'Gunmetal Smoke' Look

'Gunmetal Smoke' Look

This is a very simple look using come of my new eyeshadows from Giorgio Armani and Guerlain. I think I am now officially a smokey look girl. : )

Eyes:
PRIME:
I started off with NARS Smudgeproof Eye Shadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I applied Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Eyeshadow #13 (satin black) all over my lid and slightly into the crease as my primary base. Sonia Kaskuk Large Crease Brush

COLOR:
On the entire lid and slightly into the crease I applied Guerlain L'instant D'une Émotion 185 Eyeshadow(shimmery gunmetal silver). MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush
On the upper lashline, outer V and slightly into the crease I used Rock & Republic Fatalistic Eyeshadow (matte black). Sonia Kaskuk Large Crease Brush
On the browbone area for blending and highlight I used the matte nude eyeshadow from the Sleek Storm Makeup Palette. MAC 217 Blending Brush
For my lower lashline I used MAC Black Black Chromagraphic Pencil (matte black).

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 lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black. Sigma Eye Liner - E05 Brush
I used MAC PlushLash Mascara for my lashes and added Beautee Sense Adventurous Eyelashes for effect.

Lips:
POLISH:
For my lips I used YSL #8 Rouge Volupté Lipstick (creamy vibrant pink) topped with YSL Gloss Pur #9 Lipgloss (creamy pink).

Face:
FINISH:
I primed my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation in #70 - Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush - for my face and set my t-zone with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark - Sigma Round Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush.

I used MAC Coygirl Blush (matte purple pink) for my cheeks - MAC 129 Powder/Blush Brush and MUFE #1 Sculpting Kit for contour - Sigma Angled Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush.

M·A·C Quite Cute Collection - INFORMATION...

M·A·C Quite Cute Collection - INFORMATION...

M·A·C will debut a new collection online April 5, 2011 and in stores April 7, 2011. This collection is centered around pastels - pinks, lavender, purples, light blues -  and has a very 'cute' theme. There are hearts and shimmer and sparkles!

"CUTE!" Pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass and Nail Lacquer...And, due to popular demand, we're completely cute-ifying three favourite Lip Pencil shades from last season that will join the fun and frolic. Flash! You'll ♥ the Mineralize Blush with the sweet heart baked right into it.

Cutie Eyeshadow Quad

Come on, get happy with Eye Quads in fanciful, fun and flattering pastel shades with completely, contagiously cute names like Goody Goody Gum Drop, Boycrazy, Azuki Bean & Moshi Moshi! Say "yes!" to everything adorable!

5.6 g / 0.19 US oz
US$36.00

Moshi Moshi! - Pale white green gold (Frost)

Goody Goody Gum Drop - Light white pink (Satin)  

Boycrazy - Pale lavendar with silver (Frost) 

Azuki Bean - Midtone dirty violet (Frost) 

Quite Cute Mineralize Blush
A Mineralize Blush featuring two contrasting/complementary tones in one. Fans of the Mineralize Blush's sheer wash of colour and dimensional pearl finish will ♥ this! Limited edition.

3.2 g / 0.10 US oz
US$23.00

Miss Behave - Light Beige with pearly mint green heart (Frost)  

Giggly - Light pink with pearly plum heart (Frost)  

Sakura - Lavender with pearly magenta heart (Frost)  

Lipstick

Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous.

3 g / 0.1 US oz
US$14.50

Playing Koi - Creamy white peach pink  (Satin)
Quite Cute - Creamy bright whitened lavender  (Cremesheen)

Saint Germain - Clean pastel pink (Amplified) (Permanent)
Candy Yum-Yum - Matte neon pink (Matte)
Play Time - Creamy intense violet  (Cremesheen)

Plushglass

Sheer lip colour with a pearlized high-shine gloss finish. Comfortable to wear: lush, multi-dimensional. Gives a cool-warm, vanilla buzz to the lips. Moisturizes, soothes and visibly plumps the lips to make them look luxuriously healthy and well-conditioned. Contains vitamin E for added environmental protection.

