Bath and Body Works Escape to the Tropics

We have been seeing the spring makeup collections releasing and it was only a short time before the spring lines in body products began to follow.  The first new collection of fragrances that Bath and Body Works released is called Escape to the Tropics and it is a needed breath of fresh air now that winter is full upon us, with no signs of spring coming up anytime soon.  This collection is very close to the Island Escape collection that was released at this time last year.  I loved it then and I know that I will love this line too.  This line consists of three fragrances, two of which are returning scents from last year and one that is brand new.  The two returning scents were my favorites from last year and even though I still have a bit left over from last year but I know that I will buy some more this year since I loved them so much last winter.

The first of the returning fragrances is Bali Mango, one of the best mango scents that I have used in quite awhile.  The Body Shop's Mango line is still my favorite mango scent ever and is the most realistic, it is the true mango without any other notes added to it.  However, the Bali Mango is a close second favorite of mine and that it why I will be stocking up on some more of it this time around.  "An exotic getaway of juicy mango, sugar cane, pink passion flower, and luscious nectarine."  The top notes are: Tangerine, Asian Apple, Peony.  The middle notes of the fragrance are: Thai Lychee, Passion Flower, Pink Rose, Nectarine.  The bottom notes are: Raspberry Coulis, Skin Musk, Sugar Woods.  This is crisp, sweet mango scent and it is one of the stronger mango scents that I have used.  This is simply one of the best "tropical" scents that is available right now and if you like mango scents then you will want to buy yourself a few bottles of it.

The second scent is another one that was offered last year however it is under a different name this time around.  Last year, you might remember it being called Hawaii Coconut and this year it is named Aruba Coconut.  Last year, this was my favorite of the three scents and I bought more than enough of it to last me the whole year, but I know that I will be buying more of it this time around.  "An island blend of creamy coconut, exotic lychee, and white musk."  The top notes of the fragrance are: Juicy Thai Mango, Fuji Apple, White Nectarine.  The heart notes are: Passionflower, Vanilla Orchid, Casaba Melon.  The base notes are: Coconut Cream, Tahitian Vanilla, Indonesian Sandalwood.  This is one of my favorite coconut scents, it is very different from many of the others on the market today.  Most coconut scents are warm and creamy but this one is a bit more crisp with the Melon and Orchid notes in it.  This scent is less of a true coconut but more of a tropical floral with a coconut note in it. I just love this fragrance so much and I can't wait to buy more it this time around!

The new fragance for this year is Rio Rumberry and it is the only one that I don't like, it is a berry scent and I normally don't like berry scents.  Being that this is berry scent, I knew that I wouldn't like it as soon as I read the description on the Bath and Body Works website and it was confirmed when I smelled the fragrance for the first time.  This a very sweet berry scent, if you like berry scents then you will love this one.  "An exotic blend of tropical berries, fresh papaya, and vanilla blossom."  The top notes are: Thai Papaya, Tangelo, Fresh Coconut Water, Sparkling Summer Lemon.  The middle notes are: Tiare Flower Plumeria, Watery Starfruit.  The bottom notes of the fragrance are: Coconut Cream, Tahitian Vanilla, Indosnesian Sandalwood.  I just don't like berry scents so I will be skipping over this one.

This collection comes in the same products that many of the limited edition Bath and Body Works collections come in; the Body Mist, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, and Lip Gloss.  This time around the collection also comes in the Triple Moisture Body Cream and the GLowing Body Scrub.  The Triple Moisture Body Cream is one of my favorite moisturizers and I love that these fragrances are now offered in this product too.  I will be buying some of the body creams this year in additions to shower gels and body lotions.  I am on the fence with the body scrub formula this year, "Our Signature Glowing Body Scrub helps skin feel soft, smooth, and supremely sexy.  Bamboo gently exfoliates and helps smooth skin, while Coconut Milk extract and Vitamin E nourish to keep skin looking beautiful."  This version is very scrubby and reminds me of the scrub that came out last year with the Coconuts line (that I didn't really like all that much).  Last year, this line contains one of the best creamy scrubs that had come out in years and I wish that this year's collection contained the same formula scrub, I will be skipping the scrubs this time around. 

