• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

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

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Makeup To Coax Out Your Inner Bombshell: The New Covergirl Bombshell Collection

December 18th, 2013 by Karen 11 Comments

Covergirl Bombshell Collection
Covergirl Bombshell Collection
The new Covergirl Bombshell collection

Makeup to coax out my inner bombshell?

Um…yes, please.

Just a quick peek at some pieces from the new Covergirl Bombshell collection, available now at drugstores and online.

Will be trying and testing out all of these this month. I won’t deny it! — I’ve got high hopes for that liquid liner. 🙂

The collection includes…

  • Bombshell Volume by Lashblast Mascara (available in four shades)
  • Six (6) long-lasting Bombshell ShineShadows by Lashblast (six shades, cream shadows with shimmer)
  • Bombshell Intensity Liner by Lashblast (available in two shades)

Covergirl Bombshell Collection

Covergirl Bombshell Collection

Covergirl Bombshell Collection

Covergirl Bombshell Collection

Covergirl Bombshell Collection

Covergirl Bombshell Collection

Covergirl Bombshell Collection

There are 11 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Beauty

I Can’t Deny My Attraction to the New MAC Magnetic Nude Collection Fluidlines in It’s Physical, Our Secret and Chilled

December 18th, 2013 by Karen 19 Comments

MAC Fluidline in It's Physical on my lids, Our Secret along the lower lash lines and Chilled in the inner corners
Wearing MAC Fluidline in It’s Physical on my lids, Our Secret along my lower lash lines and Chilled in the inner corners

I honestly did not intend for this post to turn into a novel about the three Magnetic Nude Fluidlines, but the more time I spend with them, the more I think they’re just about the most exciting Fluidlines I’ve seen in a really long time.

The three new MAC Magnetic Nude Fluidlines, $16 each US and $19 CAN
The three Magnetic Nude Fluidlines, $16 each US and $19 CAN

My friend Courtney (hey, Court!) summed it up well in a text she sent me today. “I’m drooling over that Magnetic Nudes Collection! And I’m not a nudes kind of girl!”

There’s just something special about these three Fluidlines that drew me to them right away. The attraction was straight. Up. Magnetic.

Let’s start with It’s Physical.

I swear, pics do not do this shade justice.

MAC It's Physical Fluidline, a brown with purple pearl and a Pearl finish
It’s Physical Fluidline, a brown with purple pearl and a Pearl finish

Officially, MAC describes It’s Physical as a brown with purple pearl, but on me it’s more of a purplish brown duochrome with hot pink and gold glitter — elements that can border on cray but work in the BEST possible way in this case.

I tried to capture the fine glitter flecks as well as I could, but in real life, this color is much livelier, more sparkly and more dynamic. I don’t know why the camera missed most of the pink glitter, but you can see a little flash of it in the left eye up in the pic up top, right in the middle of my lid. But when you see this color in person, it’s much more obvious.

MAC Fluidline in It's Physical on my lids, Our Secret along the lower lash lines and Chilled in the inner corners
Oh, hai, glitter!

The Fluidlines are usually used as gel liners, like for cat eyes, but they can also double as cream shadows and eyeshadow bases. It’s Physical works in all those ways, but I like it best worn as a cream shadow.

Here’s what I like to do: pat it on my lids with a 239, and then, right away, buff out the edges, drawing the shadow up toward my brow bone. Buffing brings out the brown tones and adds some smoke to the look. I think it also coaxes out more of the pink glitter.

It’s important to work quickly with this color and all of the Fluidlines if you plan to wear them as eyeshadows, because they dry really fast.

After buffing, I pat 2-3 additional layers along my lower lash line and in the outer corner to create a gradient. Whack a little Smolder along my water lines and bam! — a glittery, smokey purplish brown eye that takes very little effort. LOVE IT!

It’s Physical is the star of this show, for sure, but I think the two other colors are just as beautiful and totally worthy of your makeup bag. Like It’s Physical, they work great as liners, eyeshadow bases and standalone cream shadows.

Metallic reddish brown Our Secret, the only Fluidline in this launch without flecks of glitter, is my second fave shade.

