You know how you sometimes feel like you've stolen something when you get a great deal on really good quality items? Well, that is exactly how I'm feeling right now about this latest purchase from Sephora. I just purchased 6 full-size lipglosses (which regularly retail individually at $18.00) for......drumroll please.........$30.00!
So let's do a little math here. 6 lipglosses worth $18.00 a piece would normally add up to $108.00. This too-good-to-be-true set sells for all of $30.00, which means I saved a total of $78.00! I'm speechless over here.
Ok, so here is the beautiful set of lip glosses in all it's glory:
Anastasia of Beverly Hills: Kisses on my List Hydrafull Lipgloss Vol 2
As far as the brand name goes, this is my first time really hearing about it. I know Sephora sells very high quality items so at least knew these would be good quality, but for those of you who are new to this brand, Anastasia Soare (the name behind the brand) has been the leading brow beautifier for Hollywood's elite for decades. Her line mostly consists of items for the eyes, but let me tell you...don't count these lip glosses out as just a fluke. On the contrary! They are really stand-out products in this line.
Here are the swatches on me:
from top to bottom, with flash: Jolene, Roxanne, Lola,
Sharona, Maggie May, and Moi
same, in natural warm lighting without flash
Great colors, right! And to my surprise, very pigmented! The consistency is great, and the shine! Oh my goodness. Y'all know I love my MAC, but these babies could stand up to any of MAC's lipglasses and be evenly matched.
You actually are getting two different formulations in one set. 3 of the glosses are sheer (they say sheer on the package, I say semi-opaque), and ultra-hydrating. The glosses I believe come in this formulation are Moi, Maggie May, and Sharona. The other 3 glosses are a new formula known as hypercolor glosses. They surely are! These really threw me for a loop at just how pigmented they really are. Plus, the hypercolor glosses are also lip stains, and leave your lips with a nice lingering color once the gloss itself has worn off.
By my guess, the Hypercolors in the set are Jolene, Roxanne, and Lola because when looking at my hand where I did my swatches, those were the three colors that left a little tint on my hand. lol
Another interesting thing about these glosses is the applicator tip. I couldn't get a good pic of it, so I have none to show here but to describe it, it's a bendable plastic spatula-like applicator. I didn't know if I would love this or not, but it gets the job done, applies the color evenly, and you can get the most out of the product because you can get every little drop off the tip of this applicator. Not to mention, it's very sanitary and prevents unwanted color-mixing (you know, when you apply lipgloss over a lipstick and the tip has just a hint of lipstick color on it?)
So, here are the glosses and how they appear on my lips:
Jolene (no lipstick underneath!)
Jolene is a fun, shimmery girly reddish pink. The color is very original (I have nothing like this color)
Moi
Moi is a great soft pinkish neutral. I love colors like this because they are great to wear for an everyday look. You can never have too many pretty neutrals, imo.
Sharona
Sharona is a gorgeous shimmery pinky peach. This may be my favorite color of the set. Not because it's the most pigmented, because it's not, but because I just love peachy lips.
Maggie May
Maggie May is an awesome pink nude. Tbh, I am always a little apprehensive about the lighter pink nudes because I really am not loving the way most of them make my lips look like a milky mess. This color, however, is so wearable. Yes, it's one of the brighter pink glosses I have, but on my lips it reads more pink than nude. Just be sure to always moisturize your lips when wearing light nudes.
Lola
Lola is an exquisite cool-toned shimmery light pink. This one is so gorgeous and every time I wear it I feel like flirting with an older man. (lol....jk....kinda)
Roxanne
Roxanne is a lovely shimmery true pink. I am sure it will flatter any skin tone and shade, as it is just that great berry "just kissed" color that compliments everyone.
So all in all, this is a great buy. As for how much product is in these little babies, it's 0.07 fl oz, which isn't that much compared to other brands, but I consider these lip glosses worth the purchase because of the price alone! This is just such an undeniable steal of epic proportions. So take my advice girlies and go and get these glosses now before they are sold out!