I love that this collection is back this year so that I can buy more products in the mango and coconut fragrances.  I will be buying some shower gels, lotions, and creams this year.  The only way that this line could be improved is to have the same scrub as last year instead of this new formula but I won't complain that much since I love two of the fragrances in this line.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Chanel Spring 2012 Collection - Harmonie de Printemps

The spring collections are now coming out fast and furious and I have been seeing pictures of the new Chanel collection all over the beauty blogs.  Chanel is always among the front runners when the new collections come and this season is more of the same.  The new collection from this company is named Harmonie de Printemps (Harmony of Spring is a loose translation) and this might be one of my favorite Chanel collections, it is elegant and fresh and will look great on me this spring.  This is one of the few collections from them that I remember that is focused around a strong cheek look, I feel like the past few have been all about eye makeup so this collection has a very different look and feel to it.  I am so excited for this collection since I love bright pink cheeks and I would love to add some Chanel products to my blush collection.

From the Chanel website, "An enchanting makeup collection inspired by springtime hues."  I see lots of pinks and peaches in this collection.  This collection is like a breath of fresh air this winter and I can see it having lots of appeal to many ladies.

Here is the new collection from Chanel...

Blush Horizon de Chanel - The luminous hues of sunset are now captured in one elegant highlighting face powder.  Subtle gradiations of rose, coral, and peach can be applied on their own or blended together, to highlight and sculpt the face or achieve an overal warmth and radiance.

Rouge Coco Baume - A moisture-rich lip balm with an advanced Hydratendre Complex, this formula hydrates and softens lips, for a healthier and fuller appearence.  Its sheer, lustrous texture glides on smoothly with a sumptuous, high-gloss finish.

Le Vernis - Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris.  State-of-the-art formula strengthens and mositurizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high shine, chip-resistant colour.  Applies evenly without streaking.
- April - deep rose cream
- May - light blue pink pearl
- June - light warm coral cream

Les 4 Ombres - One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer.  Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results - in even extreme climates.  Dermatologist tested.
- Ecolosion - pale peach frost/pale ivory with sparkle/medium beige pearl/metallic plum

Rouge Coco - Chanel presents a modern interpretation of classic creme lip colour as an homage to the rich life and legacy of 'Coco' Chanel.  New lightweight lip colour glides on for easy application, and features a Hydratendre complex to help soften, soothe, and condition lips - even boosting their ability to hold in moisture - for a plumper, smoother, and healthier-looking appearance.  A range of wearable shades with full-coverage finishes, from matte to pearl to soft shimmer.
- Destinee - deep red cream
- Charme - bright pink coral cream
- Superstition - warm bright orange cream
- Paradis - warm coral cream
- Chalys - warm soft pink cream

Ombre Essentielle - An instant Chanel classic, this ultra-fine powder eye shadow is sensuous in feel, foolproof in its application, and fabulous in its range of matte, satin, and shimmer finishes.  The versatile formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour - and the complementary shades can be blended with one another to lighten or deepen tone.
- Tigerlily - warm medium orange
- Rose de Mai - subtle pale pink rose shimmer

Stylo Yeux Waterproof - Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't.  Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining.  A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.
- Grenat - deep red burgundy

Rouge Coco Shine - Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lip Shine provides lasting moisturizing shine in a water-light texture.  The formula glides on for easy application and a unique Hydratendre complex hydrates and softens lips, giving them a healthier and fuller appearance.  Available in a complete range of shades, from delicate beiges to dazzling berries, with a hint of shimmer to embrace a glossy finish.
- Flirt - sheer warm orange
- Candeur - sheer cool pink beige

Rouge Double Intensite - Glorious long-lasting colour paired with high-shine gloss delivers full-coverage colour that lasts all day.  Glossy top coat imparts brillant shine and superb hydration, while the innovative fluid texture of the base colour coat applies smoothly, comfortably, with perfect adherence to lips - and no transferring or feathering.
- Rose Topaz - deep rose cream

Levres Scintillantes - Gorgeous shimmer and a high-shine glow is delivered effortlessly to lips with just one stroke of this best-selling lip gloss.  A wide range of shades, from sheer and natural to sparkling and rich, look beautiful on their own, or over your favorite Chanel lipstick.  Equally beautiful: the conditioning formula's comfort and long wear.
- Bonbon - sheer cool light pink
- Petillant - sheer warm medium beige
- Bagatelle - sheer medium warm pink

Poudre Universelle Compacte - Imparts a translucent, natural matte finish when applied over makeup in the morning or as an anytime touch-up.  Ultra-fine lightweight formula with light-reflecting pigments and luxuriously soft feel creates a flattering, halo-like look.  Available in a range of shades to suit all skintones.

