Posts Tagged MAC
Top 5 MAC Foundations
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists on December 18th, 2009
Even as a seasoned visitor to the MAC Pro store, I still get overwhelmed by their vast selection of foundations. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the “latest” launch that I forget some of the tried and true formulas that established MAC as a top tier makeup brand in the first place. So, in an effort to relieve some of that confusion, I’ve crunched the numbers from both Makeupalley.com and TotalBeauty.com and have put together a list of the the Top 5 MAC Foundations. Drumroll please…
#1 = MAC FACE & BODY FOUNDATION ($32)
Average TotalBeauty.com Rating =8.6/10; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 4/5
Product Description from MAC.com: “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.”
*From the reviews on Makeupalley.com, it appears that many people LOVE that this foundation feels light and sheer, yet provides good, solid coverage. Those that submitted negative reviews often commented that it became shiny/oily-looking as the day went on. These reviewers commonly had combination – to -oily skin types.
#2 = MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION ($26)
Average TotalBeauty.com Rating = 9.1/10; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 3.6/5
Product Description from MAC.com: “A one-step application of foundation and powder. Gives skin a smooth, flawless, all-matte, full-coverage finish. Long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. A real all-in-one. The choice of pros, and a long time favourite of MAC fans.”
*The consensus on Makeupalley.com seems to be that it is best to apply the Studio Fix Powder Foundation with a brush as opposed to the included sponge. Many reviewers like the “airbrush finish” this foundation gives and the amount of coverage it provides. Those that submitted negative reviews commented that they didn’t think it had a lot of staying power.
Average TotalBeauty.com Rating = 7.9/10; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 3.5/5
Product Description from MAC.com: “Totally tech. A tri-system blend of water, emollients and powder. Looks solid, glides on as a soft, creamy emulsion. Provides a natural matte, powder-perfect finish. Smooth to blend, easy to work with: provides a full range of coverage. Water-cooled – refreshes and hydrates skin. Light diffusing: softens lines, creates a fresh, flawless finish. Good on all skin types. Studio Tech is dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested, non-acnegenic and safe for contact lens wearers.”
*As with the Studio Fix Powder Foundation, most reviewers on Makeupalley.com advise using Studio Tech with a brush as opposed to the included sponge. It seems that reviewers are pretty divided between those that love the amount of coverage it provides (flawless!!) and those that think it might provide too much coverage, causing an almost “mask-like” effect. (If you find this foundation is looking “mask-like”, I would suggest putting a few dots of the foundation on with a brush, and then blending it out with a damp sponge.)
#4 = MAC STUDIO SCULPT SPF 15 ($29.50)
Average TotalBeauty.com Rating = 7.7/10; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 3.6/5
Product Description from MAC.com: “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.”
*Makeupalley.com reviewers LOVE how the gel-texture provides great coverage and is also very buildable (without looking cakey). Many reviewers emphasized how the finished product still looks like “real skin,” not overly made-up. Those that submitted negative reviews mentioned said that it looked “greasy” on their combination/oily akin after a few hours and tended to settle into their pores.
#5 = MAC STUDIO STICK SPF 15 ($29.50)
Average TotalBeauty.com Rating = 7.1/10; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 3.9/5
Product Description from MAC.com: “A creamy smooth stick foundation with medium+ coverage for a natural flaw-free finish. Stick system provides smooth twist-up action: precise application and fast, even touch-ups. Available in 15 shades. Stick with it!”
*Makeupalley.com reviewers love the variability and blendability of the Studio Stick. Some reviewers use it as their concealer, others use it as their foundation. Some reviewers swear by blending it on with your warm fingertips, others say it’s best to use a damp sponge or brush. Then there are those who love to blend a little with their favorite moisturizer to create their own tinted moisturizer. Those that wrote negative reviews often cited that they didn’t feel like they got very much product for the price. Other negative reviewers mentioned that they felt it made them look “greasy” as the day went on.
