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MAC Splashproof Lash Mascara Lengthens and Curls, But Does It Thicken?

April 24th, 2009 by Karen 23 Comments

mac splashproof lash macara

Ah, the wonders of makeup bribery!

Yesterday I bought MAC’s Splashproof Lash Mascara in Blacksplash ($12), but before throwing down the credit card, I struck a deal with myself.

The “payment” for the mascara would have to come in the form of seven 45-minute sessions on the stair stepper machine at the gym. Hello, sweaty beast.

I figure the whole makeup-in-exchange-for-cardio thing 1) helps get my booty looking cute in time for summer and 2) provides me with an excuse to try a new waterproof product! 🙂

mac splashproof lash mascara wand

Splashproof is MAC’s only waterproof mascara, and I’ve been told it lengthens, thickens and separates lashes without clumping or flaking. Right now it’s being sold with the new A Rose Romance collection, but it’s also part of MAC’s permanent collection.

Last night I applied two layers before my first 45-minute stair session and paid close attention to how it performed…

First, it glided on without clumping or flaking, so application-wise it’s a star.
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Outlet Mall Makeup: Big Discounts on MAC at The Cosmetics Company Store

August 17th, 2008 by Karen 45 Comments

MAC rarely goes on sale, but if you live near an outlet mall you may be in luck. Legend has it The Cosmetics Company Store chain of outlet shops is one of the few places that regularly stocks discounted MAC makeup, brushes and skin care products, as well as discounted products from other department store cosmetics brands. To see for myself, I jumped on the computer this morning and pulled up Outletbound.com to find the nearest outlet mall with a Cosmetics Company Store.

Paydirt!

I found one an hour north of me in Napa, so I took a drove up there today to check it out.

A somewhat mysterious chain store with at least 70 locations across the US, The Cosmetics Company Store sells discounted makeup, skin care, brushes and fragrances from several of the Estee Lauder lines including MAC, Origins, Bobbi Brown and Clinique. I say “mysterious” because I couldn’t find a website for the company.

MAC at The Cosmetics Company Store

The sales staff at the Napa Valley location informed me that each Cosmetics Company Store maintains a different inventory of products. MAC treasures will vary. The store I visited had two MAC displays — one with makeup and another with skin care and brushes.

I got the impression that colors and product choices are kinda hit or miss, but I was surprised to find a lot of products from past launches like MAC Fafi lipsticks for $10 (originally $14), Beauty Powder Blushes for $12.25 (originally $17.50), and the Lipglasses from the Stylistics collection for $14 (originally $20).

If you missed a limited edition release (like I missed the Stylistics collection when it first appeared for the holidays in 2007), and it’s no longer available on MAC’s website, you might get a second chance at The Cosmetics Company Store.
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18 MAC to School Makeup Tips

August 11th, 2008 by Karen 83 Comments

Guess what? I decided to go back to school on Saturday. Yup, I attended a 2-hour MAC Studio Talk makeup class at Bloomingdale’s in SF, and, like the Chanel master class at Macy’s a couple weeks ago, it was packed with makeup tips and new product information.

Watching a video at the start of class

If you love makeup, brand-sponsored classes like these are a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I found out about the MAC Studio Talk class through the Bloomingdale’s website. Ask in the stores, as well (check with the counter staff), because other brands offer similar classes.

Makeup classes like these are often free, but sometimes stores or brands will charge a nominal fee. Classes are usually kept small (30 people or less), and in some cases hands-on (as was the MAC Studio Talk class), where you’re able to apply products on yourself. Other times, they’ll be more lecture-style. To reserve a spot in a MAC Studio Talk class through Bloomingdale’s costs $75, but that amount also applies toward the purchase of MAC products at the end of the class. If you were planning to spend some money on a new collection anyway, a class like one of these may be a fun way to couple your new products with some professional instruction.

MAC Studio Makeup Talk

Each student was given a choice to learn either a bridal look or a club-inspired look. I chose the club look, and the instructors described each step in the process. I picked up a few tips along the way.

1. Beat the Heat with MAC Wipes

When it’s hot out, store MAC Wipes ($17) in the fridge. It keeps them feeling crisp and refreshing against your skin when used to remove your makeup.

2. Fix+ to Soothe Red Areas

If you have red, splotchy skin, spritz Fix+ ($16) over your entire face before applying your makeup. Not only does the spray prep skin for makeup application, but it contains soothing chamomile as well.