MAC Our Secret Fluidline, a metallic brown with reddish pearl and a Pearl finish
Our Secret Fluidline, a metallic brown with reddish pearl and a Pearl finish

It’s basically like a gel liner version of MAC’s must-have Teddy Eye Kohl…

I know, right?! Beautiful on its own patted and buffed on the lids, maybe with some Teddy on the water lines.

Oh, and if you like reddish brown eyeshadows like Swiss Chocolate, and coppery colors like Amorous Alloy Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, also from the Magnetic Nude collection, you could get tons of use out of it.

MAC Chilled Fluidline, a frosted white gold with a Pearl finish
Chilled Fluidline, a frosted white gold with a Pearl finish

Chilled, the third shade, is a frosty white gold with golden glitter — also super pretty, particularly as an inner corner highlight or patted and buffed on the lids. I bet you could also wear it on the brow bone, or maybe even the upper cheekbones.

Fluidlines from the left: Chilled, It's Physical and Our Secret
Fluidlines from the left: Chilled, It’s Physical and Our Secret
MAC Fluidline in It's Physical on my lids, Our Secret along the lower lash lines and Chilled in the inner corners
Additional MAC Magnetic Nude Collection worn in this look: At Dusk Extra Dimension Blush on my cheeks, Fairly Precious Extra Dimension Skinfinish on my upper cheekbones, Sensual Sparks Lipstick topped with Overspiced Lipglass on my lips

[Continue reading…]

There are 19 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, MAC Makeup, Makeup, Product Reviews

The New Hydrating MAC Huggable Lipcolour Collection Gives Dry Lips a Big Hug

December 18th, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

MAC Huggable Lipcolour Collection
Big hug for the new MAC Huggable Lipcolour collection

Well, I love hugging smug thugs who snuggle pugs that play on rugs, BOOM!

And you wonder why my rap career never took off…

Hardy-har-har. 🙂

Ah, the things that pop into your head when you’re trying to think of clever ways to work the word “hug” into your blog posts…

You know, hug? As in the brand-spankin new MAC Huggable Lipcolour collection?

Interestingly, MAC didn’t call these lipsticks, which makes sense to me, as they don’t seem much like lipsticks at all. Rather, they remind me of intensely pigmented, hella moisturizing lip balms.

Dry lips say what now…?

Yup, the 12 Huggable Lipcolours have a completely new gel-based formula, and they make their big debut January 2nd at all North American MAC locations and internationally the same month (in all countries outside Asia).

MAC claims the formula makes them mega moisturizing and capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound!

Wait — no, that’s not right. It’s supposed to help the shiny finish last up to six hours.

Lots of colors here to choose from. I see some wearable nudes, pinks, corals and a sprinkling of richer wines, plums and deep reds.

These are, like, the ultimate purse lip balms. The moisturizing formula totally kicks dry lip flakes to the curb, and applying them couldn’t be easier. We’re talking so soft and buttery that they practically melt when you run them across your lips.

In fact, I’d say they border on being a little too soft, so don’t go dropping one on a hard surface, you cute clumsy-pants, lest you be S.O.L. like yours truly (notice that a few of them have chips on their sides, le sigh…).

As for the hugging, yeah, they really do hug the surface of my lips. No weird patchiness or propensities to settle into my fine lip lines. Just a smooth block of semi-transparent coverage with megawatts of shine.

MAC Touche Huggable Lipcolour, a light beige with a cream finish
Touche Huggable Lipcolour, a light beige with a cream finish

MAC Fresh & Frisky Huggable Lipcolour, a soft neutral peach with a cream finish
Fresh & Frisky Huggable Lipcolour, a soft neutral peach with a cream finish

MAC Cherry Glaze Huggable Lipcolour, an orangey red with a cream finish
Cherry Glaze Huggable Lipcolour, an orangey red with a cream finish

MAC Out for Passion Huggable Lipcolour, a soft warm rose with a cream finish
Out for Passion Huggable Lipcolour, a soft warm rose with a cream finish
>
MAC Fashion Force Huggable Lipcolour, a cool coral with a cream finish
Fashion Force Huggable Lipcolour, a cool coral with a cream finish

