Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

Makeup Tips, MAC Makeup, Just for Fun: Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Hell-to-the-Yah! List: Friday, October 19, 2007

October 19th, 2007 by Karen 16 Comments

Hell-to-the-Yah! #1: Uppity Fluidline from the MAC Antiquitease Limited Edition Collection

Everyone and their mamma is buzzing about the Antiquitease release, and for good reason. It’s sparkly. It’s pretty. And it reminds me of the Solid Gold Dancers.
solid-gold-dancers
Even though I’ve been hopelessly devoted to Blacktrack for the last three months, I find myself jonsing for the gold colored Fluidline, Uppity (yellow gold with gold pearl). Why do I need gold eyeliner? Where will I wear gold eyeliner? These questions are irrelevant. I can’t wait to dip my 209 into this. I think that it just might be better than eating a dozen hot, fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Maybe.

Hell-to-Yah! #2: Mission: KIMMORA LEE SIMMONS
kimora
I see dead people … okay not really. I see fried chicken. And Kimora Lee Simmons.

The other night I got about 2.5 seconds of sleep because I had a burst of creative energy between 11:00 and 3:00 am. I usually have fleeting creative moments in the shower or when I’m brushing my teeth (weird, I know), so when it comes on full blast I cannot deny its siren call.

At 2:15, just as I was in the middle of brainstorming story ideas, I hallucinated a plate of Kentucky Fried Chicken, complete the with biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy and that weird but tasty sweet corn. Then I had a very clear, very precise revelation:

Someday, somehow I am going to meet KIMORA LEE SIMMONS. And I’m going to interview her.

I’ve caught a few episodes of her show, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane this past week and for some reason I just think she’s kinda cool.

Sure she makes unrealistic demands on her people and seems to always be on the verge of bitching someone out. But I see her as having vision and not settling for less. And have you seen her closet? I’d consider giving up my firstborn up for the shoes and Louis Vuitton luggage alone.

I don’t know when it’s going to happen or how I’m going to do it but this is now one of my missions in life.

Kimora, watch out, girl! One of these days we’ll be talkin’ shop!

Hell-to-the-Yah! #3: Brown Round Toe Boots by Rebels
rebels-boots
After searching high and low, I finally found a pair of boots that truly move my soul. I saw these brown Rebel boots on Zappos and I knew from the first glance that they were the boots for me…sigh! Whether or not they are practical in the rain remains to be determined. But who cares, they’re hot. I love you Zappos!

Hell-to-the-Yah #4: Halloween!

Out of the fall holiday trifecta (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas) my favorite of the bunch is Halloween. It’s fun, non-denominational and of course, there is the gorging of the candy. Mmmm, Snickers.

This year I’m going to dress up as the hot mess chanteuse known as Amy Winehouse. I’ve got the beehive hair and cat eye covered but the tattoos, well…that’s an issue where I’m still working out. Hopefully I’ll find a bunch of cool temporary ones at the Halloween store this weekend.
amy-winehouse
Are you dressing up this year? What’s your costume?

Hell-to-the-Yah #5: Feeding My Inner Beast O’ Laziness … with Anti-bacterial Wet Ones
wet-ones
The fab makeup artist to the stars and Billy B. gave me my newest favorite makeup tip. When he’s working on several clients he’ll wipe his brushes between gigs with Anti-Bacterial Wet Ones wipes, which clean and disinfect brushes quickly and thoroughly and don’t leave a weird film on the brush heads.

And holy effing crap! These wipes are like gold for cleaning your brushes. If you don’t always have the time to do a thorough brush cleaning at the sink (or if you’ve got lazy beast tendencies like your truly) then these will save you from a life of dirty birdy brushes.

Woo hoo! We made it! Sometimes I think that we should all get an award for just making it to Friday without losing our minds. Now if only that reward involved copious amounts of Chanel …

Have a fantastic weekend! Drive safe in this rain, okay?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

If you liked this post, check out MAC Makeup Tips: MAC Does Makeup for Music, Too. 🙂

Just for Fun: Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog

October 18th, 2007 by Karen 7 Comments

Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog…

What’s tough love got to do with it? You know you need it, and I’m here to give it to ya!
dear-mbb

Dear Makeup and Beauty Blog,

I am a makeup fanatic, and over the past year I’ve gotten really good at applying makeup on myself and my two sisters and friends. My dream is to work for a makeup counter or as a makeup artist.

Everyone tells me that I’ve got mad skills, and I know that I am really good at it too. But there’s one big thing that I have trouble with. … I’m really shy. I have a hard time making small talk with strangers. And while I’d love to work all day long applying makeup on people, the thought of having to talk to them and interact with them makes me quite sweaty and nervous.

I really want to pursue this dream, but my shyness is getting in my way. I don’t want it to hold me back anymore. What should I do?

Shy in Chi-town

Hi Shy,

You are so lucky to have found your passion! It sounds like you really love makeup and have a great skill set which you can turn into something wonderful.