3. Primer Reduces the Need for Touch-Ups

Face primers are great for oily skinned ladies and gents. You won’t have to reapply your makeup as often throughout the day if you use a primer first. MAC has two kinds, Prep + Prime Skin ($23) and Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 ($28).

4. Use Fast Response Eye Cream to Minimize Fine Lines

If you have fine lines around your eyes or mouth, apply Fast Response Eye Cream ($28.50) to the areas before applying any of your makeup (even foundation). The formula contains optical diffusers to minimize the appearance of fine lines.

5. Layer Foundation: It’s Easier to Add Than to Take Away

A little foundation goes a long way. It’s better to start with less and to build it up to the coverage you want. It’s easier to slowly add product than it is to take it away.

6. Studio Tech Foundation for Medium Coverage

MAC Studio Tech ($29), a cream foundation in a compact tends to be lighter than MAC’s fluid foundations. I’m normally an NC 35, but Studio Tech in a slightly darker NC 37 provides great medium coverage and helps soften and diffuse lines on the skin.

7. Use Downward Strokes to Apply Foundation

Facial hair and fuzz tends to lie vertically on the skin, from top to bottom, so when applying foundation with something like a 190 Foundation Brush ($32), use downward strokes to and go with the “grain” of the hair.

8. MAC Blot on Your T-zone for a Natural Look

For a natural look, top MAC Studio Tech foundation with MAC Blot Pressed Powder ($21). In the class, I dusted the Medium Deep shade on my T-zone with a 187 Duo Fibre Brush ($42).

9. Apply Bronzer Like a Pro

When you apply bronzer, think of a capital letter E. With Refined Golden Bronzer ($21) and a 187 brush, start near the outer corner of your right eye, swiping down the curve of the cheek bone (under the apple of your cheek). Then, swipe back up the same way. From there, swipe over the right temple onto your upper forehead just below your right hairline. The overall shape you’re shooting for resembles a capital E on the right side. Do the reverse on your left.

10. Apply Blush Like a Champ

When applying blush, grab a 187 duo fiber brush. Swipe it on the blush pan once or twice, tapping off the excess powder. Smile in the mirror to make the apples of your cheeks more prominent and apply with the blush using a small, circular motion. Repeat the process, moving the color up from the apples to the hairline.

11. Tame Unruly Eyebrows

If your brow hairs lie in different directions, Brow Set ($13.50) is a handy product to have around. It’s a gel that acts like hair spray for yours brows, keeping them in place. It even comes with a mascara brush. In a pinch, you can also use it to tame stray hairs elsewhere on the face.

12. Prime Your Eyes with Paint Pots

Eye primer extends the life of your eye shadows. Painterly Paint Pot ($16.50) is a great multi-purpose eye primer. It’s a creamy, nude beige shade that goes with almost all colors. Apply the product over the entire eye using a flat brush like the MAC 242 ($23). You don’t need to use lots of product when it comes to Paint Pots; less is more.
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MAC Makeup Fafi Tutorial: A Black and Gold Smokey Eye

February 19th, 2008 by Karen 75 Comments

MAC Makeup Fafi Tutorial: A Black and Gold Smokey Eye

I finally got my paws on MAC Fafi yesterday, and all I have to say is MEOW! Love it. This morning I busted out a few things from the collection — Fafi Eyes 1 Quad, Nice Vice Paint Pot and the Not So Innocent Lipstick — and created this subtle gold and black smokey eye for work.

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A few days ago, after the super-spy MAC Fafi swatch mission, I fell in love with Fafi’s Paint Pots (love Nice Vice!) and lipsticks but wasn’t floored by the eyeshadow quads. I changed my tune after playing with the Fafi Eyes 1 Quad ($36) this mornin’. The colors work with my skin tone (so far the shades “Hey” and “Vanilla” are my faves), and the textures apply like butter. If you love neutral eyeshadows, I think you’ll dig this quad.

Now, on to the look! New to semi-complicated makeup? Don’t despair. If you’ve ever worn at least two eyeshadow colors at a time, then you can certainly handle this. Yes! You! Can!