MAC Love Beam Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone warm pink with a cream finish
Love Beam Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone warm pink with a cream finish

MAC What a Feeling Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone cool pink with a cream finish
What a Feeling Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone cool pink with a cream finish

MAC Feeling Amorous Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone fuchsia with a cream finish
Feeling Amorous Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone fuchsia with a cream finish

[Continue reading…]

There are 16 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, Lips, MAC Makeup, Makeup

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 1: 7 Ways to Win the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Collection (Ends Friday)

December 18th, 2013 by Karen 173 Comments

12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog

12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog
A different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway every day for 12 days, sponsored by Neutrogena

The tree is finally decorated, the On Demand yule log is crackling on the telly, Christmas tunes are playing, and the halls are decked. Yup, yup! I’m feelin’ the holiday spirit, y’all!

Which leads me to this: holiday giveaways. 🙂

This year, just like last, Makeup and Beauty Blog will be home to another 12 Days of Giveaways, thanks to the skin-lurving peeps at Neutrogena, one of my favorite drugstore brands (Quick note from my dry lips: they’d like to know if you have Fresh Papaya MoistureSmooth in your life yet? Because if not, you need it, like, yesterday.).

Today and on each of the next 11 days, I’ll be giving away a different batch of Neutrogena beauty and skincare prizes, and one super dope purse prize that will seriously knock your socks off. Here’s a hint: the brand of the bag rhymes with the phrase, “Gooey straight on…”

Yeah! I wish I could win it!

I really, really hope your 2013 ends on a high note and that your 2014 gets off to a great start.

Let’s get this party started, shall we?

For day one, our focus is skincare. The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair collection in this four-piece prize package includes their Eye Cream, Serum, Night Moisturizer and a Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen.

The secret sauce? Something called Accelerated Retinol SA, which Neutrogena formulated to quickly help fade the appearance of deep wrinkles, while brightening skin tone and smoothing fine lines and texture.

“Accelerated Retinol SA combines the highest concentration of Neutrogena’s Retinol SA with glucose complex — an exclusive booster that delivers pure stabilized retinol into the skin’s surface quickly and effectively – and Hyaluronic Acid that leaves skin feeling smoother and younger-looking.”
— neutrogena.com

As always, babe, thank you for reading, commenting and supporting all the crazy cat talk here on MBB (or at least putting up with it, LOL!), and a big thank you to Neutrogena, as well, for the opportunity. Details on how to enter are down below.

A different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway every day for 12 days

  • A four-piece prize package featuring the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair collection valued at $84 that includes:
    • One (1) Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream valued at $20.99
    • One (1) Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer valued at $20.99
    • One (1) Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum valued at $20.99
    • One (1) Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 valued at $20.99

    • Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
    • Open to U.S. readers (I’m sorry, international babes. The sponsor is limiting these to U.S. residents only, but I plan to host some giveaways that include you soon.).
    • You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
    • Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:
      • Where will you be spending the holidays?
      • When was the last time you wore glitter?
      • What are your go-to Neutrogena products?
      • Do you do any snow sports like snowboarding, skiing, etc.?
      • Peppermint or gingerbread?
      • How old were you when you realized that Santa wasn’t — ya know — real?
    • You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
    • The giveaway ends on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).
    • Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

    Karen

There are 173 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Just For Fun, Neutrogena

Mesmerizing Molten Metallics Bare All in the New MAC Magnetic Nude Collection, Coming to Counters December 26

December 17th, 2013 by Karen 50 Comments

MAC Magnetic Nude Collection
The gorgeous new MAC Magnetic Nude collection!

I NEED MORE EYES!

And cheeks and lips.

LOL! Maybe then I wouldn’t look so cray-cray.

Because I couldn’t wait to try on the gorgeous new MAC Magnetic Nude collection (coming out December 26), I’m wearing two different eye looks at the moment, my cheeks don’t match, and my lip color is split down the middle.

I look like the Joker’s evil sister. 🙂

And that’s why I didn’t make an appearance in this video.

Here’s a tabletop look at the new Magnetic Nude collection (and a super quick look at the new Huggable Lipcolours and two new MAC False Lashes).