Like applying makeup, making small talk and interacting with strangers are skills. Think about it. Were you able to define your crease, work that outer V or blend like a rock star the first time you picked up an eye brush? Chances are it took you hours of practice and experimentation!

Learning how to be comfortable with strangers and making small talk is going to be hard, but you can work towards getting more comfortable. It just takes motivation and practice.

Believe it or not, just like you, I am a naturally shy person. I was a very introverted child, and even doing simple things, like ordering an ice cream cone, was very hard to do. I never raised my hand in class and felt comfortable talking only around my family and close friends.

I think I would’ve missed out on many opportunities in my life because of my shyness if it hadn’t been for two things that helped me pop out of my shell at the age of 14: taking drama classes and joining a speech/debate club.

I’m not going to lie. It was not easy. There were days I had to literally force myself to go to class because I hated it so much. However, after a while I got used to interacting with people and being in front of strangers. And after lots of practice I eventually became less shy.

If I were in your shoes I would …

1.) Either take a class or join a club, like a debate club or drama class. OR …

2.) Join a group like Toastmasters International, a non-profit group that helps adults learn how to become better public speakers.

I realize that these are big steps to take. If either one seems too intimidating then you could start by role-playing with your sisters or your friends. Have them pretend to be a stranger, and you can be the makeup artist at the counter.

I actually did something similar to this when I got my first magazine assignment years ago. I somehow talked myself into the job despite very little interviewing experience. To get some practice I sent out an email to my friends and family, and then scheduled “fake” interviews with them individually. It was a safe and gentle way to get my feet wet.

It sounds like a silly exercise but it is a step. And a baby step is better than no step at all.

Remember to gird your loins because like learning any new skill, it’s not going to be easy. However, this is your life. You can sit there with your shyness and watch it pass you by, or you can do something about it. You make the ultimate choice whether or not you move forward and chase those dreams.

Take care and keep on truckin’.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Product Reviews: MAC Cremestick Liners; Makeup Tips/How to: MAC Artist Louise Zizzo Gives Tips for Working With Matte2 and Mattene; Just for Fun: Team Midget MAC!

October 17th, 2007 by Karen 14 Comments

Newest MAC Obsession: Cremestick Liners

mac-cremestick-lineres
Product: MAC Cremestick liners
Use: A long lasting, retractable lip, creamy lip liner
Price: $14.00
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

MAC Cremestick liners, where have you been all of my lipgloss life?

For many years I thought Subculture was the epitome of all lip liners. Little did I know there were other kinder, gentler options like Pink Treat, Honey B. and Beurre.

Cremestick liners …

– Glide on smoothly
– Don’t tug on my lips
– Are rich and highly pigmented
– Don’t dry out my lips
– Are easy to use and are great for really getting into the lip corners
– Are retractable so they don’t have to be sharpened (“YES!” says the lazy beast beauty blogger!)

Pink Treat, a recommendation from my girl Christine from Temptalia.com, is my favorite out of the three, followed by Honey B. next and then Beurre last.

I like combo-ing Pink Treat with Soft & Slow lipglass (a soft rose with gold pearl from the Smoke Signals collection) and have been using this on my lips every day for the last week.

It’s an easy, natural and pretty pink lip for minimum makeup days:

– Line with Pink Treat Cremestick liner, making sure to define the corners of the lips to get good definition
– Soften the line with your fingertip (or a lipbrush, whichever is handy)
– Apply 1 coat of Soft & Slow lipglass
– Run out the door!

I am looking forward to adding more Cremestick liners to my collection. On my wish list right now are:

– Mother Pearl (sheer yellow gold)
– Softwood (coral-brown)
– Gingerroot (flesh pink)

Are you a Cremestick fan? What’s your favorite combo?

Ease My Pain, Please! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working with MAC Matte2 Shadows and Mattene

MAC Senior artist and all around makeup p.i.m.p. Louise Zizzo always hooks me up with the best MAC tricks.
louise-saves-you-from-yourself

After bemoaning my Matte2 application misery she offered the following tips for working with the shadows and Mattene lipsticks. She even offered fave her combos, too. Rock on, Louise. Rock on.

Matte2 101: Louise Saves Me From Myself

What shadow bases can you recommend using with Matte2 shadows which will keep the matte texture (while minimizing glitter/sparkle) on the eye but still give a good base to grab the color?

These Shadows are amazing because they are extremely silky which means they do grab easily to the skin, I have found the paint pots in neutral shades and no frost or simply concealor dusted over with powder.

Many of us who remember matte shadows from the 90s recall having a difficult time blending. Can you please give a few of your favorite blending tips when working with Matte2?

The key is to make sure whenever you are using these shadows or any matte shadows is you need to make sure you have a nice powdery base to put them on, otherwise they will grab patchy. I really recommend using softer brushes to apply these like the #224 and gradually building up to the intensity you desire. Don’t press hard, use a light touch and these look absolutely amazing.

Can you recommend an easy day eye look for makeup novices who want to use Matte2 shadows?

