The Battle of the Primers - Coming Soon & I Need YOUR Help!

Primers…there are a million of them out there from special eye primers to shadow sticks to eye liners that you can use. So, which one works the best!? I figured the best way to find out was to sort of have a tournament of primers! I am going to do this the obvious way…wear two different primers each day and see which one out does the other. Whichever primer has the best results that day, will move on to the next competitor the following day. I will move through each primer I have and even try and get my hands on some more! (I don’t know if I will have time to film or photograph applying each primer in the mornings (because it is CRAZY at my house in the am), so you will just have to trust me with this!

I am going to start this as soon as possible, so I would like a little help from you guys! I would like to know if there are any eye primers that you would like to be included in the competition specifically. I will most likely have to purchase any of the new primers that are out there. I would like to try and keep the cost of each primer around $20 or so. Also, if there are any specific match ups you would like me to do, like a Paint Pot against TFSI, let me know that as well. Otherwise, I will start with UDPP & a Paintpot and move through them that way.

Hopefully, this will put to rest any questions we may have when it comes to primers! I am hoping to find the best one for me, specifically, and if I can help you guys out along the way, I would love to! I am probably one of the best subjects to do this on considering I have the most watery eyes on the face of the planet, wear contacts, and am always putting drops in my eyes. So, if it is going to stay on me…it will stay on most anyone!

Give me some feedback you guys! I'd love to start the competition soon!  I am going to start rounding up some of the primers I don't have so make sure to comment on the ones that you would like to see so I can get those as well!  I was hoping this would at least give us something to do while I am on my forced YouTube hiatous.  Thanks!!!

MAC Pret-A-Papier Products & Face Charts

I don't know about you guys, but for a while, I have been wearing a LOT of nudes & neutrals when it comes to my makeup.  Most of the magazine ads I have seen lately tend to be full of models wearing the nudes as well.  I know, you probably thing it gets boring for me, however, I generally use my lips as the canvas for color on my face.  (Sometimes my cheeks.)  But, I do make sure to wear some outlandish shade of lipcolor everyday so I still feel springy inside.  This is why I am in LOVE with the Pret-A-Papier.  The color is coming out in the lipsticks (and a couple of the shadows).  If you look at the face charts (below) you can see that the looks, for the most part, are nude/neutral. 

Here are some beautiful looks for you guys to try!  If you do, link me the pics or the video!  I would LOVE to check them out! 

**I know I generally don't post face charts and such, but I have them ALL.  If you are interested in particular collections face charts and would like me to post them, just let me know!  I will happily do so!  I also have charts from many other brands that I just started accumulating.  Is this something you guys would like to see on a regular basis?  I work SO hard on getting these charts together and keeping them organized, I hate not to share if you guys would like them!  Leave any comments on this topic in the comments below or you can email me, of course!**

***All information on the Pret-A-Papier Collection was gathered from the MAC Cosmetics website.***

PRODUCTS INDLUDED IN COLLECTION

Paint Pot $16.50:
Coral Crepe – Soft coral (Satin)
Groundwork – Mid-Tone neutral taupe (Satin)

Eye Shadow $14.50:
Tissueweight – Frosted pale peach (Frost)
Bamboo – Light beige with peach (Matte)
Cut To Fit – Frosted red bronze (Frost)
Gazette Grey – Dark green grey with gold pearl (Velvet)
Memorabilia – Dirty purple (Matte)

Studio Fix Lash $13.00

Chromagraphic Pencil $14.50:
NC15/NW20
NW25/NC30

Impeccable Brow Pencil $15.00:
Taupe – Mid-tone dirty taupe
Dirty Blonde – Cool light brown

Lipstick $14.00:
Archetype – Sheer light gold (Lustre)
Dressmaker, Dressmaker – Creamy light peach coral (Lustre)
Made To Order – Creamy midtone dirty coral (Lustre)
Kraft – Creamy midtone brown (Amplified)

Tinted Lipglass $14.00:
C-Thru – Peachy-beige with shimmer (Cream)
Fold and Tuck – Midtone bright coral w/soft pearl
Pret-a-Papier – Dark reddened brownze w/pearl

Powder Blush $18.50:
Instant Chic – Midtone muted coral (Sheertone)
Garb – Light golden suntan (Sheertone)

Mineralize Blush (Duo) $23.00:
Light Over Dark – Orange yellow mélange/deep brown

Nail Lacquer $12.00:
Brown Bag – Midtone warm dirty beige (Cream)
Originality – Sparkly copper bronze (Frost)

Prêt-A-Papier

Brow: Enhance brows with Lingering Eye Brows.
Lid: Highlight under brows with Bamboo e/s. Apply Gazette Grey e/s on the eyelid. Contour the eye by blending Sumptuous Olive and Carbon e/s.
Liner: Define eyes with NW25/NC30 eye kohl. Blend Sumptuous Olive e/s through the lower lashes.
Lash: Apply Zoom Fast Black Lash through the lashes.
Cheeks: Blend Melba Powder Blush.
Lips: define lips with Chickory lip pencil and use l/s in Made to Order.

Archetype

Brow: Define brows with Espresso e/s.
Lid: Highlight brow bone with Arena e/s. Apply Coral Crêpe Paint pot and Bamboo e/s over the eyelid. Use Cut to Fit e/s through the outer crease and apply Tissueweight e/s to the inner.
Liner: Define the upper lash line with Boot Black liquid eyeliner.
Lash: Finish the eyes with Plush lash in Plushblack on the lashes.
Cheeks: Use Light Over Dark Mineralize Blush.
Lips: Define and the lip with Oak lip pencil. Fill in lips with Archetype l/s and C-Thru lipglass.

