Friday, October 31, 2014

FYI: Brand Updates, Launches and Events


INTRODUCING DARK ROOM!!!

Inspired from true loves first kiss co-creator Lora Ardellano's Dark Room takes form, sharing a bit of her love story with us. An ultra-matte texture that will melt on your lips in this vampiric magenta-plum is slated to be released this November, with much anticipation for those following the fall trends. But hurry for once this arrives it is a limited edition color.


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

FYI: Brand Updates, Launches and Events

MAC Class @ King of Prussia Mall, PA
“Alexa’s Favorite Things”

First off, I’d like to thank MAC Cosmetics store #12034 at the King of Prussia Mall for hosting such an informative event. Thanks to Store Manager Sherri who was a delightful hostess and excellent educator! And of course thank you to Alexa Hand for being such a bubbly model and reaching out to her followers on InstaGram about the class! Plus the fact I was able to get some product shots and candid application photos for my blog (unfortunately my digital photo skills are not up to Mr. Cootie’s quality so bear with me on these pics).


This was my first experience at a MAC class. I’ve been to instructional classes a few years ago that were hosted by Sephora at Cherry Hill Mall (NJ) but MAC of course outdid them with the interaction and not just trying to sell products. The class entitled: Alexa’s Favorite Things may not mean much to people who do not know who Alexa Hand is personally, by reputation, or even her name but those who do should have signed up for this class. My first encounter with Alexa was back in February of this year (mentioned on my Feb. 10th 2014 post). And it was by far THE best experience purchasing cosmetics that surpassed my expectations of a MAC makeup artist/consultant’s knowledge. Mind you I have been to many MAC stores/counters in CA, NJ, PA, and NYC.
MAC mascra wand
MAC mascara wand

A little background for those of you who don’t follow Alexa on IG, or other social media. She has a unique sense of style and edge which seem to fit with what MAC inspires through cosmetics. She was on the TV reality based show Jerseylicious (March 21-2010 – May 26, 2013) which aired on the Style Network (which has now since been acquired by Esquire TV) and she was known as “A2” as she assisted Alexa Prisco at the Glam Factory which had a spin-off show Glam Fairy (which originally aired from Oct 23, 2011 – Dec 16, 2012) where she could be seen as well. Of course not to be redundant but Alexa is a fantastic MUA!
Alexa being the model

The class was held inside the MAC location after hours on a Sunday evening making it very convenient and without interruptions from possible shoppers. Seating was made available and envelopes which contained MAC headed notepads were inside with pencils for taking notes on different products used and the techniques that were demonstrated. To add to the already great ability to take notes were preprinted papers that not only highlighted the products used but the order of application and brushes that were used listed by their corresponding MAC numbers. Sherri the Store Manager, beyond being a great teacher and hostess, put all of us at ease so any intimidation or fears were had about makeup disappeared. The class offered great insight to newbies and continued education for those with more knowledge by detailing step-by-step application and offering information on the products used. The class was encouraged to ask questions and share feedback which made it a great experience. To sum it up; Sherri knows her stuff!


There were so many products used I would love to list everything even in a short list but it would make this post three times longer LOL.

I highly recommend attending any classes that are held at MAC closest to you. The “fee” of $50 (which was used to not only reserve a spot but put onto a giftcard so you could later make a purchase) is quite reasonable considering the amount of product demonstration and interactive nature of the class. Plus most people going into MAC are usually there to make a purchase anyway!


Monday, October 27, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

MAC Mineralize Blush – Just a Wisp

Purchase Price $27 + tax

Retailer MAC Store King of Prussia Mall

Check out www.maccosmetics.com for more product info

Product Review:

Being relatively new to the blush game (better late than never) I’m always critical when selecting a shade. My first blush from MAC was called Dainty and it was AMAZING! Wanting another Mineralized product Dainty set the standard for me as I scanned the counter until Just a Wisp nearly jumped into my hand. Its pale pink luminous properties caught my eye as I smeared it on my wrist and watched as the pearlized finish came through. Just a Wisp is super sheer and the color is build-able without it having a heavy feel or caked on appearance. I had no irritation or blemishes from continued use.

Unfortunately, this does not come off as a blush to me. Once applied to my cheeks it game me more of a “highlighter” effect that looked like a frosty bold pink. Not the everyday look unless you are living in Arendelle with Elsa and Anna. Refusing to give up on this product I found an appropriate alternate use. I’ve continued using it as a brow highlighter or inner eyeshadow that provides a wide-awake look.


