The Beauty Thesis : MAC

Showing posts with label MAC. Show all posts

I was thisclose to making a purchase at MAC, but the people at my local freestanding store are either, too pushy, too suspicious, or arrogant. I've been a little down, so I didn't really feel like having to get my game face on to swatch the new collection. I don't mind relying on other people's opinion, but I feel like there's an art to applying makeup on me and discerning if it is something worth purchasing or passing.

So, I pacified my time by playing in my stash. I sent loads of stuff abroad to my cousins who know nothing about makeup. They're quite conservative and don't really thing anything but lipstick is a necessity. I don't mind, they fancy me to be the "strange" cousin. So I found this creme strobe tint by MAC, and I remember it was the reason I passed on those drops a few collections back. I bought it for around 25 USD with the intent on adding a touch of "glow" to my complexion. I thought since my skin is so dark, what would bronzer do? I mean for fair skin it's sold as a tool to add color and is applied to where the "sun would naturally hit your face. So after a few women of color told showed me different and how to apply it, I bout this and never used it. I got it home and the coppery tone concerned me since my skin turns orange with foundation and I only wear foundation on special occasions and I haven't had any lately.

Milani v. MAC on dark skin

I am neutral about MAC, so that said, I wasn't very impressed with the application. Neither has the ingredients listed, but judging by the texture, the strobe tint is a much thinner consistency than the Milani bronzer. It's also much sheerer. The Milani has a trio of colors blended together to form one shade. It's a thick custard consistency and is quite smooth for a drugstore brand.

swatched on white towel

I really wish I had a friend with fair skin to be fair with my swatches. I love that Karla Sugar swatches the whole lot of colors from the darkest to the lightest. Many people forget about ranges outside of themselves. Swatching on a napkin feels inconsiderate, but a) I can barely take proper photographs, and b) I don't have any mates here. It's also dark right now at half nine so ....

The good: Both go on smooth and light on the skin. There was no oily feeling and my skin didn't feel like it was melting. Neither oxidized after an hour.
The bad: Milani is much cheaper than MAC and it is more opaque as well. At around $3.99 this really kicks MAC's arse and that's enough to get my card revoked but I'm the idiot who bought both!
The bottom line: Milani beats MAC hands down in this round. I don't really buy much Milani, it's not as easy to find. They have lovely nail varnishes and eyeliner, but I'm not biased toward them over MAC at all, but these are my opinions based on this experiment.

what do you think?

xoxo

Product Dupe: Milani v. MAC

by The Beauty Thesis on 10:15 PM

I was thisclose to making a purchase at MAC, but the people at my local freestanding store are either, too pushy, too suspicious, or arrogan...

I have no idea how those bloggers do it. I had the absolute worst day, and decided to treat myself to this collection. I budgeted an amount when I first learnt "Going Bananas" was being re promoted. I really wanted it when it came out in "C-Shock" but it sold out and the only other time was in Manish Aurora and yes, I did buy that palette for G.B. but I haven't used it, it's still in the box. Unfortunately, I really had to work to capture the color. I didn't base, or prime my hands. In fact, I washed them because of the gloss swatches which were a b*tch to clean. Glitter bomb, but pretty none the less, they are very pretty. I wasn't really "feeling" MAC but MAC has been funny with their limited editions. I don't know if it's supply and demand or the scarcity factor, but they aren't really producing enough of their collection for the mass amount of people ready to buy. eBay is making a killing, but there used to be a time when you could get an item but now...."up short."

Most of the colors swatched well. The pictures I took with my cell phone, which isn't and iPhone or anything special, but I did take them in direct light. I actually followed my own advice and left the store and it felt odd. Usually, security will follow you if you go in a store and come out without a bag and then return to the store again.

