HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: MAC LIPTENSITY LIPSTICKS AND LINERS

MAC Liptensity lipsticks have tons of staying power without being drying. They leave a satin finish. The original shade range included 24 colors that I swatched in a video and blog post when they first launched.  They are super, super opaque and deposit richly pigmented, creamy color. Now, the original twenty four have some new brothers and sisters. The range has been expanded for the Holiday's to include the colors:  

Something else that's new for the Holidays? Matching Liptensity lipliners. The corresponding shades match up perfectly with their partners. 18 new lipliner shades in all. 

Mac Liptensity Lipsticks retail for $21.

Mac Liptensity Lipliners retail for $21. 

FTC: MAC provided me with the Liptensity line, reviewed above.

July Beauty Faves

I can't believe July is already coming to a close! This year has flown by.  In Miami, we are currently roasting - the Miami Heat is in FULL force. While the blazing summer sun may cause some to skip makeup altogether, you already know that this girl continues to reach for go-to products. This month (and last), I tested out some great stuff. My July Beauty Faves are below.  Hope you enjoy. Read down to the bottom for my favorite eye shadow palette! Please let me know if have tried any of these out!

Clarins Lip Oils: this summer, Clarins launched some new lip oils, in different colors and scents than last year. I like the lip oils because they last on my lips, and have moisturizing properties (they're infused with 100% plant oils). In the summertime, I love a glossy lip. Sometimes I'll top my matte lipsticks with this oil. The two formulas blend perfectly, creating a glossy lip that stays put. I've tried this trick with almost all of the matte lipsticks I own, and it's worked beautifully. The new lip oils are part of the Clarins 2017 Summer Collection.  I will have a full post on the Summer Collection coming up soon, but for now, I'll tell you that the gold, bronze and peach hues in the collection totally appeal to me. 

Clarins 2017 Summer Collection.

Aveda Essentials Line: this line of naturally based products will tame your frizz, slick your hair, and add shine and softness. Be Curly used together with Smooth Infusion are the perfect combo (apply when your hair is still damp), and let your hair air dry for soft and tamed waves. I also like the Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair leave-in conditioner.

Aveda Hair Essentials Collection.

My hair, after applying Aveda Essential's Be Curly and Smooth Infusion

It took some getting used to but the Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo has found its way into my routine. At first, I disliked the packing because I couldn't control the amount of product that was dispensed. It does have a slight white cast when you use it too close to your hair. But, after some fine tuning, I figured it out and have to say that it works well at absorbing excess oil. The key is to shake the bottle each time you use it, and squeeze the bottle about 6 inches from your hair. It's got a light scent and unlike some dry shampoos, you can still brush your hair with this one and it blends well

MAC #NextToNothing: this new line of foundations and pressed powders have a lightweight texture and feel. The foundations are dewy and balmy, while the powders are finely milled. But, don't expect the regular, full-coverage MAC foundation formula. The Next To Nothing formula mimics that of a beauty balm or tinted moisturizer. Applying this makes you feel pretty - you sort of glow all over in a youthful way. It doesn't settle into lines, either.

For me, the pressed powders are the all-stars in this collection. This formula is great. It sets my makeup, and causes it to last a long time without touching up. The formula is super fine, and oil absorbing. This doesn't cling to dry patches and smooths out the look of the skin. I am in love with this pressed powder. Go buy it, seriously. 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence

Caudalie: you already know that I'm a true Caudalie fan. The line is packed with skincare benefits for results you can actually see. My favorite boutique is the Brickelle City Centre boutique. You may recall this post from a few months back, where I recounted how Vanessa (aesthetician) gave me an incredible facial, and helped restore balance to my skin, after a laser facial mishap. 

I was sent the Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence to try. I've been testing it out for about a month and a half. The essence is a combination between a toner and a micellar water. It contains glycolic acid to sweep away dead skin cells. It assists in lightening dark spots and discoloration, providing an  overall smoother, and brighter complexion. It really works. The proof? Sephora's website has 25+ reviews and almost all of them are 5 stars. When this runs out, I will definitely purchase a bottle. 

Urban Decay Naked HEAT Palette: saved the best for last. The Naked Heat Palette is worth the money and lives up to the hype. It's SO pigmented, it's perfectly warm, it's got beautiful mattes that blend seamlessly, and gorgeous shimmer lid shades. This is my absolute FAVORITE eye shadow palette of the moment. Top drawer, every day, all day. Love it. 

July was a definite winner in terms of beauty products. So many good ones this month. I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comment section, down below!

FTC Disclosure: I was provided everything in this post by PR. 

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipsticks - New Launch! Swatches!

The excitement when MAC sends you a new launch is REAL guys. There are days when a package at your doorstep makes your day and when MAC sent their new Retro Matte liquid lipsticks over, well, let's just say day made. 

The previous launch of these liquid lipsticks left us feeling sad because the formula was drying, but they've reformulated their ingredients. Now, the lipsticks are not overly drying, but still very long wearing. They're intensely opaque and provide great color payoff with just one layer. They have a slight tackiness to them initially, and then dry down. The best way to remove them is with an oil based cleanser (do not even try Bioderma or other Micellar waters). 

There are twelve new colors in the launch, each retailing for $21. Shade Burnt Spice is my favorite nude shade. They're mostly earthy, cool toned colors that are wearable, except for Young Attitude (because I can't walk into the courtroom wearing blue lipstick), and it was also patchy. Carnivorous is a beautiful, deep red, and just a tiny bit patchy. Try a red liner underneath this shade.

Ten shades swatched down below.

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FIRST LOOK: MAC NUTCRACKER SWEET HOLIDAY 2016 COLLECTION

The Mac Nutcracker Sweet Holiday 2016 collection has launched! This is a heavily praised collection that's gotten a lot of positive exposure in the short time that it's been available.  Why? because this is a collection with both eye-catching packaging and great products (some are already soldout). Swatches at the end of the post.