Oh my gosh the best everyday combo…
Base – Blanc Type
Crease – Tete-A-Tint
Liner – Handwritten ( you can also use this to deepen the crease in the corner)

Work that Mattene 101: Louise Breaks it Down

What is your favorite neutral color lip/eye combo with the Mattene and Matte2?

The above shadow combo and then I love, Flattering with spice lip pencil

How about your favorite bright combo lip/eye combo?

I love the cherry red lip and classic eye using…

Lips – Cherry pencil & Classic Dame
Eyes – Blanc Type – Tete-A-Tint and Black Track Fluid Line

Also I have to add my favorite smokey eye combo

Eye Lid- Satin Taupe
Brow Highlight – Blanc Type
Crease – Handwritten and a touch of Typographic in the corner
Smoulder on the inner rim of eye
Lots and Lots of Plush Lash in Black

Do you prep the lips with anything before using Mattene?

No need because they glide on like silk!

If you have problems with bleeding my fool proof and must have product is the clear brow finisher used around the edge of the lips, it works wonders.

Midget MAC LIVES!

There’s something about this season of I LOVE NY 2 that begs for serious print diarrhea.
midget-mac-floatie
As usual, my hydrophobic homeboy MIDGET MAC comes through once again. Despite his inability to swim, he managed to survive a brush with death (via a defective frog floatie) and even wins a date with Miss NY!

That dumb-ass Tailor Made!
tailor-made-final

I gotta admit that he did work it when he brought NY those shoes. I’d be won over by a man bearing a pair of Manolos. I can’t lie; I’m easy that way.

manolos-gold-shoes

I liked how his ex said that he was a workaholic, because I admire a man with a strong work ethic. However, I can’t stand anyone who would let me trample all over them, and Tailor Made has DOORMAT written all over his moisturizing mask face.

And last but not least, there’s IT. Words cannot express how I feel about this fool. Isn’t his mamma ashamed? RUN, NEW YORK, RUN!

it-roses-wtf

The rain continues on here today and so of course does the boot shopping. I’m still looking for a pair of cute rain boots and the quest hasn’t been easy. Oh Zappos! Be good to me!

Anyway, aren’t you glad it’s Wednesday? We’re that much closer to Friday! How’s your day been so far? Have you been productive? Are ya slacking? Whatever you’re doing I hope that it’s getting you closer to your goals.

Stay dry…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Product Reviews: DHC Q10 Facial Film Soap; Olive Virgin Oil Swabs; Revitalizing Moisture Strips: Eyes

October 16th, 2007 by Karen 21 Comments

Have you heard of DHC? They’re a RAD Japanese skin and cosmetics brand where you can buy a bunch of stuff with no English on the packaging, but you always end up with something cool.

Their products are based on high quality olive oil and free of unnecessary coloring agents or irritating fragrances. I started using their products a few years ago when I bought my first bottle o’ Deep Cleansing Oil as a makeup remover. A big yay for those of us with sensitive skin!

Q10 Facial Film Soap

q10-faicial-film-soap

On my next trip I’ll be sure to take a box of Q10 Facial Film Soap. These portable, thin soap film squares are perfect for the girl (or boy!) on the go. Not only does the soap contain coenzyme Q10 to help fight visible signs of aging, I find that one sheet also does a great job of cleansing and removing all of my makeup at the same time. (You may need a separate cleanser if you wear heavier makeup though!)

Check out the magic in the works:

q10-facial-film-soap-sequence-1

This would be a great stocking stuffer for your friends who travel for work or play. One box of 40 sheets is usually $9.50, but right now it’s on sale for $7.00 on the dhccare.com Web site until November 30.

Olive Virgin Oil Swabs

dhc-olive-virgin-oils-swabs
At first I was a little skeptical about this product. One box contains 50 pre-packed, single use cotton swabs that are soaked with Olive Virgin Oil, DHC’s signature beauty oil extracted from organic Spanish olives. How useful can they really be?

Well, after just one week in my life, my tune has so changed, because this stuff is the shizz! I don’t think I can live without these! I am going to start hoarding these and I plan on keeping them in my car, at my desk at work and in my bathroom.

Use them to…

Clean up eye makeup mishaps
Don’t you hate it when you are just about finished with your eye makeup, and then you put on mascara and you end up with stray mascara marks on top of your carefully blending shadow?

This has been happening to me since I started using Plushlash mascara. I’ve been adjusting to the huge mascara brush, so for the past few days I’ve been Olive Virgin Oil Swabs to clean up stray mascara on my top lid. The best part about these swabs is that they lift off stray makeup without disturbing the makeup that you’ve already put on, so you don’t have to redo anything. A big fat HELL YEAH from this lazy makeup blogger!

If I don’t have a lot to clean up I’ll only use one side of the swab, and then keep the other covered half in a safe place in my makeup drawer for later use.

Moisturize dry skin
I pop open a swab when I need to moisturize my cuticles, or the sensitive areas around my nose which tend to dry out when I have a cold.

