Collective Haul| A Little Retail Therapy

I have an unspoken rule with the husband that I get to spend my weekend mornings at the mall while he catches up on sleep. This last month, after all my bills had been paid, it was time to celebrate.

My local CVS is pretty paltry, but they finally restocked on some Milani items I've been interested in. Their Baked Powder Blush in Delizioso Pink ($7.99) is the second matte blue-based light pink blush in my collection.  I am a huge peach and coral blush lover, but I wanted something that would complement cooler toned looks like silver eyeshadow or baby pink lips. 

Milani Baked Bronzer Glow in Soleil ($9.99): MelisaMichelle on YT uses this religiously to bronze and warm up her complexion, and with so many raves online, I had to pick one up to see. It looks very glittery, so I'm sure it's not for contouring. I also picked up two more Bella Eyeshadows ($7.99) from them, in Caffe and Sand, as quick throw ons for rushed mornings. They are nicely pigmented and apply best with fingers.

A skincare repurchase for me (rare!) is the Neutrogena Anti Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Serum ($22-24.) It smells like teriyaki sauce, but it really does help to soften fine lines and even my deep laugh line. It's a light serum that can be used under a thicker night moisturizer.

Finally, I repurchased the Revlon Age Defying Firming and Lifting Foundation in Tender Beige ($14.99.) I had purged this when I moved from Orange County, but it's a really great medium coverage foundation for yellow and dry skin. 

I know that the Sephora Friends and Family, VIB, VIB Rouge, etc... sales and discounts are coming up so do note the slight attempt at restraint here. It was Labor Day, my judgment was clouded, and I couldn't help but to get some things I wanted right away. 

First, a repurchase of Too Faced La Creme in Spice Spice Baby ($22). My tube is already halfway done since I keep it for touch ups at work. Second, I was strangely drawn to Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($24). It looks portable, flattering for the undereye area, and wasn't too expensive. It reminded me of a more shimmery version of NARS Translucent Setting Powder. 

Third, I got the Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Medium Sand ($24.) A lot of people rave about this for dry undereyes with dark circles. I was about to purchase Light Medium Sand, but upon swatching it was way too light for me at NC30. It feels very creamy and yet tacky, so I'm hoping for the best.

I also finally bit the bullet on the MAC 217 brush ($24) upon seeing how versatile it could be for my work makeup bag. I don't mind that it's synthetic since I would feel horrible breaking the handle or splaying out natural hairs. Finally, I made a quick visit to CVS again for Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. My old one is halfway finished and completely dried out. 

The worst part? I still have more things arriving in the mail! After this, it's a strict no-buy until Sephora's F&F.

xo Be

First Look| MAC Eyeshadow x15/Warm Neutral Palette (Limited Edition)

It's been three months since the release of MAC Limited Edition Warm and Cool Neutral Palettes ($100 each) but if you can get your hands on it in a MAC store you're one lucky gal. 

Though I had a mad love affair with collecting MAC lipsticks at one point, the single pan eyeshadows in their little bulky plastic hubs didn't entice me. Why buy single pans when I can get a Naked palette for 50 bucks? Curating my own collection with a palette, insert, and individual pro pans seemed like it would take too much time. There are so many beautiful colors and finishes that it would a) take 10 palettes to complete the collection I want and b) loads of money thrown at MAC. 

From left to right and top to bottom: Hey, Warm Breeze, Gingersnap, Dark Brew, Dance in the Dark, Brule Vanilla Extract, Honey Lust, Amber Lights, Saddle, Lemon Tart, Butterfudge, Creative Copper, Unwind and Divine Decadence.

 

  If you were to customize your own 15 pan it will run you $160, though you would have much more control over which colors make the cut. 

Thank god they did the guesswork for me and put all of the warm neutrals I would like into a limited edition palette, because I wouldn't have thought of these colors otherwise. Three Naked palettes and a whole lotta hoading later, it was time to come home to the iconic MAC for eyeshadows.

I swatched from the top right going down with no primer and one or two passes each. The patchiest color was the dark brown/black (ick) and a few of the lighter cream shadows. The rest of them were smooth (but not buttery soft) and pigmented.

Now, if you're new to MAC but good pals with Urban Decay and Lorac, you'll find that these have much less fall out but don't pack as vibrant of a punch as Urban Decay shadows usually do when it comes to shimmer and frost. It took some easy adjusting to get used to how these don't fly all over even when you swirl madly into the pan. 

However, they are also a tad less pigmented than I'm used to. When I wear these on the eyes I layer over MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre and still find that they don't have the same vibrancy/visual impact. In fact, I find them very similar to Too Faced shadows in that they are pigmented but not OTT. Now I understand why more mature lids don't enjoy UD.

This is the best picture I could take to capture the different finishes of the shadows while showcasing the true colors. I am obsessed with coppers, golds, rose golds, and warm browns and use them almost exclusively in my daily looks so this palette was a no-brainer for me.

 Below are closer swatches of each color. There are some slight overlaps so be aware.

