MAC Reel Sexy

If you aren't on MAC overload at this point then we will look at the only full color collection that came out this week, Reel Sexy.  Reel Sexy has been the collection that is most widely debated and discussed in the beauty industry, it brings back the limited edition Eye Duos.  The Eye Duos are considered by many to be one of MAC's worst products and it annoys me that they continue to come back collection after collection.  I know that someone must be buying these, otherwise MAC wouldn't continue to re-release them, however I have never found a good reviews of the formula and often times the duos themselves are such odd combinations that I have never been even been tempted to purchase one.  So here we go again with the Duos, if one really appeals to me than I will go to the counter and play with it to see if MAC improved the formula with this collection.

"Our main feature - a cinematic drama starring Ms. Kristen McMenamy, supported by an entire cast of limited edition Dynamic Duo Eye Shadows, Nail Lacquers, Cremesheen Glass, and Mineralize Skinfinish - sublime! Rave reviews all around!"  Kristen McMenamy was one of the big supermodels in the late 80s and early 90s, in fact she is one the originators of the "supermodel" concept and modeled in the huge Versace campaign in 1994.  MAC has done collections with artists and designers so far this spring and now I see that they are expanding out and including supermodels in their creative group...

MAC Reel Sexy!

Dynamic Duo 1: Eye Shadow x 2 - A limited edition Dynamic Duo Eye Shadow starring a hot shade of coral and a handsomely rich plum.  Just what you need when the lights go back up.
- coral with yellow pearl (Veluxe Pearl)/dirty-toned purple (Matte)

Dynamic Duo 2: Eye Shadow x 2 - A cinematic Eye Shadow duo where Royale blue takes the lead while the softer Crystal tells its own story - love, romance, eternal chic!  Limited edition.
- violet duochrome with pearl (Frost)/clean violet (Matte)

Dynamic Duo 3: Eye Shadow x 2 - What dynamic casting!  Teal takes the lead in this limited edition Eye Shadow duo.  Its Reel Sexy co-star Pearled Earth adds contrast with a sparkling touch of frost.
- dirty-toned purple (Veluxe Pearl)/teal blue (Matte)

Dynamic Duo 4: Eye Shadow x 2 - Prep yourself for a cinematic experience that could only be Reel Sexy!  See what happens when two popular returning shades, including Pink Feather, get together for this exciting double feature.
- midtone pink (Satin)/blackened violet (Matte)

Zoom Lash - Major drama.  Lasts all day.  Creamy velvety formula builds density and conditions.  Feels light, supple.  Ultra-sculpted brush has three-sided fibres to embrace and separate each lash, hugging every curve.  Coats in one stroke from root to tip.  No smudging.
- Zoomblack - pure deep black

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.
- Heirloom - wink of metallic lavender
- Hyacinth - dirtied mid-tone blue
- Resort - deep amethyst plum
- Smolder - intense black

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips.  Stands out on the runway.  Simmers on the street!  What made MAC famous.
- Reel Sexy - light bright coral
- Watch Me Simmer - bright pink-orange
- Pink Popcorn - lavender
- Heroine - bright violet/purple

Cremesheen Glass - A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of MAC Lipglass.  Soft, comfortable, non-sticky.  Applies with a doe-foot applicator.  Use as a top layer to its namesake Lipstick or on its own.
- Private Screening - mid-tone peach
- Cinestyle - mid-tone blue gray violet
- Star Quality - bright orange coral
- Colour Saturation - dark cool wine

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face.  Various formulas.  Different looks.
- Pink Cult - mid-tone dirty neutral pink
- Magenta - bright magenta

Mineralize Skinfinish - A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish.  Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.
- Lightscapade - soft candlelit beige with multidimensional shimmer

Nail Lacquer - Revolutionary new high gloss formula.  Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted.  Visibly different.  Provides no-streak/no-chip finish.  Contains conditioners and UV protection.  Go hi-lacquer!
- Vivid Effect - vivid orange coral
- In the Dark...Purple - vivid violet
- Screening Room - bright mid-tone teal

I can't really say that I like any of the Duos this time around...I don't think that there is one that I even like enough to buy and try out.  One major aspect that I noticed about the Duos is that most of the eye shadows are the Veluxe Pearl or Matte finishes.  These are the two finishes from this company that vary the most in texture and pigment payoff, Veluxe Pearl has a few standout shades but most have major application issues...this might be the reason behind the lack of love for many of the Duos.

