MAC Haul: Bred for Beauty Blush (Moody Blooms Collection)

June has been THE month for new MAC collections!

 

MAC's newest collection (Moody Blooms) is described as exotic, night-blooming flowers with a hint of danger inspire a hothouse of seductive shades.

 

This collection released in stores on June 26, 2014 and it features six eye shadows (one repromoted from the permanent line), three fluidlines, six sheen supreme lipsticks, five sheen supreme lipglass tints, and two powder blushes.

 

I decided to pick up the most beautiful and highly pigmented blush I've ever seen - Bred for Beauty.

 

This blush retails for $21 and is available anywhere MAC is sold. Don't forget to use eBates if you decide to order online!

 

 

 

 

I will update this blog post with any swatches and FOTD in the near future! I wanted to get this blog post up so that anyone who is interested in this blush can still get their hands on it!

 

 

XOXO

 

MAC Haul: Cheeky Bugger Blush (Kelly Osbourne Collection)

MACs latest celebrity collection featured the mother-daughter duo from the Osbourne family - Kelly and Sharon.

 

This collection featured the bright fun colors typically worn by Kelly Osbourne and the neutral colors typically worn by Sharon Osbourne. This collection features something for EVERYONE!

 

Kelly's' side features products encased in lavender packaging while Sharon's' side features products encased in red packaging.

 

Many people have said that the packaging colors were based upon the duos hair colors.

 

Each side features their signature in the opposite color scheme. Meaning that Kelly's' signature is in red while Sharon's signature is in lavender.

 

I only picked up one item from this collection - Cheeky Bugger blush from the Kelly Osbourne side.

 

 

 

Kelly's lavender packaging with her red signature

 

Kelly Powder Blush in Cheeky Bugger ($23)

M•A•C’s celebrated colour for cheek and face in Kelly’s rosy pink shade of Cheeky Bugger. Limited-edition packaging in Kelly’s light violet with red signature.

 

 

 

Another shot of the Cheeky Bugger blush

 

Swatch of Cheeky Bugger

 

 

I thought that I would compare this blush to some other blushes in my collection. Thankfully this blush is unique to my collection!

 

Left to right: Love Cloud, Cheeky Bugger, Azalea in the Afternoon, & Petal Power (all by MAC)

 

 

Left to right: Love Cloud, Cheeky Bugger, Azalea in the Afternoon, & Petal Power (all by MAC)

 

 

Close up of the swatches!

Left to right: Love Cloud, Cheeky Bugger, Azalea in the Afternoon, & Petal Power (all by MAC)

 

 

 

Side note: MAC has made Petal Power permanent!!

 

 

FOTD featuring Cheeky Bugger (& Pedro Lourenco Nude Quad featured here)

 



 

 



This blush is BEAUTIFUL and perfect for spring/summer. I highly recommend this if you can still get your hands on it.

 

Don't be afraid to call up to your counters and ask! I picked this baby up a week after it was released in stores and my counter had ONE left!

 

Keep checking online because collections are often restocked!

 

 

XOXO

Haul: NARS Douceur Blush (Being Discontinued!)

NARS blushes are slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite makeup products!

 

I've hauled my first NARS blush, Gina, in this post.

 

I decided to purchase my second NARS blush, Douceur, because I had heard that this beauty would be discontinued!

 

If you love natural flushed cheeks for everyday, this blush is for you!

 

This blush has been compared to Tarte Exposed and MAC Blushbaby. I personally do not own either blush but I'd love to try them out!

 

This blush is available at NARS online (5% cashback), Nordstrom (3% cashback), & Sephora (8% cashback)!

 

 

 

Swatches!!

 

 

I thought of one blush in my collection (MAC Pink Tea) that may be similar to this blush. I was pleasantly surprised to find that these are not in fact dupes!

 

Left: NARS Douceur

Right: MAC Pink Tea

 

 

Left: NARS Douceur

Right: MAC Pink Tea

 

 

Close up of the swatches!

Left: NARS Douceur

Right: MAC Pink Tea

 

 

This blush is gorgeous! I haven't gotten the chance to take it for a spin yet, but don't worry!! This baby will be well loved.

 

I highly recommend this blush! This seems like the perfect blush to pair with ANY look. I can't believe that NARS is discontinuing this!

 

 

Remember to purchase through eBates if you wish to get your hands on this blush! You can sign up by clicking here or by clicking the banner at the bottom of this page.

 

You can also read more about eBates on my previous blog post here.