Overall, the quality of these shadows are lovely with the exception of the darkest and lightest matte shades. I really enjoy the size of this palette even if the plastic gets scratched up easily and there's no mirror. I also see this being very useful for pro makeup artists so that they can take the warm and cool palette along and suit every skin tone.

If you're interested, give your closest MAC store (not counter!) a call and come pick it up asap. These palettes are limited edition and already sold out online. 

xo Be

Edit| Face and Body Foundations (MAC v MUFE)

Let's skip the niceties and get straight into the similarities and differences between MAC and MUFE's Face and Body foundations. As a lover of both very dewy and sheer coverage or a full face of warpaint, I always have these two in my rotation. I often reach for either when I want a very skin-like finish, almost to the point of showing some imperfections. Any blemish can easily be concealed by a heavy duty concealer, but those with major broken capillaries wouldn't fare so well with either Face and Body formulations.

Pricing: MAC sells 50ml/1.7 oz standard for $27, while MUFE's F&B retails for $40 (1.69 oz).

Packaging: MUFE comes in a glass bottle with a pump while MAC is in a plastic paint bottle with a squeeze nozzle. I have no preference for either, though MUFE unshaken can look vile in the bottle.

Color Range: While MUFE has a definite range of sixteen shades like any other foundation line , MAC's F&B comes in from C1 to C7 and N1 to N9. C stands for warm tones while N is more on the neutral to cool side. Because they are so sheer, you can go in between several shades and not look like a hot mess.

A quick guide to MAC F&B if you are close to my range:

C2- NC20 to NC25, but I can get away with it even when I'm NC30. This one leans yellow but not olive.

C3- NC30 to NC35.

C4- NC35 to NC40, very olive.

Currently I mix 2 parts of C2 to one part of C4 to create the perfect medium but olive color.

As for MUFE, the general attitude toward medium olives/yellow toned gals is pity. 32 Alabaster Beige is the only color that works for me when I'm NC25-35 and it's very peachy when built up to two coats. The numbering system is also...elusive...y'know....1...3...32...20...whatever. Make sure you go in stores to swatch.

Consistency: Both have a gel texture, but MUFE's formulation is much more like jello than a liquidy gel like MAC. You should always shake well before usage. Both do well with fingers and good with brushes, but are bad with sponges since they are water based. They are very lightweight on the face. Neither has SPF. 

My MAC F&B in C2 is in the nondescript plastic bottle. See how chunky the MUFE one looks? Ew. It's also very beige in comparison to the rest, not at all yellow like some claim but still more yellow than the rest of the line.

Coverage: Both are sheer, buildable to medium after several coats. I find that the MUFE version builds faster and is more "light coverage" than sheer. The MAC version is much more sheer, but the more you rub the base into your skin, the more opaque it seems. Both have no problem concealing slight redness and uneven skin tone, but major hyperpigmentation and broken capillaries must be concealed separately. My left cheek has a few lightly broken caps and only the MUFE will cover them with one layer.

Finish: MUFE has a satin finish while MAC's version is much more dewy. If you're oily skinned, I would just stay away or invest in a good setting powder. Both look great on dry to normal skin, but combos need to blot if not wearing powder. I set everything down well, but I find that MAC will still look dewy as time progresses. On very hot summer days I would rather reach for MUFE.

Wear: Both wear beautifully on the skin, doesn't transfer once set, and doesn't cake up. However, MUFE's version seems to last much longer and looks fine even at the 8 hour mark which is huge in my book. At five hours in, MAC F&B seems to sort of blend away into oblivion, though it doesn't fade in patches.

Body Wear: I have never tried wearing either as body makeup, but since MAC never really "sets" dry, I would think you need more time with it before putting on clothes. 

*picture of comparison on face*

Overall, I prefer MUFE's formulation but MAC's color match. On a daily basis I'll often reach for MUFE, but the peachy undertone kills me. However both are amazing for every day when you don't want to think about your base. Face and body foundations are also great for special occasions with lots of flash photography, as both are virtually undetectable on the skin with no SPF flashback. The price difference might matter to some, so go with MAC if you're not worried about lasting power.

xo Be

Favorites| October 2013

I seem to have quite a lot of high street favorites for this past month. Yet another month gone! The Sephora VIB sale is coming up soon, and since I have a quite a few items on my wishlist, my last month has had to be scrimp and save. I've been scrounging the drugstore for dupes, and I've found quite a lot of great things!

Clockwise: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Nude, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 53, Flower Beauty Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara, Urban Decay Cannonball mascara, Sephora Microsmooth Foundation Face Powder in Medium Beige, NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee, L'oreal Infallible Shadow in Amber Rush, MAC blush in Immortal Flower. 

The highlighting concealer works very well for hiding slight dark circles (insomnia is amazing) and brightening the face in general. I've never tried YSL's Touche Eclat pen, but I think this is as close as it gets for 1/1000th of the price. I've heard of some people complaining that it doesn't last, but I set with a translucent powder.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation is definitely a great find for highstreet. Now I see why there's a cult centered around Bourjois products. This foundation is moisturizing, medium-coverage, and reminds me of MAC's Studio Sculpt for half of the price. It's a staple from now on for me.

