What's in my makeup bag? - Products that I'm currently using!

What's in my makeup bag?

As a beauty blogger, I've tried so many different products over the years. At some points I had about 20 or more foundations at the same time, and was trying so many things and finishing none of them. Since my little break off from blogging, I've cut down on trying so many new things at once, and I'm finding myself repurchasing the same things over again - things that are reliable and that I love!

So, for the past several months (or more), these have been my staples!

MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation - I've gone through around 3-4 tubes of this so far, and I've been re-purchasing this foundation as soon as I run out. It has a solid medium coverage, and it's my go-to when I want my makeup to last on hours on end. It really does last me till the time I want to wash my face, and I don't find that it breaks apart or separates by the end of the night. I do prefer this over MAC's regular Pro Longwear Foundation, but I do like that one as well. ($33)

NARS Tinted Moisturizer - This is my go-to day wear foundation. The formula is creamy and moisturizing and it provides an SPF of 30, which is great for when you're out and about during the day. The coverage is light, but buildable, and evens out the skintone nicely and gives a fresh, clean look. A little expensive for a daily wearing tinted moisturizer, but for now, I'm loving it and I'm getting low on my second tube. ($44)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - It wasn't love at first sight with this concealer, but after using it regularly, I've grown to love it. As I'm getting older, I find it much more difficult to find a concealer that doesn't age me or give me the "tired eye" look, and I find that this one doesn't accentuate dryness or fine lines. A definite winner in my book, and one that I will repurchase as soon as I run out. ($25)

Urban Decay Naked Concealer - Along with Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer, I like adding a layer of this concealer on top before I blend the two together. These two concealers work really well as a team, and I love how light and blendable this concealer is. It's a great one if you are looking for a pigmented concealer that doesn't have the density or weight of a standard (heavy) concealer. I like using this concealer in a lighter shade to brighten my under eyes. ($28)

Beauty Blender - I can't live without my beauty blender. I use it every day to apply my concealer, and I use a separate one to set my concealer with powder. It works more beautifully than any brush. ($20)

MAC Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder Review, Photos, Swatches!

MAC Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder

MAC Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder ($26, 0.35 oz) is a light, cotton-candy pink with a silvery pearl sheen. It's very light in color and would be a wonderful soft pink blush for lighter skintones. My coloring ranges from light to medium (since I use self tanner often) and when I'm applying the product as a blush, I prefer the way it looks on me when I'm not as tan, because when I'm darker and layer this powder on my cheeks, it can look slightly pastel/chalky. I like it better on me when I'm around the MAC NC15-25 range, as it gives my skin a doll-like glow. It also looks really pretty applied on top of another blush to add a pink, pearly sheen. For darker skintones, it's a great highlighter. It's also versatile enough that you can even use it as an all-over dusting powder to add luminosity to the skin.

As far as the product itself, the texture is really silky and the color is sheer, but it's easily buildable. It blends really well into the skin and even though it has a pearly (I wouldn't really call it frosty) sheen, it doesn't emphasize my pores.

I love the formula of MAC Beauty Powders and I find myself reaching for them often. I'm sure Pearl Blossom will be one of my go-to products!

MAC Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder swatched

July Beauty Favorites!

July Beauty Favorites

It's that time of the month again! I rounded up some products that I couldn't get enough of this past month. Some months go by where I discover some old favorites, but this month I discovered a lot of new favorites that I'm sure I'll continue loving throughout the year. I didn't want to make this post massive, so I picked most of the standout products!

Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Brush - $190

At first when I was using this brush I couldn't understand what the big hype was. BUT, I was determined to keep using it to see if it really made any difference. I have thick, fine hair and it breaks easily. I try to minimize breakage as best as I can with hair products, but I never gave much thought about the brushes I'm using. I've tried Boar bristle in the past, and found it hard to make the change. With the particular brushes I tried, I felt that they didn't get through my hair as well. I brush my hair around 3-4 times a day - once in the morning, a couple of times mid-day and once before I go to sleep. I'm not at all lying that I've seen a noticeable change in how shiny my hair looks as well as the decrease in breakage. Every time I brush my hair, I habitually look each time down at the floor to see if any ends have broken off. Since I've been using only this brush for the past month, it has reduced by 90%. I actually really enjoy brushing my hair with it and the massaging feeling on my scalp (it might be harsh on your scalp if you have thin hair, but I love the feeling). I also can get an extra day out of my hair before washing it. It's hard to tell you to go out and purchase a $200 hair brush, but I think they are worth it and they will last a lifetime.

Nature's Gate Glow Lotion for Medium Skin tones - $13.99

I bought this subtle self-tanner on a whim because of the positive reviews on Amazon. I honestly didn't expect much since I haven't heard of it prior, but it was love at first application. The lotion is all natural and cruelty-free and contains loads of moisturizing ingredients including soybean oil, sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, shea butter and more. With one application, you get beautiful subtle golden color. If you apply it a few days in a row, you can really build up a good tan. In comparison to Jergens Natural Glow, Jergens is a bit orange, but Nature's Glow is very golden bronze. I love it! I've been using it regularly on my body. The best part is the price. It's only around $13-14 for a 16 oz bottle.

Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum - $28.50

Mascara primer is a must for me. I've been using Shiseido Mascara Base for around 3 years now, but was curious to try something different. I've been using this every day and I think I'm a new convert! I'll do a comparison post, but so far I can tell that the Dior base is much more gentle on my lashes. It really works great for adding an extra oomph to my lashes. It makes them look slightly longer, and much more volumized.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner - $20

This is a top-rated liquid liner and I've been wanting to try it for ages. Just as I assumed I would, I love it! The tip is perfect for creating thin lines and unlike some felt tips, I haven't had any issues with it being overly saturated or dry to the point where I have to shake it. I can create a perfect wing in seconds and I love the fact that the color is such an intense black that I only need one layer. It lasts perfectly well until I remove it! *Mine is a sample size I received from Sephora for 100 Beauty Insider Points.

Swatches from left to right: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner, MAC Lightsweep Shaping Pro Powder, Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector.

Guerlain Perles D'Azur Meteorites by Emilio Pucci Review, Photos and Swatches!

Guerlain Perles D'Azur Meteorites by Emilio Pucci

Guerlain Perles D'Azur Meteorites ($59) is a illuminating powder that gives the skin a natural, radiant appearance. There are six different colored pearls that come together to create a harmonious veil of light to the skin. The blue and pink pearls counteract yellow toned in tired complexions, beige and orange bring warm to the complexion, and ivory and white reflect light without a white cast. These particular Meteorites were limited edition from the Guerlain Summer Collection.

I find Meteorites something really hard to explain, but something you almost have to experience yourself.

I don't really like setting powders because I feel that many times by adding powder on top of liquid foundation, the powder can have the tendency to mattify the skin too much making the skin appear unnatural. But this powder absorbs the shine from the foundation without erasing the natural glow of the skin. In addition it will balance redness/discolorations in the skin and add a bit of luminosity to the skin.

I don't like much shimmer other than an occasional shimmery blush or highlighter, but I do wear Meteorites on a daily basis and I don't find it to be noticeable. Sometimes I apply a good amount on my face, and sometimes I'll apply a light dusting, but I'll tend to skip any extra shimmer if I'm applying a good coat.

With many shimmery products after several hours and the skin becomes oily, shimmery products tend to be more obvious, but I don't find it to be the case with Meteorites. Shimmery products also tend to make the pores appear enlarged, but with Meteorites, my pores actually appear softened.

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skinfinish/Highlighter Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skinfinish/Highlighter

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skinfinish/Highlighter ($29) is described on the MAC website as a soft peachy nude with multi-dimensional shimmer. It has a hint of warm pink to it and mixed with the glistening champagne-peach, it gives off a rose gold appearance. It's a limited edition highlighter originally released in the MAC In Extra Dimension Collection this past Spring, but was re-released in the newest MAC Glamour Daze Collection.

