Review: MAC Harmony Blush

I have been looking for a good contour product FOREVER.  I do have cheekbones, but I also have a roundish face and they tend to get lost in my cheeks, so I am a perfect candidate for contouring.  For those of you that don't know, contouring is when you use a product in a shade that's a few shades deeper than your actual skin tone to create shadows on your face, usually under the jaw and cheekbones, along the temples and down the sides of the nose.  You want a matte, neutral shade because shimmer draws light to the part of the face you put it on, which makes that part of your face appear to protrude more--hence why using a shimmery product on the top of your cheekbones can make them seem more obvious.


The problem I've had is that I'm really pale, and most contour powders pull orange on me--heck, most foundation pulls orange on me.  Which makes me look like a clown.  Boo.  Pixi2woo, my favorite YouTube beauty blogger, uses MAC's powder blush in Harmony to contour all the time, and since she's pale(ish) like me, I had to try it.


I could not get a good picture of this.  It kept coming out darker and pinker than it actually is.  This picture is pretty true to life.  MAC describes it as a muted rose-beige brown matte blush, which you can get for $19.50 at maccosmetics.com.  On me it comes out as a medium, neutral-warm brown, and it's the perfect contouring color. It's extremely pigmented, but also blends easily, so you can layer for the effect you want (and to get it to work on darker skin tones).  On my oily skin it lasts all day and I only have to use a tiny bit, so this tin will last me forever.




I apply it with a skunk brush in the 3-shape on my face (under the jaw, around the side of the face to under the cheekbone, and around the temple to the sides of the forehead) and it gives my face a nice amount of structure and depth.


The packaging is standard MAC, decent quality and simple, and the product has no scent or SPF, so I don't think it'll irritate anyone's skin. You could probably use it as a bronzer if you're as pale as me, so it can go double duty.


Overall rating: A+.  It works perfectly as a contour without pulling orange on me, it lasts all day and applies easily, and I think it will work for range of skin types and skin tones.  It's not cheap, but it will last forever, so it's a good deal.

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Another Sundress and MAC Shy Girl Lipstick

Someone needs to lock me in my house and keep me from shopping.  For serious.  I just bought my fifth dress in a week.  Gah.  It is super cute though.


Forever21 Pleated Floral Dress, $19.90 at forever21.com: It's hard to tell in my terrible pictures, but it's a light mint green with coral flowers.  Worn with vintage cardigan and belt and Frye boots.  I really like this dress because it's a fun color (and one I don't have in my closet), it's light, cheap, and easy to wear, and the back is smocked, so it will fit a range of sizes.  I got a medium because I have a larger chest, but if you have a normal sized chest I think it runs a little big.  The colors are a little unconventional, and I think that helps modernize the floral print.  Also I would totally collect retro sundresses if I could.  But like really.  I know I wear these same boots with everything, but I think they balance out the super girly sundress nicely, and the cardigan adds a little coverage.




In other news, I BOUGHT A LIPSTICK!  That actually has never happened.  Like never.  I've wanted a nude-ish lippie for a while now, but lipstick scares me.  That might be funny from someone who wears significant amounts of black gel liner everyday, but lipstick...lipstick is intense.  It requires so much more patience and thought in selecting shades.  But I know it's silly that I avoid lipstick altogether, so I put a toe in the pool by picking up a nude lippie.  The SA (sales associate for y'all that don't know the lingo) at MAC recommended Shy Girl to me. The MAC website describes it as a creamy neutral coral beige, and it's a cremesheen finish, which means that it's a creamy lipstick with a glossy finish.  It came out a little brighter and lighter in the photos than in real life.




My lips are naturally pretty pigmented and sort of a medium pinkish red, so this is lighter than my natural lip color by just a bit.  I really wanted something that would lighten up my lip color without making me look like a zombie, and Shy Girl is perfect for that.  On me it comes across as a peachy-pink nude with the TINIEST hint of shimmer, and it is absolutely gorgeous.  It lightens my lips just enough to be noticeable, and the hint of peach is really pretty and summery.  It goes on very creamy and pigmented in one stroke, and it has a pretty decent lasting power--about 3-4 hours--without lip liner.  It has a very slight vanilla scent but no discernible taste, and the packaging is classic MAC, very simple and sleek.  All in all, I love this.  It's right in my comfort zone, it doesn't dry out my lips or settle into my lip lines, and the color is lovely.  For reference I'm NW15 at MAC, so very pale and on the warmer side of neutral.




