MAC Bloggers' Obsessions Press Release

BLOGGERS’ OBSESSIONS

No one <3’s M∙A∙C more than a Beauty Blogger. To thank them for their passionate devotion & always honest feedback, we invited NINE of our favourites to our lab in Toronto to custom-create their own Eye Shadow or Lipglass. Exclusively online, just like the makeup-mad minds that created them.

EYE SHADOW - $14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN

Beauty Blogging Junkie – Amber Katz
www.beautybloggingjunkie.com
Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! - A deep rusty brown with
champagne-colored sparkle

Temptalia – Christine Mielke
www.temptalia.com
Jealousy Wakes - Seething emerald green with teal and gold pearl

Lipstick Powder N Paint – Lesley Ellen Mirza
www.lipstickpowdernpaint.com
Parisian Skies - A muted grey-blue

The Makeup Girl – Lianne Farbes
www.themakeupgirl.net
Hocus Pocus - Dark Sooty grey with silver pearl

LIPGLASS - $14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN

Makeup and Beauty Blog – Karen Monterichard
www.makeupandbeautyblog.com
Evolution Revolution - A warm peachy pink with subtle purple, green and blue micro glitter

Afrobella – Patrice Yursik
www.afrobella.com
All Of My Purple Life - Deep purple/grape with subtle sparkle

Beauty Maverick – Lily Nima
www.beautymaverick.com
Caqui - Persimmon orange

The Shades of U – Aileen De Los Angeles
www.theshadesofu.com
Sonoran Rain - Deep coral-red with gold and silver pearl

Nitrolicious – Wendy Lam
www.nitrolicious.com
Nitro:licious 2046 - Intense shiny red

M·A·C BLOGGERS’ OBSESSIONS Available June 21st through August 2nd at www.maccosmetics.com ONLY

Hourglass PRISM Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo Swatches & Review

I was drawn to the Hourglass Eye Shadow Duos when I saw pics on other blogs. I never knew where to get them, and was excited when I saw you could order them from Apothica.com. Imagine my complete GLEE when I noticed a small display at my local Sephora! I had NO idea Sephora was going to be carrying this line! Sure enough, it's on the website as well.

From the Sephora.com website:

Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo
What it is:
Two silky eyeshadows enclosed in a mini 360° swivel compact with a brush applicator.

What it does:
Hourglass Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo Visionaire pairs two complementary shades of supersmooth color that create gorgeous looks singly or together. Each versatile hue may be applied dry for a natural look or wet for greater intensity.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product does not contain gluten.

Size: 2 x 0.10 oz

Prism (slate blue shimmer/ black with micro glitter) is a GORGEOUS duo. Perfect for the sultry & sexy smoky eye. The black looks like it would feel grainy, but it's smooth and PIGMENTED as all get out. I picked up WAY more product for the swatch than I wanted, so be careful when you're grabbing up that one to apply to your eye. Start out small, you can always add more!!

I'm not gonna lie. It was the packaging that got me first. It has a swivel mirror on top. VERY cool. I love the color of the packaging as well, however (as you can see from the pics) it's VERY prone to fingerprints, and doesn't look so pretty once that happens. My OCD requires constant cleaning of this! I was surprised the packaging is not heavy, like Guerlain packaging. It's pretty light, and I'm not sure if it's some kind of metal?

Hourglass Eye Shadow Duo's are pricey at $38 each and can be picked up at Sephora and Apothica. I recommend that if you do want to pick them up, you grab items that you know you'll use quite a bit. Like, if you love neutral shades, pick up an Eye Shadow Duo like Suede or Gypsy.

*** this post contains an affiliate link... for more information please read my disclosure policy.

Zoya Touch Collection - MINKA, SHAY, PANDORA Nail Polish Swatches & Review

Zoya has a really great mini collection ready for release on June 1 (you can pre-order NOW).

From the website:

The Touch Collection by Zoya: 3 Perfect Nude Colors
Zoya Nail Polish presents 3 new, full coverage nude creams-softly kissed with a touch of metallic to make them ultra wearable and dynamic. Soft, Sensual, Sexy and Elegant.