I was a bit let down in the lip area of this collection too.  None of the shades really appealed to me and since many of them are already sold out online, I doubt that I will be buying any of these shades.  I have been wanting to play with the Cremesheen Gloss formula since I spied a great shade of pink gloss on one of my friends but nothing from this new collection jumped out at me and made me want to run to the MAC counter.

So what do I like from this collection?  I love the teal nail polish shade and I knew that I would when I first saw the promotional images for the collection.  The other product that I really like is very different than everything else that I currently own in my makeup collection, the Eye Kohl in Heirloom.  I don't own a lavender eye liner and this product would be key in creating a colorful lavender eye look. 

Hopefully some of the May MAC releases really grab me since nothing in the past few collections really motivated me to run to the counter...

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC In Extra Dimension

Collection Number 3 of the week from MAC is a cross between a targeted product collection and a full color collection, it is larger and more varied than the two previous collections but still doesn't contain products and shades for the entire face.  In Extra Dimension is a small collection that revolves around a new eye shadow formula, a liquid-powder hybrid unique to the MAC cosmetics line.  In addition the eye shadow formula in this line, MAC also introduces a new highligher to their line with this collection.

"Introducing a new liquid-powder formula with prismatic reflections that sculpts, highlights, and models the face.  Two products to try: Extra Dimension Skinfinish and Extra Dimension Eye Shadow."  I am more interested in the eye shadow than anything else in this collection, liquid facial highlighters are not a product that I typically use and I don't really plan to start them anytime soon.  I guess this is the collection that I am the least excited for in this group...
MAC In Extra Dimension...

Extra Dimension Eye Shadow - A liquid-powder Eye Shadow with prismatic reflections in ten shimmering tints.  Impact ranges from sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect.  Lasts up to 6 hours.
- Grand Galaxy - dirty midtone violet
- Young Venus - pale white pink
- Blue Orbit - light iridescent purple
- Warm Thunder - dirty silver gray
- Modern Pewter - dirty olive gold
- Sweet Heat - bright peach champagne
- Havana - dirty copper brown
- Lunar - royal blue
- Rich Core - dirty aubergine
- Dark Dare - charcoal black

Extra Dimension Highlighter - A liquid-powder highlighter with prismatic reflections that sculpts, highlights, and models the face.  The cool, creamy near-fluid formula creates a luminous, well-defined finish.  Wears 10 hours.
- Whisper of Guilt - light soft white with shimmery sheen
- Supreb - soft peachy nude with multi dimensional shimmer
- Glorify - copper with golden shimmer

234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush - Specifically designed to deliver two unique results for eyes; the natural goat hair in this split fibre picks up and applies powders and pigments, while the synthetic fibres blend colour for professional quality results.

128 Split Fibre Cheek Brush - Designed for exceptional Blush application, this split fibre brush delivers a soft, diffused look with its unique combination of natural and synthetic fibres.

I would consider picking up a few of the eye shadows from this collection but that is about all, my thoughts on liquid highlighers still hold and I don't think any of these shades would be all that flattering on me anyway.  This type of eye shadow formula would actually fill an empty place in my makeup collection, all of my shadows are either powder or cream.  My favorite shade in the new formula is the one that I have included a picture of, Grand Galaxy.  This deep lavender shade is actually like nothing that I currently own and I am so attracted to this shade.  If I like this formula, I would then buy the following shades: Young Venus, Warm Thunder, Modern Pewter, Sweet Heat, and Havana.  I am very hopeful about this formual since lately I have been interested in creating bright, colorful eyes for the spring and this formula could be a huge asset to creating this look.

Next up is the only full color collection from MAC...Reel Sexy!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Tres Cheek

The second of the four MAC releases this week is a targeted collection for the cheeks, Tres Cheeks contains a series of new blush shades.  The traditional blush formula is one of the only products that I have never tried from MAC, I have used the Beauty Powder as blush but for some reason I have never bought one of their original blushes.  Lately I have been buying so many blushes from NARS and Illamasqua that I haven't been looking at other brands the way that I normally do.  Prehaps this series of new shades will change that for me and I will be picking up a few MAC Blushes on the coming weeks. 

