MAC Pressed Pigments - Swatches and Review

Today, I am bringing you another post on pressed pigments but from MAC this time. These are sooo gorgeous... :D

I have here to show you from left to right: Day Gleam, Deeply Dashing, and Jet Couture. They retail for $21 for 3 g of product. Sold at CCOs, MAC (online or in store), Nordstrom, Macy's, etc.

I love these kinds of products. Like I had mentioned in my Urban Decay Moondust shadows post, these really amp up a look and add that sparkle that makes your eyes stand out.

A cool thing about these Pressed Pigments is that they are great on their own on layered on top of a cream or powder eyeshadow. Though, personally, I like to layer just so I can get the maximum amount of pigmentation for my look.

They are so gorgeous! Seriously, it's tempting to buy more... *must resist*.

Below are the swatches of all three. Um, how beautiful are these?!?!?!

*dead*

MAC's website describes the whole range of pressed pigments as "An intensely creamy highlighter offering extreme pearlescence and versatility of finish. Apply dry for high shine or damp for a dramatic wet look".

Personally, I would NEVER use these for face highlighters... haha. Glitter is a no-go for a face highlighting... at least for me because it would accentuate my pores like a mofo. Obviously, Jet Couture is simply a pressed pigment shadow as opposed to Day Gleam that could potentially be a face highlighter.

For my own personal use, I adore these for layering on top of my eyeshadows. They make your eyes stand out and be the focus on your entire look. They are buildable in coverage which is great. Keep in mind the swatches I have provided here are layered on considerably so my readers to see the what it looks like with full pigmentation.

I love these. I know these types of glittery shades are not for everyone but they are great for that extra something to add or amp up your eye makeup :) Or heck, even for stage/theater/halloween makeup, these would be AMAZING!

I hope you found this helpful! Any questions, leave them down in the comments. I would love to know your favorites from this range if you have any or your favorite pressed pigment type of shadows.

Thanks for stopping by as always <3,
Bianca

MAC Prep & Prep BB Compact in Refined Golden - Swatch and Review

Last week, I went to a MAC event at my local Nordstrom and I was able to learn a few things about different ways on how to apply face products that help with highlight and contouring and this was one of the MAC artist's favorite new products released by MAC.

This is the MAC Prep and Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact SPF 30 in Refined Golden.

First off, this is incredibly easy to apply. I feel like you cannot overdo this product because of the texture and how little product my brush picks up. I use the Zoeva 126 - Luxe Cheek Finish brush (post coming soon!) and it's AMAZING for this product.

According to MAC, there are 12 shades in this range and they are meant for actual foundation or, in this case, for bronzing up the skin. The cost is $30 for 8 g of product which I think is pretty solid bang for your buck.

In the picture above, the color of the Refined Golden in the pan seems more red than it really is. The natural sunlight messed with the lighting in room but the picture below is a more accurate representation of what the Refined Golden actually looks like; which MAC describes as "finely spun golden bronze with a soft pearl finish".

Do not be alarmed with the "pearl finish" aspect of it. Once applied to the skin, it is more of a satin finish and can become matte if layered on top with a matte contour or bronzer powder.

What is truly cool about this product is how buildable it is and you don't end up looking like an oompa-loompa. On my skin, which is a light golden tan -ish, and this doesn't disappear once I apply it on my skin!! :D.

I definitely recommend checking this out! Go to a store or counter and ask for a demo. That way you get to see how they would apply it on you and you can decide whether you like it or not. It's crazy easy to apply if you have a brush that helps apply and blend at the same time :).

What do you think about this product? Or used anything like it?

I'd love to know your thoughts :),

Bianca

MAC Tan Pigment vs MAC Melon Pigment vs L'Oreal Amber Rush Infallible

So I think I found a dupe for MAC's pigment in Tan...?

I do not usual come across dupes within my own collection but today was the exception. I was going to make this post comparing Tan and Melon pigment because they are so popular in the beauty community. While I was organizing my collection, I picked up this pressed pigment eyeshadow from L'Oreal and I knew I had to compare them! 

And as you can see they are very VERY close. The only real difference is the intensity of the pigment. Granted that the MAC Tan pigment was swatched dry but if you were to apply it from a damp brush, it would give you the same effect as the Infallible eyeshadow in Amber Rush. 