Le Crayon Levres - Enhance the shape of your lips and gives them perfect definition with this creamy-textured pencil.  Long-lasting, full-coverage colour with a semi-matte finish glides on to soften and soothe lips, and ensures lipstick stays in place while extending its wear.  Makeup-artistry touches for the most professional-looking result: a built-in brush for blending, and a lip pencil sharpener for precise application.
- Bois de Rose - medium pink red
- Rose Corail - warm light peach pink

Perfection Lumiere - Effortless to apply, with seamless blendability for a naturally flawless effect, this breakthrough foundation is the ideal all-day, everyday formula - suitable for all skin types in a diverse range of 20 shades.

Inimitable Intense - This technologically advanced formula builds on the success of the original mascara, delivering dramatic effects with a unique brush.  The result in a more intense lash look, with the same easy application.  Lashes appear longer, thicker, and more curled, yet each lash, even the finest is still precisely separated - without clumping, spiking, or flaking.

Ombre D'Eau - A quick and easy alternative to powder eye shadow, this fluid formula glides on for a long-lasting, lightweight veil of shimmering colour.  Bi-phase liquid powder shakes to combine for subtle-to-intense shading, with stay-fresh, crease-resistant results.
- Source - light blue pink

This blush might be one of my favorite pieces of the year so far, I love the bright pink shades and the mixture of all the shades that are contained in it.  I can't wait to go the counter to find and try this product out!  With the exception of the blush, I think that my favorite pieces of the collection are the lip products.  I love the range of lip products that are offered in this collection, I have choices from all textures of lipsticks and lip glosses.  A few of the lip shades are much too warm and orange for me so I will be heading more toward the pink and rose shades.  My favorite shade is the Rouge Coco in Chalys, a neutral pink that I will be getting a huge amount of wear from.  The other shade that I will buy from the Rouge Coco line is the Destinee shade, a deep cool red that I can wear right now but might end up putting away until next fall after the beginning of the spring months.  I also like the Glossimer gloss in the Bonbon and Bagatelle shades, these are both much better for the spring than the deep lipstick.

Rounding out the collection, the Les 4 Ombres is a very attractive eye palette and I will get a huge amount of use from these neutral shades this spring and again in the fall months.  The nai polishes are attractive but not very unique, I was hoping for something a bit less generic from Chanel this psring.  This company put out some of the defining nail polish shades in their fall collection but these three shades do not live up to that reputation. 

This blush might be one of my early favorites for the whole season...

photo courtesy of Chanel

Giorgio Armani Armani Code Pour Femme

January is the month that I begin going through all of the products that I have opened and look to see what I can realistically use up before I begin to get all of my new spring products out.  Almost every single year, I have refound a product that I haven't used in at least a few months.  This time around, I discovered an old bottle of Giorgio Armani Armani Code Pour Femme, a fragrance that was given to me years ago as a gift.  I wore a lot when I first received it but I haven't worn it as much in the past year since I often tended to reach for Stella or Chanel No. 5 when I am getting dressed up and going out.  But i am glad that I refound this fragrance since it is one of the most unique that I own.

The Sephora website gives both the background on the fragrance and a full description of the fragrance itself.  The bottle of this fragrance is what first attracted me to it when I saw a picture of it in a beauty magazine.  I remember reading in the article that the bottle was designed to resemble an Armani couture gown and was made for dressing up and going out.

First the background on the fragrance.  "Embrace your feminity with a fragrance that represents timeless elegance.  The distinct, sophisticated scent was inspired by the glamour of Hollywood's leading ladies.  Code for Woman, an essence of utter feminity, pays homage to ladies and their magnetic attraction.  The combination of flora, fruit, and warm vanilla create a sensual experience that leaves an addicting trail along the way.  Dose yourself in this unforgettable fragrance for a sophisticated finish to your elegant style."  This fragrance was one of the first very rich and feminine fragrances that was created by Giorgio Armani.

