Posts Tagged ‘modern mercury’
MAC is back! They’re definitely not one of those smoke under the door frame brands, sneaking in a few good collections each year. No. MAC launches collections at heavy artillery speed and this month, we can expect at least four color collections and at least one skin collection. Whew!
The collection I’m most excited about is In Extra Dimension. I suspected the finish and texture would resemble that of many metallic hybrid products recently launched. And I was right! In fact, it seems the formulation most closely mimics that of the Estée Lauder Illuminating Powder Geleé (face and eye) finishes.
Take a peek at the Extra Dimension Skinfinishes (there are three in the collection) and tell me what you think…
Bottom left: Whisper of Gilt, Top Middle: Glorify, Bottom Right: Superb (and yes, it is!)
Left to Right: Superb, Glorify, Whisper of Gilt
Glorify – a beautiful metallic copper. It’s intense for fair-lighter skins yet looks stunning as eyeshadow. If you have a darker medium to dark skin this will look gorgeous in the summer.
Glorify up close. The finish, texture and wear is identical to the Estée Lauder Illuminating Powder Geleé – smooth, easy to apply, and blend.
Dupe #1: Left – Glorify, Right – Estée Lauder Illuminating Powder Geleé in Topaz Chameleon. They look (and apply) like twins!
Superb. This photo is a re-shoot (the original shot didn’t turn out well) which is why the wave pattern doesn’t look smooth.
Superb up close. If you were unable to pick up the Modern Mercury geleé this one is an exact dupe (Ter, you’ll love it!).
Dupe #2: Left – Superb, Right – Estée Lauder Illuminating Powder Geleé in Modern Mercury. Yeah, they look the same to me too.
Whisper of Gilt. This is my pick of the trio (although if you don’t own Modern Mercury, you’ll want Superb!).
Whisper of Gilt (I swatched it for you above). I couldn’t find anything in my collection that resembles this soft, neutral gold. It makes a terrific highlight shade that when buffed well, gives the skin a dewy glow.
Availability: MAC counters, MAC stores maccosmetics.com (official launch date is April 5th)
Price: $28/US, .31oz
4/5 Smooches: Find a shade you like and let the good times finish roll!
There have been rumblings amongst makeup mavens over the sneaky or unfair way Estée Lauder has (essentially) re-released their Powder Geleé formulation in the MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinsh. I want to share my two cents on the topic…
Many loyal MAC buyers (generally a different demographic than that of the Estée Lauder buyer) may not consider buying Estée Lauder (still known as my mothers makeup brand, although that is certainly changing) and therefore would not experience the new geleé finish products. From a business standpoint, it makes sense (to me) to share the formula with a sister brand who, for all intents and purposes, speak to a different audience. Why shouldn’t we all get to benefit from this fantastic formulation?
How do you feel about sister companies sharing product recipes (even though the ingredient listing for the brands are different)? Do you feel it’s a flawed strategy, are you disappointed?
❤Liz
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While the world of fashion is telling you all about what’s coming up for Spring 2012, I wanted to bring you back to the present with a look at how to create the makeup trends for fall 2011.
I know, I know, you heard all about fall 2011 months ago but it never hurts to revisit and glean a few new ideas and makeup combinations you can incorporate into your look today.
If you didn’t read my post on the top 4 makeup trends for fall, go there now then be sure to come back and see how master makeup artists interpret those trends.
Here’s a peek at how Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director for Estée Lauder, interpreted the Boy-Girl trend at the Derek Lam fall 2011 show.
Strong lines in the collection (and makeup) reflects a modern androgyny that is daring and provocative
Note: Derek Lam is said to have been inspired by wanting to recombine and recreate looks that are fresh and modern for the woman that is sophisticated and put together, sultry, strong, and manicured yet feminine. The makeup reflects this tone with a strong eye, and subtle lip - a perfect boy-girl aesthetic.
Notice how Tom Pecheux incorporates key elements of the boy-girl trend with strong lines used in the shadow application, bold brows, bare lashes and matte lips. Gorgeous!
Products Used
1. Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
2. DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15
3. Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
4. Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder
5. Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Matte Bronzer
1. Pure Color Eyeshadows in Amazing Grey, Black Crystals and Polished Platinum
2. Doublewear Mascara
3. Automatic Brow Pencil
1. Nude Velvet Lipstick (limited edition)
2. Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Porcelain (limited edition)
How to Get the Look, Step-by-Step
- Face How To: The face is semi-matte and natural in this look
•Start with hydrated skin by applying Idealist Skin Refinisher and DayWear Moisturizer SPF 15.
•Apply Double Wear Light Makeup SPF 10 to perfect skin where needed.
•Use foundation on eyelids as a base for your eyeshadow. Set with a light dusting of Lucidity Loose Powder from lash to brow.
•Apply Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer in Medium (or your ideal shade) on top of cheeks blending down toward the corners of your mouth.
- Eyes How to: The eye is angular, seductively modern and shimmering
•Use Brow Perfecting Duo in Brunette (or your appropriate shade) along your natural brow line, shaping and lightly filling in color as you go.
•Blend Pure Color EyeShadow in Amazing Grey (shimmer) over lid from lashline to crease.
•Define the crease with a mix of two shadows: Amazing Grey and Black Crystals (metallic). Apply at the inner corner of crease, blend slightly above and work toward the outer corner and slightly beyond (use the images above as a guide).
•Apply the same shadow mix under your lower lashline from inner corner and extend to beyond outer corner. Blend and fill in top and bottom outer corners.
•Spotlight the center of lid with metallic shadow in Polished Platinum (shimmer) from lashline to crease.
•The look Pecheux created did not include mascara – in keeping with an androgynous aesthetic – but you can define lashes if you wish with Double Wear Mascara in Black (best shade for this look).
- Lips & Nails How To: Lips are matte. Nails are neutral.
•Apply lipstick straight from the bullet for a subtle yet dramatic effect or dab on with fingers for a more modern look.
•Apply two coats of Pure Color Nail Lacquer to complete the boy-girl look!
You can pick up the entire product line Tom Pecheux used by visiting your Estée Lauder counter or esteelauder.com. My review of some of the items used in this look from the Modern Mercury collection can be found here.
I’d love to see your spin on the boy-girl trend. Tweet me a photo (@beautyblkbook)!
Makeup by: Tom Pecheux
Nails by: Jin Soon Choi
Clothing: Derek Lam Fall 2011
❤Liz
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