Blush -MAC - Superdupernatural - Holiday 2009
CallistoLuna 1/22/2010 1:16:00 AM
This is a mineralize blush that is limited edition for MAC holiday 2009. The packaging is typical for MAC mineralize blushes - in a medium sized black pod-type package (in between the eyeshadow and powder package sizes) with a clear dome on top so you can see the product - it is the same packaging that the "normal" (as in permanent) blushes come in. The colour of this blush is a subtle peachy pink with a pinch of shimmer - I've been turned off the mineralize blushes in the past because I've felt that the shimmer is just a bit much (border line disco ball effect, which I don't care for on most days) but MAC has certainly improved on themselves with this release. Superdupernatural is just that - totally awesome! the peachy-pink colour suits my NC15 skin (I'm a redhead with a slightly ruddy undertone to my skin - but still really really pale) and it brings my complexion to life. The little extra shimmer just adds a little pizazz to my cheek bones and highlights them as well which is an added (and very flattering) bonus. I can see women of all skin tones being able to utilise this shade of blush - it's a natural looking shade and will grace any cheek bone it's applied to. For those women who have trouble with blushes - apply this lightly and you'll be fine - the texture is almost idiot-proof. I can see this becoming a firm favorite and I think I've been converted to trying more mineralize blushes. I've always liked the mineralize MSF powders and eyeshadows but the blushes have been overlooked because I've thought them too shimmery. I think I'll pay attention to them next time they are released.
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Eye Shadow -Stila - Fabulous for Fall Chocolate Palette Set
CallistoLuna 1/19/2010 11:39:00 PM
Okay, this is a nice palette for day/work looks or if you're planning a trip and don't want to take a whole makeup wardrobe with you. I have a mixed review about this product and it mainly boils down to the packaging.... I think the packaging is cute but HIGHLY impracticle for makeup. The packaging is a slim rectangle with a magnetic close which is fine for shape and size, BUT it is covered with a brown patterened "felt" material which atraches everykind of dust and powder imaginable. Now, as someone who likes to keep her makeup clean, I find this absolutely abhorrent. I selected "yes" I would repuchase but that is only on the proviso that someone at Stila says "next time we launch this, let's change the packaging so that not only is it chic and pretty, but also practical!" The colours in this palette are splendid - they are neutral earth based tones that suit my pale skin and red hair. I can apply these sheerly or strongly because the pigmentation is quite high in the eyeshadows. The colours all compliment each other wonderfully. There is a light cream shade suitable for base/highlighting, a golden-brown shade that is lovely for all over the lid, and a darker mahogony shade that is suitable for the crease or lashline as well as creating a sultry smokey eye. All of the shadows have a hint of shimmer at least - but it is fine for daytime use. The darkest shade has slightly less shimmer but it is still not completely matte. The blush that comes in this palette is also quite wearable. It has a soft texture and applies easily and relatively smooth. It has a hint of shimmer but is not sparkly and is a gorgeous peachy-pink colour. I can wear all of this palette at the same time and get lovely color from it that wears all day. Save for the packaging, this is a highly recommended palette worth purchasing.
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Lipstick -MAC - Intricate
CallistoLuna 1/15/2010 6:40:00 PM
This lipstick is limited edition from the Love Lace collection. The lipstick formula is supposed to be a frost but I think it applies more like a glaze - there is hardly any colour payoff with this lipstick and most frost lipsticks have a bit more pigmentation than this. The colour is described on the website as a frosted cool icy taupe- it has fine multicolour iridescence in a very sheer mauvey-taupe base. This colour did not show up on my lips at all - and I don't have very strongly coloured lips - which is dissappointing because I think it would be a nice colour otherwise. For the performance, I would stick to a lipgloss because I think you'd get more wear from it than this lipstick. Nice colour, nice sparkle - too sheer! Should be a gloss colour (try Utterly Discrete - the lip gloss that goes with this lipstick- from the same colloection).