Awkward Chic rating: A-.  I wish it lasted a bit longer and that it wasn't $14.50, but in terms of color and formula I LOVE IT.

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Pre-Summer Cravings

The weather hit 60 degrees today, so obviously all I can think about today is summer, and all the things I want to wear for summer time.  Which is unfortunate, because there is actually still snow on the ground in Boston.  HOW DOES THIS EVEN WORK WEATHERWISE?  I don't understand. Bleh.  Here are some pretty summery things:


Kim Kardashian, Frye Catrin Trapunto Sandals, on sale fore $123 at zappos.com: I need to be more adventurous with my hair styles.  I have very, very thick, slippery hair that refuses to do much more than go into a ponytail (and a rebellious ponytail at that).  But I have a soft spot for cute little braids, a la LC from the Hills.  I love the bombshell waves Kim is working here, and the skinny braids poking out add such a fun, boho twist on the look that I'm going to have to try this look.  If these shoes came in my size still, I would have ordered them already.  I need more shoes, heels especially, and I love the idea of a casual heel.  The medium brown is so versatile, the platform and thick heel makes these practical, and the thick straps are so boho-sassy.  These with a little white sundress = heaven.



Ray-Ban Oversized Wayfarers, $145 at shopbop.com, MAC Freckletone Lipstick, $14.50 at maccosmetics.com: I promise I will stop blogging oversized Wayfarers.  Eventually.  Maybe.  I just love them so much but can't justify buying them because I 
have two pairs of Ray-Bans already...but I want them.  Cry.  I think oversized sunglasses with a structured shape like these are so flattering and so glamorous.  Plus (my favorite part) they are so great for people watching!  Nobody knows that you're looking at them in these.  I realize that sounds mildly creepy, but you all know what I'm talking about, right?  I've been searching for a good nude lipstick for a while now.  Lipstick in general scares me, because I literally only wear lip balm and the occasional pink lip gloss, but there's something so appealing in warm weather about a nude, natural peachy-pink lip.  Especially with the winged eyeliner that I like to wear--a red lip would be far too retro fab.



 Coconut Iced Coffee, Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder, $28 at sephora.com: Check out that recipe from Coconut Iced Coffee.  It looks SO GOOD.  I love me some iced coffee, and coconut seems like such a fun, tropical twist.  I need a tan like it's nobodies business, but my epic paranoia of skin cancer and fear of spray tanners leaves me with limited options.  I've been craving Benefit's Hoola for a while now (I may actually buy it this time kids!).  It's the perfect matte bronzer, just warm enough and not too orange, and it's ideal for contouring and adding an overall glow.





Images via glamour.com, zappos.com, shopbop.com, smartpoppy.au, sephora.com.

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Review: MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation

I've been searching for a good foundation setting powder that blends coverage and mattifying properties in an easy to use formula for years.  Literally.  And so far, my search has been inconclusive.  But, I think I've found a pretty good option (not a holy grail status option, but a good option).  It's MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, $26 at maccosmetics.com.


I know the idea of setting foundation with foundation seems silly.  But I'm always looking for more coverage and I figured that a foundation would have more lasting power than a regular powder, and probably more mattifying power.  This foundation comes in a round, palm-sized compact with a mirror in the lid and a sponge concealed in a compartment under the powder.  The powder comes in the usual MAC shades and has no SPF.




As far as the packaging goes, I am very pleased with it.  It clicks closed with a really satisfying sound (I know that's weird, but it makes me so happy), you get a great amount of product, and the mirror is very helpful.  I don't understand the sponge, to be honest, but if you like sponges it's a convenient way to apply your powder on the go.


Now, for the product itself.  I hate powder foundations and matte finishes, so I haven't applied it as such (this definitely has a matte finish).  I see how it could be a good powder foundation, and it certainly has good coverage.  It is highly pigmented, which is great for me because I've been applying it only on my t-zone, and it helps with my nose redness.  What I do with this is use a big, fluffy brush and pat it down my t-zone where I'm oiliest.  The coverage is easy to build, and it keeps my foundation and concealer lasting and staying fresh for much longer than they did before.  I've heard that this breaks a lot of people out, but I haven't experienced any issues with that in the 2 weeks that I've used it.  With my last pressed powder, I had to reapply at least 4 times a day.  Here, I can reapply maybe once or twice and still not look like an oil-slick.


