I opened the roll everything was visible and I could get immediately to my brush and product that I needed versus digging into a cosmetic bag.  I also was pleased that I didn’t get loose glitter and powder all over myself or anything.  I would recommend the Make-Up-Matte ($22.95) as a time and space saver as well as a clean way to keep all of your makeup.  It comes in a variety of stylish styles and could be a great gift for your mom or girlfriend.

Makeup

MAC Cosmetics Spring 2012 Collection

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I had the pleasure of being invited to a MAC cosmetics sneak preview last night of the new collection. The line to get in the store was wrapped around the mall, all with eager MAC lovers waiting to get the first look at the new spring line. Once in the store amidst the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were flowing and there were stations set up to look, try and see what will be available in a few weeks for everyone.

Photo Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

The new line is called “Shop, Shop, Shop and Cook, Cook, Cook” Spring 2012 Collection.  The color palette is bright, vibrant, fun and will catch your eye when it lines the store shelves.

The Shop, Shop, Shop collection is a Shop ’til you drop with a tongue-in-cheek collection that elevates the everyday into the extraordinary.

The Eyeshadow Quad Palettes are as follows:

  • Call Me Bubbles – cool-n-spicy coral eyeshadows
  • Shop & Drop – violet inspired quartet or eyeshadows
  • Colour Added – a mixture of teal, white, charcoal and yellow.

SHOP MAC Cremeblend Blush is creamy and easy to blend:

  • Optomistic Orange – a bright orange
  • Florida – a bright coral/pink
  • Restore Dazzle – rich plum
Photo Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Spring Lips dish it up with these shades of color:

  • Innocence, Beware – light yellow pink
  • Watch Me Shimmer – bright pink-orange
  • Naughty, Saute – bright pepto pink
  • Quick Sizzle – bright pink
  • Dish It Up To Shop – berry pink
  • Runway Red – rich red blue

MAC Kissable Lipcolour has a creamy look and feel in five colors:

  • Enchantee – light blue pink
  • Woo Me – light pinky nude
  • So Vain – muted dirty coral
  • Scan-delicious – blue fuchsia
  • Flaunting It – grey mauve
Photo Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

COOK MAC Collection brings the gourmet glamor.  The recipe for kitchen kouture in savory shades for eyes, lips and dishy nail lacquers.

Fluidline Gel is a simple way to make a gourmet ling with a silkier finish than a regular eyeliner:

  • Midnight Snack – soft black
  • Added Goodness – blackened mauve
  • Wholesome – blackened brown

Tendertone Lip Balm is the next generation of lip conditioner that combines the look of a gloss and lip balm:

  • Tread Gently – soft lime green with yellow pearl
  • Purring – sheer tangerine with pearl
  • Hush, Hush – sheer gold with yellow gold pearl
  • Hot ‘n’ Saucy – soft cherry red

Not Yet Dishy Enough? Nail Lacquer will finish the look of in one of these three colors:

  • Al Fredo – bright acid green
  • Kid Orange – coral
  • Salad Dressing – midtone dirty aqua

As with all special edition MAC Collections these are limited and once they are gone they are gone.  So, if you find one you love don’t hesitate with purchasing, or you may miss out!