MAC Dazzleglass Creme

MAC has released a new version of their famed Dazzleglasses. Dazzleglasses quickly became a cult item when they first released last year and last spring, MAC was finally able to re-release the glosses and keep up with the constant demand from their customers. I have never met anyone who after trying these glosses was not completely in love with and considers them to hold a unique place in their traincase.

Well, MAC has released a new version to take up into the cooler weather. This collection is called Dazzleglass Creme and MAC describes it as follows, "Flashing flecks of lustrous glimmer give lips a new kind of high-beam shine, while the balm effect of the pillow-top comfort creme keeps the supple going and going. For dazzle with absolute comfort, it's better than brillant!" This looks more like the formula was updated to a be a bit cushier while still hanging onto all the shimmer of the original gloss.

Dazzleglass Creme - MAC cult favorite Dazzleglass with a creamier, smoother, but no less shiny or dazzling effect. For those who are drawn to the luxe of cream lips, but still want the dazzling allure of its inspiration, this is it.

- Luscious Spark - light orange with gold pearl

- Totally Fab - bright yellow red with pearl

- Sublime Shine - light coral brown with gold pearl

- Soft Dazzle - midtone peach pink with gold pearl

- My Favorite Pink - light blue pink with pearl

- Perfectly Unordinary - bright yellow pink with gold pearl

- Do It Up - bright blue pink with pearl

- Creme Allure - bright yellow plum

- Amorous - deep brown red with pearl

I have been looking forward to this release since I first heard about it over two months ago. I love original Dazzleglasses and was so excited for new colors to be released. In the past, I hve tended to shy away from the very pigmented Dazzleglasses as I sometimes feel that these glosses can be a bit too much going on at once with the combination of rich color and super shimmer. From this collection, My Favorite Pink, Soft Dazzle, and Perfectly Unordinary have my name written all over them. Cannot wait to haul...

photo courtesy of MAC

Smashbox Fall 2009 Collection - Reign

Smashbox has released a collection for this fall that is worthy of royalty...at least according to them. Personally, I love Prince William and the entire English aristocracy so this collection (at least on first hearing about it) seems to be right up my alley. I am already envisioning deep rich colors and beautiful packaging. Let's see if this lives up to me expectations.

Smashbox describes the collection on their website as follows, "Scandal. Indulgence. Desire. Decadance reigns in this provocative collection inspired by the English Tudors. Adorn yourself with lust-worthy shadows, metallic liners, and luxurious lip colors fit for a royal".

Here is the collection...

Reign Eye Shadow Palette - Decadent mirrored compacts with 6 baked shadows in both matte and shimmer for higher pigmentation and longer wear. Wear the shimmery shades wet for a metallic, smoky look or dry for a gorgeous wash of luminous color. Use the matte shades as a base, or in the outer corners and crease to intensify a smoky eye.

- Majesty - matte champagne/shimmery champage; matte cabernet/shimmery cabernet; matte black/shimmery black

- Monarch - matte soft gold/shimmery soft gold; matte copper/shimmery copper; matte deep brown/shimmery deep brown

Reign Lash DNA Mascara - Bejewel lashes in a sumptuous new shade fit for a royal. This protein and amino acid packed formula dramatically lengthens, strengthens, and defines for stand-out eyes.

- Plum - shimmering black plum

Reign Double Take Lip Color - Envelop lips in color to lust after. A long-wearing liner on one end and velvety-smooth lip color on the other in two of Fall's hottest shades.

- Amaretto - nude pink/creamy peachy pink

- Currant - deep wine/deep berry red

Reign Lip Gloss - Indulge lips in luxurious, creamy color and scandalous shine. This ultra-moisturizing gloss saturates lips in a gorgeous warm nude shade that pairs perfectly with Fall's smoky eye.

- Crowned - soft peachy pink

Reign Fusion Blush - Scandal. Mystery. Desire. Do you have a reason to blush? Gives cheeks and sensual glow with this dual-toned blush in both matte and shimmer shades, housed in a gorgeous mirrored compact.

- Regal - matte peachy nude/shimmery peachy nude

Wow...I just love this whole collection. The only item that I don't really want to get is the mascara but I love everything else. My top three picks are the lip gloss, the Monarach eye palette, and the Currant lip color. This collection is yet another one that is making me want to spend all fall shopping at the makeup counters.

photo courtesy of Smashbox

Prescriptives Fall 2009 Collection - Well Suited

I have never used any products from Prescriptives before but the line get such raves from my co-workers that I decided that a look at the Fall Colelction is in order to give myself a bit of an introduction to the line. I don't really know why I haven't ever used their products except that I tend to head right to MAC or Urban Decay normally and often just pass counters right by. That being said, I am going to expand my collection and try something else. So let's have a look at these new products.

Here is the overall description of the collection from Prescriptives, "Suit up in new menswear inspired shades with an edgy feminine influence. The fabric inspired collection features a range of sophisticated shades from tweedy browns to silky purples. The look is Well-Suited for Fall".

Here are the products...

Well-Suited Eye Color Compact Warm - Suit your mood and your attitude with five sophisticated shades tailored for your eyes. The limited-edition Well-Suited Eye Color Compact in a Warm palette features four eye shadows to color and contour, plus one shade to line and define your eyes. Mix and match to your liking for looks that are uniquely you.

- Silk/Bean/Olive/Moss/Espresso

Well-Suited Eye Color Compact Cool - Suit your mood and your attitude with five sophisticated shades tailored for your eyes. The limited-edition Well-Suited Eye Color Compact in a Cool palette features four eye shadows to color and contour, plus one shade to line and define your eyes. Mix and match to your liking for looks that are uniquely you.

- Shell/Velour/Pinstripe/Cassis/Blackberry

Well-Suited Eye Color Compact Neutral - Suit your mood and your attitude with five sophisticated shades tailored for your eyes. The limited-edition Well-Suited Eye Color Compact in a Neutral palette features four eye shadows to color and contour, plus one shade to line and define your eyes. Mix and match to your liking for looks that are uniquely you.

- Champagne/Clove/Sultry/Storm/Jet

Well-Suited Finishing Powder - The finishing touch for every well-dressed face. Limited-edition Well-Suited Finishing Powder is a translucent pressed powder with an ultra-silky texture that gives skin subtle luminosity while helping to set makeup.

- Translucent - for all skintones

Longwear Kohl Liner - Soft, creamy, color-rich Longwear Kohl Liner glides on, then sets to a long-wearing smudge-resistant finish. Automatic and waterproof, this eyeliner goes from the inner rim of your eyes to your outer lashline for a look that lasts all day!

- Black Kohl - pure black

- Blue Kohl - bright blue

- Brown Kohl - chocolate brown

- Slate Kohl - deep grey

Colorscope Lipcolor - Drench your lips in brillant color and leave them looking luscious all day. The moisture-rich formula of Colorscope Lipcolor delivers extraordinary shine and comfort for your lips you'll love at first sight. Lips are soft and moisturized, plus, you can customize your look with a cream, shimmer, or sparkle finish. Cream: Smooth and creamy with a moist, shiny finish. Shimmer: Subtle shimmer and hint of sheen create a luminous finish. Sparkle: Multi-dimensional color saturated with sparkle for lips that dazzle.

