'Golden Macaw' Look

'Golden Macaw' Look

I had absolutely no idea where I was going with this look when I started. I just pulled colors from everywhere and this is what I ended up with. I had some muddying issues with the colors but managed to salvage it at the end except that the green could use a touch more blending.

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 up to my brow bone as my primary base.

COLOR:
On the inner lid I applied MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory).
Next the middle of the lid I applied MAC Goldenrod Eyeshadow (matte golden yellow).
On the outer lid I applied MAC Landscape  Green Pigment (matte grassy green).
Next for the outer crease I used MAC Blue Cyan Pigment (matte vivid blue).
On the inner crease I used MUFE #92 Eyeshadow (matte brilliant purple).
For highlight I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne).

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

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower waterline with Loreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower lashline with MUFE #92 Eyeshadow, MAC Blue Cyan Pigment and MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow.
I used Covergirl Lashblast Mascara for my lashes and added Beautee Senses Demi Pixie Lashes for effect.

Lips:

POLISH:
I used MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick topped with Dior #3 Lip Polish.
My girl Amy (Ambientblu) just bought Vegas Volt and that reminded me that I owned it too. The Dior Lip Polish added a great juicy effect (although it's not very long wearing).

Face:

FINISH:
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 NARS Amour Blush for my cheeks.

'Ice Cold Lemonade' Look

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'Arabian Gold' Look

'Arabian Gold' Look

This look has an Arabian feel with the thick lower lashline liner. It's not truly Arabic by any means but it's the closest I have ever come. The golds, pinks and purples used in Arabic makeup are truly beautiful as are the women and the culture.

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 up to my brow bone as my primary base. As a secondary base on my inner lid I used MUFE #10 Aqua Cream (shimmery orange).

COLOR:
On the inner lid I applied MAC Mega Rich Pigment (frosty orangy copper).
Next the middle of the lid I applied MAC Fuchsia Pigment (frosty fuchsia pink).
On the outer lid I applied MUFE #92 Eyeshadow (matte brilliant purple).
On the brow bone and for the blending I used Smashbox Nude Eyeshadow (matte nude).
For highlight I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne).

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

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower waterline with Loreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower lashline with MAC Smolder Eye Kohl Pencil and smudeged it with MUFE #92 Eyeshadow (matte brilliant purple). I also used a touch of MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne) on the inner corner.
I used Covergirl Lashblast Mascara for my lashes and added Beautee Sense Demi Pixie Lashes for effect.

Lips:

POLISH:
I used MAC Faux Lipstick topped with MAC Ember Glow Lipglass.

Face:

FINISH:
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 Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush for my cheeks.

Aqua Climate Look - Tutorial

Canary Landscape Look - Tutorial

Sedona Lace 120 Pro Palette Second Edition - Thoughts...

Sedona Lace 120 Pro Palette 2nd Edition - Thoughts...

When I first started out in makeup two years ago, I purchased an 88 and 120 palette from Ebay - my very first eyeshadows. I wasn't very happy with them and I ended up giving them away. Since then, these palettes have exploded onto the makeup scene and I have wanted to try out one of the newer palettes.

Welcome Sedona Lace to my rescue. This palette was sent to me for review by the promotions manger at Sedona Lace - website. As you all should know my opinions are unbiased and honest. I am not receiving compensation for this review.

From Sedona Lace -
Our NEW 2nd edition has now been released. This 120 palette has new shades- more soft and pastel colors. This is still a brilliant 2 layered palette with long lasting shimmer and matte shadows that are very soft and can be used either dry or wet.

Price $28.95

Link  

My Four P's...

Price
This palette retails for $28.95 on the website which is about $1 cheaper than many other sellers (Amazon and eCRATER) of similar palettes. In addition, Sedona Lace has offered my readers a discount of $4 off by using the promo code 'thefancyfaced'. So $25 for 120 eyeshadows...not a bad deal at all!

Packaging
I was very worried about the packaging of this palette and I felt better after receiving it. My Manly 120 palette was quite flimsy and actually cracked at the hinges when I first used it.