Gazette Grey

Brow: Define brows with Taupe Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Highlight under brows with Blanc Type and Tissueweight e/s. Apply Tissueweight e/s over the lid and follow with Memorabilia e/s. Follow with Gazette Grey and Shadowy Lady e/s.
Liner: Define the upper lash line with Grey Utility PowerPoint eye pencil.
Lash: Apply Plush Lash Mascara in Plushblack through the lashes.
Cheeks: Apply Light Over Dark Mineralize blush under the cheeks.
Lips: Hydrate lips with Soothing Beige Tinted lip conditioner SPF15. Define the lip with Chicory lip pencil and fill with Archetype l/s. Follow with lipglass in C-Thru.

Fold and Tuck

Brow: Define brows by applying Dirty Blonde Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Highlight brow bone with Blanc Type e/s. Apply Coral Crepe Paint Pot to lid followed by Tissueweight e/s. Contour the eye with Gazette Grey followed by Bamboo e/s.
Liner: Apply Rapidblack Penultimate eye liner to the lashline.
Lash: Elongate and define lashes with Zoomblack Zoom Lash Mascara.
Cheeks: Apply Harmony Powder Blush.
Lips: contour the lip with Spice lip pencil before applying l/s in Dressmaker, Dressmaker. Finish with a dab of Fold and Tuck lipglass.

Made to Order

Brow: Define brows with Dirty Blonde Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Highlight browone with Blanc Type e/s. Apply e/s in Cut to Fit on the eyelid.
Liner: Define the upper lashline with Boot Black Liquid eye liner.
Lash: Apply Studio Fix Lash mascara in Black Fix on the lashes.
Cheeks: Contour cheeks with Instant Chic and Garb Sheertone Blushes.
Lips: Define the lip with Nightmoth lip pencil and fill with Made to Order lipstick. Top off look with Fold and Tuck lipglass.

Bamboo

Brow: Define brows with Dirty Blonde Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Blend Tissueweight and Memorabilia e/s on the browbone. Apply Cora Crepe Paint pot and Cut to Fit e/s over the eyelid.
Liner: Apply Blacktrack Fluidline through the upper waterline.
Lash: Finish the eyes with Zoom Fast Black Lash.
Cheeks: Sweep the cheeks with Light Over Dark Mineralize Blush.
Lips: Define the lip with Stripdown Lip Pencil. Apply Archetype l/s and follow with C-Thru lipglass.

Kraft

Brow: Define brows with Saddle e/s.
Lid: Highlight browbone with Mylar e/s. Apply Tissueweight e/s over the eyelid. Contour with Saddle e/s.
Liner: Define the upper lashline with Boot Black liquid eye liner.
Lash: Define lashes with Dazzle lash mascara in Black Dazzle.
Cheeks: Dust Garb Sheertone Blush:
Lips: Line Lips with Chestnut Lip pencil and fill in using Kraft l/s. finish off by adding a coat of Prêt-A-Papier lipglass.

Tissueweight

Brow: Fill in brows using Spiked eye brows.

Lid: Highlight under the browbone using Vanilla e/s. Neutralize the eyelid color by using Bare Study Paint Pot. Apply Tissueweight e/s to the eyelid. Add more definition to the eye with Tissueweight and Gazette Grey e/s.
Liner: Line the upper lashline with Blacktrack Fluidline.
Lash: Finish the eyes with Zoom Fast Black Lash.
Cheeks: Give cheeks color with Instant Chic Sheertone Blush.
Lips: Contour lips with Chicory lip pencil. Apply Made to Order l/s and follow with Fold and Tuck lipglass.

Items I MUST Own From This Collection

Chromagraphic Pencil in NC15/NW20

Paint Pot in Coral Crepe

Eye Shadows in Memorabilia, Gazette Grey, & Cut to Fit

Lipsticks in Archetype, Dressmaker, Dressmaker, & Made to Order

Lipglass in Fold & Tuck

Powder Blush in Instant Chic

Mineralize Blush in Light Over Dark

Nail Polish in Originality

I am sure not many of you will really enjoy this collection because it is so neutral and coral based.  But, I ADORE this new orange and coral trend that is happening right now!  I only wish they would have made fun new packaging for this collection like they did Liberty of London!  I suppose they used all their creative mojo on that collection! 

Let me know what you think of this new collection from MAC.  What do you love or hate about it?  Thoughts....opinions....I know you guys have tons of them!  Is there anything that you are going to run to your counter/store tomorrow and get right away?  Please let me know in the comments below!  And, don't forget, if you do a look based off one of the face charts above, send me the link to the pics and/or video!  I would love to see what you guys make of these looks with your colors or the colors fromt the collection.

Products For Rimming: What I Use & What Works

Once I was introduced to the whole rimming the eye technique, I was hooked.  (For anyone that doesn't know, tightlining/rimming is when you apply a liner/color to the inner portion of your lashline, 'shelf', closest to your eye.  You MUST be VERY careful when utilizing this technique and keep in mind that it is not for everyone.  Some people's eyes are just too sensitive to do this to.)  Whether in color or simple black or brown, I think it really completes your entire look, creating the look of fuller lashes, larger eyes, or whiter whites.  There are just so many possibilities and SO many products to choose from.  But, I am telling you, if you haven't tried this, you really should, just once.  I had a friend that had only rimmed her lower lashes and never her upper.  When I did her uppers for her one day, I think she was pretty impressed by how different it made her eyes look...more sultry and sexy with the colors we had applied.

"What do you use to do this though?" you ask?  There are a plethera of products on the market you can try and below, I have outlined my experiences with each I have tried.  I would say, you should choose your product according to how watery your eyes are.  Mine are pretty sensitive as well, because I wear contacts, so these products are REALLY
put to the test with me!  If they can stay for more than an hour...we have a winner!  There are a couple of additional tricks I will include for you at the end of the post.  Some ways I have found will make the color last a bit longer.  Now, on to the products!

The star ratings below are NOT for the actual product itself...it is for the staying power.  I adore all of the products below and couldn't live without any of them.  I also feel the products themselves are worth MORE than 5 stars overall!

MAC Eye Kohl: My favorite is Smolder, but I do have other colors like Fascinating & Hot Poppy.  I have always had GREAT luck with these pencils in my waterline...especially using my eye shadow trick (below).  I can normally go about 6-7 hours without having to touch up using this pencil, which is phenomenal in my book.  I really HATE touching up makeup when I am at work.  Now, I have found that when my eyes are the most watery, it dosn't last quite as long and begins fading on the shelf area closes to the eye and in the corners.  This product is very rich and creamy so it will smudge easily if you are not careful.  Setting is your best form of smudge prevention!  4 STARS

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner: Very comparable to MAC Fluidline, in my opinion.  However, the claims are that it is waterproof, 24 hour color, yeah right!  Well, IT IS...amazingly enough!  I have to say this is the drugstore product that I am most impressed with at the moment (next to the Revlon Photoready Foundation & Powder).  I, of course, use it as a normal gel liner creating a flawless wing and line on my upper lash line, but I have also used it in my waterline for additional drama.  (I kept the brush that comes with it and use that for tightlining sometimes.)  Only on RARE occassions do I see any loss of color from this product.  Generally, only when I rub my eyes...NOT even when I have cried (no running)!  I have set it with shadow before and got even LONGER wear out of it.  It is just a PUNK to have to take off!  I recommend a remover with oil in it.  The Lasting Drama Gel Liner is definately a product you want to try, just BE CAREFUL!  5 STARS

MAC Powerpoint:  This was the first MAC eye liner I purchased.  It was recommended to me because I was looking for a liner that was soft and wouldn't tug on my skin.  This is a great liner and it is said to be waterproof.  However, I don't feel that is so.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVE these liners, but they have really crummy staying power in MY waterline. (This is why I took a star away!)  I have tried a multitude of different ways to try & make it stay to no avail.  It will stay for about 3-4 hours max, then I am in the ladies room reapplying.  I have started using these liners mostly as a base under my shadow instead of a shadow stick to make colors appear more vibrant.  I love using it as a regular old liner on my lashline and on my lower lashline because the Powerpoint liner will smudge easily and glide on effortlessly providing lasting color in these areas.  *Idea:  Apply these liners on your lashline as a base for glitter, pigments, or shimmery shadows for a glowing effect!  3 STARS

Stila Eye Kajal: Tiffany D was the first person I saw using the Stila Kajal...in her waterline.  Since I trust her reviews & thoughts on makeup, I HAD to get my hands on one to try for myself!  I compare it to the MAC Powerpoint in look, however, it is MUCH creamier.  The ease of application is amazing...the staying power...pretty good.  I have found setting it will make it last a bit longer though.  It is not an all day wear, but I can get through lunch time until about mid afternoon with it.  If you are looking for the softest pencil, well EVER, this is the one you should grab up!  They come in tons of colors including an actual nude shade that is perfect for making your eyes look larger.  I have created entire smokey eye looks with one of these pencils.  They are also so soft that you can apply to a brush and use the product like a cream liner.  I absolutely adore these liners for tightlining!  Again, not great staying power, but a killer product so only 4 STARS

Urban Decay 24-7 Liner:  I acquired the UD 24-7 Liner Super Stash from a wonderful seller on the Makeup Geek Forum.  It was so exciting to get this since I had never tried these liners and all I heard was fabulous buzz about them!  These liners come in SO many colors and there are tons of applications they can be used for.  Today, we are talking about rimming, so on to my experience with that!  It was hard to step away from my MAC Kohl, but I gave in one day and did it.  I rimmed my eyes with Zero (the black color) and that is it.  I didn't set it with anything so I could see what the outcome would be on me.  Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that well.  The staying power was minimal...it was midmorning and I was having to touch up.  I will say, though, that when it started to fade, it was an even fade and didn't end up looking all crazy!  I also didn't end up with that gunky build up around my tear duct...THAT was a plus!  I DO love these liners and I will continue using them in my waterline, but with no expectations.  3 STARS

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils:  You may not think to use a shadow pencil in your waterline, but it works and the NYX Pencils are no exception.  I don't know how I ever survived makeup before these little gems!  I mean, primer, shadow, liner, blush, lipstick, all wrapped up into one...how could you go wrong???!!!  If you don't own one...GET ONE!!!  I always have one in my bag and the day I had to substitue the Jumbo Pencil in Black Bean for my usual Kohl Liner, because I left it at home, I wasn't too disappointed.  No, the staying power on its own was NOT flawless, but when I set it with a shadow, it did stay longer.  Plus, tons of colors will ensure that you always have a liner that will match your eye look!  3 STARS

I have continued my quest for the perfect liners for the waterline and will continue to update you all on what I find.  Staying power is always going to be the catch with me.  All these companies claim that their pencil is waterproof, and for the most part they are...but when I put them on my waterline...they aren't!!!  I have always applied them to my hand at the beginning of the day...just to see how they will do in comparisson to my eye...and the color on my hand WILL stay all day.  So, what's the deal and the difference in my eye?  Is it the fact that the water is a different composition?  Are companies testing actual tears or a substance that is similar prior to stating that they are waterproof IN THE EYE? 