- Yellow/Orange - shades complement golden undertones

- Red/Orange - shades complement warm peach undertones

- Red - shades complement cool pink undertones

- Blue/Red - shades complement cool rose undertones

Lash Envy Volumizing Mascara - Diva-esque lashes of epic proportions, guarenteed to be the Envy of all. Lash Envy Volumizing Mascara turns your lashes into the voluptuous, luscious lashes you've always craved, with a truly amazing formula. Boosts volume by up to 200%, 12-hour wear, and the exclusive Volumatrix Polymer keeps lashes full and plumped all day.

- Black - black

Bronzer Brush - This advanced bronzer brush perfectly applies bronzer all over the face and body. Perfect to use with the Sunsheen Bronzing Trio.

Well, I don't know if I have any loves from this collection. I do have some likes and now have a reason to head over to the counter at my local Macy*s. I would like to get the Cool Toned Eye Palette and maybe the Neutral one also. Not one of the colors in these two palettes seem to be very unique and will be very dupable. So I would only purchase these products if I really liked the formula because I am sure that MAC offers some shades that are very close to all of these. I also wouldn't mind learning more about the lipstick and how they do the custom blending on their products. I might stop by this counter on my way to a MAC counter in the next few weeks.

photo courtesy of Prescriptives

MAC A/W '09 - Lid Vicious

This is the last of the new looks from MAC for this fall and this one looks to be very much like the new Style Black collection, which is to be their biggest release of the season so far. This one is big on the eye products and looks to contains lots of black and lots of products that would create very dramatic looks. This look is not for the faint of heart.

MAC describes their version of the look as follows, "This season's eyes are something shady. Refined, lined, and exquistly intense, these smoky stares "have a Helnut Newton feel that's attitude driven not cover girl-y" according to MAC Senior Artist Terry Barber, of their "opening night" application and tough, shady glamour".

To get the look...

Eye Shadow - Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly. Blends well.
- Carbon - intense black (Matte)

- Scene - muted blue-grey (Satin)

Paint Stick - Highly pigmented, emollient colour stick. No grease or shine. Apply to skin directly or with a brush. May also be sheered down with a sponge.

- Black Black - pure black

Greasepaint Stick - A smooth and creamy black eye crayon with an opalescent sparkle finish specially formulated for maximum drama. Easily provides ultra-high-level coverage. Versatile. Use as a soft but intense liner or blend out to create a smoke-like shadow. Long-wearing. Transfer and water-resistant. Limited edition.

- Black - intense black

Fluidline - Ultra-smooth, Fluidline's gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silker, softer finish. Goes on "foolproof" with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes. Brushes sold separately.

- Blacktrack - solid flat black

Liquid Eye Liner - A liquid eye liner formula packaged with a unique applicator for precision application. Liquid Eye Liner is the perfect for lining and defining the eyes. Use it to subtly enhance or create bold lines. Because it's ideal for creating graphic designs anywhere on the face or body, don't limit the use of Liquid Eye Liner to the eye area. The firm, tapered tip fo the applicator is easy to control and allows for quick and precise application of the liner. Liquid Eye Liner is long-wearing, smudge-resistant and can be easily removed with Pro Eye Makeup Remover.

- Boot Black - intense black

Kohl Power Eye Pencil - A kohl pencil that has all the intensity and colour power of ultra-soft carbon. Specially formulated to provide deep, fully opaque coverage, provides an intense, smoked finish with duo-chrome pearl. Versatile in application: blend or smudge.

- Feline - rich black (Frost)

Eye Kohl - A soft-on pencil liner that lines, defines, and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth, matte/pearl finish. Ophthamologist tested.

- Smolder - intense black

Technakohl Liner - A mechanical pencil-style liner. In formula, soft and creamy, with an intense, rich colour deposit. Blends on application, dries quickly to a long-wear, non-smudge finish. Versatile. An easy way to line the top and lower lash line of the eye. When applied at a 90 degree angle, provides a thin precision line. For thicker application, apply at a flat angle.

- Graphblack - rich graphic black

Eye Pencil - Eye Pencils are formulated to provide rich, consistent colour using ingredients that have virtually no irritancy potential. They are comfortable to apply and sharpen to a fine point to allow for precise application. Eye Pencils can be used to create a sharp line or a softer, smoky effect. They are long-lasting and won't cake or streak.

- Ebony - soft black

Zoom Fast Black Lash - An intensly rich, deep, carbon black mascara that instantly combs and lifts the lashes for incredible volume and length. A deeper, darker version of the popular Zoom Lash Zoomblack shade.

- Black - deepest black

Pro Lash - Lengthening, thickening, non-flaking, non-smudging...totally hard-wearing! Sassy and lush. Works on the catwalk, soups up the sidewalk. Tested and approved by Artists. Industrially packaged; commodity-priced. Gives you attitude. A real hardworking mascara that is lush and luxe in its finish. Good to layer. Apply one coat of Pro Lash for enhanced, defined lashes. For more drama, build up the layers. To layer - apply, allow to dry, then apply again. Pro Lash works the hardest when applied right from the roots of the lashes to the tips. For volume, apply Pro Lash to the top side of the lashes first, and then to the underside. For a perfect groomed finish, comb the lashes through with No. 204 Lash Brush.

- Coal Black - honest-to-goodness black

Lip Pencil - A pencil designed for shaping, lining, or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades. The colour of Lip Pencils is protected by Vitamin E, which acts as an anti-oxidant, and they contain emollients that moisturize the lips. Lip Pencils can be worn alone, with Lipstick, or Lipglass.

- Spice - pink cinnamon stick

Overall, I don't need this much black eye makeup ever but I like how MAC has given us all the options that they have available and let us decide what items we need and what look we want to create. This is a great lead-in to Style Black...

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Trends A/W '09 - New Romantics

The third trend for MAC this fall is called New Romantics and it is based on soft colors and it is the opposite of Who's That Girl look that was discussed earlier. MAC describes this look as follows, "Call it "silk stocking" makeup: balanced, beautiful, and perfected. The antidote to this season's eighties excess heralds washes of blended shadow, vaporous tints, and soft red lips as low-level glamour essentials. Beauty makeup at it's most modern".

Here's the look...

Eye Shadow - Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly. Blends well.

- Woodwinked - warm antique gold (Veluxe Pearl)

- Era - soft golden beige with shimmer (Satin)

- Scene - muted blue-grey (Satin)

Pigment - Pigment is a highly concentrated loose powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Does not streak or cake. Easy to blend and long-lasting.

- Rose Gold - tarnished rose-gold (Metal)

- Cocomotion - dirty gold with an olive undertone with gold sparkle

Cream Colour Base - Versatile and multi-purpose, Cream Colour Base can be applied directly to bare skin, or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder. Apply with a brush, sponge, or fingers. Colour effects range from a light veil to highly dramatic, depending on method of application. Fragrance-free.

- Nude - nude

Zoom Lash - This instant volume mascara power-lifts the lashes into length, curls them up...builds them faster than you can wink! Precision control wand glides smoothly down lashes to provide a gorgeously silky upward "sweep". Smudgeproof and long-wearing!

- Lofty Brown - ultra-rich blackened coco-brown

Plush Lash - A mascara formulated to instantly plump up lashes for extreme voluptuous effect. Works fast. Builds volume smoothly and evenly from root to tip. Delivers a silky, flexible, full fan of lashes. Fluid formula lightly coats lashes one layer at a time without smearing, smudging, or clumping. Goes on via an innovative, specially patented wand with a v-shaped grove that prunes the bristles on one side while leaving the other side full and lush. The short bristles coax the lashes upward to an extraordinarily sophisticated yet flirtatious curl, while the otehr side separates and combs the lashes root-to-tip creating a long, well-defined glamour lash. Volumizing, lengthening, curling, lifting. This mascara features everything you want, with all the top mascara no's: no clumping, spiking, smudging, or flaking.

