Coming this week from MAC Cosmetics, the new Vamplify lip gloss collection. These are ultra-pigmented glosses that I’ve heard are nearly liquid lipsticks!


“Be seduced by our most dramatic lip gloss yet. Loaded with high-powered pigments that hug lips in shades that glisten with a delicious shine, one swipe of Vamplify loads lips with attitude as a combination of lush natural oils polish with impeccable, moisturizing colour. Never a tease, the glossy colour wears comfortably for hours, for a look that comes on strong and doesn’t let go.”

With 17 shades to choose from, it’s going to be hard to pick up only one! The Vamplify glosses are $24 CAD, $20 USD each.

PINKS
Speed Up – bubblegum pink
Little Miss Mischief – bright warm pink
A for Attitude – hot pink
What’s Going On – hot intense fuschia

ORANGE/CORAL
Flash Drive – intense coral-red
Everybody’s Talking – intense coral
Push Some Buttons – intense orange-red

RED
Tease Don’t Touch – intense true red
Suggestive – intense blue-red

PURPLE/PLUM
Peer Pressure – intense red-burgundy
Modern Drama – dark plum
How Chic It Is? – violet purple
She-Rebel – dark blue-purple

NUDE/BROWN
Spanking Haute – pinky nude
Tuned In – mid-tone rosy nude
Anything But Demure – mauvey nude
Hyper Fabulous – mauvey brown

Cultured, Dark Out, Double Time, Good Timing, He Said She Said, In Control, ms. Diva, Nothing Sexier, Oh Honey, Posy Perfect, Rebellious, Voltage
There are also 12 Pro Longwear Pencils ($24 CAD, $20 USD) to help you create the perfect pout.

MY SHOPPING LIST:
I definitely want at least one of the purples and one the darker nudes, but I will probably pop into a store to swatch before deciding.

The MAC Vamplify collection launches online Aug 26 and will hit stores Sept 3!

WHAT SHADE IS YOUR FAVE?

NEW MAC COLLECTION ALERT! The MAC x Brooke Candy collection was on my radar but I had NO idea it would launch this week. Thursday Aug 27 to be exact, and it’s gonna be online only so get those “submit order” fingers ready. This is the first collab between MAC and Brooke, and apparently more is coming next year.

LIQUID EYE LINER – $21 USD
Boot Black – intense black

LIPSTICK – $17 USD
Mind Control – bright cherry red (Amplified Creme)

LIPSTICK – $17 USD
Which Witch – deep plum (Amplified Creme)

I don’t have Canadian prices yet, but I assume $20 CAD per lipstick. I’m pretty excited about the deep plum shade and that box is super cool but I wish the design was on the actual tube!

Head to MACcosmetics.com on August 27 (no idea what time) to grab this collection before it sells out!

Who is Brooke Candy anyway? I’d say she’s a mix between Iggy Azalea and maybe Sia? I don’t even know. Ch-ch-check it out.

I will forever be on the hunt for the perfect foundation. It has to be lightweight, have SPF of at least 15 and of course match my skintone. I have high hopes for the new MAC Cosmetics Studio Waterweight Foundation ($39 CAD, $33 USD) though, it comes in 25 shades and is in a formula that requires a dropper (my favourite… think Giorgio Armani!)
Shown here is NW30

“… an innovative foundation that delivers colour in an ultra-fluid, elegantly thin, elastic gel serum formula. With stay-true colour and sheer medium buildable coverage, it softly blurs imperfections such as pores and fine lines. The addition of Moisture-Fusion Complex provides immediate and all-day hydration, leaving skin feeling quenched and soft, supple, silky to the touch.”

THE FAIREST: NC15, N12, NW13

THE DEEPEST: NC50, NW50

The full shade range is legit. They even have the coveted NW13 (my Winter shade) and N18 (my Summer shade), both of which rarely available as they are considered the “inbetween shades”.

Neutral undertones:
N 12, N18

Pink undertones:
NW 13, NW 15, NW 18, NW 20, NW 22, NW 25, NW 30, NW 35, NW 43, NW 45, NW 47, NW 50

Yellow undertones:
NC 15, NC 20, NC 25, NC 30, NC 35, NC 37, NC 40, NC 42, NC 44, NC 45, NC 50

This foundation will be part of the permanent line and launches online September 3 and will hit store shelves September 10.

It has been awhile since a MAC collection has taken my breath away like the MAC x Guo Pei collaboration. It has elegant designer packaging, specially-patterned powders (my weakness), and it’s just different enough to make me want to open up my wallet and watch my money fly away.

“Inspired by her “garden of the soul,” China’s most esteemed haute couturier, Guo Pei, brings her legendary elegance to an inspired collection of hues, merging vibrant jewel tones with lush neutrals, punctuated by deep graphite.”

