Review: Mac Mineralize Blush Fad-Dabulous

Am I on a roll or what?? This week has been a week for reviews, reviews and more reviews. Thanks to the many Christmas vouchers that I have received, my makeup collection has literally grown by the day. This is my second blush review that I've ever done- I get so caught up with eyeshadows that I barely reserve time for other makeup products.

Mac Mineralize Blush- Fad-Dabulous

I had purchased this blush a while back and had even used it a few times but it failed to impress me to a point where I'd label it as one of my favorites. It's an ok overall performer but I find that it just does not give me the outcome that I've come to expect of Mac blushes- probably due to its mineralized nature.

Notice the peachy/brown colors with the fine shimmery gold specks.

The color can be described as a very warm, neutral brown which when swatched or applied has a peachy pink undertone. I know- it sounds like it has too many colors all infused in one. It is also marbled with fine reflective gold shimmer. I've read many reviews where people complained that the shimmer was very overpowering but I honestly don't believe so. I feel it gives you the perfect amount of sheen and glow perfect for day use. Some may differ with my opinion and would prefer to use it at night but I find that although the shimmer in it may make it perfect for evening use, the blended color is not intense enough to be used at night. It truly is a dream to blend but I feel that there is way too much fallout. You have to make sure you tap out excess product each time you pick up the product. It's staying power is commendable and when it does start to fade, it does not become patchy. It is almost half the normal amount of other Mac blushes- 3.2gr compared to the regular 6gr.

It's quite nicely pigmented and would be good to use to complete any neutral look- so if you are a fan of neutral shades then this is a blush you should really consider getting. In the mean time, I will be giving Fad-Dabulous  another chance to work its charm on me....

My overall rating would be a 4 maybe 4.2 out of 5.

Did you like what Fad-Dabulous did for you??? Share your experience with us....we'd love to hear from you.

Review: Mac Springsheen Blusher

It seems that I have been bitten by the review bug this week as I have been drawn to doing only reviews this week- don't know if its my way of making up for the past few weeks when I was MIA. I have mentioned previously that I am an out and out eyeshadow girl. You would rarely find me buying many different shades of lipsticks and blushers. I have very few but very versatile shades(apart from the WOW lipstick haul that I recently purchased) of lipsticks and blushes that I have become comfortable using and never really wanted to be adventurous and expand on my collection. My blusher collection mainly consists of many tones and shades of coppery reds/plums and pinks. Unable to restrain myself at Edgars Red Carpet sale 2 weeks ago, I ended picking up my very first peach/ apricot toned blush.

I could literally kick myself for not getting this color earlier as it's such an enticing shade. It gives you a warm, youthful look(and who doesn't mind looking youthful all the time) and it is great for everyday use. It gives you a healthy glow without looking overly done. I am slightly fair in complexion but not pale- so on my skin, I've never had the problem of it going on too heavy or dark. It has very fine shimmer in it but when it's blended out, it leaves an iridescent glow on your cheeks. It's great for giving any dull skin an instant splash of glow...

It comes from Mac's Sheertone collection and is part of their permanent range. It's 6gr in quantity and would last you longer than you would expect. It applies on like magic and blends into the skin magically. It's very pigmented and you can build up from a sheer to intense look quite effortlessly. It lasts quite long if it's not humid but begins to fade in about 4-5 hours if you get hot and sweaty.

Final verdict....I love, I love, I love....if ever I go through this, a replacement is definitely finding its way in my palette.

Have you had any good/ disappointing experiences with Mac's Springsheen??? Why not compliment or vent in our comment section below....

Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

Here in South Africa, we are never spoilt for choice when it comes to makeup brands and their products. Although in recent years, the makeup market has been opening up, there still is a lot of products that are readily available in other countries, which are not even heard of here in SA. One of these products being eyeshadow primers. With Mac being a popular brand here, most artists multi- use their products meant for other purposes to substitute for products that are not readily available here. I know I'm speaking in circles here and you are probably cursing me for not getting to the point.

I am venting my frustrations on the lack of availability of decent eyeshadow primers here in SA. Whilst overseas, I came across numerous brands offering quality primers that make even the most chalkiest eyeshadow stay on until YOU decide its time for it to come off. Recently, my backup Urban Decay primer started showing signs of depletion and I was back on the search for a suitable substitute.

Not wanting to spend a fortune on a trial brand, I shopped most Clicks, Dischem and Hub makeup counters with no luck. Eventually, I settled on Smashbox's Photo finish Lid Primer. I think more so because it resembled Urban Decays Primer Potion(a primer that I believe is the best in the makeup industry). I silently prayed that its performance matched that of Urban Decay's as well.

The Price: R185 for a 2.5ml tube. Now that's pretty expensive for such a little amount.