I didn't pick up the red color which is similar to the red I have from Sugar Pill and many other reds, it's not "amazing." I think my Wales/88 palette is similar. In addition, the blues are meh, but I'm not good with blue, I liked the look Eve rocked in her C-Shock promotional photo, but .....nah. I bought the purple, because it swatched lovely, it's matte and I love purple. It's nothing like the infamous #92 but I haven't found anything similar to that one. *shrug* I also bought the green because I returned or sold my Landscape Green pigment. I am done with minerals and pigments. I really don't like working with them anymore, and matte's are impossible for me to press. I passed on the glosses because I don't wear bold, bright, and glittery lips enough to justify this. In fact, I have a lip gloss from Milani very similar, and if I layer it with Girl About

Town, instant wow factor without glitter. I'm temporarily on assignment and it's a very conservative environment. I get enough grief for existing, my style makes them shake their head, and though I'm not insecure, I'd like to finish these 10-12 hour days as quickly as I can. The red gloss is nice, but again, the glitter doesn't work for me. I don't club, it is rather "busy" for daytime, and again, I won't reach for this, but if I feel the need for glitter, I can easily make my own and be fine.

Ugh...I don't know why MAC isn't doing it for me at all. In fact, I'm more interested in the Urban Decay Neutral Palette than any upcoming collections *hands in MAC club card* I guess I'm on probation pending further investigation. It's not the heat, maybe the stress in my life? Ah well, I'm sure I'll find another vice to obsess on...Shoes!

xoxo

Product Review: Dare to Wear

by The Beauty Thesis on 10:28 PM

I have no idea how those bloggers do it. I had the absolute worst day, and decided to treat myself to this collection. I budgeted an amoun...

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I just can't sit on this post. I

know we've grown tired of the MAC and Rodarte sisters collaboration, but what irritates me is how some people are being outright ignoramuses about this. I got a tweet stating "No one gave a fat fuck about Juarez until MAC collaborated!" This is presumptuous on this vlogger/guru's part because we don't really know what people support or causes they contribute to very well do we? I care about many issues, but there are far too many to speak on. Right now, I'm lobbying against human trafficking, but does that mean I broadcast this daily? No, but if a collection came out from MAC which had anything remotely to do with human trafficking, I'd be proactive in voicing my concerns.

Another vlogger/guru posted a video stating MAC had not mentioned Juarez in the collection and that people were "overreacting." Normally I let ignorance stay ignorant, but I wrote to her not because she felt this was a "waste of time because people were still going to buy this collection." My issue was that she gave a defeatist impression. If we all shrugged our shoulders because "it wouldn't make a difference" why would we have so many privileges today. In fact, I would still be sitting in the back of the bus and minorities would not be allowed to vote. How stupid can people be? Never encourage people to not take a stand for something they are passionate about. I don't care if it's something I disagree with, make your voice heard. Never let someone else tell you you can't make a difference. Or, that "no one cares what you think."

(Rodarte sisters: We didn't mean any harm $$)

If it meant no difference, why are they sending contributions of $100,000.00 (chump change/write off) ? It's quite simple if you've understood marketing. Now that this collection has been so controversial, the Rodartes get their name out there from someone other than Tavi. Seriously, when was the last time you spoke of them? Exactly! Many people didn't know they were designers, because MAC has done so many collaborations we've grown bored. The collection isn't even interesting if I'm honest.

Meh.....

hmm.....

Kitchmas? 1/2 the product at the same price?

I get what MAC is doing from a business stand point, but that does not mean I don't find it distasteful. There are so many other methods of getting your name out there. This isn't really necessary and if a vast amount of people are offended, why do it? I am no saint, but I would be hard pressed to capitalize off anything which would offend an oppressed people or make light of a serious situation. What if another company made a collection called "Stonewall?" Would MAC be as non chalant with this all races, colors, ages theory? Of course not, what happened was horrible and gays are still not considered as equals. To close, as I've said before, Si Se Puede!

MAC + Rodarte=$$$

by The Beauty Thesis on 9:03 PM

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I just can't sit on this post. I know we've grown tired of the MAC and Rodarte sisters collaborat...

Spotted! Marine Life & a Unicorn!!!

Erm....so I've been away from writing. Why? Because everywhere I look I'm forced to hear, see, or engage in the topic of Back to the Beach. It is so ~~ridiculous~~ funny to me how people are selling ~~crack~~ their kids to get this blush. Have they even used the highly ~~overrated~~ coveted Ripe Peach yet? There's something to the MAC being laced with crack. I think the genius who comes up with a twelve step program for beauty addicts will retire a very wealthy bloke or lass. Seriously, all MAC has done is watered down their formula, created a bi monthly release (easy to do as themes are everywhere) and call it limited edition and the hysteria begins.

