The Beauty Thesis

So, many people are excited about MAC's Feline collection so they can get their hands on the "Mauvement" pigment. I bought this pigment in my "oh em gee it's MAC so I have to have it hey day" and don't recall ever using it. I do like my NYX piggies so when I rediscovered I had Mauvement, it reminded me of my beloved "Beanie" and this post was born. Enter disclaimer here: I am not a photographer, editor, nor do I blog/swatch/review for a living so admittedly my pictures ~~suck~~ aren't the best, but I try. I don't have Photoshop so I take a lot of ~~shitty~~ photos to give as much information (visually) as possible. end disclaimer. I didn't swatch on my arm because my skin tone is brown and I don't want the colors to reflect inaccuracy due to the base of my skin tone, so I used a white disposable cloth to get the most accurate representation. I included Seclude not because it's a dupe, but it's more on the warm side so if anyone is wanting Mauvement but feels they can't make it work, Seclude may offer an inexpensive alternative.

without flash

natural light

Admittedly it's not an exact dupe, but it's very close. Beanie has more red and Mauvement pulls more dark brown and Seclude is very brown.

the colors in natural light

in direct sunlight

with flash and their package

I bought the NYX pigments for $3.99 plus tax each and they are almost half the size of the MAC pigments which are $19.50 plus tax. The pigments from NYX are very similar to MAC's in that they have that binding feel to them, where other pigments feel like dust and are more finely milled. I have loads of MAC pigments, but haven't bought any since the repackaging. It isn't in protest, I just realized I don't use them, and just collect them but now that the packaging is different, it throws me off. I dunno, but I think this NYX alternative could work if you, like many are pressed for cash. If you are an avid collector, no amount of swatching or comparisons will change your mind. I've been there. Hope this helps! Stay lovely and as always, I'm here if you need more ♥

xoxo

MAC Dupe: Mauvement

by The Beauty Thesis on 12:04 PM

So, many people are excited about MAC's Feline collection so they can get their hands on the "Mauvement" pigment. I bought th...

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!