 

XOXO

 

 

MAC Haul: Pedro Lourenco Nude Quad (The Perfect Nude Eye Shadow Palette)

 

This blog will be featuring the newest eye shadow palette to my collection - MAC's Nude Quad from their newest collection with Pedro Lourenco.

Nude: Eye Shadow x4 ($44)

Featuring: Pink Sands (LE), All That Glitters, Rose Cloud (LE), and Sable

Four Eye Shadows with a subtle metallic finish in frosted champagne, pale fleshy peach, cool bronze and soft golden-beige. The highly pigmented powder formula applies evenly, blends and builds beautifully. Limited-edition, black packaging with a chic, velvet finish.

 

Clockwise from top left: Pink Sands, All That Glitters, Rose Cloud, & Sable

 

This palette is perfect for the neutral/nude eye shadow lovers out there. Although this quad features two permanent shades out of the four, I really recommend this quad. This is perfect for everyday and on the go!

 

Left to right: Pink Sands, All That Glitters, Rose Cloud, & Sable

Close up of the swatches!

Left to right: Pink Sands, All That Glitters, Rose Cloud, & Sable

 

Here is a simple EOTD featuring these eyeshadows!

 

Painterly Paint Pot used as a base
Pink Sands and Rose Cloud in the crease
All That Glitters on the lid and inner corner
Sable on the outer lid and lower lashline
Urban Decay Strange (Naked 3) on the browbone


This palette does lack a highlight shade.
I personally do not mind this because many times palettes feature a super high shine highlight shade that isn't the look I'm going for.

This palette would work perfectly with a second palette to "spice it up".

I'd make another quad with a satin/matte highlight shade, a medium-to-deep matte brown shade to deepen up the crease, a matte gray or black shade to really smoke it out, and either a "bonus" shade to use as an accent (purple, blue, etc) or a high shine highlight shade for the inner corner.


This palette is still available on Nordstrom online as I type this up! Don't forget to shop through eBates to receive 3% cashback!

You can sign up for eBates by clicking here! or by clicking the logo at the bottom of the screen.

You can read more about eBates here!


XOXO

How to Earn Money While Shopping Online! (Not a Scam!!)

You may have heard a whisper of the word "Ebates" while browsing online, watching YouTube videos, reading blogs, or even watching the news. You may have even thought to yourself, "that's a scam" or "that's too good to be true". You may have pushed the word out of your thoughts to never been mentioned again.

 

Well I'm hear to remind you of that wondrous word "Ebates". Or I may be introducing you to the word for the first time ever.

 

You may be asking me "what is Ebates?"

 

Ebates is a website that claims "it pays to shop online!" This site is free to sign up and use. Once signed up, you shop directly through Ebates for your online purchases. Once you've confirmed your purchases, Ebates will provide you with a percentage of your total (before shipping and tax) and give you money cash back!

 

Four times a year or more, Ebates will send you cash back from your previous purchases. There are a couple different options: a Big Fat Check that will be mailed to you, the money transferred to a PayPal account, or you can send the money to your favorite charity.

 

This money is FREE when you purchase something online.

 

Ebates is available for over 1,700 stores!

 

Here are some examples of the cash back at different online stores!

 

For the ladies...

Bloomingdale's - 3% cash back

Nordstrom - 3% cash back

QVC - 2.5% cash back

Sephora - 4% cash back

ULTA - 4% cash back

 

And for any guys out there...

Auto Zone - 4% cash back

GNC - 5% cash back

Sports Authority - 6% cash back

 

For anyone...

Apple Store - 1% cash back

Best Buy - 1% cash back

iTunes - 7% cash back

Office Depot - 2% cash back

 

 

Please note: Sometimes the cash back will be doubled for extra savings! For example, at the time that I'm typing this Nordstrom is 6% cash back!

 

This website also lets you know of any coupons that you can use when shopping online!

 

If you are interested in signing up to Ebates, you can click here or click the Ebates logo at the bottom of this page.

 

Please let me know if you've ever used Ebates or you plan to start using Ebates! It's an amazing site and I wish I had found it sooner.

 

XOXO

 

 

 

Please note: I am not affiliated with Ebates at all. I signed up after hearing so much about it and I've been loving it!

 

 

Nordstrom Haul: NARS Blush in Gina (Swatches + Face of the Day)

I've never owned anything from NARS, however their blushes are very popular and known for their pigmentation!

 

I decided to pick up NARS blush in Gina after hearing amazing things about it. This blush is perfect for spring & summer!

 

NARS Gina is considered a "true tangerine".

 

Here is what NARS has to say:

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.