Seriously, that conversation could go on forever, so I have come up with a couple of ways you can get your liner to actually stay longer in your waterline...beyond having the supposed perfect product.  Applying a primer to that area has worked for me.  However, my eyes are VERY sensitive so this is not always an option.  Plus, you may not want to do this...some people just have an aversion to applying makeup products THAT close to their eyes.  My one, sure fire way, to make liners stay in my waterline is to set that liner with a powder shadow or pigment.  Not only will you get the additonal staying power, but you can end up with some really killer effects!  Applying certain shadows over a Kohl Liner will create an all new look/color.  (The MAC Starflash Colors are an example...I will be doing a post on this topic soon.)  Also, applying a shadow with glitter will allow the glitter to actually show up!  I like to apply MAC Beauty Marked over Smolder Eye Kohl in my waterline.  The glitter actually stays and the effect is phenomenal!

Now...I want to know from YOU!  What do you use in your waterline??  What have you used and what works best?  What type of issues do you deal with...are your eyes sensitive, watery, do you have allergies?  Are there any ways that you go about helping your products stay?  If so, let me know and I will include your tip in one of my YouTube 'Quick Tip' videos with you as the contributor!  If there is a product I didn't mention above that you think I should try, let me know!!!  I LOVE trying new things and reporting my findings and you KNOW I will always tell you exactly how it is!

As always...your comments will enter you into my quarterly giveaway GOING ON NOW!  Prize video to be uploaded next week with the drawing being on April 1st! 

Deep Ransom Product Listing

You can find the video tutorial for this look on YouTube.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask!  I appreciate all your support and hope you guys enjoy this!  :)

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

NYX Jumbo Pencil Milk

MAC Gesso e/s

MAC Freshwater e/s

MAC Deep Truth e/s

Urban Decay Ransom e/s

MAC Talent Pool e/s

MAC Cloudburst e/s

Urban Decay 24-7 Liner Binge

MAC Glitter Liner Wonderwhite
Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner Black
Bare Escentuals Lash Primer
MAC Dazzlelash Mascara
ELF Brow Kit Light

Face:

Smashbox Photofinish Primer

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

Benefit Erase Paste
Benefit Boi-ing Concealer
ELF Complexion Perfection Powder
Bare Minerals Matte Foundation
Bare Minerals Feather Light Mineral Veil
Red Earth Blush Spicy Summer
Rimmel Bronzer
MAC CCB Pearl

Lips:
Benefit Boi-ing Concealer
NYX Gloss Baby Rose

MAC Riveting - Hot or Not?

As usual, I am excited about yet another MAC collection!  I got this email with photos showing the MAC Riveting Collection on Temptalia.com this weekend and I am pretty stoked about it.  I suppose, like the round-up thoughts on Temptalia, most are going to think this collection is a leave it.  Well, the reason I hope to get my hands on some of it is because it embodies that whole rocker look that I am in love with at the moment. 

Hot pink, black, and silver are colors I just love, especially when it comes to makeup.  Not many people feel they can break out and go for the use of these colors on an every day basis.  No, not everyday do I want to throw on hot pink lipstick and black glitterly nails, but most days I do!  LOL! 

I especially want to get my hands on the nail polishes!  Black Enough? is a leave it for me, because I have a matte black, but Wham, Bam, Glam & Studded are two colors I would like to grab up.  I am VERY into the whole matte nail thing and I just hope that MAC has improved their formula enough for me to not end up kicking myself in the butt for buying them!

The glosses and lipsticks are very pretty and will be in my bag together to layer and wear together, especially Rockout Lipglass.  I think this see thru, silver glitter will look great over just about any lipstick in your collection!  And, if I don't get to buy anything else, Show Orchid and Riveting lipsticks will be coming home with me!  :)  Talk about PRETTY!

The blushes for me are the take it or leave it items.  I believe I have some blushes that are similar already in my collection.  Don't get me wrong, they are VERY pretty colors, but I feel easily dupable.

This collection releases this Thursday, Feb 18th at your counter and PRO stores.  You will most likely see it online in the next day or so as well.  Until then, check out Temptalia.com for photos and product swatches!  (Man, I wish I was as lucky as her to be able to get all these products in hand prior to release!  How much fun would THAT be??!!)  Let me know what you guys think of this collection...is it a Love It or Leave It for you?  If it is a NOT for you, tell us why and if it is HOT for you, tell us what you plan to get and why you love it!

Going Gaga For MAC Viva Glam

Oh me oh my...I am in LOVE!!  I enjoy Viva Glam as much as the next guy, but the new Gaga & Cyndi shades in the new Viva Glam release are just TO DIE FOR!  They look like colors just about any of us could wear easily day or night.

Viva Glam Cyndi is a light reddish coral lustre shade that is named after the notorious Cyndi Lauper.  If you don't know who Cyndi is, it means you are a hell of a lot younger than I am!  She was one of my 80's idols with her big hair and out there style!  I have seen many girls and women lately working to bring that style back.  However much I LOVED the 80's...lets leave that style in that decade, PLEASE!  I am excited about this lipstick shade simply because I am loving the coral and peach colors for the upcoming spring.  Sure this one is more on the red side, but I feel the coral hue just as much in the color.  Make sure to hit up your local MAC Counter tomorrow for it's official release or you can, of course, shop the MAC website now and place your order!

Now, my new Cyndi Lauper-esque idol is LADY GAGA!  How stoked I was to hear that SHE was going to be the other spokesperson for the new Viva Glam Collection this month!  Now that I have seen the ad campaign and her gorgeous shade, Viva Glam Gaga, I am even more pumped to get to my counter and purchase TWO of these lovelies...or THREE! 

The Gaga Shade is a BEAUTIFUL, lustre shade.  It is a cool blue pink, according to the MAC website.  This is the perfect pink/nude shade that would pair well with an over the top smokey eye, like Gaga herself is wearing in the ad campaign, or a sweet neutral eye for a daytime look.  This is a lipstick that I would HAVE to buy two of so one could stay in my purse and one at my vanity!  Hey, I may even have to get one for a giveaway prize as well!  We will see!

