Posts Tagged ‘lip gloss’
MAC…
The final frontier
These are the voyages of the Heavenly Creature, Collection
Its mission
To explore bold new looks
To seek out new shades and familiar textures
To boldly go where no makeup maven has gone before
Okay, so its no Starship Enterprise but the new MAC Heavenly Creature collection boasts a galaxy of gorgeous shadows, lipsticks, blushes, and glosses all orbited by (my favorite) Mineralize Skin Finishes!
Each year, MAC dares to take us on a glamorous color expedition with their mineralize collection and each year the collection is met with a 50/50 response – you either love them or you choose to leave them.
I am especially partial to MAC’s mineralize formulation although the shadows are my least favorite. Well, it’s not that they’re my least favorite as much as I haven’t been introduced to a unique marbling of shades in a long time.
But, that didn’t stop me from picking up a couple of intergalactic gems.
Mineralize Eyeshadow in Magnetic Attraction and Water, $20/ea. There is one more I may pick up – a dreamy neutral called Earthly. Do you own that one? How do you like it?
Left to Right: Magnetic Attraction (dry and wet) and Water (dry and wet). I like how versatile the mineralize shadows are because applied dry, the color is subtle (but buildable) and applied wet, pow! Both shades apply well, have good pigmentation and no fall out. I’m quite happy with them.
Left to Right: Pleasureseeker (glaze), Venus (lustre), Cut a Caper (lustre), $14.50/ea
Left to Right: Pleasureseeker (glaze), Cut a Caper (lustre), Venus (lustre. I find all three shades look better applied on lips versus swatched. Each shade is right up my alley too! (photos taken in daylight on bare, NC20 skin)
Cremesheen Glass in Meteoric and Strictly Plutonic, $19.50/ea
Left to Right: Meteoric and Strictly Plutonic. I’m a big fan of the Cremesheen Glass formulation because it’s not sticky, feels smooth on the lips and doesn’t leave a funky residue trail. The wear is a couple of hours on me but since it’s not a sticky gloss, I expect to reapply with some frequency. Of the two shades, Meteoric is my favorite – a lovely watermelon pink. Strictly Plutonic has a slight orange-brown base that doesn’t suit my skin tone but paired with a lipstick or lip pencil, it works. I’m also picking up Galaxy Rose - I meant to first time around but it somehow didn’t make it into my bag.
Mineralize Blush in Supernova, $23.50
Supernova. In the pan, this shade looks super bright but as you can see from the swatch (one swipe), it is quite wearable and not too frosty. I couldn’t be happier with my best of the blush bunch pick.
Mineralize Skin Finish in Center of the Universe and Star Wonder, $29/ea
Center of the Universe and Star Wonder. I expected a higher frost finish but I’m delighted that it leaves only a very slight sheen on the skin. Both feel smooth to the touch, are nicely pigmented, blend easily and aren’t grainy. I couldn’t decide which I like best as they are equally beautiful and on my NC 20 skin, they make terrific blushes - I layered a bit of each as blush the other day and loved the look.
Availability: MAC stores, counters and maccosmetics.com (limited edition)
4/5 Smooches: Each item I chose gets a big round of applause smooches!
So are you a mineralize lover or leaver? What’s your favorite way of using mineral products? I like to apply them dry but find I can get a high sheen and glossy effect if I use water, MAC Fix+ or a little makeup artist trick, Visine. It does more than just get the red out. 
❤Liz
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. Your support of my Beauty Black Book is always appreciated so please do feel free to share a link back to this post. However, no part of this post (including any photos which I obsess over in a most ridiculous way) may be reproduced, tweeted or posted without my okay…okay?
I just got off the phone a few moments ago with the lovely boutique manager of Dior Beauty in Las Vegas*. She informed me the bright, colorful and overall fun collection of polish and glosses called Dior Summer Mix, are due to launch sometime in June (approximately the 20th).
As you probably know, I adore Dior polishes so I’m anxiously awaiting the release. No official word yet on the formulation for the Ultra glosses (I sure hope there’s at least one pearl finish – they’re my favorite) but as soon as I know more, I’ll be sure to update this post.
In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come…
Left to Right: Orange Paréo, Cosmo, Gold Sunrise, Calypso, Rouge Croisiere, Acapulco, Rose Bikini, Lagoon
They yellow Acapulco and teal Lagoon have my name written all over them!
