My Visit to the MAC Counter Today

Resulted in purchases that I really didn't need, but I had a few holiday dollars left.

First up, the Warm and Cozy Collection. My overall impression? Not extremely exciting, but awesome for the daily basics and weekend neutrals. The Shadesticks are especially nice:

These are the three that I bought - left to right: Nurture, Warm and Cozy, and Relaxed. I skipped Cuddle because it was just too white for me to ever consider using. Nurture is as light of a color as I want to consider.

I also picked up my first Mineralize Skinfinish in By Candlelight:

It reminds me a lot of the similar Smashbox product called Candlelight that was in their holiday collection.

I also checked out the Love Lace collection. I picked up the Intricate lipstick as well as Hypnotizing shadow. I'm going to swipe a photo from KarlaSugar, because she has the best swatches EVER, and if you're not reading her blog, you are seriously missing out. I went and looked at this collection because of her photos:

I will play with these and perhaps post a picture of what I've come up with.

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What I'm Wearing Lately: Limited Edition MAC Asphalt Flower

This fragrance was part of MAC's F/W Trend/Fashion Week. I'd love to say that it reminds me of New York during Fashion Week, but I was so sick that I wasn't smelling much of anything. Besides, my New York fragrance will always be Tom Ford's Black Orchid.

But we're not discussing Black Orchid, we're discussing Asphalt Flower, which is a very unique fragrance on it's own. MAC describes it as containing glossy violet and iris petals, vanilla, and patchouli with top notes of violet, ylang-ylang, mid notes of iris, heliotrope and a finale of olibanium, patchouli, and MAC signature vanilla.

The top is sweet and floral, there isn't any denying it. The violets reach out and slap you in the face. But it doesn't last, and it morphs into a very sultry fragrance, with the ylang-ylang making an appearance. The lasting power is fairly good, although the bottle is so small that carrying it with you isn't a problem.

Asphalt Flower is still available on MAC's website for $20.

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MAC's Girl About Town Lipstick: My New Love and a New Dazzleglass

If you see me out and about this spring, chances are you are going to see me wearing this lipstick: it's MAC's Girl About Town. I paired it with their Magenta lip liner, and the two were made for each other.

I regret to say that I'm not sure if this is part of a collection or not - I simply saw it and knew that I needed to be wearing it. Since it was in with the regular lipsticks, I doubt it. But really, if you're down with the fuschia craze, this color is for you.

One of the current collections that I did purchase something from was Double Dazzle. I passed on the mascara (especially since the SA didn't have anything glowing to say about it), but I did buy Love Alert out of the collection. And guess what? It pairs beautifully with Girl About Town:Isn't it lovely? The glimmer particles don't really show up, but trust me, they are most certainly there. In fact, the Dazzle Glass line really reminds me of Chanel's Glossamer, with the benefit of being quite cheaper! Here is Love Alert on plain lips:
And it was more pigmented of the collection, so don't expect a lot of color there, but it really comes through with the glitter.

Grab all of them at MAC online or your local counter.

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Beauty Bubbles: Best and Worst of MAC Cosmetics

The Best and Worst MAC Cosmetics Products

Your shopping guide to this cult-fave makeup brand

Before you buy your next eyeshadow or makeup brush -- check out these unbiased reader reviews. They reveal that of all (and there are thousands) of the MAC products available, the brushes top every makeup-lovers list. But not all MAC products are perfect -- so be sure to steer clear of the ones on our readers' do-not-buy lists. See products

The Worst: No. 4: MAC Green Gel Cleanser, $19.50

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 6.0*

What you said: "It doesn't [have a] rich lather and it doesn't leave my skin feeling fresh. I guess it's ok for..."

No. 3: MAC Prep + Prime Eye, $16

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 5.7*

What you said: "I figured since MAC has such great eyeshadows, they'd obviously have a great primer for them... WRONG!..."

The Best: No. 15: MAC Eye Shadow, $14.50

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*

What you said: "THE best eyeshadow I have ever used. I will never switch to another brand when it comes to..."