Long story short: this a pigmented, high-coverage pressed foundation that will keep you matte for at least a few hours and set your makeup nicely.  I don't know if I would use it as an actualy foundation, but as a setting powder I think it's fabulous.


Awkward Chic rating: A-.  If it kept me matte all day it would get an A, but as is it's a pretty fantastic product.


Images from thisnext.com, firstimpressionsbeauty.blogspot.com.

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My MAC Peacocky Haul

I had to go by MAC this morning to check out the Peacocky collection (it's at the point where the MAC girls recognize me.  Even though I go to college in Boston for 3/4 of the year and I'm home in LA.  Oh dear).  I was preparing myself to love everything in the collection and have to talk myself out of buying it all, but surprisingly I left with everything I wanted.  I was thinking of grabbing a lip color too, but they just weren't the right colors for me.

So I ended up with the shadows in Tweet Me and Spectacle of Yourself. Here are nice (nicer than mine, anyways) swatches of the whole collection.  These Mega Metal shadows are $19.50, and the size of a cream color base.  I put them next to a regular sized shadow (Vainglorious) so y'all can see the size difference.  These are HUGE.  I love it.  MAC describes Tweet Me as gold bronze and Spectacle of Yourself as deep bronze.  Hm.  In real life, I'd say Tweet Me is a gilded peach and Spectacle of Yourself is a metallic brown with red undertones and red sheen.  They're both extremely metallic, and have an amazing high sheen without being shimmery or glittery.  That's Tweet Me on the right.



 Swatches: Tweet Me (left), Spectacle of Yourself (right), and then Spectacle of Yourself on the right.  These shadows are so pigmented and easy to work with.  I really, REALLY like them.  And because you don't need a lot of product for an opaque layer of color, you'll get a ton of use out of these products.  They're a good value for the money.  These are up on the website now, and I don't think anything is sold out yet.  Apparently these are a new formula of shadow for MAC, and I think MAC needs to put out more of them.  ASAP.  They feel like pressed pigments!  The shadows that I have from MAC with the most comparable texture are my frosts (Satin Taupe and Romp), but these Mega Metal shadows are even more pigmented and easier to work with.  I would have died to have seen a metallic black in the collection.



And for comparison purposes, here is Spectacle of Yourself on top and on the left, and Vainglorious on the bottom and on the right.  In the pan they look pretty similar, but once swatched the difference is pretty apparent.  Spectacle of Yourself is much richer and more pigmented, and it's really a brown with a red twist whereas Vainglorious is a red with a brown twist, and much less pigmented.



And on a last note, I picked up a new bottle of Face and Body foundation in N1.  The old bottle is on the right, the new bottle (also N1) is on the left.  Isn't that a crazy difference?  What happened is that Face and Body is water-based and oxidizes pretty quickly because of its lack of preservatives.  So in about 9 months, it's gotten that much darker.  And I didn't even notice!

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Review: MAC Studio Finish Concealer

I'm home!!!  It only took 12 hours of traveling (American Airlines, I sincerely hate you), but I am home, where the weather is actually worse than in Boston.  Nice.  In the midst of my Xmas shopping for other people today, I managed to pick up a MAC goody for myself: the Studio Finish Concealer.


It looks like this, in a flip-top container that's the same as the MAC eyeshadow pots, but just a little taller.  I would totally take pictures myself, but my camera is hidden somewhere in the deep, dark recesses of my duffel bag.  Which I am currently avoiding in my procrastinating of unpacking.  So.  It's $14.50 for a good amount of concealer, which is a nice deal, and it has SPF 35.  The SPF is both a pro and a con--it's great for your skin, but it can flash white in photography, which is definitely not cute.