NIGHT SKY EYESHADOW QUAD ($84 CAD, $70 USD)

Nehru – black grey (Matte) (Permanent)
Bright Moon – warm white (Veluxe Pearl)
Blue Horizon – mid-tone frosted blue (Frost)
Celestial Peak – dark frosted blue (Veluxe Pearl)

MORNING LIGHT EYESHADOW QUAD ($84 CAD, $70 USD)

Sweet Vapours – soft beige with pink duochrome (Pearl Lustre)
Walking Dawn – light medium gold (Veluxe Pearl)
Amber Lights – peachy brown with shimmer (Frost) (Permanent)
Earthy Scent – blackened brown (Veluxe Pearl)

POWDER BLUSH ($47 CAD, $40 USD)

Lotus Blossom – light blue pink (Matte)
Red Water Lily – light coral pink (Satin)

BEAUTY POWDER ($84 CAD, $70 USD)

Moonlight – translucent powder with small sized fine pearls

LIPSTICK ($37 CAD, $30 USD)

Brave Red – bright yellow red (Repromote) (Cremesheen)
Ethereal Orchid – mid-tone dirty coral (Lustre)
Zenith – light nude (Lustre)

CREMESHEEN GLASS ($36 CAD, $28 USD)

Pale Moon – mid-tone pink nude
Bright Pink Bouquet – nude coral
Love of Roses – true red

213 Fluff Brush ($38 CAD, $32 USD)

129 Powder/Blush Brush ($55 CAD, $46 USD)

FLUIDLINE ($21 CAD, $17.50 USD)

Blue Fountain – dark green blue (Cream)
Darkness of Calm – dark espresso (Cream)
Palm Tree – charcoal with pearl (Frost)
This launches Sept 24 online and Oct 1 at select stores (North America). Internationally in October.

WHAT ARE YOU GETTING?

MAC’s Viva Glam initiative lets you turn your love for lipstick into a charitable donation to the MAC AIDS Fund! That’s right, profits from the sale of every MAC Viva Glam purchase goes towards supporting people living with AIDS.

The latest collab in this long-running program is the 2nd colour from Miley Cyrus.
“Miley Cyrus is BACK with a BAM! Our iconic VIVA GLAM spokesperson has two new surefire hits: a super-sexy bright orange Lipstick and coordinating Lipglass with sparkling pearl shimmer.”

Now I have more unused lipglass than I care to mention, so I only grabbed the lipstick this time around.

Described as a bright orange matte, this lipstick comes housed in MAC’s signature red VG packaging with Miley’s signature on the tube.

This is more of a red-based orange and it is really matte. In the past few years, MAC’s matte formula has leaned more towards satin, but this one is quite nice: pigmented, smooth, matte. It tends to be a bit more on the dry side because of this, but just exfoliate and moisturize your lips first and you’re good to go.

The closest match I have is MAC’s Scarlet Ibis, which is a bit deeper but close.

Not that you need a reason to buy a new lipstick, but this VG Miley 2 is gorgeous, longwearing and pretty bold!

Grab your MAC Viva Glam Miley 2 online and in stores! Available for a limited time only.

Last year, MAC held an open call for people to become the next face of MAC Cosmetics. All you had to do was upload a photo of yourself and create a “mantra” about why you are unique and inspiring. Well they chose 6 winners and created a collection to inspire and motivate everyone to celebrate who they are.

SCULPT & SHAPE POWDER – $31 CAD, $26 USD (LE)

Accentuate/Sculpt – pale blushed beige/soft taupe brown
Lightsweep/Shadester – warm beige with fine pearl/midtone leathery brown

POWDER BLUSH – $26 CAD, $22 USD

Devil – bright coral orange Permanent
Burnt Pepper – warm rich terracotta Permanent
A Little Lusty – intense red berry

MACnificent ME EYESHADOW x 9 PALETTE – $48 CAD, $40 USD

Cool Complement – cool medium brown
Frankly Frosty – light grey taupe
MACnificent Me! – pinky white frost
Fabulous DNA – light pink shimmer
In My Element – cool silver pearl
To the Eye – mid-tone rose
Sable – gold plum with bronze pearl
Type – medium bronze shimmer
Dance in the Dark – deep cool brown Repromote

EYESHADOW – $19 CAD, $16 USD

Cheer Me On – bright intense orange (matte)
Cork – muted golden brown (satin)  Permanent
Everyone’s Darling – deep red burgundy (matte)
Well Behaved – intense red orange (matte)

PRO LONGWEAR PAINT POT – $26 CAD, $22 USD

Frozen Violet – muted purple shimmer  Permanent
Imaginary – deep blue plum shimmer  Repromote
Nice Composure – midtone cool grey
Stroke My Ego – pink silver shimmer
Stormy Pink – muted grey purple  Permanent

MATTENE LIPSTICK – $22 CAD, $19 USD

Own the Look – deep intense pearl
Personal Pick – mid-tone cool rose
Power My Spirit – deep black plum
Strutting Fabulous – bright lavender

PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL – $24 CAD, $20 USD

Pleasure’s All Mine – pale warm nude
Look Lively – light cream pink
Make Me Proud – mid-tone pink
My Flip Side – mid-tone creamy brown
It‘s Really Me – warm nude

LIPSTICK – $20 CAD, $17 USD

Deep Love – deep brown wine (matte)
Fashion Revival – deep raspberry  (matte) Repromote
Diva Antics – intense reddish burgundy (amplified)
My Inner Femme – intense orangey red (amplified)
Self Aware – coffee nude (amplified)

STUDIO NAIL LACQUER – $14 CAD, $12 USD

Blog This – deep purple plum
Simply Swinging – grey lilac

So it has been a long while since MAC released some new Paint Pot shades, and I am EXCITED. I already own Imaginary from a previous collection, but it is dried out and nearly done. Definitely getting that one. The other two LE PPs I will swatch in store (and most likely buy). Other things on my radar: Deep Love lipstick, Everyone’s Darling eyeshadow, Strutting Fabulous mattene.

Side note: MAC Mattenes are one of my all-time favourite lipstick formulas yet they are not permanent. WHY MAC WHY?

The MACnificent ME collection is available online now and will be in stores Oct 1.

WHAT ARE YOU GETTING?

The MAC Cosmetics MACnificent Me! collection encourages everyone to “show the world your true colours.” And I think the best way to do that is by enhancing your true beauty through strategic contouring and soft neutrals (although some may argue showing true colours involves a heck of a lot more creativity).

The MACnificent Me! Eye Shadow x 9 ($48 CAD) is a well-edited neutral palette that mixes different textures and tones together to really help you play with shadow and light on your eyes. Pick what you love about yourself and play it up!

I have been using Fabulous DNA and Cool Complement a lot to contour my eye (and even the bridge of my nose). They are both soft neutral brown mattes with a bit of warmth to them. Dance in the Dark is also really great in the outer V and as an eyeliner.

Let me break it down…
Crease: Cool Complement with Pleasing to the Eye as a transition
Lid: Sable
Outer V: Dance in the Dark blended
Eyeline: Dance in the Dark
Under brow: Fabulous DNA

These shadows play together so well and create a perfectly sculpted eye. There is also one Lustre finish, In My Element, if you want to glam it up with a little sparkle.

Of the three blushes released in this collection, A Little Lusty ($26 CAD) is the only one that is limited edition/not permanent. This intense red berry has a satin shimmer finish, and although it is quite intimidating in the pan, it does blend out easily.

The pigmentation is so-so, which I think is ok for a bold blush. You can really build this one up.

A light tap in the pan and a few soft strokes on the cheeks, blend blend blend, and you have yourself a really pretty red flush.  I also noticed that this lasted all day without fading.

The Patentpolish Lip Pencil is making quite the comeback at MAC this year. We’ve seen a few shades make it into the permanent collection and there are 5 included in this one. I received the shade It’s Really Me ($24 CAD) a warm nude.

I’d say It’s Really Me lives right in between Pure Zen and Truffle Tease, and it is the perfect nude for my colouring (NW15).

If you aren’t familiar with this formula, it combines the sheen of a gloss with the precision of a pencil. I had to apply with a light hand because it tends to pill up a bit on me.

Here’s the final look! I really like the “no makeup” feel of this, just a soft eyeliner to bring out my green eyes and a faint contour to give me an eye crease. The blush does a great job giving me a rosy glow, and when mixed with MAC Lightscapade my skin just looks alive. I wore this to IMATS on Day 2, so you know if I’m confident enough to wear it at a makeup show it must be good stuff!

DID YOU PICK UP ANYTHING FROM THIS COLLECTION?
I have my eye on those Paint Pots and the Mattenes!

Also wearing:
Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in Ivory
MAC MSF Lightscapade
Charlotte Tilbury mascara
Dior Brow Styler Pencil
Kett Set powder

A special shout-out to Gregory Arlt, Head of makeup artistry at MAC. I had the pleasure of watching him do a demo over the weekend at IMATS and I am inspired to really play with more natural feature-enchancing techniques. This guy has such a positive energy and gets to hang out with some of my favourites, Gwen Stefani and Dita von Teese!

*PR Samples

This just in… Mariah Carey is releasing a lipstick with MAC Cosmetics! Yes, it’s only one lipstick, it’s only online, and there is no LE packaging. BUT MARIAH IS COMING TO MAC!

“M·A·C has been my go-to makeup brand for as long as I can remember and I’m so thrilled to be collaborating with them on a lipstick debuting this December, just in time for the holiday season! The champagne frosted ‘All I Want’ shade is elegant, sophisticated and glamorous. My M·A·C Beauty Icon collection will be launching in 2016 and is certain to not disappoint.” — Mariah Carey

MAC x MARIAH CAREY LIPSTICK – $20 CAD, $17 USD
All I Want – champagne shimmer (Frost)

This will be an online only exclusive available sometime in December.

