MAC Cosmetics and Mickey Contractor Collection

This is a collaboration between MAC and its Director of Makeup Artistry for India, Mickey Contractor.

Lipstick ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
Yash Deep neutral (Matte) (Limited Edition)
Gulabi Bright fuchsia (Amplified) (Limited Edition)
Mehr Mid-tone blue pink (Matte) (Limited Edition)
Mocha Peachy yellow-brown (Satin) (Permanent)

Lipglass ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
Flesh Mid-tone nude brown (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Lust Soft muted pink (Frost) (Permanent)

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
Athma (Description unknown) (Limited Edition)
Jaan Light neutral with soft gold pearl (Lustre) (Limited Edition)
Vivah Brown with gold pearl (Lustre) (Limited Edition)
Folie Reddish-plum brown (Satin) (Permanent)
Carbon Matte black (Matte) (Permanent)
Oomph Forest green with soft gold pearl (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
Marvel Deep purple with soft pink pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Rani Bright fuchsia with soft pink pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Saffron Deep coral caramel (Satin) (Limited Edition)

Fluidline ($15.00 U.S. / $18.00 CDN)
Siahi Deep turquoise blue (Limited Edition)
Ivy Bright green (Limited Edition)

Blush ($18.50 U.S. / $21.50 CDN)
Gana Bright white gold (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Sur Mid-tone rose brown (Satin) (Limited Edition)

Studio Fix Fluid Foundation ($26.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN)
NC41, NC43.5, NC44.5 (Limited Edition)

Moisturecover Concealer ($16.50 U.S. / $19.50 CDN)
NC23, NC43, NC44, NC45.5 (Limited Edition)

Moisturecover Double-End Concealer ($21.00 U.S . / $24.50 CDN)
Coral Corrector/Yellow Corrector (Limited Edition)

Collection will be available January 6, 2011

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Collection

Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation, Concealer, and Lipcreme

With your schedule busier than ever, who has time to reapply their makeup? Introducing a new generation in Longwear technology: Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation, Concealer and Lipcreme. After hours of overtime, this is the most advanced Longwear M∙A∙C formulations has ever created!

Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation: This lightweight liquid foundation provides a creamy, buildable comfort, leaving skin smooth and flawless for up to 15 hours.

Pro Longwear Concealer: A blendable, all-over concealer that provides full coverage to create a natural, matte finish lasting up to 15 hours.

Pro Longwear Lipcreme: Full coverage, breathable lip colour that creates a comfortable cushion and subtle shine while staying true up to 12 hours.

The new M∙A∙C Pro Longwear products are available in North America beginning September 16, 2010 and will become part of our permanent selection.

Lipcreme - with shades like “Made to Last,” “Till Tomorrow!” and “Goes & Goes” you get the idea – and the full effect – instantly. Introducing a new generation in longwear technology. Hours later, lips look just the way you left them in the mirror that morning – luscious, lustrous and fresh, in frost or cream texture, with flexible film-former to pvide transfer or resistance for extended-play passion!

after hours of overtime, this is the most advanced longwear formula ever created – now eternally yours!

Pro Longwear Lipcreme

Made To Last Deep plumy brown (Frost)

Till Tomorrow Greyed mauvy brown (Cream)

Sweet Ever After Copper (Frost)

Faithfully Yours Blackened dirty purple (Cream)

Goes and Goes Blue violet (Cream)

Love Forever! Bright blue pink (Cream)

Perpetual Flame Pink cranberry (Cream)

Unlimited Muted dirty rose (Cream)

Overtime Light baby pink (Cream)

Extended Play Blackened brick red (Cream)

Good To Go Loudmouth orange (Cream)

Prolong True red (Cream)

Suggested Retail Price $16.00 U.S./$19.00 CDN

In the world of Pro Longwear, Foundation and Concealer carry the show, with creamy, medium buildable coverage right through to a flawless, natural finish. with medical-grade patch polymers, these formulas get you fifteen+ hours of high performance for epic transfer resistance, concealing flaws and correcting/diminishing under eye circles, spots and discolourations. Marathon makeup to go, made from micronized pigments to promote the smoothest application and colour purity. Matte blendability for perfect comfort.

Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation

NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC40, NC42, NC45, NC50,

NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50

Suggested Retail Price $29.50 U.S./$35.50 CDN

Pro Longwear Concealer

NC15, NC20, NC30, NC35, NC42, NC45, NC50, NW15, NW20,

NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50

Suggested Retail Price $16.50 U.S./$20.00 CDN

190 Foundation Brush A professional-class foundation

brush designed to provide a smooth, even finish.

Suggested Retail Price $32.00 U.S./$38.50 CDN

195 Concealer Brush A flexible synthetic fibre flat brush

with slight pointed tip for precision application and

blending of all concealer formulas and other

emollient products.

Suggested Retail Price $22.00 U.S./$26.50 CDN

 

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer - Rant & Review

I feel like I am always on the quest for the perfect concealer. My under eye circles are not that bad, but they do need a little help. I had been using Benefit’s Erase Paste for the longest time until boredom struck and the creasing just became unbearable. I found myself walking along Bloor Street one day and I strolled into Holt Renfrew…ok, fine….I often find myself walking along Bloor Street and strolling into Holt Renfrew, but that is besides the point! Anyway, I asked the lovely girl behind the Burberry counter for her advice. I originally wanted to see if Burberry had a good concealer, but unbelievably, Burberry has not yet released a concealer. However, their foundation is formulated to work as concealer. She suggested that I try Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer and so I did. She helped me find the perfect match (shade #3) and I was on my merry little way.

Here is the lowdown:

- It conceals discolorations and dark circles around the eye area
- Great application, very smooth
- Long lasting
- Creamy, yet thick (think Erase Paste, but with much less creasing)

The website states that you should use it after you apply foundation, not sure why. However, the girl at Holts did not tell me this, so I have been putting it on before applying foundation. I think it works great and it does not matter when you apply it.

Now here is my issue, after I purchased it and used it I read the back of the miniature box that it comes in. If you have purchased Laura Mercier products you know exactly what I am going to say….the back of the box reads….FINISHED PRODUCT NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS. Um, is that a good thing? No. No. No and NO. What they are saying is that once the product has been formulated to perfection they stop testing it on animals. Heartbreaking. I refuse to support any brand that is cruel enough to test on animals. Laura Mercier, shame on you. I was really taking a liking to the concealer and I thought my search was over…but, apparently not…back to Holts I go…not complaining…

YSL Rock & Baroque Fall 2010 Collection

Ombres Duolumieres ($41.00)
• Purple Amethyst/Tawny Brown (29)
• Midnight Blue/Solar Gold (31)
Ombres Solo ($30.00)
• Aquamarine (13)
• Satin Silver (14)
Rouge Volupte Perle ($34.00)
• Beige Caresse (101)
• Coral Sun (102)
• Sparkling Pink (103)
• Stellar Pink (104)
• Insolent Beige (105)
• Mesmerizing Purple (106)
Golden Gloss ($30.00)
• Golden Satin (30)
• Golden Toffee (31)
Blush Variation ($45.00)
• Venetian Rose (19)
Touche Eclat ($40.00)
• Radiant Silk (8)
Singulier Mascara ($30.00)
• Indigo (5)
Manucure Duo
• Beautiful Day (01)
• Rive Gauche (02)
• Belle de Nuit (03)
L’Eclat
• Peche (01)

YSL Summer Look 2010

Free and passionate, the Yves Saint Laurent woman plunges into a new adventure of sun, sensual and exotic. She opens her safari jacket over her tanned skin like an invitation to travel. Born of the elements, her essential and solar beauty is a force of nature.