- Plushblack - black

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street. What made MAC famous.

- Twig - soft muted browish pink (Satin)

- Syrup - cloudy pink (Lustre)

- Creme Cup - light blue pink (Cremesheen)

Lip Pencil - A pencil designed for shaping, lining, or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades. The colour of Lip Pencils is protected by Vitamin E, which acts as anti-oxidant, and they contain emollients that moisturize the lips. Lip Pencils can be worn alone, with Lipstick, or Lipglass.

- Spice - pink cinnamon stick

- Stripdown - creamy brown-beige

Sculpting Powder - A powder specially tinted to enhance natural bone structure and sculpt contours into the face. Immaculately shaded to create natural looking shadow effects, the finish is sheer and matte.

- Bone Beige - soft warm brown matte

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face. Various formulas. Different looks.

- Pink Swoon - clearly pink (Sheertone)

Blushcreme - Luxuriously soft and creamy, this cream blush tenderly flushes the cheeks or brings them into a full-blown rosy bloom. Blends well; layers exquisitely. Gives a vibrant, dewy fresh, slightly shiny look to the cheeks. Apply with a brush or fingers.

- Posey - dewy-fresh rosy pink (Cream)

- Laid Back - ultra rich chocolate berry (Cream)

Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder - A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup. Reduces shine with optically minimizing the look of pores, lines, imperfections. Available in one universal colour that suits all shades. Wear over makeup or on bare, moisturized skin.

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation - A creamy, luxurious, gel based foundation that provides medium buildable to high coverage with a natural satin finish. Hydrating, instantly revitalizes the skin, while keeping it looking smooth, soft and plush. Long-wearing, water-resistant.

Clear Gloss - A colour-free gel formulated for full-on shine, MAC Gloss adds polish, shine, and highlights to bare or made-up skin. May be used on the face or any part of the body where shine is desired.

Hmmm...I love this look! This one is going to be a keeper for me!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Trends A/W '09 - Who's That Girl

The second trend look from MAC is called Who's That Girl. The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the name of this look is the Madonna song of the same name. Is this look going to be super-80's and fall into the category of a look for going out? Let's find out...

Here is MAC's take on the trend, "Get amplified by plugging into electrocuted shades and sharp shapes. New eighties is all about one element, not mannequin-y makeup. Play with winged black eyes, jagged cheekbones, brave blush, sharp highlights...and above all, lined, exorbitant lips". I knew it! This look with be very early Madonna...I think I like it!

Here are the needed products...

Eye Shadow - Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well.

- Freshwater - bright summer pearl (Veluxe Pearl)

- Club - red-brown with green pearl (Satin)

Pigment - Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Does not streak or cake. Easy to blend and long-lasting.

- Blue/Brown - brown with green/blue pearl (Frost)

- Magenta Madness - intense neon blue pink (Matte)

Lip Conditioner SPF 15 - A lightweight conditioning balm for the lip formulated with SPF 15. Protects the lips from everyday agressions, holds in moisture, provides gentle repair ro dry lips. Contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamins A and E. Petroleum based to seal in moisture yet smooth to apply, non-sticky on. Slightly vanilla flavored. Colour-free.

Clear Lipglass - A unique lip gloss that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Clear Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips and a tiny bead of this highly concentrated product is all that's needed to cover the lip area.

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- Violetta - bright violet (Amplified Creme)

- Morange - loudmouth orange (Amplified Creme)

- Girl About Town - fabulous fuschia (Amplified Creme)

- Up The Amp - lavender violet (Amplified Creme)

- "O" - purplish red with golden pearl (Frost)

Lipmix - High-shine gloss with a metallic effect. Sheers down to a glossy colour wash. Available in a wide range of shades.

- Crimson - deep red

Lip Pencil - A pencil designed for shaping, lining, or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades. The colour of Lip Pencils is protected by Vitamin E, which acts as an anti-oxidant, and they contain emollients that moisturize the lips. Lip Pencils can be worn alone, with Lipstick, or Lipglass.

- Cherry - vivid bright bluish red

- Magenta - vivid pinkish purple

- Redd - clearly red

- Stripdown - creamy brown-beige

Cream Colour Base - Versatile and multi-purpose, Cream Colour Base can be applied directly to bare skin or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder. Apply with a brush, sponge, or fingers. Colour effects range from a light veil to highly dramatic, depending on method of application. Fragrance-free.

- Pink Shock - bright pink

Iridescent Powder/Loose - Iridescent Powder is a finely milled mixture of Mica and pigments which gives the skin a beautiful sheen. It can be used on its own or mixed into other products like foundations or moisturizers to enhance their iridescent qualities. Designed to apply easily and uniformly without streaking and caking, it blends beautifully and can be applied over bare skin or foundation. Because it's so concentrated it should be used sparingly at first. Apply Iridescent Powder with #129 Powder/Blush Brush for the desired effect.

Mehhh.... this one is not really my style.

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Trends A/W '09 - Sculpture Club

Several days ago, MAC released their own trend report for this fall and winter seasons. Is it just me or is it a bit late for this type of trend report to be released. I feel that this should have been released about a month or so ago when people were beginning to shop for fall makeup not when the season is in full swing and I am halfway through fall makeup purchasing. Anyway...

MAC states that, "If there's one thing this season's makeup is all about, it's a point of view. From unabashed eighties and unbelievable elegance to souped-up scultping and serious eyeling. Discover the biggest directions in makeup straight from the runways - right here. Its your essential insider update!"

There are four looks and they are all to large to cover at once. So we are just going to start with the Sculpture Club look and look at the products that MAC suggests to create this new look. MAC describes this look as follows, "The new natural is structured and considered. Think "surgery" without "plastic": sculpting, highlighting, contouring, and those old Eighties tricks like triangular contours and matte versus shimmer...it's punk couture".

Eye Shadow - Highly pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well.

- Amber Lights - peachy-brown with shimmer (Frost)

- Cork - muted golden brown (Satin)

Pigment - Pigment is highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Does not streak or cake. Easy to blend and long-lasting.

- Blue Brown - blue with green/blue pearl (Frost)

Paint Pot - A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with MAC shadows and liners.

- Indianwood - metallic antique bronze (Frost)

Eye Kohl - A soft-on pencil liner that lines, defines, and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth, matte/pearl finish. Ophthamologist tested.

- Fascinating - intense matte white

Lip Erase - A flesh-toned balm that visibly neutralizes and erases natural colour from the lip. Shine- and texture-free. Available in a choice of two shades for use on light to medium skin tones.

- Dim - N37

Lip Conditioner SPF 15 - A lightweight conditioning balm for the lip formulated with SPF 15. Protects the lips from everyday aggressions, holds in moisture, provides gentle repair to dry lips. Contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamins A and E. Petroleum based to seal in moisture yet smooth to apply, non-stciky on. Slightly vanilla flavored. Colour-free.