Clean stinky belly buttons
â€˜Nuff said.

On the wee babe
The swabs are gentle enough to use even on baby’s skin!

The swabs are really easy to use. You just grab one, twist in the middle, and voila!
dhc-olive-virgin-oils-swabs-sequence-1

Everyone I know will be getting a box of these in their stocking this year. Stock up now, because they are on sale for $3.00 until the end of October (they are regularly $4.00 for a box of 50 swabs…what a deal!)

Revitalizing Moisture Strips: Eyes

dhc-revitalizing-moisture-strips-eyes

Like the moisturizing gel in bliss’ jingle bell socks, DHC’s Revitalizing Moisture Strips: Eyes also contains a high-polymer gel which adheres gently to the skin to deliver a continuous supply of deep-penetrating nutrients. You can even leave the strips on all night for intensive conditioning!

I keep mine on for about an hour (here I am watching I Love NY 2 and cussing out that lame-o, Taylor Made, who conincidentally, wore a gel moisturizing mask before his date wity NY.)
taylor-made-revitalizing-eye-strips
They feel really great on and the skin around my eyes feels softer afterwards. These are also on sale too! One box of six applications is $5.00 (regularly $6.50) on the dhc Web site.

How are you doing on this rainy Tuesday? I hope that you stay dry and that you’re wearing some cute rain gear!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Product Reviews: Bliss snow wonder body butter; thinny thin chin; jingle bell socks

October 15th, 2007 by Karen 24 Comments

Follow your bliss…

According to the saying you should always “follow your bliss.” I wholeheartedly agree, especially when it comes to yummy smelling lotions and cute stocking stuffers.

Time and time again I’ve blabbered on about my obsession for bliss lemon & sage body butter. I love it so much that I always give a few tubes of it as gifts come Christmastime. This year, however, I’ll be stuffing les stockings with the new love of my lotion life, bliss snow wonder body butter.
snow-wonder
Snow wonder sinks easily into my skin, leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized and the handy dandy tube is huge. The best part, though, is the smell! It’s really light, clean, feminine and a touch powdery. Infused with the scent of just-fallen snowflakes, snow wonder also has an uber-dose of good-for-your-skin antioxidant arctic berries, along with vitamins A and E and sodium hyaluronate. Give one tube to your best gal pal at work, and keep one for yourself! $35.00 for a 8.5 oz tube

Have you found your V Spot?

Oh you dirty birdy! Get your mind out of the gutter. Your V Spot consists of your neck area and your dÃ©colletÃ©, sections that are often overlooked in skin care.

Bliss has got your turkey neck covered, gobble-gobble (totally kidding!), with thinny thin chin, a light lotion designed to improve the appearance of neck lines and cleavage creases.
bliss-thinny-thin-chin
I’m really picky about what I put on my neck because I can’t stand that area feeling sticky or icky. Thinny thin chin doesn’t leave a gross film like some moisturizers do, has a delicious citrus smell and is super moisturizing. I’ve been putting a thin layer on my neck and dÃ©colletÃ© area morning and night for the past few weeks, and I’m loving it. Pick up a bottle for your homegirl who you take bikini and jean shopping with you. $48 for a 50 ml bottle.

What the hell am I staring at?
karen-wearing-bliss-jingle-bell-socks
These, my friend, are my crazy bliss jingle bell socks. I put them on the other day as I lay on my couch, completely paralyzed for three hours by “Legally Blonde,” the musical. These bad boys contain a jelly-esque film that envelopes your tootsies in a moisturizing matrix of sole-softening goodness. The feeling of slipping these on is kind of like dating the weird, yet strangely hot nerd in your physics class; foreign, yet still very cool at the same time.
bliss-jingle-bell-socks
When I first put them on they feel cold and kind of rubbery, as if my feet are returning to the womb. But after a while my feet start feeling good. One pair of socks gives you 50 sessions of foot relaxation heaven. My mom is going to get a pair, because she’s always running around from makeup counter to makeup counter buying my presents come Christmastine (HEY MOM – CHANEL!). $48.00 for one pair.

Blah, it’s so wet and dreary here today! I guess it’s official, summer is truly gone, and fall, like I LOVE NY2, is now in the mother effing house.

Speaking of I LOVE NY2, I’m banking on “It” getting the boot today. And you better be on TEAM MIDGET MAC, girlfriend!

Enjoy this rainy Monday…if we worked together I’d totally take a tea break with ya this afternoon!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Just for fun: Weekend Update – Welcome to the 10th Circle of Hell; Weekly Beauty Blog Roundup

October 14th, 2007 by Karen 7 Comments

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I hate the Container Store. There is something fundamentally wrong with going to a store to buy more stuff to keep all of your present stuff in. Either 1.) get rid of some stuff or 2.) put that Container Store money (â€˜cause nothing in there is cheap) to better use and just buy more stuff!

