Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

MAC Taste Temptation Collection Mattene Lipsticks in Nocturnal Instincts, Seductive Intent, and Night Blooming Review and Swatches

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts, Seductive Intent, and Night Blooming.
I think of all the collections to come out recently, MAC Taste Temptation, was one of my favorites.
 "A seductive style surfaces after-hours, drawing in an exotic panorama of pleasure-seeking, night-blooming violets. M∙A∙C captures this world in an elegant colour collection of deep purples, plums and amethysts."
What a beautiful color scheme to welcome the cooler weather. This collection included a range of products but this post will focus on the Mattene lipsticks.

MAC Taste Temptation collection included three mattene lipsticks that are semi-mat.
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts, Seductive Intent, and Night Blooming.
Nocturnal Instincts- A mid toned greyed lavender-
I found this shade to come off as more pink on my lips rather than lavender. It is very soft but does not wash out light skin. I found this shade to last significantly on my lips (about 6 hours) and i did not find this shade drying. If your lips dry out easily apply lip balm on about before applying this product. Because this shade is light flaky lips will be more apparent. Does not settle into lines and does not bleed or feather.

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts without flash
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts with flash

Seductive Intent- Vivid Purple-
This shade had me the most excited. It is so close to the coveted Heroine that it could almost be a dupe. This purple is absolutely beautiful. Lasts for about 6 hours on the lips and is not drying. You can always apply a lip balm shortly before applying this to keep your lips more moisturized. Does not bleed, feather, or exacerbate any lip flaws.

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Seductive Intent 
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Seductive Intent without flash
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Seductive Intent with flash
 Night Blooming- Mid Tone Blue Pink-
While described as a pink i found this to be more purple and when placed next to Seductive Intent they look only a few shades off from each other. It is a very flattering color for all skin tones that i have seen it on. This shade lasts about 6 hours on the lips. Since it is darker than Nocturnal Instincts it does not show lip flaws such as flaking lips as easily. There is no bleeding or feathering. This shade isn't drying but if your lips are prone to drying, some lip balm always helps.

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Night Blooming

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Night Blooming without flash

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Night Blooming with flash
These lipsticks can be found on the MAC website here, along with other pieces from the Taste Temptation collection!


MAC Taste Tempations Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted and Unconventional Review and Swatches

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted and Unconventional
I think of all the collections to come out recently, MAC Taste Temptations, was one of my favorites.
 "A seductive style surfaces after-hours, drawing in an exotic panorama of pleasure-seeking, night-blooming violets. M∙A∙C captures this world in an elegant colour collection of deep purples, plums and amethysts."
What a beautiful color scheme to welcome the cooler weather. This collection included a range of products but this post will focus on the two powdered blushes.
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted and Unconventional

I find these blushes to be rather unique in their color scheme. Passionately Tempted is rather pigmented for a blush. It is a mid toned magenta. Really not something you see everyday and i found this shade a little hard to wear. No matter how lightly i apply this it still made me look like i had some sort of rosacea. After some blending with mineral powder foundation it began to suit me perfectly. This shade may work better for those with a darker skin tone but those who are light skinned my have a little bit of an issue with this shade. While not hard to blend i didn't have the easiest time.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted on bare skin.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted
 As for the second blush, Unconventional, is described as a pale, shimmering lavender, while i found it to be not shimmery in the least, it was a nice soft lavender. I don't think this shade could work on everyone. While the above shade may suit those with a darker skin tone better, Unconventional may suit those with lighter skin just a little better. This shade inst too pigmented but can be built up, i don't think you will need to though.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional on bare skin.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional

 These blushes can be found on the MAC website here, along with other pieces from the Taste Temptation collection!

