Showing posts with label SWATCHES. Show all posts
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1:33 AM 4
Hi Bellas,

My girl Shrinkle recently came out with some new chromalust loose shadows that are absolutely gorgeous.  These are some of the brightest, smoothest shades you'll find.  This means a lot from me especially since I don't use too many pigments on a regular basis, but I keep my Sugar Pill colors around because there really is not equivalent that I've found.


Click here for more!
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9:54 AM 12
Hi Bellas,

Happy Hump Day!  I tried uploading a video last night for the second night in a row but once again, YouTube aborted it.  Dern!  Usually I just do it before I go to bed and it's there in the morning, but this time I'll make sure and watch it until it completely uploads.

Meanwhile, i wanted to share with you some swatches of a kit essential - my Graftobian Dual Finish Palettes.  My girl/fellow blogger/Filipino Hottie Christiana asked me to swatch them for her.  Since I took the time to label them and make them nice and pretty in photoshop, I thought I'd share in case some of you were interested.

First off, these palettes contain powder foundations that can be used wet or dry.  You can use them alone as foundation, to set makeup, and to contour and highlight.  There are 24 shades to choose from.  You can probably compare them to MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation but they're not quite as thick.

I first bought the palette from http://www.camerareadycosmetics.com/ when building my kit.  I've used this many many times.  When I first started out, it was a God Send!  The powder is smooth and pigmented and photographs nicely.  Translucent powder looks ashy on darker skin tones so I'd use this palette to set.  Also, if my first application of cream/liquid foundation was a bit off I would just apply the powder on top to correct it, problem solved!  It's easy to color match since all the colors are laid nicely on a palette...I'll sometimes even dip my brush into multiple shades to get the perfect combination.

Click here to see swatches and more!
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9:20 AM 6
Hi Bellas!

Last Thursday I stopped into MAC to check out the Naked Honey collection. Overall, it was a decent collection with pretty, wearable colors. The colors veered more on the summery side with bronzes, apricots and golds. Honestly, no real stand out/must haves but some good basics for your summer makeup look. I picked up a few items.


Check out my video to see the swatches in person, as well as some new updates!


First I got Queen Bee lipglass. This is a great apricot/nude shade...great for the J-Lo lip or even bridal makeup.


I also picked up Golden Nectar highlight powder. I usually skip these, but this shade was surprisingly more pigmented and darker the most. This could serve as a bronzer for lighter skin tones and a good highlighter for darker tones. On me, it looked like a shimmery/bronzey/peach blush...again great for summer. Check out my video to see me wearing this highlighter.


I also picked up two eyeshadows from the collection. I skipped on the frosty gold color because it was extremely dupeable. I picked up pollinator- a peachy pink/apricot shade and buckwheat - a bronze with gold shimmers. If I could do it again, I would probably not have picked up pollinator because it's very sheer - but I think i'll make it work for bridal looks.


Here are the swatches. As you can see, Pollinator is rather sheer...if you wanted to see the color you'd need a base. I could have skipped this one. The only eyeshadow which I could recommend is Buckwheat which would be a nice bronzey shadow for any skin tone.


Here's a shot of me without makeup except for the Golden Nectar highlight powder on my cheeks and Queen Bee lipglass. I'm a lot more tan now after coming back from the Philippines! I like how this highlight powder looks like a pretty shimmery blush on my skin tone.



I filmed a travel makeup video this weekend giving you tips for making smart for summer vacay. I pretty much showed you what I packed for the Philippines. I also have an airbrushing tutorial filmed and ready to upload. Tonight I think I'll film my Grab Bag winner video for the Are You Fierce Contest. Stay tuned!


Atlanta Makeup Artist
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9:21 AM 17
FYI: Long post...pic heavy!

Hi Bellas,

Tuesday night I was able to go to the MAC pre-release party at my local freestanding store. I was rolling deep! I brought my two besties and my two friends also met me there. While I was there I also met a few of my youtube and blog readers! They were so sweet...if you see me on the street don't forget to holler!

Check out my haul vid!


On to the pics!

