Mascara Monday-- MAC's Haute and Naughty Lash Mascara

Hey all!

Sorry for the absence-- it was nice to have a break, but I have missed these posts! =)

For today we have MAC's Haute and Naughty mascara, $18 on MAC's website and counters.

What it claims:

A two-in-one mascara that lets you choose if you want lashes to be naturally defined, or instantly combed and loaded for full-on drama. Easy to use dual-wiper system allows the lightweight formula to go on either way. One wiper refines the application for a clean sweep, while the other loads the lashes for greater impact.

Which looks remarkably like this.... hmmmmm.... MAC came first, btw. ;)

Imitation is the highest form of flattery?

It's not exactly new, but I wanted to post a review anyhow!

Essentially what this mascara does it have the wand able to be removed with two different "wipers"-- the diameter of the hole the wand comes out of-- which changes how much product is on the brush. More product generally equals more volume, and less means less volume aka lengthening. Make sense? =) It's the same wand, just pulled through a different wiper depending on where you unscrew the top.
With this mascara, the Pink wand is the lesser product one, and the Purple is more dramatic.


Pictures!

Bare lashes

Bare lashes on left, Pink wand alone on right. 

Pink wand alone

Bare lashes on left, Purple wand layered OVER Pink wand on right

Purple wand alone on left, Purple wand layered OVER Pink wand on right

Overall I REALLY like this mascara! The ONLY complaint I have is that the Purple wand can have a bit too much product on it-- I find myself having to wipe some back into the tube, which I hope doesn't dry it out faster. =/  

The Pink wand is a good natural look-- I prefer the Purple side, but I like a more dramatic lash. It is nice to have the option, and to only have to pack 1 mascara for day AND night! 

I noticed that layering them doesn't really vary from using the Purple alone. In order to be a true lengthening mascara, it would need fibers to build the length onto you lashes~ since both wands use the same formula, it makes sense to not have that type.. you can't exactly pile on a fiber formula and have it look good, haha. 

It's more expensive than the typical MAC mascara ($18 vs. $14) but if you think of it as a 2-in-1 than it's really not that bad. And actually, for a department store brand, $18 is nice, haha! 

What do you think? Have you tried this? Think you will? What about the Rimmel brand one? I'm so curious!

Until Next Time--
~Beauty Maven

What's New/Want It! Wednesday: A powder night treatment, Pink's not just for lips and cheeks!, Fall into the.. V-Gap?, and new products for Bright Eyes!

Happy Wednesday!

I actually don't have too many things for today-- kind of a slower week for releases. But I still have some things to share! =)


Bare Escentuals introduced a new skincare line to their collection, and this one caught my eye.
Pure Transformation Night Treatment, $60 at Sephora.

What it claims: The concentrated powder formula replenishes skin while you sleep so you'll wake up to the famous bareMinerals luminous glow. It dramatically reduces the appearance of pores, evens skintone, and improves skin's texture. Available in four tones, it instantly diffuses imperfections for a range of complexions. And rest easy, it won't come off on your pillow.


Interesting idea! If it really does all of those things, it would be fantastic. And the applicator is just fun-- I love buffing brushes, haha. However, it is a bit pricey. =\

Up next! There has been an emergence of not only orange but PINK! Pink shadow has been on the runways and in new palettes. Example, Urban Decay's "The Fun" Palette, $34 at Ulta.

Here are some pictures of pink shadow in action--- I think it really is a fun look, just limited in how many situations it would be appropriate in. You could always channel this with a nice shell pink~ 

I've also seen a new trend with nails--- known as the "V-Gap" manicure. What do you think? I like it better than the half-moon, but it looks kind of hard to do!

The "V-Gap"

A product I am SUPER excited to test out is MAC's new Prep + Prime Highlighers. There are 3 shades: yellow for a "light boost," peachy coral for a "brightening" effect, and shell pink for a "radiant" look. These are $24 at MAC counters. Not sure of the release date just yet, but I'll tweet it (@BeautyMaven8) when I know!

Okay that's all for today! Hope you all are having a nice week~ 

Until next time--

~Beauty Maven

FOTD Friday-- Peacocky!!

Happy Friday!

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT TODAY. Don't know why, I just have a feeling. =)
Hope you have a fun weekend ahead of you!! Or relaxing, which is also fun.

I decided to play with the Peacock-colors in my e.l.f. 100-eyeshadow palette, and some MAC colors~

My first attempt was full-in with greens and blues and purples:

My second attempt was a little tamer, with just the purple and green:

Blurry, but I like how it shows all of the shimmer~

Side note, here is when I played with just the purple-- gorgeous, right???

Hope you have a lovely weekend!!

