In light of a few written reviews in my pending queue, I wanted to address something. It was actually touched on a few days ago on Twitter with Rai and I felt like it was about time I talked about it in full.

One of my favourite things about the online beauty community is the ability to read up on or watch what products other people are loving (or hating). Reviews are a good way to help determine what may be a good pick for you, and while they’re not absolute (since we’re all different), it can be a helpful guide in the endless ocean of products available.

There have been many reviews that have either introduced me to new brands and products, and just as many that have helped to prevent what would have been poor purchases. Reviews come in all shapes and sizes, while maintaining their effectiveness. Some people choose the written form, others go for video format. Some reviews are very in-depth and detailed, while some are more succinct and to the point. A good review can be any combination of these.

But I’m not here to talk about those reviews. I’m here to talk about the reviews that I feel are detrimental to the entire concept. In my opinion, there has been a steady increase in questionable reviews recently. To me, a review is more complex than a simple opinion. It’s an experience, or even better, a series of experiences.

I can’t help but question someone who will publish a review on brushes after using them for a few days, or someone that will rave about a nail polish the same day they put it on. What about longevity? To me, that’s a key component when I’m deciding to buy something. Brushes have always been investments to me (regardless of the price), so if they fall apart after a few months – I’m not interested. If a polish chips after a day or two, why bother?

There’s definitely an element of wanting to be the first to review a particular product, but I can’t help but question a person’s credibility and integrity when a review comes across as rushed and thoughtless. If the entire point of a review is to help others, how can you call it a review when it’s entirely un-helpful?

I found this while browsing the forums on Specktra and thought it’d be fun to add here too. You’re supposed to list your favourites based on colour and/or texture for the given shade of the ‘rainbow’.

MAC Eye Shadow Rainbow

WHITE: Gesso
OFF WHITE: Blanc Type
RED: Post Haste
ORANGE: Sunsplosion
YELLOW: Bright Sunshine
YELLOW-GREEN: Eyepopping
GREEN: Bio Green
BLUE-GREEN: Gulfstream
PINK: Sushi Flower
PINK-PURPLE: Star Violet
PURPLE: Parfait Amour
BLUE-PURPLE: Violet Trance
BLUE: Clarity
TAUPE: Style Snob
BROWN: Tete-A-Tint
BLACK: Typographic
GRAY: Apres Ski
HIGHLIGHT: Goldbit
GOLD: Woodwinked
SILVER: Silverthorn

DUO CHROME/UNSURE: Vellum
MINERALIZED EYESHADOW (MES): Sea & Sky

A lot of my friends would probably laugh if they saw the title ‘Moderation is Key’ and knew that I was referring to makeup. I make no excuses for my love of makeup but as with all things, balance is very important. It can seem overwhelming at times, when everyone is showcasing their hauls and new collections are popping up with ever increasing frequency.

When I start to feel like it’s too much, I take a few minutes to think about what I already have. The idea of ‘shopping your stash’ is a great way to moderate and manage the allure of new cosmetics. It’s one thing to add something unique but let’s be honest, twenty-five brow bone highlight options are superfluous (despite how pretty they may be to look at).

The past few days I’ve come to realize that I will need to moderate my own spending this month. Even though September has just started for me, I already know it’s going to be a busy and expensive month. So much so, that I’ve had to pass on my plans to hit up the quarterly Estee Lauder warehouse sale in Markham. I’ve been planning for it, yet when unexpected events come up, you really just have to adapt and make changes.

I am happy with what I have and I am fortunate to have what I have. Even though I know the working collection will continue to grow over time, I don’t feel that I must take every opportunity to expand upon it, especially when it would mean putting myself in a bad spot financially.

Love your makeup. Just remember, creativity spawns from within, not from the size of your collection.

Of all the fall collections, Style Black from MAC has had my attention from the start.  I’ve been pondering how to put my own spin on such a striking collection.

Why?

..because it’s something different that challenges the usual aesthetic. Granted, black cosmetics are hardly cutting edge or unique, but you don’t see them that often. The idea of wearing pure black on the lips may definitely intimidating for some, but it really surprises me how often it’s written off as tacky or too trendy for the average makeup aficionado. Personally, I see it as a bit of a challenge. Not only to see how I can make it work, but also any alternative ways to utilize the product.