Also, if you happen to be YouTube averse, or if they block it at the office, here are some pics…

10,000-Foot Overview of the MAC Magnetic Nude Collection

  • 26 pieces, limited edition
  • Available at MAC counters, stores and online December 26 through February 6, 2014; launches internationally some time in January
  • Lots of metallics and nudes, also a strong rose gold vibe
  • In the release, skin is radiant, eyes are metallic and smokey, and cheeks and lips are subtle and sexy
  • Here are 23 of the 26 pieces; the items not shown are Opulash Mascara in Bad Bad Black, the 128 Split Fibre Cheek brush and the 235 Split Fibre All Over Eye brush

Here are pics and swatches. I’ll be posting looks and reviews over the next few days…

MAC Magnetic Nude collection product pics

MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadow
The five new Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadows, $19.50 each US and $22.50 CAN

MAC A Natural Flirt Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, an iridescent light pink with a Metallic finish
A Natural Flirt Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, an iridescent light pink with a Metallic finish

MAC Sweet Heat Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a soft peachy pink with a Metallic finish
Sweet Heat Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a soft peachy pink with a Metallic finish

MAC Silver Dawn Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a dirty grey mauve with a metallic finish
Silver Dawn Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a dirty grey mauve with a metallic finish

MAC Amorous Alloy Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a deep terracotta copper with a Metallic finish
Amorous Alloy Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a deep terracotta copper with a Metallic finish

MAC Platinum Love Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a bright clean silver with a Metallic finish
Platinum Love Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a bright clean silver with a Metallic finish

The three new MAC Magnetic Nude Fluidlines, $16 each US and $19 CAN
The three Magnetic Nude Fluidlines, $16 each US and $19 CAN

MAC It's Physical Fluidline, a brown with purple pearl and a Pearl finish
It’s Physical Fluidline, a brown with purple pearl and a Pearl finish

MAC Our Secret Fluidline, a metallic brown with reddish pearl and a Pearl finish
Our Secret Fluidline, a metallic brown with reddish pearl and a Pearl finish

MAC Chilled Fluidline, a frosted white gold with a Pearl finish
Chilled Fluidline, a frosted white gold with a Pearl finish

The four new MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Blushes, $25 each US and $29.50 CAN
The four new Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Blushes, $25 each US and $29.50 CAN

[Continue reading…]

There are 50 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, MAC Makeup, Makeup

Glow On With Yo’ Bad Self! Bobbi Brown Heralds 2014 With the Nude Glow Collection

December 17th, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Collection
Six of the 10 pieces in the new Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Collection, coming January 2014

So, last night El Hub and I were having dinner at this Puerto Rican place we like called Sol Food in San Rafael (YUM! Any Bay Area girls been there?) when he asked what I wanted to do for New Year’s.

“Hmm…” I said. To be honest, I hadn’t given it any thought. I forgot that we’re barely two weeks from the end of the year.

Can you believe it? 2014 already?

So, I have no clue what to do for NYE, but even if we end up staying home and just watching the ball drop on TV, there will be sparkly makeup up in the mix. Of that, you can be sure. 🙂

Bobbi Brown may be able to help, too. She says that her new Nude Glow makeup collection is like sparkly jewelry for your everyday wardrobe.

Yeah…I can get behind that.

Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Collection
The Bobbi Brown Nude Glow collection

The release hits counters in January with 10 pieces, including eyeshadow quads, sheer lipsticks, nail polishes and new shimmer bricks (aka, Brightening Finishing Powders) — all limited edition.

The theme, like we’ve been seeing a lot lately, is look brightening. The pieces are designed to instantly, easily enhance your skin tone and brighten your look, and get you gorgeously glowing for early 2014.