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Lipstick -MAC - Vegas Volt
CallistoLuna 1/15/2010 12:43:00 AM
This lipstick is part of MAC's permanent line and it is an Amplified Creme. The colour is a richly pigment salmon pink in the tube and is equally delicious on the lips. The colour payoff is wonderful and if you are wearing a complimentary lip liner underneath, you'll have a very strong, very wearable bright pink-coral colour. The amplified creme formula is quite creamy compared to the MAC satin lipsticks (I think the amplified's are a fusion of lustre and satin formula - lustre creamy but with satin opacity) and on my lips they look great. Be wary if you have dry lips - prep them before applying this. I have quite a pale complexion (NW15 NC20) so this lipstick is very much a stand out on my lips (MAC Dervish lip liner is close to my natural lip colour). I highly recommend trying this lipstick out if you're looking for something bright for summer (or winter!).
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Highlighters -MAC - by candlelight
CallistoLuna 1/14/2010 2:02:00 PM
This is a MSF highlighting powder from the MAC Warm and Cosy collection. It is a lovely pastel rose-pink with a hint of gold coming through in the package and when it is applied to the face (or other areas of skin) it imparts a pale pink shimmer with a subtle warm golden glow. The texture of this MSF is great - in the past I've found that some of the MSFs have has a very chunky/glittery finish that is not flattering - especially on the face - but this one is much more refined in texture so no big chunks are in this one. The colour has been likened to Soft and Gentle MSF - Soft and Gentle has a more beige-golden finish whereas this one is a touch more pink. I have both of these MSF and I think they are both worth having. By candlelight looks great as a highlighter over blush and also quite effective on the eyes as a base. I love this MSF and if it is repromoted in the future (and if I ever manage to finish this one - you don't need a lot of product so MSFs last a long time) I will repurchase.
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Lip Gloss -MAC - Dazzleglass - Baby Sparks
CallistoLuna 1/10/2010 6:12:00 PM
This is a pretty pale pink dazzleglass with blue/violet sparkles. I bought this dazzleglass on a whim after swatching different dazzleglasses at the MAC store. I know it came out with the first lots of dazzleglasses but this shade never really appealed to me. However it must have been the light because when I bought it recently, I couldn't believe I didn't buy it when it first came out. Absolutely love this colour - it's very subtle on the lips (color wise) but it adds a good amount of sparkle (blue violet). I love this colour and it compliments my skin colour. It looks good on its own and layered over other pink lipsticks...so needless to say that I will be repurchasing.
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Lip Gloss -MAC - Nymphette lipglass
CallistoLuna 1/10/2010 6:04:00 PM
To be blunt, this is one of the top selling lipglasses that MAC has and I know a couple of people who have this lipglass on them at all times. It's part of the permanent line which is great because you can repurchase it as needed. The formula is typical for MAC lipglasses - a good consistancy although slightly tacky in feel with reasonable color payoff. It is described as a sunned golden pink on the website - and that is pretty much what it is - a pretty neutral pink with golden shimmer. This colour is neutral enough to wear on almost any lip. Highly reccomended to anyone wanting to try a MAC lipglass but isn't sure which one to go for. It doesn't wow because the colour is fairly tame - but it is a safe bet for any occasion where lipstick is forgone but adds a nice touch to any face - be it fully made up or just sporting a natural look.