Products I used to create the look…

Dior Long-Wearing Moisturizing Concealer in shade 430
MAC Fafi Eyes 1 Quad – Vanilla eyeshadow
MAC Paint Pot – Nice Vice
MAC Fafi Eyes 1 Quad – Howzat eyeshadow
MAC Fafi Eyes 1 Quad – Hey
MAC Fluidline Eyeliner – Blacktrack
MAC Eyeshadow – Concrete
MAC Zoom Lash mascara – Zoomblack
MAC Barbie Beauty Powder – Pearl Blossom
MAC Cremestick Lip Liner – Sublime Culture
MAC Glaze Lipstick – Not So Innocent
MAC Lipglass – Clear

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MAC Fafi: The Things I Do For Love

February 10th, 2008 by Karen 137 Comments

“…you see, I’m a beauty writer, and I’d like to share pictures of the MAC Fafi display and some swatches on my blog.”

“Yeah, well, I’m sorry, but you can’t take pictures in here.”

“Please, is there any possible way? These are die hard, loyal MAC fans, and I’d really like to let them see color swatches of the line. They are so excited, and most of them intend to spend a lot of money on it. I could give a special mention to your store…”

“Sorry, NO! It’s policy. I can’t let you do that.”

Note to file: ’tis usually a BAD IDEA to tell a journalist “no” because come hell or high water, she’ll find a way to get what she wants. Behold, the forbidden MAC Fafi display:

Approaching the MAC store yesterday my spider sense started tingling. I knew deep in my veins the powers-that-be would not let me get swatches and take pictures of Fafi without a fight. I had El Hub, my getaway driver and co-conspirator, circle around the block a few times, with me ducked down in the passenger seat beside him, so I could case the joint before embarking upon the mission. Peering into the store as we circled the block, I could see what I’d be up against.

Inside were four makeup artists busy with six customers. I contemplated my Fafi swatch strategy and decided I had two options:

First, there was Option 1, codenamed “Guerilla Warfare.” I would enter the store and immediately start snapping pictures and then play dumb the moment the employees shut me down (“My bad, I didn’t know I couldn’t take pictures, sorry!”).

Option 2, codenamed “Smooth Operator,” would require better timing and more finesse than Option 1. I would enter the store, introduce myself, make nice, and then charm my way into being allowed to take a few snapshots. I’ve pulled this one off many times before; it’s harder work, but when executed correctly can pay off in the end. You know the drill: you get more bees with honey.

For this mission, I chose Option 2. El Hub double parked the getaway car in front of the store, we said our goodbyes, and off I went.

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out the way I’d hoped it would. After being told three times that I couldn’t take any display pics, I took out my trusty camera and shot hella pictures of the display when nobody was watching, ha!

When I asked if I could swatch the products, I got shut down yet again. Undeterred, I meticulously applied color swatches to my arm. I could tell a few of the makeup artists were on to me. “I just want to see what the colors look like against my skin tone,” I replied with a smile. “Aren’t those Paint Pots to die for?”

After I finished swatching the entire Fafi line (with the exception of the nail polishes) onto my left arm, I waited until all of the makeup artists were busy with customers, and then calmly walked out the front door.

Outside, I spotted El Hub behind the wheel of the getaway car and booked it!

Without further ado (drumroll, please!), below are the forbidden Fafi swatches.

The pics are kinda ghetto, I know. The James Bond-like conditions weren’t ideal, but I did the best I could!

MAC Fafi Paint Pots from left to right ($16.50 each): Cash Flow, Perky, Layin’ Low, Girl Friendly, Nice Vice, Rollickin’

MAC Fafi Eyeshadow Quads from left to right ($36): Fafi Eyes 1, Fafi Eyes 2

MAC Fafi Lipglasses from left to right ($14): Squeeze It, Sugar Trance, Cult Fave, Totally It

MAC Fafi Powder Blush from left to right ($17.50): Fashion Frenzy, Hipness
MAC Fafi Iridescent Powders from left to right ($21): Verve-Acious, Sassed Up, Belightful
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MAC Fafi Lipsticks left to right ($14): High Top, Strawbaby, Not So Innocent, Flash-n-Dash, Fun ‘N’ Sexy, Utterly Frivolous

Ahhhh, yes, MAC Fafi. The things I do for love…

The MAC Cosmetics Fafi Collection drops February 13th, so check your MAC Counter or your favorite free standing store. Just don’t tell them you’ve got a camera on you, yo!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

If you liked this post, check out MAC Makeup Tips: MAC Does Makeup for Music, Too and A Kryolan Makeover, aka Adventures in Theater Makeup. 🙂

MAC Makeup Reviews, Cosmetics – Invisible Set Powder; Natural Flare Loose Beauty Powder; Indianwood and Groundwork Paintpot; Plushlash in Plushblack

October 13th, 2007 by Karen 30 Comments

MAC Makeup Reviews – Part Uno of MAC Pro Store Haul

MAC Loose Beauty Powder in Natural Flare
Price: $21.00 for a 0.28 jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
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Oh. My. Gawd. Becky.