Until next time--
~Beauty Maven

What's New/Want it! Wednesday-- Happiness in a compact, Super powered make-up, Clinique's getting attention, and a foundation that FITs!

Hello there!

Since my blog has been getting some attention lately, (omg freakin' amazing, thanks all!), I decided that we'll have a few WANT IT's for this Wednesday!!

First up:

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Mood and Glow Booster line~ powder, bronzer, and blush. $11.95 at Wal-Mart

Available colors: Translucent, Beige, Light Bronzer, Bronzer, Natural (blush), and Rose (blush).

By the way, wouldn't these Sephora brushes be ADORABLE with these?!

What the powders claim:
-Ultra-soft and blendable blushing powder features a fresh and vibrant mix of blushing tones infused with a pop of color to create a healthy glow. Multi-reflective pearls provide a soft iridescence to highlight, contour, and add radiance to cheeks.
- Infused with out Happy Boost Blend, featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress.
- The sweet scent of Violet provides a feeling a joy each time you apply.

I actually have this blush~ I really wanted it, hahaha~ and will be posting pics/review later today! Just a hint though-- see how cute the packaging is?! This doesn't disappoint. ;)

(Btw Emily! I found the eyeliner from last week, but had to choose... and the hearts grabbed me, haha!)

Next up!:

MAC's Wonder Woman Collection:

Please check out the amazing Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog to see the collection pics~ didn't want to overload this one too much!

Also! They have a pop-up on their site to receive an e-mail when Wonder Woman launches~

Side note while we're at it-- Peacocky is also a gorgeous collection (out now)! I basically want every eyeshadow, but specifically the Mega Metal ($19.50) ones especially Mating Call (purple) and Odalisque (green-ish).

And now!

Clinque's New Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, $15.00, available in 8 colors.

What it claims:

Super-nourishing balm is loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth. Eight natural-looking lip tints in all, each with a subtle sheen.

These remind me of Tarte's Lipsurgence lip stains~ I'm going out today and if Clinique has these I am SO playing! =)

Last but not least:

Maybelline's new FIT Me! Line, including coordinating foundation, blush, bronzer, and concealer.

At Ulta, $4.99-$7.99

What it claims:

(As per Maybelline.com)

It's makeup that fits you.

• No oils, no waxes, no nonsense
• Natural coverage that leaves skin the way it was meant to be…fresh, breathing, natural
• Exclusive translucent base and lightweight pigments allow skin's natural highs and lows to show through
• Non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested

This is basically Maybelline's response to CoverGirl's TruBlend and L'Oreal's True Match-- however, this might truly be better. An Article in Allure stated that "It provides medium coverage and has a natural-looking sheen. With such small pigments, it can lie on the skin and create an even finish. It allows you to build coverage without being caked on." Keep in mind though, this formula does not yet have any shine control, so very oily skins might not like it. (I have the concealer-- review to come!)

So there we go! What are you lusting after at the moment? Any new collections caught your eye? Anything mentioned above? Tried/have anything mentioned in today's post??

Until next time--

~BeautyMaven

MAC Venomous Villains-- Vainglorious!!

Hello Lovelies!!

I have to admit, this review is a bit dated since Vainglorious is no longer available on MAC's website. =( For similar shades, I'd check out "Sketch" or "Cranberry."

However! I wanted to show the wonderful Muse of musingsofamuse.com some swatches of this beautiful color!

(Check out her post on Wet 'n Wild's new Holiday Palette to see where this all started~)

This is the "official" picture of the shade, Vainglorious:









































This shade is described as a "Bronze Burgundy."




















Here are some pics:

Just shadow and mascara-- I don't know where that creasing action came from =\


















Another, now with eyeliner, shows more of the burgundy tones.


















I feel like it really compliments green!
It doesn't go on too intense, but it has enough red in it to be interesting~


















This shadow came up because her review (linked above) contains a red shadow, and I noted that Vainglorious is the reddest I have dared to go, although red shadow has intrigued me for a while~ (it really can be quite stunning! check out the Muse's pic!). Also, I've noticed that with my green eyes that the more pinkish/warmer purples make my eyes pop better than the blueish/cooler ones.

I'm dying to try this shade (or something similar)-- ah! =D

True story: I was playing with a reddish NYX eyeshadow at Ulta and the woman told me, "That shadow wouldn't work in real life." Um, what? I mean, maybe she's right, but then help me find a way to wear it, since I was obviously intrigued, haha! I might just have to go try it again... hmm..

Though.. I am hoooooping to get my hands on the new Wet n' Wild palette!! Fingers crossed!! It's gorgeous, and affordable!! ;)

Hope you all have a nice week, and I will try to post more often-- I have a picture folder all ready to go! ;)

Until Next Time--
~Beauty Maven

The moment you've been waiting for...