The power itself is very finely milled, silky smooth and almost feels like a pressed pigment. It's highly pigmented with a high shine finish. I found that when I apply too much, it looks very metallic. This is easily the most intense highlighter I own. The great thing is that if you over-do it, it's easy to fix. If I screw up, I'll lightly run my foundation brush over it (with foundation residue), and it lightens up perfectly.

To apply, I usually use a small stippling brush or my fingers. Either work fine, but I like using my fingers to diffuse the edges. It works really well. Due to the texture, a synthetic and/or dense brush picks up product better than a natural bristle brush.

I really like the way it wears over time. Some highlighters tend to sit on top of the skin, sometimes looking a bit ashy/powdery and unnatural. Superb becomes one with my skin and catches light without looking like an obvious highlighter. I prefer this formula over the MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes which can look a little powdery.

It stays put all day, which is a huge bonus. Since I'm not one to touch-up my makeup throughout the day, anything long lasting is good news for me. One of my favorite highlighters is The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, but it disappears too quickly on my skin. By the end of the day, Superb hasn't gone anywhere.

Glam Beauty Board Box Fall 2012!

I'm super excited to be a part of the Glam Beauty Board this fall, and have a wonderful opportunity to try some really amazing products that I can't wait to share with all of you. Some of which I was already familiar with, and some of which are completely new to me. I've been loyally testing out these products all month, and amidst all of the great products, I happily discovered some favorites!

I will be going more in depth about these products in future reviews, but in this post I've included brief summaries of each product (swatches at the end).

Lately I've been enjoying this bright pink gem in a little holographic box called Benefit Bella Bamba ($28). It's a vivid warm, watermelon pink with with fine golden shimmer. It looks a lot like the cult-favorite Nars Orgasm Blush, but it's pinker (less peach) in tone. It's a lovely shade that I can see both cool and skin tones enjoying all year round. The consistency is silky smooth and it's very pigmented. Included with the blush is a soft, flat brush that actually works really well. It's a bit fluffier than my brush from Benefit Hoola and applies the product evenly.

Don't you love 2-in-1 products? The Lorac Tantalizer Highlighter & Matte Bronzer Duo ($32) is a warm matte bronzer and champagne-pink highligher all in one convenient compact. I've been on the lookout for my perfect matte bronzer that isn't too cool toned (they have a tendency to look dirty/ashy on my skin) or too orange (have enough of those). The bronzer in here is a perfect golden bronze and is easily my current top pick for a matte bronzer. It works great as a contour, as well as all over the face for added warmth. The illuminator is sheer (no shimmer-bombs here) and incredibly soft. I like applying it across the highest points of my cheeks for added dimension and glow. It reminds me a bit of MAC Hush Cream Colour Base in powder form.

For a quick statement lip, try Mark Make it Rich Lip Color Crayon in the shade Peony ($11). It's a vivid, shimmery fuchsia - and because precision is a cinch with this crayon, lip liner isn't necessary! It's long-lasting on my lips, and even after most of it is gone, it leaves a pretty pink stain behind.

MAC Radiant Rose Prep + Prime Highlighter Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Radiant Rose Prep + Prime Highlighter 

MAC Prep + Primer Highlighter  ($24) is a pen-style creamy highlighter that brings a sheer wash of color to the skin wherever it is applied. It can be used under makeup to prime and brighten, or on top of makeup to highlight.

MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter is available in (3) shades: Light Boost (soft yellow cream), Radiant Rose (light shell pink) and Bright Forecast (mid tone peachy coral). (You can find swatches of all three shades on Temptalia)

I purchased Radiant Rose, as pink toned highlighters seem to do the best job brightening on my particular skin tone.