Because of this philosophy, I have become a victim of my own personal hell. Dante shouldn’t have stopped at nine levels, because the 10th can be found in my apartment:
10th-circle-of-hell-final

See those lovely bags perched precariously on the shelf? Of course they were filled to the brim with god-knows-what and of course they had to all succumb to gravity all at the same time and fall into the center of the closet, leaving a nice two foot layer o’ crap for me to swim through.

law-gravity

In case you were wondering: one DOES NOT feel like a pirate looting through buried treasure when doing this.

Speaking of pirates…

In addition to writing this blog, I freelance write for a living. I love my job for the most part, because there’s so much flexibility, I don’t have to work in a cube (which I did for many years…it sucked) and I’m constantly challenged. However lately I’ve been trying to think in terms of the big picture, and where I want to be in five years, yada yada yada, that kind of thing. Plus, NOBODY seems to understand what I really do. So while the closet was imploding, I also had a mini “What should I do with my life” freakout this weekend, too.

I’ve decided that instead of having to explain what I do for a living, I’m now going to start telling people that I’m a Pirate-ologist. And if you remember your Latin roots, that would be “Study of Pirates.”

fussy-tabby-pirate-ology

While I was at Barnes & Noble this afternoon I actually told somebody in the magazine aisle that I was a Pirateologist, and that despite being completely landlocked, UC Davis had a great program!

What do you do for a living? And do you like your job? If you could do anything and not have to worry about paying bills, what would you do?

Despite all of the moments of temporary insanity this weekend, it was still really good. I spent lots of time with El Hub, downloaded a bunch of new music and did a lot of beauty product testing. This week expect to get the skinny on FUN stuff from bliss and DHC!

I hope that your weekend was fun and that you feel happy, sane (!), organized (!) and loved.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Your weekend isn’t done yet till you’ve checked out the best posts from the gals over at The Beauty Blog Network![Continue reading…]

MAC Makeup Reviews, Cosmetics – Invisible Set Powder; Natural Flare Loose Beauty Powder; Indianwood and Groundwork Paintpot; Plushlash in Plushblack

October 13th, 2007 by Karen 30 Comments

MAC Makeup Reviews – Part Uno of MAC Pro Store Haul

MAC Loose Beauty Powder in Natural Flare
Price: $21.00 for a 0.28 jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
mac-beauty-powder-loose-natural-flare

Oh. My. Gawd. Becky.

The Loose Beauty Powders are frickin’ amazing.

MAC Loose Beauty Powders are sheer, jet-milled powders used to bring shimmer to eyes, cheeks and skin.

There are eight colors, and I think I want them all!

– MAC Paperwhite: Soft white with pearl reflects
– MAC Micro Pink: Pale pink with red reflects
– MAC Lightly Lilac: Soft lavender with violet reflects
– MAC Daisy Dust: Pale banana with gold reflects
– MAC Natural Flare: Peachy champagne with white and gold reflects
– MAC Peach Haze: Soft coral with gold and bronze reflects
– MAC Dancing Light: Creamy gold with white gold reflects
– MAC Drizzlegold: Flechy beige with copper and gold reflects

I have MAC Natural Flare, a peachy champagne with white and gold reflects. Not only is the color beautiful, it’s incredibly versatile.

In the past two weeks I’ve used it in several different ways, including:

– on top of matte blushes to give them dimension
– as a highlighter on the nose, chin and upper cheekbones
– with lotion and applied to legs and arms
– mixed with sunscreen on days I’m too lazy to wear foundation but still want a little glow.

What I liked about MAC Loose Beauty Powder

– gorgeous, refined glitter that isn’t too in your face
– perfect, natural looking sparkle
– very sheer, yet buildable coverage. Even when I’ve accidentally overloaded my brush and the results still look great
– great for a luminous J.Lo skin look

What I didn’t like about MAC Loose Beauty Powder

– nada! I just wish I picked up a few more colors!

The final word
Words can’t even begin to capture how much I love this product. Ladies, get your hands on this asap. Tis the shizz.

… Loose beauty?
brody-laurner
brody-kristen
brody-nicole

REVIEW: MAC Paintpots in Indianwood and Groundwork
Price: $16.50 for a 0.17 oz jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: C+/B-

mac-paint-pot-groundwork-indianwood

I’m a big fan of MAC Paints as eyeshadow bases. Barely a day goes by when I don’t reach for my beloved Bare Canvas.

I’ve been a little hesitant to get on the Paint Pot train because the last thing I need is another MAC obsession to fuel. However, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. And if it’s for the sake of beauty blogging, then I’m down to make the ultimate sacrifice of possible product obsession.

I had great expectations for the MAC Paint Pots and was entirely hoping they’d rock me, Amadeus.

britney-gimme-more

Although I liked the colors, I was disappointed with the texture and performance of MAC’s Paint Pots. My wallet will be happy to know that I will not be shelling out le dough to get all of the colors into my makeup stash.

What I liked about MAC Paint Pots

– great packaging
– natural and pretty colors
– long wearing
– doesn’t crease

What I didn’t like about MAC Paint Pots

– drier formulation

If you’ve used the previous MAC Paints in a tube, you know that one of the big issues is that the product is hard to control. It tends to shoot out of the tube, a lot ends up going to waste and the metallic packaging just sucks!