The Sedona Lace palette is housed in a sleek semi-shiny black case with two layers of eyeshadows stacked on top of each other. The eyeshadows are protected by a clear plastic sheet which is standard for these types of palettes.

The two layers are completely removable but fit neatly into the lids of the case if desired. The case opens but only one side lays flat while the hinges cause a tilt on the other side. I would have liked both sides to lay flat so that I can lay all the eyeshadows out on a flat surface without worrying about them falling over and shattering. But this is just a minor issue. It's sturdy enough for traveling but I kept the bubble for extra safety. If anyone has any of these palettes then you know the eyeshadows can chip and shatter easily.

 

Product
The eyeshadows come in a variety of matte and shimmery shades (about half and half). There are also a few repeat shades but I find that these are the universal colors that you need a bit more of - such as the black, white and champagne.

The colors vary enough for me to feel like I'm getting at least 110 unique shades rather than 80 of the same colors but in matte or shimmer (that was my Manly version).

The color payoff varied from texture to texture. Some of the mattes had a bit of trouble with color payoff while the shimmers had no trouble with pigmentation. I added a few swatches for reference. The eyeshadows were creamy and smooth. Even the mattes, which I thought would be chalky, didn't disappoint. You guys know I love my mattes.Some of the colors were super pigmented and so darn pretty. But again, a few of the mattes had issues with showing up (mainly the yellows) although I did find some beautiful matte shades with killer pigmentation.

The eyeshadows are roughly the size of a nickel (not a dime like other palettes) which is the only issue I have with these large palettes. If I fall in love with a color I will panic that I will run out of it. LOL. However, each color will give you a lot of uses so don't worry too much about that.

Performance

So how do I feel about this product?

I was impressed after trying this palette out. Some colors really blew me away. A few (about 5-7) of the eyeshadows were very sheer and hard to pack on but overall 95% of the colors had good to great color payoff. I will do a few upcoming looks using this palette as well. I can definitely see some nice dupes for MAC and MUFE colors in here!

Overall

This is a great product for beginners or anyone who wants to try out a lot of colors at once to see what works for them. If you are a lover of neutrals then this palette may not be for you since it's loaded with bright colors. If you love bright colors (like I do) then this is right up your alley. It's a good price especially with the discount so if this is something you have been wanting to try go for it!

Website: www.sedonalace.com
Discount Code (for $4 off): thefancyfaced

 Neutral shades - Black, White, Champagne, Silvers 

 Very beautiful pinks. Great color payoff.

 Pretty purples. I see a MUFE #92 dupe lurking.

 These blues are to die for. I was most impressed with the BLUES.

 The greens were nice, some were a bit tricky to work with.

 Nice simple neutrals. Mostly bronze shades. Not many neutral options.

 Look at these oranges! Bright and delightful.

Yellows were my least favorite. Difficult to get good color payoff. There is one great yellow though...and it's a MAC Chrome Yellow dupe...I actually like it better...

'Raspberry Punch' Look

'Raspberry Punch' Look

So I started off this look with the Naked Cosmetics Shock Effect Pigment Stack in hand and it totally failed. I am not a fan of these pigments at all...they are borderline useless to me. Let me know if you guys want a full blown review on these because I don't want to just bash the products and hear myself complain.

Anyhow onto the look which I had to resuscitate with Inglot eyeshadows....after I chucked the Naked Pigments out of my way.

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 up to my brow bone as my primary base.

COLOR:
On the inner lid I applied MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory).
Next the middle of the lid I applied Inglot #362 Eyeshadow (matte raspberry pink).
On the outer lid I applied Inglot #371 Eyeshadow (matte vivid blue).
For the crease I used Inglot #388 Eyeshadow (matte purple).
On the brow bone and for the blending I used Smashbox Nude Eyeshadow (matte nude).
For highlight I used MAC Vanilla Eyeshadow (matte ivory).

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

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower waterline with Loreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my outer lower lashline with MUFE #22 Aqua Cream (shimmery green).
I used Covergirl Lashblast Mascara for my lashes and added Beautee Sense Princess Lashes for effect.

Lips:

POLISH:
I used NYX Narcissus Lipstick with MAC Fab Frenzy Superglass.