Funnily enough, I had already made a list of products that I wanted to get before I even got there. Like many of you, I did my research on specktra beforehand. I got everything on my list except for one lipstick which I switched out for a different gloss. I'm trying to spend wisely because I have some large makeup expenses coming up which I'll be sharing with you soon :)

Spiced Chocolate quad and Tempting quad


I picked up 4 lip products. Truly, the lippies in this collection were to die for. It takes a bit to get used to some of the darker colors but they are great items to add to your lip collection. They have many colors which are in the cherry color realm...but there are also 2 pretty neutral colors for those who prefer a toned down lip.

Bing matteen, Lightly Ripe l/s, So Scarlet l/s, Jampacked l/g


Bing Matteen
First off, I picked up Bing. This is a matteen lipstick and the color reminds me of a dark eggplant. This is definitely a high fashion/editorial lipstick for the fall. If you can step out of your comfort zone, this lipstick is truly gorgeous. It's pretty dark but you can see the purple radiating through. I'm saving this for a future fashion shoot. In my haul video I'm wearing this color. My tip to you all is that if you are wearing a bold, dark lip, please make sure to add some color to your face. I was wearing bronzer...if not, bold lips can tend to make you look drowned out and more gothic than glamorous. Of course, if that is your style, rock on!

So Scarlet Lipstick
Next I picked up So Scarlet lipstick. I loveeeee this color! Truly gorgeous...if you're afraid of a bold, red lip, this is the perfect compromise. It has a bit of a berry tone in there so it is more user friendly. The finish is Amplified so you know that it goes on super creamy. I can't wait to wear this new color. You'll definitely be seeing it in my next tutorial.

Lightly Ripe Lipstick
I also picked up Lightly Ripe lipstick. The finish is a lustre which makes it even more perfect for an everyday lipstick. I tried it on and I fell in love...it's exactly my lip color but better! I'm going to buy a backup or two for myself and my kit. I really don't see anyone going wrong with this color. Before this, Viva Glam V was my go to color...but Lightly Ripe is giving it some steep competition.

Jampacked Lipglass
The last lippie I picked up is Jampacked Lipglass. I chose it because it was a beautiful plum color. I definitely don't have a similar color in my collection. It reminded me a bit of Viva Glam VI but a little darker. It's definitely good to have some plums in your collection for the fall. It has just enough plum in it for you more neutral girls and you can also amp it up by wearing a coordinating liner or lipstick underneath.

Now for the swatches! Top L to R: So Scarlet l/s and Bing Mattene
Bottom L to R: Lightly Ripe l/s and Jampacked l/g




The Blushes
I skipped out on the blushes on this collection because the pink blush seemed a bit too light for me and the purple blush didn't really catch my eye. My bestie picked up Plum Du Bois...I might see how she likes it and go back for it if it's a winner.


The Quads
I did however purchase two quads. I skipped on the Shadowy Lady quad because I had two of the four colors in the quad-shadowy lady and deep truth. If you don't have too many similar colors, I highly suggest purchasing these pre-made quads because the colors coordinate really well and it's actually a better deal.

Tempting Quad
First off, I knew I was getting the Tempting quad. The bright green color was too gorgeous to resist! I'm a sucker for bright greens.

Swatches from L to R: Next to Nothing (frost), Sharp (satin), Tempting (lustre), Dark Edge (Satin)

Here's a little bit of info on the eyeshadows:
Tempting: Tempting e/s (one of the better lustres) is a permanent color that I already have. However, I don't mind having a backup because it's a beautiful bronze color that would look good on everybody. I actually wore this color in my Hepcat e/s tutorial.
Next to Nothing: This is a nude colored frost which would make a perfect highlighter. I like the tone of it because it's perfect for blending out harsh edges of eyeshadow. I'm not usually excited about the highlighter colors included in quads, but I really like this one.
Dark Edge: This satin eyeshadow is a dark brown color. Everybody needs a color like this in their collection. It's great for lining the eyes, and contouring the crease.
Sharp: Save the best for last! This satin e/s is extremely pigmented and just as vibrant as it looks on the pan. I'm a sucker for bright eyeshadows.

Spiced Chocolate Quad
This perfect for you neutral lovers out there. I love how the colors compliment each other and I think this quad would look really great on women of color.

