'Dream Teal' Look

'Dream Teal' Look

I took the chance to use my new MAC Partylicious Pigment and I must say that it reminds me of MAC Teal Pigment only lighter and a touch more blue. It is gorgeous! I also tossed in MAC Later. Pigment as well just for kicks.

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I also applied MAC Layin Low Paintpot (matte creamy beige) all over my lid and up to my brow bone as my primary base.

COLOR:
On the inner lid and inner tear-duct area I applied the middle color from MAC Calm, Cool, & Collected MES (pearl light green).
For the middle of the lid I applied MAC Partylicious Pigment - wet (shimmery teal).
On the outer lid and crease I applied Illamasqua Preen Eyeshadow (matte purple).
To define the outer V I used MAC Later. Pigment (shimmery blackened purple).
For blending I used Smashbox Nude Eyshadow (matte nude).
For highlight I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne).

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Spiked.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Wet 'n' Wild Gel Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I used MAC Designer Purple Pearlglide Eyeliner (shimmery purple) on my outer lower lashline.
I used MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara for my lashes.

Lips:

POLISH:
For my lips I used MAC Blooming LovelyLipstick topped with Inglot #541 Lipgloss.

Face:

FINISH:
I prepped my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Tahoe with MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #12 under my eyes. I set with MAC Blot Powder in Dark.
I used MAC Coygirl Blush for my cheeks topped with MAC Petticoat MSF.

'Sweet Pink Potion' Look

 'Sweet Pink Potion' Look

So I decided to try out an assortment of products from the new collections just for fun and to see how they perform overall. I am loving the texture and color payoff of the new MAC Mineralized Eyeshadows and I am liking the look of an all pink lid.

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I also applied MUFE #9 Aqua Cream Color (semi-matte peachy pink) all over my lid and MAC Layin Low Paintpot (matte creamy beige) on my brow bone as my primary bases.

COLOR:
On the inner lid and inner tear-duct area I applied the first color from MAC Togetherness MES (satin lavender).
For the middle of the lid I applied the first color from MAC Fresh and Easy MES (satin pink).
On the outer lid and crease I applied Sugarpill Dollipop Eyeshadow (matte bright pink).
To define the outer V I used MAC Graphology Eyeshadow (matte blackened purple).
I used the third color from MAC Fresh and Easy MES (matte blue gray) for the inner crease.
For highlight I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne).

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Spiked.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Wet 'n' Wild Gel Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in black.
I used the middle color from MAC Togetherness MES (shimmery purple) on my outer lower lashline.
I used MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara for my lashes.

Lips:

POLISH:
For my lips I used MAC I Like It Like That Lipstick topped with MAC Cultured Lipglass.

Face:

FINISH:
I prepped my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used MUFE Velvet Mat + Foundation with MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #12 under my eyes. I set with MAC Blot Powder in Dark.
I used a light sweep of MAC Hang Loose Mineralize Blush Duo for my cheeks.

MAC In The Groove Collection - Mineralize Eye Shadows (Trio)

MAC In The Groove Collection - Mineralize Eye Shadows (Trio) 

And the grand finale to my MAC In The Groove Collection haul - the Mineralize Eye Shadows Trios. I went crazy with these and I got 7 of the 9 that were a part of this collection even though I originally only intended on getting 2!

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Trio) ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

• Love to Love - Satin beige/Pearly Bronze/Satin Brown (Limited Edition)
• In the Groove - Satin green/Pearly burgundy/Satin coral (Limited Edition)
• Making It Easy - Satin red brown/Pearly beige rose/Satin dark beige (Limited Edition)
• Togetherness - Satin lavender/Pearly purple/Satin grey (Limited Edition)
• Style Influencer - Satin silver/Pearly deep blue/Satin deep mauve brown (Limited Edition)
• Soften the Mood - Satin light brown/Pearly rose/Satin light blue (Limited Edition)
• Fresh & Easy - Satin pink/Pearly burgundy/Satin grey (Limited Edition)
• Calm, Cool, & Collected - Satin deep green/Pearly green/Satin beige (Limited Edition)
• Blue My Mind - Satin light blue/Pearly deep teal/Satin black (Limited Edition)

Source: http://mackarrie.blogspot.com/2010/04/mac-in-grove-le.html

From MAC...