MAC'S VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION!!

Hello Lovelies!!

Well, yesterday MAC launched the new Disney inspired Venomous Villains collection (eeee!!).
Needless to say, this chick made a haul yesterday.

Lots of pics =)
Not necessarily a "review," but it's fun to see some of the colors!!

LET'S BEGIN!!

Pics of the Collection:

























































Maleficent's Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in My Dark Magic
























The Evil Queen's Lipglass in Hot House and Cruella's Lipglass in Wicked Ways















The Evil Queen's Eyeshadow in Vainglorious
















Dr. Facilier's Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Truth and Light












Dr. Facilier's Greasepaint Stick in French Quarter



















Maleficent's Nail Lacquer in Formidable!, Mean and Green, and Bad Fairy.



Descriptions of the colors, as per MACcosmetics.com:

My Dark Magic eyeshadow: Deep pink with pink pearl / Deep plum with purple pearl
Hot House lipglass: Deep raspberry with pink pearl
Wicked Ways lipglass: Deep fuchsia with pink pearl
Vainglorious eyeshadow: Bronze Burgundy
Truth and Light face powder: Sheer shimmer that reflects pink and silver
French Quarter greasepaint stick: Dirty black green with multi colour pearl
Formidable! nail lacquer: Teal green with pink multi-changing pearl
Mean and Green nail lacquer: Purple with teal multi-changing pearl
Bad Fairy nail lacquer: Red with red multi-changing pearl

And some swatches!!

Top to bottom:
Greasepaint stick in French Quarter
Penultimate eyeliner in Rapidblack (you're not going crazy, this is the first mention lol)
Vainglorious eyeshadow
Truth and light face powder
My Dark Magic eyeshadow, both sides
Lipglass in Hot House and Wicked Ways

Bright flash:




















Low flash:





















Nail Lacquers in Bad Fairy, Formidable!, and Mean and Green































Formidable!, Mean and Green, and Bad Fairy



Ok! So I think that's enough pictures for the day, haha! I'll do separate posts on these products with reviews~

What do you think? Like it? Love it? Hate it? Want it? What would you haul?? And if so, do it quick! I showed up at the MAC counter right when it opened (and I wasn't alone, lol) and they sold out of the nail polishes within 10 minutes. I was LUCKY to get 1 of each... And most of the products are sold OUT online. I don't doubt it! This has been 7 years in the making, and it's GORGEOUS!!

For more pics and info, check out my favorite blogger Karen's site: Make-up and Beauty Blog

Toodles!
~Beauty Maven

Review: MAC Opulash

I can't believe I forgot to post this one!!

Okay-- Mascara review, yaaay!

On the table: MAC Cosmetics Opulash: $14 at counters.

What it claims:
Big, fat, bouffant lashes. Dramatic density and curl achieved with a giant brush. Fibres go in all directions for a thick, rich, even application. No clumping. Long-wearing formula, up to 15 hours, quickly thickens lashes, root to tip. Contains natural beeswax.





















What they didn't tell you is by "long-wearing" they mean "tube-hybrid." This formula behaves like a tube mascara in that it really really stays in place (even after hours of laying out at the pool and a work-out!) and it comes off with warm water and soap, but it's not really a tube formula because it comes off in little flakes ("Fibres?") instead of "tubes."

So fascinating!!

FYI: A "tube" technology mascara is one that essentially encloses each lash in a little tube which is extremely water resistant-- dare I say "proof"?-- until warm water is applied. If it's a proper "tube" mascara, it will NOT smudge, run, clump, or flake. Aka this is the mascara to wear at a pool or water event if you must wear mascara, haha!
I don't know if these are necessarily good for your lashes because typically anything water resistant is extremely drying and will make your lashes brittle if used often. I will look into this-- just for you. ;)

Ok-- pictures!!

Bare lashes:









With Opulash:











Close up:

















I think it does a very good job of creating a volumized look! It can clump pretty easily, so be careful and be sure to apply all that you want in one go because after it dries you can't add another coat without it looking hideous.

I usually wear this on my bottom lashes, since that's where my mascara likes to migrate to my undereye area. Ugh. And raccoon eyes are rarely acceptable. I have worn it on the top a lot, especially for working out or if I'm laying out by the pool-- yes, I sometimes wear mascara at the pool, lol. ;)

Oh! And at the MAC counter, when I asked what was the "Sales pitch" for this mascara, they said that it is "Humidity resistant." Indeed, it is! Maybe good for those South Carolina gals??

I recommend it! =)

What do you think? Have you tried this? Think you might/might not? In need of a waterproof mascara?

Until Next Time~
Beauty Maven