The pigments cost about $21 (approximately?) at MAC and roughly $8.99 at drugstores. Though, whichever one you go for, you will get a lot of bang for your buck.

MAC Tan Pigment on the left and L'Oreal Infallible shadow in Amber Rush

So now, comparing all three shades: MAC Melon, MAC Tan, and L'Oreal Infallible in Amber Rush.

MAC Melon, MAC Tan, L'Oreal Amber Rush - swatched DRY and NO primer

I knew right away that Melon would not really fit into this dupe/product alternative post, but I still wanted to swatch them all side by side so you all can see the differences with the products.

The Melon pigment is more of a gold with the slightest hint of peach running through it. It is definitely not as rose gold as Tan or Amber Rush.

Overall, I love these products. I would not return one just because they are dupes. It's fun to keep in your collection and compare for beauty research purposes ;).

Also, LOVE that MAC has been rolling out these mini/travel sizes of some of their products! I mean, does anyone ever go through a pigment from MAC? Not many people I'm guessing haha they are a perfect size for $10 :)

Alright, what you are thoughts about this? Do you agree with me?
And, did you accidentally find products that ended up dupes of each other? Let know what you have found in your collection!

Take care,
Bianca :)

MAC Cosmetics - Proenza Schouler - Sunset Beach blush

I remember when I first saw the promo pics of this collection from (ChicProfile) a few weeks or months back and the first thing that sold me was the packaging. It was definitely unique to MAC by doing something like this.

The first and only thing I knew I had to have were the ombre blushes; one being more pink and the other more peachy.

I know MAC has done ombre blushes before but I'm so glad more were brought out. Since it is limited edition, I suggest picking them up if you can. I don't think you will have much luck from now finding them at CCOs (Estee Lauder brands in an outlet store).

I will say... it's a little over priced. It was $30 for this blush when normally they range from like $17-23 (approximately). You are paying for the snazzy packaging and the Proenza Schouler name. I get a couple of bucks but almost $10? Pfft... I didn't like it.

...though it didn't stop me from buying -_- ...

The compact for this blush is heavy duty for sure. I can say that I prefer the packaging to the original blush packaging because it is heavy, has a magnetic closure, and seems safe for travel.

When you open it up... it looks stunning! I'm a huge fan of ombre effects like this in blushes or other kinds of face powders. They become multipurpose instantly.

To me, this blush was pigmented and not dry feeling at all. I swatched it on my finger and was impressed with the pay off. Especially since I did not read any reviews before buying, I was impressed as first glance.

In the swatch picture above, the top swatch is of the top half of the blush, second swatch is of the very bottom of the blush, and the last one is of the whole blush mixed together.

It's more of a dark pink...kind of magenta? A really pretty color that suits light or dark complexions because you can use a light hand or go more intense; use only the top half or the bottom half; or whatever you prefer.

I'm really glad I picked it up on whim. I didn't want to risk it being sold out haha.

Hope you found this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them down below in the comment sections.

So, did you pick up anything from the Proenza Schouler collection from MAC or did you skip on it?

Talk to you all soon!
Bianca

MAC Playland - Casual Colour in Hi Jinks!

Well MAC, you did us all good with bringing out a really bright and colorful collection that woke up the colorful side of all your fans.

This spring/summer collection from MAC is called the Playland Collection and I'm sure you have seen the promo pics...and the makeup is insane. Props to the MUA that created that. It's amazing!!

I'm here to talk to you about a new product I purchased today at my local Nordstrom and it is the Casual Colour is Hi Jinks!

This is a lip and cheek product so automatically it's multipurpose if you want it to be. *more bang for your buck*. And one of the girls at MAC told me that it was created with the purpose of this being your go-to product for cheeks and lips for the summer time. It's casual, hence the name haha, which makes it easy and foolproof.

MAC describes this as a bright coral. Why yes...we can see that haha.

It is a decent sized pot too! Should last you awhile I assume.

This is great in my opinion. It is very emollient which makes blending a breeze. I usually steer away from products where I have to use my fingers (I'm more of a brush application kind of girl haha). But this felt so smooth and creamy, it won me over. They will give you a healthy glow since it has that sheen to it that will be beautiful in the summer months.