Today's blog post will focus on my favorite MAC lippies. So first and foremost, I should let it be known that MAC is my utmost favorite cosmetics brand. I find that the quality of their products are definitely worth the extra money you pay for them. It is true what they say: you get what you pay for!
MAC carries a large assortment of cosmetic items and makeup, including foundations, lipsticks, lipglosses, blushes, eyeshadows, pigments, mascaras, eyeliners, lipliners....the list goes on an on. They also carry very nice quality brushes, facial cleansers, primers, and all of that jazz as well.
What I think people love MOST about MAC, though, is their various limited edition collections. All cosmetic brands have collections, but MAC's collections, by far, are the most varied and anticipated by far. Don't believe me? Just hop on over to http://www.maccosmetics.com and see for yourself. By the time the public finds out about the online release of a new MAC collection, it's already sold out. Bummer, right? Well, yes and no. I think the popularity of the brand and it's collections brings an element of fun and excitement to the art of makeup collecting. It's almost like a friendly competition between online buyers. And...the good thing is, if you don't get what you want online, you can always just visit your local MAC store and purchase it there (just be quick about it!)
Anyway, let's get back to the topic at hand, shall we? I love MAC lip products and I have a pretty good collection. 30 lipsticks to be exact. By far not the most impressive collection, but a nice sizeable one, for sure. Needless to say it was a challenge to pick just 6 of my favorite colors. Well, I was up for that challenge and I have produced a video and added hi-def pictures and swatches of each. So...let's get down to business.
Here are the swatches, both in natural lighting and with flash:
with flash, from top to bottom: troublemaker, ravishing, lovelorn, sweetie, brave new bronze, and marquise'd
in warm lighting, no flash, the same colors as above
Let's start with the obviously most vibrant color (and also the most fun, imo), Troublemaker. Troublemaker is a Limited edition shade, meaning it was previously released as part of a collection, which has now been discontinued. The collection it was introduced with was called Dazzle Lipstick. This collection came with 7 ultra glittery lipsticks. Troublemaker is described as being a semi-opaque dark red with fuschia glitter. On my skin-tone, however, the color reads more dark pink than red. This collection introduces a new lipstick formula as well, called the dazzle formula. And you cannot deny, this formula is unlike any other MAC lipstick before.
Why do I love this color? Because it's ultra fun and very flattering! I know many people have their concerns with glittery lipsticks, and I do as well. But this formula is especially made for wear on the lips, so the glitter particles, even though it's obviously there in a big way, are very small and completely wearable.
When to wear this color? Wear it to impress! I find this color would be best worn during that special night out with your significant other, or just a fun night out with the girls! Basically, if you are feeling a little flirty and are looking for some attention, then this is most definitely the color you need!
Here's a pic of me wearing Troublemaker Dazzle lipstick:
Next color up: the ever-so-popular Ravishing. Ravishing is Permanent! So it's readily available online and at all MAC counters and freestanding stores. Ravishing's formula is Cremesheen and the color is described as being a medium to dark coral orange with light shimmer. Ravishing is THAT color that looks great on every skin tone. Both warm and cool tones can rock this little lippie and look absolutely fabulous doing so.
Why do I love this color? I love corals and oranges in lipstick, so to have a lipstick with a little of both colors is just the best of both worlds. I definitely would call it an amplified peach more than anything, and it looks great when worn during those hot summer months.
When to wear this color? Anytime, day or night. I really love this color paired with a dewy foundation and a little shimmery bronze hi-lite action going on. This is definitely a shade for summer and other warm months, but if you wish to wear it the year round, that's fine, too.
Me rockin' Ravishing:
The next lipstick up for review is Lovelorn. Loverlorn is also a permanent color and is described as being an emotive blue-pink. On my pigmented lips, it comes across as a medium-toned true pink. The basic essential girly pink that all us ladies are required to have, that's Lovelorn. The finish is a lustre, which is my all-time favorite finish by MAC. It's glossy right out of the bottle, so no extra gloss is needed, unless it's preferred.