Now, I still love my MAC Studio Sculpt concealer.  I use it for all my blemishes, and it's fabulous.  But the problem is, it's way too thick and drying to use for my under eye circles, which are not pretty.  What I've been using for my dark circles was this great pink pencil by Anastasia that I got from Sephora for free years ago, but it finally died and it's been discontinued (crycry).  All of my favorite YouTube makeup gurus use this for their dark circles, so I thought I'd try it out.  

I like the packaging.  The flip-top is easy to use, and harder for me to lose than a twist on cap.  I've heard that it will make you break out more if you put it on blemishes, so I haven't even tried that (break out more?  No thanks).  Most people apply it with a blending brush (like a 217), but I don't have a spare one, so I've been using my fingers.  It feels very solid in the pan until you warm it up a bit with your fingers, and it goes on very smoothly and very, very opaque.  I've had no issues with drying or it settling into fine lines (but I have no fine lines, so I can't say if it would or not).  I'm in between a NW15 and NW20, so I went with the lighter shade because I feel like lighter under the eyes is always better than darker.


I hadn't been using anything under my eyes for a long time, and I hadn't realized how tired I'd been looking until I used this.  It makes me look so much brighter and more awake and just plain alive.  It's fantastic.  I don't have terrible under eye circles, so I'm not really putting it to the test, but I definitely have visible darkness and veins from my chronic insomnia, and it makes me look bright-eyed and bushy tailed.  I highly, highly recommend it.


Awkward Chic rating: A+.  The price is right, it's so opaque that I don't have to use a lot of product, it really covers my dark circles, and it wears really well (I'm at 8 hours now and there's no visible fading).  The only cons I have are that it has so much SPF and that the pot container isn't the most hygienic, but I'm willing to forgive those for how well it performs.

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My Xmas List

First off, I want to make sure no one assumes my parents will be buying me all of these things.  I will probably end up buying half of it for myself.  If I'm lucky.  Anyways, here are some of the things that I want for Christmas.


Pink iPod Nano 8 GB, $139.95 at amazon.com: I really, really need a new iPod.  Mine is basically a useless brick at this point.  I tend to sleep with my iPod (mind out of the gutter), and since it's an iPod Touch, me falling asleep on the touch screen makes it basically unable for the iPod for function without me sitting on top of it.  Which just isn't practical for daily life.  I like this iPod because it's tiny and pink, it has a touch screen (but a small one that would be harder for me to break!), and it has a clip on the back for me to clip on to my shirt when I'm running!  Such a win.




MAC Eyeshadow in Sable, $14.50 at maccosmetics.com: Sable is a gold-plum shadow with bronze pearl (veluxe pearl finish), and it's basically everything that I wanted Satin Taupe to be.  It' a warm, deep but versatile basic shade that would look great with my hazel eyes, and could work as a lid or a crease shade.



Frye Carmen Harness Short, $298 at fryeboots.com: Y'all know I want these.  They're so pretty.  They're nice and rugged without being too mannish, and the little heel is so sassy.  I love the tapping sound these make when you walk, and with these heels I'll be 5'11.  Ack!  So tall.  I will probably end up buying these for myself. 




Ray-Ban Oversized Wayfarers, $139 at revolveclothing.com: Yes, I know, I have the regular Wayfarers and the aviators, but...I want these.  The oversized shape makes them so darn chic, and they look just like the Audrey Hepburn ones from Breakfast at Tiffanys. 




J. Brand Jeggings, $139 at shopbop.com: I'm caving.  I want jeggings.  BUT just to wear with boots, I swear.  They're just so easy to tuck into boots without looking bulky.  I love these J. Brand jeggings because they look like real jeans, with zippers and back pockets and everything, but they feel like pajamas.  And that's always a plus.





Love Me Sugar Paris Boudoir Eye Mask, $15 at etsy.com:




Viv & Ingird Horseshoe Earrings, $65 at vivandingrid.com: I've had a pair of Viv & Ingrid earrings for the past year, and I wear them basically every day.  They're basically indestructible.  I wore them for 6 months straight after I pierced my ears, and they never got lose or fell out.  I love that these are tiny horseshoes, one because I ride, and two because they're a little good luck charm to carry around with you all day.




ASTARS Ventura Highway Top, $66 at alpinestars.com: I've decided this is the best t-shirt ever.  I got it a year ago and I've basically worn it to pieces.  It's flattering, it's comfy, and it works for day and night.  I know $66 is a lot for a shirt, but trust me, this one is so, so worth it.




