Review: MAC mineralize eyeshadow

As alot of you know, MAC has come out with their holiday collection. I haven't made a post yet, but I will soon about all the other stuff they are offering as far as shadows, lipglosses, etc go. This past weekend I stopped at my local MAC counter to see what kind of availability they had as far as the new collection goes. I also wanted to see the new mineralize duos looked and what they looked like when swatched in real life. I have had my eye on Blue Socery since I saw it on the MAC site and I really hoped that they had it there.

When I got to the counter, they did in fact have it. Blue Sorcery is the new mineralize duo that came out. One side is a beautiful teal color and the other side is a silver color. These two paired together look so amazing. I really wanted it more for the teal color because I'm not really a silver eyeshadow wearer much, but I figured I will learn to love it if I want it haha. I swatched this at the counter and automatically fell in love with it. I picked it up within 10 seconds and was already on my way with my purchase. (I also picked up the new Boy Bait Creemsheen Glass, which I will review later in the week)

I used it yesterday and today and I have to say I am not at all impressed with this. It seems to me this swatched 10x better at the counter then at my home. The teal color is VERY pretty in real life and swatched on your hand is amazing. On your eye is a different story. I feel like this shadow is very hard to work with. The teal side has ALOT of fall out. It also wasn't as bright on my eyes as it was on the back of my hand. I was really dissapointed with this because I really felt this color was very beautiful and I could pull alot of looks out of this one color. I tried pairing it with a hot pink color and it wasn't as good as I thought it would come out. Again, it was very hard to work with and not as bright as I wanted it to be.

The silver side is out of control. You cannot use this at all. It is so sheen and so thin that you can't even use this as an all over eyeshadow if you wanted to. The shadow doesn't cover anything, doesn't look good at all, and has so much fallout you look like you got into a fight with a pixie fairy. You could possibly use this as just a little something to give some shimmer to your look but that's about it. I am very dissapointed with this side. I don't want to say I'm dissapointed with the whole shadow because I really do love the colors but I feel MAC could of done alot better with this shadow. I feel like they half assed it compared to the other duos they have. I have the Sea and Sky duo and the way that shadow feels is very smooth and goes on just as it looks in the packaging. Out of a 10, I give the teal a 7 and the silver a 3. You can't really do much with this shadow. I am going to try to find a happy medium with this but as far as I have seen I am not happy with this. Also, the silver side has a rough feeling which I thought was weird only because the other duos have a smooth feeling to them like I have said before.

(Picture courtesy of temptalia)

Tuesday list and ELF lookout!

So if anyone hasn't heard of Makeup Geek, you should definitely check out the website. They have an awesome forum (which I am apart of) and she does AWESOME tutorials. Anything from celebrity looks, to how to's, to everyday and wedding makeup. The website is http://www.makeupgeek.com/ Today, they had a questionare in the forums that I answered, but decided to post it here as well with a little more detail since there is a little bit more room. So here is the list and feel free to take it and post on your blog as you see fit.

Name: Jamie Lynn


State: CT

Something about you: Full time college student going to school for Psychology, freelance makeup artist (hopefully this takes off a little bit more), and pro makeup shopper ; )

Hobbies: horseback riding, going on random adventures, being with friends/families, apple picking, going on scenic drives (especially now since it's fall over here in New England)

Things you collect: MAKEUP and now that I think about it I have ALOT of hair products.

Kids: None

Married: No, but have talked about it

Fav color: Baby pink and black. These two colors together in an outfit look so nice.

Vehicle you drive: 2002 Toyota Celica. Its also actually modified. Heres a picture for you guys : )

Fav Music: Rap (not the hardcore stuff, but stuff like Flo-Rida, Lil Wayne, etc), Rock, and Pop

Fav actor: Shia Lebouf, Channing Tatum

Fav actress: Eva Longoria

Fav Makeup: Eyeshadows (especially out on control colors), eyeliner, and lip stuff (lipgloss/lipstick)

Fav Movie: Blow (sounds dirty I know! Johnny Depp is fantastic in that movie though), Enough (with JLo)

Fav eyeshadow: Right now, Cranberry from MAC

Fav Eyeliner: Any. I normally only wear black, so it really doesn't matter what brand I get. Avon, Wet N' Wild, Revlon

Fav Mascara: Right now, it has to be Supercurlacious Mascara in black from Avon. You can read the review I did on it here.