Why are we already talking about Christmas???

Of the five Pro Longwear Paint Pots in the MACnificent Me collection, only one is a new shade and that’s Nice Composure (so of course I had to have it!)

Nice Composure is described as a midtone cool grey, but what the description doesn’t mention is the gorgeous slight shimmer satin finish.

Compared to my other Paint Pots (of which I have about 30) Stormy Pink on the left and Tailor Grey on the right are the closest matches.

When I first grabbed Nice Composure, I just assumed it was a pure matte formula like the others shown above. But when you apply this to skin, it has a beautiful luminescence that is unreal.

Using a flash you can really see the slight shimmer. This isn’t over the top at all and is only slightly noticeable on the eye.

This was my quick and dirty day look from yesterday. I used my finger to pat Nice Composure on the lid then smudged and blended it into the crease. Using the warmth of your finger is truly the best way to blend these since they set so quickly.

This wore without creasing all day (10 hours) with no primer underneath. And it goes so well with my Benefit Beyond Blue mascara!

There’s another Paint Pot in the collection that is only around for a limited time too (the rest are permanent), it’s called Imaginary and is a repromote. That one is deep purple shimmer and goes really well with Nice Composure. I already have it from a previous release, but if anyone wants me to do a review or post swatches of it, let me know!

The MACnificent Me! collection is available at MAC counters and MACcosmetics.com now.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF USING FINGERS TO APPLY MAKEUP?

A few years ago, I fell in love with the MAC Cosmetics Mattene Lipstick formula. It was very moisturizing, creamy and quite matte. And then it disappeared back into the vault with all the other limited edition MAC items I have loved and lost. But it’s BACK with the MACnificent Me! collection.

And yes I grabbed all four shades available.
Personal Pick is a midtone cool rose.

This one glides very smoothly onto the lips.

Now the wear time on these isn’t as good as a typical matte but they feel really great on the lips.

Strutting Fabulous is a bright lavender, reminiscent of Dodgy Girl.

What I like about the formula is it doesn’t create a sharp lipstick line making it easier to apply colours lighter than my natural lip.

And unlike Dodgy Girl, this one wasn’t patchy! I really love this shade.

Own the Look is a deep intense purple.

Probably my favourite of the bunch! Beautiful, easy to apply, leaves a slight stain behind.

I find the darker shades have a bit more slip and shine to them.

Power My Spirit is a deep black plum with some shimmer hiding away inside.

Now I had high hopes for this one, but the slip makes it apply fairly patchy.

From far away it looks pretty though!

Shown above swatched 2x each. Personal Pick had the smoothest formula out of them all.

Sadly, these are limited edition so make sure you grab them up quick ($22.50 CAD, $20 USD).

HAVE YOU TRIED MAC MATTENES BEFORE?
*Contains some press samples.

Well I guess it’s official. The holiday season is here if MAC Cosmetics is already putting out their collections. The first to launch is called Magic of the Night and it brings joy to the world in the form of In Extra Dimension Skinfinishes!


“The magic is in the night, darlings. Let’s have some fun.”

IN EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH – $43 CAD, $36 USD
Oh, Darling – metallic gold
Shaft of Gold – deep bronze

COLOURDRENCHED PIGMENT – $26.50 CAD, $22 USD
Night Thrill – gold shimmer
Ascent of Glamour – cobalt violet-blue
Tonight’s the Night! – deep blackened teal
Moon is Blue – royal blue
No Taboos – blackened blue

PEARLGLIDE INTENSE EYELINER – $21 CAD, $17.50 USD
Petrol Blue – deep navy with pearl (Permanent)
Black Swan – black with pearl (Permanent)

LIP PENCIL – $21 CAD, $17.50 USD
Redd – clearly red
Nightmoth – blackened plum

LIPSTICK – $21 CAD, $17.50 USD
All Fired Up – bright fuchsia matte (Retro Matte) (Permanent)
Dark Side – deep burgundy (Amplified) (Permanent)
Evening Rendezvous – deep reddish purple (Matte) (NEW)
Please Me – muted rosy-tinted pink (Matte) (Permanent)

I am loving this packaging! Purple for lips, teal for eyes and blue for face! I definitely need that Skinfinish and I’ve heard Oh, Darling is really close to Whisper of Gilt. I will probably try out one of those pigments too! Do you have your eye on anything?

The Magic is the Night collection launches in stores Oct 22 and online either Oct 15 or 18 (TBC).

The first set of holiday gifts from MAC Cosmetics launched today! Here’s all the info you need about the Enchanted Eve collection.