Black lipstick or gloss is something that can stand alone, or it can be used to deepen up any other lip colour. Using a coloured liner beneath a black gloss will change the undertone. Mixing colours will produce hues not found in a tube. Adding pigment or glitter can alter the texture with interesting effects.

Some people are slave to trends, changing their style as quickly as thing roll out.  Some people make it a point to defy trends and stick with what is safe.  Other people pick and choose what they like, what strikes them as interesting and make it work for them.

To each their own, but personally; Style Black will be a challenge and will definitely require some creative finesse, but I fully intend on making it work for me.

This morning I was browsing some beauty blogs and came across this tag on Expressions of You, which is run by Naomi. I thought it sounded like fun and decided to do it. Basically, it’s my recommendations for MAC products specifically for the eye.. lid.

If you decide to do your own version, please leave me  a comment or a reply on Twitter, so I can see what you like.

Eye Shadow Base

• Paints: whichever neutral suits you and whichever colours you want to get your hands on :]

Eye Colour

• Eye Shadows (pressed):  Blanc Type, Tete-A-Tint, Handwritten, Typographic, Satin Taupe, Clarity, Humid, Parfait Amour, Sushi Flower, Rule
• Pigments (loose):  Blonde’s Gold, Chocolate Brown, Cornflower, Electric Coral, Fuchsia, Golden Lemon, Golden Olive, Grape, Melon, Naked

Eye Liner

• Eye Pencil: Coffee
• Fluidline: Blacktrack, Macroviolet, Rich Ground
• Kohl Power Eye Pencil: Feline*, Raven, Orpheus, Jealous
• Pearl Glide Liner: Rave

Brushes

• 212:  flat (square) definer brush
• 217:  blending brush
• 219:  pencil brush
• 226:  small tapered blending brush
• 239:  eye shading (lay down) brush
• 242:  (synthetic) shader brush

I intentionally left out Paint Pots and Shadesticks because while I feel they can be great to make colours pop, they didn’t hold up against creasing for me.  For newcomers to makeup or even just to MAC, I think there are better options to start with for bases.

*With the exception of Feline (soon to be mine!) I own and have used these products.. so if some tried and true items appear to be missing, that’s why.

It’s always interesting to see how other makeupistas keep their collections stored. Whether it’s furniture inspiration, storage units or organization tips, I’ll check it out. Seeing how people set things up is just as fun as seeing what other people have in their collections.

One thing I do see from time to time though when storage is housed in the bathroom.

Gah!

That ‘gah’ is twofold. Twofold because bathrooms are inherently dirty, and they get hot & humid with showers.

Taking a closer look, the surfaces of most bathrooms are gross due to the aerosols expelled each and every time you flush the toilet. Yep, that’s toilet bowl material on your brushes and whatever else it laying out.. toothbrush, rinse cup.  Nasty.

The next aspect which is less gross but still a concern, is humidity. The heat and moisture that builds up in a bathroom can drastically shorten the life of your cosmetics. This is particularly true for liquid and cream products, since emollient environments are bacterial havens. Powder products will take longer to spoil, but over time the moisture may cause the texture to change
.
I’m not suggesting that anyone live in an anti-bacterial/viral bubble, but at the same time, do your products and your face a favour.. keep your brushes and cosmetics in a cooler, drier place.. that isn’t your bathroom.

Want to read more about those aerosols?
http://cals.arizona.edu/media/archives/6.11.html
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1317/does-flushing-the-toilet-cause-dirty-water-to-be-spewed-around-the-bathroom

On occasion I like answering questionnaires, and I just found this on Makeup Crushes (who also has an awesome chilled out playlist on her page) and decided to join in. It’s very long and definitely not for the impatient or easily distracted. Enjoy!

