PRODUCT REVIEW - M.A.C._ Semi Precious Collection

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"Imagine the impact, gleam and depth of colour as ethically mined minerals from Brazil work their mystique on Mineralize Skinfinish and Mineralize Blush. Limited edition....Get rich while you can!”

So I made a trip last week to the MAC Pro store to re-purchase a Pro product I ran out of. To my surprise it's been over a year since I last purchased anything from M.A.C. and my Pro card was expired. (Booo!)  But the good news is that I got chance to check out the new Semi Precious collection in person. I'm not a huge M.A.C. aficionado but I have to admit, most of the products in this collection are gorgeous!

Since I was already in the store I decided to play and swatch all the products in the collection....be prepared to fall in love. This collection of products launched online and in MAC stores last Wednesday so if you like any of the colors get out your credit card immediately!

Semi Precious Eyes

Mineralize Eye Shadow ($20.00)

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]

"Quartz Fusion" - soft pink, silver and deep pink

"Jade's Fortune" - bright yellow, blue, lime and black

"Faux Gold" - coral, gold, lime and bronze

 

"Clarity" - light pink, off-white, green, gold and black

"Mineral Mode" - white base with copper and grey

"Unsurpassable" - green, teal, purple and copper

"Blue Sheen" - navy, black and peach

"Hint of Sapphire" - pink, violet, teal, copper and blue

"Rare Find" - violet, brown and gold

Missing from Display (SOLD OUT):

"Golden Glaze" - pink and gold

"Dark Indulgence" - forrest green and black

"Smoked Ruby" - burgundy and black'

Semi-Precious Colour

 Lipstick ($20.00)

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]
"Musky Amethyst" - deep plum (Frost)

"One of a Kind" - midtone rosy neutral (Lustre)

"Gem of Roses" - midtone strawberry pink (Lustre) SOLD OUT

"Lush Amber" -light nude beige (Lustre)

Cremesheen Glass  ($18.50)

 

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]
"Richly Revered" - deep plum brown
"Looks Like Sin" -midtone reddish plum
"Geo Pink" - strawberry pink
"Natural Flare" - light caramel nude
"Pure Magnificence" - light grey pink

Mineralize Blush  ($23.50)

 

[from left to right, indoor light and natural light]
"Warmth of Coral" - coral and peach
"Pressed Amber" - nude, beige and brown
"Feeling Flush" - pink, deep blue pink, and brown SOLD OUT

Mineralize Skinfinish  ($28.50)

 

[colors from left to right - base, inner circle and mixed with indoor light and natural light]
"Semi Precious Crystal Pink" - Base: pink champagne, Inner Circle: pink, dirty green and bronze
"Semi Precious Pearl" - Base: beige champagne, Inner Circle: white, plum and bronze SOLD OUT
 
"Rose Quartz" - Base: rosy pink, Inner Circle: deep blue pink, and brown SOLD OUT 
"Semi Precious Goldstone" - Base: brown, Inner Circle: rosy pink, white, and gold 

Semi Precious Skin

Mineralized Charged Water ($22.00)
Mineralize SatinFinish spf 15 Foundation ($29.50)
Mineralize Face + Body Lotion ($29.50) SOLD OUT

Also part of the Semi Precious collection were two new brushes: # 179 Angled Split Fibre Buffer Brush ($47.00) and Split Fibre Blush Brush ($32.00)


My top picks from the M.A.C. Semi Precious collection are as follows:
Mineralize Eyeshadows in “Blue Sheen”, “Hint of Sapphire”, "Rare Find" and "Clarity"
Mineralize Skinfinishes in “Semi Precious Pearl” and “Semi Precious Gold Stone”
Semi-Precious Lipstick in “Lush Amber” and "One of a Kind"
Cremesheen Gloss in “Natural Flare” and “Geo Pink”
Mineralize Charged Water and Mineralize Face + Body Lotion
 
The only product I didn't like for myself was the Mineralize Blushes - they looked chalky and ashy on my deep skin tone. Not one of the colors worked which was disappointing. I especially loved the the Mineralize Eye Shadows...I tried to duplicate their color and effect using other mineral products but it just didn't work. Guess I'll have to pay full price for those little gems. I also really liked the Mineralize Skinfinishes as well - I would use them as highlighter or layer over blush though, instead of over my whole face.