ENCHANTED EVE EYES/WARM – $47.50 CAD, $39.50 USD

Seasonal Spirit – warm yellow-tan (Veluxe Pearl)
Moodmaker – rich oak-brown (Frost)
Sax Appeal – soft taupe-brown (Satin)
Bewitchin’ – warm chestnut-brown (Velvet)
Charcoal Brown – muted taupe-brown (Matte) Permanent
Retrospeck – beached blonde (Lustre) Permanent

ENCHANTED EVE EYES/NAVY – $47.50 CAD, $39.50 USD

Blacklit – soft cream nude (Veluxe Pearl)
See the Stars – warm mid-tone grey (Frost)
City Beat – creamy light brown (Satin)
Blue Velvet – vibrant midnight blue (Velvet)
Cool Drive – soft charcoal (Matte)
Softly Rockin’ – warm taupey grey (Lustre)

ENCHANTED EVE EYES/MAUVE –  $47.50 CAD, $39.50 USD

Magic Moor – rich blackened plum with pearlized pigment (Veluxe Pearl)
A Different Vibe – light beige-grey (Lustre)
Swing Out – pinky violet (Satin)
Pretty Jazzed – soft lavender mauve (Velvet)
Subtly Elegant – light grey lilac (Matte)
Lightfully – white with pink reflects (Lustre)

ENCHANTED EVE LIPS / CORAL – $30 CAD, $25 USD

Pure Zen – frosted warm nude (Cremesheen)
Coral Bliss – frosted light coral (Cremesheen)
Lady Danger – vivid bright coral-red (Matte) Permanent

ENCHANTED EVE LIPS/PINK – $30 CAD, $25 USD

Saint Germain – clean pastel pink (Amplified Cream) Permanent
Let’s Rendezvous – dark fuchsia (Amplified Cream)
Wined + Dined – deep pink purple (Matte)

ENCHANTED EVE FACE PALETTE/COOL – $59.50 CAD, $49.50 USD

Chez What? – deep brown-grey (Frost)
Cozy Grey – cool grey (Matte)
Rhythm & Blues – deep black blue (Veluxe Pearl)
Cheek to Cheek – soft rose (Beauty Powder)
Passing Fancy – bright orange-coral with soft pearlized pigments (Cream Colour Base)
Rebel – mid-tone creamy plum (Satin) (Lipstick) Permanent
Feed the Senses – mid-tone mauvey nude (Lustre) (Lipstick)

ENCHANTED EVE FACE PALETTE/WARM – $59.50 CAD, $49.50 USD

Deception – chocolate gold (Frost)
Showstopper – deep brown (Matte)
On a Dare – mid-tone tan (Veluxe Pearl)
Golden Tone – deep chestnut brown (Beauty Powder)
Shell – soft pink beige with shimmer (Cream Colour Base) Permanent
Blankety – soft pink-beige (Amplified Cream) (Lipstick) Permanent
Paint the Town – cool deep red (Cremesheen)

ENCHANTED EVE EYE BAG/PLUM – $51.50 CAD, $42.50 USD

Stormy Pink – muted grey-purple (Pro Longwear Paint Pot) Permanent
False Black – black (False Lashes Black Mascara) Permanent
Macroviolet – deep smoked violet with red pearlized pigments (Fluidline) Permanent

ENCHANTED EVE EYE BAG/NEUTRAL – $51.50 CAD, $42.50 USD

Painterly – nude beige (Pro Longwear Paint Pot) Permanent
False Black – black (False Lashes Black Mascara) Permanent
Dipdown – deep dark flat brown (Fluidline) Permanent

ENCHANTED EVE EYE BAG/SMOKY– $51.50 CAD, $42.50 USD

Dangerous Cuvee – frosted cool grey (Pro Longwear Paint Pot) Permanent
False Black – black (False Lashes Black Mascara) Permanent
Blacktrack – flat black (Fluidline) Permanent

ENCHANTED EVE LIP BAG/PINK – $47.50 CAD, $39.50 USD

Goodbye Kiss – cool mid-tone pink (Amplified Cream) (Lipstick)
Frozen Dream – medium pink rose (Lipglass)
Just Wonderful – dirty mauve (Lip Pencil)

ENCHANTED EVE LIP BAG/NUDE – $47.50 CAD, $39.50 USD

Creme Cup – light blue pink (Cremesheen) (Lipstick) Permanent
Cherry Blossom – creamy nude beige (Lipglass)
Boldly Bare – dirty red-brown (Lip Pencil) Permanent

ENCHANTED EVE LIP BAG/RED – $47.50 CAD, $39.50 USD

Pretty Irresistible – bright raspberry red (Matte) (Lipstick)
A Favourite Flame – vibrant deep raspberry (Lipglass)
Beet – vivid reddish pink (Lip Pencil) Permanent