Tres Cheek contains only new shades of the original formula, to the best of my knowledge this is not a new formula just a series of new shades.  "Blush as vibrantly, softly, or hip as you dare in shades that reflect your mood, style, and skin tone.  Six new limited edition Blush Powders in red-orange, peach, pink, and lavender that are seamlessly sheer, and stay as bright on the skin as they are in the palette."

The six new shades...

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face.  Various formulas.  Different looks.
- Pink Tea - neutral beiged pink
- Immortal Flower - bright peach
- Full of Joy - lavender
- Lovecloud - bright midtone pink
- Modern Mandarin - red-orange
- Peony Petal - bright blue pink

My favorite shade is the one that I have pictured, the Peony Petal is a bright blue pink that will work very well with the all the makeup shades that I currently own.  I am always buying more pink and rose blushes that promise to have full pigmentation and now I have more to add to my collection.  In addition to Peony Petal, I want to order Full of Joy and perhaps Pink Tea also.  Pink Tea looks as though it will be a less dramatic shade so this one might be best for professional environments.  I am interested in the Full of Joy shade, the pale lavender.  I am curious as to how this shade will appear on the skin, it is very pale and cool so if I can't pull it off than I don't know who it will be flattering on.

Time to go blush shopping again!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Prime Future

This week is the biggest week of the month for MAC, several new collections are coming out.  Some of the collections are full color collections and others are more targeted toward a specific type of product.  First we will look at the targeted product collections and then we will get into the full color collections.  Why MAC is deciding to release four collections in one week and have little to nothing coming out the rest of the month is beyond me but I will just appreciate all the new products that I have to buy and try over the next month from this company.

Prime Future consists of two new types of primers, I love the Prep + Prime product from MAC so I am excited to see what else has been released in this collection.  I liked the original product from Prep + Prime but the eye primer in this collection left a lot to be desired so I am hoping that the new products will be more like the original.  "MAC Prime Future: Introducing two new all-over face primers.  Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion saturates skin with a concentrated burst of hydration.  Velvety Prep + Prime Skin Smoother instantly fills in fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin texture, and mattifies while softening the skin."

The new primers from MAC...

Prep + Prime Skin Smoother - A velvety skin perfecting primer that instantly fills in fine lines and.  wrinkles.  Contains powerful anti-oxidants, evens skintone, and mattifies - while softening the skin.  Convenient compact makes it perfect for on-the-go moments.

Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion - A lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration, making it a unique hybrid between skincare and priming.  Gently soothes, revives, and replenishes the skin while preparing it for foundation.

I would use the Skin Smoother product now and the Moisture Infusion more in the cool weather.  I hope that both of these are permanent since I want to try both of them, I will buy Skin Smoother within the next few months and then wait a bit for the Moisture Infusion.  I am very much looking forward to buying and reviewing these products in the hopes that they measure up to the original Prep + Prime product.

photo courtesy of MAC

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage

With the advent of my favorite season comes one big downfall...seasonal allergies!  Within the past month, my allergies have kicked in and my eyes have completely puffed up.  This time fo the year, normal eye cream isn't always enough and the Fresh Lotus Eye Gel was helping to reduce the appearance of the bags but just wasn't fully cutting it in this area.  I recalled a product that I had years agom from Juvena that excelled in the area of allergy eyes because the product was dispensed in a cool metal rollerball, therefore applying the product in a very targeted fashion and the coldness helped to reduce the bags under my eyes even further.  I remembered reading in a magazine that Clinique had made a similar product so I decided to put my Sephora VIB 15% coupon to good use and actually purchase something that I needed!

"A rollerball that massages away bags as it brightens and refreshes the eye area.  The rollerball goes on under the eyes to cool and refresh as it gently rolls away puffy bags and the appearance of fatique.  Its ingredients, including invigorating caffine, potent anti-oxidants, and soothing botanicals, work immediately and over time to brighten the eye area.  Easy to take anywhere, it provides a refreshing on-the-spot treatment or can be layered over or under other makeup.  This product is oil-free, non-irritating, ophthamologist tested and suitable for all skin types.  Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Massage is an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner."

The Sephora website states that this product should be used morning and night and then again throughout the day as needed.  I have found this product is used best in the morning only, it isn't hydrating enough for me to use it as my only eye product.  I still use the Fresh Lotus Eye Gel at night to hydrate my eye area and prevent the dry scales that can appear at the corner of my eyes (another downfall of the allergy season).  This product has been working wonders on my undereye puffiness, making the area look much better overall and helping my makeup to apply better.  Within a week of use of this product, my bags were much reduced and I can get away with using much less foundation and concealer that I normally have to use in allergy season. 