Images from amazon.com, amanda11762.blogspot.com, fryeboots.com, revolveclothing.com, shopbop.com, etsy.com, vivandingrid.com, alpinestars.com.

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Review: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle

So I've been dying to buy the Dior Amber Diamond highlighter for a while now.  I wanted a highlighter that was a little more subtle and easier to deal with than my MAC Vanilla pigment (still love it though).  But it's $45.  Boo.  However, it looks an awful lot like the MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle, which is $28 at maccosmetics.com.  Guess which one I ended up buying?


This is my first MSF.  It's a finely milled powder that's marbled and baked, and the compact is about the size of my palm.  $28 isn't pocket change, but you get a LOT of product with this baby.  The MAC site describes it as a gilded peach bronze.  Um, no.  It swatches more a rosy champagne with a mixture of shimmer and glitter.  It's just really, really lovely.  Here are some pics:





I'd say the coloring veers a bit more towards the first than the second picture.  Here's a good swatch of it.  Isn't it pretty?!?!  What I've found with this is a that a little goes a long way.  It is very shimmery.  With a heavy hand you can veer into Twilight territory immediately.  But with a big, fluffy brush or a skunk brush like my MAC 187, you can get a light application that gives you a candlelit glow (and who doesn't want to look like they're permanently bathed in candlelight?  Really now).  The wear time is about the same as any powder on me.  It fades throughout the day, but doesn't disappear, and would probably last a lot longer if you have less oily skin than I do.


You can really use this anywhere--on the lids, browbone, collarbone, cheekbones, etc, etc.  It looks very natural because it's actually a skin-esque color, and it makes you look dewy and fresh without looking oily.  I'm honestly very pleased with this.  It's probably my favorite highlighter that I've ever used.


Awkward Chic rating: A-.  I wish that is what just shimmer instead of having some random glittery bits mixed in, but overall it's a gorgeous shade that's easy to work with and good value for your money.


Images from berryberrycouture.blogspot.com.

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Grrrrrrr.

So my Mac charger decided to die today.  Which doesn't sound that inconvenient, except my battery life ain't so great anymore, and again, I have no charger, so I'm struggling to write this post before my laptop dies.  If posting is a little unreliable for the next few days, it isn't because I don't love you guys, it's because I literally can't turn my computer on.


It's just a short post today, then.  First off, Tanya Burr (my fave Brit YouTube beauty guru) posted a makeup tutorial that's hilariously identical to the look I wear every day, making me realize just how high maintenance I am.  But anyways, it's a really pretty look.  Y'all should watch it.  





And now some pretty boots.  I totally adore my Frye Melissa boots, but I think I wear them too much.  Because I wear them basically every day, which is probably a little too much.  I'm thinking I want to invest in another pair of boots, maybe different from the basic equestrian style I already own?

Chloe Wool-lined Leather Boots, $1,195 at net-a-porter.com: Obviously I won't actually buy these (looks at price tag--faints), but how pretty and almost practical are they?  The leather is nice and durable, the wool lining will keep you warm so  you don't have to resort to Uggs, and the wrap-around straps give these a nice slightly boho/'70s twist.  I thinking these with dark wash jeans, an open front, drapey cardigan, and a soft, off-white v-neck.  Drool.




Frye Carmen Harness Short Boots, $298 at thefryecompany.com: On a slightly more realistic note, these boots are just so spunky and adorable.  I'm thinking that since I have knee-high boots, I want either shorter or taller boots as my second pair.  Taller is more on-trend, but shorter is more practical.  The harness on these gives them a bit of a motorcycle edge, the upturned toe and pull-on tabs say cowboy, and the washed-out grey hue is very downtown chic.  I really like the idea of these anchoring a floaty little dress or adding a little sass to some basic jeans.




Frye Harlow Campus Boots, $398 at thefryecompany.com: These are so international sexy super-spy boots, no?  They're not quite over the knee, but they're definitely not below the knee boots.  The 4 inch heels say don't mess with me (also OW, but that's less fun), and the clean lines of these babies keep them from getting too over the top sexy.



Images from net-a-porter.com, thefryecompany.com, thefryecompany.com.