4.2 ml / 0.14 US fl oz
US$18.50

Bubble Tea - Creamy pale nude 

Fashion Fanatic - Creamy pale pink
Girl ♥ Boy - Bright light blue pink

I ♥ U - Creamy midtone purple  

Lip Pencil

A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades.

1.45 g / 0.05 US oz
US$13.00

Naked Liner - Light neutral
In Synch - Bright yellow pink 

Boldly Bare - Dirty red brown

Nail Lacquer

Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer!

10 ml / 0.34 US fl oz
US$14.00

Little Girl Type - Creamy pale lavender  (Cream)
Ice Cream Cake - Creamy blue pink  (Cream)

Mischievous Mint - Creamy pale blue mint (Cream)

Penultimate Eye Liner

A liquid pen-style liner that provides the ultimate precise, bold line in a rich, deep carbon black shade. Goes on fluidly, in one steady stroke, to style any fashion of eye line.

1 g / .03 US oz
US$17.50

Rapidblack - True black

Zoom Lash Mascara

Major drama. Lasts all day. Creamy, velvety formula builds density and conditions. Feels light, supple. Ultra-sculpted brush has three-sided fibres to embrace and separate each lash, hugging every curve. Coats in one stroke from root to tip. No smudging.

8 g / 0.28 US oz
US$14.00

Zoomblack - Rich black 

7 Lash

Natural length. Everyday glamorous. M·A·C Lashes are handmade to exact specifications. Each pattern and design is perfectly shaped and arranged to give a striking effect, whether the look is natural or dramatic. Available in a variety of shapes and densities. If properly cared for, lashes can be reshaped or adorned if desired.
US$14.00

Are you getting anything from this collection? If so, what? I'm personally not interested...not much of a pastel cute girl myself.

Guerlain 'Ombré Éclat 1 Shade' Eyeshadows - THOUGHTS and SWATCHES...

Guerlain 'Ombré Éclat 1 Shade' Eyeshadows - THOUGHTS and SWATCHES...

Guerlain 'Ombré Éclat 1 Shade' Eyeshadow  
 

      Who can resist the color of this wide range of original and unique shades? These high-technology eyeshadows create an impeccable finish leaving the eyes velvety, pearly or sparkling. Easy to apply, their ultra-soft powder formula, enriched with a silicon talc and mica treated with amino acids, creates an even veil of color over the eyelid. Color hold is perfect and the sensation is wonderful. Irresistible: its miniature jewel box, designed by Hervé Van der Straeten to never leave your side. 

        

      Ombré Éclat 1 Shade is the largest single-eyeshadow product on the market. Intense and long-lasting colors allow for light and delicate eye makeup or a more sophisticated, dramatic effect, always with an impeccable finish. Available in many different shades to collect and match according to your mood. 

Price: $36

Size: 0.12 oz
Availability: Nordstrom, Sephora 

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My Four Ps

Price 
Guerlain 'Ombré Éclat 1 Shade' Eyeshadows retail for $36 and contain 0.12 oz. of product. As Guerlain claims these are the largest single-eyeshadows I have ever encountered in my beauty life. So even though the Guerlain 'Ombré Éclat 1 Shade' Eyeshadows are expensive, at $36 each, you are getting a LOT of product for the price.

Consider this:  
M∙A∙C Eyeshadows are $14.50 for 0.05 oz. = $34.80 for 0.12 oz.
NARS Eyeshadows are $23 for 0.7 oz. ≈  $39.40 for 0.12 oz.
Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows are $19 for 0.8 oz. = $28.50 for 0.12 oz.

Plus, Guerlain is a high-end brand for those who like a little splurge. But as you can see, these eyeshadows are only a slightly higher price than M∙A∙C per ounce and even cheaper than NARS. Even thought you are spending a lot upfront, you are getting your money's worth in the actual product (with luxurious packaging at that).

Packaging
These eyeshadows come housed in a sleek metallic gold case with a mirror inside the lid. Luxurious is the most fitting word for these eyeshadows. They even come with a black velvet carrying pouch for your beautiful golden gem.

Since the case is metallic, fingerprints are very likely to be left behind. Not not to worry, the velvet pouch will help to protect the finish of the case.