Want to see the rest of the list? Click here!

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Just Got My Nails Done...

With the Something About Pink from MAC's Hello Kitty collection. Isn't it fun?

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Who is Obsessed with MAC's Hello Kitty Collection?

I knew I would be, and I haven't disappointed myself. Here is what I've bought out of the collection so far:

• Hello Kitty Eye Shadow x4: Too Dolly
• Hello Kitty Lipstick in Strayin' and Big Bow
  
• Hello Kitty Beauty Powder Blush in Tippy
• Glitter in Reflects Blue and Reflects Very Pink (I have no idea what I'm going to do with these, I just know I had to have them)
• Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer in Something About Pink
• Hello Kitty Lash
• Pigment in Milk
• Hello Kitty Brush Collection

I got everything at either Macy's or Nordstrom, and when I wrote this everything was still available on the MAC website that I bought with the exception of the Hello Kitty Brush Collection.

It's a great collection, and I'm having fun with it. I have an appointment to go back to the counter on Saturday morning and have my makeup done before I leave for New York. Mostly because I need help navigating all these new products!

Have you gotten anything from the collection? What do you think about it so far?

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Loving: MAC's Penultimate Liner

It's probably hard to tell in this photo, but today was the first day that I took out my Penultimate liner by MAC, overcame my fear, and gave it a shot. I love it! It's soooo easy to use and gives an excellent finish. Nice and carbon-y black, this pen gives you the boldness of a liquid liner in a pen form; or perhaps I should say a stiff brush with which to apply it, which has always been key to good liquid liner, in my opinion.

Now, the bad news: this is a limited edition item, which means that once it's gone, it's gone. Originally part of the Chill collection, I was told by a SA that it probably wouldn't become a permanent item in their line. Personally, I'm heading back to the counter to pick up about four of these, because I can't imagine liquid liner being any easier.

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What I'm Wanting: White Frosty Eyeshadow

Like this Iceland duo by Nars.

I don't really know why, but I desperately want some frosty white eyeshadow to wear with some carbon black eyeliner. I am inspired by the product photos of the MAC Chill Collection, but I wasn't impressed with the products in person, although the Penultimate Liner was super fun to play with.

I'm quite certain that it's because I've never worked with white eyeshadow other than a highlighter, and sparingly at that. I'd probably wear it with a true red lipstick.

Would you wear it? Have you worn it? Any tips?

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MAC's Dark Lips Look

How much do I love this lip look? It's dark and vampy without being over the top. Okay, the glitter might be over the top, but at least it's not pure black, right?

Here is what MAC used to get the look:

• Lip Pencil in Nightmoth
• Lipstick in Dark Side (love this one - I bought it last year and wore it all winter long)
• Glitter in Reflects Rust
• LipGlass in Clear

Perfect for your next night out!

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Today's Eye: MAC's Starflash Collection

I'm probably the only one who really loves MAC's Starflash collection, but personally, I think it's one of the best of the year. The colors are bright and colorful, you have matte choices as well as shimmer, the eyeliners are delightfully smudgy, and they are just fun to work with.

In the inner corner, I used Glamour Check!. On the outside I shaded from the lashline to the middle of my brow with Top Hat. I used Rose Boullion as a highlighter, and I wish I could link you to it, because I adore it, but it was a limited edition. I used Raven Kohl Power Eye Pencil around the top and bottom lashes, and lined the waterline with Engraved Powerpoint Eye Pencil.

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Birthdays, MAC Counters, and Other Stuff

Hello my pretties! No worries, I haven't run off and left the blog to die a slow death: it was my birthday on the 11th, and I have been super busy ever since then!

To celebrate my birthday (and get some new stuff) I went to the MAC counter to get my face done. I mentioned that I really liked the Cult of Cherry collection, and even had a few of the lipsticks, but that the quads kind of scared me. Especially the one with the lime/chartreuse green. So of course my SA decided to show me the light and ended up giving me an amazing eye that I didn't photograph, to my dismay, leaving me to give you the substandard one to the left. So sorry. Anyway, I loved it and ended up buying the quad, of course. Plus I got to play with some of the new things that are launching on Thursday. Let me just tell you - the new eyeliners that are coming out are FAB. You will love them.