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- Photo - golden brown (Satin)

- Syrup - cloudly pink (Lustre)

- Shy Girl - creamy neutral coral beige (Cremesheen)

Lip Pencil - A pencil designed for shaping, lining, or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, cramy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that work well with many different lipstick shades. the colour of Lip Pencils is protected by Vitamin E, which acts as an anti-oxidant and they contain emollients that moisturize the lips. Lip Pencils can be worn alone, with Lipstick, or Lipglass.

- Chestnut - intense brown

- Hodgepodge - taupe-brown

Prep + Prime Translucent Powder - A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup. Reduces sine while opticlaly minimizing the look of pores, lines, imperfections. Available in one universal colour that suits all shades. Wear over makeup or on bare, moisturized skin.

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day.

- Light- soft pale beige

Shaping Powder - A micro-fine shaping powder formulated with soft focus technology that accents and emphasizes the high planes of the face. More subtle than many highlighters, these are the ideal shade complement to MAC Pro Sculpting Powder. Available in single pans or as a Pro palette.

- Accentuate - peachy beige with fine pearl

- Lightsweep - warm beige with fine pearl

- Warm Light - clean peach

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face. Various formulas. Different looks.

- Buff - soft muted pinkish-peach (Matte)

- Blunt - muted golden brown (Matte)

- Gingerly - capri bronze (Sheertone)

Iridescent Powder/Loose - Iridescent Powder is a finely milled mixture of Mica and pigments which gives the skin a beautiful sheen. It can be used on its own or mixed into other products like foundations or moisturizers to enhance their iridescent qualities. Designed to apply easily and uniformly without streaking and ckaing, it blends beautifully and can be applied on bare skin or over foundation. Because its so concentrated, it should be used sparingly at first. Apply Iridescent Powder with #129 Powder/Blush Brush for the desired effect.

- Silver Dusk - pinky beige with silver shimmer

Cream Colour Base - Versatile and multi-purpose, Cream Solour Base can be applied directly to bare skin, or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder. Apply with a brush, sponge, or fingers. Colour effects range from a light veil to highly dramatic, depending on the method of application. Fragrance-free.

- Pearl - pale gold with icy shimmer (Frost)

Strobe Cream - The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses,moistens, freshens, and boosts the look of dull, flat, or tired looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin and in all lighting conditions from sunlight to spotlight.

Face and Body Foundation - A water-based, water-resistant foundation that provides long-lasting natural coverage for face and/or body. Ideal for all skin types. Face and Body Foundation provides sheer, natural looking coverage in an easy-to-blend, water-resistant formula. The long-lasting formula is available in a wide range of colours and contains several emollients to help condition and moisturize the skin. It delivers professional looking results thaty meet the exacting standards of beauty photography and is ideal for perfecting the face and body.

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation - A creamy, luxurious, gel-based foundation that provides medium buildable to full coverage with a natural satin finish. Hydrating, instantly revitalizes the skin while kepping it looking smooth, soft, and plush. Long-wearing, water-resistant.

This look seems to be on the more complicated side but I think that I will be trying this one out. I love the eye makeup colors and really want the Shy Girl Lipstick. First look for fall - pass!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Trend F/W 09

MAC released a mini collection last week to get us all into the Fall spirit. Now that Fall has finally arrived, the company is getting everyone ready for everything they will need to purchase for the season. Style Black releases in less than a week so this small collection is a bit of preview and should contain shades that can easily be mixed with what is releasing on Thursday.

Here is the overview of the collection from MAC, "As designers deepen their fascination with all things architectural, so too goes the modern face. Structured, constructed, built to beguile. The shapes and steely colors in this collection are an expression of the backstage trends, an ode to the modern woman, rendered with true architectural precision".

The products...

Tone: Grey - A compact featuring four limited edition eye shadows that reflect the key shades found in Fall/Winter 09 collections. Provides a modern interpretation of the smoky eye, with an emphasis of blue with grey.

- Tone: Grey - pale green grey

- A Warmer White - dirty grey

- Waft - dark smoky blue grey

- The Right Smoke - rich blue with white pearl

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- Hipster - burgundy with frost (Frost)

- Faultlessly F/W - blackened blue violet (Amplified)

- Our Pick - Cement taupe grey (Satin)

- Red Full-Stop - bright neon coral (Lustre)

Tinted Lipglass - A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts for hours. It's pigmented, very shiny, and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application.

- New Berry - deep plum (Cream)

- Runway Fave - grey tone neutral with high pearl (Frost)

- So This Season - deep blue violet (Cream)

Asphalt Flower - A deep, dark erotic fragrance that takes its place in our F/W 09 collection as the aromatic complement to this alt-fashion look. Features glossy violet and iris petals, vanilla, and patchoulin with top notes of violet, ylang-ylang; mid notes of iris, heliotrope and a finale of olibanum, patchouli, and MAC signature vanilla. Limited Edition.

The first thing that I really like about this collection is that it will blend perfectly with Style Black and even though it still contains deep, dramatic shades, I find that it might be a bit more wearable than some of the shades in Style Black. After I look at Style Black, I will let you all know my thoughts on this comparison.

With collection, I have decided to branch out and try more dark lipstick and gloss shades. So I resolve to go MAC this week and try every single lip shade that MAC offers in this collection. I don't know how the grey tones will work for me but since I cool toned skin, I might find a bunch of shades that work better for me than I originally thought they would.

photo courtesy of MAC

Shu Uemura Fall 2009 Collection - Primitribe Fall Mode

The Fall Collection from Japanese brand Shu Uemura is the most unique collection that I have seen so far this entire season. This collection has bright eye makeup colors and really reminds me of many of the collections that were offered over the summer, especially with the bright aqua and yellow eye makeup shades. This collection looks very tribal and just not what my idea of what fall makeup should look like. This almost looks like a later summer collection even though it was labeled as "Fall/Winter". Maybe this means that another collection will be coming out a bit later in the season.

Here is how Shu Uemura describes the collection, "Take a trip to a primitive land! Shu Uemura's Fall Mode Collection invites you to explorate make-up with unexpected colors found in the primitive tribe. Be wild and go beyond ordinary."

Here are the products...

Painting Liner - A range of eyeliners for precise application on the eyes. The formula has an ultra smooth, soft, creamy texture with vivid color payoff that allows you to draw long continuous lines without flaking. The freshly appiled color is waterproof and smudge-proof. All shades are blendable to create a unique custom look.

- Turquoise - bright aqua

- Citrine - yellow

Primal Mix False Eyelashes - Accessorize with the intricate handcraft work of the primitribe! The long eyelashes boast varying lengths dark hair with vibrant color accents of yellow, green, blue, and pink.

Primal Color Stick - New eye shadow sticks have a creamy texture that dries to a powdery finish. The formula glides on easily allowing for smooth application and blendability on the eyelids. The unique slant tip of the color stick enables precise control of application and the twist-top packaging makes it easy to apply color and go.

- Blazed Gold - gold

- Rich Earth - brown

- Night Maroon - purple

- Misty Grove - green

Primal Mix Blush - Duo-color blush palette combines fresh, soft shades that add a healthy, warm, and natural glow to the skin. The unique color combination can be blended and applied to the face in one stroke or used as individual shades for further accents.

- Echo - amber

- Rhythm - pink

- Soul - peach

Rouge Unlimited - Breaking all boundaries in color creation. High-tech, high-pigment lipstick for unlimited color variation and colors achieve the truest color payoff with rich texture and ultra-smooth application. Enjoy up to eight hours of moisture and color.