Every week their are hauls, blogs, swatches, "siting" and even auctions for something MAC released ~~sure to be re released~~ under some cool packaging and voila, people lose their rabid minds. Of course, there is no other blush with ~~over spray~~ like this on the planet. None of the many brands have any coral blush with a chalky highlighter. "But it's pigmented!" ~~Bitch~~ please! Are you telling me it's a good thing the blush is pigmented? Seriously? What is the purpose of all the other blushes? This means you are admitting that MAC doesn't normally sell blushes that are pigmented. So, since this one is, you'll buy ten of them "just in case." In case what? They stop re promoting their ~~shit~~ products? Now why would they be dumb enough to stop doing what's nothing more than a marketing GENIUS? There's too many suckers who have fallen into the scarcity principle. I cannot believe people are willing to go so far for a product, knowing the engine is still cooling from doing the same thing for another item last week. Lemme think...Book of Shadows, grease paints, Lady GaGa for Viva Glam, Spring Forecast, etc. I'm stopping as I found myself in one of those lines. While I'm trying to eliminate a lot of this stuff, I'm curious as to the innate need for "just one more ~~hit~~ purchase." Come on, you have to admit we are being ridiculous. Sitting and watching hauls, bitching about people who bought more than two, bidding on them for $68.00+, blogging, swatching, different looks and so on only to know this will start up for Stereo Rose. Why are we doing this? If it really means insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results, we need to focus on our priorities. Sure we can't control the oil leak, but aren't there some different ways to spend money? I know I have enough makeup for every city in the world to have one care package with a full face set included. So, I guess I'll get my next ~~hit~~ fix right there with you. *wink*

(answer to world peace)

MAC+ Marine Life = Pure Hysteria but $$$$ for MAC

by The Beauty Thesis on 3:37 PM

Spotted! Marine Life & a Unicorn!!! Erm ....so I've been away from writing. Why? Because everywhere I look I'm forced to hear...

I love teasers...I guess because in high school blokes thought me to be a tease. I loved to be found attractive, but didn't want to actually "put out." Some things never change...I digress...Let's get back to the important stuff like beauty, makeup and MAC. I have been unimpressed with MAC for some time. I try my best to not be "another one." Right now, everyone and their dog is talking about this video. Me? I'm completely ~~bandwagoning~~ neutral about it, but whenever people start buzzing about a MAC collection I get ~~stupid~~ curious. I've not written about the Back to the Beach as it would be hypocritical of me. I am not a fun in the sun kind of girl. I am with the vampires. Keep me as far from the sun as possible. I don't like anything about the sun. I don't like bikinis (horrified), beaches (sand, dirt, silly drunks and narcissistic girls), or the weather (heatstroke). I still don't comprehend bronzer on me. I'm dark already, so why do I need to look like I had some "sun"? I have used it on women who have lighter skin than me, but I've had sun, a good bit of it.
The reason this collection interests me, is an appeal to the villains. I love naughtiness! Come on, there are no good girls, just bad girls who got "found out." I also think MAC can really resurrect their sleeping collections of late with the options for these. There hasn't been a collection with bold bright colour since "C-Shock" and I still kick myself for sleeping on that one!

(see the potential?)

I'm thinking they can really do well with the purples on this if they get it right... I see potential for some bright, bold, looks, in reds, teals, blues, purples, orange, yellows, and icy white. But if MAC does re promotes of : canary yellow, basic red, aquadisiac, gesso, orange, and parfait amour, I will never buy anything from them again. If the shadows are hit miss in terms of pigmentation? Done! I don't think they need a "collection" to reformulate their eye shadows pigmentation (matte2, Madame B.). Just raise your game, like you do the prices. Better product=more sales and you wouldn't have to keep thinking about innovative limited editions to over hype. I truly hope MAC goes back to what they were before Estee Lauder, but that's another post all together. Cheers!

MAC + Disney = Venomous Villains!

by The Beauty Thesis on 11:09 AM

I love teasers...I guess because in high school blokes thought me to be a tease. I loved to be found attractive, but didn't want to act...