Do any of these shades tickle your fancy? I’m expecting to wear colorfully coiffed toes this summer!
❤Liz
*Anelia Shivachev, Dior Beauty Boutique Manager, (702)-734-1102
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. Your support of my Beauty Black Book is always appreciated so please do feel free to share a link back to this post. However, no part of this post (including any photos which I obsess over in a most ridiculous way) may be reproduced, tweeted or posted without my okay…okay?
I almost passed on this lipgloss from the Bronze Goddess Capri Summer 2012 collection and I’m so glad I picked this up. There’s not much color to the Pure Color Gloss in Shimmering Mirage but like a mirage, it gives the illusion of something wonderfully glossy, rich and dare I say succulent.
Enough gabbing, take a look at this wonderful gloss that works well alone but makes you dream of the isles of Capri when worn atop your favorite lipstick (or lip pencil)…
Shimmering Mirage
Shimmering Mirage complete with doe foot applicator and Estée Lauders signature fig scent.
Look at the shimmer in this pale yellow-gold beauty!
Swatched, Shimmering Mirage is difficult to see (it’s all about the finish and texture with this gloss) but I wanted you to see the yellow is very pale. This Pure Color Gloss is a tad sticky, feels wonderful on the lips (no grittiness from the shimmers), leaves a pretty sheen on bare lips and gives any lipstick you place this over added shine (photo taken outdoors).
Availability: Estée Lauder counters, esteelauder.com (limited edition)
Price: $22.50/US
❤Liz
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. No part of this post (including the photos which I obsess over in a most ridiculous way) may be reproduced without my okay…okay?
Although I’ve titled this a “Sneak Peek” the truth is I’m quietly longing for this collection…the entire collection, which doesn’t usually happen for me (well, sometimes it does).
I’m not sure if it’s the Aurora Borealis that inspired the Northern Lights collection (by the way, I am gaga for those type shades) or if it’s the simplicity of the elegant packaging or maybe I’m just ready to tear into a new brand (yeah…that’s it!) but I Can Not Wait for this to hit my vanity.
The Northern Lights Kaleidoscope Eye Kit: Ionic – a satin/matte neutral sunset, Sky – a pale shimmering skyline blue, Magnetic – a blazing copper, Equinox – a satin/matte twilight violet. Yes please! ($95US)
The Aurora Kaleidoscope Lip Kit: Illuminate – a shimmering hot pink with a sheer finish, Voltaic – a satin-y nude mauve, Dynamos – an effervescent coral-tangerine and Eos – an opaque fuchsia. They could have just named this the “Liz Lip Kit!” ($95US)
The Northern Lights Nail Polishes: Aurora – an icy blue, Solar Flare – a dusky rose-pink, Faraday – a shimmering lavender taupe. Nail art combo colors anyone? ($18ea/US)
Have you delved into the Le Métier brand? What are your must-haves?
❤Liz
I don’t know how they did it but Chanel released a gloss that makes me want to tousle my hair, bat my eyelashes and walk around all pouty lipped. Rouge Allure Lacque in Empire from the Chanel Holiday 2011 collection has given me attitude…the good kind.
I’m new to the formulation; a creamy, shiny gloss that isn’t sticky, feels smooth and soothing on lips and lives somewhere between a lipstick and a gloss in texture. It wears for several hours but I can’t seem to stop reapplying this gorgeous gloss!
The slick black, glossy case is easy to carry and has a nice weight to it.
That’s Empire on the Left and Enivrée in the Right. You can read all about Enivrée here.
If you already own rosy pink glosses you’d likely pass on this product. I know I had no intention of picking up this shimmering neutral mid-tone pink until I read the review and saw swatches at Best Things in Beauty. I’m not one to point fingers but ☜.
All kidding aside, this is another must-have from the collection. It’s tough to fork out $32 for a gloss but when it’s this good, it’s tough not to.
Availability: Chanel counters, chanel.com (limited edition)
Price: $32US/.12 oz
4/5 Smooches: This gloss will make you feel brand new!
I couldn’t help but share a video aptly named Empire State of Mind by Jay Z and Alicia Keys. Remember this one from the Sex and the City 2 movie?
