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!!!

BRUSHES 101!!!

This is a comprehensive list of the various types of makeup brushes (both natural hair and synthetic) available for purchase.  I have included a picture and description of what each brush is used for. This post is for all the women who didn’t know what brush to buy or for those who have received a brush set but didn’t have a clue what all the brushes were used for. Hopefully this article will clear up the confusion and put you on the road to a more beautiful and blended face! 

Foundation Brush
A synthetic brush that allows you to create a flawless finish in either spot application or total coverage using cream or liquid foundation.

Stipling Brush
The synthetic Taklon hairs allow you to use it with wet and creamy or dry products like compact foundation or bronzer for flawless complexion.The two levels of bristles let you layer product and determine how sheer or heavy you want your coverage to be.

Concealer Brush
A small synthetic brush that you use to apply and blend cream concealer, eyeshadow base, and/or cream eye color.

Mineral Powder Brush
Ideal for buffing and blending loose and/or pressed mineral powders to achieve a smooth and flawless finish to the skin.

Powder Brush
A large rounded and soft brush that distributes loose powder for a flawless, finished look.

Kabuki/Bronzer
Designed to apply an even dusting of bronzer, powder or blush with a single sweep.  Also ideal for using with mineral makeup.

Fan Brush
Used to “finish” the face - for dusting excess powder from the face and/or for adding powder highlighter.

Blush Brush
A slightly domed, mid-sized brush that accentuate the apples of your cheeks with a soft wash of color.  Can also be used to apply bronzer.

Angled Blush Brush
Perfect for contouring (use color 2 shades darker) and highlighting (use color 2 shades lighter) the face.

Brow/Lash Comb
Use comb to separate lashes after applying mascara. Either side can be used to shape and define the brow line.

Angled Brow Brush
Use with brow powder or pencil to soften, shape and define the brows.

Crease Eye Shadow Brush
Use to build depth to the eye. Apply color in crease area using a windshield wiper (back-and-forth) motion to achieve depth and definition. Tapered shape allows you to easily add darker shadow colors in the crease.  Lays shadow on and blends it at the same.

Large Fluff Eye Shadow Brush
One of the most basic brushes.  Use it to set concealer under eyes and around the contours of the face with loose powder. Can also be used to apply a wash of color to eyelids. 

Medium Fluff Eye Shadow Brush
Shade lid and brow area with powder color and highlighter. Use it to sweep a basic neutral shade across the eyelid.

Smudger Brush
Soften liner color for a smoky effect. You can use with either powder shadow, cake liner or pencil and then use a fluff brush to swipe off excess to create the smoky look desired.

Flat Eyeliner Brush
Place against lash line and tap across eyelid to easily line eye without drawing.

Medium Eye Detailer Brush
Designed for smudging and softening liner or placing color on lid and outer corner of the eye.

 

Mini Eye Detailer Brush
Apply shadow along lower lash line or smudge pencil liner for a softer look. Ideal for applying precise color to outer corner of the lid.

Lip Brush
Synthetic brush for smooth and precise application of all lip products (lipstick, lipgloss, lip balm, etc.). It’s best to use a retractable lip brush for your handbag so it doesn't dirty your makeup bag or other cosmetics.

Brush Recommendations:

 ADesign – great resource for synthetic brushes in a range of styles and shapes, especially for professional Makeup Artists.
Japonesque – high quality brushes at slightly discounted prices from department stores.
Sephora – wide selection of brushes from a variety of cosmetic companies.
M.A.C. Cosmetics – huge array of brushes for the professional and the consumer.

Discount Makeup Brushes:

Essence of Beauty at CVS
Sonia Kashuk at Target


Please feel free to drop me a note if you still have any questions regarding makeup brushes.

BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED!!!

Hello my Lovelies!

Announcing the lucky winner of the Karen's World of Beauty "One Year Blogiversary Giveaway" who is going to receive over $150 worth of awesome beauty products!!! Congratulations to:

Havilland Savage

HavillandSavage@yahoo.com

A sincere and heartfelt "thank you" to all my loyal Karen's World of Beauty Readers/Subscribers whether you entered the contest or not.  I truly appreciate your support and love over the past year...without you dear Readers this blog would just be the ramblings of a beauty obsessed Diva. I hope you continue to find this blog a valuable source of unique and helpful advice in the world of beauty.

Smooches!
Karen (aka MakUpDiva)


**Please note if you are a contest winner 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.  Thank you!

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)

READER BEAUTY QUESTION - PURPLE LIPS

In this new installment of "Reader's Beauty Questions" my lovely friend and model muse, Shauna emailed me that she needed my professional guidance on purple lips.  She loved the look but wanted some direction on what colors to pick. Below are my "cream of the crop" choices when it comes to wearing purple on the lips - whether in gloss or lipstick.

(FYI: Purple lips "ruled the runway" at the Vena Cava spring 2010 show).

DEEP - use for dramaticly dark and seductive pout

Lipstick:

MAC "Cyber" - Intense blackish-purple (satin)

Victoria's Secret - Perfect Lipstick in "Vixen" - plum ($12)

Gloss:
Three Custom Color -  "Drifter" Lip Gloss for Rescue Beauty Lounge - a modern and sexy deep plum gloss. ($22.50)

Urban Decay - Pocket Rocket Gloss in "Jesse" -  blackberry with warm sparkle. ($19)

MEDIUM - bright/vibrant yet wearable level of color

Lipstick:
Tarte - Lipstick in "Zinfandel" - plummy wine ($16)

Givenchy - Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in "10 Paradise Pink" - pink mauve  ($28)

Gloss:

Kat Von D. - Lightning Sheer Lip Gloss in "Bam" - sheer grape with pink and gold glitter (sale - $9)

 Estee Lauder - (Limited Edition) Bronze Goddess Exotic Lip Gloss in "Wild Orchid" ($18)

LIGHT - soft dose of color that's perfect for daytime

Lipstick:

MAC - Amplified Creme Lipstick in "Up The Amp" - Lavender violet ($14)

Benefit - Silky-Finish Lipstick in "Swoonderful" - pearl/ silver mauve  ($18)

Gloss:

Victoria's Secret - Limited Edition Spring 2010 Lip Gloss ($10)

Benefit - Lip Goss in "Kiss You" - clear fuchsia  ($18)