Swatches L to R: Sweet Chesnut (frost), Spiced Chocolate (matte), Brash (veluxe pearl), Nanogold (lustre)

Spiced Chocolate: This is a great matte brown color. Since it's a matte, you can definitely use this to fill in eyebrows. It's a good essential for any eyeshadow collection.
Nanogold: This lustre is actually a color I originally picked up from the N Collection. It has a bit of pink to it which makes it a nice highlighter color for reddish/pinkish looks.
Brash: I love veluxe pearl eyeshadows. They go on so smooth. This is a gorgeous color that is the color of a penny. I don't think there's a similar color out there.
Sweet Chesnut: Many say that this lustre is a dupe of Cranberry e/s. Fortunately I don't have it so I was really excited to pick this up.

In my bag, they also included an extra - a cult of cherry apron. Too cute!

Now on to the promo party!

I decided to recreate a look I just saw on Kim Kardashian's blog. She just posted some new video tutorials on her famous smokey eye. The look is actually unbelieveably easy. I only used two eyeshadows!

This is what I Used (All MAC unless otherwise stated):
EYES
-bare canvas paint
-shroom e/s (in the video she used Naked pigment which I didn't have)
-contrast e/s
-kohl pencil in smolder
-lashes
-zoomlash mascara

FACE
-strobe cream
-select moisture concealer in NW37
-mineralized satinfinish foundation in NC42
-msf natural in med dark
-sweet william creme blush

LIPS
-stripdown lipliner
-fresh brew lipstick
-c-thru lipglass

This picture shows my actual skin color a lil better. I broke out the digital camera for this one.





Oh la la, check out the goodies! They also put the Overrich collection out.



As you can see, it was pretty packed in there!


Me and the promo model. She looks just like the model from the ad. But she's not, lol, cuz we asked her!


Me and the besties with our fabulous drinks! I had a chocolate martini (I couldn't even drink it because it was too strong!) and Sai had a cherry vodka thing-a-majig. And here's the bartender that made the super strong drinks!




They had a bunch of yummy hors d'oeuvres with cherries in all of them. The lil caterer man was really nice too!


That's all for now folks! Till next time, ciao bellas!
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12:01 AM 7
Hi Bellas!


On Thursday I headed over to MAC during my lunch break like I usually do when there is a new release. While I was there, I also picked up a large pack of MAC wipes, some brush cleanser, zoomlash mascara (my first time trying MAC mascara) and some blacktrack fluidline for my bestie to try for the first time.


Let's start off with the Starflash Collection:

I'm definitely an eyeshadow kind of girl so I was really excited about this collection. Off hand, I will say that I wasn't amazed by the color selection. I like colors that are super bright and vibrant--the brighter the better. But after closer examination, I realized that this collection of 12 eyeshadows has some great colors...especially if you're trying to build your collection. I picked up 9 of the 12 eyeshadows. I skipped out on lotus land (too sheer), star by night (dupeable), and go (dupeable). The texture of these shadows are super creamy and really easy to blend. I did two different looks this weekend--one neutral and one dramatic and they were both really easy because of the blendability. I even got compliments from my besties which is harder to come by since I wear soooo many different looks that I think they've become used to it all, lol. I definitely recommend you pick up a few if you don't have similar colors.


Starflash eyeshadows swatched dry with no base: L to R: glamour check!, talent pool, top hat, bold and brazen, grand entrance, mink and sable, sunset b, smoke and diamonds, grand entrance




Next, you know I had to check out the new Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolors.

Especially now that I'm doing bridal work, I need a lipcolor that stays. Usually when I do touch ups, I simply use an oil blotting sheet and touch up the lips. If I can have help on the lips, that will make my job easier. I've tried the pro longwears that MAC released in the past, and I didn't like them. These kind of products tend to dry out the lips and flake out. I tried them on myself and noticed significantly less drying than I expected. I even used them on a bridal shoot this Sunday and noticed that the model's lips stayed pretty moisturized. I've only tried two of these so far, the Boss Brown and Pink Air Duos. I guess I was a bit surprised on how sheer the color looked on me. However, the product does say "lustre" so I guess the color will be more sheer. I've yet to try the two darker glosses but I hope they show up a little brighter. In the video you'll see that I'm wearing Boss Brown and it hardly shows on my lips! However, on my model who was wearing the red reflection color, it definitely showed up. If you're getting these glosses for yourself, make sure to try them on before you purchase to ensure that they are pigmented enough for your taste.


Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolor: redflame lipcolor with orange flicker gloss, red reflection lipcolor with mirror gloss, boss brown lipcolor with slave to pink gloss, pink air lipcolor with white air gloss.



Kohl Power Pencils are Back...Limited time only

I was really excited about the Kohl Power pencils when I heard that they were being re-released with the collection. I had missed out on them in the past, but not this time! The colors are absolutely gorgeous...perfect for kicking up an eyeshadow look a notch. In terms of staying power, I haven't tried them yet! But i'll keep you updated!


Kohl Power Pencils: L to R - mystery, raven, orpheus, feline



Check out my haul video for more commentary and fun!




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2:24 AM 17
Hi Bellas!

So Thursday was the big day of MAC's release of three collections--all linked together by being mineralized makeup. To be honest, I wasn't too hype about this collection. Of course I read the new updates on Specktra and checked out the swatches. Initially I was most excited about the mineralized blushes from Sonic Chic...but my opinion totally flipped when I went into the store.

First off, let me start by saying that I am on a makeup budget! I went to MAC Pro in Orlando and broke the bank, so I wanted to control myself this time. I wanted at least one item from each collection so I could do an accurate review...ummm and just cause I'm a collection fiend, lol! I was really good and only spent $65 (sure that includes the Pro discount but it still counts, he he) which is really good for me!

So onto the haul!

New View
I was really intrigued by this collection since it was half natural MSF and half shimmer. I knew that this collection would give me the opportunity to try a new MSF while getting some shimmer at the same time. I swear by my natural MSF in medium dark which I wear everytime rock foundation. It's both my setting powder and foundation when I don't feel like wearing anything heavy. I saw that they had the MSF in med dark with its coordinating shimmer, but I didn't want to get another MSF in med dark with only 20% shimmer in it...it seemed like a waste. Instead I went one shade darker and got the dark msf. I love how it's dark enough for me to use as a contour color and then the shimmer part works as a perfect highlighter! I can also test it out on my clients (after proper sanitation of course) and see how it looks on darker skin tones...probably those in the 45s. All in all, I would recommend this product if you haven't tried out the MSF naturals or if you want to try a new shade. IMO, the combo is a great deal.

Sonic Chic
I was really excited about this collection because the idea of mineralized blushes sounded too fabulous! I saw the swatches online previous to the release and I figured I would be getting Warm Soul. Well let's say I tried it on and I couldn't really even see it! That's why I got Gleeful instead...it's pigmented enough to show up on my skintone and can be sheered out as well. I noticed when I swatched the blushes, they came out pretty sheer for the most part. You'd need a dense blush brush to get more pigmentation. Personally, I think I'm cool with just one of these blushes because they weren't that all that more amazing than some of my other blushes. So with this collection...if you've got enough blushes, you could probably pass.

Electroflash
My favorite collection of the three! I wasn't that excited by the pre-release photos...so boy I was surprised when I swatched these in person! Talk about gorgeous! I personally think the Fresh Green Mix and Sea and Sky will be sold out first. The colors are extremely vibrant.
-Sea and Sky reminds me of Freshwater and Rebelrock Pigment with a shot of adrenaline. One swipe of my finger and it was super bright!
-Fresh Green Mix also reminds me of some vamped up eyeshadows from the Perm collection...an intense swimming and Juxt.
I only wanted to get three duos at the max, so I had to consult with the MAC artist for a final decision. We ended up on Odd Couple because of the Vibrant purple. Gorgeous! It's like Parfait Amour on steroids. I don't rock purple that often but this one can't be denied. The rest of the colors were also really nice, but were all dupeable in my opinion--lots of golds, grays, silvers, peaches, etc...that can be replicated with pigments and eyeshadows. I hope I get use out of these babies since I tend not to use my individual pot shadows as much. If it's not in my palette I forget about them! Let me also add that these Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos are way brighter and more pigmented than the old ones. So if you're turned off by the fact that it's a mineralized duo, don't be skurred! They're gorgeous I promise. Lastly, when I swatched them, the product is so silky that it kind of flaked off in the pan. My UD deluxe eyeshadows do the same thing. So make sure to tap off the excess from your brush during application.