The Zoya TOUCH Collection consists of 3 colors: Minka, Shay, and Pandora. These shades are perfect for wedding season, and were opaque in 3 coats, though you could get away with doing 2 thick coats. Because these shades are metallic it makes them not just your everyday nude.

Minka

Shay

Pandora


* Minka is a gorgeous nude with yellow undertones. I was surprised to see such a pretty gold tint on my nails, because it wasn't noticeable in the bottle. This was my favorite of the three.

* Shay is a warm, nude peach that will look AMAZING on tan or dark skin tones. I felt like it kind of washed me out, but I think this will look REALLY good on fingers and toes for summer, when I'll get a little darker.

* Pandora is a pink lilac that will work best with cool skin tones, but I think even warmer tones will be able to rock it.

Zoya nail polishes retail for $8 each and are available at Zoya.com as well as Ulta (not a full disply, but I have seen them popping up there recently!). There is also a sampler trio of the Touch Collection available for $24.

Follow Zoya on Twitter and Facebook for fun giveaways and special offers!

***Products were provided by the manufacturer or PR firm in exchange for an HONEST review. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

FOTD Featuring MAC Surf, Baby!

Here is the promised MAC Surf, Baby! FOTD. If I wouldn't have promised it, I wouldn't have put it up lol I really, really didn't like it. I don't feel that I can pull off the bright colors, and what I did doesn't really go well together to me. In hindsight, I should have checked out the face charts and copied one of those. After seeing these pictures, I do plan on doing a more wearable eye look for Surf, Baby! I actually tried to do a video, since I got my hair cut and styled that day, but I lost the sun =(

For This Look I Used:
~ MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer NW25
~ Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Skin Tint SPF 20 - 1 Cream
~ MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Light-Plus
~ Dior DiorShow Brow Styler
~ MAC Brow Set - Clear
~ L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara in Black Quartz
~ Too Faced Shadow Insurance
~ MAC Surf, Baby! Eye Shadows in Saffron, Sun Blonde & Surf USA
~ MAC Fresh Daisy Eye Shadow
~ Urban Decay Covet 24/7 Eye Pencil (bottom)
~ MAC Surf, Baby! My Paradise Cheek Powder
~ MAC Surf, Baby! Hibiscus Lipstick
~ MAC Surf, Baby! Strange Potion Lipglass
**please note, clicking any of the above links will navigate you away from this particular page. You can right click your mouse and select "open in a new page" to remain on this one while you view other posts.

My favorite thing from this WHOLE look was the Hibiscus and Strange Potion lip look. These shades paired really well together, and will make an awesome lip for Summer!

Week Of May 23. 2011 - Top 5 Blog Posts

Time for Week 2 of the Top 5 Blog Posts!!! Check out last weeks HERE.

With this past weeks release of Surf, Baby! This is a MAC dominated Top 5, for sure!

The number 1 blog post of this past week is MAC Surf, Baby! Mocha & Hibiscus Lipstick Swatches & Review! It's no doubt these are two GORGEOUS shades, and most deserving of the number one spot!

For it's second week on the Top 5 the Too Faced Eye Love Eyeshadow Collection Swatches & Review comes in second! Last week this post was in third place, so it moved up a notch! Must be something special if it came in as the ONLY non-MAC post to enter into the Top 5 for this week!

In third we have MAC Surf, Baby! Good Lovin' & Strange Potion Lipglass Swatches & Review! Strange Potion was popular even back with the MAC Venomous Villains Collection, so it's no surprise it's popular again! Good Lovin' is also an excellent beach bag shade. Lipglasses don't melt in extreme heat and are perfect to pop on your lips when you're on the go!

Fourth place is MAC Surf, Baby My Paradise Cheek Powder Swatches & Review. The "cult item" of the Surf, Baby collection! If you weren't able to get your hands on it, hold tight... it's going to be in my 1000 follower giveaway! Check out the teaser!