Face:
 
FINISH:
I used MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation in #70 with MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #12 under my eyes. I set with MAC Blot Powder in Dark. I used MAC Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach for my cheeks.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - Thoughts...

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - Thoughts...

From NARS -

New! No smudging, creasing or caking. The NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is the insider trick of the trade. Never looking heavy-handed, this lightweight eye primer creates a seamless canvas that keeps cream and powder color looking brilliant, fresh and just-applied, all day.

A polymer and mineral powder blend creates a firm grip on color ensuring hours and hours of gorgeous wear. Fortified with special deep-sea and antioxidant rice extracts, the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base dries on contact and keeps the delicate eyelid smooth and prepared for color application.

Extends the wear of eyeshadow, eyeliner and eyebrow pencil.
Instantly transforms to a matte finish and preps skin for color application.
Maximizes color intensity.
Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Fragrance free

Net Wt. 0.28 Oz./8g
Price $24

*******************************

My Experience

My Four P's...

Price
The price of the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base  is $24 for 0.28oz./8g. This is quite a bit pricier than the other popular eyeshadow primers on the market, namely Too Faced Shadow Insurance which retails for $17 for 0.35oz. and Urban Decay Primer Potion which retails for $18 for 0.34oz. So you get less product for a good $6 or $7 more..interesting note - this is an extra $1 for every oz. you lose....

This price really irked me but NARS product prices have always irked me. I cannot deny the quality of their products though so it's hefty price I guess I will have to pay.

Oh oh oh...and just who does Smashbox think they are for selling their crappy eyeshadow primer for $20 for 0.08oz.? Riding the hype of their famous Photo Finish Foundation Primer I'm sure...they can kiss my lipstick!

Packaging
The NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base comes in a no fuss basic tube with a doe foot applicator (similar to Urban Decay Primer Potion). There are no fancy grooves and curves here, so we are sure to get the most of our product without sawing into the container (eh em Urban Decay!).

The thing that struck me as odd was that the container top (that holds the applicator) is as long as the actual container (tube). Hmmm...but I figured out a probable reason for this...that I didn't really notice as a deficiency in the Urban Decay Primer Potion until now. Because the top is so long you can use the applicator like an eyeshadow brush. It's much more comfortable and sturdier than a stubby cap.

Product
The product itself is medium thick with a creamy consistency. It comes out white but blends out to colorless on the eyelid. There is no color tint so it works well without affecting the eyeshadow color. It's not as thick as Urban Decay or as thin as Too Faced....a happy medium. It blends easily and leaves almost a silicone-based finish on the skin.

Performance

Now how does it measure up?

I have used Urban Decay and Too Faced for the longest time and both have their issues but I could never complain about performance. They both prevent creasing and my eyeshadow lasts all day. Along comes NARS...

The NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base does the same thing as the other primers....no creasing and long lasting eyeshadow. As far as eyeshadow color vibrancy goes...I use cream bases for that and they do a far better job. I rely on my primer to keep my oily lids under control and prevent creasing and fading. This does just that, no problem.

But...it outshines the other primers when used with a cream base...I have used it with my MAC Paintpots or MUFE Aqua Creams on top and excuse me! This helps them glide on like a dream. Again I didn't notice that this was an issue before, just par for the course. I thought that a little tugging and drying was a side effect of the MAC Paintpots (MUFE Aqua Creams are creamy on their own). But not so with the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Everything glides onto my eyelid so easily, no dragging! I told you about the silicone-based finish! Smooth, silky and perfect.

Now my lids can be super oily or dry on any given day. For oily lids the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is great. But when there are dry spots watch out. The primer will emphasize the dry areas and not be as smooth. Make sure to moisturize dry spots before applying the primer to reduce these effects.

Overall

I'm enjoying the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base right now more so than my Urban Decay Primer Potion. On dry days I have to make sure I moisturize well before using the primer but on oily days it's a dream. I prefer it when using MAC Paintpots as base because it helps with smooth application. I will still alternate between primers though because the price tag irks me! I will repurchase but not without cringing (hopefully I catch a sale).

If you can stand the price it's worth checking out!