- 296 - wine

- 942 - beige

Nail Enamel Supplement Mineral - Glossy shine with a strong color payoff. Quick drying. Long-lasting finish. Formaldehyde and toulene-free formula. Protects against dryness.

- g 960 - pale nude pink

- p 980 - bright pink

I have a love/hate relationship with most of the products in this collection. I hate the bright colored liners and I think that the fake lashes are awful. Other than that, I would like to get several pieces of the collection. I love both of the lipstick shades and the g 960 polish shade. I would also like to get the Primal Color Sticks in the Rare Earth and Blazed Gold shades. I'm not that into any of the blush shades so I will be skipping over them this time.

I guess I am just not really into taking summer makeup shades into fall...

photo courtesy of Shu Uemura

Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder

The last time that I talked about a Too Faced face product, I was raving about how the company finally introduced a matte bronzer into the makeup industry and how much I was in love with the product and the whole concept. For fall, the company has released a face product that is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. The product that I am talking about is the brand new Candlelight Powder, which is meant to give an illuminated, "lit from within" glow. Sephora considers this product to be a "multi-tasking translucent powder infused with illuminating gold powder".

"Inspired by actual candlelight, this product is formulated to set make-up while imparting a soft-focused glow. For all its immediate, "glowing" results, it's also packed with a powerful dose of skin saving anti-oxidants that protect and soothe tired skin as the golden-peachy tone warms and illuminates any complexion - reducing the appearence of fine lines and imperfections".

Here are the active ingredients...

Pure Gold - Has been praised for its reported ability to tighten skin and reduce the appearence of imperfections.

Vitamin C - A required component to help generate healthier collagen production. Delivers a more supple, firmer, and brighter complexion.

Aloe Vera Extract - Provides excellent soothing and calming effects to the skin, while aiding in the restoration of proper moisture levels.

Pomegranate Extract - This famed, antioxidant promotes smooth, radiant skin.

Chamomile - Instantly calms, soothes, and banishes irritation for sensitive skin as natural antioxidants heal and protect.

I am fascinated with this product. I am not totally sure if the golden tone of this powder will work for my skintone but I hope that it does. I love the anti-oxidant protection that this product provides and I have been interested in the effects of pure gold on the skin ever since Stila first used it in there Summer collection. I am thinking that this product would be a great highlighter for the winter months when my skin gets dry and grey. It might also complement a tan in the warmer months without the use of a bronzer. I am going to try it out in both times of the year.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Lady GaGa VMA Outfit

Following the Lippmann Collection post, I was inspired to post pictures of Lady GaGa at the VMAs. This is one of the outfits that she wore, the other was black and the other one was red. Was she wearing the Ruby Red Slippers polish the whole time? I hope so.

photo courtesy of eontarionow.com

Lippmann Collection Fall 2009 Shades

Lippmann Collection has released two new shades for the fall and also a set of three polishes. The set of three was an early release to Nordstrom for their event in July (I do believe, I may be wrong). The set was released for the tenth anniversary of Lippmann Collection and is sold out all over at the moment.

Celebrate 10th Anniversary Set - contains three new shades made just for this set. The first one is called Superstar and is described on the Lippmann website as being a "show-stopping copper flecked fudge". The second one is called Funky Chunky and is described as being a "sequined sheer black". The last shade is called Ruby Red Slippers and is described as being "Dorothy's shimmering ruby" and is more of a red chunky glitter suspended in clear nail polish.

Marquee Moon - futuristic sequined silver (glitter)

Don't Tell Mama - mood ring blue/green (shimmer)

I want all three of the new items, two of which are already sold out. I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for the Lippmann website to get them all back in. And something that makes the set even more desirable? Apparently Lady GaGa is a fan of Ruby Red Slippers. Such a GaGa color...

photo courtesy of Lippmann Collection

Dior Fall 2009 Collection

Fall and Dior? They are just a match made in heaven. Even though I don't always love the quality of certain Dior products, they are unparelled with the marketing of new collections and being able to get me excited about getting to their counter for the new items. Now what happens when I get there and test drive the new items isn't always the best experience but...

This is the description of the new collection from the Dior company, "Dior makeup takes its inspiration from the unforgettable icons of Hollywood studios and figureheads of the Jazz age. By day and by night, the complexion is luminous, the eyes smoky, and the lips and nails intensely colored in matching shades. A key shade for the Fall 2009 look, purple, in multiple variations, dresses the eyes, lips, and nails in the spirit of an ultra-sophisticated total look. At the heart of the collection, the Dior star product Jazzclub is the season's irresistable collector's item. Its vintage-style patent black clutch carries the essentials for creating the smoky eye through the day and into the night".

Here is the collection...

1 Couleur Ultra Smooth High Impact Eye Shadow - The texture: enhanced by the latest eye shadow innovations, this revolutionary texture is based on "Micro-Fusion" for ideal coverage on the skin and maxiumum color impact. It leaves the eyelid visibly smooth and the color true for hours on end. 1 Couleur comes in several variations: matte, satiny, to pearly and sparkling. The color: color expresses itself with incomparable intensity. The spirit of the collection lends itself to the mixing and layering of colors for effects that rival those of fashion shows.
- Argentic - pale gold

- Trendy Taupe - taupe

5 Couleurs 5-Colour Eye Shadow - Dior's bestselling eye palette offers endless possibilites in a seductive range of rich, versatile colors designed for easy application and long wear. Beauty Tip: use the oval wand to apply the lightest shade to the upper part of the inner eyelid, the blend the darkest shade along the lashline. Shade the outer brow with one of the remaining colors. For more intensity, use a fourth color under the lashes.

- Night Butterfly - fives shades of lavenders and pale pinks

2 Couleurs 2 Colour High-Contrast Eye Shadow - Dior provides the first professional duo combining the two textures for perfectly stylized eyes. The first, matte and intense, and the second, light and iridescent, both textures are combined in a single palette to seamlessly achieve a long-lasting, high-contrast look on the eyes. From soft and innocent to deep and dramatic, the intensity of these shades can be adjusted for a customized look every time!

- Cocktail Look - midtone grey and pale beige

DiorLiner Precision Eye Liner - Dior's automic, total-control pen eyeliner delivers precise contouring and a flawlessly clean line. The click-action applicator and soft, tapered brush deposits just the right amount of fluid on the lids, guaranteeing an even line in just one stroke.

- Plum - plum

Diorshow Brow Styler - Expert precision for a tailor-made result. The Dior Brow Styler refines, reshapes, and fills out the eyebrow, offering high definition makeup with a graphic yet natural result. It's single shade, Universal Brown is adapted to all eyebrows. It features a retractable tip on one side for an ultra-precise line and a brush on the other side for east blending.

- Universal Brown - all skintones

Dior Vernis - The final touch to Dior makeup is a polish that combines lacquered shine with impeccable hold with a vertiable beauty cure. With continued use, Dior Vernis restores vitality and helps nails grow stronger and faster, limiting breakage and striations. A color palette inspired by rich spices is an invitation on a incredible chromatic journey. Intense color combines with incredibel shine to create perfection right down to the fingertips.

- Black Plum - deep plum

Ultra-Gloss Reflect Light Reflecting Lip Gloss - Presenting 100% couture color and shine that just won't quit: Dior's latest high-tech, high-fashion comes with an innovative brush applicator so that color glides on precisely and stays put while it's ultra-light, non-sticky formula instantly pumps ups the volume and softens the lips.