Rounding out the Top 5, no surprise, in fifth, is the MAC Surf, Baby! Sun Blonde, Saffron, and Surf USA Eye Shadow Swatches & Review! Bright and beautiful eye shadows dominated as the most sought after for this Summer collection from MAC. Most people were pleased with the shade choices as well as the pigment of them all.

I hope you're all enjoying this holiday weekend. It seems as though the weather has improved. We were outside ALL morning and early afternoon. I'm hiding out in the air conditioning while my hubby and son are outside washing cars. My daughter is zonked out for a nap. In hindsight I should have joined her, but now we have to be out the door in an hour for a picnic. I can't wait to curl up tonight and watch some Real Housewives of New Jersey!!

Any big plans this weekend? Whether you celebrate Memorial Day or not, I'd love to hear what you have going on, and if you plan on taking advantage of any holiday sales tomorrow!

Reviva Labs MAKEUP PRIMER Review & Photos

I had such a great experience with the skin care regime that Reviva Labs sent me that I immediately jumped at the chance to test out their Makeup Primer!

I've tried several makeup primers, mostly samples from Sephora orders, but I did check out a full size of Smashbox. I just don't like how you can FEEL them on your face. It's not unpleasant, but you KNOW it's there, like you spread baby powder all over. I couldn't get down with that, and was not a fan.

With Reviva Labs Makeup Primer you just need a PEA SIZED amount to cover your ENTIRE face. I put a small amount on my middle finger, dipped my other middle finger in that, patted all over my face and smoothed it around. My face makeup went on smoother, and looked more flawless. Most importantly, once it was on I couldn't TELL it was on. I didn't get the urge that my face needed washed.

From the website:

Apply over moisturizer or instead of moisturizer. Lines fill in, pores are concealed, excess oil is controlled. Skin so touchable, so silky smooth, you will find it hard to believe.

I couldn't agree more! The Reviva Labs Makeup Primer is $19.50 for 1oz. It is going to take you forever to finish that up. I've been using it every day for 2 weeks now and it doesn't even look like it's been touched. I took 2 weeks to post this review because I tend to get reactions to products, regardless of what companies say. I'm happy to report I did not have any reaction to this makeup primer. No break outs, no rashes. YAY!

Check out the website for Reviva Labs. There is something for everyone, and the products have been truly life changing for me. Which sounds extremely dramatic, but I really believe in these products and in the company. You can purchase Reviva Labs Products from their website, as well as at OverallBeauty.com and Ulta.

***Products were provided by the manufacturer or PR firm in exchange for an HONEST review. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Clinique CHUNKY CHERRY Chubby Stick Swatches & Review

I love, love, LOVE the Clinique Chubby Sticks. They aren't the same ones that we saw back in the 90's, which were matte. These are more of a stick gloss. Self-sharpening and super nourishing.

The first one that I reviewed, Graped-Up, I was in LOVE with. The color was perfect!

In terms of smoothness and shine, Chunky Cherry is spot on with Graped-Up. However, what I didn't like about Chunky Cherry was that I couldn't get ANY color on the inner part of my lips (see lip swatch pic below). I took that pic right after I applied, so it's not like it just wore away. I didn't have that issue with Graped-Up. Also, when I hear "cherry" I think RED. Not super deep red, but reddish at least... this is pink. Then, as it sits on your lips, it morphs into a hyper pink. Which some people may LOVE, but I'm not really on board with that bright of a color for a stick gloss that I just want to be able to toss on during the running of my kids. This product is not crazy pigmented, but Chunky Cherry is the brightest of the shades.

Chunky Cherry will likely go back to Macy's. The color is not a love for me. Maybe they'll have a different shade that I can exchange it for.

Clinique Chubby Sticks retail for $15 and are available at department store counters (if they have the stock). Your best bet for getting the shade you want is to shop at online department stores, Sephora.com or Clinique.com.

*** this post contains an affiliate link... for more information please read my disclosure policy.

Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette Swatches & Review

Yeah, this is a late review. I actually wasn't even going to bother reviewing the Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette, but I figured... I'm getting rid of it soon, let's get it out there.