Hmm... sometime you have to be willing to say things people won't really want to hear. Like everyone else, I was really excited to hear about MAC's partnership with Cyndi Lauper and Lady GaGa for Viva Glam Beauty. I love that MAC donates the proceeds towards AIDS research and continued strides to stop the spread of AIDS and HIV. That said, do I think this collection works for everyone? No. Sorry, but after reading countless posts and seeing the reviews, I am passing on this collection. As much as I love being a "Little Monster" to GaGa and enjoy Lauper's 80s tunes, I cannot justify purchasing these lipsticks for the following reason:

The colours look warm even on my cool skin. I have pigmented lips so it does distort the actual colouring, but...
They are very sheer since they are sheens and for MAC, I like their amplified cremes and mattes, but not sheens. They are buildable but...
The colours are not suitable for darker women of colour. Shots fired! Yep, I said it.

I read about how people will make the colours "work" by using a dark liner and/or mix it with another lipstick and to me, if I have to "work" to make any item I purchase look presentable, I need to say, "Thanks but no thanks." I read one beautiful sister say she would pair GaGa with a brown lipliner. Really? Is it that serious? GaGa is a lite version of Saint Germain, which made most women look like they had eaten a powdered donut. That's not a cute look. Really, if you have money to the point where a $15.00 lipstick is worth mixing to look good, I'm happy you have it like that, but me? I can go straight to the chemist and pick up Wet N Wild for less than a dollar and put it on in the car and keep it moving. Why do we continue to buy products that don't flatter us? I have written letter to: Physician's Choice, Chanel, Guerlain, Yves Saint Laurent, and a few others inquiring about the selection (or lack of) for dark skinned women. Yes, I get that extremely pale women and women with (add skin type, issue, undertone here) have difficulties, but if you have a large population of consumers who are not able to buy products from your line, you may want to add a few more pigments to your line. If you're not sure, try a small sample and send it to Scandalous Beauty, Afrobella, Vex in the City and other beauty bloggers of colour who have a strong audience and see what happens? If you can't justify the costs, cancel it and if the subject comes up, remind us of the test run and the fact we failed to buy and Bob's your uncle. Until then, I say women should support the makeup which is made to be good for your skintone. You can make things work, but even for some of the most beautiful (to the left) a colour can wash out a look or add a grey cast to a lovely bronze complexion. Just say "no" if you have to work to make a colour friendly.

Viva Glam Cyndi and GaGa for Brown Girls

by The Beauty Thesis on 1:50 PM

Hmm... sometime you have to be willing to say things people won't really want to hear. Like everyone else, I was really excited to hear...

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season and the passing of Halloween, I was thinking about how pretty some of the looks were in an effort to celebrate ghouls and gobblins. So many vampires, so little time. A friend was enquiring about there not being any eyeshadows that would look smart on brown skin. Well...not so fast! I found three in a manner of seconds which can all be seen and are quite pigmented. From left to right I swatched the red from the 88 shimmer palette, bright fuschia (MAC) pigment, brash and bold/bold and brash? (MAC) pigment, and basic red (MAC) pigment and each of them show up against my dark skin, so let not your heart be troubled brown girls, there is enough color in the world for all of us :) I know, I know, MAC!! But, the 88 shimmer palette is EVERYWHERE ('scuse the shouting), and it's quite inexpensive. Other brands I've seen with red include: Ben Nye, Bloody Mary, and Kryolan. I believe all of the mineral makeup vendors: TKB Trading, Fyrinnae, MAD, et al, will also carry samples with the color red. Enjoy your day!

xoxo

Red Eyeshadow Brown Skin

by The Beauty Thesis on 2:20 PM

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season and the passing of Halloween, I was thinking about how pretty some of the looks were in an effo...

I will admit it. I have a problem when it comes to bandwagoning and beauty. I seriously cannot stress how much I don't need one more beauty item to cross my path for at least ten years. So, why did I find myself at MAC after a hard day at work yesterday? I went to the mall to find a pencil skirt and my go to F21 and, oops! How did I end up in the MAC store? What's more I had already seen the D squared and Style Black two days ago. I don't believe in limited edition skin care and I never got the hype about the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. So.......Why am I stressed about leaving work today? Because I bought the Limited Edition Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. Not only did I buy one, I bought two, and then, I tried to leave the store, and saw the greasepaints, and....YEP, I sure did.