So what do you think dear Readers? Are any of you planning to buy products from this MAC Limited Edition collection? I've heard through the social network "grapevine" that this is a much anticipated collection and its going fast so if you like anything, I'd advise buying it ASAP my darlings.  Happy shopping!!!

BEAUTY SPRING CLEANING!

It's officially spring and now is the perfect time to take inventory of your beauty and skincare products. Time to weed out the cosmetics duds that you never wear, toss containers with barely any product and to throw out makeup that's past it's prime. To help you with your beauty task I'm enclosing some helpful guidelines on expiration dates for your beauty products.  Note there are no federal guidelines when it comes to makeup expiration dates but these are recommended guidelines you should follow.  It's also a good idea to go through and review your makeup collection at least every six months.

Makeup Expiration Guidelines:

    * 3 - 6 months:  Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner
    * 6 months - 1 year:  Gel Eyeliner and Moisturizer
    * 1 year - 18 months:  Liquid Foundation and Lip Gloss
    * 18 months - 2 years:  Cream or Mousse Foundation, Concealer, Cream Blush, and Cream Eye Shadow
    * 2 - 3 years:  Face Powder, Powder Blush,  Powder Bronzer, Powder Eye Shadow, Lipstick, Lip and Eye Pencils


Products without water (like powders, eye shadow and bronzer) can last for two years or more, as can pencils that can be sharpened. Everything else should be monitored closely and thrown out immediately if doesn't seem normal. Product separation, weird odor or a change in color or texture -- uncommonly thick or watery -- can all be indicators of a product that's gone bad. Of all products, mascara has the shortest shelf life. Toss it immediately if it develops a weird smell or color. To keep mascara from drying out quickly make sure you don't pump the wand in the tube -- you want to use more of a circular swirl motion. And make sure to close the top securely/tightly after each use.  That goes for all products in pots, jars and bottles - close it tight!

In general cream and liquid products expire more quickly. Old cream blush will get a chalky white film on it that tells you it’s time to dump it. Also, if a product looks hard and doesn’t apply correctly then it’s probably best to get rid of it. Cream eye shadows are more likely to grow bacteria than powder so look for any change in the texture and color. To extend the life of your cosmetics DO NOT introduce water or saliva into the product because it will cause bacteria to grow. Use brushes, not your fingers to access products in jars. And it's best not to share your cosmetics, especially eye or lip products, with others.


PRO TIP: Keep your makeup in a cool location, away from moisture and heat, which are both factors in bacteria growth. So storing your makeup bag (or giant kit if you're makeup obsessed like me) in the bathroom is a big no-no!


It's also important to clean your makeup brushes and sponges on a regular basis.  For synthetic brushes that you use to put on your concealer and foundation I'd say clean it weekly but for your powder brushes you can clean them on a monthly basis.  My preference for cleaning synthetic brushes is Dawn dish-washing liquid, that's right, the one you use to clean your dishes. It breaks down cream and oil-based products wonderfully and it's anti-bacterial.  For hair brushes you can use any clear shampoo or brush cleanser. 

PRO TIP: Make sure that you dry your brushes laying horizontally on edge of table or counter. Drying them standing up causes water to run in the ferrule and loosen the glue holding the hairs in your brush. Good makeup brushes are an investment and you don't want to ruin them!


Well my lovelies, I hope this post has been helpful. I want all my "Karen's World of Beauty Readers" to look beautiful but most of all stay healthy. And if after cleaning out your makeup stash it's looking a bit empty what better excuse for doing alittle makeup shopping? You can start my reading up on the latest Spring 2011 Beauty Trends and Makeup Collections right here!

PRODUCT REVIEW - MAI COUTURE Blush and Bronzer Papers

Here's video review of blushing and bronzing papers from innovative cosmetic brand, Mai Couture.

Blush Papers ($16) - 50 sheets  ($28) - sheets and case
Add color to your cheeks anytime with these remarkable blush papers.

