Feb 27, 2012

REVIEW & SWATCHES | MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos - NEW Permanent Shades

REVIEW & SWATCHES | M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos - NEW Permanent Shades




Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos
Two coordinating shades baked together in a single pan. A superb way to experience Mineralize's unique properties: exceptionally sheer and lightweight application, and easy, rich colour. Finishes include super-fine pearl that leave a soft dimensional shimmer on the skin.
2.5 g / 0.08 US oz  
US$20.00
 

Fresh & MintWhite with silver and green veining/Icy green
Water & Ice - Creamy peach with blue and silver veining/Sterling silver
Joy & Laughter - Dirty pink with hot pink and charcoal grey veining/Icy pink
Sweet & Sour - Dirty gold with green and deep blue veining/Warm gold
Love Connection - Pale beige with gold and blue veining/Warm gold mono

                         
                                    Joy & Laughter
Water & Ice
Love Connection
                                               
                                                                Fresh & Mint
   Sweet & Sour
     



 

Availability:  February 2012 - Online and in stores (North America)
Added to the Permanent range of Mineralize Eye Shadows (for the next 6 months to a year)

PRO Discount Available


The M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos are priced at $20 for 0.07 oz of product. 

The price of these eyeshadows is definitely daunting especially when you are used to the $15 price tag of the regular MAC Eyeshadows (0.05 oz). These are larger sized eyeshadows although they do not contain as much product as other larger MAC Eyeshadows - think Pro Longwear (0.11 oz) and Mega Metal Eye Shadows (0.11 oz). 

Also, when compared to eyeshadows from other brands you will find that the price/amount of product is not such a great bargain either especially for MAC, a brand that usually skates on the cheaper end of the mid-end cosmetics brands.

These eyeshadows are mineralized/baked which means they can be used wet or dry without damaging the product. However, the colors are weak and not very impressive at all. There are much better duos in MAC's permanent range not to mention on the market.


 

These 5 new shades of M∙A∙C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos have now been added to the permanent range of mineralize products offered by M∙A∙C (for the next 6 months to a year). They are available for purchase at M∙A∙C stores as well as online and other M∙A∙C retailers such as Nordstrom, Macy'sBloomingdale's and Dillard’s.

 

The M∙A∙C Mineralize Eye Shadows are housed in black plastic flip-top pots with a clear domed window at the top. This type of packaging is usual for M∙A∙C's larger sized eyeshadows (Pro Longwear, Mega Metal, Metal-X, etc.) and cream color bases. With this M∙A∙C packaging it is easy to see the colors through the clear window at the top of the pot which is convenient when searching for color in your collection.

The shadows themselves are raised with a domed shape and are provided with a protective clear plastic insert to help prevent damage. Since these eyeshadows are mineralized/baked they can be prone to breakage but the insert helps to hold them in place. The eyeshadows are also fairly firm and don't crack or crumble easily.



 

 The M∙A∙C Mineralize Eye Shadows feature "two coordinating shades baked together in a single pan. A superb way to experience Mineralize's unique properties: exceptionally sheer and lightweight application, and easy, rich colour. Finishes include super-fine pearl that leave a soft dimensional shimmer on the skin".


TEXTURE
The 5 new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos consist of two coordinating shades with fine shimmer/glitter. The marbled side of these shades are infused with chunky glitter which cause the eyeshadows to have a gritty feeling. The grit is more pronounced in some shades than others but overall the texture is not as smooth or refined as the existing permanent Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos.

FINISH
The 5 new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos are all shimmery or frosty in finish. These eyeshadows are highly frosted and the sheen/shine is intensified when used wet.

PIGMENTATION
All 5 new shades of the M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos are sheer in color as hinted in the description. The colors are more vibrant when used wet but still do not have a great color payoff. These eyeshadows will give you a sheer wash of color since they all lack depth and rich pigmentation. The colors themselves are all light, airy and almost pastel in color so the light pigmentation is somewhat anticipated. Also, the colors themselves do not vary much from each other within the duos - you get 2 very similar (almost identical) shades when you paid for and was more than likely was expecting 2 noticeably different colors.

APPLICATION
The new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos apply sheerly with the marbled sides being somewhat uneven when applied to the skin. The chunkier glitter particles do not adhere very well to the skin so there will be fallout due to the nature of these eyeshadows. The shimmer/glitter can fall out under the eyes so you must take care during application. To minimize fallout be sure to use a primer/base or use these colors wet. 

WEAR
The M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos wear decently for 3+ hours before the colors start to fade in intensity when used dry. There is continuous fallout from the glittery shades which can leave patches in the eyeshadow. I find this is the case with most mineralized eyeshadows especially those infused with shimmer/glitter (same goes for non-mineralize eyeshadows as well). When used with a primer/base the wear is certainly prolonged a couple of hours and when used wet they last as long as any other eyeshadow. I recommend using these eyeshadows with a primer/base and if you are up for it used them wet. SKIP!
 