And now onto the actual fragrance description. "The heart of the fragrance lies in the distinct freshness of orange blossom, while the deep scent from the flower's pistil evokes exciting vibrancy.  The sunny radiance of the Tunisian orange blossom is amplified by feminine sophistication of India's precious sambac Jasmine.  Orange zest from two types of orange peels -  one from the Ivory coast and the other from Italian oranges -  add a hint of cheerfulness.  Soft Madagascan vanilla and a touch of honey creates a warm, sweet finish."

"The sleek, clean silhouette of the glass bottle is decorated with an oriental-inspired motif and transparently embroidered with a shadowing effect.  The color and lace represent the feminine spirit of Mr. Armani's couture designs.  Together, glamour and mystery combine to create this mesmerizing composition.  A seductive new fragrance for women, Armani Code Pour Femme is a fresh, sexy, feminine blend of zesty blood orange, ginger, and pear sorbet softened with hints of sambac jasmine, orange blossom, and lavender honey, warmed with precious woods and vanilla."

The notes of the fragrance are: Blood Orange, Ginger, Pear Sorbet, Sambac Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Seringa Flower, Lavender Honey, Precious Woods Complex, Vanilla.

This fragrance starts out very strong on the Blood Orange and goes right into the Orange Blossom and Jasmine notes.  The original fruit notes dies off very quickly on me and then this fragrance goes right into a deep floral that stays on me all day long.  The honey and the Sandalwood notes comes out within a few hours and make the fragrance even richer as they mingle with the jasmine note.  This fragrance has one of the best lasting powers of any fragrance that I have every tried and therefore it can be overdone very easily.  I use a very small amount of this perfume on my pulse points and neck.

The term "addicting trail" in the description gave me quite a good laugh.  It certainly does leave a trail, I have had women come right up and follow in me to ask what fragrance that I am wearing.  I wore it out to a Spanish restaurant one Valentine's Day several years ago and while I was eating, I accidently ate a hot pepper and ran to the bathroom so that I wouldn't get sick at the table.  This is when the two women followed me into the bathroom and asked what I was wearing.  Thoughts of this fragrance and this incident always put a smile on my face everytime that I reach for it!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Noomi Rapace's Hair Color

It's a new year and I feel like heading off to the salon to update my look.  My hair has been red or has had red highlights for the past three months and now I am considering going more toward a really dark brown.  My complexion is pale this time of the year so the dark color would be a very striking contrast.  Noomi Rapace's complexion is very close to mine at the moment so this hair shade should be very attractive on me.

And in my mind, Noomi Rapace is the original and best Lisbeth Salander and I will always prefer the Swedish version of the movies.

I will update with what shade I decide to color my hair.  Any thoughts guys?

photo courtesy of Google

Matrix Sleek Look Iron Smoother Spray

I have been playing around with all types of haircare products lately and the Sleek Look line from Matrix has been one that I have been repurchasing products from and trying them out for the first time since college.  The first product that I used from this line is the one that we are going to look at today and this is the product that I have repurchased more times than I can count.  This might actually be one of the few products that I have used consistently since college and still use to this day.  The Iron Smoother spray is one of the most unique products that I have used in the past few years and I believe that this was one of the first products of its kind to protect against the damage caused to the hair cuticle by flat irons and daily heat styling.

I blow my hair dry every single day and then use a ceramic iron on it for for touch ups so I am always attracted to a product that promises to protect and hydrate my hair.  Dry and coarse to begin with, my hair can get even worse after all the styling that I do to it.  I get lectured all the time from my stylist but I have told her that I never plan to stop heat styling so she recommends the Matrix line of styling products that will help reduce the daily damage to my hair.  I first used this product back in college when it was brand new and was in the front of a display at Trade Secret.

I found a product description of this styling spray on the Drugstore.com website.  "Sleek Look 4-Step Professional Smoothing System balances moisturization levels to lock-out frizz.  Unique patented formulas helps transform curly, frizzy, dry, or coarse hair into a salon-smooth, sensuously sleek style.  For sleekest results, never skip a step.  Sleek Look Iron Smoother Step 3 Smooth.  Flat iron faster, stay sleeker longer.  Invisible shield protects against heat damage (up to 450 F/230 C) and humidity.  Maximizes the performance of thermal tools with heat-powered style memory.  Lasting shine and frizz control.  Style stays silky straight, ultra-smooth." 