ENCHANTED EVE BRUSH KIT/BASIC – $63 CAD, $52.50 USD

116 Blush Brush
193 Angled Foundation
226 Small Tapered Blending
213 Fluff Brush
266 Small Angle Brush

ENCHANTED EVE BRUSH KIT/ESSENTIALS – $63 CAD, $52.50 USD

168 Large Angled Contour
133 Small Cheek Brush
239 Eye Shading
219 Pencil Brush
221 Mini Tapered Blending

ENCHANTED EVE BRUSH KIT/MINERALIZE – $63 CAD, $52.50 USD

187 Duo Fibre Brush
130 Short Duo Fibre Brush
283 Duo Fibre Small Eyeshadow
286 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending

ENCHANTED EVE/VIVA GLAMOROUS – $37 CAD, $31 USD

Miley Cyrus – hot pink (Amplified Cream) (Lipstick)
Miley Cyrus – pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Lipglass)

ENCHANTED EVE LIP PALETTE/VIVA GLAM  – $30 CAD, $25 UsD

Viva Glam I – intense brownish blue-red (Matte)
Viva Glam II – muted pink-beige with shimmer (Satin)
Viva Glam V – mid-tone rose with gold pearlized pigments (Frost)

I WANT IT ALL! What are you getting?

Probably the most anticipated product from MAC Cosmetic’s Magic of the Night collection is the Oh, Darling! In Extra Dimension Skinfinish ($38.50 CAD). Why all the fuss? It has been said it’s a near perfect dupe for the ever-illusive Whisper of Gilt highlighter.

“A liquid-powder highlighter that gives a luminous, well-defined finish.”

Described as a metallic gold, Oh, Darling! has a beautiful MAC insignia imprint. This imprint isn’t as firm/waxy as the Extra Dimension blushes so you don’t have to press your brush down in the powder firmly to apply.

With its royal blue metallic packaging and beautiful reflective finish, I just can’t stop taking pictures of this beauty.

Although I don’t have Whisper of Gilt to compare it too, I did find it was close to Champagne Pop as far as tone/depth but it leans a lot more yellow/bronze. It is also NOT a subtle highlight. If you wanna get dat glow on, this is for you!

Ugh.. so pretty. One more photo for the road…

On my pale Nw15 skin, this is pretty magical. It’s like the sun punched me in the face. Although in some lights, the shade is a tiny bit darker than my skintone so be warned fair-skinned ladies (I still love it).

The Oh, Darling In Extra Dimension Skinfinish is currently sold out on MACcosmetics.com but it’s available at The Bay online and will be in stores Thursday October 22. 

Also wearing MAC Evening Rendezvous lipstick from the Magic of the Night collection!

As an effort to prove you can never have too many purples, I decided to pull out some of my faves to compare to the latest purple release from MAC Cosmetics, Evening Rendezvous.

Released as part of the Magic of the Night collection, Evening Rendezvous is described as a deep reddish purple matte. It comes in a pretty metallic purple tube (but my press sample came in basic black so let’s focus on the beauty inside).

This is such a perfect matte; not too dry and not too shiny. It doesn’t feather, it barely transfers and it wears for well over 6 hours.

Bring on the Fall weather because I’m ready for it with this vampy purple shade. Shown here paired with the hottest MAC item right now, Oh, Darling! Skinfinish.

Now let’s gather around, all ye purples. See how different, unique and beautiful you all are.
(Can you guess the shades?)

Of all the purple MAC lipstick I have, these are the ones that leaned closest to Evening Rendezvous as far as tone (cool vs. warm) and depth (pale vs. deep).

The closest comparison is Strong Woman from the Strength collection a few years back. Both are matte but Evening Rendezvous is a bit darker and has a tad more of a plum tone to it. And as you can see, each shade is different therefore a justifiable purchase… right?

As if having another beautiful purple lipstick in your collection wasn’t enough, LOOK at this stunning purple packaging it comes in? I couldn’t resist and grabbed All Fired Up as well just for the tube (and of course the beautiful bright retro matte lipstick that will soon be gracing the pages of this site).

So what do you think? Buy all the purple lipsticks???

If you want to grab Evening Rendezvous, it’s still available online a MACcosmetics.ca and will be in stores Oct 22.

More holiday goodies are coming from MAC Cosmetics, and this time it’s the highly anticipated boxed kits!

“Lose yourself in the magic of the evening, where adventure and the seductiveness of midnight await. Sparked by an Irresistibly Charming allure, mini kits of Cremesheen Glass and Dazzle Glass, Patentpolish Lip Pencil, and Pigment and Glitter feature eye-catching hues that strut across the face in icy nudes, glitter-flecked purples, and fearless pinks and rouge. The night is young. Anything can happen.”