What about you? What is YOUR favorite MAC foundation?
Makeup Palettes (And More!) On My Holiday Wishlist
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions, Makeup Collections/Launches on November 3rd, 2009
Is it just me, or are ALL the 2009 Holiday Palettes ridiculously tempting? After sifting through all the latest launches, here are the makeup palettes/gifts I’m adding to my own wish list this holiday season:
1. Laura Mercier “Color Wardrobe” Compact ($98) – The Laura Mercier holiday sets are always a fantastic value, and this one is no exception. The two-tiered compact holds 6 eye colors, 3 cheek colors, 6 lip stains, 2 lip glazes and a double-ended lip brush. The top palette contains: African Violet, Stellar, Café Au Lait, Sandstone, Celestial and Coffee Ground Eye Colors; Plum, Rose and Nude Cheek Colors (exclusive); a Double-Ended Eye Color/Corner Eye Color Brush and a full-size mirror. The bottom palette contains: Mocha, Scarlet, Melon, Mulberry, Nude and Rosette Lip Stains (exclusive) along with Brown Glaze and Pink Glaze Lip Glazes (exclusive). Also included is a double-ended lip brush.
2. Laura Mercier “Master Toolbox” ($65) — If the “Color Wardrobe” doesn’t fit your budget, Nordstrom also offers this exclusive palette. This two-tiered compact includes 5 eye colors, 3 lip stains, 2 lip glazes PLUS a mini lip-color brush and a double-ended eye color brush. The top palette contains Beige, Sable, Sandstorm, Mica (exclusive) and Gold (exclusive) Eye Colors, along with a mini Black Turquoise Kohl Eye Pencil. The bottom palette contains Shy Pink, Crimson and Raspberry (exclusive) Lip Stains along with Natural (exclusive) and Spice (exclusive) Lip Glazes (exclusive).
3. LORAC “Double Booked” Full-Face Collection ($55) — LORAC eye shadows are among some of the best I’ve used. I would rank their pigment intensity right up there with MAC, and their blendability is unparalleled. The holiday “book” opens up to reveal two “pages.” One page is compiled of 8 warm, color-coordinated eye shadows; the other, 8 cool shadows. Also included are two blushes, two lip glosses, one bronzer, one highlighter, one lip liner AND a double-ended eye color brush.
4. MAC “Magic, Myth and Mirth” Eye Palettes ($36) — So many choices to choose from!
Each palette contains 6 eye shadows.
-“Devil May Dare“ = Colors include Oh My Darling (pale frosty cream), Dare Ya! (light frosty peachy pink), Sorcery (blackened burgundy), Gold Tease (frosty midtone gold), Prankster (midtone frosted olive), and Devilishly Dark (rich brown with gold pearl)
-“Smoke and Mirrors” = Colors include Fire In Her Eyes (neutral beige), Wide-Eyed Wonder (gray taupe), Black Magique (black with gold pearl), Spell #9 (muted pink beige), Deception (frosty golden brown), and Smoke and Mirros (dark chocolate brown)
-“Sorceress” = Colors include White Rabbit (frosty soft white), Hold My Gaze (midtone cool green gray), Edge of Dark (charcoal with silver pearl), Magnetized (light frosted lavendar), Hypnotizing (frosted gray mauve), and Altered State (deep frosted blue purple)
-“Mystic Cool” = Colors include Cool Incantation (opalescent white gold), Blue Enchantment (dark frosted turquoise), Deep Scarlet (deep frosted indigo), Shhh! Don’t Tell (pale neutral pink), Rose Potion (midtone frosted rose), and Violet Vow (deep cool brown)
5. Felix Rey Cosmetic Case ($88)- If you’re going to be getting new makeup this holiday season, why not also ask for an incredibly cute cosmetic case to keep it all in? I am quickly becoming obsessed with this cosmetic case from Felix Rey. He also offers this larger case for $100 and this smaller case for $55. If these options are a little too girlie-girl, he also offers this great rocker-chic cosmetic case for $90.