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Mascara -Unlisted Brand - Ere Perez - Natural Almond Oil Mascara
CallistoLuna 1/10/2010 5:39:00 PM
Like many MUA ladies, mascara is one of those items I'm constantly experimenting with to try and find "the One". However after more than a decade of searching and experimenting, and listing all those mascaras that have came and went would be a massive undertaking in itself. I'm also convinced that there is no such thing as "the one" mascara for any self-respecting MA lover. I'm of the opinion that one needs a mascara for everyday lashes, for party lashes, for a natural look, for a dramatic look etc...depending on the need of the moment and that owning one great mascara can't give you both a great natural look and a great drama look at the same time. I've been using Ere Perez almond oil mascara on and off for about 3 years now. It is wonderful for building black glossy lashes with modest thickness and length. The thing that draws me back to this mascara is the creamy way in which it applies - I think because of it's waxy-almond oil base it gets brushed through the lashes like soft butter and coats them evenly. I never have to comb my lashes afterward so it doesn't break up the coat and make the lashes look feathery or roughly finished (sometimes with harder mascars I find that if you comb through to seperate you end up with a crusty looking finish on the lash and it takes away the glossy finish) Even though this mascara is not overly dramatic in it's performance- I'd say medium thickness, length and it certainly lifts my lashes into a slight curl - It does get comments about how lovely my lashes look when I wear it. It's weird when people say that (it's happened at least a dozen times now) -I think it's because it has that natural look that is also slightly made up and I'm convinced it is because of the dark glossy look it gives my lashes, making them stand out more than they naturally would. For reference, I have long lashes that don't really have much curl but they are a light gold-brown colour naturally (being a redhead means my lashes are quite light) so mascara every/most days is essential. The packaging of this mascara is fairly standard - it comes in a white coloured tube with an evenly bristled medium width brush (ie it's not weirdly shaped, curved or overly thin - it's a normal brush). The product itself is quite dark and has a distinct almond smell to it (if you hate marzipan, you'll really not like this) after a month or so, the product can become a little thicker but unlike some mascaras, it doesn't dry out and become unusable - in fact this added thickness makes it easier (for me) to apply. There is a waterproof formula available as well, but it works just as well as the natural one in performance (i can wear the natural one to bed and wake up not looking like a panda) save for the w/p one appling a little thinner than the natural one. Becasue it is oil based, using olive or another vegetable oil for removal is much more effective. In conclusion, I will be buying this mascara again unless they change the formula for the worse. It is my go to mascara for a lovely luscious day look.
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Lips -MAC - Dazzleglass Creme SOFT DAZZLE
CallistoLuna 1/4/2010 6:33:00 PM
I have a couple of the dazzleglass cremes - Amorous and Totally Fab are quite bold and pigmented but Soft Dazzle is just that - soft colour with dazzle (sparkles). For me, I think I'll stick with the regular dazzleglasses or lip glasses for these light colours because they work better on my lips. The colour payoff of this dazzleglass was almost non existent on my lips and the glitter was quite obvious and a bit gritty. All in all, this is an average gloss for me so I won't be repurchasing.
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Blush -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Spill
CallistoLuna 1/1/2010 1:32:00 PM
This is not a great MSF for use on the face - the texture of this MSF is not as refined as others. The larger chunks of glitter in it can stand out quite noticably on the face. I've had this MSF for a while and it's taken me quite some time to figure out a use for it - I find this MSF serves wonderfully as a body powder (especially effective on bare arms and legs). The colour is a soft golden bronze once applied, but since I use it only as a light buffing it gives my very pale skin a hint of colour and a bit of a glow which can work wonders with an evening dress. Despite finding a different use for this MSF, I would not repurchase as there are other MSFs that have been released with similar colour but better textures (I'm sure they'd work just as well if not better than Gold Spill). The packaging is typical for MAC MSF's - black sturdy casing with a transparent dome through which the product is clearly visible.
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Scrubs -MAC - Microfine Refinisher [DISCONTINUED]
CallistoLuna 1/1/2010 1:39:00 AM
This is an awesome scrub. It's not drying and it does exfoliate. I wouldn't recommend it for everyday use but it's fantastic for once/twice a week exfoliation. The oil component stops the skin from drying out (I believe) which is great for stopping breakouts and/or over production of oil from the skin. I have normal to combo skin that can develop dry patches in winter and oily patches in summer. I also have very sensitive skin that is prone to redness, and I find that a small amount of this product on a face cloth really does cleanse/exfoliate gently without that dry/taut feeling that sometimes can happen after using a strong cleanser. If you have normal to oily skin - DON"T over moisturize after using this - it's actually quite moisturizing on it's own. It comes in a 100mL tube (good size if travelling because it's not too big and it costs $37AUD (a little pricey) but as stated earlier, a little goes a long way and I don't normally use a moisturizer after using this so I cut out one step anyway (so that equals the cost of using a moisturizer as well for me). Will definately repurchase.