2 in 1 Oil-Blotting and Bronzing Papers ($22) - 100 sheets  ($36) - sheets and case
These lightly powdered bronzing paper eliminates oil and has just the right amount of shimmer to give you a glowing and flawless complexion.

Me and Mai Tran of Mai Couture at The Makeup Show in New York.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

Oh Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, how do I love thee...let me count the ways.  This stuff is an absolute incredible beauty find! Now I know that coconut oil can be used in cooking but my suggestions for all you lovely "Karen's World of Beauty" Readers is all about beauty. Here are some of the various beauty uses I found for Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

• Microwave briefly for pre-shampoo hot-oil treatment.

• Post blow-drying to smooth dry or split ends.

• Mix with brown sugar to create exfoliating paste to use in shower (Note: just use caution...oil makes bathtub/shower slippery even if you have bath mat).

• Massage into skin post-shower, mixing oil with water on skin to seal in the moisture.

• Put in clean nail polish bottle for quick-dry oil for your manicure.

• Massage into dry and rough cuticles, hands and feet.

• Use on legs and underarms as shaving oil instead of shaving cream.

• Mix with your regular moisturizer to make it richer and more luxurious.

• Create your own liquid bronzer like Nars Body Glow by mixing with Loose Bronzing Powder or Pigment in small spray bottle.

So many uses, and so good for your skin. Definitely give Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil a try!

Sale Alert: Until July 12th Tropical Traditions is offering 60% off their 16oz. Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil Hair Treatment!!!!  Click here to access the sale.

* Received Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for review.

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY & READER GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello my Lovelies!

One year and 50 blog posts later I'm finally able to say "Happy Blogiversary to me!!!"  Technically my Blogiversary was on May 17th, but with my coverage of The Makeup Show, the celebratory date got pushed back a bit. It's been an incredible year filled with both highs and lows and I greatly appreciate you all coming along on the ride. I've learned alot about the blogging world but more importantly I've learned alot about myself.  I've learned that if you feel passionate about what you're doing you don't let anything stop you.

So my dear Readers this is just the beginning...I plan on bringing you more of what you want and need to know in the world of beauty.  If you like what I'm doing please, continue to spread the word about Karen's World of Beauty.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your comments, questions and most of all support!  And as a way to thank my lovely "Karen's World of Beauty" Readers and to celebrate of my Beauty Blog's one year anniversary I'm giving away over $150 worth of beauty booty!!! 

Here’s a list of all the beauty goodies I'm giving away for my Blogiversary:

1. M.A.C.  - Lustre Lipstick in "Red Full-Stop"  
2. M.A.C. - Dazzleglass in "Get Rich Quick"  
3. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics - Artiste Kit in "Romanticism" which includes: Blush: "Sherbet" and "Blossom"; Eye Shadow: "Alabaster", "Golden Beryl" and "Penny"; Lip Shine: "Brilliance", "Glorious", and "Mesmerize"
4. Stila Cosmetics - Illuminating Finishing Powder in "Bronze"
5. L'Oreal - 24-hour Lash Boosting Power System
6. L'Oreal - Voluminious Original Mascara in "Blackest Black"  
7. L'Oreal Studio Secrets - Secret No. 1 Magic Perfecting Base
8. L'Oreal -H.I.P. Metallic Shadow Duo in  "Platinum #906" and "Gilded #806"    
9. L'Oreal - H.I.P. Color Presso gloss in "Spunky #680" and "Chic #280"
10. Bonus: Sampler of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetic - Mineral Foundations

Here’s How to Enter:
1) To enter to win you must subscribe to KarensWorldofBeauty.Blogspot.com. To subscribe just click the "Follow" button located on the Right Column of my Blog. Once you join (via Google Friend Connect) your username/pic should show up in my list of Followers.

2) You must answer the following question about "Karen's World of Beauty" Blog: 

•  What are some of my favorite products? (Your answer MUST list at least 2 by name).

All the answers are listed in my previous blog posts so if you've been a consistent Reader it should be easy. Hint: You can search this blog site and/or use Labels to find information.

