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

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.

Wow!  NYX is really paying attention to what's on the market these days.  I thought the only company who had their ear that close to the makeup community was Coastal Scents.  This is quite impressive to me, since so many high end brands haven't realized the economy is a large part of why people aren't throwing money around like footballs.  Seriously, how many body parts need a primer?

I made the dumb mistake of reading twits from Urban Decay and they mentioned a palette which would be released the 28th of December.  That's this Saturday!  I knew it would be the Alice in Wonderland palette, but I was hoping I was wrong.  Why?  Why must Urban Decay do this to me after the holidays?  I have been making shopping a sport.  It's been exhausting chasing all these limited edition and "spotted unicorns" all over town.  I could not believe I found Photo Ready before many of the bloggers I follow.  If they had asked  for a CP, I would have done so.  When I "make it big" I promise to send CP's to people who can't get items in their town, country, etc. (pinky swear)  So, after finding the Wet N Wild Naughty and Nice palettes, (post to follow) I am obsessed with this Alice in Wonderland palette.  Not because I need any of it, but there have been so many collaborations with designers, merchandise (Sanrio's "Hello Kitty") and many, Ungaro, did not really have meaning for me other than to "collect."  Alice in Wonderland was my favorite storybook as a little girl.  I loved the characters she came across when she fell down the rabbit hole.  I confess the Chesire Cat still creeps me out to this day, but knowing that it was all a dream was so amazing given how vivid the story was.  I have and still have those dreams which feel so real that when I wake up, I'm still a bit shook.  The palette will cost me more than the Book of Shadows II at $52.00 USD and tax!  But, if I never buy another item, I have to have this one.  I love all the palettes and shadows I have had by UD. They are very pigmented, and smooth but what's more, the palette has a pop out and mirror!  Come on, how can I ignore that?  That's extortion!  So, my last big buy (please God) will be this and since it will be at ULTA before the 1st, I'm cool to start an official "low" buy before the new year starts.  Look at how pretty this bit is..

Can you blame me for wanting this?  Sure, it's a dupe for many, many of the things that I have, but who will sell me the palette sans shadows?  Plus, it's limited edition and Sephora won't have this until after the new year, per UD's tweet!  I am so disgusted in my inability to fall for advertising; however, I have not made a purchase at MAC since the Style Black collection :)  Watch the trailer!

xoxo

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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