❤Liz
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. No part of this post (including the photos which I obsess over in a most ridiculous way) may be reproduced without my okay…okay?
There is nothing that gets me as excited as learning about new lipgloss. It takes me back to my days of wearing Bonne Bell lip smackers – I felt so “grown up” using my grape flavored glossy balm. And then later, when I upgraded to my first real lipgloss from Prescriptives (I was about 18) I wanted to sing, I am woman watch me pout!
As part of the Style Driven collection, MAC launched a new lipglass extending the Pro Longwear range; long wearing, goes on smoothly, lasts for hours and deposits very good color.
MAC did a nice job with this product but I have to admit, I do like to switch lip combos throughout the day so a long wearing lip gloss keeps me wearing one lip creation for more hours than I need…what can I say, I like variety.
There were nine (all part of the permanent collection) shades released and I gave two a try:
•Show Me – described as a mid-tone neutral plum but on me it reads like a light cocoa with a dirty plum overtone
•Full Speed Ahead – a bright blue-based pink magenta…do you see a pattern with the lip shades I lean towards?
Okay now, on to the brow furrowing part of the review…
At $18.50 and .06 oz I do think it’s a tad steep considering a regular lipglass is $14.50 for .17 oz, but you’re paying for long wear…and you definitely get that from this product.
And, the formulation is thick and sticky which I know is a turn off for many (personally, I don’t mind it…unless the wind blows and then look out hairdo!)
Left to Right: Full Speed Ahead, Show Me (photo taken with indoor lighting)
The Pro Longwear Lipglasses have a flat doe foot applicator which I prefer. If you like the idea of a long wearing product (a perfect solution for long meetings or anytime you know you won’t be able to freshen up your lips for a few hours) and don’t mind a sticky gloss, then you’ll want to check these out.
Availability: MAC stores, MAC counters, maccosmetics.com
Price: $18.50 US, .06 oz
3/5 Smooches: Not a daily go-to lip gloss but a fine choice for long wear needs.
❤Liz
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. No part of this post (including the photos which I obsess over in a most ridiculous way) may be reproduced without my okay…okay?
Sometimes I’m not sure if my neck of the woods is even on the beauty brand radar. It seems that when a new collection is introduced – at least at the drugstore level – the rest of the nation gets a hold of it before me.
Take for instance the introduction of L’Oréal Le Gloss. I was super curious about this tube which claimed to pack a whopping amount of hydration, includes Argan oil, Omega 3 and vitamin E. You can understand why I haunted my local CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Target anxiously anticipating the luscious injection of moisture my lips would receive.
Alas, when I finally spotted the L’Oréal display at Rite Aid I reached for the juicy looking tubes, hands shaking. Hey, I’m a voracious beauty blogger…and a dramatic one at that
There are about sixteen shades in the collection. I chose two, Baby Blossom (#151) a soft neutral peachy pink and Golden Splash (#159) a medium peach with a hint of gold shimmer.
Baby Blossom imparts the sheerest color so if you like Nudes (and I do) you may enjoy this shade. The formulation looks milky but smoothes out on lips with very little opacity. I prefer wearing this shade on days when I’m hanging around the house and on top of almost any lipstick.
Golden Splash offers more in terms of color and has the same luscious feel as Baby Blossom. I’ve tried Golden Splash over lipsticks but I prefer it worn alone since it has a nice color pay…it really brightens the face.
Le Gloss is like wearing a yummy vanilla flavored creamy hydrating lip balm with great color, that lasts for hours (impressive) has no stickiness and is loaded with shine.
Nice job L’Oréal!
Availability: Wherever Lóreal is sold.
Price: $6-$8, .40 oz (prices may vary by location, and region)
3/5 Smooches: FACT – Well hydrated lips are a must in the world of smooches.
❤Liz
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. No part of this post (including the photos which I obsess over in a most ridiculous way) may be reproduced without my okay…okay?
Today is the BIG day!
Although the MAC Surf Baby collection was due to launch on US counters May 26th you can find the collection in stores today.