Several brand make these pen style highlighters, and I find that most of the time they are pretty expensive for the amount of product you receive. YSL Touche Eclat for instance costs $40 for a 0.10 oz tube. Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener costs $38 for 0.05 oz and Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen costs $37 for 0.05 oz. They might all be mildly effective, but I personally think they are very expensive for how long they last with daily use.

I was thrilled when MAC came out with a highlighter pen, as MAC tends to be a bit lower priced than most high-end cosmetics. At $24 for 0.12 oz, it's very easily the best value overall, therefore I'm the most willing to purchase from MAC.

MAC Prep & Prime Radiant Rose Highlighter (left) and YSL Touche Eclat #1 Radiant Touch (right). Both are swatched on warm, medium skin (MAC NC30).

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter Review, Photos and Swatches!

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Concealer/Corrector ($12.95) is a liquid concealer/highlighter in a clickable pen - similar to to the concept of the YSL Touche Eclat. This pen is meant to highlight/brighten areas of the face more than it is to conceal blemishes, so if you're looking for a heavy duty cover-up, this won't be the correct product for you.

The L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter is available in (4) shades: Fair, Light and Medium and Deep.

*You may notice that the packaging of my tube reads "concealer/corrector", so I phoned L'Oreal to double check if the concealer and highlighter are the same product. It is indeed the same exact product, but they have changed the name to "highlighter" rather "concealer". I'm guessing they didn't want it to sound misleading as a concealer, being it doesn't cover much.

I like applying the highlighter to the inner corners of my eyes and along the bridge of my nose. It can also be used on the cheekbones, brow bone and cupids-bow. What's really great about this highlighter, is that it's not shimmery and stark against the skin. It's sheer and subtle, and will do it's job of bringing light to the areas of where it's applied.

MAC Star Wonder Mineralize Skin Finish Review!

MAC Star Wonder Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Star Wonder Mineralize Skinfinish ($29) is a new limited edition baked highlighter, released in the Heavenly Creatures Collection that launched in-stores July 5th.

If you typically aren't favorable of shimmery face products, you might want to steer clear of MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes, as they are frosty and sometimes shimmery. The amount of shimmer differs with each shade. I can't help but drool over Mineralize Skinfinishes each time MAC launches new shades.. they're just so pretty to look at! And although I'm not too crazy about too much shimmer, I love highlighter, and I always use a bit in my daily routine!

Star Wonder is described as a plummy pink with multi-dimensional pearl. It's made up of a few different shades - there's a warm pink, plum and pale gold. When combined, a shimmery plummy pink with a golden shimmer is created. 

Mineralize Skinfinishes have the typical smooth and soft texture of baked powders, and blend really well with minimal effort. Some shades are dark enough to be used as a blush, while some are light and frosty, and work best solely as a highlighter. Star Wonder could be used for either purpose, but is dark enough to use as a blush. Because it's shimmery, only a touch is needed for a natural glow. When buffed out, the shimmer isn't as noticeable, but it's still there, providing a glowing sheen to the cheeks. While it looks nice applied either way, I like wearing it across the top of my cheekbones as a highlight, paired with a pink blush.

I usually use a duo-fiber fan brush, but any duo-fiber brush would work well at laying down minimal product at once.

MAC Crew Highlight Powder Review, Photos & Swatches!

MAC Crew Highlight Powder

MAC Crew Highlight Powder ($29) is a highlighting powder/blush that is made of three shades - a soft peach, pale purple and soft, warm (yellow toned) pink. The light beige surrounding color is just an overspray that will erase with several uses. This product launched in MAC's latest Hey, Sailor! Collection and is only around for a limited time. 

I originally didn't find this powder too appealing - that is, until I swatched it in the MAC store. It might look a little ordinary in the compact, but once the colors unite together, a gorgeous, luminous warm pink with a soft, glowy sheen is created. 