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Random Beauty Thoughts

I'm thinking I want to go nude.  No, get your mind out of the gutter.  I mean nude lips.  Although subconsciously I may be thinking nude face entirely, because I completely forget to put on foundation today, even though the bottle was right in front of me.  Sigh.  Mondays.  My general lip product routine is basically lip balm.  Maybe a pale pink gloss.  That's it.  Crazy, I know.  I'm just not a colored lip person, and I usually do strong eyes, so I avoid strong lips.  But lately I've wanted to branch out a bit, and do a lipstick.  


All my favorite YouTube beauty gurus have been doing these lovely pinky-nude MAC lippies, and I'm starting to crave one.  At the moment I'm thinking either Jubilee or Creme d'Nude.  I know they basically look the same here, but Jubilee is a naked beigey-pink and Creme d'Nude is a pale, muted pink-beige.  So Jubilee is a bit darker and a lustre finish, and Creme d'Nude is a bit lighter, more opaque, and a cremesheen finish.  I'm thinking I'll have to see them in person, but I just love the idea of a slightly glossy, muted lip.  It's just hard to walk that line because flattering nude and concealer lips/corpse nude.




I see both of these get paired with MAC's Lipglass in Nymphette a lot.  Now, I need a new lip gloss about as much as I need to get bronchitis again (aka not at all), but it's just so purdy.  And I love the name.  And it's a nude, sheer pink with a ton of gold shimmer.  I'm such a sucker for gold shimmer.




Also, in unrelated beauty news, Clemence Poesy of recent Gossip Girl fame, has gone back to her roots (pun intended) and dyed her hair a lovely deep blonde/light brown.  The funny thing is, it's my natural hair color exactly, and I totally love it on her, and totally hate it on myself.  I love that it's a little ombre, and faded towards the tips.  It makes it look so much more natural and lived in.  Isn't it crazy how such a small change in hair color can change someone's look so much?  She looks so much more foxy and mischievous with darker hair.




Images from lolasgoodies.blogspot.com, polyvore.com, xbeanie.onsugar.com, luckymag.com.

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VENOMOUS VILLAINS REVIEW!!!

I don't know if y'all picked it up from the title, but I'm so, so excited about what I got from Venomous Villains.  The whole thing was such an ordeal.  It was supposed to hit stores last Thursday, and since I have a midterm that day I was going to go into Boston on Friday with my roomie and hit up MAC.  We had it all planned out.  But then I heard that MAC was releasing the collection early online, so I decide just to stalk Twitter until it dropped and buy what I wanted ASAP before it sold out.  Well.  MAC couldn't decide when to release it or couldn't release it for some reason, so it went up two hours late, and I wasn't with my laptop.  Cue panic attack.  But, luckily, an hour later both things I wanted were still in stock, so it all worked out.  The only thing that freaked me out was that I got an email confirming my order saying that I'd get a tracking number when it shipped, and a week later, no tracking number.  It just mysteriously showed up at mail services today.  No bueno, MAC, no bueno.


ANYWAYS, I got My Dark Magic Mineralize Shadow from the Maleficent collection and Vainglorious Shadow from the Evil Queen collection.  I was so happy that the boxes looked like the blogger press hits with the awesome concept drawings of the characters!  That's Maleficent on the left and the Evil Queen on the right. 




So My Dark Magic sold out pretty much within 12 hours (in fact, almost all of the Maleficent stuff is gone), which makes me so happy that I got it, but sad that most people didn't.  I think it has the best packaging of the line, with Maleficent and her crow/vulture BFF on the lid.  The Evil Queen packaging is much less awesome.  The queen's face just looks so small compared to the shadow itself.  I think if it was blown up two or three times it would have been a lot better, but I'm glad that the images were printed on, and not stickers (ahem, Dame Edna).




My camera struggled so much taking pictures of My Dark Magic because it is SO SPARKLY.  The picture on the left gives a better idea of the texture, but the picture on the right gives a better idea of the actual color.  The surface feels very organic--it's a little bumpy and swirly.  The left side is a crescent shaped black with fuschia shimmer and fucshia swirls, and the right is a smaller oval with a black base, some white swirls, and violet and blue shimmer.  The shimmer on the right is a bit bigger/chunkier than the shimmer on the left.  The white swirls really just blend in with the black and add a little white shimmer.