The collection is gorgeous and if you’re like me, you’ll want to pick up every item. But, if you are making your shopping list and want it to include the absolute must-haves from the collection read on for my Surf Baby beauty black book picks…
1. Studio Careblend Pressed Powders $28
There are two of these creamy powders in the collection. Let me be clear, these are true powders but have a yummy cream-like texture that blends into the skin beautifully. When I contacted MAC to ask what Careblend powders really “do” they were (sadly) vague. Careblend powders are not foundations (I was told) but in my testing the sheer-medium coverage make these powders wearable as a foundation. There is more in the Careblend color range on maccosmetics.com but for Surf Baby, they’ve introduced two new shades that can be used as blush, contour, or bronzer.
In terms of packaging, both powders come in a mirrored compact which is terrific for touch ups throughout the day.
Gold-go-Lightly is a matte mid-tone, golden tan that is perfect for light to medium complexions and can work on some darker skins.
Lush-Light bronze is a matte medium rosy brown tone. I didn’t think I could pull this off on my NC20-25 skin but it works very well at warming me up and giving me great color. Honestly, it’s tough to choose which shade I like best as they both impart a nice warm color to my still winter weary skin 
2. Surf Baby Cheek Powder My Paradise $28
I’m choosing this as a collection must-have because of it’s beautiful packaging. If you’re a collector of limited edition embossed makeup then you’ll want to grab this one. There is a lovely gold shimmer hibiscus embossed on the bright coral powder blush. The embossed flower will eventually fade as it is not stamped to the bottom of the pan. Alone, the blush is bright and doesn’t compare to last years Marine Life blush (this year the blush is a bright coral while last year the blush leaned pink) and when swirled with the shimmery golden hibiscus over spray you’ll get a warm, soft deep peach tone – gorgeous!
3. Crushed Metallic Pigment $32.50/set
Whether you choose Summer Stash or Surf the Ocean you won’t be disappointed because these pigments are simply cool! If you like texture in your eyeshadow you’ll love these pigments (because of the unique texture you literally need to crush these pigments with your brush before applying – an added step for sure but one you might not mind once you see the finished result). They go on smooth, last all day (over an eye primer) and give you a heavy metal look when applied wet. I personally love the light yellow-green (Aquamarine) in Surf the Ocean because I don’t have a color quite like that in my collection.
As for packaging, each come in acrylic stackable sets that twist off one another in pairs (they can only be purchased as a complete set of four shades in either a choice of the Summer Stash or Surf the Ocean). This means you can’t store them as individual pots – they can only be stored in sets of two.
4. Skinsheen Bronzer Stick $29.50
What I especially appreciate about the bronzer sticks are 1) the portability and 2) a good matte bronze/sculpt cream that isn’t orange is hard to come by. There are three shades of Skinsheen Bronzer Sticks and while I could have gotten away with the Billionaire Bronze (a golden tan) it would have required lots of blending and a light hand. So instead I chose Tan-Tint (a soft tan/bronze), which works best against my skin tone.
While I enjoy a good powdered bronzer creams work so much better on dry skin (and my skin is like the sahara) because it melts into the skin in a way powder can’t. Can I say…love!
If you have a little extra in your budget and can swing it, you might also want to consider the following items – although they’re not must-haves in my beauty black book:
•Surf Baby Lipstick in Hibiscus $15.50
This is a creamsheen formulation and is a bright orange-coral which is a hot shade for the season.
•Surf Baby Eyeshadow in Sun Blonde $15.50
Not a true yellow nor a true gold, Sun Blonde is a dirty yellow gold frost and is the most interesting color. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a color quite like this. If you don’t have a shade like this and have your eye on unique eye shadows you might want to swatch this one.
•Surf Baby Lipglass in Strange Potion $15.50
Strange Potion is a re-promote from last years Venomous Villains collection. I didn’t grab it then but did grab it now. It’s a beautiful soft coral pink that is dupeable so don’t fret if you can’t swing it or miss out. BUT, if you can get your hands on it you won’t be disappointed.
We can all use a little fun in the sun and the MAC Surf Baby collection is sure to make you want to throw back a cool one and hang 10.
What are your must-haves from this collection? Do share!
❤Liz
NOTE 1: All items available on maccosmetics.com, MAC counters and MAC stores while supplies last. Items are already selling out!
NOTE 2: Because of the special limited edition packaging, prices for items in the collection are slightly higher than usual.
RELATED STORIES:
MAC Surf Baby Collection First Impressions & Swatches
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