- Draped Burgundy - deep red

- Taffeta Plum - plum

Addict Lip Color High Impact Weightless Lip Color - It's a new sensory experience: the first lipstick with a "bare lips" feel plus ultra-vibrant color and optimal comfort. Innovation: Dior Innovation Center has created Lip NeutralizerTM, inspired from the professional who before putting lipstick on the top models, apply a light base of foundation to neutralize the natural color of the lips and bring out the full radiance and intensity fo the lipstick shade. As fashion would have it, the colors cover a wide spectrum, offering a panoply of personalized effects. Depending on the shade, they can be pure, pearlescent, glittery, metallic, or with shimmering highlights to go perfectly with any mood and any fashion look, from timeless basic to cutting-edge trendy. An extravaganza of 20 inspired by Dior runway shows.

- Decadent Plum - deep plum
- Negligee Pink - midtone cool pink

- Opulent Mauve - midtone cool mauve

- Mauve Royale - cool pale mauve

Creme de Gloss - Dior is on everyone's lips this season with the first ever creamy lipstick in a gloss. Lush, sensuous color plus rich, sexy shine. Deeply moisturizing. Superbly nourishing. So blendable, it seems to melt into your lips to shine, polish, and define for hours. With a refreshing white tea fragrance. In eight colors so chic that you will want them all.

- Sweet Praline - nude

Rouge Contour Lip Liner - A soft, creamy formula that lines and defines lips precisely, easily. Long-wearing and smudge-resistant.

- Thrilling Plum - plum

Jazz Club Eye Palette - All kinds of purple are defined in this new Jazz Club Eye Palette. Includes pinks and greys, berries and plums to create the perfect day-to-evening look. This all-in-one palette features six Dior eye products. From left to right: Dior Liner, Sourcils Eyebrow, Fard Matte Eye Shadow, Fard Iridescent Eye Shadow, and a topcoat.

First of all, it is pretty obvious that my writing involved working with two websites. Most of the products are described from the Dior website then it decided to stop working so I ended it up with the Nordstrom website. Other than that, this collection did create some lemmings for me even though I haven't used purples in quite a long time. The first item that I really need to get is the Jazz Club Eye Palette. That palette should make it quite easy for me to create the needed plum look for the fall. What else do I want? I want to get the both of the new colors of the single eye shadows and the duo eye shadow. The new Creme de Gloss shade looks perfect for me and will be going right up to the top of my Dior counter shopping list. I also want to get the Black Pum nail polish, which is already sold out on the Nordstrom site...of course making it all the more desirable.

Fall and Dior = my love...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Stella McCartney StellaNude

This fall brings the release of another fragrance from the Stella McCartney Stella line. Not to bring it up yet again, but this is my favorite perfume and really has been since the moment that I first smelled it. This fragrance is one of the very few that can get me excited about different versions and repromotes since I know that I will love every single fragrance. And now...a new one for fall. The company gave us a lighter version of the original for summer and now they are giving us a heavier version for the colder months.

The fragrance is called StellaNude and Sephora considers it to be a true floral fragrance. As far as I am concerned it is has rose in it and it is more on the warm and sensual side then the lighter floral versions of this fragrance. The original version of this fragrance is on the heavier side of rose also so I am really waiting to see how much warmer this one is than the original.

Sephora descibes the fragrance right here, "StellaNude is a fragrance that evokes the delicacy of the skin, the softness of rose petals, and the sensuality of silk lingerie. Create a quiet moment of reflection as the scent touches the skin, revealing beauty and desire from within". the notes are - Moroccan Rose, Grapefruit, White Peony, Pink Pepper, Precious Vanilla, Grey Amber, Musk.

So the major difference with this fragrance is that it contains vanilla and musk as part of the base. So this one should be lighter on the skin than the original. I think the rose would be a bit lighter in this one too, sindce it will be tempered with this vanilla. This is a very different combination of notes to accent the rose, I don't even believe that I own a vanilla and rose fragrance. Next time that I get to Sephora, this perfume will be my mission to pick up.

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC MAC in HD

The second collection that was released this week is called MAC in HD. This collection is more aimed at creating a flawless skin finish that would be appropriate to show on HD television. It seems like every company has been jumping on the HD bandwagon lately with the popularity of the Make Up For Ever products and up until I heard about this collection, I was rather suprised that MAC had not also released some form of product to cater to this growing need. But now they have.

This is MAC description of their collection, "Cameras everywhere, media madness, instant images flashed around the world in seconds. You ARE being photographed! Makeup designed for the new-technology demands of the professional world, for girls and boys who want to look good no matter who's looking..."

Here's the collection...

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- Resoloutely Red - deepened claret (Lustre)

- Close to Real - light neutral peach pink (Lustre)

- High Def - mid tone netural coral (Amplified)

- Sharp Focus - deep brown plum (Lustre)

Face & Body Foundation - A water-based, water-resistant foundation that provides long-lasting natural coverage for face and/or body. Ideal for all skin types. Face and Body Foundation provides sheer, natural looking coverage in an easy to blend, water-resistant formula. The long-lasting formula is available in a wide range of colours and contains several emollients to help moisturize and condition the skin. It delivers professional looking results that meet the exacting standards of beauty photography and is ideal for perfecting the face and body.

Mineralize Skin Finish Natural - A luxurious doomed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day.

- Light - soft pale beige

- Light Medium - pale golden beige

- Medium - soft creamy beige

- Medium Plus - tan beige

- Medium Dark - caramel beige

- Medium Deep - rich golden tan

- Dark - deep caramel

- Deep Dark - rich golden bronze

187 Duo Fibre Brush - A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibers.

188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush - A flat-topped, full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of any formula colour - fluid, cream, powder, or pigment. Ideal for creating soft layers or adding textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibers.

I have been waiting for the Resolutely Red lipstick for over a month now, so that is a product that I will be running to MAC to get as soon as a I can. Otherwise, I am very happy with my current Make Up For Ever HD foundation so I don't really have a reason to switch it up. I am interested in seeing how much coverage the foundation provides for the body sinceI don't own a body foundation at all. I would also consider trying the new Mineralize Skin Finish Natural since I feel that it looks a bit easier to work with than the regular version. While, I am at MAc buying the red lipstick, I might as well look at everything else.

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Upstarts

This week, MAC has released two new collections, the first of which is called Upstarts. This one is not so much of a color collection as it is skin care collection. This collection features three kits that contain small sizes of related product. They are meant to be used for travel or when trying to decide on a new skin care regime. Travel size kits tend to make me very happy because if I end up hating the products, I have bought the full size. Also, I have never used any skin care from MAC so this would be a great way for me to try all of their products out.

This is the description of the collection from MAC, "Cheeky, uppity, and ahead of the game, Upstarts live in their own perfect little worlds! Each contains the magic miniature matrix required for gone-in-sixty-seconds travel action, or try-me-you'll-like-me (then you can't live without me) experimentation".

Upstarts: Lined & Lashed - Total eye appeal. A complementary set of Zoomlash, Prep + Prime Lash, and promo sizes of Pro Eye Makeup Remover and Nightsky Softsparkle Eye Pencil all packed together in a zip-around clear-with-black plastic trim makeup bag. Ideal for travel.

