THE BEST OF MAC X PROENZA SCHOULER COLLECTION

 So MAC Cosmetics has released yet another collection for Spring and this time it is a dimly anticipated collection and a collaboration with Proenza Schouler designing the limited edition packaging. The collection brings back the much loved ombre blushes allowing you to custom the intensity of application from a light shade to the deeper shade or swirled together for something in between. Below is a glimpse of some of the products from the collection. 

The packaging is stunning as you see, but the collection is another story. As I mentioned above, the blushes in this collection are highly anticipated and they did not disappoint. The colour that I ended up picking up called Ocean City, is a gorgeous peach matte ombre brush that will look amazing on every skin tone, especially come summer. I was really looking forward to all the lipsticks but even after bringing them home I was even more disappointed. The nude 'Woodrose' is a lustre finish but MAC has soo many other nudes that 'Woodrose' just didn't come off as special at all. I'm sure I have at least three nudes in my collection that looks exactly the same as this one. I was also looking forward to 'Pinkfringe' but was disappointed upon application. The packaging and the brand of Proenza Schouler is way too mature for this bubble gum pink that will appeal to a much younger girl. Mangrove is a deep coral matte finish that will be stunning on most skin tones. Primrose is gorgeous except I'm so over wearing darker hues in the winter and looking forward to spring so a deep berry shade is unappealing at best. 

Ocean City

Deepest shade (bottom), Lightest shade (top), Combo (swirled) 

Blended on cheek

Mangrove

Woodrose

Pinkfringe

Verdict: For this collection, the packaging will draw you in but the content will make you think twice. For such a special package, I 

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THE COVETED HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING PALETTE RETURNS!

When Hourglass Cosmetics released its Ambient Lighting Palette at Sephora last winter, it sold out in days. Now Hourglass Cosmetics has rereleased the palette on its website and it may be permanent. The palette contains 2 shades from their permanent line in addition to a limited edition shade found only in this palette. The Ambient Lighting Powders has become hugely popular as the powders are able to diffuse light, create soft focus dim light, or radiate light and even create a soft focus incandescent light, all to create a radiant, natural, flawless complexion.

From L to R: Dim Light, Incandescent Light (Limited Edition), Radiant Light

No Flash (unblended to show powders as is almost invisible when blended)

With Flash

Radiant Light to highlight cheekbones

Dim Light all over the face

Incandescent Light to create a soft focus under eyes, centre of the forehead, bridge of the nose, chin and cheekbones

Get it HERE

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FLAWLESS BROWS USING THE ANASTASIA BROW POMADE

I filmed a brow tutorial a few months ago using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, Brow Duo Powder and Brow Gel, but I wanted to show you guys some tips and tricks to use the Brow Pomade. A lot of people are afraid that the brows will not look natural with the brow pomade but in this video I show how to get that flawless, natural yet defined brow. This video is definitely a must see!

PRODUCTS USED:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Concealer Brush #18

Anastasia Beverly Hills Concealer #4.5

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade 'Dark Brown'

Brush used to fill in brows:

http://www.michaels.com/Artist%27s-Loft™-Golden-Synthetic-Acrylic-Brush-Set%2C-4-pc./fa1133,default,pd.html?cgid=products-artsupplies-brushes

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URBAN DECAY ELECTRIC PALETTE WITH THREE LOOKS

So I picked up the Urban Decay Electric palette last week as part of Sephora's VIB sale with the 15% discount and I have been playing with it since. Like most people, I was a bit hesitant to pick up this palette because bold colours are used so seldom personally as well as professionally in my everyday life. I knew I wanted to do the review for you guys but I believe makeup should be used and not 'collected.' Well, I was quite impressed when I got the palette and was able to swatch the colours and realized that they are quite wearable, even for the everyday woman. The pigmentation of most of the colours are quite intense but a light hand will solve that 'problem.' 

Front of Package

Back of Package

The Case of the Package

The packaging of the Electric Palette is quite eye catching and one that will sucker a lot of people in purchasing, exactly what a package is suppose to do. The bold colours against the shiny black background and clean white writing will draw in even the most colour skeptics. It invites you to touch, see, while giving you the urge to dive in and experiment, even just a little. 

Palette comes with a double-sided brush like most UD palettes

There are 10 eyeshadows in the palette, arranged in no particular order to give ease of use, but put together to give the user full creative power. As far as the colour selections for this palette, (and this is in my opinion) there are a few colours I could have done without and ones I would have changed just slightly. First off, I would have done without 'Revolt' which is the silver and 'Jilted', a burgundy, reddish, purple. I don't think it fits in with the bright, bold, intensity of the other colours. My favs in the palette are 'Urban', 'Freak' and 'Thrash' and 'Fringe', because I think they will be more wearable for most people.  'Savage' is gorgeous pink but is extremely powdery while 'Chaos' will probably be the most beautiful blue that you can get. 

Without Flash

With Flash

I have done three looks with this palette ranging from a light pop of colour, to a more bold blue and silver and finally an all out, intense, multi-colour look. I believe that this will give you guys some ideas on how to use some of these colours and with summer just around the corner, now is the time to experiment with a bit of colour or a lot. 

Light Pop of Colour 
Brown is 'Backdoor' from the UD Smoked Palette, 'Thrash' on lid

Medium Intensity- Avante Garde
Chaos & Revolt

Bold, Intense, Dramatic
Chaos and Gonzo in crease
Urban, Savage, Slowburn on lid
Thrash in the tear duct
Gonzo and Freak on bottom lash line

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BLACK OPAL STICK FOUNDATION REVIEW AND DEMO

Here is a review I did on the Black Opal Stick Foundations. Amazing! They are great for any skin types, for highlighting and contouring. I include a lot more info in the video as well as a demo on the foundations. 

Heavenly Honey, Rich Caramel, Truly Topaz, Nutmeg, Beautiful Bronze, Carob

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BRIGHT EYELINER AND BRIGHT LIPS MAKEUP LOOK

PRODUCTS USED:

Foundation: MUFE HD 170

Concealer: Kevyn Aucoin Skin Enhancer SX 10

Powder: NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder

Eyeliner: MAC Fluidline in Sassy Moss

Eyeshadow: BH Cosmetics 88 Matte Eyeshadow Palette, Makeup Geek 'Creme Brulee', MAC 'All That Glitters'

Lipstick: Illamasqua Scandal

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ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CONCEALERS AND CONCEALER BRUSH

I've been using Anastasia Beverly Hills products now for quite some time so I was really curious to see how she would foray into the skin/non eyebrow cosmetic market. Mind you, I get that these concealers are more 'marketed' as a multi used product but because she is synonymous with brow products, I think most people will assume these are used to further define and lift the brows. I picked up three shades that I think would fit my skin tone best (4.0, 4.5 and 6.0) but was missing the 4.0 when the package came. The concealers promises to correct dark circles, discolouration and imperfections, stays put and does not settle into fine lines. I find them to be super creamy and super pigmented (a little goes a long way) but does settle into fine lines, even when set with a powder. I definitely think they are multi functional and can even be sheered out and used as a foundation.

Shade 6.0

Shade 4.5

4.5 & 6.0

Overall, I do like the concealers but I think the 4.0 would have been a more useful colour for me to give this product a fair rating. 4.5 has a peach undertone which I would classify as a corrector shade while 6.0 looks almost green on the skin (weird, I know). Stay tuned for an update on their performance once I sort out where that 4.0 shade is. I did try to get one of the lighter shades but every colour under 4.0 was sold out. Stay tuned!

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