Fav Blush: Covergirl blush in Rose Silk

Fav primer or base? I don't use a primer on my face but I do for my eyes and I use Urban Decay's Primer Potion.

Fav Foundation? MAC. I used to use drugstore brands ( L'Oreal, Covergirl, Almay) but they always made me break out and I never really found my true color, even after years of searching.

Fav Lipstick? Avon's Sheer Naturale. It's an awesome nudey color. I bought it last week and I am a little mad that I broke it : ( but thank god I got a sample!! It will be my backup until I can buy another one.

Fav Lipgloss: "Mouthwatering" LE from MAC. I got this in the 08 holiday set last year. I also really like NYC's Pink Sand. (review on that one is available, but I will be doing another drugstore lipgloss review soon equipped with pictures)

Fav lipliner: None, I don't wear lipliner.

Makeup that you absolutely dislike: As much as I really am a drugstore makeup kinda girl (especially some of the eyeshadows and lippies that are available) I currently and not being a fangirl of the Covergirl eyeshadows. Some of them are awesome (think Turqouise Tempest), but other ones are not pigmented at all and don't hold their color even with a base.

Makeup that you want to try: Ben Nye, Barry M, NYX, ELF (I have a couple things from ELF but I want to get alot more considering the price and all the good things I hear about them.
 
 
So, now that the list is out of the way, I got an email from ELF cosmetics today letting me know that their Studio line is 50% off. Use promo code EGSTUDIOX. You can only use it up to a $50 discount. I am definitely going to be picking some stuff up and stacking it up at the boyfriends house so I don't have to lug my makeup everytime I go to his house : ). Once I get stuff I will be doing reviews on everything I get so look out for that as well!!
 
xoxo Jamie

Face cleanser review : )

Well, it seems to me that Avon loves to never have my cleanser in stock or never available when I go to order it, so it has come to me that it was time to find a new cleanser. To my astonishment, my skin has been under control and looking pretty good lately, so I decided that I should find something I can use once every couple of days when I feel like my skin needs a good, deep cleaning. I got an issue of my Fitness magazine in, and they had a huge layout of things to bring in to the gym, and awesome products that the readers felt was worth mentioning. I got to the face section and they had mentioned the Clean and Clear in shower facial as being the best for a good cleaning. I had heard about it before but whenever I hit up the store, it's usually because I know what I am there for and never venture off unless I have a good amount of time to look. I looked for it awhile back and did look for it, but they also didn't have it in stock so therefore I totally forgot about it.

Yesterday was payday (YES my first check!! It felt awesome by the way), after I put money aside for bills and going out, I hit up Walmart. I had to get hair dye because I'm getting highlights on Friday and I wanted my hair to be all one color (instead of having my brown roots come in). So I remembered the layout in the magazine and went over to the face cleaning aisle. They only had THREE of these left (which could be a good sign) and I'm surprised I even saw them because they were pushed way back. I quickly grabbed one and ran. As I was walking, I looked to see what exactly you have to do. It says right on the back to use about 1-3 times a week or as needed. Apply onto your face (but don't massage) and leave for one minute. After leaving it on, massage into your face to activate the beads and rid yourself of dry, dead skin. I was on my way home feeling pretty good about my purchase. I had already showered and washed my face for the day so I knew that today would be a good day to try (after working out and really getting my face sweaty and dirty, what more do you need?).