Summary
If anything, get at least one mineralized eyeshadow duo. Too gorgeous to pass up! Get the MSF if you don't have one already...and the blushes are decent...but you could probably pass.

Here's the video I filmed of my haul, enjoy!




Time for swatches! Click on the pics to expand and get a closer look at the shimmers in the makeup. All swatches taken with a swipe of the finger and no base.


Swatches of the Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos-left to right, Sea and Sky, Fresh Green Mix, and Odd Couple


Swatches of Gleeful Blush (I had to really get my finger and swipe a few times to get it this vibrant)and MSF in dark and shimmer


Here's a quick look I threw on after I filmed the video and before the BF and I headed out for our Thursday dinner date night. The look only took me 15 min max. I used the blue and green eyeshadow duos along with vanilla e/s as a highlight.

Here's What I Used (All MAC unless specified):

EYES
-sea and sky mineralized e/s duo
-fresh green mix mineralized e/s duo
-vanilla e/s
-revlon colorstay liquid liner in blackest black
-kohl spencil in smolder
-shiseido mascara base
-telescopic mascara
-anastasia pencil and tinted brow gel

FACE
-msf natural med dark
-msf duo in dark and shimmer
-gleeful blush

LIPS
-hush hush tendertone

It's funny because when I asked my BF what he thought of my makeup (like I always do right after I finish) he told me it looked nice but more subdued than usual. He told me, "I thought it would be more vibrant. You went more subtle this time huh?" LOL...to some people this is a bright look! He saw my swatches once I purposely showed him as soon as I got home (not that he cared but I showed them anyways) and saw how bright they were. I used a cheap fluffy eyeshadow brush for the entire look so the colors came out less vibrant. For my tutorial I'll probably pick a bright base and use better brushes to get the color impact yall are used to.

Enjoy!




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12:16 PM 5
Hi Bellas,

It's been a little while. Sorry about the lack of posts...I was in Orlando celebrating x-mas with the family and my BF came down with me. It was great...lots of food, eating, celebrating, and of course MAC galore!

I discovered that Orlando has a Pro store and that was on top of my list as one of the things I wanted to do in o-town. So I went on Sunday and got a bunch of pro colors as well as a few other items on my to buy list. However, one trip to the store wasn't enough, lol. I hurried back the next day, Christmas Eve, right before they closed and got another haul. I figured since I don't have a pro store around me I should get as many pro e/s colors as I could. Oh man, now I feel like I have too much. But I love the colors, I tried out a few so far. I tried to get most in palette pans but they were out of some so it looks like i'll be doing some major depotting this week! I really need to get organized and label the palettes on the inside with the name of the e/s colors.

Did I mention my new Web Cam sucks! Sighhhh I tried to do a video on a smokey eye and the thing just makes my motions too slow and delayed. So to compensate I'm doing pic tutorials. I had a pic video for a smokey purple eye (for Mrs. Lynne) but my labtop nearly died on me! Hopefully the BF can fix it and the video is saved because I haven't posted it on you tube yet :( so until then, i'll have to post at work :)

So here's my haul and my x-mas eyes I wore on Christmas Eve.

Here's some of the upcoming things to expect:
Purple smokey eye tutorial: already finished, hopefully I can salvage it and upload
Green eyes pic tutorial (photos already taken, just need to post)
Christmas eyes pic tutorial (photos already taken, just need to post)
Smokey eyes (I'm going to have to reshoot this one, sorry guys)
Christmas pics and presents!
New makeup organization system

Hope you enjoy!

Me at the pro store :)


Haul Day One

Swatches of the eyeshadows, no base, just swatched with finger and bare hand
Top to Bottom, Left to Right (i'm doing this from memory at work, so please bare with me-i'll make corrections if need be later)
Orange, Burnt Orange, Sky Blue, Kelly Green, Amber Lights, Gesso, ?Brick Red?, Clarity, Red Violet, Vibrant Grape (love this one!)

Haul Day 2 (I don't even remember all these colors, i'll update later)



Christmas Eve Look - Red and Green
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