PIGMENTS AND GLITTER KIT/PURPLE – $42 CAD, $35 USD
Pink Opal (Pigment)
Kitschmas (Pigment)
Rich Purple (Pigment)
Fuchsia (Glitter)

PIGMENTS AND GLITTER KIT/GOLD – $42 CAD, $35 USD
Naked (Pigment)
Blonde’s Gold (Pigment)
Out All Night (Pigment)
Bronze (Glitter)

PIGMENTS AND GLITTER KIT/BLUE – $42 CAD, $35 USD
Warm Snow (Pigment)
Silver Fog (Pigment)
Naval Blue (Pigment)
Blues (Glitter)

LIP GLOSS SET/VIOLET – $42 CAD, $35 USD
Be an Angel – darling Baby pink with shimmer (Cremesheen Glass)
Date with Violet – mid-tone mauvey violet (Cremesheen Glass)
Narcissus – intense orchid purple (Cremesheen Glass) (Repromote)
Like Magic – clear gloss with silver reflects pearlized pigments (Dazzleglass)

LIP GLOSS SET/PINK – $42 CAD, $35 USD
Just Superb – neutral pink (Cremesheen Glass) (Repromote)
Creme Anglaise – rosy mid-tone pink (Cremesheen Glass) (Repromote)
Colour Saturation – deep wine (Cremesheen Glass) (Repromote)
Sugarrimmed – milky pale pink with multi-pearlized pigments (Dazzleglass) (Permanent)

LIP GLOSS/NUDE SET -$42 CAD, $35 USD
Dress the Part – pale nude pink (Cremesheen Glass)
Deelight – mid-tone neutral (Cremesheen Glass) (Repromote)
Deep Kiss – deep burgundy (Cremesheen Glass)
Dressed to Dazzle – pale whitep ink shimmer (Dazzleglass) (Repromote)

MINI PATENTPOLISH LIP KIT/PINK – $42 CAD, $35 USD
Pleasant – rosy pink
Fearless
Patentpink – washed out lilac
Kittenish – mauvy pink

MINI PATENTPOLISH LIP KIT/NUDE – $42 CAD, $35 USD
Revved Up – creamy peach
Innocent – nude beige
Mojo-Maker – warm brown
Sultana – dark grape

Those pigments and glitters are really calling to me. And since I learned how to press loose shadows from Chelle at Makeup Your Mind, it is even more appealing!

The MAC Cosmetics Irresistibly Charming collection launches online Oct 26 and instores Oct 29.

Move over Miley, Ariana Grande is the new face of MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam!

“Good girl? Bad girl? Glam girl? Ask #VIVAGLAM Ariana Grande! Go deep dark in her matte plum Lipstick, or good, good in shimmering pink Lipglass. Paint the town GLAM!”

VIVA GLAM ARIANA GRANDE – $18 CAD, $15 USD
Lipglass – Shimmering Pink

VIVA GLAM ARIANA GRANDE – $20 CAD, $17 USD
Lipstick – Matte Plum

Both will be available for a limited time starting January 2016!

Of the three Enchanted Eve Lip Bags from the MAC Cosmetics holiday collection, the pink version is the only one with all new, limited edition items. (So of course that’s the one I got!)

A coordinated kit of pink shades for lips in a stylish little clutch ($47.50 CAD, value $57.50).

First let’s talk about this “clutch”. It is quite large, great for stashing a lot of makeup inside, but the quality of the material is really, really poor. I would not consider it a clutch as there is no way I would accessorize any outfit with this.

The coloured mirror detailing is really cool, but seriously the fabric reminds me of Bounce dryer sheets.

I wonder if there’s anything I can do, crafty, with this mirror bit?

Frozen Dream lipglass is described as a medium pink rose.

This is a really pretty translucent Barbie pink with lots of non-gritty sparkle.

I’m wearing a fairly thick layer here, and if you know lipglass you know this is a bit sticky. But soooo pretty!

Just Wonderful lip pencil is described as a dirty mauve.

The pencil is just like the regular MAC lip pencils only with a really cool cap. I don’t love the formula of MAC lip pencils as they are a bit dry and patchy, but the MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencils though…. yes please.

Goodbye Kiss is a cool mid-tone pink lipstick with an Amplified Cream finish.

I’m not going to lie, this is the main reason you should get this lip bag. This colour is everything.

Now the one thing I don’t get is why that lip liner is so … uncoordinated. Don’t get me wrong I love the colour but it really doesn’t complement the lipstick. Now let’s talk about this lipstick, I love it. I really really do.

And add a bit of shimmery lipglass on top and this is one killer lip look!

Now despite the lip liner being patchy, I still love the colour and find warming it up helps with application. The lipstick is actually unlike anything I have in my 50+ MAC lipstick collection (I checked!)

Lip liner + lipstick look = win!

I am on the fence whether to urge you to buy this or not. Honestly, the clutch itself itself is a let down and the lip pencil is meh. But the lipglass and lipsticks are both extremely pretty. And you know me, I rarely have anything bad to say about MAC.

The Enchanted Eve Lip Bags are available in store and online now!

New product alert! With the MAC Cosmetics Dark Desires collection comes a new type of eyeshadow from MAC. It’s called “The Well” and has a small well in the centre for you to mix with any medium you want (gel, water, Fix+). This is great for creating liners or a wash of colour.