GET THE LOOK

FACE:
• NEW Terre Saharienne Bronzing Powder #2 Copper Sand
• Touche Éclat Radiant Touch #1 Luminous Radiance

EYES:
• LIMITED EDITION FARD LUMIÈRE AQUARÉSISTANT Water Resistant Cream Eyeshadow #19 Riviera Blue
• LIMITED EDITION MASCARA AQUARÉSISTANT Waterproof Mascara #7 Blue Lagoon

LIPS:
• NEW Gloss Pur Pure Lip Gloss #8 Pure Watermelon

NAILS:
• LIMITED EDITION La Laque Nail Lacquer #42 Ultra Violet

MAC Cosmetics Pret-a-Papier Collection

Craft Paper Couture – an inspired idea cut like a pattern and whipped up into a frisky little “funny face” frock. Then, strip it back to its essence for Summer 2010 for a Pret-a-Papier colour collection. It was a Project Runway challenge of sorts, with paper as the source, the instigator of ideas, the beginning of something simply, basically beautiful. Lipstick, LipGlass, Eye Shadow, Paint Pot, Chromografic Pencil, Studio Fix Lash, Impeccable Brow Pencil, Sheertone and Mineralize Blushes, and Nail Lacquer in a seamless spectrum of parchment-to-vellum beiges, with an occasional, clever colour spill, coral among the most au courant.”


Chromagraphic Pencil
NC15/NW20
NW25/NC30

Impeccable Brow Pencil
Dirty Blonde Blackened dark neutral-brown
Taupe Mid-tone dirty taupe

Studio Fix Lash
Black Fix Black

Blush
Instant Chic Mid-tone muted coral (Sheertone)
Garb Light golden suntan (Sheertone)

Mineralize Blush
Light Over Dark Light yellow brown / dark peach (Frost)

Paint Pot
Coral Crepe Soft coral
Groundwork Mid-tone neutral taupe

Lipstick
Archetype Sheer light gold (Lustre)
Dressmaker, Dressmaker Creamy light peach coral (Lustre)
Made to Order Creamy mid-tone dirty coral (Lustre)
Kraft Creamy mid-tone warm brown (Amplified)

Lipglass
C-Thru Peachy beige with shimmer
Fold and Tuck Mid-tone bright coral with soft pearl
Pret-a-Papier Dark reddened bronze with pearl

Eyeshadow
Tissue Weight Frosted pale peach (Frost)
Bamboo Light beige with peach (Matte)
Cut to Fit Frosted red bronze (Frost)
Gazette Grey Dark green-grey with gold pearl (Velvet)
Memorabilia Dirty purple (Matte)

Nail Lacquer
Brown Bag Mid-tone warm dirty beige
Originality Sparkly copper bronze

How much is your face worth?

A fellow beauty blogger and addict did this and I thought it was very interesting, so I thought I would try it and share.

This is my routine, not on a daily basis, but on days where I have the energy/care.
I usually only wear a few things when I am going to work, but on the weekends I go all out and use everything listed.

Face
Nivea Moisterizer $9.99
Make Up Forever HD Primer $37.00
Make Up Forever Concealer $36.00
MAC Studio Fix Foundation $35.50
MAC Prep + Prime Finishing Power $25.00
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion $22.00
YSL Touché Éclat $50.00 – for touch up threw out the day/evening

Cheeks
NARS Blush $30.00
NARS Bronzer $38.00
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish $32.50

Eyes
MAC Eyeshadow $17.50 x 2 colours $35.00
Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara $9.99
Talika Eyelash lipocils $40.00

Lips
Rosebud Lip Salve $7.00
MAC Lip Gloss $16.50
MAC Lip Stick $16.50
Dior Lip liner $26.00

Grand total without tax…
With lip gloss $424.48
With lipstick and liner $450.48

On a day where I am just going into work my grand total without tax is $184.98. There is a huge difference between the days/nights where I get all dolled up and days that I do not. What can I do? I just love make up!

How much is your face worth?