Inside, the eyeshadows themselves are embossed with the Guerlain logo and provided with a clear plastic cover for added protection. there is also a tiny sponge-tipped applicator with Guerlain printed on the handle. This is a fancy as sponge-tipped applicators can get. One nice touch is that the back label has a color swatch of the eyeshadow so you are able to easily identify which color is which without opening the compact.

The packaging definitely adds a great deal of extravagance to these eyeshadows which make the price tag a little bit more bearable. Who doesn't want a golden cased eyeshadow? I sure felt fancy touting these around!

Product & Performance

The eyeshadows are superb! They are super pigmented, extremely creamy and smooth, and they glide and blend like a dream. Of course, I had to take a step back to make sure I wasn't just praising the eyeshadows because of the prestigious label and price tag. No, I would still say the same thing if these were $5 or $20.

With high-end brands you tend to get higher quality eyeshadows. This is by virtue of the beauty business. High-end labels are able to use higher quality ingredients and a manufacturing processes which by default lead to a more esteemed product.

These eyeshadows have a frost finish that translates to more of a satin feel. There is no high-shine frost here, just rich decadent color. They are perfect for smokey looks and can be used all over the lid for a simple look.

Overall
If you are into high-end brands or maybe just want to splurge a little then check the beauties out! The price may sounds steep but in essence you are getting a LOT for your money - product and lush packaging! Just make sure you get the pronunciation right...so you sound sophisticated when ordering : )

Guerlain = Grrrr lawn! LOL!

PICTURES & SWATCHES

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L'instant Nuit 182

Very unique color. Deep slate bronze with green/khaki undertones.

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L'instant D'une Émotion 185  

Another unique beauty. Deep gunmetal silver with deep burgundy/purple undertones.

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 L'instant D'une Soupir 187

Deep chocolate with red and bronze undertones.

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182, 185, 187

182, 185, 187

182, 185

185, 187

 

'Mint Mojito' Look

'Mint Mojito' Look

Wheeeeww! I have so many swatch posts going on you would think I forgot how to actually WEAR the makeup. LOL! But no I haven't....just yet. I am so looking forward to spring (the weather doesn't feel like spring) and my new Magnolia Makeup pigments were the pick-me-up I needed. Loving the new colors for sure.

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with NARS Smudgeproof Eye Shadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I applied MAC Layin' Low Paintpot (matte beige) all over my lid up to my browbone as my primary base. Sonia Kaskuk Large Crease Brush

COLOR:
On the inner lid and tearduct area I applied Magnolia Makeup Double Rice Pigment (matte yellow beige). MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush
Next on the lid I applied Magnolia Makeup Mint Julep Pigment (satin mint). MAC 242 Small Shader Brush
On the outer lid and slightly into the crease I used Magnolia Makeup Garden District Pigment (matte grass green). Sonia Kaskuk Large Crease Brush
On the browbone area for blending I used the matte nude eyeshadow from the Sleek Storm Makeup Palette. MAC 217 Blending Brush
For highlight I used Magnolia Makeup Buff Pigment (matte light beige). MAC 242 Large Shader Brush
For my lower lashline I used Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Lust (purple w/ shimmer).

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 Inglot #83 Gel Eye Liner. MAC 266 Small Angle Brush
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black. Sigma Eye Liner - E05 Brush
I used MAC PlushLash Mascara for my lashes and added Beautee Sense Adventurous Eyelashes for effect.

Lips:
POLISH:
For my lips I used MUFE # 39 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick (matte coral) topped with MAC Strange Potion Lipglass (shimmery coral).

Face:
FINISH:
I primed my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used MAC Studio Tech Foundation in NC44 - Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush - for my face and set my t-zone with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark - Sigma Round Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush.

I used MAC Springsheen Blush (peach w/ golden pearl) for my cheeks - Sephora Professionnel Contour Blush/Bronzer Brush #43 and MUFE #1 Sculpting Kit for contour - Sigma Angled Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush.

Magnolia Makeup NEW Pigments - Garden District and Neutral Ground Collections

Magnolia Makeup NEW Pigments - Garden District and Neutral Ground Collections

Now you guys know I love Magnolia Makeup and all their bright colors. For the spring Magnolia Makeup has debuted two new collections:

Collection 1 - The Garden District: A line dedicated to the wonderful colors of Spring. Bright pastels in a variety of blooms.