After swatching several different blushes in my collection, the closest match I could find is Chanel Blush Horizon Soft Glow Blush (which also just so happens to be a limited edition product from this past Spring), nothing else I own came as close. Both products combine warm pink, peach and purple, and when mixed together, create a similar result. The color of Chanel is slightly darker, a touch more vibrant and contains more iridescence. I love the Chanel blush so much, so it's exciting to find a close dupe.

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder Review!

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder

I have another Becca product to talk about today! Boy, the month of May seems like a Becca Extravaganza. I apologize for those that haven’t found much interest in the brand.

I’ve been very curious lately in exploring the different products the brand has to offer, and stumbled upon the Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders ($38).

The Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders are available in eight (8) shades: Hyawatha (silvery beige), Athena (golden bronze), Angel (pale silvery pink), Gypsy (bright golden pink), Odette (golden peach pink), Nymph (porcelain white), Princess (golden rose) and Nefertiti (golden pink).

Is it a Blush or a Highlighter?

These finely milled, shimmering powders are actually considered a “multi-use” product that can be used as either one – depending on the shade, that is. Some are better suited as a highlight shade for the cheeks, brow-bone and eyes, whilst the colorful ones would work great as a light blush. If you don’t want to wear them alone, you can lightly layer them on top of your blush for added dimension, color and glow.

I have Nefertiti, which is described as a golden pink. It’s an accurate description, as the base appears to be a neutral, dusty pink cascading with golden shimmer that provides a candlelit glow, rather than a tasteless inclusion of gritty glitter or abundance of metallic frost. When pink and gold collide, typically in a blush with a pink base and gold shimmer, it gives the illusion of a vibrant peach with pink undertones. But because the pink is so neutral, it doesn’t have the bright pink-coral effect of Nars Orgasm (or similar shades). I'd say it's a bit similar to MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder, but less shimmery with a slightly deeper pink tone.

Physicians Formula Waikiki Strip Shimmer Stripes Custom Bronzer Review!

Physicians Formula Waikiki Strip Shimmer Stripes Custom Bronzer

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer isn't anything new - In fact, the oldest review on Makeupalley dates back to 2006, so they've been around for a while. You may have seen posts about them here and there as they often considered to be comparable to the much higher-end Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks.

The Shimmer Strips Bronzers come in a frosty block with five different strips of color. What's great about them is that they are a multi-use product that can be used as a bronzer, highlighter as well as eyeshadow.

There are six (6) different shimmer stripes to choose from: Sunset Strip/Bronzer, Vegas Strip/Light Bronzer, Riviera Strip/Sand Bronzer, Malibu Strip/Pink Sand Bronzer, Miami Strip/Healthy Glow Bronzer and Waikiki Strip/Peachy Glow Bronzer.

From the selection, I think Waikiki Strip is the prettiest one. It contains a warm peachy-pink, gold, golden-copper bronze, deep bronze and a dark chocolate.

Physicians Formula Waikiki Strip Shimmer Stripes Custom Bronzer

READ MORE!

I won a giveaway and I'm so psyched!

 

It's very rare that I enter a giveaway - and by rare I mean very rare. Almost never. The only giveaways I'll typically enter on occasion are the ones sponsored by Temptalia and Makeup and Beauty Blog.

For some reason I decided to try my luck and enter The Best Thing in Beauty's recent giveaway for an adorable Bobbi Brown Mini Shimmer Brick in the shade Sandstone.

I've been a long time subscriber of The Best Things in Beauty (I believe ever since I started my blog in '09 - she started a month before me!) and if you haven't stopped by her blog yet, I really urge you to. She's known as "Charleston Girl" and she is sure to keep you drooling over the newest high-end makeup collections and her lovely sunlit swatches. She is one fabulous woman with wonderful taste and a passion for beauty. What are you waiting for!? Go read! (click here)

Anyway, I really couldn't believe I won, and here comes my package in the mail yesterday morning!

Of course as generous and sweet as her, she added in a couple awesome extras. I'm so thankful and can't wait to try everything out!