This product is best used on dry hair and used every single time that you style your hair.  When I first purchased the product, it could be used on wet or dry hair but now I see that it is recommended for use on hair that it already dry for best results.  The "heat-powered style memory" might be a bit of a stretch but the product does perform best when used every single day, I think that the effect might be attributed to the product having a bit of a buildup and forming a film on the hair, if I skip a day or two of use with this product, my hair will not straighten as well or as quickly the next time that I use it.  Quite frankly though, most styling products work best when they are used everytime that you style and not just once in a while.  This product works very well however I do not really attach much credence to the "heat-powered style memory" claim.

If you decide to use one product only from this line to help straighten and heat style your hair, this is one of the ones that I really recommend.  Used on a regulat basis, it helps to cut my straightening time down and keep my hair is better condition.  It doesn't hydrate but it helps to keep my hair protected and help prevent moisture loss that comes with daily styling.  This product works best in conjunction with other smoothing or straightening products since coarse hair is hard to work with.  Last but not least, this product has a definite fragrance to it, I can smell whiffs of it in my hair throughout the day.  It reminds me a clean ozonic fragrance, it could be a bit lighter since someone who hates fragrance might not be able to use this product because of it.  The fragrance is the only major drawback of this product, it really performs well in protecting and helping to straighten my hair.

photo courtesy of Drugstore.com

MAC Mineralize Skincare

This is the third of the new collections that have been released from MAC, however this one is all new skincare products instead of a colour collection.  In haven't used MAC skincare before, I tend to get distracted by all the colors and limited edition collections at MAC and then forget to ever see the rest of the product line, I tend to be more in the skincare shopping mode when I go into Sephora and see all the skincare lines on the back wall.  Perhaps this new product line will change my mind a bit and make me go to the MAC counter before I head over to Sephora for face care...

This skincare collection is called Mineralize Skincare and the whole line is based on the popular Mineralize makeup line and has taken the technology that makes this line so popular and brings them into the skincare arena.  "The 77-Mineral Complex that made our Mineralize makeup so good for your skin, debuts as a skincare collection.  Featuring our ionized Super-Duo Charged Water technology, a nourishing regime to cleanse, hydrate, condition, and charge the skin."  Today's post will be introduction to the collection and the new products and then I will further review each one of them as I purchase and use them so I will have more detailed information about these products in the next few weeks.

MAC's first Mineralize skincare line...

Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Eye Cream - A luxuriously rich eye cream.  Infused with our ionized Super-Duo Charged Water technology.  Moisturizes and adds radiance, while instantly - and over time - reducing the look of dark circles, lines, and puffiness.

Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel - An ultra-light, gel-like cream that absorbs instantly to give the skin intense hydration.  Infused with our exclusive Super-Charged Water technology, this formula leaves skin softer, more luminous.  Use day or night.

Mineralize Charged Water Face and Body Lotion - An "everywhere" lotion that fuses diamond powder with our ionized Super-Duo technology to give immediate hydration to the skin.  Rich, yet gentle, leaves skin soft and supple while strengthening its overall capacity for moisture.  Fragrance-free.

Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser - A lightweight cleanser formulated with our ionized Super-Duo Charged Water technology.  Removes all makeup (except waterproof and longwearing) with a wipe - no rinse-off required.  Leaves skin nourished, soft, absolutely cleaned.

Mineralize Charged Water Revitalizing Energy - A fusion of Mineralize Charged Water and pure diamond powder.  Instantly enlivens, energizes, and revitalizes the skin while adding radiance.  Refreshing green tea and citrus fragrance.