The Bobbi Brown Nude Glow collection includes…

  • Limited Edition Eye Palette in Nude (Shades: Dove Grey Eye Shadow, Ballet Pink Sparkle Eye Shadow, Nude Eye Shadow and Cement Sparkle Eye Shadow), $44
  • Limited Edition Eye Palette in Crystal (Shades: Porcelain Eye Shadow, Opal Sparkle Eye Shadow, Mica Sparkle Eye Shadow and Angel Pink Eye Shadow), $44
  • Limited Edition Eye Palette in Bronze (Shades: Gold Bar Sparkle Eye Shadow, Amber Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Toast Eye Shadow and Rich Bronze Eye Shadow), $44
  • Limited Edition Sheer Lip Colors in Pink Rose, Pink Flush and Pink Gold, $28 each
  • Limited Edition Nail Polishes in Pale, Ballet Pink Glitter and Bronze Shimmer, $15 each
  • Limited Edition Brightening Finishing Powder (Shades: Brightening Nudes, Porcelain Pearl and Bronze Glow), $50

Let’s see… “Luminous” is the best word I can think of to describe these pieces. The eyeshadow quads and sheer lipsticks all have that radiant, glowing quality that Bobbi does so well. Sparkle features prominently, but it’s not, like, club glitter, if ya know what I mean. Everything here, even the silver packaging (LOVE IT, but it’s a paint to keep clean), looks luxe and expensive to me.

Here’s a quick peek at six of the 10 pieces. Let me know if something here catches your eye…

Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Collection Sheer Lip Color
Sheer Lip Colors from the left: Pink Flush, Pink Gold and Pink Rose, $28 each

Bobbi Brown Crystal Eye Palette
Bobbi Brown Crystal Eye Palette, $44

Bobbi Brown Nude Eye Palette
Bobbi Brown Nude Eye Palette, $44

[Continue reading…]

There are 18 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Bobbi Brown, Collections, Makeup

Holiday Gift Ideas: Gifts for Dudes!

December 16th, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

Procrastinators, unite!

If you’re scrambling around looking for last-minute holiday gifts, 1) I feel ya, and 2) it’s the dudes! That’s the hardest thing for me — finding decent gifts for the dudes in my life (El Hub, my bro, Dad).

If you’re in the same boat, I’ve got a few ideas… Some of these are gifts I gave to El Hub last year that he really liked (others are things I got for myself and figured, hmm… These might also make good dude gifts!).

Thank you for watching. 🙂

Products mentioned in the video…

  • The Art of Shaving 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave, $115
  • Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil, $46
  • Dolce & Gabbana The One Sport, $59
  • Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Precision 1000 Rechargeable Electric Tooth Brush, $37
  • Clarisonic PediCare Sonic Transformation Set, $199
  • Tom Ford for Men Skincare and Grooming, $25-150
  • Neutrogena Men’s Skincare, $5-15
  • Awesome website for dude gifts (or gifts for anyone, really) —> thinkgeek.com
  • Jack Black Skin Care
  • Kiehl’s Line for Men

Happy holidays, and happy gifting! 🙂 Oh, and if you have any great gift ideas for dudes, please share! We’re getting down to the wire here, so the more ideas the better.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 16 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Video

Freeze! It’s Tom Ford’s Ice Queen Eye Color Quad

December 16th, 2013 by Karen 8 Comments






Tom Ford Ice Queen

Tom Ford Ice Queen

This Ice Queen, with her icy blues and grays, does not rule over my tan…but I bet it would look mighty cool on cool-toned pale princesses (and princes, of course).

Sadly, Tom Ford’s Eye Color Quad in Ice Queen gets a little lost on my warm skin. It comes with a frosty white; a glittery silver; a shimmery, silvery gray and a matte denim blue, and it’s available now at the North Pole on Tom Ford counters in Neiman Marcus stores and online for — wait for it — $78!

Speaking of Ice Queens, that price sure is chilling…

Tom Ford Ice Queen

Tom Ford Ice Queen

Tom Ford Ice Queen

There are 8 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Beauty

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 802
  • Go to page 803
  • Go to page 804
  • Go to page 805
  • Go to page 806
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 1912
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog! My name is Karen, and I’m a freelance writer obsessed with makeup.

Makeup and Beauty Blog features daily product reviews, makeup tips and beauty news — like an interactive version of a monthly print magazine, except with occasional pictures of my cat.

Recent Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 894

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 893

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 892

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 891

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 771

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

Copyright © 2025 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.