The Packaging: The primer comes in a neat little rectangular box which has enough printed information on it about the ingredients used, suggested application method, shelf life etc and even a photo of the exact size and picture of the tube on the front of the box. I especially love this layout as it saves me the time needed to open the box and pull out a pamphlet that's folded over a hundred times to get the necessary information that I need. It's a 'made in USA brand' that supports animal cruelty free manufacturing.

The Product: It comes in an elongated round plastic tube with a doe footed sponge applicator at the end of the wand. It comes in a universal shade and is oil free- making it perfect for increasing the longevity of the eyeshadow and in reducing creasing to a minimum. It contains Phytomoist, which is a plant based ingredient to help in maintaining the moisture in the area that it is used in. Once opened, it has a shelf life of 12 months.

What Did I Think: I must admit that I found this primer easy to work with. It glided on easily and smoothened out to a soft finish. The one advantage that Smashbox's Lid Primer has over Urban Decays Primer Potion is that it does not dry tight on the lid. It feels silky smooth and gives you ample working time before it sets. My eyeshadow stayed on well over 5 hours without creasing or fading. A little goes a long way and u'll find yourself just needing a tiny dot of product which spreads out quite nicely.

So I guess, until I find a better primer, Smashbox Photo finish Lid Primer will be my choice of eyeshadow primer. It has met all my expectations: a creamy formula, easy to blend, and a little going a long way.... with the exception that I find it heavily overpriced.

My Overall Rating.... a well deserved 9.5 out of 10(minus half for the price).

If you have come across any good lid primers, please let me know. I'm eager to see if there are any other brands that can match the competency of Smashbox.

Review: Mac Nocturnals- Green & Teal Set

I normally do not purchase makeup that comes in pre built sets as I prefer buying individual items(although you do end up spending a bit more) that I know I will definitely be using rather than cluttering up my draw with items that I would never use. I made an exception this past week when I bought Mac's Holiday Edition- Nocturnals, the Green & Teal set. I am a bit disappointed with this buy and need to remind myself why kit purchases are not for me.

The Price: R530 for 5 little vials- 3 of which are pigments and 2 glitters.

The Packaging: The mini vials come in a neat gift box with a transparent lid that allows you to see the product and product shades without opening the box itself. The store assistant told me that the vials are stackable- which unfortunately is not true, with or without the lid...unless I'm doing it all wrong. Each vial is smaller and works out much cheaper than the full sized Mac pigment or glitter. This has an advantage for those that prefer buying makeup in kits as you end up getting more for your money for the quantity- and honestly speaking, I'm sure majority of us will not even be able to get through the entire amount.

The Product: As mentioned earlier, there's 2 vials of glitter and 3 vials of pigment.

• Reflects Gold: is a super fine shimmery white powder that has a glint of gold in the reflecting light. I remember seeing something similar at the Inglot stands. I think this is perfect for applying over your completed eyeshadow look to give it that dancing stars effect for bridal and evening makeup. It can also be used on the body as a highlighter.
• 3D Gold: is a much grainier sparkly gold glitter. This as well can be used on the body and on the nails.
• None of Mac's glitters are recommended for eye use- which is a pity as nobody really wants to spend a lot of money on glitter that you are just going to sprinkle on your hair/ body or used on your nails. I have to admit though that I have used Mac's glitters over glitter glue to create glitter lines without any hassles. Don't know if this is just a way of Mac protecting themselves but I strongly suggest that if you have sensitive eyes or if you would just prefer to be cautious, then do avoid using their glitters on the eye area.
• Old Gold: I have been using Old Gold for the past 10 years and have come to realize that this is one of Mac's most sought after pigment in their permanent range. It's a highly shiny, metallic, olive green gold that looks very antiqued at certain angles in the light. It's highly pigmented, very easy to blend but without a primer on my lids, tends to crease after a few hours of wear time. When I've used it over a primer, I got a longer use from it with little or no fading. 
• Deep Blue Green: This is an intense blueish steel grey color that would be perfect for smokey evening looks. This is the first time that I've owned this color and already I'm loving it... It's color pay off is excellent and is soft and smooth to work with. I haven't used it to create a look with it as yet- so I can't really comment yet on it's staying power. I'm sure like any other pigment, used with a primer, will give you good wear time.
• Just Before Dawn: I was a bit hesitant to purchase this set after seeing this brown pigment in it as browns are really not my favorite shade. After playing around with it, I realized that its an excellent color to use in the crease area and when blending the outer V to a gradient. It's a medium brown that is matt in its finish and very soft and smooth to work with.

I know I will not succumb to impulse buying in the near future as when I got home, I realized that only two vials of the five really catches my eye. If I did not already own Old Gold, I would've been happy with 3 out of the 5- finding uses for the other 2 is really not my idea of intelligent shopping. But all does not go to waste as thankfully I have nieces who would be only too glad to become owners of them. 

Makeup Ideas for Green Eyes

Here are some looks that will not only enhance your look but also bring out the color in your eyes....


Photo Source: Preen Me