You've seen my review for the Flower Beauty mascara, but in conjunction with UD's Cannonball, it's a match made in heaven. Long, long lashes that aren't crispy or flakey are yours to claim!

Ever since noticing that my MAC MSFN in Medium was a little too neutral/pink for my paler olive tone, I had to try to find a drugstore dupe. A lot of people claim that Rimmel's Stay Matte/Maybelline's Dream Matte powders are dupes. THEY ARE NOT. MSFN is a finishing powder with sheer coverage for drier skin types and gives a luminosity. It doesn't control oil. I asked around, and Sephora's knock-off is supposed to be the exact dupe for 8 bucks less ($22 retail.) I really enjoy it and it's yellow/glowy enough for me. 

NYX Butter Gloss in Creme brulee is so moisturizing for a gloss and the nude-y color makes it easy to layer over any lipstick. It's definitely a cult favorite for a reason. Amber Rush is also one of those staples that I can rub onto my lids and leave alone, and it still looks dimensional and worked on.

Finally, MAC's Immortal Flower is limited edition (I found mine on Ebay) and I believe it's the dupe I've been looking for. It's a light apricot with a tinge of pink and comes in a satin finish. I've been abusing this the entire month, even though I'm not quite sure if it's authentic or not. Whatevs, I love the color. 

That's all for today, I have to show you a few new things I've gotten at Sephora this past week. I've discovered that Downtown Disney's Sephora is literally 10 minutes away and parking is free. Woohoo!

Be

Collection and Haul| Fall Essentials

Ah, fall. The time for mattes, berries, and vampy makeup to saturate the blogging world and make every post several berry lipstick collection videos a day. Here are a few of my picks for this fall season. L.A. has a very mild autumn that I'm in love with! It's not searing through my bones cold like NorCal, or wet and rainy like San Diego. Instead, there's a gloom over the skies that makes the temperature colder rather than too windy, wet, or freezing. Nice.

I did pick up several new things in time for the fall as my punchy bright lipsticks, blushes (also read: bronzers), and perfumes have gone back into their cryogenic chambers until next year. Darker, moodier, and sparklier colors are coming out to play. Also gone is the mattifying powder, as my skin is going back to its dry tendencies.

Lipsticks: My berry lip picks are a little different and hardly mentioned. YSL's Rouge Volupte in #12 Forbidden Burgundy ($34.00) is the nouveau riche pick for opaque, head turning color without the harlot label. Also, Thanksgiving is a time of eating, not lipstick touch ups! Maybelline's 410 Blissful Berry ($7.98) is a sheer one that won't be requiring any touchups since it leaves your lips with a stain all day. 

Eyeshadows: I hauled three new eyeshadow singles just for fall! My first eyeshadow pick for fall would be Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk ($6.99). I was originally never drawn to this color but decided that for the color months, perhaps a garnet on the eyes wouldn't be too harsh. It's a very creamy formula that leans almost toward a cool brown/taupe rather than full on red or purple entirely. 

Another two that are great are L'oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in 997 Eternal Sunshine and 556 Smoldering Plum ($7.98). The formulation is AMAZING and so buttery soft. While not as opaque as UD's Half Baked, Eternal Sunshine is great as an inner corner highlight as a soft gold that isn't yellow. Smoldering Plum does need some expertise to work into the crease, as a muddy/dark/sparkly eye is never attractive. 

From top to bottom: Smoldering Plum, Pomegranate Punk, Blissful Berry, Forbidden Burgundy, Eternal Sunshine, Warm Soul, MSFN Medium.

Blush: I've tucked away my bright Tarte blushes and peaches for now and hauled MAC's Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul ($25.00) for the colder months. With such bold eye and lip looks, it's better to pull the attention away from blush. I still want something that adds color but doesn't draw attention. With just a touch of glimmer, Warm Soul is a winner in my book for any season. 

Powder: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium ($35.00) has replaced my Rimmel Stay Matte for the colder months. I no longer need oil control, and this powder (while rather ashy as a swatch) gives a great sheen and brightens my face while it sets my liquid foundation.

Perfume: It's time to break out the maneater perfumes with heavy white florals and warm musks lingering on the low neckline of your slinky black dress. I'm a huge fan of oriental perfumes in the winter (and night-time), and Dior's Hypnotic Poison ($75 for 1.7 oz) always does the trick. Sephora says its notes are "Bitter Almond, Caraway Spice, Sambac Jasmine, Cinnamon, Tuberose, Vanilla, Musk, Mosses, Jucarunda Wood." I say, not sure what "jucarunda root" is, but it sure smells like root beer upon first splash. I love root beer, so that's not a problem. After a few minutes it mellows down into a very sexy scent perfect for holiday office parties. It's not overwhelming, but more than one spritz is asking for trouble since it lasts so long on the skin.