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Mascara -MAC - Splashproof Lash in Blacksplash
CallistoLuna 12/29/2009 2:13:00 PM
This mascara is waterproof, it makes lashes black (and a little stiff). It does clump up with multiple coats especially if you don't allow ample drying time between coats and are overzealous with application. This mascara is average in performance - for the money, I'll stick with Maybelline Full n Soft waterproof because it gives me better results. Sorry MAC, I love your stuff but your mascaras just can't compete.
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Liquid -MAC - Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation
CallistoLuna 12/24/2009 4:49:00 PM
I'm in a mixed way about this foundation - in one way I quite like this foundation because of the great medium coverage I get but in another way I don't like the way in dries as it can get quite sticky and tacky during blending. If I work at it, I can get a nice finish but I also get a similar finish without the weirdness from MAC's Select fluid foundation. I put this strangeness down to the fact that it's a gel formula. However, if this doesn't put you off (as it has me a bit) the coverage is good, the finish is slightly dewy (maybe not so good if you have oily skin) and it has SPF 15 with sunscreen components that block both UVA and UVB ( a must for my pale skin in the Australian summer). I'm not really a fan of the see-though packaging- I prefer the packaging to be opaque to protect any light sensitive ingrediants from losing their potentcy (ie any antioxidants that may be present)
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Lipstick -MAC - Cremesheen Creme in your coffee
CallistoLuna 12/24/2009 4:37:00 PM
Creme in your Coffee is a welcome addition to my lipstick repetoire. I love MAC lipsticks for many reasons but one of the stand out features is because they always come packaged in a sturdy container the can be toted around in a bag without fear of the tube getting broken or the cap sliding off. Usually the casing is the traditional black MAC and Creme in your Coffee is no exception there. The MAC formaula for this lipstick is a cremesheen and I quite like the texture and finish of these lippies - kind of get the best of both the lustre and amplified cremes in one. The colour of this lipstick is a lovely neutral pinkish-brown. The colour shows up quite brown on my lips but it is still wearable. If I apply a pinkish hued lipliner underneath (try dervish) it comes up more rosey. This is a pretty colour and highly wearable for daytime/work. Recommended for anyone looking for a nice neutral colour for work with good coverage.
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Makeup Brushes -Ecotools - Bamboo 6 mini brushes
CallistoLuna 11/17/2009 3:34:00 AM
I went on a business trip to NZ recently. I needed a set of brushes that I could take and not worry about. I found these at my local (Australian) "drugstore" and they lived up to all I could've hoped for and more. I have used the full sized eye shader and powder and blush brushes before from this brand but the travel set was amazingly well thought out and useful for me. The Eye shader and concealer brush was wonderful when it came to needing something travel friendly and available for easy touch ups in the evenings. I was able to go from Day to Night looks easily by using these brushes. for that alone they are worth purchasing. They are inexpensive and beautifully made for the purpose of applying makeup - my MAC palette that I had put together for this trip sang to these brushes - awesome results for me and highly recommended to others...for the price, you have to try. ***EDIT*** Whoops!, my fault - this is the FOUR piece travel set NOT the 6 little "eyeshadow brushes" that are also fabulous for travel, applying lipstick and concealer. Apologies for any confusion about that - these little brushes are also brilliant and I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for an alternative to sponge tipped brushes that eventually get thrown out. With these, you just wash them and they are ready to be reused - much more environmentally friendly.
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