The MAC Paint Pot packaging is a vast improvement. And the stuff stays on forever and doesn’t crease, which is great. I often use Indianwood just as a wash of color all over the lid on days when I’m too lazy to do a full eye.

However, I just feel so-so about the paint pots as a shadow base. Maybe I’m nuts (hey, it’s entirely possible) but the drier texture of the new formulation doesn’t grab or blend shadows as well as the OG MAC paints.

The final word on MAC Paint Pots

I’ll probably buy Bare Study just to see how it compares to Bare Canvas, but then I’ll stop there. I don’t lust after these enough to collect them all.

REVIEW: MAC Invisible Set Powder
Price: $24.00 for a 1.1 oz jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

mac-invisible-set-powder

By far for the past few months Laura Mercier Translucent Loose setting powder has been my favorite thing to top off every range of foundation — tinted moisturizer, liquid foundation, etc.

Yet old beauty habits die hard, so I’m always on the hunt for new makeup.

I’ve been wanting to try MAC Pro’s Invisible Set for a while, so during my last trip to the MAC Pro store the first thing on my list was this product. The Set powders are loose powders designed to stabilize and fix makeup, and you can only purchase them at Mac Pro stores. By the way — you don’t have to have a card to shop at the MAC Pro Store! All you need is your credit card and a massive amount of self restraint.

The skinny on MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– jet-milled
– contain micronized pigments and talc for pure colors and soft application
– sheer-light coverage
– matte finish

There are seven shades, including:

– MAC Lilac: Whisper soft lavender
– MAC Peach: Light-medium beige peach
– MAC Deep Peach: Medium-deep beige with neutral peach undertones
– MAC Soft Yellow: Creamy soft yellow
– MAC Dusty Rose: Very soft pink
– MAC Porcelain: Soft white
– MAC Invisible: Transparent ivory

One of my issues with Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose setting powder is that it doesn’t have enough lasting shine control. I’ve read that Invisible Set is a great for ladies with oilier skin, so I was very excited to see how it performed in comparison.

I’ve been alternating MAC Invisible Set makeup with Laura Mercier Translucent over the last two weeks. I wish I could scream from the rooftops that MAC Invisible Set is my new favorite powder but I just feel so-so about it.

What I liked about MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– matte finish that absorbs oil for long periods of time (although this seems to be dependant on the base that I use)
– only have to use very little to get good coverage
– no weird grey cast
– huge makeup jar!

What I didn’t like about MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– has a more stark finish and not as “soft-focus” as Laura Mercier Translucent Loose
– requires more thoughtfulness during application. I can’t just slap this on and go. I really have to be careful not to overload my brush and have to dilute, dilute, dilute; otherwise my makeup looks too Memoirs of Geisha
memoirs-geisha-fina
Invisible Set makeup definitely keeps me less oily throughout the day, but on my skin it really depends on what type of base it adheres. I’ve tried it with various types of coverage, from light tinted moisturizers to medium coverage liquid foundations. By far the best results were from the heavier coverage products. When I wear Laura Mercier Oil-Free foundation, Invisible Set makeup really grabs onto the color and won’t let go. But when I use Laura Mericer Tinted Moisturizer, Invisible Set seems to get oilier much more quickly.

On me, Invisible Set gives a more theatrical, dramatic finish than Laura Mercier Translucent. Laura Mercier’s Translucent is like “I’m running barefoot through a field of sun flowers in afternoon light in sun-dappled Tuscany” while Invisible Set is like “I’m wearing Dubonnet red lips, a black Armani suit and four-inch Manolos and you better move out my way when I’m strutting down Market Street.” Get the picture?

You might like MAC Invisible Set Powder if…

– you like to have a range of powder finish options
– wear heavier foundation
– have really oily skin

The final word on MAC Invisible Set Powder…

I probably won’t buy it again simply because of the fact that this particular jar is going to last me into the next lifetime. It’s huge! And I barely need to use any of it to get great coverage.

Also, I also like to have different powder options on hand, and will use this on days when I want a more dramatic look to my skin. It’s a fun option to have in your makeup arsenal, but if you’ve got a limited budget then it’s not a must-have. However, if you’re skin is super oily and you wear heavier products, this could be a godsend.

I think in the future I’ll actually mix MAC Invisible Set Powder with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. I’ll keep ya’ll posted on the results of this Franken-powder experiment.

REVIEW: MAC Plushlash in Plushblack
Price: $11.00
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+ and a big fat HELL TO THE YAH!

mac-plushlash-plushblack

MAC Plushlash will kick your Plushass!

I’m usually a big fan of drugstore (aka cheap!) mascaras and makeup, but MAC Plushlash is actually worth spending your hard earned cash on. And, baby, I know you work hard for that money.