JUST LOOK AT THOSE SWATCHES.  LOOK AT THEM.  The left is the pink side, the right is the purple side.  You can see the difference between the shimmer sizes pretty clearly, and because the shimmer on the right is a little more noticeable, it's much easier to do a sheer wash of the purple side than the pink side.  If you do a sheer wash of the purple side, you can almost blend it out to a sheer base with violet shimmer, which you can't do with the pink side.  I found this duo incredibly pigmented.  I literally brushed my fingers over it and came up with these swatches.  I think you could apply it wet for more lasting power and less fallout, but they seem to do pretty darn well dry.  I know I'm not going to be wearing this all the time (it's not exactly class friendly) but it's the perfect thing for weekends or for a fun, going-out smokey eye. 




Vainglorious is still up on the MAC website for $15.50 ($1 more than usual because of the licensing fees for the Disney characters).  The picture on the left refused to come out right, the swatch on the right is much more accurate.  I think the macro setting on my camera hates me.  I'd describe it as a brownish-burgundy with red shimmer.  It's a lot more wearable than I thought that it would be, for sure.  It's a little scary looking in the pan, but if you put it in the crease and blend it out, it's a really flattering warm hue, especially on green or hazel eyes.  I was definitely scared by the Frost finish, but I wouldn't call it frosty at all.  It has a bit of a sheen to it, but it is in no way reminiscent of '90s frosted lipstick or other scary frosted things.




Overall thoughts: I really love the two things I got.  I would have also gotten Revenge is Sweet Lipglass, but I needed more Studio Sculpt Concealer (I'm NW15 now!  Ahhhhh so pale), and I'm broke.  So.  I'm so glad that I got My Dark Magic because I think the packaging is fab and I adore blacks with colored shimmer, and I love Vainglorious because it's surprisingly wearable and a color that I needed.

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VENOMOUS VILLAINS REVIEW!!!

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Current Makeup Loves

I've gotten a lot of new makeup lately (okay, not THAT lately, but within the last two months), so I thought I'd do an updated makeup I'm loving post.  This is just stuff that I find myself reaching for in the mornings before anything else (I do my makeup in bed now, it's basically the best thing ever).


Alright, so the giant palette is obviously Coastal Scents (the Metal Mania palette), the boxed blush is Benefit's Sugarbomb, the black tin is Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eye cream liner, the little pots are Fyrinnae shadows (Species 8472, Samhain Spirits, and Rapunzel Had Extensions from top to bottom), the pigment is MAC Vanilla, the glass pot is MAC Paintely, and the last one is MAC Cream Color Base in Root.




So what I've been doing lately is a soft, neutral but contoured eye with black gel liner, contoured cheek bones, and just a bit of blush.  I do Painterly across the lid (it's been so humid here, and without Painterly I would be a giant hot mess), and then I'll do one of the pale, cream-gold shadows from the Coastal Scents palette (like the top row/third from the left) across the inner third of the lid.  I'll do either Species 8472, which is a warm taupe with red shimmer, or Rapunzel had extensions, a peachy-pink with a gold duochrome, on the rest of the lid.  I'll put Samhain Spirits, which is a medium plummy brown, in the crease and on the lower lashline.  I love this look because it's all shimmery, soft neutrals, so the overall effect is subtle, but still fun.  I'll dab some Vanilla on my browbone and in my inner corners, and then apply the gel liner in my usual cat-eye shape.  I tried to give up the cat eye and save it for special occassions...but I like it too much.  It's been toned down a bit, though.  Like a teensy, little bit.  Sugarbomb is my new favorite blush.  It's been almost a month, and I still love it.  It makes me look healthy and glowy, but never flushed.  My newest addition is contouring with Root.  I used to use it as a shadow base, but I'm not so into the dark lids at the moment.  It works wonderfully as a contour with my 187 brush, because it's matte, and actually dark enough to work as a contour if used sparingly.


Here's the overall eye look.  This is 13 hours after I applied it, so it's a little faded and severely washed out from the camera, but look how well the gel liner lasts!  It was 80 degrees and humid today, and it still has a precise line.  That's a winner.

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Current Makeup Loves

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