Believe it or not, as big of a makeup fanatic as I am, I've never tried a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. I've always been curious, but since I own so several MAC MSF's that are on the shimmery side, I passed up ever purchasing any. I'm definitely not afraid of shimmer, glitter or frosty cheek products. There are some people that want nothing to do with anything that shines, but I love a matte blush just as much as I love a shimmer.

Sandstone (limited edition shade) contains five stripes of pure, glowy goodness. There is a lovely champagne ivory, golden tan, bronzed brown, copper brown and chocolate brown. All stripes are of course frosty and pigmented.

What's really great about Shimmer Bricks is that you can use the colors individually (on eyes or cheeks) or you can swirl them all together for a beautiful golden, tan glow. 

Bobbi Brown Sandstone Shimmer Brick

Bobbi Brown Sandstone Shimmer Brick

If you're wondering about the compact, it's actually metal - and yes, heavy! The compact has a very high-end look and feel. I'm sure you could even use it for a little paper weight.. haha! It has a magnet closure, which frankly, I'm quite obsessed with. This little compact was a Bobbi Brown exclusive back in 2009, so I'm sure they are very hard to find now.

Bobbi Brown Sandstone swirled together.

I'd like to thank Charleston Girl again for this awesome prize, and I can't wait to put it to use!

Have any of you tried Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks? Have any favorites?

Revlon Pink Light Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator Review, Photos and Swatches!

Revlon Pink Light Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator

I love a good deal just like the rest of us, and when I see a clearance rack, I'm all over it. I love checking out my local drugstores - especially Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for good deals. Granted, their cosmetics are higher in price than Walmart or Target per say, but their markdowns are awesome! Last week I spotted this Revlon Illuminator (being discontinued) for 75% off. I ended up paying around $3, which was a pretty sweet deal for a product with such high ratings. (Makeupalley has all shades rated 4.6/5!)

Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator is a creamy, sheer liquid that works to brighten dry, tired dull skin. It has a pearl finish to cast light to the areas where it has been applied, to create a soft glow and to add definition to your face. It can be used under foundation as an illuminating base, over foundation in areas that need brightening (high points of the cheeks, corners of the eyes, etc), alone or on your neck & body.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
-Boosts natural radiance for a fresh, luminous glow
-Light reflecting micronized crystals illuminate on contact
-Sheer color in a lightweight, oil-free formula
-SPF 18

Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator is available in (4) shades: 010 Bare Light, 020 Pink Light, 030 Gold Light and 040 Bronze Light.

I grabbed Pink Light, a pale, frosty pink. Similar to Benefit High Beam, but a little more sheer.

Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Star Review with Photos & Swatches!

Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Star

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: A light-filled pressed powder enriched with Jeweled Microdust™. These five micro-shimmering tones set off sparks of brilliance, highlighting your complexion. The ultra-fine, super-blendable formula virtually fuses with your skin for a sheer, radiant luminosity. (SEPHORA)

Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star is available in two shades: Amber Diamond and Rose Diamond. They are both highlighting shades, but because Rose Diamond contains pink tones, it can also be considered a blush.

Amber Diamond contains five stripes of warm frosty shades: An ivory with golden-yellow frost, champagne, tan, bronze and golden peach. When all of the shades are swirled together, it creates a beautiful warm, champagne/tan glow.

I tried comparing it to other highlighters of mine, but it's actually very different than anything I own. The only thing I could compare is the first strip of color is almost identical to Nars Albatross or MAC Vanilla Pigment. From the looks of it, it may be comparable to Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips or Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick, but from swatches I've seen, Amber Diamond seems a little less frosty & subtle. To be honest, at first I figured this highlighter was overrated. To me, it didn't look like anything special I should go run out and buy - but after trying it, I see what all of the hype is about. It is frosty - but when applied to the cheeks, it's so subtle and it almost becomes one with your skin. It's easy to blend and gives the prettiest glow that's not overpowering. (No disco ball, here!)