Plushlash awesomeness begins with the huge brush. It’s all puppies and rainbows from that point on, ladies:

– excellent curl hold
– great lengthening and thickening
– deep, dark black color
– doesn’t smudge

Just for fun the other day I applied four layers of MAC Plushlash in Plushblack, and I actually went out in public without feeling like a total freak…
plushlash-none-final
plushlash-plushblack-1layer
plushlash-plushblack-two-layers
plushlash-plushblack-three-layers
karen-four-layers-plushlash-plushblack
After three years of heavy weight domination, MAC Plushlash now knocks out DiorShow as my new fave higher end mascara. LOVE IT!
ll-cool-j-knock-you-out

How’s your Saturday been? I’ve been slightly out o’ commission because earlier today I was listening to “Get Low” by Flo-Rida (She hit the floor, next thing ya know she got low, low, low, low…). I started dancing around the house, which is standard operating procedure ’round here, and then proceeded to pull a muscle when I got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low. Yes, this is what happens when you’re 32 and you don’t warm up! So I’ve been wobbling around all day like a pirate with a wooden leg. Not cute!

Anyway I hope whatever you are doing is fun and that you are enjoying your day!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

If you enjoyed this post, check out MAC Makeup Reviews – MAC Royal Assets Tan Lips Palette and MAC Makeup Tips: MAC Does Makeup for Music, Too.

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Staying Beautiful Inside and Out!; Product reviews – Bath & Body Works In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove; Tarte’s Sweet Dreams Lipstick

October 12th, 2007 by Karen 32 Comments

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Staying Beautiful Inside and Out!

This is a picture of my friend, Mary Anne. She’s a breast cancer survivor and the coolest dentist I know.

maryanne-headshot

We met a few years ago at UC Davis (GO AGS), where she had the annoying habit of getting good grades in organic chemistry!

It seemed like our lives were destined to follow a certain track: finish school, get great job, find kick-ass boy, etc.; so when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year it was really shocking. It felt like it was only yesterday when we were at her house at 2:00 in the morning “studying,” aka pigging out and watching Jerry Springer.

Next thing I know we’re kickin’ it at the chemotherapy ward and making jokes about the IV she’s toting around.

Yet despite this difficult and emotional year, I’ve watched my friend handle this challenge with grace and positivity.

One of the many challenges for Mary Anne was navigating the world of makeup and beauty as a cancer patient. How do you deal with losing your eyebrows? What do you do when you feel a hot flash coming on? These are just a few makeup/beauty issues that she had to deal with.

So without further ado, here are a few great tips that she’s learned this past year on how to stay beautiful both inside and out.

And if you have a friend or a relative who has breast cancer or was recently diagnosed please forward this post to her. Let’s make someone feel hopeful today!

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors from the Lovely Mary Anne

Name
Mary Anne

Age and occupation
31 years old (My 31st birthday was very special. It happened to be my last day of radiation!)
Dentist
When were you diagnosed? How did you find out?

During a routine physical exam in October 2006, my primary care physician found a lump on my left breast. Prior to that, I had no idea it existed and never had any symptoms. Nine days later, the pathology report was in. I was in total disbelief when the doctor said “malignant invasive ductal carcinoma,” all I could do was cry.

After feeling the lump for the first time, I thought to myself, “It’s so obvious; I should’ve found it earlier! I did not do monthly breast exams and thought I was immune to cancer because I was young, strong, and heading to the top of my career. Cancer was NOT on my agenda. Little did I know, it was going to be my only agenda item for this year.

Self-breast exams are recommended every month after our menses. Palpating your breasts in the shower with soap is the perfect time to get to know your breasts. Be sure to lift your arm and check the underarm areas as well.

What are makeup/beauty tips that you’d give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful on the outside?

Here they are in order of importance! I had to figure most of this stuff on my own, so I thought I should share them all.

– Hydrate daily. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your body including your lips. I like Cetaphil and Eucerin products.

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, about $11 for 16 oz bottle, at your favorite drugstore

– When you feel tired, your body is telling you something. It’s saying REST, I’m tired!

– With clearance from your doctor, EXERCISE! If you are taking steroids to counter the side effects of chemo drugs, don’t be surprised if you find yourself a little plumper.

fussy-tabby-fitness

– Eat healthy but don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat. Ask your doctor to speak to a nutritionist. Some hospitals offer complimentary consults. If needed, you may also want to consider speaking with a cancer psychologist as well as a social worker to assist with financial aid and participation in cancer programs.

– FLOSS! See your dentist for regular dental care. Post chemo and radiation, I now have xerostomia (dry mouth) and gum recession. Some cancer patients also experience cold/canker sores. I recommend topical fluoride treatments (like Omnii Pharmaceutical’s varnish) and regular cleanings with clearance from your medical physician. Saliva acts as a buffer against the acidic environment that causes tooth decay; so lack of saliva (dry mouth) may result in increased cavities. Speak to your dentist about Biotene (for xerostomia), Periomed (which contains stannous fluoride), Prevention Oncology Rinses (found it in Walgreens, soothing to the tissues), and Colgate’s Orabase (it contains cyanoacrylate, the same stuff in crazy glue, it’s palliative for cold sores). Chew sugar free gum with xylitol. Brush twice a day.

floss-pimp

– Before your hair falls out, try a funky, new, bold short haircut to minimize messy floors and clogged drains. It was only two weeks into chemo that my hair started falling out in clumps. A very sweet hairdresser, Jessica, at Thirteen Salon in Walnut Creek, CA shaved my head. It was one of the most liberating things I have ever done.