Let's talk about packaging.  I have always liked the MAC lipstick packaging.  The bullet shaped, black/silver tube is extremely attractive to me.  (ALL of the MAC packaging is attractive to me, tho!  LOL!)  So, you guessed it, the VIVA Glam packaging HAS to be my favorite!  In the place of the silver on the permanant lipsticks, they use a deep red color.  These tubes even have the signature of each spokeswoman on the inner portion of the tube.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been them putting the signature of Cyndi Lauper & Lady Gaga on the outside in red.  Now THAT would have been fantastic!  But, this packaging still works for me!

Oh and for any of you guys that don't know about the MAC Viva Glam products, every last penny of your purchase goes towards the MAC AIDS Fund to help support the fight against AIDS.  I don't know about you, but I am MORE than happy to purchase these lipsticks and would probably pay WAY more than $14 each for them! 

Make sure to go check out the New Viva Glam Collection today!  I am sure most of you won't be disappointed!  Once you have explored these new colors, let me know what you think about them!  Are you super pumped to get your hands on them or are they just not for you?  Either answer you have, let me know why!  If you all seem to love them for the most part, I may have to see about picking them up as quarterly giveaway prizes, just let me know what you think! 

Cyndi Lauper

Lady Gaga

Foundation Issues...Try Your Concealer Instead!

I was talking to my best friend, from the web, yesterday and we both ended up ranting about how we needed new foundation and didn't quite know what to get.  We chatted about new drugstore brands first and foremost since money is tight these days.  Then, as always, the coversation turned to MAC...go figure! 

Molly ended up telling me that she prefers a matte foundation and would LOVE to have one that wouldn't end up being non-existant by midday.  I have to agree with her!  Well, the other night, she ended up at MAC...another go figure...looking for foudnation!  Because the suggestion the MUA there made, I asked Molly to write a little something about her visit to the counter.

"The MAC MA suggested that since I wanted a foundation that lasted longer than my current foundation (which is a mixture of face and body, tinted moisterizer, and studio sculpt) that I could use a concealer. She said that since I have good skin I could use the Studio Finish concealer on problems spots, and then use their Prep and Prime powder to set the concealer. My main concern when going in was finding something that would last through work, and was matte. If you have a more labor intensive job this might not work as well. I was finding that even with a desk job my little mixture was melting off halfway through a normal work day. After the MA applied the concealer ( which she only used a very tiny bit with their small stippling brush) I could see a difference. It didn't look like I was wearing foudation/concealer, and it was matte. Perfect!!"    Molly Dermer 2.4.10

Concealer!  Seriously, I never thought about doing it!  It IS essentially the same thing with the same types of ingredients.  So, I ended up having my own experience this afternoon.  I had to be at my daughters' school immediately after work today.  Obviously, since MY foundation doesn't last all day, I wanted to touch up my makeup before going.  As usual, I forgot to put something in my makeup bag...my foundation & beauty blender!  I remembered this conversation with Molly, so I grabbed my Boi-ing concealer by Benefit and tried a little on my cheek.  It seemed to be working so I applied a light, even coat all over.  Followed by my BE Matte foundation, the combination gave me a nearly flawless look to my skin!  The only issues was where my acne has ended up flaring up again...nothing covers that! 

So, if you are in a bind or even if you are looking to try something new for foundation, reach for your concealer!  You will most likely be impressed by the results!

Have you tried this??  Where did you get the idea from if you have?

New Coupon Codes!

Make sure to check out the sidebar here, in my Coupon Chief Wizard!  I posted some new KILLER coupon codes for you guys including FREE OVERNIGHT shipping from MAC and FREE 10 day samples of Bare Minerals Foundation with your order from Sephora!  Just click on the code you are interested in using and go from there! 

Most places are offering Free shipping upgrades so your packages arrive just in time for the Holidays....so make sure to take advantage!

Love you guys!!  Happy Holidays!

I Can Only Pick How Many (Nov Favs)?

I really didn't do any shopping this month, but I did by one thing that I fell in love with (and would repurchase anyday) and, also, rediscovered some things.  I ended up talking in this vid a great deal more than usual...sorry about that!  I think it is because I just haven't filmed in a while!  LOL!  Anyway, so I had to cut some things out of the vid, but I will post them here!  On to my favs!

CHI Keratin Mist - This is a leave-in strengthening treatment that is full of proteins that will do their thing on your hair from the inside out!  All you do is spray some on wet hair and style as ususal.  The mist will not only strengthen, but condition your hair, leaving it silky and smooth through styling.  I just love ti too!  I purchased it at the beginning of the month and I have seen a difference from day one.  I even use it on my daughters hair prior to a blow out.  I suggest this product to anyone that really styles the hell out of their hair and is looking for added protection.

NYX Jumbo Shadow Pencil in Milk - Everyone knows about these shadow sticks.  If you don't, boy are you missing out!  This is the first color I purchased and I will continue to purchase it until the day I stop wearing makeup!  I use it after my UDPP & prior to shadow to brighten up areas I will be applying lighter colors.  I have used it as a cheek highlight as well with an MSF over it, to set.  I use this just about every day.  Really, all of these pencils would be on my favs list if I had that much time!

Rimmel Spark It Up! Gleaming Eye Darkening Pendil in 610 Tiger's Eye - Woah!  Talk about a product that suprised the crap outta me!  This pencil is super smooth and pretty soft making it very versitile for the eye.  I love to apply it to my lower lash line and smudge!  It provides a sticky base so I have used it as a base for shadows to deepen colors and give a metallic finish to an otherwise boring shadow.  You can see in the swatch photo that it has a bronze/gold finish to it.