Now I have to go and take the exfoliators back and I found that the L'Oreal HIP Color Chrome Eyeliner is BETTER than MAC's greasepaint. I thought I was sligthend but then Scandalous Beauty also had impressive results. (Always research and do your homework) I loathe taking anything back to my MAC store. I feel like I'm returning a dog to a shelter and it is causing me stress. What's more, I've already rehearsed what I plan to say. I am not an obligatory shopper. I don't return things and agree to buy something else, I did retail, I know that trick. For some odd reason, I cannot say "No!" to MAC. I don't get it. I am trying to wrap my head around this and have come up with nada. I'm embarrassed by ridiculous amount of makeup I have, and yet, there I was and leaving with two bags. Of course, I can tell myself, "You can use that for..." Just like I found out Jessie's Girl has a better version of Cinderfella.

What's worse? The sales staff always correct me on the names, release dates or type of products. I asked the girl if she was wearing "Gilt by Association" and she said, "It's guilty of association." Yeah....riiiiight. But she still got a sale from me. They are hands down some of the daftest employees. They are rude, arrogant, pushy, will make you feel like you are dating (get out of my personal space I'm not stealing) and yet, I buy over and over again.

Til next time.

xoxo

MAC is seriously Crack!!!

by The Beauty Thesis on 3:45 PM

I will admit it. I have a problem when it comes to bandwagoning and beauty. I seriously cannot stress how much I don't need one more b...

MAC FALL 2009 Architectural

Hmm...

I know I love makeup and I've heard it called, warpaint, spackle, instant pretty, and heard it takes a blow torch, sandblaster etc. for some of us heavy handed to get it off, but I never heard of makeup being architectural. On the other hand, since it is "art" it would suffice to say it's not too far off. Well, I didn't know about this collection since I've been so obsessed with Style Black so, I was happy to stumble across the following article:
As cosmetic brands continue to shift towards the ‘green movement’ with plant, flower and fruit-inspired products, MAC has taken a completely different approach.
Coming this fall, MAC will introduce its Fall/Winter colors that were inspired by architectural design and shades. Even the shapes and steely packaging are an expression of this idea and are sure to shift the trend in the industry.
The new Fall/Winter colors from MAC will be available September 17, 2009. Lipsticks: (LE)$14.00USD/$16.50CAD

Faultlessly F/W - Blackened blue violet (Amplified Creme)
Hipster - Burgundy frost (Frost) (Repromote)
Red Full-Stop - Bright neon coral (Lustre)
Our Pick - Cement taupey grey (Satin)

Lipglass: (LE) $14.00USD/$16.50CAD

Runway Fave - Grey toned neutral light pearl (Frost)
New Berry - Deep plum (Cream)
So This Season - Deep blue violet (Cream)

Quad: (LE) $36.00USD

Tone:Grey

A Warmer White - Pale green grey (Satin)
Tone:Grey - Mid-tone grey (Satin)
Waft - Dark blue grey (Frost) (Repromote from Smoke Signal's Gentle Fume quad)
The Right Smoke - Rich blue with white pearl (Frost)

Fragrance: (LE) $20.00USD/$24.00CAD
This will be in the form of a roll-on vial.

Asphalt Flower - Violet and iris petals with a sheen of vanilla and patchouli. (Repromote)

What's getting scary to me, is that when I see certain collections, I think of people who would look amazing in the collection. This one screams of the talented Pixiwoo duo Samantha and Nicola Chapman. Those girls are so talented as makeup artists, but I wonder why they aren't models...I guess when you are beautiful, talented and quite successful within your own right, you don't really need to rely on your looks solely. Lassies like me, that's all I do knowing full well no amount of makeup is going to make me look like a model nor a celebrity, but that's why we all have different talents, right? So, now I need to decide how I'm going to get back on the "no-buy" wagon after this and Style Black.
xoxo

source

MAC Fall Architectural Cosmetics Fall 2009

by The Beauty Thesis on 9:28 PM

MAC FALL 2009 Architectural Hmm... I know I love makeup and I've heard it called, warpaint, spackle, instant pretty, and heard it take...

