All Things Fashion & Beauty

Sunday, November 6, 2011

MAC Counter Rant/Great Sephora Experience

I usually order my MAC stuff online, because the closest counter is about an hour away. I was excited to be going to an actual counter, but boy was I disappointed. I had a bad experience at the MAC counter at South Hills Village Mall (Pittsburgh, PA), and this wasn't the first time. I've been reading and watching youtube videos about other people's bad experiences with snotty MAC artists, so this must be a common thing. At this particular counter, the MUA's are stuck up and rude and act like they don't want to be bothered, every time I go there. I was looking around for a while and was completely ignored. (I know A LOT about MAC. I keep up on the collections and know more than the MUA's think.) I had to ask for help, and the MUA acted like she didn't want to be bothered. I actually picked up a Fluidline and a False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara, but I ended up returning it that same day, because of how disgusted I was with my treatment at MAC and the attitude of their employees. I will continue to buy MAC products online, with the free shipping codes, without the hassle of dealing with the stuck up MUA's.

After my bad experience at MAC, I went down to the large Sephora store, where I haven't been in ages, and got to play around with some fragrances and makeup. My 2 1/2 yr old was putting on powder and playing with the makeup too lol. The beauty consultants were all so nice and helpful. They actually asked if I needed anything, unlike at MAC. One consultant in particular was really sweet and helpful. She tried NARS Desire blush on me, but we both decided it was just too bright on me. Then she tried on Penny Lane cream blush by NARS on my cheeks and applied Laguna bronzer around my forehead, chin and nose and contoured my cheekbones with it. The results were AMAZING. I love the combo of those two products. I should have picked up Penny Lane while I was there, but I figured I'd order it online after payday. When I got to Sephora's website, Penny Lane wasn't on there. None of the cream blushes were. Strange- because they are at the store. (I'll be ordering from Beauty.com with their 20% off this week!) The consultant wasn't pushy or mad that I didn't purchase anything, and we had a chat about how we wished that particular Sephora carried Illamasqua products. (The closest one that does is in Washington,DC about 3 hrs away!). I tried out various fragrances, and I will purchasing the full size of Benefit's Garden of Good and Eva. (I tried it out before, and I loved it. Carmella is nice too.) The Betsey Johnson smells awful, in my opinion.

I actually had fun browsing makeup, and I had good self-restraint by not buying anything. LOL However, I will not be returning to that MAC counter, until they get some nice MUAS!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Make Up Forever Face & Body Review (vs MAC Face & Body)

MUFE Face & Body #34 Set With MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun (VV Edition)

Cheeks: Stila Custom Color Blush, Mark Flip For It Fall '11 Palette Cheek Color

Eyes: Mark Mini Mark It Stick Marina

Lips: MAC Viva Glam Gaga 1 Lipstick

I finally got my hands on this foundation in a swap on MakeUpAlley. I actually swapped out my MAC Face & Body (C4) for this. I received a half full bottle of the #32 (old packaging- no pump) and a pretty full bottle of the #34 (honey beige) (newer packaging with pump). This is so sheer that both colors work, but I've been loving the way that that #34 looks, so I've been using that one. The #32 has a more yellow undertone. The #34 has beige undertones, which is perfect for me. Let me start off my saying this completely TRUMPS the MAC version of the Face & Body. I've read/heard that in many reviews/comparisons, but I can honestly say for myself that is so true. The MAC version is cheaper. You do get more bang for your buck. You get 4oz for #32.50 (i believe), which is a great deal beings that you only get 1oz with most foundations. The MUFE is #38 for 1oz. However, the formula is much better and more comfortable to wear, in my opinion. They are both sheer and liquidy, but the MUFE is more gel based and easier to work with. It doesn't need to "dry down" in order to be layered. The MAC does have to dry before you can layer it (for best results). Both are buildable, but I find that you get a bit more coverage with the MUFE. I feel like it builds up pretty well. It looks just like your real skin only better- polished and fresh. The MAC is definitely waterproof; I've worn it underwater. The MUFE is said to be waterproof as well, but I've yet to test that out.

Fragrance:

In my opinion, the MAC version had a pleasant, citrusy scent to it. The MUFE has a fragrance as well. It's more of a rosy fragrance, but it goes away when you apply it. I have sensitive skin, and neither one affected my skin in a negative way. Though I did get more blemishes with the MAC than with the MUFE.

The MAC felt sticky halfway through the day, when I wore it. I've read in other reviews that others have felt it to be sticky as well. Not a good feeling, especially on a hot day, which is a shame because this would be perfect for Summer. The MUFE is not sticky at all. You can't even feel it on your skin, and it holds up all day long. It doesn't get oily or greasy either. For me, the MAC made my skin look shiny mid-day, even when set with power, and it definitely made my skin more oily than it was. I had to blot several times when I wore it. I don't have that issue with the MUFE. I like to set it with the MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun. I love how natural and fresh it looks with that powder over top.

Overall, I LOVE this foundation, and I would definitely purchase it if the bottle I have runs out. It's the best foundation I've tried so far. A lot of the foundations I've tried lately have made me look too made up and have been too heavy and cakey looking. This wasn't. It didn't clean to my dry patches or make me oily. It looked so natural. Now, if you want/need heavier coverage, you won't like this. If you want light to medium coverage that looks like your real skin only better, you will love this.

A+

P.S. This is said to be waterproof. I suggest removing it with makeup remover before you cleanse your face, so you don't clog your pores. I use MAC's Cleanse Off Oil, but there are other options out there.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

EOTD 10/4/11: Glitter Eyes

Sephora Glitter Eyeliner- Gold

Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner Onyx

Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Very Black

Sunday, October 2, 2011

FOTD 9/29/11: Ft MAC Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation

(after about 6.5-7 hrs of wear)

MAC Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation NC42 (I'm NC40 in Studio Fix Fluid & NW35 in Pro Longwear *my HG*)
Cheeks: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush *Dollface*
Eyes: Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds Copper Glow, Mark iMark Metallics in Truffle (on top crease) & Goldiluxe (lid) & lined bottom waterline with Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Onyx, Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Very Black Mascara
Lips: Mark Glossblossom

(new bump it in my hair from Avon)

(*after 10 hours of wear!*)

switched my lip color up wearing Mark Pro Gloss in Smashing & Lots of Lacquer in Thrill)

Monday, September 12, 2011

August/Sept 2011 Favorites

Favorites!

1.) MAC Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation- NW35--

2.) Benefit 10 Bronzer/Highlighter Duo -- Love this! The bronzer is not overpowering like a lot of bronzers out there. I love applying the bronzer and then the lighter over top of my blush. I love the effect that it gives, and the little brush is perfect for contouring. I've been using this almost everyday.

3.) Mark Good Glowing Blush Cameo Glo-- This is a rosy-nude shade, and it's PERFECT for everyday use. This gives just enough color to my cheeks to make me look awake and looks so natural. I love pairing this with the Benefit 10 Highlighter. The formula of this blush is AMAZING. It's so easy to apply (without over-applying like NARS!) and to blend (just like the other Mark blushes that I've tried). Great Quality!

4.) MAC Viva Glam Gaga 1 Lipstick- perfect barbie pink...period!

5. MAC Peachstock Lipstick- perfect nude for my skintone. its just warm enough and not too nude that it looks like concealer (like mac's viva glam gaga 2)