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in Light - I LOVED this concealer when I got it, but stopped using it so much in the summer, because it was just too much on my face.  I picked it back up again to conceal my under eye area, rather than my Erase Paste, because I have been going to bed earlier these days.  Now, don't get me wrong, my Erase Paste is still my all time fav, but this works for every day use.  It leaves a smooth, powder-like finish on my skin that I just love and blends VERY easily!

MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC20 - Yep, it happened...my face got SUPER mad and broke out like CRAZY this month for some reason!  (I attribute it to stress and my lack of H2O consumption this month!)  Anyway, I apply this with a Sigma 224...any fluffy dome shaped brush will do the trick for remarkable application.  I like it because it never looks cakey, even by the end of the day and I can cover break-outs with little or no effort at all!  If you have issues with break outs, you should really try it.  Get an NC shade so you can neutralize the red in the spots though.  Following application, set by stamping over some translucent powder.  Then, be mindful of those areas when applying your all over setting powder, or in my case, Bare Minerals Foundation.

MAC Pearl Cream Color Base - This will be my go to highlighter for the rest of my life, just so you know!  LOL!  Set it with.....

Bare Minerals Flawless Radiance - This creamy, beige-gold highlighter is BEAUTIFUL!!!  I hope you can see the effect on the left side of my hand in the photo.  I think this would be a great addition for anyone's collection.  It is versitile in that you can utilize it as not only a cheek highlight, brow high light but it is really pretty applied wet as a lid color or mixed in clear gloss for an interesting lip gloss.  :)  I LOVE this stuff!  I gotta find some more for cheap! 

Bare Minerals Blush in First Class - This has sat in my drawer for a while.  This was one of the colors I had in my stock in my eBay store.  (I do have a few left.)  Well, I pulled this one out the other day when I did yet another one of my neutral looks and it turned out to be the perfect blush to go with browns!  It has just a little shimmer to it and is a muted brownish rose color.  I REALLY love it!  It is the swatch above the Rimmel pencil in the swatch photo.  I think I am going to take 2 jars and press a pan of it so it is more portable.  I really do like the color and I think it would look great on just about anyone!

Well, I think that just about covers it for this month!  If you have any questions about these products, just let me know!  Also, if you are interested in any of the BE products that I have, just let me know and I will publish a post with some photos of what I have left.  All of the jars are $5 each.  I am thinking of putting a few lots on eBay with some MU bags.  They would make PERFECT xmas gifts since they are all BN!  :)

If you guys would like to see the video version of my favs, you can check it out HERE.

Thanks for coming by again today!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Did you miss out too??

I have been pretty bummed since I missed out on the majority of the limited edition items I longed for from MAC.  I had SO badly wanted the majority of the Style Black collection and the liners from the "MAC" collection...even a few Style Warriors items!  But, I suppose that is how LE items go, they only produce/release so many for sale on a first come, first serve basis.  If you get them...KILLER, if you don't...BOO for you!  Well, like many of you, I am on a strict budget when it comes to makeup.  The majority of stuff I get these days are from me selling my stash or swapping with people.  Just because I am on a budget, doesn't mean I can't look!!

So, last night, I was browsing around the net and decided to hit Nordstrom's MAC site just to see if they had any exclusives I didn't know about.  I got there to find, they still had the Kohl Power Pencils in stock...one of those products I REALLY wanted but missed out on!  Well, that got me to thinking, if they had this product, what other ones did they have that I didn't get??  Well, I found TONS of products that I thought I would end up paying big bucks for in a couple of months when people that bought 5 back ups decide they really don't need that many of one item! 

Low and behold, I am NOT going to have to deal with these crazy women that go to the counter/store and buy 7 of one eye shadow, 4 quads, and 9 lip sticks in the same color because they just LOVE the color and HAVE to be able to have access to it for the rest of their lives.  They never think that they will NEVER use all that product because their vanities are like mine and are full of a million and ONE other items longing for use!!!!!!!!  Okay...sorry for that rant and sorry if you are one of those women/men that do go to the counter and do that!  LOL!  I DON'T BLAME YOU!  I would probably do the same exact thing if I had the cash to do so!  Hell, I can't even pick up ONE item on a whim most weeks!  LOL!  What really gets me about people doing this is that when they decide that they DONT need that many tubes of lipstick in the same color and it is time to sell/swap, they mark the price up to $10-$20 over retail!  I know it is discontinued you guys, but really...I don't want a liner that is going to cost me $30 when I can most likely get something similar in another brand!

So......what this post was getting at before my crazy views got in the way, was that Nordstrom and all of these other department stores that house MAC counters, get these same products!  Just because you local counter doesn't have something, doesn't mean that the online store doesn't as well!!  GO CHECK OUT THESE SITES!!!  You will probably get just about everything you have been looking for!  Nordstrom still had collections all the way back to Makeup Art and there were not many colors sold out of the most popular things!

There you go!  Go shop and find all the things you have been wanting OR you could be the savior of Christmas and get your best girlfriend that eye shadow that she just barely missed out on getting and was so sad about!  :)  Just a thought!


**Dillards MAC Counter online is another place you could go look.  However, most people will go here when their local counter is sold out.  There are, I believe, more Dillard's than Nordstrom stores in the US.  They didn't have as great of choices on the LE items.

***Keep in mind when shopping at Nordstrom online, you will have to pay shipping.  There was a code for free shipping over $100, which can be pretty easy to do when buying MAC!  I was going to only get two of the Kohl Power pencils and the shipping was going to be $8.  That IS one thing to consider!  Just an FYI!

MAC Online Free Shipping Code!

There is another free shipping code available for MAC online and I wanted to share with those of you that are not subscribed to recieve their emails!