Halle Berry with a short style
halle-berry-cute-short-hair

Alyssa Milano with cute, short hair
alyssa-milano-short-hair

– Anastasia’s Eyebrow Kit. I was never one to draw in eyebrows. The kit has everything for a beginner — stencils, mascara, the perfect eyebrow brush and colors.

Anastasia Five Piece Brow Kit, $65.00, anastasia.net or Sephora
anastasia-brow-kit

– Find pretty nail polish. Chemo drugs such as Adriamycin and Cytoxin will turn your nails black. I prefer darker colors like OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark and Mrs. O’Leary’s BBQ.

OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, $7.50 at Amazon.com
opi-lincoln-park-after-dark

– Treat yourself to a nice scarf. I found a classy large scarf at H&M for $8!

– Try NARS bronzer and blush. Apply a little bit to give yourself a healthy glow. It works!

Nars Orgasm Blush and Laguna Bronzer duo, $36 at Sephora
nars-orgasm-laguna

– Attend Look Good, Feel Better, a seminar held by the American Cancer Society free of charge for cancer patients. They give $200-$400 worth of brand name cosmetics to each attendee. They also give free wig and make-up tips. Call your local society for more information.

– Carry hand sanitizer wherever you go.

– When a hotflash comes on, just imagine that you’re in a sauna and think peaceful thoughts. Get a meditation CD.

What beauty tips would you give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful and positive emotionally?

– Pray. Meditate. Yoga. Walk.

– This really helps: Whenever I was feeling down, I started to count my blessings. I thought of all the things I am thankful for i.e. mom, dad, sisters, brothers, nephew, relatives, friends, advances in health care, food on the table, plumbing, clean water, chocolate.

– Remember, life is worth every minute. You can choose your thoughts. Keep a positive attitude and if there is any time to erase negativity in your life, it’s NOW. Choose to LOVE LIFE and never lose HOPE. Plus, when your kids see you love life and do good for others, they will be happier and will contribute more to this beautiful world in their lifetimes. As you go through this challenge, you will be amazed by your strength, courage, and stamina. You will also be amazed by the resilience of your body.

– Growing up, I have always believed that there are virtues that no one can ever take away from me like integrity…same goes for your HOPE, FAITH, and your ability to LOVE.

– Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Truly Forgive.

– SMILE, it doesn’t cost you anything.

– Dance, it doesn’t cost you anything.

– It’s okay to cry. It can be very cleansing. Lean on your family and friends for support.

that-girl-before1a

– Take a picture of your baldness. I wish I did.

– Do something good for yourself everyday.

– Meet other cancer patients and survivors. Make friends at the infusion center. Might as well make your 3-5 hour infusions pleasant.

Welcome to the sisterhood, sista! When you are done, you will come out with GRACE, SERENITY, and POWER! This is where true beauty is found in your heart and soul. There are people who are fighting for you and who want you to win this battle!

What are you looking forward to most in the next year?

I’m looking forward to enjoying family, friendships, life, more rigorous workouts, learning how to cook gourmet meals, travel, and mission trips. I’m looking forward to practicing dentistry again. I love my patients. Oh and, taking a picture with the kitty on this website.
fussy-tabby-closeup

More Fab Breast Cancer Awareness Products

It’s not too early to start thinking about stocking stuffers for Christmas! One gift I plan on getting all the women in my life is In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove, which you can purchase at Bath & Body Works for $9.00.

bathandbodyworks-intouch-glove

This reusable glove reduces friction by 50% and increases sensitivity, so your fingers can glide smoothy across the breast during your monthly breast self-exam. This kit also includes complete exam intsructions, a monthly reminder calendar, and a pretty travel satchel for your glove.

I just tried this glove during my last breast self-exam and it really does make it easier. I now keep the kit in my bathroom and just check off date on the calendar so I can keep track of my exam dates. Every woman on my Christmas list is getting one of these!

Another great stocking stuffer is tarte’s inside out lipstick in the shade Sweet Dreams, which I reviewed a few weeks ago.
tarte-inside-out-lipsticks-zen-sweet-dreams

October is a great month to pick up this pretty dusty-pink rose lippie, because 20% of the retail sales will go to Young Survival Coalition, youngsurvival.org. You can purchase Sweet Dreams inside-out lipstick at Sephora stores nationwide.

Ladies, please do a monthly breast self exam and encourage the women in your life to do the same!

Hugs to you and to all the breast cancer survivors fighting to stay healthy.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen