BEAUTY: Mac Margin Powder Blush. A Review and Swatches

Hi Ladies!! Another beauty post as promised!! I am a blush junkie since I do lack colors on my skin because I am pale. I do love seeing myself having that pinch of color on my cheeks.

Combining my love for dewy and radiant skin makeup look, I was in the hunt for that blush that is not so bright yet gives just the right amount of color on the cheeks. And as I go online hunting for that perfect blush, I found this. Yay! Presenting, Mac Margin Powder Blush.

MAC Margin Blush

This has been my go-to blush for like a couple of weeks now since I bought it. It is sheer, it is not overpowering in terms of color payoff. The color is like slightly pink peach with gold shimmer that is not noticeable. It is decribed as "warm copper with frost finish".It has the right amount of sheen which I love. Most of the bloggers described this as a blush and highlighter all in one. So you have the best of both worlds :-)

So let's take a closer look on this beautiful blush my pretty readers!!

Well it comes in this traditional MAC packaging. It contains 6 grams of product and is made in Canada. At first, the product itself leans towards brownish copper color but once applied, it is more peach gold with shimmer. In terms of application, this glides smoothly on the skin. The powder is not too tacky and it is just so smooth and finely-milled.

Top view of the MAC Margin Blush

 So here's the swatch of the MAC Margin at the back of my hand. See how sheer this blush so you will have no problem in over application. You can build up the color, depending on how intense the color to show off.

So let me show how this look once applied on the cheeks :-) In the photo below, I use mac margin as my blush together with Essence Pure Nude Highlighter (which I am gonna review soon). As you can see, the color is not too bright which perfect for everyday wear. The frost shimmer in it is not overpowering but subtle. The color suits my skin as this one, is more of peach which compliments those with yellow and pink undertone. 

MAC Margin on my cheeks :-)

Pros:

• Glides smoothly once applied
• Subtle glow
• Color payoff is not overpowering
• Good for everyday wear
• Stays intact for 4 hrs
• Not too pigmented so you can build up the color

Cons

• Might not be suitable for oily skin as this gives luminosity on the skin
• Price (but for me it is worth it)

Voila!!! Dewy skin :-)

So there you go ladies. For those who loves dewy makeup look (those of JLo), and wants to look more glowing, this is for you! Go check them out on your nearest MAC Makeup Kioks/Store. Retails  for $23.00 or Php1600.
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Beauty: MAC All Fired Up Lipstick

Hi Beauties! Finally another beauty blog post! To all my readers who are in the Philippines, have you watched the "English Only Please" movie where Jennylyn Mercado's makeup was really superb. After I watched the movie, I instantly gravitated to one of the scene where she wears this pink-red shade of lipstick and paired it with no eyeshadow makeup.. That lippie was really the center of my attention that time. My makeup enthusiasm really jumped off and I was in a hurry to know what's that lippie!

Finally someone posted a question from FB group of makeup artists(which i'm a member) if what Jennylyn's lippie in that movie. See? I am not the only one interested.. To cut the story short, almost all of them answered it is MAC's All Fired Up Lipstick in Retro Matte. Thus I was drawn to having this lippie!

MAC All Fired Up is a bright Fuschia Red Matte Lipstick which can easily brightens everyone's face with just a swipe! This is gonna be my fave MAC matte lipstick after the relentlessly red(my fave!).

Here's a swartch of this lippie and below is the actual lipstick once applied. For those who are not a big fan of loud-colored lipstick this might be too bright for you. But for me who loves wearing both nude and bright colored lipstick, this one is just one for the keeps! I love it.

Just don't forget to moisturize the lips prior to application if you have dry, chapped lips. A swipe of this lippie and your good to go!

Till our next makeup bonding session! Cheers!
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Beauty: MAC Strobe Cream

Hello Ladies!!Back to blogging again!

For those who are reading my previous posts, you will know how i love dewy makeup look! I am fascinated whenever I see those korean pop stars who always have that illuminating skin.

A vain spirit in me again relive!! Introducing MAC Strobe Cream...At first I don't know what this cream is for? But due to my researching skills, I found out that this is what I am looking for!

Mac Strobe Cream

MAC Strobe is a moisturizer. packed with fruit extracts and anti oxidants. This can be used before you put in the foundation. It can also be used as a highlighter on your face.