The Loose Beauty Powders are frickin’ amazing.

MAC Loose Beauty Powders are sheer, jet-milled powders used to bring shimmer to eyes, cheeks and skin.

There are eight colors, and I think I want them all!

– MAC Paperwhite: Soft white with pearl reflects
– MAC Micro Pink: Pale pink with red reflects
– MAC Lightly Lilac: Soft lavender with violet reflects
– MAC Daisy Dust: Pale banana with gold reflects
– MAC Natural Flare: Peachy champagne with white and gold reflects
– MAC Peach Haze: Soft coral with gold and bronze reflects
– MAC Dancing Light: Creamy gold with white gold reflects
– MAC Drizzlegold: Flechy beige with copper and gold reflects

I have MAC Natural Flare, a peachy champagne with white and gold reflects. Not only is the color beautiful, it’s incredibly versatile.

In the past two weeks I’ve used it in several different ways, including:

– on top of matte blushes to give them dimension
– as a highlighter on the nose, chin and upper cheekbones
– with lotion and applied to legs and arms
– mixed with sunscreen on days I’m too lazy to wear foundation but still want a little glow.

What I liked about MAC Loose Beauty Powder

– gorgeous, refined glitter that isn’t too in your face
– perfect, natural looking sparkle
– very sheer, yet buildable coverage. Even when I’ve accidentally overloaded my brush and the results still look great
– great for a luminous J.Lo skin look

What I didn’t like about MAC Loose Beauty Powder

– nada! I just wish I picked up a few more colors!

The final word
Words can’t even begin to capture how much I love this product. Ladies, get your hands on this asap. Tis the shizz.

… Loose beauty?
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REVIEW: MAC Paintpots in Indianwood and Groundwork
Price: $16.50 for a 0.17 oz jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: C+/B-

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I’m a big fan of MAC Paints as eyeshadow bases. Barely a day goes by when I don’t reach for my beloved Bare Canvas.

I’ve been a little hesitant to get on the Paint Pot train because the last thing I need is another MAC obsession to fuel. However, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. And if it’s for the sake of beauty blogging, then I’m down to make the ultimate sacrifice of possible product obsession.

I had great expectations for the MAC Paint Pots and was entirely hoping they’d rock me, Amadeus.

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Although I liked the colors, I was disappointed with the texture and performance of MAC’s Paint Pots. My wallet will be happy to know that I will not be shelling out le dough to get all of the colors into my makeup stash.

What I liked about MAC Paint Pots

– great packaging
– natural and pretty colors
– long wearing
– doesn’t crease

What I didn’t like about MAC Paint Pots

– drier formulation

If you’ve used the previous MAC Paints in a tube, you know that one of the big issues is that the product is hard to control. It tends to shoot out of the tube, a lot ends up going to waste and the metallic packaging just sucks!

The MAC Paint Pot packaging is a vast improvement. And the stuff stays on forever and doesn’t crease, which is great. I often use Indianwood just as a wash of color all over the lid on days when I’m too lazy to do a full eye.

However, I just feel so-so about the paint pots as a shadow base. Maybe I’m nuts (hey, it’s entirely possible) but the drier texture of the new formulation doesn’t grab or blend shadows as well as the OG MAC paints.

The final word on MAC Paint Pots

I’ll probably buy Bare Study just to see how it compares to Bare Canvas, but then I’ll stop there. I don’t lust after these enough to collect them all.

REVIEW: MAC Invisible Set Powder
Price: $24.00 for a 1.1 oz jar
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

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By far for the past few months Laura Mercier Translucent Loose setting powder has been my favorite thing to top off every range of foundation — tinted moisturizer, liquid foundation, etc.

Yet old beauty habits die hard, so I’m always on the hunt for new makeup.

I’ve been wanting to try MAC Pro’s Invisible Set for a while, so during my last trip to the MAC Pro store the first thing on my list was this product. The Set powders are loose powders designed to stabilize and fix makeup, and you can only purchase them at Mac Pro stores. By the way — you don’t have to have a card to shop at the MAC Pro Store! All you need is your credit card and a massive amount of self restraint.