 
I am not a fan of these 5 new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos. The texture and pigmentation leaves a lot to be deserved. If you like sheer colors or pastel shades you may be drawn to a couple of the duos. However, the application and wear time do not impressed me enough to recommend these eyeshadows overall. I would say check out the previous duos rather than waste your money on these new ones.

Are you getting any of these eyeshadow duos?


 



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Feb 24, 2012

MAKEUP TUTORIAL | MAC Viva Glam Nicki Minaj


MAC Viva Glam Nicki Minaj LOOK

'MAC Viva Glam Nicki Minaj' LOOK


I have been missing from the whole makeup world for a while and what better way to come back than to replicate the MAC Viva Glam Nicki makeup look from the new MAC Viva Glam campaign for 2012. I always love the makeup looks on Nicki Minaj and I am an avid supporter of the MAC Viva glam campaign. This is a great cause and to top it off a great lipstick. Go and out get it if you haven't already :)

P.S. How you doing?

Inspiration
 



Eyes: 
PRIME:
I applied Lorac Behind The Scenes Eye primer all over my lid up to the brow bone. I then applied MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW35 under my brow and on my browbone area. Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

COLOR:
On the browbone area I applied MAC Wild By Nature Eyeshadow (matte camel) to help with blending. MAC 252 Large Shader Brush
For the entire lid I applied Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in GR708 - Moss (shimmery lime green). MAC 242 Small Shader Brush
On top of that I applied MAC True Chartreuse Pigment (matte chartreuse green). MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush 
In the crease I applied MAC Outre Eyeshadow (matte camel). MAC 252 Large Shader Brush
For the inner the crease I used MAC Rule Eyeshadow (matte deep orange) and MAC Chrome Yellow Eyeshadow (matte bright yellow). Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
For highlight under my brow I used MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory). MAC 252 Large Shader Brush
On the lower lashline I applied MAC Hi Def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil (matte cyan blue) topped with MAC Clear Sky Blue Pigment (matte robin's egg blue). Cozzette P325 Precision Lip Brush

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud and NARS Coconut Grove Eyeshadow (matte blackened brown). Paula Dorf Eye Definer Flat Top Brush

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Benefit Babe Cake Liner in Black. MAC 263 Small Angle Brush 
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black. Sigma Eye Liner - E05 Brush 
I used Sleek MakeUP Lash Out Mascara for my lashes and added Kiss Beyond Natural 03 (KPE35) Lashes for effect. Duo Lash Adhesive




Lips: 
POLISH:
For my lips I used MAC Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick (satin bright coral pink).





Face: 
FINISH:
I primed my skin with Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel - hands. I used MAC Matchmaster Foundation in 7.0 - Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush - for my face and set my t-zone with MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder in Dark - face puff.

I used MUFE #12 Full Cover Concealer - Cozzette P350 Cylinder Concealer Brush - under my eyes set with MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder in Medium Deep - face puff

I used MAC Bite Of An Apple Blush (matte coral red) for my cheeks - Cozzette Contour Stylist S135 Brush and MUFE #2 Sculpting Kit for contour - Sigma Angled Kabuki Brush.





Feb 22, 2012

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow - NEW Permanent Shades....Cinderfella, Young Punk, Blue Flame, Gilt By Association, Smutty Green!

M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadows - NEW Permanent Shades....Cinderfella, Young Punk, Blue Flame, Gilt By Association, Smutty Green!



 What I love about MAC is that they truly do listen to our demands and cries for re-promotes of beloved limited edition products! Not many brands are this in tune with their customer base or even take too much time to hear feedback. MAC has done a great job of re-promoting limited edition cult favorites - hello Stereo Rose, Lightscapade and Tendertones (even though some of us are still shaking our fists about products they have yet to re-promote).

Anywho, with all that being said, the most recent coveted re-promote are the much sought after MAC Style Black Eye Shadows from Fall 2009! Not only are these being re-promoted but they are being added to the permanent range of mineralize eye shadows! Say what??!! YES!





Mineralize Eye Shadow
Baked minerals refined into a powder formula provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage.

2.5 g / 0.08 US oz  
US$20.00 


Smutty Green - Cream/Warm Green/Black veining 
Gilt By Association - Mineralize black with gold bronze pearl 
Cinderfella - Mineralize black with silver pearl 
Young Punk - Mineralize black with pinkish purple pearl
Blue Flame - Mineralize black with blue pearl

         
Smutty Green
Cinderfella
   
Young Punk
  
Gilt By Association
 
Blue Flame

 

Availability:  February 2012 - Online and in stores (North America)
Added to the Permanent range of Mineralize Eye Shadows (for the next 6 months to a year)

PRO Discount Available

 

The M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadows are priced at $20 for 0.07 oz of product. 