It is kinda pricey though. This cost me 1800Php which I think is a splurge. The MUA dabbed this on my cheeks using stippling and I was sold after I saw the effects on me! 

An ample amount of the Mac Strobe Cream

Tried to spread it out but It doesn't look good on the photos

In the picture, it has white casts but it will fade eventually and will turn into pearl-like luminance on your face.

 My verdict overall is:

• It stands to what it promises
• it can be combined with your foundation for the dewy effect
• It is not suitable for those with oily skin
• Perfect during cold days to retain moisture on the skin
• pricey though

I will use this on my future makeup gigs!

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Beauty: How to Create Bronzed look?

Hey ladies! There is a makeup look that i really love which is the bronzed look. This has become favorites by Hollywood Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian and Tyra Banks. Bronzed look emphasize ethereal glow and thus make someone looked polished and glowing.

So i came up with the idea of having a list of products I use whenever  I want to rock that bronzed look. This look is perfect for night out and also for those who want to look tan. So be ready ladies and behold on these affordable products.

 Left to Right; the balm bahama mama,  mac brave lipstick, prestige baked bronzer in sunbaked and mac faux gold mineralized eyeshadow.

Products and How i use it to achieve bronzed look.

1. Mac Mineralized Eyeshadow in faux gold 
   This is by far my most fave single eyeshadow since it is long lasting and color pigmentation is just superb. This is part of the limited edition. This is shimmery and perfect for the eyelids for that bronzed look.

2. The balm Bahama Mama matte Bronzer
  Great for contouring the face, this is a new addition to my need-to-be on your kit. since jlo is fond of that contoured face and that to-die-for cheekbones, this will do the trick to achieve that same look. I do use slanted brush and apply this just below the apple of your cheeks, the forehead, just below the jawline and the side of the nose. Just do not overdo it to avoid burnt look. We want a sunkissed look not burnt look.
Also for those fair skinned ladies, you can dust this all over your face for that tanned look. Again just don't overdo it.

3. Mac Brave Lipstick;
 A pale pink lipstick with brown undertone is perfect for nude look. This is perfect for those who have dark and tanned skin but fair skin tones can also rock this look. I have separate blog post on this link for this lipstick.
http://lovingvanity.blogspot.com/2013/03/beauty-mac-brave-lipstick-nude-shade.html

4. Prestige Skin LovingMminerals in Sunbaked.
 This is a shimmer bronzer so do not overdo it. I apply this after contouring and just put the right amount on the apple of your cheeks for that glow.

Here's my separate post for this bronzer.
http://lovingvanity.blogspot.com/2013/09/beauty-prestige-skin-loving-minerals.html

So here are the products ladies. of course, These are right after you prep your face with moisturizer and foundation/bb cream and fixing your brows. These are all affordable beauty finds and will definitely a must for that bronzed look. Till our next makeup session.
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Beauty: MAC Relentlessly Red

MAC Relentlessly Red Lipsticks is part of the Retro Matte Collection. This is described as bright pinkish coral red lipstick and is of matte finish. I was looking for red lippie at MAC Store and tried the ever famous Ruby Woo and Russian Red on my lips, but none of them really suit my NC30 skin tone. They are way too dark on my taste. So the first time I saw relentlessly red, I initially thought It was just another red lipsticks but it was not!! It is just the perfect red I've been looking for.
 

I really love my MAC Party Parrot, which is part of the Limited Edition. Much to my regret, I lost my party parrot so I was really on the hunt for any dupe or replacement. MAC Impassioned was said to be a very close shade to party parrot, however it is not available on our local MAC stores.And so this is by far, another close dupe to MAC Party Parrot.

Swatch of Relentlessly Red

Here's a swatch of the Relentlessly Red Lipstick. I am NC30 in MAC for your reference and this really doesn't make me look like "I'm wearing bloody red color on my lips". And I highly recommend this for those who want to pull off that red lipstick without looking like a slut. haha. This is also wearable everyday, but you only need to dab this on your lips. I love how the stain creates that rosy stain on my lips.

To summarize its pros and cons, here's my list.

PROS:

• It is long-wearing. After eating or drinking, it is still intact.
• Not of the dark red color shade
• It is not drying on the lips
• Wearable color, just need to dab this on your lips and you're good to go
• If you want to achieve fuller lips, two swipes of this lipstick is all you need
• The color pigmentation is a plus.