A matte Mineralize Eye Shadow debuting with the M∙A∙C In The Groove colour collection. Three coordinating shades baked together in a single pan help create an exceptionally sheer and lightweight Mineralize application with a rich velvety-matte finish. Limited edition.

2.2 g / 0.07 US oz US $19.50


The texture of these eyeshadows are so much smoother and softer than the previous releases of Mineralize Eye Shadows. MAC describes these as lightweight and sheer with a velvety-matte finish which is right on the money. It seems like MAC took their descriptions to heart in this collection. All the descriptions are on point.


Overall these trios come with two satin-matte shades with one pearly shade in the middle. And they are fabulous. They are softly pigmented without being overpowering. There are no bright colors here - just simple subtle beautiful shades. 

While I don't think all of these are must-haves, they are definitely nice to have just based on the texture. I don't think any of these are unique in any extreme way but they were nice enough to convince me to grab them up. The color payoff is great, texture is smooth and I just like them through and through. If you don't have similar colors then definitely try them out. If you have dupes for the colors then feel free to pass on these although I say grab at least one for sentimental value. : )

Ok I lied! You have to get Blue My Mind!!! It's gorgeous! Great light blue, gorgeous deep teal blue and a satin (I said satin) black!!! HELLO!!!


Swatches...

MAC In The Groove Collection - Mineralize Blush Duos

MAC In The Groove Collection - Mineralize Blush Duos

So the next category in this collection haul are the Mineralized Blush Duos. Now I only picked up two of these but the MAC In The Groove Collection offers five to choose from.

Mineralize Blush (Duo) ($23.00 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)

• Happy Together - Satin caramel/Pearly beige (Limited Edition)

• A Little Bit of Sunshine - Satin light brown/Pearly beige (Limited Edition)

• Hang Loose - Satin bright pink/Pearly lavender (Limited Edition)

• Band of Roses - Satin blue pink/Pearly light plum (Limited Edition)

• New Vibe - Satin deep rose/Pearly bronze (Limited Edition)

Source: http://mackarrie.blogspot.com/2010/04/mac-in-grove-le.html

From MAC...
A limited-edition Mineralize Blush featuring two shades swirled into an abstract pattern. Delivers the sheer colour and soft, dimensional pearl finish of all M∙A∙C Mineralize powder formulas.
3.2 g / 0.10 US oz
US $23.00

I got Happy Together and Hang Loose based on my personal taste. These blush duos are a two sided mineralized hybrid of a satin finish blush combined with a more frosty blush.

The frosty/pearly sides of these duos are full on shimmer so they are not for the faint of heart or frost fearers.
The satin side is soft, smooth and with more sheer pigment for a light sweep of color.

When combined these duos give a similar effect as the MSFs but not quite as shimmery. Mix and match as you like with these to achieve your desired look.

Happy Together reminds me of Comfort MSF with more shimmer. The satin side is a close dupe for Comfort but the pearlized side adds a frosty sheen. Versatile enough for a blush or highlight shade for all skin tones.

Hang Loose has a very pretty soft pink satin side paired with a frosty lavender that blend together to give a light purple/pink shimmer. While the pink is a nice blush color, the lavender makes it more of a highlight color.


A Little Bit of Sunshine is similar to Happy Together but more suited for lighter skin tones. On darker skin it may come off a bit too frosty and ashy.

Band of Roses is a great rosy color that would have been perfect if I cared for rose or red toned blushes. Definite possibility for those who like rose colored blushes.
 
New Vibe is in your face! It's not subtle at all. That golden frost packs a bang. It gives a great rosy golden glow that again is worth a look if you are into golden and rosy blushes.

Hang Loose and Happy Together

Hang Loose and Happy Together

Hang Loose Mineralize Blush Duo

Happy Together Mineralize Blush Duo

MAC In The Groove Collection - Mineralized Skinfinish Swatches and Thoughts...

MAC In The Groove Collection - Mineralized Skinfinish Swatches and Thoughts...

At the core of the MAC In The Groove Collection are the Mineralized Skinfinishes (MSFs). There is quite a frenzy going on over the much hyped up Stereo Rose MSF and I hear there are even tears over missing out. Oh my!

Mineralized Skinfinish ($28.00 U.S. / $33.50 CDN - 10g/0.35 US oz)

• By Candlelight - Golden pink (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

• Stereo Rose - Coral with golden/bronze shimmering nuances (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

• Comfort - Golden bronze (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

• Petticoat - Pale rose with gold and amber veining (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

From MAC...
A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.