I guess it's true a picture is worth a thousand words. Or, $22.00 in this case. I compulsively had to have Kitten Smudge pot to add to my never ending no pan in sight liner/base/paint-pots, etc.
Well, I was on MakeupAlley doing some research and someone posted the question about Kitten being similar to Bare Study. I ignored it, so I thought, but in the back of my mind, I realized I couldn't shake the similarities and realized I had a similar color in Benefit's creaseless creme shadows as well. Sure enough, the only difference is that Kitten is a bit more pink champagne as opposed to gold champagne. Unless you are an absolute fundamental Stila fanatic, you do not need this shadow/liner/base if you already own Bare Study by MAC. I don't know my color in MAC but here is a swatch. Hope this is good for someone :)

xoxo

Stila Kitten v. MAC Bare Study

by The Beauty Thesis on 7:45 PM

I guess it's true a picture is worth a thousand words. Or, $22.00 in this case. I compulsively had to have Kitten Smudge pot to add t...

Hello Beautiful Ones,
I had one heck of a Friday. I got a lot done, I shook off yesterday, I thought but I decided to voyage to the local CCO. I grab the pup, the bag, keys and set sail. If you didn't know this about me, I happen to be a hard a$$ on the outside and it's true, the tougher the shell the sweeter the filling. Traffic was crazy, and a couple times I did have to mash the brakes and check the pup, but sure enough, someone behind me was rear ended and so was another car. The car in the middle attempted to flee, and then failed and I saw him get out. Scared the p*ss out of me, and judging from his car, he had to have been in shock. He wasn't just rear ended he was side swiped as well. Why did he want to leave??? My imagination went in to overdrive, then all the thoughts occurred, should I have stayed? I didn't see anything, but gee the guys were hit, what to do? Then the...I wonder if he's in trouble and wanted to leave but realised his license number was probably written down. Why? I do this to myself all the time. My brain never stops. I can't remember the drive to the CCO, I was just praying to God for mercy. I had a feeling something would happen, and of course, another one. I kept thanking God for it not being me, but feeling guilty about it. It's Friday, no one should be subject to this sort of weekend start.
Ah well, didn't do much damage at the CCO, the Golden Gate Bridge was closed so I decided it was best to trek home and call it a day. Got a lot of my chores done, but am working on organising my makeup, clothes, shoes, accessories and fragrances for fall season.

I know some people have difficulty organising their large shadows. I order these from Ni'xie and they hold ULTA, MUFE, and Stila eyeshadows quite well.
I took a bit of time organising my small sized shadows, and though the pictures don't tell I put the color category on the sticker, so my browns are coordinated and labeled and so on with all the colors. It's not a clear lid, but this helps and I got the container at one of those dollar type stores. I know a lot of people prefer using blank CD cases, but I have not had good luck with those, and if I'm honest, I need some sort of order as I get really strange about my organisation set up. I hate to say it's OCD since so many people suffer horribly, but I do admit to having unhealthy obsession about storing my makeup and so forth.

Thank you for reading, this is my place to be superficial. Until then ...
xoxo

Storing Eyeshadows...

by The Beauty Thesis on 12:50 AM

Hello Beautiful Ones, I had one heck of a Friday. I got a lot done, I shook off yesterday, I thought but I decided to voyage to the local ...

I have been collecting Jessie's girl cosmetics for a good while now. When I began they didn't have names, as they were not popular; however, with the advance in social networking the word has gotten out about this brand. I have taken a picture, albeit not too clear (work in progress) for your viewing pleasure. The colors are as follows:

From left to right:

Top row: Baby Blues; Trouble Maker; Penny Arcade; Pixie Dust; Key Lime; Mardi Gras; Blue Moon.

Middle row: Pink Glitz; Antique Green; Fruit Punch; Peek a Boo Violet; Peek a Boo Red; Sparkle Gold; Sunstone.

Bottom row: LE Christmas 08; Ultraviolet; Indian Summer; Cafe' au Lait; Blackstar Barbie; LE Christmas 08; Majestic.