MAC Taste Temptation Collection

Friday, November 9, 2012

MAC Holiday Collection Glamor Daze I'm The One Blush Review Swatches


MAC Glamor Daze I'm The One Blush
From the moment i heard about MAC's holiday collections i was excited. So much to choose from- look bags, palettes, lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, all in beautiful packaging with inspiration from the 1960's. Each collection with amazing items to choose from. This review will focus on I'm The One Blush.
MAC Glamor Daze I'm The One Blush

I'm The One Blush is a mid-tone pink with blue undertones. It has a satin finish and glides on very soft. You can build the color up on your cheeks from pale pink to brighter pink. It can be a little light on pale skin. It has the glossy packaging that matches the other Glamor Daze products.

MAC Glamor Daze I'm The One Blush
MAC Glamor Daze I'm The One Blush
MAC Glamor Daze I'm The One Blush

MAC Glamor Daze I'm The One Blush

For more information on these products and other products in the MAC holiday collections please check out http://www.maccosmetics.com, and my reviews on the Fabulousness Holiday Eye Kit's here, Glamor Daze Lipstick here, Primped Out Lip and Eye Look Bag here, Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Divine Blue here, and Everything That Glitters Nail Lacquer here!



Thursday, November 8, 2012

MAC Glamor Daze Lipsticks in Beauty, Outragously Fun, and Dramatic Encounter Review and Swatches

MAC Glamor Daze Lipsticks in Beauty, Dramatic Encounter, and Outrageously Fun
From the moment i heard about MAC's holiday collections i was excited. So much to choose from- look bags, palettes, lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, all in beautiful packaging with inspiration from the 1960's. Each collection with amazing items to choose from. This review will focus on the 3 of the Glamor Daze Lipsticks in Beauty, Dramatic Encounter, and Outrageously Fun.

MAC Glamor Daze Lipsticks in Beauty, Dramatic Encounter, and Outrageously Fun
MAC Glamor Daze Lipsticks in Beauty, Dramatic Encounter, and Outrageously Fun
The glossy packaging is just a little different from the normal matte packaging. This is also reflected on the tubes which are a sleek, glossy, black even once the cap is removed. Even though the design is simple it matches perfectly with the other items of the Glamor Daze Collection.
MAC Glamor Daze Lipsticks in Beauty, Dramatic Encounter, and Outrageously Fun

Since each lipstick has a different finish i will be doing individual reviews.

Beauty (GLAZE)-
I am sure i have mentioned this so many times before, but i am more a fan of matte or amplified finishes  because i feel they look best on me. I went out on a limb and decided to get this shade because i felt- what is the point of a 60's inspired collection without a soft pink? I wasn't sure i would like this shade when applied because glaze shades can be streaky or show lip flaws. For this shade i found there to be light streaking but not so much when applying it but rather when pressing my lips together. I think this would be great if i already had a color base under it like Snob or Saint Germaine and use Beauty to make them softer and glossier. I liked the way the color did have good coverage, it was nearly opaque which i did not expect from a Glaze. This soft pastel pink is light but does not wash out light skin. I do find that it has decent pigmentation, and is what is expected of a glaze. If this shade was not in the Glamor Daze collection i probably would not have bought it and opted for the other colors mentioned.Does show some lip flaws.

MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Beauty

MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Beauty
MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Beauty

Dramatic Encounter (Amplified Creme)-
This deep, rich, Burgundy like plum, was not as purple as i had hoped it might be. In terms of quality it is fantastic, richly pigmented, non streaky, opaque coverage, complimenting shade for most skin tones, not as dark as shades like Film Noir but still dark enough to live up to its dramatic name.

MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Dramatic Encounter

MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Dramatic Encounter

MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Dramatic Encounter

Outrageously Fun (Cremesheen)-
This shade is a blue based, creamy, hot pink. It gives complete coverage, opaque, non streaky, and very pigmented. I feel like this applied more like an amplified shade, so if you are looking for something a little sheerer, this isn't it. I did not find this shade too drying, but if your lips are prone to chapping apply lip balm underneath this.

MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Outrageously Fun
MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Outrageously Fun

MAC Glamor Daze Lipstick in Outrageously Fun


For more information on these products and other products in the MAC holiday collections please check out http://www.maccosmetics.com, and my reviews on the Fabulousness Holiday Eye Kit's here, I'm The One blush here, Primped Out Lip and Eye Look Bag here, Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Divine Blue here, and Everything That Glitters Nail Lacquer here!



NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact in Dark Shadows Review


So if you have been with me since the beginning of my blog you should know i am no stranger to showing love for both high end and drugstore products. Browsing drugstore products can sometimes be a gamble. Will the color payoff be good? How about pigmentation? Will this product last? Will it be high quality?  Lots of factors to consider. One company that has had consistently great products with amazing quality for their price is NYC - New York Color.

New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compacts (which you may have noticed i have reviewed before in different colors here!) are all in one, all you need, to create a full eye look. This product includes a primer, an illuminator, applicator and four soft complimentary shadows.

While the shadows are soft they blend very easily. Their pigmentation is good. The primer great for the price and brings out the pigmentation in the shadows even more when they are layered on it. The illuminator makes the shades brighter and is great to apply under the brow to brighten the look. Both the illuminator and the primer are cream so you can use your fingers to apply for a smaller foundation/cover up brush. Using the shadows over the primer will allow the shadows to last for about 5 hours without creasing. If you are a bit of novice in terms of applications there is a how to on the back of the package and one below, scroll down to see. This product is a great starter product and introduction to makeup, since it requires so little in addition for a complete look. You can use all the shadows together or use them one at a time. These shades can be used to make a smokey eye look or just a light look with a dark, dramatic crease. You really have so many options with this palette.

There are a few cons. Since the shadows are soft (which isn't a bad thing) you should be careful when pressing your applicator (or brush) into them. Another small con is that because they are soft there is some fall out. Have a blending sponge handy or a fan brush, or even just a tissue to wipe up any that may land on your cheek. Since both the primer base and the illuminator are cream they are prone to having the shadow dust off into them. What you can do is take a small piece of plastic wrap and cover them when using the shadows. This palette is a little fragile so don't carry it in your purse, you really wont need touch up's anyway!



How to create a quick blended look:
Not pictured- apply your primer to your lid and lend it out to right under the brow.
Top to bottom, left side
Step 1- Apply the second shade to your lid and make sure to stop right before you reach your crease. Make sure to pat on gently. You can use your applicator or an eyeshadow brush. 
Step 2- Fill in your crease with the third shade. applying from the inner corner out. Then blend with a soft back and forth motion
Step 3- Apply the first color under the arch of the brow and blend with a back and forth motion with the crease.

Top to bottom, right side.
Step 4- Apply the fourth and darkest color to the fold of the outer crease blending vertically to define the eye and make the shadow dramatic (if you want you can omit this step if you feel it is too dark on your eye, or use it only as a night look.
Step5- use the darkest color as an eye liner both above and under the eye (you can layer liquid liner over it and add mascara if you would like
Step 6- you're done!

If you would like to add even more drama you can always use the third color as your lid color and blend out the crease with the fourth color, and still using the first color as your under brow high lighter. This would make a very dramatic smokey eye!

These are quick and easy looks that should only take about 5 minuets to make.

You can find these in drugstores for about $4.99. NYC New York Color products range from $.99 to $4.99 making them some of the most affordable, chic, makeup that you can find in the drugstore.
 You can't go wrong with these on trend products!

Disclaimer- I received this product complimentary for reviewing purposes from www.Influenster.com . This review contains only my honest thoughts and opinions of this product.

If you would like more information on this product or any other NYC- New York Color product please check out http://newyorkcolor.com/ .

Friday, October 19, 2012

Bride to Be Influenster Vox Box 2012 Overal Review


Nothing makes me more excited then a Vox Box from Influenster! Wait whats Influenster- its a site that calculates how influential you are, sends you products based to test and review, and offers informative reviews on varies products! This is my second Vox Box, first being the Summer Beauty Vox Box for summer 2012, this box is is for Brides to Be! What a more exciting time in a woman life- an upcoming marriage and a box full of goodies to help her get through it. If you are getting marraied i highly suggest you read on because these products will help you not only on your big day but on all the days leading up to the big day.