Price is what it is for a Mineralized MAC product. Packaging is the signature matte black finish with a clear window to view the product. I will not be repurchasing this even after finding other uses due to the fact there are less expensive products to fill those needs. 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Maui Wowie

Purchase Price $18 + tax

Retailer Sephora in JCPenney

Check out www.urbandecay.com or more product info

Product Review:

A while back Urban Decay reformulated their eyeshadows and since I was fully stocked up on palettes and some of their single pans I paid no attention. But the time came to replace this personal favorite. I must say their new pigment infusion system is AWESOME. The trademark NYC Subway Coin compact is now more of a shiny gunmetal finish with a transparent lid to clearly see the color of the shadow. The new formula gives this metallic golden beige a softer feel yet it’s able to keep that pop of color I love. I found the old formula to be a bit tough to blend, as with all of UD’s glitter infused separates.

The blending capability of the new formula is much easier and the silver glitter doesn’t budge; so no fall out issues here just a strong dense lasting application of a great eyeshadow. Speaking of application I have found using finger tips or brushes both work well. Whether you choose to use this color dry or wet its rich decadent shade emerges intensely making it a real “wowie”. I found a great array of colors to work with in the Naked 3 Palette (March 24th review) and I found that burgundies such as MAKEUP GEEK’s Burlesque make great partners.


Loving this color is easy because it works so well on all skin tones. The uniform pigment gives darker tones an intense pop of color while those on the fair side will receive a playful sparkle. And as always Urban Decay created one of the better long lasting and crease free eyeshadow formulas this girl cannot say “No” to. 

Monday, October 13, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder

Purchase Price $30 + tax

Retailer Sephora

Check out www.toofaced.com or more product info

Product Review:

With this cutely packaged pressed powder compact, complete with sponge applicator, Too Faced 
cosmetics offers a “tried-and-true matte powder”. As I have used this powder as a standalone for a more natural look, I prefer it as a setting powder over my favorite foundations. The formula is Paraben and cruelty free which is a bonus to it being made without use of any fragrances or oils. This pressed powder is also offered in a loose form as well, but I love the fact that the pressed version travels so well with no worries about spilling into my cosmetic bag or purse.

With cameras everywhere, and snapping selfies running a-muck, many will love the fact that this powder seems to smooth out any uneven foundation without adding a heavy makeup look or chalky appearance. No need for any filters here as this powder makes your face picture perfect with a translucent and silky airbrushed finish; likely due to the user friendly formula that seems to make fine lines and wrinkles disappear. I found application of the pressed version best with a large foundation brush when applying over my liquid foundation. The results lasted all day when used in combination with any of the foundations I’ve used. The matte finish of this product definitely shows by controlling the appearance of excess natural oiliness that other powders seem to worsen. As this does state it is “poreless” which could be true if you have exceptionally small pores but for most of us this is not the case. This formula is not far off from making these claims as I can say my pores are less noticeable when I use this excellent matte pressed powder.


This is by far one of the BEST products I have purchased all year! Even at $30 I can say that it has been well worth the price and it will continue to be in my bag and on my shelf as a regularly used product. 

Monday, October 6, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Anti-Aging

Purchase Price $24.00 + tax

Retailer Sephora in JCPenney

Check out www.urbandecay.com or more product info

Product Review:

Being an eyeshadow fanatic having a good quality primer is the key for all day wear ability. I never apply any color to my lids without it. Primer Potion has been around for some time but when I saw “anti-aging” on the bottle it definitely caught my attention. Like its predecessor this crease-free formula is still a nude shade but a tad on the sheer side. It will still keep eyeshadows locked down on your lids until you’re ready to remove it.

Using this primer I still get the same intensity and pop from the shadows I apply as I did with the original. But now with the added benefits of anti-aging ingredients (Dermaxyl, Kalpariane) that improves the appearance of skin by plumping and smoothing making lines and wrinkles all but vanish. This is an easy to use product without harsh sulfates or parabens that may cause irritation like in other lesser quality products. Application is simple with a fingertip or if you feel the need to use a brush I don’t see any problem with that either. After drying apply your fave color and presto you are good to go! Using this almost daily for six weeks I have seen a noticeable difference in the appearance of my eyelids. The skin looks taut and creases have diminished making me wonder if there is magic in this little bottle. I’ve even started to mix this with my foundation as an allover face primer and love it! Removal is just as simple with a little pressure and a good cleaning wipe all traces of makeup and primer are gone.


“Good things come in small packages” totally sum up my thoughts on this Potion. This newer tube shape is so much easier to use than the old style bottle. With that said, a little goes a long way so the price point is right on the mark for the quantity and quality of this product. Oh and there are no worries as separation into an oily mess is not going to happen with this formula. This is a definite repurchase and this beauty blogger highly recommends everyone to go and get a bottle ASAP!