Why do I love this color? Because it's that pretty girly pink that, when you wear it, makes you feel like a princess. It's also flattering on all skin tones. I'll be honest. At first I didn't think this color would work for me, as it reads sort of blueish in the tube, but it definitely warmed up once applied on my lips and was very wearable for me. Warm, deep skin tones rejoice! Lovelorn is the perfect pink for us.
Lovelorn:
Okay, 3 down. 3 to go. Next lipstick in my top 6 is Sweetie. Aww, I just love Sweetie so much. It's a permanent color and is a lustre finish. The color is a sheer plum-raspberry and very flattering on all skin tones. Sweetie, tbh, may be my favorite lipstick out of the 6. I've had it for the longest and am sort-of attached to it. If I could save one color from my collection, this would be it! On my pigmented lips, Sweetie reads as a pretty mauve-berry pink and the lustre finish makes your lips look like you've been eating the sweetest berries in the garden.
Why do I love this color? It's just such a pretty color. It will complement and is wearable by women of any age. It's also great as a go-to color for everyday wear. It's just great all-around.
When to wear this color? Anytime, day or night, at work or out on the town. Sweetie will do the trick when you can't decide what shade you want.
Me and my Sweetie:
The next color I want to brag about is no stranger to bragging! Women of Color all across the land, near and far, who have been introduced to this lipstick has sang it's praises with the greatest fervor: Brave New Bronze. Brave New Bronze is, sadly, limited edition. It was introduced a few years ago in MAC's Style Warriors collection for Summer. It has a very soft, satin finish and the color is a beautiful neutral color with pink undertones. I have managed to hold on to mine because not only is the color extremely flattering; it's also the perfect nude!
Why do I love this color? It is THE perfect nude for me, which is a color that has been a challenge to locate. I finally am able to pull off the smokey eye look we all adore and feel confident that my lips are not washed out or too chalky-looking.
When to wear this color? This color is perfect for when you want to do a bold eye look. If the eyes have it, tone the lips down with this perfect, yet flattering in it's own right, nude.
Brave New Bronze:
Last, but most certainly not least on my list of top 5 MAC lipsticks is Marquise D' (pronounced "Mar-Keed") This color is also a limited edition color (MAC and their limited editions, gotta love 'em) and was released in the Wonder Woman collection. The color is described as being a semi-sheer pinkish nude and has a lustre finish. This pink is just so purrty (yes, I said purrty, lol) and can be worn as an everyday color by all skin tones. The great thing about this lip is that it is versatile, and will morph into new shades when paired with different lipliners. Their is a bit of shimmer to this one, which is noticeable when the light hits the lips just right.
Why do I love this color? It's my everyday go-to color if I just want a sheer wash of a soft pink on the lips. Another thing I love is how versatile this color can be when introduced with another color and how buildable it is on it's own.
When to wear this color? All day, every day. It's just a great all-around shade for any occasion.
Me and the Marquise D':
Make sure to check out this video which basically describes in greater detail everything I've just blogged about in this post, plus tips on finding limited edition and discontinued items:
I really hope this blog was interesting and informative to you guys! Comments are very welcome and encouraged!
Remember, makeup is fun and has it's place, but to behold your true beauty you don't need any of that. Just look inside yourself and be amazed!
Hey, guys! My name is Pammi, and I want to welcome you to my new blog! Like...new as in BRAND spankin' new. This is so exciting!
As far as what plans I have for this blog, you'll just have to wait and see! Lol I'm just kidding. Let me be honest. This is first and foremost a beauty blog. Hauls, reviews, ootds, makeup looks, etc...yeah. That kinda stuff! I find all of that stuff so interesting, and felt I would try my hand at it as well.
Hold up, that's not it! My hopes are for this blog to be much more than that. If there is something that inspires me or some topic I feel very strongly about, I can definitely see myself making a video addressing issues like this. Basically, this will be a catch-all blog for my interests as well as being the standard beauty blog. See? You'll get consistency AND unexpected surprises with this blog. All in all, I do want this to be a very unique and fun experience for all!
So...are you ready? I expect this will be a great journey, and I'm inviting you along for the ride! Let's Go!!!