That's all for tonight, hope you enjoyed seeing my fall star players. I'll probably be the girl rockin' crazy vampy lips even to the grocery store, but I feel bashful with dark eyeshadows. Holiday season isn't quite here yet, but once winter comes, you'll definitely be seeing my dark reds come out to play. 

Have a great weekend!

Be

Collection| Pinky Peach Blushes

Y'know how sometimes you try to find a dupe for a discontinued color and suddenly end up with a million variations of the darn thing, but they are all just a tad off to be an exact replacement?

*silent rage*

Blush used to be at the bottom of my list, next to bland essentials such as eyeliner (if it's black it will do) and concealer (thick enough for the zit and I'm golden.) I had a CoverGirl blush that I treasured for ages because my best friend in high school said it was the exact match of the lovely flush I get by tilting my head down and letting blood rush to my head.

We tested this like a bunch of rabid AIDS monkeys in store.

 Flash forward a few years, I discovered a blush from an unknown Sephora palette that was exactly the color of peaches and cream, with just a hint of pink that made it wearable rather than clownish. Enter the never-ending search for the dupe. This in itself is awkward and a first sign of obsessive compulsive disorder, because I haven't even used up the pan.

Most of these blushes apply very sheer on me and impart a slight glow rather than full on color. This is my natural "just ran a mile, threw up in a ditch, pulled five muscle groups not attached to the legs, and walked two cool down laps" barely-there flush color, because I probably slithered and crawled the entire way. For most days that I don't want to bother with a statement cheek, which is most of all days, I usually will throw on one of these blushers.

See that tiny little pan in the middle? That's the blush I'm trying to dupe. 

From bottom to top: Flower Beauty Win Some/Rouge Some in Peach Blossom, "" in Forget-me-not, Illamasqua Lover, TheBalm Frat Boy, L'Oreal True Match blush in Precious Peach, MAC Prolongwear blush in Stay By Me, Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Peach, Sephora unknown. 

 From left to right: Flower Beauty Win Some/Rouge Some in Peach Blossom, "" in Forget-me-not, Illamasqua Lover, TheBalm Frat Boy. 

From left to right: L'Oreal True Match blush in Precious Peach, MAC Prolongwear blush in Stay By Me, Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Peach, Sephora unknown.

My arm is about an NC30-NC35 at the moment, so the paler shades are shy and need to be built up. Also, the first three on the left are the only ones with staying power after attack of the tissue. 

As you can see, Illamasqua Lover is the one blush that is the true orange in the lot, even though the color in pan looks very similar if not a tad more peachy than its friends. Flower Beauty's Peach Blossom is also significantly more pink than the rest of the lot. These are what I call "impulse buys", but they are really pretty nonetheless. 

From all of these blushes, MAC's Stay By Me or L'oreal Precious Peach seems to be the closest dupe for Sephora's, but it is well nigh impossible to show up on my NC30 skin. Perhaps at NC20 I will achieve a true peaches and cream complexion. As for now, they will have to sit on strike. 

I really enjoy all of these and find that on my dry skin, lasting power is not a huge concern. I usually get about five hours of wear from any blush (except Tarte's which last about 5 years.) If you're around NC or NW15-NC25, I'm sure these blush colors will work exceptionally well. Even these pale beauties can look ashy on me at the moment. Which is why I'm currently working with TheBalm Frat Boy and Illamasqua Lover for better pigmentation. Anyone above NC40 will just have to find blushers that are much more mauve, berry, or highly pigmented to flatter your complexion. 

Bee tee dubs, I think Sephora's blush is actually called Pink Flush 07 and it's currently on sale for 5 bucks, but I refuse to buy and have it be another dupe rather than the real thing. And the worst part is, I have MAC's Immortal Flower, Warm Soul, and Happy Together coming in the mail. They are pinky peach. 

That's all for today. Happy Hump Day!

Be

First Look: Buy the Hype

Sorry for the MIA without notice, honeys. I've been trying to balance basic housewife duties (walk the dogs, cook dinner, clean the house) with writing a six page paper about the Protestant Reformation for my final. Y'know, nbd. It usually isn't a problem, because I usually turn into a horrible sloth during finals week and neglect all duties. But lately I do feel a better upkick in my mood when I walk with the babies for at least an hour a day. Also, it's a cardio/weightlifting routine with all of the pulling and yanking I'm trying to correct out of them. Kidding. Not really. My arms are toned already.
With the husband out at work and summer passing by, I've also been very low maintenance with makeup. However, I've noticed quite a few products on hype and decided that now is as good as a time as any to try them out. If they mess up, at least only my dogs will judge me, right?





From left to right: MAC lip liner in Boldly Bare, Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream Kiss, Maybelline The Falsies mascara in Waterproof Very Black, and Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

The lipliner is a recent obsession for a defined lip line. I've been trying to cheat the system and go "au naturel", and without a single lipstick lying around it wasn't exactly hard to do. Maybe a lil too natural...I needed a defined lip. My husband couldn't tell I was wearing makeup, but he did say, "You look good today, are you trying to go somewhere?"