Pros: Inexpensive at $3.99 USD each, goes on smooth, very pigmented, really pigmented when applied wet, finely milled.

Cons: Very difficult to find, some do not have names; you have to notate the SKU number for backups.

Overall: I hate to compare these as they are a drugstore line; however, they are really a great deal. I like them a lot more than NYX; however, I find them as good or equal to MAC but the difference is these don't have the binders in them which make MAC pigments seem more chunky and press with alcohol alone.

Another product I am happy to have found was this little number from Claire's. This palette was on sale for about $3.50 USD total and I like it more than my 88 palette in terms of payoff. I have the shimmer palette and I reckon I get confused with the terms (i.e. shimmer, extra shimmer, frost, pearl, veluxe pearl, etc.) and I think I purchased the shimmer-almost-glitter-disco-ball version because though the texture is smooth I find when I use that palette people at my work can't stop staring at my eyes, or the reflection the eyeshadow is creating under the lights. It's not a look of "Wow, you look nice" but rather a "Wow, that's some color you got there" and I am too old and simple for that.

I used this palette and it has just the right amount of shimmer and though it looks cheap, it's really quite nice in payoff. They are a wee bit larger than MAC so, depotting is not a good idea. I can swatch any and all if the interest exists. I hope this has been beneficial. I hate to admit, Christmas is straight around the corner and these make great stocking fillers or gifts for teens!

xoxo

Budget Finds!

by The Beauty Thesis on 10:38 AM

I have been collecting Jessie's girl cosmetics for a good while now. When I began they didn't have names, as they were not popular; ...

Heya!
I was perusing some of the things I have neglected in my ever growing stash. I don't know what it is about makeup which makes even the most scholastic in the art of colors go ooh and ahh every time we see new makeup. There are only so many shades of yellow, red, and blue with a bit of black and white right? So....why is it we run top speed to the makeup counter for the latest, newest green, pink, yellow, taupe, etc.?
I'll admit I'm suckered on a constant basis. Take MAC's latest Makeup Artist Cosmetics launch. I needed nor did I want anything from that line. So, why do I have a picture of Photorealism? Because there was a green that was not similar to any other green MAC released. So, off I went to the nearest counter to drop some money into my part of stimulating the economy.
Well, then I was looking about my non opened buy one get one's from Maybelline and would you look at that? I am hard pressed to say with that quad on the right, you cannot come up with similar colors from the quad on the left. I haven't opened the Maybelline, as I think I will gift it to another makeup addict. No reason we both should be out $$$ due to our addiction.

Here's another example. I have three bright pink lipsticks. From left to right: Rose Hip by Milani, Show Orchid by MAC and 511b by WnW. I am by no means a photographer and I don't claim to be good, but the pictures tell half the story. These lipsticks are within a shade or two of each other. They are placed from lightest to deepest in terms of the amount of red in the pinks. Again, if you select the Milani and added a hint of the WnW, you would have an exact duplicate of Show Orchid. I am so frustrated at my learning experience. But, hats off to those of you who have learnt the art of using what you have and making it work. Affordability is key if you are on a budget.
xoxo

MAC Dupes!

by The Beauty Thesis on 8:27 AM

Heya ! I was perusing some of the things I have neglected in my ever growing stash. I don't know what it is about makeup which makes eve...

Hello Beautiful Friends,
I read online about the collaboration between MAC Cosmetics and brothers Dean and Dan Cantena from Toronto set to be launched in October as part of the A/W 2009 season. The brothers describe their creation as "courage, volatile character, dramatic gestures and wild nature." The product is inspired by "Hollywood's New Generation of Stars" such as Mary Kate Olsen and Lindsey Lohan. The launch will bring back the coveted Feline Kohl Power as well as introduce three Greasepaint sticks, as well as a re promote of the Sculpt and Shape Powders, a tinted lip conditioner a lip erase, the 165 brush and two lipsticks. I think the thing that makes this unique is only the packaging aside from the collaboration. I may just be burnt out on monthly MAC launches :/
If you want to read their interview log on to Grozki and hopefully you have a lovely colleague fluent in Polish :) Now if I could just get her interested in makeup.

On to the images:

Greasepaint Sticks