YSL Holiday Look 2009

This collection is a tribute to ultimate sophistication, featuring sensual textures and beautiful effects. To get the look, pick up these fabulous products…

Face:· New Teint Resist Long Wear Transfer Resistant Foundation
Touche Éclat Radiant Touch #1 Luminous Radiance
Limited Edition Mini Touche Blush #11 Sparkling Beige

Eyes:· Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue Eye Pencil #1 Intense Black
Ombres Duolumières Eyeshadow Duo #1 Heavenly Beige / Astral Brown
Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara #1 High Density Black

Lips:· New Fard à Lèvres Rouge Pur Lipstick #150 Sublime Red

xo

Perfekt Beauty Perfection Gel

I got a lot of wonderful presents for my birthday this year. One of my gifts included Perfekt Beauty’s Skin Perfection Gel to Go. My friend Sarah has been obsessing about this product for so long and wanted to me to try it. The texture of this product is amazing. It glides on effortlessly and it feels incredible. It is kind of like a low coverage concealer and foundation in one. It improves skin tone, reduces redness and helps minimize the appearance of large pores. It also contains antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid and vitamins A & E to help protect your skin. I found it to be really moisturizing and I have extremely dry skin. It did give my skin a nice glow but because it does not cover it up as well as concealers and foundations you may have to go over it to gain a completely flawless look. This product is really great for summer time when you don’t want to have a ton of make up on. It is also sweat-resistant and water-resistant which is a huge plus. Perfekt Beauty’s Skin Perfection Gel is a bit on the pricy side so if you are unsure, try purchasing the smaller size to see if it is the right product for you. I love it so much just because of the texture and how soft it makes my skin feel, I may have to purchase the large size…

xo

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer

If you don't know who Kat Von D is, you obviously don't watch enough television. Kat Von D is a famed tattoo artist, who recently released a make up line exclusively sold at Sephora. Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer caught my eye because of the following photos that I found on Beauty & The Blog...

Before...

After...

Judging by how well it worked on Kat Von D, this concealer does it's job. So, if you have a tattoo that needs covering or a super duper concealer for your under eyes, blemishes or other imperfections try this long wearing, oil free concealer. 

xo 

Phillip Lim Spring 2009 at New York Fashion Week

Want to look model hot? Follow these simple steps that I found on the NARS website and you could achieve the look of the models that strutted down the runway at Phillip Lim's show at New York Fashion Week.

Face:
Apply NARS Concealer as needed, to cover any imperfections
Apply NARS Firming Foundation only if needed, to keep a clear base
Use NARS Multiple Bronzer in Cap Vert over entire face to tan
Apply NARS Multiple in Orgasm over cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin
Layer NARS Blush in Zen to create a dusty look
Finish with a minimal amount of NARS Loose Powder to set the base
Eyes:
Apply NARS Multiple in South Beach to entire lid, blending up to brow, and directly below lower lash line
Apply a generous amount of NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Kitty around entire eye, on inner rim, and in between lashes, blending into South Beach with finger
Layer NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon
Apply two more alternating layers of Kitty and Black Moon, blending colors into lashes
Use NARS Single Eyeshadow in Grenadines on entire lid, blending up to brows, and beneath lower lash line, smudging with finger
Curl lashes with NARS Eyelash Curler
Apply several coats of NARS Mascara in Black Orchid to top and bottom lashes
Brush brows up and fill in with NARS Eyebrow Pencils, if needed
Lips:
Apply NARS Lipstick in Shrinagar to entire lip with finger

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

My girlfriend Lauren raved about Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat Radiant Touch so much, I knew I had to get it. I have used it a few times and it has quickly become a very special item in my makeup bag. It’s kind of like a magical wand posing as a luxury concealer. It is great for really and I mean REALLY covering up dark circles. It also has light reflecting pigments that work wonders for brightening your eyes. It comes in a glamorous gold pen shaped tool, with a brush at the end. Just give it a click and the magic can be applied. You can also re-use it throughout the day and it won’t look cakey. Refer to Sephora and you can get really great tips on where it should be applied for optimal radiance.

NARS Heart of Desire Spring 2009 Collection

Another spring collection launch!! I love NARS and all of their products! Check out their line up for spring!