Upstarts: Well Prepared - A skincare quartet that together create the perfect base. Includes regular sizes of Prep + Prime Skin, and Prep + Prime Translucent Powder, and promotional sizes of Cleanse Off Oil and Fix + all packaged together in a zip-around clear-with-black plastic trim makeup bag. Ideal for travel.

Upstarts: Flawless - A kit featuring two regular-sized Mineralize face products, Mineralize SatinFinish SPF 15 foundation in your choice of shade, and Mineralize SkinFinish in Soft & Gentle, and two complementary MAC skincare products, Cleanse Off Oil Tranquil, and Charged Water in Revitalizing Energy, each in promotional sizes. All come packaged in a zip-around clear-with-black plastic trim makeup bag. Ideal for travel.

I would actually like to purhcase all three of these sets because they all contain products that I have never tried or used before. Actually, I haven't even used any of these item catergories from MAC yet so I think all of these little sets would be worth my while to investigate.

photo courtesy of MAC

Bath and Body Works P.S. I Love You

Normally in the beginning of fall, I go to Bath and Body Works for one reason only and that is fall candles. Normally, their fall body product releases do nothing for me and I usually end up waiting until the holiday products come out in order to go and stock up on items. I'm a floral fragrance kind of girl and so fall spicy scents are just not my cup of tea. However, this year I thought that I was dreaming when I walked past Bath and Body Works right before Labor Day weekend. The store was decorated in all pink and flower decorations were all over the place. Pink? Flowers? Time to investigate...

The store was ready for the new release of their latest fragrance, called P.S. I Love You. I had heard about this fragrance a couple of months ago on the Bath and Body Board of Makeup Alley. However, a date on the release was never provided so with the name of the fragrance and listed notes, I jumped to the conclusion that this was a Valentine's Day or spring release because it was not in the same vein as their previous fall collections. However, I guess the company decided on a change and I am quite happy that they decided to take this road for fall.

This is the description of the fragrance from the company, "Master perfumers have created a modern blend of rose - the universal symbol of love - with sexy golden amber, addicitive White Riesling, and exotic incense". The top notes of the fragrance are - fresh citrus, lychee, peony, yellow rose, sparkling Riesling. The middle notes are - scarlet velvet rose, orchid, purple lilies, jasmine, hypnotic incense. The base notes are - creamy sandalwood, patchouli, golden amber, musk.

This release was quite exicting for me and I ended up purchasing both body products and the perfume. Yes, that is the most shocking part...I actualyl loved the fragrance so much that I bought the perfume. Normally, I only buy the ancillary products and never purchase the fragrance itself. But I couldn't pass up another chance to purchase a rose fragrance and I love the way that it smells, so I am quite happy that I decided to go this route. This fragrance is light enough that I can wear it without overwhelming a crowd in warmer weather but it works equally well in the cooler months.

Hopefully this will not be a limited edition fragrance from Bath and Body Works since I have found one that full bottle perfume worthy.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Myself Wearing Smashbox Cream Eye Liner

This was my eye of the day the other night. I decided to try out my favorite Smashbox Cream Eye Liner with Urban Decay Primer Potion underneath to anchor it for the whole night. I have experience smearing in the past with this liner and decided to experiment one night.

Result - still a very small bit of smearing (to be fair, my mascara was black to and it may have been my mascara - this has been an issue with Givenchy Phenom'eyes) but my wear was much better. I also found that it prepped my lid much better than trying to apply the liner to bare skin. Much improved with Primer Potion on underneath...I wish I would have thought of that earlier. I am now to going to test it out underneath over eye liners and see if there is improved in wear also.

photo courtesy of Sarah Desch

MAC Paint Pot

One of the last times that I was at the MAC counter, I decided to try out one of their Paint Pot eye shadows. I bought the color Bare Study, which looked like a pale shimmery gold when I swatched it on my hand. I wrote that I was test driving it in June and was all ready to write about it soon after. Well, after the first initial wear, I was rather disappointed. I decided to try it out several more times and I changed my views from disappointed to just unsure about how if I liked the shadow or not. Hence the delay on the review. Well, I decided that I am not a big fan of the product but I don't really hate it...if that makes any sense at all. I will try to fully explain in the review.

First the description of the product from MAC, "A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with MAC shadows and liners". MAC has a variety of colors available, the only one that I purchased was Bare Study.

The shades...

- Bare Study - soft beige with gold pearl (Frost)

- Soft Ochre - yellow beige (Cream)

- Fresco Rose - pink with matching pearl (Frost)

- Painterly - nude beige (Cream)

- Rubenesque - golden peach with gold pearl (Frost)

- Quite Natural - dirty chocolate brown (Cream)

- Constructivist - metallic brown with red pearl (Frost)

- Groundwork - mid-tone neutral taupe (Satin)

- Indianwood - metallic antique bronze (Frost)

- Artifact - burgundy with red pearl (Frost)

- Delft - deep teal with gold pearl (Frost)

- Blackground - black-grey with multi-colour (Pearl)

So what were my issues with this product? Honestly, my number one complaint was the pigmentation. Now I am well aware that I bought the palest shade that is offered in this line so maybe I shouldn't have expected quite as much as I did. But I really wasn't happy with the lack of pigmentation offered by this product. The first time was awful, the second was improved but I still feel that the color is lacking in impact. I used it both with Urban Decay Primer Potion and without and really didn't notice much of a difference either time. I am beginning to think that maybe I expected too much of the product but I was expecting more a stronger golden beige shade.

What did I like? I like that it dried to more of a powder finish and therefore was very effective in reducing creasing. It was relatively long-wearing and better than most cream shadows in that respect. It didn't cake and was very smooth throughout the day. Application was nice, it applies easily and didn't create a cakey mess on the eyelid.

I am still undecided on this product, I may have picked the wrong shade out to get the impact that I wanted. I might go back to MAC and swatch the other shades and see if there is another one that is more on the golden side and less on the beige. This isn't a bad shadow or shade but I think that it will work better as a highlighter than a lid shade.

photo courtesy of MAC

5 Favorite Shower Gels

I love reading lists of people's favorite items so I decided to create a couple of my own.

Philosophy Senorita Margarita 3 in 1 - smells exactly like the real thing, it super bubbly, and never dries my skin out.

Bathed & Infused Green Tea Infused Body Wash - rinses clean, smells fresh, helps me wake up in the morning, creates lots of foam, and rinses super clean.

Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Shower Syrup - smells like rich frosting, hydrates my skin, and produces tons of foam.

Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena Shower Gel - rinses clean, creates lots of bubbles, have been using this scent for years now, smells like lime and creamy coconut milk, and this is the shower gel that I have repurchased the most amount of times in my life.

Philosophy Amazing Grace 3 in 1 - very hydrating, rinses clean, fresh scent never interferes with any other fragrances, and I can never get sick of this fragrance.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Marc Jacobs Lola

This fall, Marc Jacobs has released a follow up scent to the very popular Daisy. Daisy has been dominating the market ever since it was released and has come out in almost every single form possible. However, Marc Jacobs had to release another fragrance at some point soon and one that was similar to Daisy is quite a no brainer. Lola is new for this fall and I have been interested in it ever since I saw a picture of the bottle in an issue of Glamour at least two months ago. Finally, I have found it on the Sephora site and can get my hands on a bottle of it. My initial prediction is that this fragrance will become a top seller whatever it smells like. Jacobs will be able to capitalize on the fame of Daisy with this fragrance. Let's see if it can live up to Daisy...