Silky texture in matte and shimmering shades

Micronized powder ensures soft, blendable application

Iconic NARS shades

 

NARS blush in Gina is available at Nordstroms and NARS online. Unfortunately this color is not sold at Sephora.

 

Nordstrom currently has this (and many other beauty products) 10%! You can pick this beauty up for $27 rather than $30. Plus free shipping!

 

As I write this, you can get 6% cash back (normally 3%) if you shop through ebates. Ebates is completely free to join/use and legit! Once you sign up, click Nordstroms link on ebates and then shop away! You must go through ebates first to get the cash back.

 

So if you purchase this blush at Nordstroms and use ebates, you will save $3 plus get $1.62 FREE!

 

If you would rather purchase directly through NARS, you can get 5% cash back, but you will have to pay for shipping (unless you spend over $50).

 

You can sign up to ebates for free by clicking here!

 

Onto the swatches....

 

 

 

Onto the face of the day (FOTD)....

 

 

Featured makeup....

 

Face:

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW 15

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Plus

MAC Beauty Powder in Natural

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell

NARS Blush in Gina

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping

 

Eyes:

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell

MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt

Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara

 

Lips:

MAC Lipstick in Crème Cup

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Paper Lantern

 

 

I am in love with this blush already and I can't wait to add more NARS blushes to my collection. My next one to pick up will be Sex Appeal when it finally comes back in stock!

 

Do you own any NARS blushes? I'd love to know which ones are in your collection and which ones are your favorites!

 

XOXO

MAC Alluring Aquatic Haul + Swatches & FOTD

Edited June 10, 2014: If you are still interested in purchasing anything from this collection, you can still find some items online at MAC Cosmetics, Nordstroms (6% cash back), Bloomingdale's (3% cash back), Belk, Macy's (6% cash back), and Dillards (3% cash back).

 

If you aren't familiar with ebates, it's a site that is free to join/use and you receive cash back for online purchases.

 

You can sign up for free by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

MAC's newest collection - Alluring Aquatic - is encased in beautiful teal packaging with real life water droplets.

 

 This collection washed ashore online on May 15, 2014 and instores on May 22, 2014. MAC freestanding stores and Nordstroms released this collection early on May 21, 2014.

 

 

This collection is split into to sections on the MAC website - Colour and Face.

 

 

Here is what MAC has to say about the Alluring Aquatic Colour Collection....

Sirens of the deep inspire an aquascape of shades, as waves of tarnished olive, seafoam and darkened plum surrender to water’s enticing spirit. Sultry eyes take on a subtle radiance, while luminous Extra Dimension Blush washes over cheeks, creating a goddess glow. Under the sea, nails glisten in aquatic chrome and metallic Nail Lacquer, as Lipstick, Lipglass and Lip Pencil dive deep into colour. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets.

 

This half of the collection features:

Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner ($17.50)

Features: Blackline and Blackswan

An eye pencil that provides rich, luxurious colour with a touch of shimmer and sparkle. Smooth, creamy formula glides on for a perfectly intense line, yet its soft texture allows you to blend. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Limited-edition teal Alluring Aquatic packaging.

 

Extra Dimension Eye Shadow ($19.50)*

Features: Lorelei, Sea Worship, Silver Sun, Soul Serenade, Fathoms Deep, Legendary Lure

A liquid-powder Eye Shadow with prismatic reflections in six shimmering tints. Impact ranges from sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect. Lasts up to six hours. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets.

 

Tinted Lipglass ($16.50)*

Features: Clear Water, Peachstock, Water Deities, Seducing Sound, Modern Lure

High-gloss, glass-like finish tinted with colour. Wear it alone or pair it with Lipstick for a perfectly glossed look. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets.

 

Lip Pencil ($16.50)*

Features: What Comes Naturally and Half-Red

A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Smooth, creamy texture in soft burgundy and light nude. Limited-edition teal Alluring Aquatic packaging.

 

Lipstick ($17.50)*

Features: Siren Song, Pet Me Please, Enchanted One, Mystical, Goddess of the Sea

Colour plus texture for the lips that made M•A•C famous. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets.

 

Nail Lacquer ($17.50)*

Features: Shimmerfish, Neptune, Submerged

Under the sea, nails glisten in aquatic chrome, tarnished gold and sparkling platinum. High-gloss formula contains conditioners and UV protection. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets.

 

233 Split Fibre Eye Shadow Brush ($25)*

Small, paddle-shaped flat brush ideal for applying and laying down product on the eyelid. Features a split of natural and synthetic fibres that deliver two unique results, soft and diffused, or sheer and polished finish. Limited-edition teal Alluring Aquatic ferrule and handle.