6. Chanel Collection Essentielle de Chanel Multi-Use Palette ($85) – Created by the CHANEL Makeup Studio in Paris especially for the United States, this essential all-in-one makeup wardrobe now features three new must-haves: two cream concealers and one cream blush. The exclusive colour collection, named ‘Paris-New York,’ also includes two shades of lipgloss, one cream lip colour, three powder eyeshadows, a sponge-tipped applicator and a soft-bristled lip brush.
7. Bobbi Brown Chrome Palette ($75) — Early reports say that this palette is much more wearable than it looks in the packaging. Eyeshadows: White, Polar Ice Shimmer Wash, Storm Cloud Sparkle, Iron, Thunder Metallic, Moonlight Sparkle, Cyber Grey Shimmer Wash, Foil Metallic, Chrome Metallic and Charcoal Haze. Lip colors: Pink Mist Shimmer Lip Gloss, Winter Bronze Glitter Lip Gloss, Berry Glitter Lip Gloss and Chrome Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss. Mini lip and eye brushes are also included.
8. MAC Brush Bags ($49.50) — The holidays are always a good time to stock up on MAC brushes via their holiday brush collections. With each collection costing around $50, you’re getting top-quality MAC brushes for roughly $10/brush, and most of these brushes would cost between $15-$30 normally.
-“Morning, Noon and Knight” eye brushes include brushes #194SE, 204SE, 224SE, 266SE and 275SE
-“Do The Trick” buff and line brushes include brushes #168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE and 252SE
-“Wave of a Wand” sweep and define brushes include brushes #129SE, 190SE, 212SE, 227SE and 275SE
What about you? What’s on your holiday makeup list?
-Images from nordstrom.com, sephora.com, felixrey.com and maccosmetics.com
Inside Mad Men – AMC Video On The Makeup (+ My Tips on How I Create the Classic 1960s Look)
Posted by Wendy in How to..., Latest Obsessions on September 28th, 2009
Video courtesy AMCtv.com.
First off, if you haven’t already been sucked in by AMC’s wunderkind Mad Men (this year’s Emmy winner for best drama), then make a mental note to buy Seasons 1 and 2 and indulge in this delectable imagining of the 1960s. Secondly, if you are as addicted to the makeup and wardrobe on the show as I am, be sure to check out this AMC video on the makeup of Mad Men, featuring makeup department head Debbie Zoller. She explains how you can tell a woman’s age by the way they apply their lipstick and recalls the day she had to buy 100 tubes of lipstick for just one scene!
In my personal efforts to recreate the makeup of the Mad Men era, here are the products I have found that work the best:
Foundation:
MAC Face and Body Foundation ($32.00) – not too matte, not too dewy. The perfect finish!
Maybelline Dream Mousse Matte Foundation ($8.79) — perfect for achieving the slightly matted look of the Sterling Cooper ladies 
Powder:
MAC Pressed Blot Powder ($21) — I usually apply just a touch of this on the T-zone for a slighly more intense, matte look.
Blush:
Stila Convertible Color in Lillium or Gerbera ($25) — Either shade is perfect for achieving a soft “flush” to the cheeks.
Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in #10, #25 or #40 ($6.89) — This blush blends so smoothly and is almost impossible to overapply — perfect for a soft touch of color on the cheeks.
Lipstick:
Revlon Super Lustrous Cream Lipstick in “Fire & Ice” ($7.99) — If authenticity is your main goal, you can’t go wrong with “Fire & Ice” — first launched by Revlon in 1952 and still available today! You can be guarateed at least one of the Sterling Cooper ladies has this tucked away in her handbag.
Laura Mercier Cream Lipstick in “Mistress” ($22) — Zoller frequently uses this shade on Christina Hendricks (”Joan Holloway”).
MAC “Russian Red” Lipstick ($14) — The perfect red. Period.
Eyeliner:
MAC Fluidline Eyeliner in “Blacktrack” ($15) – grab an angled eyeliner brush and start practicing your cat eye!
CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen ($7.50)
Eyeshadow:
MAC Eyeshadow in “Shroom” ($14.50) a soft beige that’s a perfect base-shade.
MAC Eyeshadow in “Satin Taupe” ($14.50) — a gentle taupe with silver shimmer. Looks great when applied lightly to the crease.
Top 10 (ok, maybe 12) Bridal Makeup Products
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists, Weddings-101 on July 29th, 2009
Primers:
1. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer or Photo Finish Light – I love primers because they not only smooth out your pores and fine lines, but they also allow your makeup to last much, much longer!
2. Laura Mercier Regular Primer or Oil-Free Primer
3. Urban Day Primer Potion (eyeshadow primer — your eyeshadow will not budge!)
Foundations:
4. MAC Face and Body Foundation – a fantastic, water-based foundation that gives a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, but looks just as luminous
Cream Blush:
5. Stila Convertible Color in “Gerbera” or “Lillium” – a consistent award-winner, these convertible colors provide a natural flush
Powder Blush:
6. NARS powder blush in “Orgasm” – a dozen magazine editors can’t be wrong
7. MAC powder blush in “Pink Swoon” (women with cool undertones) or “Peachykeen” (women with warm undertones)
Highlighters:
8. MAC Cream Color Base in “Pearl” – blend on your cheekbones with fingertips, and voila, hollywood cheekbones
9. Benefit “High Beam” highlighter -Benefit didn’t nickname this highlighter “Supermodel in a bottle” for nothing – dab a few dots on your cheekbones with the applicator and blend with fingertips for super chiseled cheekbones
Gel Eyeliners:
10. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner – this eyeliner continues to rack up the awards. Apply with the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush to achieve a thick or thin line.
11. MAC Fluidline – apply with a small-angle brush, such as MAC #263 or #266
Waterproof Eyeshadow:
12. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
-Images from maccosmetics.com and sephora.com
Avoid Wedding Day Meltdown — How to Make Your Makeup Last
Posted by Wendy in How to..., Weddings-101 on July 29th, 2009
Ah, ’tis the season of bridal bliss. At last count, one of my friends was in 6 weddings this summer. Living in Chicago, one of the most frequent questions I receive is, “How can I make my makeup last on my wedding day?” I’m pretty sure only Texas is more humid. In any case, never fear! Here are a few of my basic tips:
–Prime! Take the time to prime your face and eyelids. This will not only smooth out your pores and fine lines, but it will also help your makeup last as long as possible. If you know you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, you might want to opt for an oil-free or lighter-weight primer, such as Smashbox Photo Finish Light or Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer.
–Layer! Instead of applying one layer of powder blush, try applying a thin layer of a cream blush. After you set your makeup with face powder, add a second (thin) layer of your powder blush. The same idea can be used for your eye shadow. After your eyelid primer (I love Urban Decay’s Primer Potion), apply a thin layer of a cream eyeshadow, followed by your regular powder eyeshadow. For lips, an old trick is to apply your lipstick, gently blot a thin layer of face powder on your lips, followed by another thin layer of lipstick. If you stick to thin layers, you will still achieve a flawless, natural look, only it will last much longer
–Use a gel eyeliner or a transformer! Gel eyeliners (such as Bobbi Brown’s Gel Eyeliner or MAC Fluidline) have a great lasting power. However, if you really want eyeliner insurance, try mixing a transformer/sealer with your eyeliner. I usually put one or two drops of Make Up For Ever Eye Seal on a small-angle brush and then dip it into my MAC Carbon eyeshadow. (*Note: The transformer/sealer will change the texture of your eyeshadow, so you might want to buy one black eyeshadow just for this purpose).