While these shades swatch nicely, I cannot get them to stay on my lids for the life of me. When I used the shades, I would pat them on with the MAC 239. I also was using primer potion. Faded and creased within a few hours. I can't say I'll ever reach for it again. Perhaps when used wet, or layered over another shade (with a different finish) one would have better results.

While the shades are beautiful in every single way possible, the palette was just such a disappointment. I absolutely ADORE Chanel eyeshadows, especially the quads. This palette just left me feeling unfulfilled.

When the Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette launched for Spring 2011 it retailed for $65. It was limited edition, so I'm not sure of the availability anymore, but you can check your counters if you'd like to purchase this item to test it out for yourself.

Nicole by OPI Introduces Texture Coat

Create Instant Nail Art!

Nicole by OPI Introduces Texture Coat

Nicole by OPI announces the launch of Texture Coat, a line of graffiti-style nail art products inspired by OPI’s bestselling Shatter. Available in six chic shades – Gold, Silver, Red, White, Turquoise and Black – Texture Coat offers a simple way to create unique, unpredictable patterns on nails with a quick, at-home application.

“Fans of Nicole by OPI are fun, fashion-forward women who love experimenting with trends and using nail lacquer as a form of self-expression,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Texture Coat offers an easy way to create your own completely customized nail art. Whether you choose pastels, darks, glitters, shimmers, or sheers to pair with Texture Coat, the endless options will accessorize every look.”

To use this product, start with Base Coat Plus, followed by two coats of any Nicole by OPI nail lacquer. Let the lacquer dry completely before applying Texture Coat. Complete the manicure with Top Coat Plus for a high-shine finish.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality, with products featuring the Perfect Stroke brush for streak-free, even coverage. Texture Coat will be available July 2011 for $7.99 each at ULTA, Target, Meijer, Harmon, Wegmans, Sears, and H-E-B. Texture Coat will be available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Loblaw.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

OPI Unveils Three New Shades from Serena Williams’ Glam Slam! Series

Get “Unbeatable” Sparkle!

OPI Unveils Three New Shades from
Serena Williams’ Glam Slam! Series

OPI joins tennis superstar Serena Williams in announcing the latest three lacquers in the Glam Slam! collection. To celebrate the world’s oldest, most prestigious tennis tournament, Glam Slam! England features two duo-packs filled with sparkle.

The first Lacquer set includes Your Royal Shine-ness, a metallic silver shade, paired with Servin’ Up Sparkle, a shimmer-packed silver glitter. The second Lacquer set also features Servin’ Up Sparkle, along with Grape…Set…Match, a metallic purple.

Your Royal Shine-ness

Servin' Up Sparkle

Grape...Set...Match

“England’s premier tennis tournament warrants colors with extra glitz and glamour,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The next big trend in nails is making lacquer look 3-dimensional by adding different micas and glitters, turning fingertips into jewelry. With two bold metallics and a sparkling glitter, these colors are fit for royalty.”

“For stand-out nails, I love experimenting with different glitter shades,” explains Serena Williams. “The new Glam Slam! England lacquers can be worn alone for a bright pop of color, or layered with Servin’ Up Sparkle to create a textured effect.”

Serena Williams has received the World Number One in singles ranking by the Women’s Tennis Association on five separate occasions, along with being listed as sixth on the all-time greatest champions list. Additionally, she has won two Olympic gold medals in women’s doubles and has earned 27 Grand Slam titles to date. Serena is the most recent player to have held all four Grand Slam singles titles simultaneously and only the fifth woman in history to do so.

New shades in the Glam Slam! collection will be introduced to coincide with each of the four major tournaments, beginning with the Australian Open in January 2011, followed by launches in May 2011 for the French Open, June 2011 for Wimbledon and August 2011 for the US Open. As with all OPI Nail Lacquers, the Glam Slam! collection contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

Glam Slam! England will be available beginning June 2011 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $14.95 ($20.95 CAN) suggested retail for each duo-pack.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!