What, do I need a defined lip to appear in public?
...Yes.

I wasn't so impressed with the Nivea lip butter. Like others said, it smells amazing. However, I can't get the tin to open even if I had demon claws. The butter is too creamy and slides off my lips easily, and doesn't moisturize. I think they need to market this as the next diet solution. (Who needs food when you can smell your lips full!)

I have The Rocket mascara and still devoutly hold onto my Definicils as HG, but this is a new favorite. I've seen a lot of hype about how wonderful this is for a DS, but I didn't believe it since I'm not a fan of "volumizing" mascaras. They tend to make my lashes look like cockroaches and clump like hell. This one, however, holds a curl, lengthens like crazy, and doesn't smudge onto my bottom lashline. It also fakes a look of tightlining/eyeliner for all you ultralazies out there. Plus, Definicils over this? Are you a beaver? Cuz DAYUMMMM.

Finally, I just picked up this texturizing spray and already love it. You know how messy, "bedhead", nasty, knotty hair is always a thing in the summer? This takes you there pronto. My hair is recently self-ombred and a little roughened, but this spray mattifies it to a whole 'notha level and creates beautiful volume and texture. Plus it smells like coconuts and makes topknots last. Win win win.

I've been chosen to do my friend's gf's hair this Saturday (she saw my ombre and loved it!) I'll try to post up step by step pictures and tips for you, especially now that I'm finished with summer classes. Have a great day!

Be

First Look | MAC MUFE NARS

Summer is here! I do have a few items from a recent haul to show you, and since these are mostly new to me, I'd like to also give you my first impressions of the products.



This is my small after-vacation haul. I planned to pick up a few thicker opaque concealers for dark spots, as I don't have dark circles unless I have been up for 2 days straight. Even then, I am fortunate enough to not deal with severe raccoon eyes. I do have Maybelline's Age Rewind concealer in Medium, but I suspect it is for undereyes as the formulation is not as creamy and stay put as I like for acne scars and blemishes. I also picked up Makeup Forever's Aqua Rouge out of curiosity and their iconic HD Foundation in my summer shade. Lastly, thanks to recs from essiebutton, I decided to give MAC'S Crosswires a chance.





This is MAC's Studio Finish concealer in NC30. I like that it's in a pot, but this could get unhygienic very quickly. The color match is spot on, the formulation is thicker than cake batter, and it seems to cover everything with ease. This retails for 18 dollars.





Next is NARS's Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. The lighter choice seems like a perfect match for NC25, but I already have a concealer for the winter. This color is also a great match for NC30-NC35, and I believe it can be used as both an undereye or blemish concealer. The formulation is a creamy liquid that is not too thick and spreads easily on the face. The doe foot applicator is precise, and the packaging is very purse friendly. This retails for 28 dollars. Yikes!





This is Crosswires from MAC. Yowza, it's a bright watermelon pink! I expected much less pigmentation from a Cremesheen formula, but it's a pleasant surprise. This color fares better alone on the face, being much more pigmented and brighter than I thought. It retails for 15 dollars.





This needs no further introduction; it is Makeup Forever's HD Foundation in N123. I am usually N120 in the wintertime (for NC20 to NC25) but I needed a much darker shade for my new tan. 123 actually looks much darker and more golden than 127 while they are the same shade. I would say this fits an NC30 to NC35. I have had a great experience with this foundation especially for photography. It is a thin formula with medium coverage and long lasting capabilies. Sadly, it retails for 42 dollars.







Lastly, this is MUFE's Aqua Rouge in 18. I would say that this is the high end equivalent of the drugstore color/gloss duo pens. However, the gloss is very hydrating and essentially seals in the color for hours. My one gripe is that the product smells like artificial lychee glue. Nasty. On the positive side, 18 is a wonderful coral-orange that is lovely for summer. This sucker lasted through a meal at a burger joint. And if you know me, I don't eat my burgers like a lady. If you want long lasting shine and color that won't dry out your lips, this is absolutely wonderful if you can stand the smell. This retails for 24 dollars.

That is it for my first look post, I hope you found it helpful. If you would like an in depth review on any of the products above, please leave a comment and let me know!
I also have made a recent, mind BLASTING discovery and would love to share that with you if you're interested. It involves a very inexpensive brush...

Anyway, have a nice days guys! I'm back to packing my things for a move to LA and donating old clothes/shoes to Goodwill. I'm not sure if anyone wants to take my makeup, but I could have a blog sale if that's a way to get rid of the clutter.

Bye!

Review: MAC Cremesheen Glass

Richer, Lusher?

Is there such a product that makes me richer while plumping up my lopsided sausages?