So, I took my shower, did my washing and shaving, and got ready to apply my in shower facial. Apparently, it works with your shower steam to really get down into your pores and give your skin and awesome cleaning. I applied as I was supposed to and let it take action. I have to say that I didn't feel anything at first, but really started to feel it get down into my pores. It felt like it was kind of like heating up in a way. Then, my skin started feeling nice and refreshed. I actually left it on for about 3 minutes cause I still was shaving my legs in the process of putting it on so I went back to that as it was taking action. After I was done shaving my legs I touched my face and to my surprise there were little exfoilating beads all over my face! I started massaging into my face and then washed away. I got out of the shower, dried my face by patting and then went on my mary little way. I have to say that my face feels SO good. I didn't put on any moisturizer and I feel like my face literally just got a facial like it says it is supposed to do. It feels very clean and smooth as well. I didn't think a drugstore brand like this would work as good as it does. I normally don't buy Clean and Clear only because I have never had much luck with it and all their products smell so bad whenever I use them.

But, I am glad I made this purchase and I would recommend this to ANYBODY who would want a cheapy facial when you can't make it to a salon or spa. It doesn't cost much ($5.67) and for the price and what it does, you can't go wrong AT all. I think they could give you a LITTLE more product, only because it doesn't seem like there's much in there.

Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 3 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5
Price: I paid $5.67 but could vary between stores.
Would I buy again?: Yes

Makeup remover review : )

I recently was on the prowl for a nice makeup remover. My Clinique eye makeup remover is almost out and I wanted to at least find some wipes. I did have moist towelettes for remover, but I hated the way it made my skin feel afterwards. It would make it feel kind of sticky with a weird feeling on my skin. I went to the mall the other daya with my boyfriend and they had a Target right next door. I decided to walk in there and see if they had anything good (which they always do it seems). I just happend to walk by the end of the aisle, and they had Target brand makeup remover wipes just sitting there. They were only $3.00!! I told my boyfriend I wanted them to try them out and also who could resist that price? So, I bought them. I didn't use them right away, but the next morning when I woke up, I looked like I went through a blender and back. I picked up my handy dandy wipe and started wiping away. Even though it WAS a Target brand, and they were really cheap, I have to say that the quality of these wipes are exceptionally good. It really gets rid of all my makeup and helps to moisturize my face at the same time. It doesn't leave a weird feeling afterwards on my face and it doesn't make my face feel sticky. They come in packs of 25, and like I mentioned before, a price tag of $3.00 (or more depending on your area and store, I've seen them online for $3.59 as well). They are VERY moisturzing and they don't have a harsh feeling or smell either.

Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5
Price: can very anywhere between $3.00-$4.00
Would I buy again?: Yes

Just a quick update :)

So, as some of you may know, I wasn't working for awhile. There were just NO jobs out there and I was having a really hard time finding ANYTHING. Everytime I went to an interview I got the whole, "well, you really don't have much experience." LISTEN buddy, how am I supposed to get experience when YOU won't hire me BECAUSE I have no experience? See the vicious circle? haha. Anyways, I finally got a JOB!!!! YES. It will help me pay my bills and have a little extra for makeup and anything else my little heart desires!! So, I will still be posting but now you will see MORE reviews since I will have the money to buy things and hopefully it will allow me to get my computer back so I can start taking pictures of reviews and products cause this situation is not working out for me! So wish me luck with this new job situation I got going on here!!

xoxo Jamie

MAC launches- Holiday 09

So, as most of you may know if you ever buy MAC or follow MAC, at least once every couple months, they release new trends, collections, etc. Every holiday they come out with little holiday sets. (As you may recall my post about my C-Thru lipglass, which was part of the little darlings holiday 08 collection). This year, they are coming out in forces, so make sure your wallet is fat for these bad boys!! Here is a list and pictures of what they are offering.

First, here are pictures and descriptions of the lipglass sets they are coming out with ($29.50):

Sexy Shenanigans (Soft)

Elle- White pink
Poetic License- Coral rose
Cruise Control- Pastel pink
Ensign- Peachy pink
Morning Glory- Pale pearly pink

Frisky Business (Bright)

Silly Girl- Pastel peach

Totally It- Sheer bright pink

Beaute- Bright coral

Pinkarat Soft- Toned pink

Wonderstruck- Pinky coral

Models Misbehaving (Deep)

Pinkular- Bronzed copper

Magnetique- Violet fuschia

Gitane- Reddish orange

Angelwing- Deepened plum

Instant Gold- Light neutral gold

Second, here are pictures and descriptions of the mini pigment sets that they are offering this holiday season ($32.50)

Haute High Jinks (Warm)

Jardin Aires- Tan with gold specks

Rushmetal- Copper sparkle

Copperized- Olive Green

Museum Bronze- Rich brown

Reflects Gold- Gold

Cool Capers (Cool)

Kitschmas- Light shimmery pink

Fuchsia- Bright with pink pearl

Grape- Deep purple

Deep Blue Green- Deep bluish green

Reflects Transparent Teal- Teal Glitter

Sexpot (Smokey)

Naked- Beige with copper pearl

Sunnydaze- Apricot pearl

Chocolate Brown- Chocolate copper

Dark Soul- Black with gold specks

Reflects Antique Gold- Gold glitter

Next, are the eye and lip bag's they are coming out with. These come with assorted items as listed below with pictures ($36.50)

Put a Spell on You (Pink)

Dream lipstick- Pink

Baby Sparks dazzleglass- Pale pearl pink

Dervish lip pencil- Mauve

House of Mirth (Deep)

Fantasia lipstick- Deep rose

Get Rich Quick dazzleglass- Yellow Brown

Cedar lip pencil- Rose brown

Naughty Noir (Eyeset)

Blacktrack fluidline- Black cream eyeliner

Shimmertime pigment- Baby pink

Zoomblack Mascara- Black (promo size)

209 SE brush

Alakazam Chocolate (Eyeset)

Rich fluidline- Brown creme eyeliner

Melon pigment- Golden peach

Zoomblack Mascara- Black (promo size)

209 SE Brush

Now, last but not least (I know, your bank is ringing your neck right now) here are some awesome brush sets they are offering this season. I personally won't be picking any of these up, only because I have a couple of the full size ones, and some of the sets already have special edition brushes I have from my set from last year. I could NOT get pictures of these sets, only because my computer is acting up and will not load them for me. I'm sure everybody know's what these brushes look like, so imagine them mini style : ) ($49.50)

Do the Trick (Buff and Line set)

168SE
187SE
209SE
219SE
252SE

Wave of a Wand (Sweep and Define set)

129SE
190SE
212SE
227SE
275SE

Morning, Noon, and Knight (Everything Eye Set)

194SE
204SE
224SE
266SE
275SE

Now, I went to my MAC counter today and asked when they would have these and they said anywhere around October 15. I have heard as late as November, but I think we could all shoot for October, or around the middle of this month. For my list of wants, this is what I am expecting to get only because I think I might die without them!!

Put a Spell on You (lipset)
Naughty Noir (eyeset)
Sexy Shenanigans (lipglass set)
Cool Capers (pigment set)
Sex pot (pigment set)

I hope this helps everybody figure out what they want and gives everybody a little time to save up! I will be adding more collection info as soon as I hear it!!

xoxo Jamie

October: Breast cancer awareness month :)

Today marks the first day of Breast Cancer awareness month. I have already helped with this by buying some stuff off of my Avon page (I bought a pair of nursing clogs for my mom and a water bottle for me when I go workout). Each product you buy, a percentage goes twords researching breast cancer. Avon has a full program dedicated to breast cancer and everything that goes along with it. I really recommend anybody to check it out and please help out. I know a couple ladies who have breast cancer (my boyfriends mom included) and one of my friend's mothers passed away about a year ago to this cancer as well. I try to help out as much as possible. Please do the same, somebody's sister/mother/aunt/daughter/grandaughter, etc may be counting on it!

www.youravon.com/jamiereding