This is also a large launch, with a ton of different pieces. The Mac Magic Dust Eye Shadows are really high quality.  They're long wearing, and almost velvety to the touch.  Some new shades that we have not seen before are Dark Lullaby, Forward March, and Mustache.

Some of the most sought after pieces of this collection are the face compacts - the Nutcracker Sweet Copper and Sweet Peach face compact. Sweet Copper has basically been sold out since it launched.  These are highlighter and bronzer duo's with a cream to powder, glowy finish. Still want more glow? Opt for the Mac Magic Dust Powder's.

Mac Lipsticks: Liptensity Swatch Video and Blog

Mac Liptensity in Mulling Spices 

I was thrilled to receive a beautiful PR package from MAC a few weeks back. Inside, were 24 of MAC's newest lipsticks - the MAC Liptensity line. Lipstenisty was created with the help of a tetrochromat. Basically, she has like 40 retinas that allow her to perceive otherwise imperceptible colors and shades. I'm exaggerating but you catch my drift. Because of this theme, upon first glance, you'll think two lipsticks are the same. In reality, once applied, the subtle color differences show up. The color range is beautiful, especially the reds.

They retail for $21 each, and are available both online and in-store. 

6 of the 24 shades are limited edition. They are: Galaxy Grey, Stallion, Life's Blood, Fireworks, Lobster, and Double Fudge.

Mac Vamplify Lipgloss

Mac Vamplify lip glosses are the brand new line of lip glosses from MAC. They're described as being "loaded with pigment" and "infused with color boosting technology." They contain lip conditioning oils that soften lips,  (coconut and almond oil, as well as avocado and sesame oil). I was sent a few to test drive. The formula is not tacky but still has a gloss consistency. These wore longer on me than most glosses, but the color Acting on Impulse did feather and should be worn with a liner. It was also a bit patchy.

Check out swatches for Smart Aleck, With Gusto, Acting on Impulse and Absolute Score, down below.

MAC Smart Aleck Vamplify Lip Gloss

Mac Bangin' Brilliant Collection

MAC #BanginBrilliant

MAC's Bangin Brilliant collection has launched. It's a line of 29 new permanent lipsticks, 24 eye shadows and 6 blushes.  All shades are new, not repeats (except Gold XiXi which was just launched with the Chris Chang x MAC collection).  The lipsticks encompass all of MAC's lip formulations, described below:

• AMPLIFIED CREME: Ultra-creamy. Quietly shiny. Color-packed! Hi-res: hi-impact.
• CREMESHEEN:Creme-based lipstick that imparts bright full color, with a soft and supple shine.
• FROST: Excellent color payoff with medium to high frosted shimmer-and-shine finish.
• LUSTRE: Demi-sheer with wet-look lustre finish. Very slick. Makes lips look soft, smooth, ultra-moist.
• MATTE: Pigment rich with intense color pay-off. No-shine, all matte finish.
• SATIN: Color-rich. Soft satin, semi-matte finish. Conditions while adding intense color.

MAC Highlights (Lustre) Lipstick: a lustre that swatches out somewhat sheer and glossy. It is a warm, yellowy peach shade. This will just enhance the natural color of your lips.  It's a good day time shade or lip liner topper.

Charlotte Olympia for MAC Cosmetics

Charlotte Olympia for MAC Cosmetics. What else is there to say? The products she designed for her collaboration with MAC are totally, well...her. You will find dark hued lipsticks, and crimson lipmixes. The boxes are cheeky and totally adorable. The gilded spiderweb strewn across the packaging is her signature mark and let's you know that she means business. Serious makeup business.  Prices range from $13 (a chic mirror) to $35 (there's even a  makeup pouch in this product launch). Some of the the products, like the MAC Cream Color Base, are traditionally multi-use, and continue to be just that; use them on your cheeks, eyes, as an eye base, etc. The Charlotte Olympia x MAC collection is currently available online.

Charlotte Olympia x MAC Lipmix in Red

Charlotte Olympia for MAC lipmix in Red

New MAC Collections 2016: Future MAC and MAC Future Forward

M.A.C. FUTURE forward COLLECTION 2016

Two M.A.C. collections recently debuted; M.A.C. Future Forward Collection and M.A.C. Future M.A.C! Let's chat about them!

The M.A.C. Future Forward Collection is a collaboration between four female musical artists. Each artist is responsible for one product. The collection only has four products, which are all online exclusives: the Tinashe x9 Shadow palette (currently available), the Lion Babe gold liquid liner, the Halsey lipstick (currently available) and the Dej Loaf lip glass.

Zac Posen for MAC

Lately I've been really into the MAC Collaborations and have been trying to keep up with them. There are a few that are scheduled in mid-March that will be big. Charlotte Olympia launched this thursday. The Tinashe, Dej Loaf, Halsey lcollabs are also upcoming. 

Today, we're discussing the new Zac Posen for MAC collection. The packaging is a hunter green, lightweight plastic, with bronze accents. It's got a sleek, minimalistic feel with the classic Zac Posen logo on all items. Products range in price from $18 (mascara) to $54 (square dome brush).

MAC Flamingo Park Collection and Swatches

MAC's Flamingo Park collection is currently in stores. It's a traditionally feminine collection with lots of pinky bubble gum hues. Some tried and tested favorites are back in this collection, like one of my all time favorite lipsticks, MAC St. Germain, and one of my favorite MAC pigments, Rose is included in this bunch too. One of the beauty powders from this group that I suggest is the Beauty Powder in the shade Sunny Surprise - you can get a great sheen / highlight from this.

Below are my swatches and some campaign images from this collection.