Sadly, the answer is no. These cremesheen glass, or fancy tinted lip glosses, from MAC run about 20 dollars at Nordies. Surprising, since MAC lipsticks are only about 15 dollars. Good thing the mother offered payment in exchange for giving her advice on a new red lipstick shade and foundation. I recommended Studio Fix Fluid for a summer foundation and Viva Glam I (one of my recent finds) for a sexy red shade. She actually gave her SFF to me in an act of great charity, and upon seeing its finish on my skin, she had to re-buy. Women logic. SFF's full coverage and strong oil control makes flaw covering and tone-evening a one step process for lazy summers (no concealer or powder needed).

Anyway, I digress. Richer, Lusher is a beautiful coral/orange shade that looks lovely on its own or over a pink lipstick for more dimension.

PROS:

- Non-sticky. Lip gloss reminds me of the third grade. Sticky lip gloss reminds me of my third grade frenemy. Associations are powerful. This gloss doesn't stir up any old memories.

- Color is semi-opaque. In the tube, it looks like a heavy liquid gloop lipstick. The color payoff is a little less sheer than an actual Cremesheen lipstick but is more...

- Moisturizing. Even more so than its lipstick counterpart. The gloss can pair with any lipstick in order to prevent cracked lips or settled lip color.

- Doefoot applicator makes it easy to apply, though not precise enough without some reference to a pocket mirror.

- In general, a beautiful and subtle color that can lean nude for a smokey eye or brightening on its own. It is not opaque enough to clash with another lipstick but only helps amplify another lipcolor, either from a lipstick or lip liner.

- The Cremesheen Glass line has many beautiful, collectible, wonderful, obsession-inducing shades to choose from.

CONS:

- What the expensive heck? 20 dollars for a lip gloss? Good thing lip glosses last me for ages until I get annoyed at the sticky caps and throw them away.

Would I repurchase? Not likely. Would I purchase another shade in the collection? Yes, given that the color was absolutely to die for. I spotted many other lovely shades, but the price tag induced rational hesitance. My wallet actually screamed "No!" audibly. Just kidding. But 20 dollars for a lip gloss? Am I wrong for thinking that lip gloss shouldn't be more than 5 bucks under any circumstance?

Anyway, I am heading back to San Diego tomorrow to start my summer classes and clean up the house in order for a big move to another part of town. The upside is that I won't have to unpack anything, but I would still love to do a collective haul for you guys if you're interested. I'm not meaning to brag, a lot of the stuff I got were presents and gifts from my family for graduation who knows how much I love makeup and cosmetics. I got hooked up with some really great gems like a BeautyBlender, Origins face products, MAC products, and plenty of stuff from Sephora. If I do a collective haul, I'll be posting it up as a video on Youtube and link it here.

Tata for now,

Be

Collection: Powder Foundations

Hey all!
For the past two months my powder collection has been steadily growing while my liquid foundation pile remains stagnant. Why? Blame it on the heat and general summer attitude. I have plenty of time in the world during the summer to apply makeup, but I don't want anything sliding or melting off my face two hours into the sun.

While I do have some setting powders (all are drugstore), I have been hauling in new MAC powders as well as some from Sephora. I'll give you a brief rundown of the mid-range powder foundations I have in my collection right now.

Warning! This post is picture heavy! Continue below to see just how much of a hoarder I've become...

Above is Benefit's Hello Flawless powder in "Petal."
Shade NC20-25

Pros:
- Very easy application with brush. Looks absolutely beautiful with a good moisturizer.
- Natural coverage or spot application. Very natural coverage.
- Yellow toned.

Cons:
- Price $35 for a very small amount in pan. Absolutely useless brush included for your convenience.
- Will kick up like any other powder. Be gentle!

Above is Makeup Forever's Pro Finish in 127 "Golden Sand."
Shade NC30-NC35

Pros:
- Can be used wet or dry, wonderful color match for my Asian skin tone.
- Nice finish, okay oil control for my t-zone
- Finely milled.
- Includes compact and sponge in separate compartment.

Cons:
- May be expensive for some at $36 dollars.
- Case is not sturdy for jostling handbags and won't protect against errant hooligan knick-knacks in your bag. Powder can come loose.

MAC's Studio Fix in C5.
Shade: NC40 equivalent, more yellow

Pros:
- Very long lasting and excellent oil control properties, enough to quell any evil thoughts from grease monkeys.
- Compact is iconic. Cult favorite product for many MAC users.
- Shade is very yellow toned in comparison to the orange-y NC shades (meaning if you are a special color, you can find your color match with studio fix.)

Cons:
- Cake face extraordinaire! Make sure you use a brush and spot conceal and not just apply this on wet unless you're trying out for King Lear.
- Powdery look, but can be solved with Fix+ and light application.
- Color still not right for me right now, but will be during the middle of summer.
- Some people have complained of breakouts. Wash your face correctly or check the ingredients for allergens.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Plus, Medium, Medium Plus
Light Plus: NC20-NC25
Medium: NC/NW 25-30
Medium Plus: NC 30-NC 40
Here is my ultimate favorite HG powder. You know I like something when I hoard it in three shades "just in case" to encompass every seasonal change to my skin tone. Sad.