“Bathed in black, fuelled by the darkest desires, rich colours in their deepest versions simmer against a mysterious backdrop with M∙A∙C Dark Desires. As night falls, sinfully delicious lips, sultry stares, and noir-hued nails emerge from the evening’s depths. It never felt so good to be bad.”

THE WELL EYESHADOW $24 CAD, $20

Beg For It – black

Switch Me On – dark navy

Midnight Tryst – chocolate brown

What’s Your Fantasy – black with heavy multi-coloured pearl

Think Kink – greyed silver-white

Dark Desires – blackened eggplant

LIPSTICK – $20 CAD, $17 USD

Black Night – black with red and gold pearl (Cremesheen)

Boyfriend Stealer – blackened plum (Cremesheen)  Repromote

Heavy Petting – burgundy (Cremesheen)

Ring My Bell – pale cool neutral (Glaze)

STUDIO EYE GLOSS – $26 CAD, $22 USD

Spank Me – black with multi-coloured glitter

Pearl Varnish – white gloss with pearl

Erogenous Zone – violet with multi-coloured glitter

STUDIO NAIL LACQUER – $16 CAD, $12 USD

6-Inch Stilettos – blackened blue

Unzipped – blackened green

KOHL POWER EYE PENCIL – $19.50 CAD, $16.50 USD (all permanent)
Not pictured
Feline – black
Orpheus – intense black with gold pearl
Mystery – intense black with green pearl
Raven – intense black with red pearl

I am really excited to try The Well eyeshadow as I love mixing and creating shades and textures. The Eye Gloss though, just stop!

The MAC Cosmetics Dark Desires collection will be available online November 24th and in stores December 3rd.

Not since MAC’s Marilyn Monroe collection have I been this excited about one of their upcoming releases. MAC Cosmetics has teamed up with one of my favourite pin-up goddesses, Dita Von Teese!
“Inspired by the launch of Dita Von Teese’s new book, Your Beauty Mark, her vivid red lipstick is the signature shade for the seductive spirit. Available exclusively online in select markets December 2015.”

Von Teese – vivid tomato red (Matte)
$21.50 CAD, $18 USD

This lipstick will release online only on December 8th. I’m hopefully this will lead to a larger collection, much like the ARTDECO one from a few years ago.

The MAC Cosmetics x Ellie Goulding collab lands at MAC counters next week and I have the scoop on these beautiful rose gold products!


“Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse pop goddess, brings her blonde, bold spirit to M·A·C in a collaboration that’s as mesmerizing as her music. Inspired by the light and dark dichotomy so present in her artwork and as a performer, Ellie’s thoughtfully curated collection emulates her two signature looks: effortless au naturel by day, and breathtaking bombshell by night.”

HALCYON DAYS – $51.50 CAD, $44 USD
Root – red taupey brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Tint – soft peachy brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Wished I Stayed – light cream pearl (Cream Colour Base)
Every Time You Go – creamy peachy pink (Cream Colour Base)
Medium Dark Blot Pressed Powder Medium dark

HALCYON NIGHTS – $51.50 CAD, $44 USD
Starry Eyed – cream high pearl (Frost) (Eyeshadow)
You My Everything – mid-tone peachy brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
Hanging On – muted plum-brown (Satin) (Eyeshadow)
Saddle – golden orange brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
This Love – pinky orange-pearl (Cream Colour Base)

LIPS!
Only You lipstick- muted mid-tone coral (Cremesheen) – $21.50 CAD, $18 USD
Without Your Love lipstick – warm seashell pink (Cremesheen) –  $21.50 CAD, $18 USD
Explosion Plushglass – warm light golden shimmer – $25.50 CAD, $21 USD
Goodness Gracious Plushglass – creamy pinky peach – $25.50 CAD, $21 USD
Revved Up Patentpolish Lip Pencil – creamy peach (Repromote) –  $25.50 CAD, $21 USD
Innocent Patentpolish Lip Pencil – nude beige (Repromote) –  $25.50 CAD, $21 USDLUSTRE DROPS – $25 CAD, $21 USD
Pink Rebel – blue-pink with gold pearl (Repromote)

POWDER BLUSH DUO – $33.50 CAD, $28 USD
I’ll Hold My Breath – medium warm bronze / peachy pink pearl (Matte/Satin)

BRUSHES
129 Powder/Blush – $43.50 CAD, $36 USD
217 Blending Brush – $30 CAD, $26 USD
209 Eyeliner – $25.50 CAD, $21 USD

MY SHOPPING LIST:
Ok, I cannot resist those rose gold brushes. They are gorgeous plus the 217 is my all-time fave. I may also pick up the Halcyon Nights palettes. Woooo!

The MAC Cosmetics x Ellie Goulding Collection will be available December 14th online and in stores at select MAC counters December 17.

*Press samples