The product applies very easily and feels cold to the touch upon application.  The metal roller ball makes application foolproof and allows the product to be placed only where needed so nothing is wasted.  The serum itself has a watery texture and dries almost instantly after application, it absorbs very quickly and is light enough that any skin type should be able to use this product.  Someone with dry skin around their eyes cannot use this as their only eye product, they will need to use a separate product to hydrate and soothe.  On the flip side, someone with oily skin will be able to use this as their primary product as they do not need the same level of hydration that those with dry skin do.

This product is a great choice if you are suffering from the allery eyes that come around this time of the year, it works very well to depuff the undereye area and help create a smooth canvas for makeup.  It doesn't hydrate that much so in many cases this is best as a day product and a separate one will be needed for the night.  I tried once to use it over makeup (as the company states that I can) and I found that it smeared my concealer a bit and wasn't that great in this regard, this could be used a touch-up product during the day only if you aren't wearing undereye makeup.  I found that I didn't really need it more than once during the day so I think that using thir product multiple times during the day would be a waste of the product.

photo courtesy of Sephora

OPI New York City Ballet Collection

I have finished up all the official spring color collections and now I am covering a few of the smaller ones that came out this season (with much less hype and fanfare).  Yesterday I looked at the Mad Men collection from Estee Lauder and today we are looking at a second spring collection from OPI.  Both these little spring collections are much better for me than the actual collections from these companies, I wish that they were expanded since I love pretty much every shade in them.

The New York City Ballet collection consists of six polish shades that are pretty pales and are based off the costumes in the ballet itself.  "The soft color palette and effortlessly chic style of the urban ballerina comes to life in this elegant ensemble of six dreamy lacquers."  I have been indulging in all shades of brights lately and now I think that I need some pales in order to balance out my collection. 

Here are the six shades that are offered in this little collection...

- Barre My Soul - sheer nude beige cream
- You Callin' My a Lyre? - soft neutral pink cream
- Don't Touch My Tutu! - sheer neutral white cream
- Care To Danse? - sheer cool lavender cream
- My Pointe Exactly - sheer cool pale gray cream
- Pirouette My Whistle - clear backgrouund with large and small pieces of silver glitter suspended in it

All the shades can be layered with the glitter shade in dress them up and make them slightly more trendy for the season. All of the shades are sheer and need to be layered to really pop on the nail, Care to Danse? seems to have to have the most pigment (based on the swatches that I have seen) but even this shade isn't all that pigmented.  My favorite of the shades is the pale pink shade, this one reminds me of a Deborah Lippmann polish shade that I ran out of and now have a much harder time finding than I used to.  I actually would love to buy all the shades in this collection expect for Barre My Soul, it seems a bit too warm to be as flattering as the others for me.

This collection will sell out very quickly since these shades will work well for any occasion, from work to play.  These are the perfect shades to wear to the office and anyone can pull them off, it is refreshing to see pale shades instead of all the brights that I have been seeing for the past few months.

photo courtesy of brides.com

Most Wanted April 2012

April showers bring...beauty product shopping!  I love buying new products when I can actually break them out and wear them the next day.  There are a few huge MAC releases in the beginning of the month but the rest of the month will be pretty quiet from them so I am looking forward to trying and buying all different brands of makeup products.  Even though it is only April, the summer makeup collections will begin to trickle out this month and we will begin to get a peak of the products that will take us from the late spring into the summer months.

Most Wanted for April 2012!

- Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose Gold
- Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Can Can
- Make Up For Ever La Boheme Baked Eye Shadow Palette
- YSL Ombres 5 Lumieres Palette in No 13
- Clean Clean Skin
- MAC Tres Cheek Blush in Peony Petal
- Ojon Dry Recovery Intensive Hydrating 2-Minute Hair Mask
- Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Pink Petal
- Essie Nail Polish in Sure Shot
- Burberry Lip Cover in Primrose Hill Pink

I seem to be the most excited about colorful eye looks this month, Can Can is a bright purple and so is one of the major shades in the YSL palette.  Clean Skin is a great oceany fragrance, I normally dislike Clean fragrances but I received a sample of this scent last winter and I really liked it so now that it is warm enough to wear, I will be buying a full sized bottle of it.

Here's to April showers and beauty shopping!