This fragrance falls into the category of floral. The description of the product is right here, "Lola is Daisy's older sister. This warm floral bouquet conveys the free spirit of today's sexy, modern girl - she is playful, cool, and flirtatious. The long-lasting, day-and-night scent opens with pink peppercorn, pear, and ruby red grapefruit. Blooming midnotes of rose, fuschia peony, and geranium make a feminine statement. Layers of vanilla, warm tonka bean, and creamy musk create a sensous drydown. The bottle's exquisite, multi-layered cap is a bursting bouquet with bright modern colors that pop against a matte black background and rope-inspired, gold metallic neck. The silhouette is inspired by Marc's fashion collection".

I am undecided about the bottle. At first glance, I loved it but sometimes after looking at it for some time, I think that it is cheap and tacky looking. That is honestly that exact same feeling that I have about the Daisy bottle but this is more pronounced. I would really like to try this fragrance out since I don't own very many rose fragrance that are considered to be on the warmer side. Most of my rose fragrances seem to fall under the light and fresh side so I do get excited about a rose fragrance that would take me into the cooler months and is more on the deeper side.

I think this fragrance will be coming home with me on my next trip to the mall.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Laura Mercier Fall 2009 - Fresco Collection

This is the second of the two collections that Laura Mercier has released this season. I really liked Scarlet Passion and hopefully I will like this collection too. This collection is called the Fresco Collection and on first glance this one appears to be much lighter and softer than Scarlet Passion.

The Laura Mercier website gives this as the description of the collection, "Inspired by the nature-like colors found in Italian Fresco paintings, Laura Mercier introduces her Fresco Collection. Eyes are soft and diffused, layered in earth toned shades of Satinee Creme Eye Colour with a pop of teal for accent. Creme Cheek Colour Pots in Sienna Sunset and Soft Apricot enhance the cheeks with a hint of creamy colour and tinted, soft-focus loose powder. Lips complete the look in rich autumnal hues with Laura's perfect artistic palette. Lip Watercolours; containing a prepping lip balm and six pigment saturated stains. Welcome Fall looking ethereal, feminine, imperfectly beautiful".

Here is the collection...

Creme Eye Detail Brush - Laura Mercier Creme Eye Detail Brush is a high quality synthetic brush designed for precise application of creme eye colour products. Specifically designed to allow for intricate eye detail. Pointed tip allows for absolute precision. The Creme Eye Colour Detail Brush is precise enough to highlight specific parts of the lid. Synthetic fibers allow for flattening of bristles in order to have perfect control of creme eye colour.

Flat Eye Liner Brush - Long - Laura Mercier Flat Eye Liner Brush contains synthetic, firm bristles narrowing to a thin, flat line to ensure the most exact placement of Eye Liner. Laura created the technique of lining the eyes by dotting eye colour across the lash line with this synthetic brush: brush upward to soften the line. High quality synthetic fiber. Designed to precisely line the eyes with Eye Liner.

Eye Liner - Laura Mercier Eye Liner is an easy-to-use, mistake-proof eye liner that delivers long-lasting, pure colour. Long-wearing, smudge resistant, and colour-true, Eye Liner adds brightness and light to the eye with its light-reflective pigments. Easy-to-use product that can line eyes from the most subtle, natural definition to the most graphic, sexy looks. Use with the Flat Eye Liner Brush to perfect Laura's "tight-line" technique. Apply as a natural, thin line to a thicker, more dramatic look. Used wet, the velvet matte finish and buildable pigments allows you to create inifinite looks.

- Mahogany Brown - deep brown

Satinee Creme Eye Colour - Laura Mercier's new Satinee Creme Eye Colour offers stunning cream eye colour shades that add satiny luminous colour to lids with easy application. Formulated to be long-wearing, crease-proof, and water-resistant. Wear alone for a wash of colour or layer over Eye Basics. Apply a powder Eye Colour to extend wear and build a more dramatic effect. Lush colour and soft-focus pearl leaves a gorgeous sheen. Gentle to the delicate eye area.

- Amber Velvet - warm terra cotta

- Cocoa Velour - deep chocolate brown

- Ecru Silk - soft oyster beige

- Peach Organza - delicate golden peach

- Pink Chiffon - pale ballet pink

- Rum Satin - soft golden bronze brown

- Stone Suede - steely blue grey

- Teal Cashmere - dusty teal

Creme Cheek Colour Pot - Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour Pot combines a creamy cheek colour for a fresh, flushed effect who also offering a soft-focus loose cheek powder to add an understated glow. Travel-friendly dual pot saves space while allowing for quick and simple touch-ups. Achieve glowing, radiant cheeks with this limited-edition pocket accessory.

- Sienna Sunset - warm tawny rose

- Soft Apricot - soft peachy apricot

Medium Lip Watercolours - Laura Mercier Limited Edition Lip Watercolours, inspired by a painter's palette, are comprised of universally flattering lip colours that compliment all skin tones. The customizable palette offers highly pigmented colours designed to be applied with the fingertips. Press each colour into the lips for a natural look that ensures long wear. True to Laura's philosophy, each compact contains a hydrating Lip Prep balm that conditions lips and creates a perfect canvas for colour. Each full-bodied, satin-matte shade is easily manipulated by layering and blending with others to achieve multiple, long-lasting, comfortable, and truly one-of-a-kind lip colours. Laura encourages everyone to take control of their look - whether it is timeless and versatile or trendy and ever-changing. Lip Watercolours are a perfect fit for every woman, all occasions, and all season.

Fair Lip Watercolours - Laura Mercier's Limited Edition Lip Watercolours, inspired by a painter's palette, are comprised of universally flattering lip colours that compliment all skin tones. The customizable palette offers highly pigmented colours designed to be applied with the fingertips. Press each colour into the lips for a natural look that ensures long wear. True to Laura's philosophy, each compact contains a hydrating Lip Prep balm that conditions lips and creates a perfect canvas for colour. Each full-bodied, satin-matte shades is easily manipulated by layering and blending with other to achieve multiple, long-lasting, confortable, and truly one-of-a-kind lip colours. Laura encourages everyone to take control of their look - whether it is timeless and versatile or trendy and ever-changing. Lip Watercolours are a perfect fit for every woman, all occasions, and all season.

There are some products that I want in this collection and I bet that I can work them into looks with the other new collection from Laura this fall. I want to ge the eye liner, it looks like it would be a great basic and base for many different eye looks. I also am really curious about the Satinee cream shadows, now that I have been able to make cream shadows work better for me, I want to try them all out. The shades from this product that I want are Amber Velvet, Ecru Silk, and Pink Chiffon. The lat item that I want to pick up is the Fair Lip Watercolours. This collection looks like one that I would use a alot and the shades would end up becoming staples to my makeup collection. Two hits from Laura this season!

photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

Most Wanted September 2009

Fall beauty shopping = one of the best times of the year!

This month, I want to pick up...
- NARS Duo Eye Shadow in Silk Road
- Chanel Eye Gloss Luminous Cream Quadra Eye Shadow
- Marc Jacobs Lola
- Bare Escentuals Tutorials Smoky "V" Eye
- D & G L'Imperatrice
- Urban Decay Lipstick in Naked
- MAC Resolutely Red Lipstick
- MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
- Lancome Virtuose Black Carat Mascara
- AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel

Oh there will be a very exciting MAC trip this month...