3) Leave a comment with your answer, user name and email address by the contest deadline of 12am on Friday, June 18, 2010.

4) For those Readers who are already subscribed to my Blog just leave a comment stating "I'm a Karen's World of Beauty Subscriber" along with your answer, user name and the email address you used to sign up for my blog.

Other Contest Info:
** US Residents only (and your comment must be in English).
** Winner will be chosen at random.
** Comments posted after the deadline won’t be included in the drawing.
** If you win, you must respond to my email with your mailing address within a week after the end of the drawing in order to receive your prize. I am not responsible for anything that happens once prizes are mailed out. If it gets lost, damaged or melts, etc., I'm sorry but I can’t replace it.

Thanks again and good luck to you all!!!

Smooches!
Karen (aka MakUpDiva)

MY OBSESSION! BRONZER

* photo courtesy of www.fashionmagazine.com

If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with makeup but in particular I LOVE using bronzer/highlighter to illuminate the skin. Bronzer comes in so many forms - whether cream, liquid, powder, even mousse...there is a perfect match for everyone.

Most days I layer a combination of bronzing/illuminating products to create a long-lasting glow to my skin. One of my absolute favorite products is MAC Colour Cream Base in "Bronze" .  I use it as highlighter on top of my cheekbones and sometimes on my eyelids as base for my powder eye shadow.  Unfortunately the color is currently discontinued at MAC so I had to go hunting for it on eBay.  I also found a replacement for it in Mak Up For Ever Diamond Cream - Face & Body Irridescent Cream in "#6/Copper".  Years ago I used to wear a product from Shu Uemura called Base Control in "Bronze".  When using cream or liquid bronzer/highlighter I usually top it with a powder bronzer like Cargo's Powder Bronzer in "Dark"  or MAC Iridescent Loose Powder in "Golden Bronze" to set the cream and to further enhance the gorgeous deep golden-bronze color.

On rich, chocolate skin like mine a warm bronze or coppery  color is just lovely but most women can get away with wearing gold...just make it tone appropriate.  So if you're a pale blonde or redhead you would want to wear a pale yellow gold but if you have alot more pigment in your skin you would use a warmer, richer shade of gold.  Some examples of great colors to use as bronzer/highlighter are:

M.A.C. Colour Cream Base - "Bronze" pictured but you can try "Improper Copper"  ($16.50)

Three Custom Color - Mood Lighting Shimmer Cremes in "Afterglow" – A pearlescent champagne with flecks of gold and violet and "On Fire"– A bronzed shimmer with a swirl of opalescence. ($20.50)

Physicians Formula - Summer Eclipse® Bronzing & Shimmery Face Powder in "Starlight/Medium Bronzer" ($12.95)

Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy: Sun Glow Powder Bronzer in "Summer" ($12.99)

Youngblood Cosmetics - Mineral Radiance in "Sundance" ($39)

Truly fabulous in summer but beautiful all year round I'm a huge fan of bronzer.  Try it for yourself and you'll see what I mean.  And if you need help with figuring how to use bronzer check out my earlier blog post "Bronzer Makeup Tutorial".  Enjoy!

"BRONZER" MAKEUP TUTORIAL

Want to look healthy and tanned without subjecting your skin to the damaging rays of the sun or tanning booth? Then think bronzer my friend!  Some people think bronzer is just for the summer but as the weather cools its nice to give your skin alittle warmth.  Not sure how to use bronzer to get a natural looking glow, then check out the video below.

Bronzer should be applied to the parts of the face that normally get the most sun (top of cheekbones, down center of nose, tip of chin and center of the forehead). It looks most natural if you use a natural matte product or one with subtle shimmer and apply with a light hand. You can always add more product if necessary but apply too much and it can make your face look dirty or muddy. 

PRODUCTS USED: 
Face: Cinema Secrets Foundation Kit #8  ($21)

Bronzer: MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in "Dark" - deep caramel. ($25) and Nixie Bronze Beauty in "Key Largo Beach" - sheer gold shimmer ($24)

Lip: Lancome Le Rouge Absolu - Reshaping & Replenishing LipColour SPF 15 in "Amande Sucrée" ($26)

MAC #188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush ($34)


Model: Shauna Blaize
Videographer: Amanda Taylor Duncan

SPECIAL FEATURE: READER MAKEOVER!