The skinny on MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– jet-milled
– contain micronized pigments and talc for pure colors and soft application
– sheer-light coverage
– matte finish

There are seven shades, including:

– MAC Lilac: Whisper soft lavender
– MAC Peach: Light-medium beige peach
– MAC Deep Peach: Medium-deep beige with neutral peach undertones
– MAC Soft Yellow: Creamy soft yellow
– MAC Dusty Rose: Very soft pink
– MAC Porcelain: Soft white
– MAC Invisible: Transparent ivory

One of my issues with Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose setting powder is that it doesn’t have enough lasting shine control. I’ve read that Invisible Set is a great for ladies with oilier skin, so I was very excited to see how it performed in comparison.

I’ve been alternating MAC Invisible Set makeup with Laura Mercier Translucent over the last two weeks. I wish I could scream from the rooftops that MAC Invisible Set is my new favorite powder but I just feel so-so about it.

What I liked about MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– matte finish that absorbs oil for long periods of time (although this seems to be dependant on the base that I use)
– only have to use very little to get good coverage
– no weird grey cast
– huge makeup jar!

What I didn’t like about MAC Invisible Set Powder…

– has a more stark finish and not as “soft-focus” as Laura Mercier Translucent Loose
– requires more thoughtfulness during application. I can’t just slap this on and go. I really have to be careful not to overload my brush and have to dilute, dilute, dilute; otherwise my makeup looks too Memoirs of Geisha
memoirs-geisha-fina
Invisible Set makeup definitely keeps me less oily throughout the day, but on my skin it really depends on what type of base it adheres. I’ve tried it with various types of coverage, from light tinted moisturizers to medium coverage liquid foundations. By far the best results were from the heavier coverage products. When I wear Laura Mercier Oil-Free foundation, Invisible Set makeup really grabs onto the color and won’t let go. But when I use Laura Mericer Tinted Moisturizer, Invisible Set seems to get oilier much more quickly.

On me, Invisible Set gives a more theatrical, dramatic finish than Laura Mercier Translucent. Laura Mercier’s Translucent is like “I’m running barefoot through a field of sun flowers in afternoon light in sun-dappled Tuscany” while Invisible Set is like “I’m wearing Dubonnet red lips, a black Armani suit and four-inch Manolos and you better move out my way when I’m strutting down Market Street.” Get the picture?

You might like MAC Invisible Set Powder if…

– you like to have a range of powder finish options
– wear heavier foundation
– have really oily skin

The final word on MAC Invisible Set Powder…

I probably won’t buy it again simply because of the fact that this particular jar is going to last me into the next lifetime. It’s huge! And I barely need to use any of it to get great coverage.

Also, I also like to have different powder options on hand, and will use this on days when I want a more dramatic look to my skin. It’s a fun option to have in your makeup arsenal, but if you’ve got a limited budget then it’s not a must-have. However, if you’re skin is super oily and you wear heavier products, this could be a godsend.

I think in the future I’ll actually mix MAC Invisible Set Powder with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. I’ll keep ya’ll posted on the results of this Franken-powder experiment.

REVIEW: MAC Plushlash in Plushblack
Price: $11.00
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+ and a big fat HELL TO THE YAH!

mac-plushlash-plushblack

MAC Plushlash will kick your Plushass!

I’m usually a big fan of drugstore (aka cheap!) mascaras and makeup, but MAC Plushlash is actually worth spending your hard earned cash on. And, baby, I know you work hard for that money.

Plushlash awesomeness begins with the huge brush. It’s all puppies and rainbows from that point on, ladies:

– excellent curl hold
– great lengthening and thickening
– deep, dark black color
– doesn’t smudge

Just for fun the other day I applied four layers of MAC Plushlash in Plushblack, and I actually went out in public without feeling like a total freak…
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After three years of heavy weight domination, MAC Plushlash now knocks out DiorShow as my new fave higher end mascara. LOVE IT!
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How’s your Saturday been? I’ve been slightly out o’ commission because earlier today I was listening to “Get Low” by Flo-Rida (She hit the floor, next thing ya know she got low, low, low, low…). I started dancing around the house, which is standard operating procedure ’round here, and then proceeded to pull a muscle when I got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low. Yes, this is what happens when you’re 32 and you don’t warm up! So I’ve been wobbling around all day like a pirate with a wooden leg. Not cute!

Anyway I hope whatever you are doing is fun and that you are enjoying your day!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

If you enjoyed this post, check out MAC Makeup Reviews – MAC Royal Assets Tan Lips Palette and MAC Makeup Tips: MAC Does Makeup for Music, Too.