Pros:
- Can be used as powder foundation or setting powder depending on application.
- Beautiful luminous glow to the skin after a few hours of wear.
- Very long lasting for a powder. Doesn't transfer.
- Forgiving shade range due to sheer coverage.

Cons:
- Low to no oil control. Great for dry skinned gals in this respect.
- Awful shade range if you're very very yellow. (Light plus or Medium Dark are your only options and they can be too light or too dark for you.)
- Flashback. I generally avoid getting pictures taken, so this is not a problem for me.
- No mirror for touch-ups. Again, I do not touch up with this powder and use it mainly as a very natural powder foundation.


So, that is all of the powder foundations that I currently have and covet. I've done a lot of research on these powders and they all look very fantastic, require little time and effort, and last throughout the day. I actually manage to look like a "natural" beauty with these powders as they are not noticeably "make-up", powdery, or cakey on the face.

Let me know your experiences with powder foundations and whether you like powder or liquid!
-Be

Current Favorites: May

Hello again,
I'm here to talk about my current favorites! To see more, check out my YouTube video coming up within the week.1. MAC Impassioned: Amplified

You know that one lipstick that just catches your eye every time you visit the counter, but you never muster enough courage to swatch in fear of obligation to buy? I've been eyeing Impassioned every time I hit up the MAC counter, but only swatched other lipsticks nonchalantly while the assistant goes to the back and brings me back my powder. I'm glad I took the plunge and got it.

This pink is the best on trend bright color for the summer season right now. Why go with Impassioned when you can impress with Candy Yum Yum? This pink is bright without being tacky, a sort of grown up pink where you can keep on trend without scaring your coworkers. It reminds me of Maybelline Vivid's "Vivid Rose" without being too muted to come off as a grandma hue. I would say the colors are actually comparable but the drugstore version tends to bleed as it is too creamy. Impassioned is an Amplified creme that doesn't flake or bleed and well worth the extra money.
Below is a quick picture of the lipstick in its bullet.

2. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus in C5

My skin color changes and adapts to the sunlight so quickly, it's almost as racial as affirmative action. In the winter, I can wear NC20 and comparable shades. After two days in the sun, I change to NC30. After two weeks of sunshine, I am now an NC42/C5. (I never skimp on sunscreen and wear Spf 30 and reapply sunscreen liberally as I hate sun damage.)

...My skin is telling me to buy more makeup. It's all justified people!

My skin is also getting oily in the T-zone and a powder will not highlight any flakes or dry skin as it's all been replaced by oily, greasy, melty skin...lucky me. So, I went to get matched with a new summer foundation. In the past I wore BareMinerals in Medium Beige but never liked how it caked around the nose. Now with liquid foundation being out of the question I've been on a new quest for powder foundation.

Studio Fix Powder is a medium to full (leaning full) coverage foundation depending on method of application. I use a fluffy powder brush and it gives a great natural finish to the skin sans tinted moisturizer. I wanted a more matte powder but didn't want a "made up" look. It will act as both a spot cover up and full face powder depending on whether you use a sponge or brush. However, I would suggest not to pack this on with a sponge unless your skin is very oily and blemished and you need full coverage.

I also love the shape and weight of the compact. I don't have to touch up when using this powder, so I leave this one on the vanity. Plus, who applies powder in public? (That's archaic and sexist, screams the granola feminist). It definitely is a pretty compact to show off if you do.

A lot of people may be sensitive to the ingredients, but my skin is resistant and accepts anything I put on it. People also claim clogged pores and cystic acne from this powder, but I suspect they don't wash their face correctly at night to remove the product. Any product going to bed with you is a naughty one.

Overall, the makeup artist matched me with C6 rather than NC42 (in fear of the carrot face look, which is never pretty). However, C6 was out of stock. I chose C5 to still match my tanned chest and also keep the possibility of bronzer open. So far I have not seen any signs of oxidation.

I have a list of current favorites that will be going on YouTube soon with some other products. I will also swatch Impassioned and my Studio Fix on the video. Stay tuned!

Collection: Bright MAC Lipsticks

The most eye-catching display at any MAC counter? The rows and rows of lipsticks in so many finishes and colors you want to replicate The Joker's colorful visage on yourself.

As far as high end lipsticks go, MAC's collection is affordable and smells like vanilla unicorn essence, meaning you could possibly replicate the entire display on your vanity and hoard five shades of pink and ten shades of "red orange" if you wanted to. Here are my top seven shades of the brightest and most flattering MAC lipsticks for divas. If you are anywhere near a wallflower type, stay away.

1. Candy Yum Yum: Matte
The most iconic hot pink shade for all women unafraid of standing out on the streets. Not quite Barbie and not quite Nicki Minaj, this blue-based color makes your teeth blindingly white to complement your blindingly pink pucker. This lipstick will most likely land you compliments from women but stares from men.
Men are thinking one of two things:
- My God, what a confident girl. She has the self-esteem of a feminist!
or...
- My God, she needs to realize her lips are glowing with sheer nuclear toxicity!