–Try waterproof mascara! We used to be cautioned that waterproof mascara would dry out our lashes or give us a “spider-leg” look, but with all the innovations that have been made over the years, there are countless waterproof mascaras that work beautifully. I’m a big fan of DiorShow Waterproof Mascara myself
-Images from sephora.com, bobbibrown.com and nordstrom.com
Add A New Depth to Eyelids with Gold
Posted by Wendy in How to..., Latest Obsessions on July 23rd, 2009
Go and take a close look at your eyes (irises). I’ll wait…… When you look closely enough, you notice that all eye colors — blue, brown, green, hazel — have a subtle, golden color in them. Adding just a touch of gold eyeshadow on the part of your eyelid above your iris (aka the center of your eyelid) will bring out this subtle golden color, adding a new level of depth to your eyes. Some of my favorite combinations include (1) a neutral shade on the lid with a taupe in the crease, popped with a touch of gold added just above the iris, and (2) a lilac shade on the lid with a deeper amethyst in the crease, popped with a touch of gold (this last one looks amazing with hazel eyes). So the next time you’re doing your makeup, take another minute and add a subtle pop of gold to the centers of your eyelids
My golden recommendations:
-Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash in “Gold”
-Laura Mercier Lustre Eye Color in “Gold Dust”
-MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in “Gorgeous Gold”
-Image from bobbibrown.com
How to Create a Smoky Eye
It’s the holy grail of makeup looks — the smoky eye. Done right, it gives you an alluring, sultry look. Done wrong, you look like you were socked in both eyes. I was recently asked to participate as a makeup artist in the Spa Suite at the BlogHER conference here in Chicago. In a pamphlet I put together for attendees, I attempted to tackle the formidable makeup look with a list of easy steps (see Maybelline diagram above for help):
–Step #1: Prime your eyelids!
–Step #2: Line your upper lash-line with an eye kohl pencil (for example, black). You don’t need to be worried about precision.
–Step #3: Smudge the eyeliner in small, upward strokes using your smudge brush (or a Q-tip if you don’t have a smudge brush). I highly recommend MAC’s #219 brush — it is PERFECT for this.
–Step #4: Using an eyeshadow brush, blend a light gray shade all over your lid.
–Step #5: Using a tapered eyeshadow brush, blend a medium gray shade into your crease using a windshield wiper motion. *If you want, you can also blend a dark grey shade into your outer corner using a small eyeshadow brush.
–Step #6: Using a clean eyeshadow brush, lightly blend the entire eyelid area.
–Step #7: Line your lower lash-line with the eye kohl pencil from Step #2 and very gently smudge with either a smudge brush or Q-tip.
–Step #8: Gently apply a light layer of the medium gray shadow from Step #5 slightly under your lower lash-line with a small eyeshadow brush. Voila!!
***Still feeling a little timid? Then try one of the new Expertwear Stylish Smokes eyeshadow quads from Maybelline. Each quad is clearly labeled with the colors that go on the lid, crease, brow bone and outer corner. In order not to look too “color-by-numbers” on your eyelid, I would suggest taking a clean eyeshadow brush and blending it all together as your final step.
-Images from Maybelline print ads
Fall/Winter 2009 — Jin Soon Nail Lacquers for MAC
Posted by Wendy in Makeup Collections/Launches on July 4th, 2009
I’m usually pretty reserved when it comes to nail polish, but the F/W ‘09 collaboration between MAC and nail artist Jin Soon has me counting down the days until its launch on August 27th!
Many thanks to www.temptalia.com for the following descriptions and pics:
Nail Lacquers ($11)
- “Rich Dark Delicious” = rich, blackened brown
- “For Fun” = rich purple
- “Dry Martini” = khaki olive green
- “Beyond Jealous” = blackened blue-green
- “Cool Reserve” = mid-tone grey/lavender
- “Dance All Night” = brick red
Rich, Dark, Delicious * For Fun * Dry Martini
Beyond Jealous * Cool Reserve * Dance All Night
I personally see “Beyond Jealous” and “Cool Reserve” becoming staples
-Images from alllacqueredup.com and temptalia.com
Make Your Beauty List Now! – Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Starts Friday, July 17!