Collection 2 - Neutral Ground: A line that focuses on highlights and contours. These are subtle yet bold browns, beiges, and in between.

ALL the pigments are now available in 10g jars which is a relief since I hated the smaller sizes that the metallic pigments came in.

ALSO there is a 20% OFF SALE going on currently so each pigment is nicely priced at $8 rather than the usual $10.

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I was sent a few of the new colors to try out and I am so happy with all of them! Whopppee! Of course I had to share the new colors with you guys along with my (unbiased) thoughts.

See my original review and swatches HERE. Plus my hauls HERE and HERE.

Price: $10 ($8 on SALE)
Size: 3g
Availability: Magnolia Makeup

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My 4 Ps


Price
The new pigments are $10 each 3g of product. When the line just stepped out on the beauty scene I was skeptical about the price, since after  all they were newbies. Now that they have proven themselves in quality and substance, I can now breathe a sigh of relief at the $10 price mark. And for those of us that will take advantage of the 20% OFF sale these are an even better deal. at $8 a pop.  Besides, there are quite a few other loose pigment brands out there with a similar pricing structure that Magnolia Makeup can probably match or beat in product quality.

Packaging
The packaging is very basic and is essentially sample jars with product labels indicating the pigment color number and the company details. The great thing is that all the pigments are now available in 10g sized jars with sifters as opposed to the 5g jars of the early version of the metallic pigments.

Product  & Performance

Another stellar performance from the sister creators of Magnolia Makeup. ALL the colors I received are highly pigmented, finely milled, smooth and creamy to the touch. They are bright and cheerful just in time for the spring and the neutral highlighter colors are some of my faves. I must applaud Magnolia Makeup for keeping the quality top notch with the new pigments. I really don't have a complaint here although I tried to find one.

Overall

If you love colors, neutrals and loose pigment then what are you waiting for? I highly recommend these!

Pictures & Swatches

(FYI - I think all the names and descriptions are right on point with the colors)

 279 Garden District - Like a garden in Spring. Garden District is a matte, foliage green.

279 Garden District - Like a garden in Spring. Garden District is a matte, foliage green.

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021 Tart - Tart is the name and a pastel yellow, semi-matte is its game.

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087 ATL - Named after the southern city known for its Georgia peaches. ATL is a bright, satin peach.

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086 Mint Julep - Mint Julep is a cool, slightly frosty mint green.

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049 Violets Are... - Violets Are...GORGEOUS!! Violets Are...is a cornflower blue with violet shimmer.

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226 Wisteria - You'll love traveling down this lane. Wisteria is a very sparkly pastel violet.

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003 Champagne - You'll want to pop bottles in celebration when you see this color. Champagne is a sheet white that reflects beautiful gold.

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195 Buff - Buff is a pale matte beige with pink undertones.

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124 Orb - A ghostly matte white.

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206 Double Rice - A light ochre.

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Tart, Violets Are..., Mint Julep, ATL, Garden District

I almost died when I swatched Garden District. It is the most perfect grassy green in life! Violets Are... is also a love even if purple isn't my thing. And hello Mint Julep...this one is my dream mint color (I think they made this one for me...I will pretend). Plus what a peach we have in ATL. Tart is also sublime. Oh lovely day!

Tart, Violets Are..., Mint Julep

Violets Are..., Mint Julep, ATL

Mint Julep, ATL, Garden District

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Champagne, Orb, Buff, Double Rice, Wisteria

These are such great highlight shades (except for Wisteria of course). Champagne is a perfect white with shimmery gold reflects. Orb is the only one that is a bit spotty but with a good primer you should have no issues with this matte white. Buff is a dream neutral highlight for moi. And I just love Double Rice for that pale yellow highlight. Wisteria is another great purple that I actually quite like.

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Champagne, Orb, Buff

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Buff, Double Rice, Wisteria

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* Disclaimer - Items were sent in for review free of charge. However, my opinions cannot be bought so rest assured that these are my honest views.