 

Extra Dimension Blush ($27.50)*

Features: Seduced at Sea and Sea Me Hear Me

A liquid-powder blush with prismatic reflections in two shimmering shades. Impact ranges from sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect. Lasts up to six hours. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets

 

 

 

Here is what MAC has to say about the Alluring Aquatic Face Collection....

Bronzing Powders and Extra Dimension Bronzer in gentle, pearlized shades set skin aglow for summer. Limited-edition compacts in aquatic teal are dramatically accented with crystal clear droplets. Anticipate waves of adoration when carrying the coordinated chic, teal clutch, with a texturized water droplet finish and translucent sides in aqua.

 

This half of the collection features:

127 Split Fibre Face Brush ($35)*

Medium to full-sized paddle-shaped brush allows for light pickup and sheer wash of powders, bronzers highlighters and blush. Split fibre brush delivers a soft, diffused look with its unique combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Limited-edition teal Alluring Aquatic ferrule and handle.

 

Makeup Bag ($35)*

Coordinated teal clutch, with a texturized water droplet finish and translucent sides in luminous aqua. 8”L x 4.5”H x 2”W. A M•A•C store exclusive.

 

Bronzing Powder ($27.50)

Features: Golden and Refined Golden

A lightly frosted, tinted powder that gives skin sheer, natural colour and highlights. Ideal for enhancing a skin tone or accenting a tan. Formulated with skin conditioners to provide a smooth, even application on all skin types. Limited-edition teal packaging, elegantly accented with sheer water droplets.

 

Extra Dimension Bronzer ($33)*

Features: Aphrodite's Shell and Delphic

A liquid-powder bronzer with prismatic reflections. Highlights the face in the golden bronze shimmer of Aphrodite’s Shell and soft tan of Delphic. The cool, creamy near-fluid formula creates a luminous, well-defined finish. Wears ten hours. Limited-edition teal packaging, elegantly accented with crystal clear water droplets.

 

 

* - This product is limited edition to this collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without further ado, onto the haul...... 

 I decided to pick up: Siren Song Lipstick (+ back up) and Aphrodite's Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer

 

This packaging is gorgeous!

 

You can actually feel the water droplets.

 

 

Onto the swatches....

 

Aphrodite's Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer and Siren Song Lipstick (indoors with natural sunlight)

 

 

Aphrodite's Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer and Siren Song Lipstick (in direct sunlight)

 

 

Lip swatch of Siren Song Lipstick

 

 

Aphrodite's Shell is my first "high end" bronzer. I have compared the bronzers in my collection to the newest addition to my bronzer drawer in the pictures below!
 

 

NYC Sunny, MAC Aphrodite's Shell, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Fair to Light and Light to Medium

 

 

NYC Sunny, MAC Aphrodite's Shell, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Fair to Light and Light to Medium (indoors with natural sunlight)

 

 

NYC Sunny, MAC Aphrodite's Shell, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Fair to Light and Light to Medium(in direct sunlight)

Onto the Face of the Day (FOTD)....

Here are some FOTD pictures to showcase these new products!

 

 

(Featuring every product listed below except Flair for Finery Cremesheen Glass)

  

Pictures taken indoors with natural sunlight

 

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

MAC Crystal Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Hustle Eyeshadow

MAC Aphrodite's Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer*

Urban Decay Foxy Eyeshadow

MAC Blacktrack Fluidline

Calvin Kline CK One Color Mascara

 

Face:

MAC Matchmaster Foundation in 1.0

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW 15

MAC Beauty Powder in Natural*

MAC MSFN in Light Plus

MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder**

MAC Aphrodite's Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer*

MAC Azalea in the Afternoon Mineralize Blush*

MAC Superb MSF*

 

Lips:

MAC Siren Song Lipstick*

MAC Flair for Finery Cremesheen Glass*

 

* - This product is limited edition.

** - This product is only available online, by phone, or at pro locations.

 

Please note: If you are unable to find any of these products from the Alluring Aquatic Collection online or in store, do not fret!!

You can still catch these beauties during the MAC Alluring Aquatic event where they will be receiving another shipment of products just for you! This event will be sometime at the end of May. Unfortunately I do not know the exact dates, but call up to your local freestanding MAC store to find out!

If you are unable to attend an event at a store near you, these products may be restocked on the MAC website or on Nordstroms online. Check any website that carries MAC Cosmetics!


Please let me know if you picked up (or are planning to pick up) anything from this collection and what you are loving!


XOXO