The price of these eyeshadows is definitely daunting especially when you are used to the $15 price tag of the regular MAC Eyeshadows (0.05 oz). These are larger sized eyeshadows although they do not contain as much product as other larger MAC Eyeshadows - think Pro Longwear (0.11 oz) and Mega Metal Eye Shadows (0.11 oz). 

Also, when compared to eyeshadows from other brands you will find that the price/amount of product is not such a great bargain either especially for MAC, a brand that usually skates on the cheaper end of the mid-end cosmetics brands.

But alas, what saves the day is the uniqueness of these eyeshadows - there is only one truly comparable product on the market (that I know of....Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour). These eyeshadows are mineralized/baked which means they can be used wet or dry without damaging the product PLUS they are jam packed with shimmer and sparkle. The dark base makes them perfect for smokey looks with intense shimmer. And since these are permanent you can take your time to collect these. I do think these are worth the price so I recommend checking them out!



 

These 5 new shades of M∙A∙C Mineralize Eye Shadows have now been added to the permanent range of mineralize products offered by M∙A∙C (for the next 6 months to a year). They are available for purchase at M∙A∙C stores as well as online and other M∙A∙C retailers such as Nordstrom, Macy'sBloomingdale's and Dillard’s.


 

The M∙A∙C Mineralize Eye Shadows are housed in black plastic flip-top pots with a clear domed window at the top. This type of packaging is usual for M∙A∙C's larger sized eyeshadows (Pro Longwear, Mega Metal, Metal-X, etc.) and cream color bases. With this M∙A∙C packaging it is easy to see the colors through the clear window at the top of the pot which is convenient when searching for color in your collection.

The shadows themselves are raised with a domed shape and are provided with a protective clear plastic insert to help prevent damage. Since these eyeshadows are mineralized/baked they can be prone to breakage but the insert helps to hold them in place. The eyeshadows are also fairly firm and don't crack or crumble easily.


 

 The M∙A∙C Mineralize Eye Shadows feature "baked minerals refined into a powder formula provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage".


TEXTURE
The 5 new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadows have a mineralized/baked black base which is infused with micro-fine shimmer/glitter. The black base itself is soft and slightly powdery when used dry and becomes creamier when used wet. Even though the black base is slightly powdery I have no issues with it being chalky. The shimmer/glitter portion of the eyeshadows are finely milled so they do not translate as chunky on the skin. But since these are larger particles they do have a slight grit to them that you can feel with your fingers but much at all on the eyelids.

FINISH
The 5 new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadows features a black base with semi-matte/satin finish infused with micro-fine shimmer/glitter. These are definitely not a frost finish but a more complex shimmer/glitter overlay on a black base color. The shimmer/glitter in intensified when used wet and give more of a shiny, metallic effect. This is what makes these eyeshadows so unique.

PIGMENTATION
The base color of the M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadows is richly pigmented but not a super dark color when used dry. The pigmentation and color payoff for both the base color and the shimmer/glitter is intensified by using a eyeshadow primer/base and even more so when the eyeshadows are used wet. The color payoff for these new colors is mostly opaque in a single swipe but can be built to a very intense look. The only shade that was slightly less opaque was Blue Sheen but when used with a primer or used wet had decent color payoff. Young Punk and Smutty Green had the most intense and super saturated color intensity of the five the shades.

APPLICATION
The new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow apply and adhere well to the skin but there will be fallout due to the nature of these eyeshadows. The shimmer/glitter can fall out under the eyes so you musttake care during application. To minimize fallout be sure to use a primer/base or use these colors wet. 

WEAR
The M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow wear decently for 4+ hours before the colors start to fade in intensity when used dry. I find this is the case with most mineralized eyeshadows especially those infused with shimmer/glitter (same goes for non-mineralize eyeshadows as well). When used with a primer/base the wear is certainly prolonged a couple of hours and when used wet they last as long as any other eyeshadow. I recommend using these eyeshadows with a primer/base and if you are up for it used them wet.
 

 
The five new shades of M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow are definitely a sight for sore eyes! I am sure many of us are jumping for joy that M·A·C went ahead and not only re-promoted the Style Black shades but also made them permanent! The cosmetics angles are smiling about that one. If you enjoy a smokey eye with a shimmery twist these are must-haves. These are a great way to spice up a smokey eye or a nighttime look for sure. The price may sway you a bit but they are worth the price. But there is no need to rush out and grab these since they are now permanent (hallelujah)!

Are you getting any of these eyeshadows? Excited to see them make a comeback? 



 


 



 
Cinderfella - Mineralize black with silver pearl
DRY/WET









 Young Punk - Mineralize black with pinkish purple pearl
DRY/WET  



 
 



  Smutty Green - Cream/Warm Green/Black veining
DRY/WET 
  

  
  



 Gilt By Association - Mineralize black with gold bronze pearl
DRY/WET 


 
 
 

 Blue Flame - Mineralize black with blue pearl
DRY/WET  


 READ MORE for COMPARISON SWATCHES 


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