This week I had to the pleasure of making more beautiful, the lovely Amy Berken of TheBeautyChick. I work for a private makeup line, Bilkerdijk Cosmetics, which specializes in custom blend cosmetics that are a god-send to women who have a hard time finding their exact match in foundation and powder.


Amy was brave enough to let me take a picture of her sans makeup...not sure I would have the guts to do that.
Amy is very fair and told me she has a problem finding foundation to match her skin color so I wanted to custom blend her exact match of foundation, not only for her skin color but for her skin type. I also created a matching mineral powder that she can use with her liquid foundation or alone with just alittle concealer.

I created a warm, slightly bronze look for Amy that was perfect for her paler skintone. I wanted it to be soft so that Amy wouldn't look too fake or overdone. I hate when people OD on bronzer or use too dark a color...it just doesn't look good.

MAKEUP BREAK-DOWN:

Prepped skin with Non-alcohol Toner then moisturized in T-Zone with Oil-Control Moisturizer and then used on the rest of her face Vitamin E Cream. Used a mix of Concealers in "Natural" and "Beige" to cover her under-eye circles/darkness then used Custom Blend Foundation and Custom Blend Mineral Face Powder.

To bronze her face I used "Light" Bronzing Powder and "Gold Coast" Cheek Duo. I added alittle "Kalypso Coral" Powder Blush as pop of color on cheek.

On eyes used "Buttercream" Eyeshadow Foursome topped with alittle "Sand Beige" Loose Eye Dust. For liner used "Marcasite" (metallic grey) Waterproof Gel Eyeliner. Used Lash Thickner/Primer on eyelashes, then 1 coat of "Black" masacara , curled lashes and added 1 more coat of mascara.

Lined her lips with "Tangerine" Waterproof Lipliner then softened color with touch of foundation. Top with #66 Lipgloss (light coral shimmer) and add alittle #59 Lipgloss (pinky gold shimmer) in center of lip.

Here we are with our "Bilkerdijk Glow." LOL!

I was trying to capture Amy posing outside the Salon but you can clearly see me reflected in the display window. (Hey, I'm a Makeup Artist...I never said I was a photographer).

Where the "Magic" happens. LOL.

So if you're one of many women having a hard time finding that perfect shade of foundation or powder feel free to visit me at Bilkerdijk Cosmetics where I'll be more than happy to create a custom blend made just for YOU!

MY OBSESSION! BeautyTicket.com

I've discovered an incredible new discount website for purchasing everything you need to keep you looking beautiful. And what makes it truly amazing is that Beautyticket.com brings you premium beauty brands at unbelievably low prices -- up to 85% off retail prices every day! Curious how they can do this? It's simple, when beauty companies need to clear space for new promotions, seasonal items, new packaging, etc. BeautyTicket.com purchases the surplus and passes the savings along to it's clients. And let's face it in these challenging economic times "nothing is better than department store brands at drugstore prices!" But don't be slow because at these prices their brand name products sell out quickly. Check it out for yourself and you'll become a fan too!

Here's some of my favorite products from this week's newest arrivals:

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Baume D'Ete - Tinted Lip Balm in "Love Apple"
$12.99 (reg. price $23)

Yves Saint Laurent Eclat de Givre Eye Shadow in "Bronze Frost"
$14.99 (reg. price $28.50)

Yves Saint Laurent Palette Couleurs D'Afrique for Eyes
$23.99 (reg. price $60.00)

Yves Saint Laurent Poudre de Soliel - Sun Powder in "Copper Sun" (No. 3)
$23.99 (reg. price $50.00)

Pop Beauty Bronze Belle Palette
$14.99 (reg. price $28.00)

Smashbox Hybrid 2-in-1 Lip Gloss in "Marigold"
$6.99 (reg. price $18.00)

So what are you going to buy this week? Don't forget to sign up for their weekly email updates.