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions on June 28th, 2009
Get a pad of paper and start making your list and checking it twice — the Nordstrom Anniversary sale runs Friday, July 17 — Sunday, August 2, which means dozens of makeup collections offered exclusively at Nordstrom. A few of the collections I’m looking forward to?
MAC ‘Look in a Box’ ($59.40) – You have your choice of 3 “looks” — (1) Seductress for a “modern, seductive look”, (2) Sun Siren for a “shine-filled bronzed look”, or (3) Sweet Tease for a “minimalist, lightly sexy look”. Each “look” comes with 2 eyeshadows, lip gloss or lipstick, promo-sized Zoom Lash, and a beauty powder. Holy cow!
Bobbi Brown ‘Best of Bobbi’ Set ($75) — A collection of Bobbi’s most popular makeup products, including: (1) seven-well lip palette with lip brush (featuring Italian Rose Creamy Lip Color, Nude Pink Lip Color, Heather Buff Creamy Lip Color, Uber Pink Creamy Lip Color, Baby Peach Metallic Creamy Lip Color, Dusk Metallic Lip Color and Kir Metallic Lip Color), (2) two-pan eyeshadow palette (featuring Nude Beach Metallic Eye Shadow and Hot Stone Eye Shadow), (3) full-size Espresso Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, (4) mini black Everything Mascara and (4) new mini dual-ended eyeshadow/ultra-fine eyeliner brush.
Dior ‘Jazz Club’ Eye Palette ($65) — Six Dior eye products to create a perfectly sultry, smokey purple eye: (1) Dior Liner, (2) Sourcils Eyebrow, (3) Fard Matte Eyeshadow, (4) Fard Iridescent Eyeshadow, (5) Fard Iridescent Eyeshadow, (6) and a topcoat.
**** Pssst! Don’t forget! The Anniversary Sale is always a great time to stock up on MAC brushes! This year they are offering 2 sets of 5 brushes — (1) ‘Shape & Perfect’ featuring brushes #168SE, 187SE, 194SE, 212SE and 275SE and (2) ‘Define and Blend’ featuring brushes #129SE, 190SE, 209SE, 219SE and 252SE. At $49.50 per set, it breaks down to $1o per brush. Fabulous!
-Images from Nordstrom.com
How To Apply Red Lipstick
As a follow-up to my last post…:
I think most of us come from the same place when it comes to red lipstick. We see how sexy it looks in magazines (a la Scarlett Johansson). We hear how it makes women feel glamorous and confident. But when we dare to try it ourselves, we end up either looking like (1) a freakish clown or (2) an 8-year-old playing in her mother’s makeup drawer. The red mouth staring back at us in the mirror looks harsh… and fake.
Achieving sophisticated, ruby lips is possible. Here are 4 easy steps:
- Exfoliate! One simple way to slough off scaly skin is to wet a washcloth and gently rub over your lips. Voila!
- Use a lipliner as close to your lipstick shade as possible. When red lipstick starts feathering, it’s obvious from across the room. Using a lipliner will help keep your lipstick in place. Simply follow the natural borders of your lips.
- Apply your lipstick with a lip brush. Using a lip brush will allow you to build the color as you go. When you apply it straight from the tube, you’re putting it on at it’s highest intensity, which may or may not be the color you’re going for. I really like the MAC #316 Lip Brush/Covered Brush. It has a smaller handle, so it provides you with good control, and it has a metal cover so you can take it with you in your purse. MAC also offers the #318 Retractable Lip Brush.
- Have a few goofs? Dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and gently dot the areas you need to correct. Then, blot those areas with the opposite end of the Q-tip so everything is dry. Dip a small concealer brush in your foundation and outline/correct the shape of the areas where you goofed. Blend out with your foundation brush or fingers. Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Brush is fabulous for correcting small goof-ups with your lipstick.
So go ahead and give that red lipstick one more try
-Images from maccosmetics.com and lauramercier.com