I also treated myself to the Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box. A-MA-Zing. Seriously. Look for some bright eye photos coming soon. I've been inspired lately by Eye Candy: 55 Easy Makeup Looks for Glam Lids and Luscious Lashes by Linda Mason, which I highly recommend, and I'll be doing some very different looks soon.

And finally, I leave you with a photo of my other two recent purchases: my Maxx New York bag and my black stiletto heels. Apparently I had the naughty secretary look going on Saturday night while I drank shots that looked like Kool-Aid to celebrate getting one year older.

And now I must go put my credit cards down before I end up in debtors' prison.

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Today's Eye: MAC's Silversmith Mineralize Duo

I was looking around to see if this particular Mineralize was still available from MAC, and when it wasn't, I remembered that I grabbed it from the Cosmetics Company Store when I was at the outlet mall recently. If you haven't been to a Cosmetics Company Store, what are you waiting for? Amazing deals on Estee Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown and Origins. I loved it.

Anyway, I used only those two shades, plus my Chanel eye pencil in Blue Jean, which, unfortunately, was also a limited edition this past spring. Because I'm lazy, all that is on my lashes is a couple of swipes of Lash Injection by Too Faced.

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One of My Favorite Fall Polishes

I just couldn't wait any longer to break out the fall colors for my nails. I know it's still summer, and I should be wearing my bronzes, browns, neons, and golds, but I just can't. I'm ready for the dark, dramatic shades that come with cooler weather.

This is one of my absolute favorites and complete standbys: Rocker by MAC. Dark red with a bit of shimmer, this color pretty much defines fall shades for me.

What is your go-to color for fall? Do you stay on trend or do you reach for the same colors over and over? I'm curious!

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More MAC Starflash

Not too long ago, I bought up all the liners in MAC's Starflash collection and promptly fell in love with them. Because I was so hooked, I stopped by the counter on Tuesday to take a closer look at the shadows, and here is what I ended up walking away with:

• Smoke and Diamonds. This one is sold out online, and I can understand why. Very on trend gray will make an excellent smoky eye, but can still be worn on it's own.
• Top Hat. I just loved this vibrant purple, especially blended with some of the other colors.
• Glamour Check!. Another one that will pair wonderfully with the others and looks fantastic with the Raven eye pencil.
• Mink and Sable. This is another base color that blends well with more vibrant colors. It looks really great with the Orpheus liner.
• Star by Night. Another vibrant blue that I hesitated briefly with. I have so many great blue MAC shadows (Blue Storm is a favorite), but it works well with the other shadows in the collection.

Have you tried any of the shadows in the Starflash collection?

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Sonic Flash Smoky Eye

For your viewing pleasure, my little creation with MAC's Solar Bits pigment and Magnetic Fields shadow. Also featuring Bobbi Brown's gel liner in espresso ink, and MAC's Feline Kohl liner on the waterline. Lashes are by MAC (am I the only one who isn't a huge fan of Duo eyelash adhesive?) with a touch of Diorshow on them. Eyebrows are Urban Decay's Brow Box.

Now I'

m taking my rocker chick look to the Journey concert!

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Rumormongering on a Sunday

Have you heard the crazy/delicious rumor that MAC and Hello Kitty will be teaming up for a collection? I know. Thinking about it makes me insane.

According to New York Magazine, the company will neither confirm nor deny that a collaboration is in the works. Which makes me laugh, considering that whole "confirm nor deny" speak is so obviously a "yes, of course". Being around the Navy for 15 years has taught me that little secret.

Should the existence of this collection come to fruition, it should be hitting counters in 2009. I can hear all the Hello Kitty fans issuing a collective "squee!" as I type this.

Image courtesy of New York Magazine. You should be reading it if you're a NYC fan like I am.