Yesterday my Mom had asked me what I have on my cheeks that's so glowy, so I handed her the highlighter to test out herself and she loved it. Right after, we went grocery shopping and this woman stopped us in the middle of the aisle and was like "Is this your daughter!?" Caught completely off guard, we nodded and smiled politely, and she was like "No wonder! She has your glowing skin!" She actually went on for a couple minutes and mentioned how nice it must be to go to Wal-mart and get complimented. As we walked off, I mentioned to my Mom that it must be the Dior. It was kinda funny.

MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder Review, Photos, Swatches and FOTD!

MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder

Product Description: A silky, feather-light powder, formulated with 70% water, dusts on to the skin as a cooling mist to set and enhance the look of any foundation. Beyond sheer: light-reflecting and translucent. A virtually invisible way to add luminosity and a soft radiant glow to the skin.

MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powders are available in three (3) shades: Truth & Light (Sheer shimmer that reflects silver and pink), Honey Rose (Sheer rosy beige with multi-dimensional shimmer) and Cajun (Sheer bronze shimmer that reflects gold).

While I was at MAC, I swatched all three shades, but the most appealing shade to me was Honey Rose. Truth & Light appeared very sheer - almost invisible, with a slight white cast and slight shimmer. Cajun appeared to be a very pretty golden brown - somewhat similar to my Chanel Bronze Universel, but I wasn't sure of how well it would blend as an all over bronzer. Once it hits the skin, it dries almost instantly. I'm not sure if it was the bright fluorescent lighting, but Honey Rose looked gorgeous. It's a champagne pink with a frosty - almost golden sheen. It reminds me a little bit of Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow. I thought it would a perfect highlight for my skin tone. 

MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Honey Rose

MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Honey Rose

Forever 21's Love & Beauty Face Illuminator! (Plus a few other goodies)

Pictured above: Forever 21 Glitter & Hearts Cosmetic Bag (sold out on website), Forever 21 Cameo Stud Earrings (here), Forever 21 Rhinestone Pyramid Ring (here) and Forever 21 Face Illuminator (here).

Whenever I go to Forever 21, I don't think I ever leave empty handed. If I don't find clothes, I always find at least one accessory I can't put down or a really reasonable priced beauty item.

While I was at the mall yesterday, I ended up purchasing a few goodies. One in particular I'm really excited about, is the Love & Beauty Face Illuminator.

The Face Illuminator is a creamy, opalescent liquid that can be used all over the body as well as the face. It comes in two shades; Gold and Bronze. I ended up picking Gold, which I thought was an absolute must-have. Bronze was pretty as well, but it seemed like a very basic golden shade with gold reflects. Gold on the other hand, is a sheer milky peach with a bright pink pearl. It reminds me a bit of Benefit Moon Beam, a product I've always wanted to try, but I don't own it, so unfortunately I can't compare them. It also reminds me a bit of MAC Pink Bronze Pigment or MAC Light Flush MSF because the pink reflects are the same, but this face illuminator is much more sublte.

The consistency is pretty thin, similar to the consistency as Benefit High Beam, but slightly thinner. It's very easy to blend out with your fingers, and can be built for a heavier glow. The effect can be subtle, to however you want it to look. I'm in love with the color and I think it's a product I'll be using often to pat on my cheeks as a highlight. It can also be mixed in your favorite lotion to add a glowy sheen to your skin. Although, I bet the shade Bronze would work better for that since it's golden, whereas Gold has pink reflects, that would work best on the face. Lastly, I love the packaging of the product. It comes in a sturdy, thick plastic tube with a pump (a pump is always a plus). And, you get a whopping 1.67 oz of product for $5.80. I'm just crossing my fingers that the pump won't clog up and stop working - an often mishap with lower end items.

Here it is applied heavily to my hand and then blended out. As you can see, once blended the sheen becomes much more subtle.

Here's a closer look at the ring I purchased. I thought it was way too cute to pass up!

Any awesome beauty finds you'd like to share?? Let me know in the comments below!