This post will focus on all the items i received but for a more in depth review along with tips on how to use the products check out my individual review pages in the up coming days.
Disclaimer- I have received these products for reviewing purposes and all opinions in this blog are my own honest opinions of these products.


Don't let this small box fool you it is jammed packed with every item a Bride to Be needs!


Items for hair, eyes, sleep, stress, and even your single friends? Are you ready to find out about the best pre-wedding products?


Rescue Gum-
I don't know about you but when I'm running errands and finalizing plans i can get pretty stressed out. If only there was something simple and natural to help ease the nerves. Well there is! Rescue Gum, this homeopathic gum, aside from tasting like herbal tea and citrus, will slowly ease your nerves. This gum contains all natural ingredients and does not taste medicinal. This is a handy product to have not just for brides to be but for busy moms, college students before a final, even as a pre-bed chew to relax before sleep. 
Can be purchased at whole foods for $5.95
For more information check out and like their facebook here!  Check out and follow their twitter here


Dream Water in Snoozeberry-
Having a hard time falling asleep? Thinking did i call the florist? Is the Caterer booked? What songs should the DJ play? Relax! You have all day to think about those things, you need your beauty sleep. Dream water is a shot of lightly flavored, zero calorie, water that eases you into relaxation to help calm your mind and help you sleep. I like that this water isn't overly flavored and doesn't add extra calories to my diet at night. While this wont make you drowsy or overly sleepy it will help you.
Can be found at drugstores like Duane Read and Wallgreens for $2.99 for 2.5 oz.
For more information check out and like their Facbook here! Check out and follow their Twitter here!
Kiss everEZlashes-
I have to admit something to you all, this cosmeholic, is terrible at applying false lashes. I can never apply them right or i get the glue all over my fingers. When i saw this product in my Vox Box i was so excited to try them. Could i finally wear false lashes? YES I COULD! These were so easy to put on that even a novice like me was able to do them in under 60 seconds. These lashes look natural but make my own lashes just a little more dramatic. If you aren't used to wearing flake lashes, or just want a little extra help in applying them, these would be a great choice. Each lash has small red strings attached to the ends. (My picture is missing them because i had already applied them, video to be posted soon!). You simply place the glue (which has a no drip easy applicator, so no mess!) on each lash and allow to dry until sticky. Grab each lash by the strings and hold taught. Apply to eye and slide stings out. That's it. Because of these lashes i have started to wear flase lashes and have stocked up on a few pairs of these.
Sold at drugstores for $3.99
Check out their Facebook here! and follow on Twitter here!



Schwarzkopf Professionals BC Repair Rescue Hair Therapy-
First, i was simply wowed at how big these were. Hair repair doesn't happen over night and it is good to know that with these products you will have plenty to keep your hair looking healthy and strong for a good deal of time. The bottles are also well proportioned. The shampoo bottle is slightly bigger than the conditioner bottle. When using conditioner it is not always better to use more. The Sealed ends is a great way to round out your hair washing routine. This product will give your hair 25% more strength using Cura+ Protein Complex. What i like about these? They smell great, not over powering but subtle, it wont over power your perfume. Does not leave hair greasy. Seals split ends so that they become unnoticeable. Makes hair shiny and manageable. If you have damaged hair or just want your hair to look extra nice for your big day or any day this hair care system would be perfect to pick up.
Check out and like their Facebook here! and follow on Twitter here!
Sold at salons! $18-$21 (so worth it!)


And those single ladies?
Oh influenster is there anything you don't think of! For all your single brides maids, Ivy Date is great website to meet interesting singles. Don't set your girls up with just anyone, let them find the man of their dreams on this site.
Check out and like their Facebook here!, follow on Twitter here!