It does have that classic MAC vanilla scent but it's not annoying (to me at least). And since removing the swatch, it stained my arm very slightly. So I'm going to assume that the lasting power on these might be decent! :)

And the specific color is AMAZING and perfect for the season. This is a hot seller so if you want to get it...go now!! Or call your go-to MAC counter or free standing store to set one aside for you OR shop it on Nordstrom and MAC websites.

Retails for $21, not bad for something you might end up usually very often and that is good quality.

SOOO did you pick anything up from the Playland collection? Let me know in the comments!

Take care!
Bianca :)

HAUL: MAC Lipsticks - Swatches of Fanfare and Cosmo

There is something about MAC lipsticks that one cannot help but want to collect them. I was VERY VERY late on the MAC lipstick bandwagon. #ashamed haha

My interest in MAC lipsticks was piqued by the Riri Hearts MAC collection. I have never felt so compelled to get as much as I could from a collection since I first fell in love with makeup. 

But aside from that haha, I have slowly added to my MAC lipstick collection and today I bring to you: Fanfare and Cosmo.

MAC Lipstick in Fanfare - Cremesheen 

MAC Lipstick in Cosmo - Amplified 

Left: Fanfare // Right: Cosmo

You are probably thinking... "hmm, they kind of look the same..." and I'll half agree with you haha. There are differences which is why I was okay with buying them (at the same time haha).

Fanfare is a mid tone pink with a coral undertone with a cremesheen finish. So no glitter, no frost, just a nice creamy formula. With cremesheen finish lipsticks, they are not 100% opaque but they pack a punch either way with a glossy finish. Personally, my favorite finish of lipstick MAC offers.

Cosmo is an amplified finished lipstick that is described as a "pink coco". I think of it as a way more pigmented and slightly more brown-y/mauve version of Fanfare. Do you guys feel the same way...? haha. The amplified line is crazy opaque has a slight sheen to it. Not as glossy as the cremesheens.

I do not think these lipsticks have the best wear time, I have other lipsticks that last hourssss on me, and these ones last about 2 hours or so (assuming you are not drinking or eating). They have that classic vanilla scent which does not bother me and I don't smell it while I wear it.

I do love how they feel on the lips, not heavy and apply effortlessly. I feel that way with just about every line in the MAC lipstick range. Mattes...are a different story haha. But, they are a great lipstick. The product quality and price point makes it an easy product to start collecting :).

Do you have any MAC lipsticks on your wishlist?! Let me know in the comments, I'm always down to add more lippies to my wishlist (which is a never-ending list of makeup products I want to try and own :D).

Take care,
Bianca xo

MAC Magnetic Nude Collection - Mineralize Skin Finishes - Superb & Fairly Precious

Hi everyone! I'm here with a SUPER exciting blog post. It's on the MAC Magnetic Nude MSFs in Superb (repromote) and Fairly Precious. Not going to lie, when I saw the email from Nordstrom saying they had it on sale I jumped out of my bed and bought these haha. I didn't want to wait but I've had horrible luck with highly anticipated collections from MAC (I'm looking at you Rihanna...). So I wanted to post pictures and swatches as soon as I got off of work. Hope you enjoy!!

Temptalia says "described as a “soft peachy nude.” It’s a champagne beige with a little hint of rosiness and a champagne metallic sheen." Safe to say, it's just gorgeous!! :)

Superb MSF

Close up of Superb MSF

Superb - Warm toned lighting

Superb - Florescent/"day light" lighting

 Temptalia says "it is described as a “peach with dimensional pearly green.” It’s a light-medium, peach (that leans a little orange) with a warm undertone and a frosted sheen." Personally I don't see any green haha. It seems to me it's a peach color with a smidge of orange. 

Fairly Precious MSF

Close up of Fairly Precious MSF

Warm toned lighting - Fairly Precious MSF

Florescent/"day light" lighting - Fair Precious MSF

SUPERB VS FAIRLY PRECIOUS - swatch side by side (Left: Fairly Precious ~ Right: Superb) on both pictures.

Review: UM THESE ARE AMAZING. Need I say more? haha. They feel super soft and super blendable so if you don't want an obvious or noticeable highlight, you can blend them out and it will leave your skin with the most beautiful sheen. I'm glad I picked both of these up, I was half worried they would be similar or that I couldn't get away with having both haha but they are different enough that they worth it (for me at least ;) ). 

