My First M.A.C. Haul + Review!

Hello Friends!

I don't know what's taken me so long, but I've never tried anything from MAC before. I received a gift card for my recent graduation, and I thought it was high time to try some out!

I have to preface this review with a side note. I was not terribly impressed with employees that "helped" me out. The MAC counter that I went to was in an upscale department store in my area, and them employees certainly made that clear. Until I made it clear that I intended to purchase enough product to make it worth their while, I was treated like I wasn't quite good enough- posh enough- to be there. Looking back, I probably should have said something to the management or customer service desk, but I just didn't think of it at the time.

I went ahead and had a full makeover. The look was a little... much... for me, but that's what you expect from the over-made-up girls you see at MAC counters. I didn't purchase all of the products they used, since some of them were duplicates of similar products I already had, but I did purchase some of them. Here's my reviews, after a month of trial.

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother - $30

This stuff is interesting. It's pretty thick and gloopy, almost like shortening (okay... not the most flattering description... sorry), but when it goes on, it settles into a smooth, almost silicone like texture. It works well to smooth over rough or dry areas on the face. I find it to work pretty well, but I wouldn't use it as an all-over primer, since it is fairly heavy. It works well in conjunction with a lighter primer for the rest of the face.

MAC Matchmaster Foundation in Shade 1 - $33

Okay, you guys know I'm always on the prowl for a the foundation. I was actually really impressed with this one. Having been skeptical about the "color adjusting" technology for quite a while, I asked the makeup artist how exactly it works. She mumbled something about having pink, yellow, brown, and reflective pigments... I'm not sure either of us understand what she said, but I can say that this foundation works pretty well for me. I have fair skin with slightly yellow undertones, and this comes closer to matching my skin than most foundations.

It works adequately on my oily skin (when used with primers, powders, and other oil control methods), but I don't think it's anything to write home about on that accord. It's definitely a medium coverage, and I find I like it better with a light dusting of a powder foundation over it.

My main issue with this foundation is my fault- the weather got nice, and I ended up getting a tan a few weeks later, so it's now too light... sigh.

OH! Also, I asked the girl at the counter about the many people who say that MAC foundations make them break out. She said that they are "non-acnegenic," so it must be that those people just "didn't wash their faces." Well... I wash my face, and I broke out. So.

MAC Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow in Brownluxe - $40

Okay... So I definitely did NOT realize this was $40! I don't know if it was on sale or if I just didn't ask... but FORTY! For eye shadow! Grrrr....

I really like this palette. It had one matte, the "eggshell" at the top, a "frosty orange gold," a shiny "light yellow chocolate," and two pearl shades "deep bronze" and "blackened plum."  They work well on their own, but look really lovely together. I find that I like them best when used wet- the makeup artist used setting spray on the brush after she loaded it with shadow. It gives a really lovely rich tone.

This one needs a preface. While waiting for my appointment, I perused their counter. I saw these lip products, and told my friend that I wouldn't be caught dead in them... So that's what I ended up wearing... and loving them. They are quite gaudy, so bare with me, as these are my favorites from the trip.

Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick - $15 and Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lipglass -$15

I really love these two paired together. The purple of the lipglass counters the yellowy-ness of the lipstick, and calms it down. I haven't had the guts to wear them separately yet. I do recommend applying the lipstick with a brush, it's not very forgiving. 

A side note about these products- I don't know if you guys already know this, but all proceeds of the Viva Glam lines go towards helping people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

All in all, I had an interesting time with MAC. I love some of the products, but not enough to make me a regular customer, when there's a Sephora in the same complex!

What are some of your favorite MAC products? Let me know in the comment section.

Always,

Nani xx

Drug Store Lips!

Hello Friends!

Over the last few months, I've been exploring different lip glosses and lip sticks. When I first started wearing makeup, I was all about lip gloss, but slowly my focus shifted to the eyes, and i fell in to a lip product rut. That's all changed now! Here's the lip products I've been using lately. Note: My lips tend to be quite dry, and all of these products work well for me.

This is the Covergirl LipPerfection lip color in 325, Spellbound ($5-8). (Note to my UK readers- I'm sure some of you know this, but Covergirl is the US equivalent to MAX Factor) I've been seeing this color a lot, and I thought it was time to give it a try.

 It's so fresh for spring! It's so vibrant and intense. I'm very pleased with the wear and the staying power of this stuff (it's also very moisturizing).  Unfortunately, those factors add up to  lip color that stains any and EVERY thing. Here's what it looks like after it was on my arm for 10 minutes, and removed with makeup remover.

Staining that quickly, you can imagine what can happen when you've worn it for hours. The first time I wore it, I had a few dry patches on my lip, and, even after I did a sugar lip scrub, I had fuchsia patches for two days! *sigh* I also recommend applying with a brush, since it does stain, so any mistakes are hard to hide. Staining aside, I really love this product. I'll be on the lookout for a dupe that doesn't stain, though!

This is Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in 006, Pink Blush ($4.92). I think Rimmel lipsticks are such a great value for your money. They wear very smoothly! I like this shade for spring as well (can you tell it's on my mind? Spring comes slowly in the Pacific North West!)

It's really a lovely petal color. It's an eight hour wear, but I'd think it was closer to 6, which still isn't bad. My only complaint is that if you have any rough spots, it really... clumps up, for lack of a better word. Otherwise, I'm happy with it.

Kate Moss has joined with Rimmel to design a new line lipsticks ($5.19). They're 8-hour long wear (and I think that's actually accurate) and infused with black diamonds to reflect light. I really like that, since it's reflective without being shimmery.

I picked up number 008 (they're not named, as far as I can tell). It looks a lot oranger in the picture, but it's a really nice neutral. My lips are naturally quite pigmented, so it looks really natural on me. I like it!

Now, for my very favorite- L'Oreal Colour Riche Wet Shine Stain ($9.99, but I got mine on a Buy-one-get-one half off sale with a $2 coupon!) I found out recently that L'Oreal owns the YSL makeup line, and according to beauty gurus, it's almost an exact duplicate of their Rouge Por Courture Glossy Stain ($34). It even has the same applicator- almost a heart shape.

 I've been really impressed by this line. I first purchased 184 Rose On and On (the middle shade in the picture above), which I liked so well (and which Louise from Sprinkle of Glitter has also reviewed here), that I went and bought two more, 188 Coral Tattoo (top), and 183 Pink Resistance (bottom). The shades are swatched in the same order below.

This stuff is FABULOUS! The color is intense, but sheer at the same time, if that makes sense. It lasts like a stain, but wears like a non-sticky gloss- perfection. I applied this at 4 pm today, went to dinner, and now, at 11:30 pm, it has just begun to fade, so I'd say it has six solid hours of good color. Also... Remember the one above that stains? This one actually is a stain. This is after... MAYBE five minutes.

Anyway, these are my favorites! What color(s) have been you been loving this spring?

Always,

Nani xx