CONS:

• pricey
• limited edition 
• Nothing else, I love this lipstick!

Actual Swatch on my lips

This is what it looks like with only a few dabs on my lips. A dab really goes a long way. 

Come and visit your nearest MAC Store! Thanks for reading! Till our next beauty session!
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Beauty: MAC Brow Gel in Girl Boy

 A brush-on gel that strokes brows into shape. Adds shine and style. No flaking or stiffening. Tinted or clear. Also grooms lashes, sideburns and facial hair.-MAC Website

MAC Brow Gel in Girl Boy is definitely my HG Product! This has been a favorite by many of the local celebrities in grooming their brows. Brow gel is a product used to color the brows without permanent hair color. Girl boy is of the lightest brown shade which compliments the color of my hair at the present.

This bottle lasts me for about a year given that I use this daily in grooming my brows. This literally makes the brow hairs in place and thus created a more groomed look. 

How to use this? 

The make-up artist from MAC advised me to get the MAC Shadow in Carbon to fill in the gaps of my brows. MAC Lingering for putting the lines and then last the MAC Brow Gel to apply on the brow hair.

There are other shades available, beguile. clear, show-off and clear.  You can buy this at any MAC Branch at php 1,000.

Here's a picture of me wearing the MAC Brow Gel in Girl Boy.

Till our next beauty session!
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Beauty: How to achieve the dewy/glowing makeup look?

I know, with our tropical weather (here in the Philippines), creating Dewy look might be risky since it will tend to look like oily or greasy. But, if it is done perfectly well, it will give you that "GLOWING" look.. That lit from within aura. Actually this is my favorite look, that Jennifer Lopez dewy make-up she's been sporting.

So here's some of the products that I use on my make-up gigs and even on myself when I want to get that "GLOW".

1. NARS Orgasm Illuminator

NARS Illuminator in Orgasm is more of a peachy pink shade. How i use this? well there are 2 ways. One is is use this over powder blush. Second is use this before powder blush. All I need is a pea size amount of this product on my palm, and dub this on my cheeks and spread it evenly on my cheeks. And tadah!! Glowy cheeks! When I use this 'before powder', I tried it with my Nars Orgasm blush and it is really gorgeous!


2. MAC Mineralized Skinfinish 

MAC Smooth Merge

MAC Stereo Rose

 For my review, check this link: MAC Stereo Rose

MAC Stereo Rose, A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.(mac website)

We don't want disco balls on our cheeks. So too much of glitters in not likable, as for my preference. And yes! Thanks for MAC Mineralized SkinFinish since the glitters are tiny and the glitters doesn't scream "I have glitters on my face!!", just the right amount.

This has been staple item in many makeup artists' kit since this is very easy to use. You can wear this alone or on top of your favorite blush. You will only need to buff your blush brush on this baked powder, smile and put on your cheeks! Very very nice on pictures!

3. MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural

My review on this link: MAC MSF Natural

Why this powder? Since this is mineralized, this powder once applied, has something in it that creates glow on your face. I remember that one of my client loves this. She even want to buy one for her own use. That's how good this product is. This can be applied alone after your moisturizer or after your bb cream/foundation.

4. BB Cream

For my review on this BB Cream, here's the link: beauty-loreal-uv-perfect-bb-max

Any brand will do. There is something about BB cream that I love. It is not flat (super matte) on the face. The glow is just right and it also acts as moisturizer too! So for that dewy look, I think, BB Cream is the best option instead of the usual liquid foundation. I don't own any CC Cream which is now creating waves on the makeup world, so I can't compare it with BB Cream.

Here's a picture of me rocking that dewy make-up look..

Well, that's all for now! For all the ladies out there who loves that Dewy make-up look! 

Till our next make-up session!

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Beauty: MAC Candy Yum Yum, Bold Pink Lipstick

MAC Candy Yum Yum, caught my eyes when I visited the MAC Counter in Glorietta. The color was so intense that it initially led me to shock (shocking pink it is). The Makeup Artist was wearing this actually and I can't wait to know what's the lip shade and all I had in mind was I have to have it!

Enough of all my emotions then! Hahaha. Well, this particular shade was part of the MAC Requested since this is limited edition before. But thanks to those who voted online for this shade to have its comeback and became part of the permanent line.