Just type in SUKB when you are ready to check out to have your order shipped free of charge! :)

You can also visit this link, http://www.maccosmetics.com/faves/faves.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT1056&cm_mmc=email-_-September-_-09_27Artists_Faves_US_Other-_-shop5 to see Mac Senior artist, Suk B's (of Korea), list of favs for this time of transition between seasons!

Also, DSquared has been released online! Check out the line...there are some pro products you can get your hands on without having to call to make your order! I can't wait to get mine! :)

I hope you all have a wonderful day! If you take advantage of this free shipping code...post in the comments what you decided to buy and why! I would love to see what everyone is buying out of these new collections! (My hauls will come later when my pride, joy, and savior arrive in the mail! LOL!)

NEW MAC - STYLE BLACK

I just got my email from MAC about the new Style Black Collection that will hit stores tomorrow! I went online to take a peek because this collection is the one I have been waiting for! There are so many great items and colors you can get that are deep, dark, and PERFECT for fall that I just don't know how I am going to say no to any of them!

For starters, their mineralized shadows come in four amazing colors: Guilt by Association, Young Punk, Cinderfella, & Blue Flame. They are just amazing! I hope to be able to get my hands on Young Punk first and foremost! (It's the one in the photo!)

There are a variety of liners you can choose from as well including the Penultimate Liner in Rapidblack (which is a part of the permanent line), another permanent product which is the Kohl Liner in Smolder (love this for a smokey eye), & a Greasepaint Stick in Black which will be amazing for creating that super smokey effect!! All of these liners are in the blackest of black colors so of course, it is fitting they are all a part of this collection!

Now, all the products for the lips are truly amazing and I WILL own them all!!! There is a gorgeous cream lipstick in Black Knight that I have seen in Vouge, InStyle, and Elle Magazines posted as being one of the blackest black lipsticks you can get. There are 2 colors of the Mattenne lipsticks, one being Night Violet (a gorgeous deep, Purple Grape) & the other is Midnight Media (a deep Matte Black).

The Glimmerglasses have me in a trance...wondering what they have changed about the all-time famous Dazzleglasses! I just can't wait to swatch these puppies! There are three amazing colors including Blackfire, Bling Black, & Blackware...go to the website to see these...they are just indescribable! http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT1795&PRODUCT_ID=6465

In addition to the wonderful eye and lip products I mentioned above, there are a number of face products including 2 colors of Cream Color Bases (a black and a deep grape), the ever popular Volcanic Ash Exfoliator that I am dying to dry, & a Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask. The prices range but all three products are under $20 which makes it all the more sweet!

The brush that is a part of this set is the 214 Short Shader Brush that would be phenomenal for smudging all these fantabulous smokey eye products and the nail colors are beautiful to say the very least!!! There is of course a black - Nocturnelle, a black with gold pearl - Seriously Hip, & blackish/pink-purple - Baby Goth Girl. I know I won't be able to choose so...yet again, I will probably get all of these as well. LOL!

I am truly in love with this collection and cannot wait to make my trip to the counter or just make the order off the web! This collection is perfect for fall and being released right here at Halloween makes it all the better! I know I will take advantage of all the black and purple with my costume...what about you???

http://www.maccosmetics.com/ http://www.macpro.com

Use the code BLACK at checkout for free shipping on these items at maccosmetics.com!

Im Back!

I finally got back from my quick trip to the beach! I had a pretty good time since I got to go to the CCO! I was so pumped and ended up staying in there for 2.5 hours filming and chatting with the ladies that work there! I got offered a job and had I had my daughter with me...I would've taken it and left this crap town behind! How I would love to take it...but I really don't want to live on that island...only one way out when there is a hurricane! AHHHH!!! Maybe the next CCO I go to will offer me a job...that one IS in a town I would live in! (And actually planning to move to!)

Anyway...they carry all sorts of brands in there all the way from Clinique, Estee Lauder, & Bobbi Brown...to Origins & MAC...which is of course why I went! LOL! I had the best time hearing how the whole thing works and playing with all their stuff! I learned so much from the ladies that work in there about when stuff hits there stores, so I will plan my next trip around the schedule!

They had just started getting in products from MAC's Hello Kitty Collection and I was amazed at the prices! I ended up getting one of the blushes in Tippy...which I saw listed on eBay and the MUG forum for $30+!!! I got the thing...brand new, mind you...for $12.95! I stuck mostly to blushes getting a Flirt & Tease and Starknaked. I found a CreamColor Base in Pearl for $11 and walked out of there with a 219 for $16.95! I could have spend a friggin fortune in there!!! They just had so many things that I wanted!

I didn't end up with any new eyeshadows, because most of the ones they had, I already had or just really wasn't interested in. Most of those were just discontinued colors...nothing Limited Edition except for the Starflash Collection, which I already picked up on eBay. Their shadows were $10.50 each...and I have been getting them on eBay for cheaper, so I will just stick with that until my Pro card comes in...if it ever does! LOL!

I am going to start working on editing the footage that I shot. It is very choppy since I was trying to film only when there weren't people in there, but that was about impossible since it was Labor Day weekend and everyone and their momma was out shopping at the outlet mall that day! LOL! I didn't talk much in it either, so it will mostly be set to music and captioned, but you will at least get to see what all they had and how it was set up. (The parts that I did talk during, you really couldn't hear me because there were so many friggin women in there gushing about how cheap the MAC was! LOL!!!

Well, during my intro to the vid, I will go into greater detail about this particular shopping trip and I will also film a small haul for you guys...I say small because I just bought 5 items! (I did really good and didn't go over my budget! LOL! YAY!)