Most likely, if you are wearing any shade of lipstick besides red or natural pink, you need to drop all pretenses that you're doing it for the men. Because men will notice this shade. And they may call you crazy. And you will wear it.

2. Ruby Woo: Matte
This red is the ultimate compliment-mongering, long-lasting, non-flaking, bright and beautiful shade that lets you feel like Snow White, the fairest of them all. A lot of people will tell you to go for MAC's Russian Red for a true red, but they are wrong. If you have any sort of a tan or warm undertone to your skin, you may look like a transvestite Bozo the Clown. Unless that's the look you're going for, avoid. Ruby Woo is a very similar shade, but toned down just enough so that your lips will look classy and not crass. Furthermore, the dryer matte texture of Ruby Woo means that it will not budge or transfer even when you're scarfing down that sandwich with the voracious appetite of a female T-Rex.

Even better is the sheer magnanimity of old men that will pay you compliments when you're strutting your stuff down the street (or y'know, sitting at the front desk of an office minding your own business). This shade is the ultimate red, classic and flattering on all skintones. Even Rihanna had to model her new MAC lipstick, Riri Woo, after this color.

3. Vegas Volt: Amplified
As an amplified finish, Vegas Volt steals the show away from matte brights for a moment for its lovely color payoff AND non-drying texture. In the tube, this shade seems to be a coral-red with perhaps a hint of orange that wouldn't show up too bright on the lips. Do not be fooled.  For a crazy, "I don't really care what you think" type of look, Vegas Volt is as flattering as it is shocking. When you pat it lightly on top of lip balm, however, the end result is a much more subdued and pretty coral shade that completes your look - that is, if the rest of your look is a naked or cat-eye and coral/orange blush. For everything else, this shade contrasts completely and surely "amplifies" any garish intentions you may or may not have had when putting it on. This is the only shade I do not pull off in its pure form on the streets in risk of scaring small animals and children.

4. Betty Bright: Satin (Limited Edition)
When I say this is a limited edition shade, I mean you may have to barter most of your limbs, all of your soul, and even shell out thirty dollars to get this lipstick. Recently released in MAC's Archie's Girls collection, most of the lipsticks from the line disappeared from stores within a week and remains sold out/nonexistent online. The bullet design is different and quirky and the color is intense - I may pass this down as a family heirloom. Once in a blue moon, as I shed tears of sadness for a smidgen of lipstick soon to be taken away from the bullet, I put this color on to brighten up my complexion. It is a very similar shade to Vegas Volt, but just a smidgen brighter and lighter. I'm not sure why this doesn't translate to "looking for an application at Hooter's" for me, it may just be that I feel confident on the days I decide to rock this. The only downside is that, despite the satin finish, you may need to reapply lip balm over this as it flakes 3 hours into wear time.

5. So Chaud: Matte
This one is definitely a stand-out shade that flatters warm skin tones fantastically, due to its strong orange undertone in a bright red. For cooler toned girls, I wouldn't recommend this one unless you are a very very fair skinned or a box dye redhead. It will compliment your hair and perk up your face instantly. For anyone in the NC range (light to dark), pick this one out. The shade pulls orange just enough to brighten up your tone without looking full-on "orange crayola" like MAC Morange.

6. Viva Glam Nicki: Satin
Pink. Screamingly bright. Appropriate to its creator namesake. If you have the attitude to pull off this shade, I commend you. As for myself, I reserve this one for very special occasions where the dear husband isn't around to offer a sarcastic, "Oh hay Nicki Minaj" and receive a deserving slap on the face. Just kidding. But really, please don't try this around the presence of males who cannot handle your girl power.

7. Media: Satin
This one is not bright. In fact, it shouldn't even belong in this category. In the bullet Media is a dark, plummy wine/goth black/emo artist type of shade I would never pick out unless the costume party theme was The Undead or Nightmare on Elm Street. Fall of 2012, however, dark burgundy and wine lips were all the rage. As a devote worshipper of Jenn Im from YouTube's clothesencounters, I saw this shade on her lips and had to try it for myself. On the lips, it is a vampy purple that makes your complexion very milky and porcelain-like - especially in the winter when my skin is between NC20-NC25. As with any of my other shades, the best complement to this lipstick is flawless skin and minimal makeup elsewhere.

So there you have it, my top seven shades. As for any high-maintenance lipstick, it is imperative to prep your lips first to save the hassle of reapplying and fussing over it later throughout the day.
- Scrub off any dead skin (crusty lips are so not vogue at the moment).
- Apply a lip balm and let it sink in while you do the rest of your makeup.
- Line your lips with either a clear lipliner (I like Makeup Forever's clear one) or one somewhat matching your shade.
- Apply the color with a lip brush (for no sinking into lip lines) or straight from the bullet if you're feeling bold.
- Super brownie point step: Blot with a tissue, brush translucent powder over the tissue while it's on your lips, reapply another layer of lipstick, and generally waste 20 more seconds of your life just to look good.

Enjoy!
- Be

P.S.: For swatches, check out Karla's website.