I recommend calling any MAC or MAC counter to see if they have hold items for you (or make an appointment for the "release party") as they will be released in stores December 26th, 2013. This is a collection that people will run out to pick up the MSFs so get to it ;). I ordered mine from Nordstrom so check their website to order if they have items available. This is a fairly big collection (which MAC collection isn't.... -_-) so there is a lot to choose from if they have it in stock. 

These MSFs retail for $30 USD. So they are pricey but they are huge and you get a ton of product. 

Did you pick anything up from the collection? If so, do tell in the comments :) Or if you have any questions, feel free to ask them down below!

Hope you enjoyed my post on the MAC MSFs from the new Magnetic Nude collection and hope you are having a lovely holiday season with your loved ones and friends <3.

Sephora VIB Haul & Mac and Chanel Goodies

Hi everyone!! I thought I would share with you what I got from the Sephora VIB Sale that happened a week or so ago. I was slow in posting this because the shipping time took a longer than usual since UPS does not process or ship anything over the weekend :\. Anyways, I wanted to show you what I got in hopes that it inspires you to look into the items, ask for them for the holiday season, or pick them up if you can (since a lot was sold out during the sale, hopefully it gets restocked!)

Dior Addict Lip Glow

 I have heard so many good things about this lip balm. It has technologies that help the balm turn into the "perfect shade of pink" for your lips. It's a pricey lip balm but I have been wanting to try it for years and finally bit the bullet. :)

Makeup Forever HD Foundation in 128 Almond

 Finally a foundation that is my EXACT match. This foundation is medium coverage and a dream to apply. Definitely one to look into since the shade range in Makeup Forever foundations have a huge range. And you can get samples from Sephora ;). I knew my shade because I did the Color IQ thing (which is so awesome btw!!) and I got matched to 128 Almond.

Laura Mercier Artist Eye Palette (Sephora Exclusive and maybe sold out...)

 Ok...who ISN'T talking about this palette right now? This palette is perfect for the holidays I think. You can create a wide variety of looks with this one palette and it's a good size for travel. This is my first Laura Mercier eye product and I can say that I'm so impressed with the quality and blendability of these shadows. :)

Benefit Cosmetics Love Fest set

This set is one heck of a deal. I mainly wanted it for the Porefessional but how can you not get this set for an extra $6. The Porefessional is $30 on its own but for $36 you get a full size They're Real Mascara, Deluxe Size of Sun Beam, and Deluxe size of the Coralista lipgloss. Plus the tin it all comes with is super cute! :D

NARS blush in Realm of the Senses

Oh...this blush is GORGEOUS!! And crazy pigmented, the first time I applied it...I went a little overboard haha. So a little goes a veryyyy long way. It was love at first application, it's such a flattering shade for my skin tone. :)
~
Also, I wanted to share what I got from Nordstrom. I need to restock on my MAC Cleanse Off Oil and get a darker shade of the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (NC35). And some Chanel items I have had my eye on for a while :)

Cleanse Off Oil // Pro Longwear Concealer

I swear by this Cleanse Off Oil to remove my makeup. This is actually my third bottle of this stuff. It takes off even the thoughest of waterproof mascaras. It's the best! As far as the concealer goes, it's some heavy duty stuff. I got the darker shade for the rest of my face for spot concealing and to add that 'longwear' technolgy to my not-so long wearing foundations :)

Chanel Cream Blush in Presage

 What more can I say? haha. The beauty of this blush speaks for itself. It's gorgeous on the skin and blends like a dream on your cheeks. Definitely worth a look if you are on the market for high end blushes.

Chanel Le Brilliant Glossimer duo

This was also something I could NOT pass up. This is a Nordstrom exclusive set for the Chanel Glossimer lipglosses. The colors are so gorgeous and it comes with a makeup bag! I could not wait much longer to get this. I have this fear of waiting on holiday items haha because I feel like they will sell out quickly :O.

Well that's it haha. I know it's a LOT but it was an early grad present from myself and my mom :). It's justified... ;). Did you pick anything up from the VIB sale or any makeup purchases in general!? Let me know in the comments below. Also, any recommendations for makeup products to try...I would love to hear from you! :D

xo,
Bianca