 If you've been reading my blog, you will know that I am a lip junkie. I love keeping lipsticks on my vanity kit, since I think your lipstick shade should compliment what you're wearing. Haha. So I have corals, peach, loud pink and muted pink on my kit. Though I'm still thinking of getting a red one since my BF would want me to wear one. So can you give idea which good red lipsticks should I get?

I wear Mac Candy Yum Yum,with neutral eyeshadow, a simple eye liner, 2 coats of mascara, and a pink blush on. And I'm good to go!

                                                        Here's the swatch on my hand.
Pros:

•  Bold lipstick
• The color stays long
• Pigmented
• A little swipe goes a long way
• Eye-catchy due to its intense color (for parties)

Cons:

• Pricey for a tube of lipstick
• May tend to emphasize the dryness of the lips since this is of matte formula
• As for me, this is more of a fuschia shade which tends to become violet in some pigmented lips

                     And here's the swatch on my my lips as what I posted on my Instagram @vain_van

For all the kikay girls out there, come and grab this cute lippy on your nearest MAC Stores. Very nice if you want to pull off that No Makeup Makeup with just a swipe of this bright bold lipstick.

Till the next beauty post ladies and international readers! Feel free to comment on my blog :-)




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Beauty: MAC Brave Lipstick, A Nude Shade

MAC Brave Lipstick, is a Satin Finish Lipstick from MAC, which a blue tone pink. It is sheen and can be a versatile if you put a thick layer on it on your lips. Having bought a lot of loud colored lipsticks, I was really in the hunt for the nude lipstick perfect for the smokey eyes. I have tried the blankety, angel and peachstock on me but none of them suit my skin tone (I'm NC 30 by the way). I looked pale/corpse on those shades so it was really a jackpot when I finally see the perfect nude lipstick for me!

Introducing the MAC Brave Lipstick. I was never aware that there's this shade of lipstick that suits me well. I had the pink nouveau, nicki, party parrot and all of them were on a pink shade. And this is the only nude lipstick I have on my makeup kit!  I use this when it do not want to look so party-like and this has been my go-to lipstick shade when I want to look more natural. My Lips But Better (MLBB) shade I suppose!

In every MAC Tube comes with the code (A52 in the picture) which happens to be the manufacturing date of the lipstick so you can check if your lipstick has finally reached its expiration. You can check further on the internet for the meaning of such code. Lipsticks, as what I have read on the internet, will lasts for 2 years. So better always check this label (manufacturing date) to avoid using expired lipsticks. Yayks!

 

MAC Brave on my lips

 Swatch of the MAC Brave Lipstick on my hand

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MAC BRAVE LIPSTICK?

• It is not pale on the lips
• It has a hint of color that looks natural on your lips
• It is not drying
• MLBB (My lips but better)

WHAT I HATE ABOUT  MAC BRAVE LIPSTICK?

• It is pricey
• Nothing else

There are some drugstore brand that is affordable. I am honestly eyeing on Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Angel Rose which a pale pink. But if you have budget, why not splurge on this lipstick!

Stay tune for more beauty reviews! Till our next beauty session <#


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Beauty: MAC Stereo Rose 'Mineralize' Skinfinish: Glow on your skin

 MAC Stereo Rose, A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.(mac website)

This highlighter/blush has always been a hype in the beauty world. Being a limited edition product by MAC, this has been the one of the most coveted MSF aside from Soft and Gentle. I think, limited edition is a marketing strategy since consumers will more likely to give in with the hype. However, if the product serves well, then a beauty junkee like me will never falter from trying this luxurious dome of beauty.

 If you are a makeup lover like me, you already know that MAC Stereo Rose was launched in the previous MAC Collections and now it has been relaunched in the Apres Chic Collection. The peachy sheen and gold vein on the dome once swirled together creates that beautiful peachy golden color. It can be applied over you favorite blush to have that dewy/glowing skin as what Jennifer Lopez is fond of. Or you can use it alone for that sheer glow on your cheeks.

 MAC Stereo Rose with Box

MAC Stereo Rose content

Due to popular demand, this has been sold out from the MAC Online store and even on local stores. I had myself even confused if I had to get my hands on it or buy my HG Powder, the MSF Natural instead. But the Makeup Artist convinced me to rather get this one since the MSF Natural is available all year long and belongs to the permanent line unlike this one. So she really is a good seller and I got this one! The last one actually in the store!