I hope you guys all had a fabulous Labor Day Weekend and I will let you know when the vids are posted and hook you up with some photos as well!!! Much love to you guys...as always! Take it easy and have a fantastical day! :)

Hey Blue Eyes - Inspiration Look on YouTube

I was SO inspired by Geisha1254's blue smokey eye look, that I decided to do a version of it myself! You can check out my live tutorial/look video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEGWuXGXkXM

She is a fabulous artist and her vision for color combinations is impeccable! I only hope that my version of this look is half of what hers is! I want to thank her for being such a fabulous inspiration and so nice to all her subscribers! Everyone that I have referred to her site has said the same things I have...she is simply amazing! :) You guys should make sure to go check out her site at www.YouTube.com/Geisha1254! You won't be disappointed!

Now....on to the products list!
Coastal Scents 88 Palette, of course!
Cover Girl Tropical Quad - Darkest Blue Color Only
Loreal Quad in Nila's Blues - Dark Navy Blue Only
Mac Eye Shadow - Gesso
Mac Powerpoint - Black Russian
Jordanna Easy Liner - Bliss
Channel Eye Shadow Base - Rose
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - Milk
MAC DazzleLash - Black
Bare Minerals Big Tease Mascara - Black
Coastal Scents Gel Liner - Black
Maybelline Brow Color - Light Brown
Red Earth Blush - Sun Rush
Rimmel Bronzer - Sun Bronze
Bare Minerals - Well Lit Highlight Color
Bare Minerals - Warmth Contour
Bare Minerals - Light Foundation
Bare Minerals - Mineral Veil
Loreal True Match Compact Foundation - N2 Classic Ivory
Benefit Erase Paste - No. 2
Benefit Powderflage
Benefit Boi-ing Concealer - No. 1
Mac Chromeglass -
Scotch Tape
Sponge Applicators
Qtips
Makeup Wipes

I believe that is it! I know it seems like a lot, but most of the face products are just a part of my daily routine, plus I did some contouring which always adds extras!

You may need some specific types (not brands) of brushes to help acheive some of the effects of the eyes. I would suggest.....

* Pencil/Fat Liner Brush - I use Loew Cornell's Finch Shader Brush, you could use a Mac 219 or the liner end of the BE Rock N Roll Brush
* Smudger Brush - I used one end of the BE Rock N Roll Brush or you could use a stiff shader brush...that would work just fine!
* A small, flat shader for inner eye corner color
* Regular Flat Shader Brush can apply the rest of the colors, even the brow highlight. Just make sure to clean the brush in between colors so they don't mix! :)

Femme Couture Look on YouTube

Make sure to go to YouTube and check out the video! Here's the link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSvIZT6euKo ...& MAKE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE!!! :)

Products Used for this Look:

Femme Couture Mineral Shadows in Pink Sand & Deep Amethyst, Mac Carbon e/s, Mac Nylon e/s, Mac Powerpoint Pencil in Black Russian, Smashbox Envy e/s, Maybelline Brow Powder in Lt. Brown, Ulta Clear Brow Gel, Loreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup in True Beige, Bare Minerals Foundation in Light, BE Mineral Veil, Benefit Boi-ing in #1, Benefit Erase Paste in #2, Benefit Powderflage, Channel Eyeshadow Base in Rose, BE Warmth, BE Well-Lit, Rimmel Bronzer in Sun Bronze, BE Blush in Pink Diamond, Maybelline Colorsensational l/s in Pink Sand 005 (what a conincidence!), Mac Lipglass in Pop Mode, Rimmel Foundation Primer, Mac Dazzlelash Mascara, Jane e/s sticks in Pink Pearl 02 & Island Breeze 01, Wet ‘N Wild e/s Stick in 130 (a champagne color…don’t know the name)….I think that just about does it with the exception of brushes and sponges!

I went haulin’ last weekend and ended up at Sally’s Friday evening to check out what they had in house. I have never tried their cosmetics, so I thought I would give their mineral line a try since all the products were on sale for $5 off 3 items! I purchased a gel liner as well as the two mineral shadows featured in this look. (Pink Sand and Deep Amethyst) They are okay besides being terribly hard to blend! This was the first time I had tried these shadows, so you are right there discovering them with me if you go check out the video on YouTube by clicking here -à
The shadows ended up being pretty shimmery as you can tell in the photos. I tried to tone them down with the matte, black carbon…when that didn’t work as much as I would have liked, I decided this could just be a going out look instead! I think too much shimmer on myself, really highlights my wrinkles, so I will be doing as little of that as possible! But, some of you that don’t share the eye lines that I have, would look SO gorgeous in this look!

Of course, you don’t have to go and purchase these exact colors and can use anything you have in your drawer! I know the CS 88 palette has many dupe colors and MAC makes a ton of shadows that would look, probably better, if I am being completely honest. For the price of $5.99 each, I am not too awful mad that they are hard to blend or not super pigmented. You can pretty much pack the color on, or I am sure apply them wet, to achieve a greater intensity just like a lot of other mineral companies out there.

I have yet to decide if I will be repurchasing these shadows or not. I guess I am sort of waiting to see how the other items from the line turn out to be. They did have some really pretty colors in eyeshadow, I just really wish they had some samples or something that I could look at up close and personal prior to purchasing! I guess not everywhere can be MAC or Ulta! LOL!
I will be doing a full review on Femme Couture Mineral Effects for you guys once I feel I have given every item I purchased, a full chance. You can also see what else I purchased at Sally’s and my other stops along the way in the haul video that will be posted next! J So, make sure to go check that out! I will be posting photos here on my blog of all the items I purchased along with as many swatches as I can make show up!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by to read this entry! Keep your eye out for many more to come! I am about to get to work on a series as well as my VERY long list of reviews that have been requested! I hope you guys have a wonderful day and don’t forget to sign up to follow here on my blog, at www.Twitter.com/VanitysEdge, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more in depth reviews/hauls/looks… www.YouTube.com/VanitysEdge! I would love to have everyone’s support on this journey I am taking!