I will be following up with more detailed thoughts on these products when I get to purchase and try them out.  I think that my first purchase will be the Moisture Gel, followed by the Cleanser and the Eye Cream.  This product line sounds very promising and if it performs as well as it sounds like it will then it could really help to be put MAC on the map for more than just makeup collections!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Naturally

Naturally is the second of the new collections that has been introduced this week from MAC.  This collection is almost totally opposite from the Iris Apfel collection, that collection consisted of bright, pigmented shades for lips and eyes.  This collection is almost the exact opposite, this is large collection that focuses on neutrals and making ladies look beautiful without a lot of makeup.  This appears to be the first collection that MAC is putting out for the spring time and I seem to remember MAC doing a collection along the same lines every single January to kick the season off.  Personally, I have been buying all types of pigmented products and not quite as many neutrals (with the exception of Naked 2) and this collection will be a change of scenery for me.  I am hoping that this collection will provide me with some great basics to start my spring look with!
This collection is one that is based heavily on Mineralize eye and face products, we have being seeing many Mineralize products over the past few months which leads me to believe that they must be selling very well for MAC.  MAC seems to produce one large collection each season that contains a large amount of the Mineralize products and this seems to be the one for this spring season.

"Nature Girl...for a look that's understatedly sexy and gloriously "undone" -  a new collection of nothing-to-hide hues.  Soft shades, rich patinas, and sheer loveliness.  Just what you need to keep your look dreamily down to earth!"  This collection will contain some great neutrals for eyes and I want to fine another great neutral pink lipstick from this company.  I will be using products from this collection to create a natural polished look for work and to pair up with more dramatic eye and lip looks.

Here is the first of the spring collections from MAC...

Mineralize Eye Shadow - Baked minerals refined into a powder formula provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application.  Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage.
- Summer Haze - palest gold with deeper gold veining
- Cloudy Afternoon - cream with gold, gray, and pink veining
- Daylight - peach with dirty blue lavender veining
- In The Sun - gold with violet veining
- Twilight Falls - cool brown with bronze veining

Zoom Fast Black Lash - Deeply dark drama.  Same as Zoom Lash, buth with carbon black pigment.  Saturates lashes with the richest black ever.  Creamy, velvey formula builds density and conditions.  Feels supple, light, flexible.  Ultra-sculpted brush embraces and separates each lash, hugging every curve.
- Black - deep dark 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 a 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.
- Coffee - muted brown
- Ebony - soft black

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips.  Stands out on the runway.  Simmers on the street!  What made MAC famous.
- Sweet Sunrise - light neutral peach pink
- Beach Sand - light tan
- A Perfect Day - light neutral pink
- Pillow Talk - midtone rosy nude

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.  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.
- The Wee Coquette - naked neutral pink
- Naked Space - creamy midtone nude peach
- Fresh Air - light pink
- Hot Spell - bronze with multicolored pearl

Mineralize Blush - Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application.  Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage.  Veils and enhances the cheek bones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer
- Fresh Honey - warm apricot
- Subtle Breeze - blue pink
- Early Morning - peachy pink

Mineralize Skinfinish - A luxurious velvet-soft powder with a high frost metallic finish.  Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.
- Blonde - soft pink to rose degrade
- Redhead - gold to salmon pink degrade

286 Duo Fibre Blending Brush - With its soft dome shape, this two-tone, duo-fibre brush of goat and synthetic fibres provides a sheer, more controlled application of MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow.

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 fibres.

I can see a lot of products in this new collection that I would like to own and will become staples in my makeup collection.  Starting with face products, I would like to buy the Mineralize Blush in Subtle Breeze, I am always on the lookout for new pink blushes.  The Mineralize Eye Shadow formula is a newer one to me so I still have to play with these at the counter before purchasing them.  In the past, I have found that they all look lovely in the pan but the texture and pigmentation can vary greatly, with some of the shades being amazing and others being total duds, I do not recommend ordering these without trying them.  What ones do I wish to try?  I love both of gold shades, Summer Haze and In The Sun.  The lip products might be my favorites in this collection, lately I have only been buying deep and pigmented lipsticks so this collection is a huge change of pace for me.  From the Lipsticks, I want A Perfect Day and Pillow Talk and from the Lipglasses, I want The Wee Coquette and Fresh Air.  I want all the neutral pink lip shades and I know that I will get lots of use from them.

This collection looks as though it will be a big hit for MAC, anyone can find something in this collection that will work for them and is easy to wear.  I have found some great basics in this collection and I will be building my spring makeup collection off many of these shades.

photo courtesy of MAC