These are all repromoted shades of MSF from previous collections and the most sought after shade is Stereo Rose. But in my humble opinion I think Petticoat is the star of these MSFs and Stereo Rose is the runner up.
 
I already own By Candlelight and Comfort from the Warm and Cozy Collection so thankfully I didn't need to repurchase. Nor do I think anyone needs a backup for these enormous products unless they use them on a very frequent basis (some of us do I know).
 
MAC is absolutely right in saying these have a high-frost metallic finish because hallelujah they do! Stereo Rose and Petticoat have the most color payoff with intense high-frost shine while By Candlelight is more of frosty shimmer but will work nicely for lighter complexions. Comfort is the least frosty shade and is a very nice highlight shade for tan skin.
 
Remember these can be used lightly for a nice sheer color or more heavily for intense color and shine. They can also be used wet for more pigmented color. They are also quite versatile and can be used as highlight, blush, eyeshadow or for an overall glow.
 
Get prepared for lots of pics and swatches...
 

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By Candlelight - Golden pink (Frost)

  Beautiful golden pink champagne color with intense frost. This is best for lighter skin tones and may come off a bit ashy on darker skin. It would make a great highlight but not the best for use as blush.

 

 

 

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Stereo Rose - Coral with golden/bronze shimmering nuances (Frost)

  Very pretty shimmery coral color which leans towards a rosy orange hue if that makes any sense at. It's has a great golden sheen and would look beautiful on a range of skin tones. Great buy but don't get caught in the frenzy and start crying if you missed out.

 

 

 

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Comfort - Golden bronze (Frost)

Comfort is the most subtle of the MSFs with a soft glow rather than frosty shimmer. It's a great golden bronze color that is perfect for highlighting darker skin and would look great on warmer skin (yellow undertones). It's a great highlighter or even for use as a blush.

 

 

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Petticoat - Pale rose with gold and amber veining (Frost)

  Now this is gorgeous. it's a great golden rose pink color. It's similar to Stereo Rose but more on the pinky side which is great. I say if you missed Stereo Rose that Petticoat is a definitely a great backup plan. I actually think it's much prettier and the sheen is flattering on most skin tones.

 

 

 

 

MAC In The Groove Collection - Lipstick Swatches and Thoughts...

MAC In The Groove Collection - Lipstick Swatches and Thoughts...

The MAC In The Groove Collection brings with it 6 Cremesheen Lipsticks - 5 new limited edition colors and 1 permanent.

• Call My Bluff - Mid-tone creamy coffee (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

• Jazzed - Bright coral pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

• Creme de Nude - Pale muted peach beige (Cremesheen) (Permanent)

• I Like It Like That - Deep Blue pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

• All Styled Up - Bright yellow pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

• Go For It - Mid-tone blue purple (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

3 g / 0.1 US oz

US $14.00

The cremesheen formula is meant to provide high-shine with medium to full coverage. They are very creamy and wear comfortably, and have great staying power.

The lipsticks in this collection are creamy and comfortable. I would say they are more sheer to medium coverage with decent wearing power. They do not dry out my lips as other MAC lipsticks have and felt very lightweight.

The product is creamy with a sheen. if you look closely you can see the tiny sparkles showing though the color - more so in the Go For It Lipstick. These do not pack a lot of pigment so don't expect full on color from them. They are suitable for everyday wear and more subtle lips....translation...right up my alley. If sheer is not your style then these are not for you.

SWATCHES:

NC45 SKIN

 
LIP SWATCHES:

I Went OVERBOARD Haul....

I Went OVERBOARD Haul....

OMG!!! I really really didn't mean to....I swear!

As you may know, there are three new MAC collections out right now for July (oh and one upcoming one at the end of the month) - In The Groove, Haute and Naughty and Alice and Olivia.

Of course I had to get the Haute and Naughty Lash Mascara...because I loved it when I tested it!

And then oh la la la...Alice and Olivia brought me some super nice pigments.

And the kicker was In The Groove (which I have been calling In The Grove - silly me). I got almost everything. The mineralize eyeshadows are so much softer and more pigmented than in past collections. And they are more of a satin finish rather than frosty. If you are tan at all (NC30/NW35 or darker) then these eyeshadow colors will look fab on you skin.

I'll do full reviews and swatches coming up!