Here's the swatch of the Highlighter/Blush On.. If you are into coral stuff especially on makeup this is really a nice one to keep on your makeup kit. Because it is mineralized, the product will last a long time. 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MAC STEREO ROSE?

• It is peach (my fave color at the moment!)
• It is shimmery
• It is a good highlighter
• The content will last me a long time
• Since it is mineralized, the product itself is safe for sensitive skin
• It stays on your cheeks for 4 hours

WHAT I HATE ABOUT  MAC STEREO ROSE?

• It is pricey, I bought mine at MAC Rustan's for Php1,750 :-(
• The shade is not visible/pigmented for different skin tone
• The packaging is not sturdy. 
• This is overrated

Well, that will be all my inputs. I'm using it everyday and it didn't give me a skin break out. My friends actually noticed how beautiful the product on my cheeks. And because of it, I have my second thoughts of selling it (yes! I really wanted to sell it the first time I used it).

Thanks for reading :-) Till our next beauty session!

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Beauty: Happy 2013 Everyone!

A new year has come and this year is my wedding year! Yipee for that! Me and my BF are planning to get married this year and the moment 2013 arrived, all I told to myself is "This is it".

So what's in store for my readers? Well, I want to post more travels, food trips and beauty guide this year! And this will mean, more travels, more food to explore and more beauty products to discover!

 So this new year's eve, I did my own makeup..Can't show the step by step tutorial but I can show which products I used and the finished look..

FOTD:

FACE:
Estee Lauder Foundation
Johnson's Baby Powder (I run out of the MAC MSF)
Maybelline BB Cream (mixed with Estee Lauder Foundation to achieve that Glowy Look)
The Balm Hot Mama Blush


Eyes:
Urban Decay Naked2 Palette (Soft Smokey Look)
Maybelline Eye Pencil (line the lash line)
Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara

For the Brows:
MAC GirlBoy Brow Gel
MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon (fill the brows)

Lips:
Petroleum Jelly (to moisturize the lips)
MAC Party Parrot l/s


 So here's the finished Look!

 

Hope you like the look guys, though the soft smokey eyelook was not noticeable in the picture but in person it does! First time also to create look using my new Urban Decay Naked Palette 2.

Happy new year girls! Thanks for visiting my blog :-)

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BEAUTY: MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation Review

According to the MAC Website: MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation is a one-step application of foundation and powder. Gives skin a smooth, flawless, all-matte, full-coverage finish. Long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. A real all-in-one. The choice of pros, and a long time favourite of M∙A∙C fans.

My Studio Fix Plus Foundation Plus is now almost 8 months now that's why it has come to this appearance  lol.  But I will just make a review about this foundation. Bought this last december as a christmas gift to myself. Cost me about Php1800 which pricey for a powder. I just rode the hype since this was a keeper in most of the local celebrities' purses.

First the casing, an elegant black cover which is the trademark color of MAC. Inside is a mirror perfect for touch-ups and a white sponge separately placed just beneath.

    Here is a simple swatch of my studio fix which is in NC30 (perfect for pinays with yellow undertone).

 See? I almost hit the pan!

 

 The color/shade of the powder is just right. The content of the powder is quite reasonable since Ive been using this for the past 8 months and still can't finish this off. However, after a long time of thinking of buying again my HG powder which is the MAC Mineralized SkinFinish, Studio Fix Powder is just sittin now on my cabinet.. Maybe for my skin, this powder makes me look too made up and so sometimes there were zits appearing on my face from time to time. Not sure though if this pwder is the cause but from other reviews, I believe some also got zits from this powder.

                  Here's the actual swatch. The powder is finely milled and it has a matte finish.

Verdict:

Pros:

• long lasting
• will cover-up redness on your face
• no need to put liquid foundation. You can use this alone and you can achieve the same result

Cons:

•  kinda heavy on the face
• matte finish is not appealing to me, I want some glow!
• I get zits from time to time which I think is because of this powder (I stopped then all zits disappeared)
• Pricey
• The packaging tends to look luma and the label tends to be erased 

 As for me, I will not buy again MAC Fix Powde mainly because this caused me zits and Im inlove with my other powder. Also its pricey.

That's all! Till the next review!

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