NARS Duo Concealer

Vanilla/Honey (fair complexions)

Custard/Ginger (light to medium complexions)

Praline/Toffee (medium to dark complexions)

NARS Duo Eyeshadow

Egea (frosted sage and smoky lilac)

Hula Hula (strawberry with gold particles and hazelnut with gold glitter particles)

NARS Single Eyeshadow

Baby Girl (cotton candy with golden undertones and gold particles)

Grenadines (matte garnet)

Night Sun (bright marigold with gold particles)

NARS Multiple Duo

Orgasm/South Beach (peachy pink and apricot with shimmer)

NARS Multiple Bronzer

Cap Vert (medium to dark complexions with red undertones)

NARS Lip Gloss

Sweet Revenge (sheer pink grapefruit)

NARS Lipstick

Shrinagar (metallic raspberry)

YSL Spring Look 2009

Ladies! Yves Saint Laurent is releasing their Spring Look 2009 make up collection! Call Holt's to book an appointment for this exclusive event. It will be running February 16- 21. Also, receive an exclusive gift with any purchase of $150. Oh la la! I am excited! Here is a list of what you will find in the YSL Spring Look 2009 collection:

FACE:
· Touche Éclat Radiant Touch N°1 Luminous Radiance
· LIMITED EDITION Palette d’Artiste Collector Powder for the Complexion

EYES:
· LIMITED EDITION Palette d’Artiste Collector Powder for the Eyes
· NEW Easy Liner for Eyes Automatic Eyeliner N° 3 Easy Blue
· NEW Everlong Mascara Lengthening Mascara N° 7 Ever Steel Blue

LIPS:
· NEW Fard à Lèvres Rouge Pur Pure Lipstick N° 144 Silky Apricot
· NEW Gloss Pur Pure Lip Gloss N° 3 Pure Coral

NAILS:
· NEW Nail Touch Nail Lacquer Pen Brush N° 6 Coral Touch

Hourglass Cosmetics

I have never tried this line, but I recently came across it. I believe it is fairly new. Here is what Sephora has to say about Hourglass cosmetics:

"Created by renowned beauty expert Carisa Janes, Hourglass brings timeless extravagance and style to the über-chic beauty junkie, all in one clutch-worthy collection. From lush shades to incredibly luxurious packaging, makeup has never been so pretty—or perfecting. Every product in the Hourglass line is formulated with the latest in cosmetic technology. Cutting-edge ingredients work to smooth and soften the skin, while innovations in packaging give the line its super chic appeal. Hourglass opens your eyes to a beautiful new reality: style and substance can coexist."

Have any of you ladies tried this line? Let me know! I was thinking of trying their primer, but the price tag is a bit large, maybe I will try a lip gloss instead, just to see what the brand is like...as if I don't have enough lip gloss...

Make Up For Ever Waterproof Concealer

My girlfriend Sarah first told me about Make Up For Ever's Full Coverage Concealer so, I decided to check it out. I was in the market for a full coverage concealer. To be honest, the concealer that I had been using wasn't cutting it and I was sick and tired of coming home at the end of the day and being frightened by my own reflection. I decided to take a trip to Sephora to fix my issue. I asked the girl to recommend the best full coverage concealer with great staying power. She as well recommended Make Up For Ever's Full Coverage Concealer. As a bonus, it is waterproof and that means amazing staying power. Waterproof concealer is the best thing that I have heard of in a very long time! Needless to say, I am happy I took the advice of the Sephora sales girl and my girlie! Love!

Clean Up!!!

Old make up and dirty tools can harbour bacteria, leading to infections and hideous breakouts. Here are some rules to live by:

Liquid and cream foundations: 12 – 18 months
Concealer: 12 – 18 months
Face powder: 12 – 18 months
Powder blush or bronzer: 12 – 18 months
Cream blush or bronzer: 12 – 18 months
Mascara: 6 months
Eyeliner: 12 – 18 months
Liquid Eyeliner: 6 months
Eye Shadow: 12 – 18 months
Lipstick: 2 years
Brushes: wash weekly
Sponges: wash weekly; replace monthly
Moisturizers: 2 years
Eye Cream: 6 months
Sunscreen: 2 years
Face Cream: 2 years

Above and beyond these rules, if any of your products smell or look funky...toss ‘em. If you find things that you have not used in a year, it is time to say good – bye and hello to something new.