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Beauty Event at Nordstrom + What I Bought at the MAC Counter

Nordstrom's is having yet another beauty event that forced me into spending over $100 at the MAC counter. Seriously!

With every $100 purchase, you receive the following:

• Bare Escentuals® bareMinerals® Face Color in Pure Radiance (0.02 oz.)
• Bvlgari ‘Eau Parfumée au thé blanc’ Oshibori Refreshing Towel
• Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch (0.13 oz.)
• Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion (0.2 oz.)
• Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier Eau de Parfum Spray (0.05 oz.)
• GoSmile Advanced Formula B1 Tooth Whitening Ampoule
• Kinerase® Intensive Eye Cream (0.1 oz.)
• NARS Potent EFA Cream (0.24 oz.)
• Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser—Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange (0.1 oz.)
• St. John Signature Eau de Parfum Spray (0.05 oz.)
• Shiseido ‘The Makeup’ Pre-Makeup Cream SPF 15 (0.21 oz.)

I don't see any sort of ending date on this event, just a note about how it's available "while supplies last." If you are visiting the Norfolk Nordstrom, you best move yourself on in there, because people were snapping these things up.

What did I spend $100 on? All MAC, of course. Every single liner in the Starflash collection, Orpheus, Raven, Feline, and Mystery. LustreTwin in Red Flame/Orange Flicker (which is so beautiful I can barely bring myself to wear it), Mineralize Eyeshadow in Odd Couple from Electro Flash, and Mineralize blush in Gleeful from the Sonic Chic collection.

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Experiments with Emerald Coast

I'm really having fun playing around with the new Max Factor Vivid Impact Eye Shadow Duos. This one is Emerald Coast, and it's a bright blue/green combo.

I started with MAC Paint Pot in Groundworks, and used the blue from the Eyeshadow Duo. In the inner corner of each eye I brushed the green in, blending it well with the blue. Then I took my blending brush and lightly went around the entire eye, going underneath to pull it all together. I decided I needed some sort of highlighter towards the brow bone, so I used my new MAC Colour Forms Richmetal Highlighter in Rose Boullion. I did a very thin black line around the entire line with Too Faced Lava Gloss Eye Liner just because my day isn't complete without some sort of actual eyeliner. And because I was just feeling this whole blue/green combo, I did one coat of Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers then added my under-used Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in a teal color that is no longer available, unfortunately. Then I finished off the eyebrows with my Urban Decay Brow Box. Love that thing.

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MAC's Tendertones

I know that a person can get MAC Fatigue, what with all the coverage of MAC cosmetics that is out there. While I like MAC, and always stop by the counter to see what their latest offerings are, I don't write about them very often because everyone else covers them extensively and with great skill.

But I recently picked up a little something while browsing the MAC exclusives at Nordstrom (they aren't available yet, but the bright color kits look really fun). It's one of the Tendertones in Sweet & Nice.

I'm not really sure how to describe this product. It's essentially lip gloss in a pot, with a sweet grape-candy smell. While I'm not a huge fan of the smell (I really do not want to run around smelling like candy - I'm not 13), I do really like the gloss itself. It has a nice pigment to it, not overly dark, which is nice considering this no-makeup thing I've had going on while I've been home these past two weeks. It's easily applied with a finger, although you could use a brush if that's your thing - I'm sure the brush would give you a more precise application. But the best part about it is the SPF protection it offers while giving you a nice glossy sheen.

Hurry, though, if you're interested. This is a limited-time only product, and many colors are already sold out online. My local Nordstrom had all of them, though, so it might not be hard to find them locally.

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Eye of the Day

I'm still in Colorado, and the wedding was last night. Needless to say, I'm a bit tired and couldn't muster up a lot of energy for eye makeup today. But I've been inspired by the teal eyeliner craze lately, so I picked up Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Electric, which is an aquamarine blue. There is only one shade on my lid (I told you I was lazy today), and that is Woodwinked by MAC. The lashes have Lorac Lotsa Lash Mascara on them. I'm still enjoying this mascara.

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