How long have you been using MAC?
since January of 2008

What was your first MAC product?
Mulch / eye shadow & Goldspice (Metal-X) / cream eye shadow

What’s your all time favourite MAC product?
paints & pigments

What’s your least favourite MAC product?
Prep + Prime Skin

Do you own a MACPro Card?
no

Your MAC foundation shade?
NW35-NC44 depending on the time of year

What’s your favourite MAC foundation?
don’t have a favourite

What’s your favourite MAC blush?
Just A Pinch / gel blush

What’s your favourite MAC powder?
Dark / blot powder

What’s your favourite MAC eye shadow?
Blanc Type / matte2

What’s your favourite MAC lipstick?
What A Do / frost

What’s your favourite MAC eye liner?
Raven / kohl power

What’s your favourite MAC lipgloss?
Ola Mango / lipglass

What’s your favourite MAC lip liner?
Caramellow / cremestick liner

What’s your favourite MAC brush?
109 / face & 217 / eye

What’s your favourite MAC nail lacquer?
don’t own any

What’s your favourite MACPro Product?
Red Brick eyeshadow / matte

Comment on the following Mac products.
Have you used them? If so, give feedback:

Prep + Prime Skin: do not like

Full Coverage Foundation: /

Studio Sculpt Foundation: /

Face + Body Foundation: /

Mineralize Satin Finish: was great for a while, then started looking streaky

Studio Fix Fluid: didn’t blend out well

Hyper Real Foundation: /

Select SPF15 Foundation: /

Studio Tech Foundation: great for full coverage

Studio Fix Powder: good coverage for a powder

Studio Stick: /

Hyper Real Pressed Foundation: /

Beauty Powder: /

Sculpting and Shaping Powder: great for contouring, love that it’s matte

Loose Blot Powder: /

Pressed Blot Powder: love it, great for touch ups

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural: I set liquid foundation with it, but it can oxidize if I use too much

Mineralize Skinfinish: lovely for highlighting and great for adding dimension to blush

Bronzing Powder: /

Powder Blush: great

Blushcreme: /

Mineralize Blush: beautiful, the texture is amazingly smooth

Gel Blush: fantastic!

Cream Color Base: nice as a blush base, don’t reach for them often however

Studio Sculpt Concealer: ok, but didn’t love it

Select Cover Up Concealer: /

Select Moisturecover Concealer: /

Studio Finish Concealer: good coverage, needs to be thinned out for under eye area

Studio Stick: /

Lip Erase: /

Tinted Lip Conditioner: smooth, very moisturizing & great colour payoff

Lipstick: love all the different textures

Lipglass: great colour range, can get sticky if too much applied

See Thru Lip Color: good stain

Dazzleglass: gorgeous sparkly goodness, too much is extremely sticky though

Cremesheen Glass: /

Lip Gelee: /

Lip Pencil: nice colours, can be drying

Cremestick Liners: smooth, longer lasting

Solar Bits: easier to use with mixing medium

Nail Lacquer: /

Shadestick: some of them are too glittery

Paint: amazing bases

Paint Pots: usually need another base under them

Eye Shadow: love them

Pigment: amazing colour, best used with bases and/or mixing medium

Glitter: fun on occasion

Eye Kohl: intense, but smudge very easily

Chromaline: /

Liquid Last Liner: definitely last, a pain to get off

Lustre Drops: love them

False Lashes: nice, but can find similar for less

ProLash Mascara: /

Zoom Lash Mascara: /

Plush Lash Mascara: /

Fibre Rich Lash Mascara: /

Dazzle Lash Mascara: good, but nothing fabulous

What has been your favourite Mac collection to date? Cult of Cherry

Which Mac collection, in your opinion, do you think was disappointing, if any? I don’t get disappointed really, it’s a break for my wallet when I don’t find things to buy.

What products do you think Mac are missing? Can’t think of anything off the top of my head.

The other day I got a friend request from a seller on MySpace who specializes in fake MAC products.  Today, I watched some videos on how to tell the difference between authentic and fake eye shadow, and authentic and fake pigments. So, I guess that’s my cue to talk about my opinion on the matter of impostor brands.

Personally, I don’t support impostor cosmetics. They are not something I will purchase and that’s because the business is done with deception at the forefront. If someone is claiming to be selling an authentic product and it’s fake, how can you trust anything else that’s promised?

• How do you know it’s safe?
• How do you know it hasn’t been used?

It’s just bad business to lie to your customers.

Consider: the manufacturers
As I said before, I think it’s pretty lame to produce something and try to pass it off as genuine. It’s one thing to be an imitation, without actually using the original’s name. But to try to fool people into thinking that something is real, by using the brand name down to the individual product names.. that’s just blatant lies. For the ‘high quality’ fakes, think about this: if your product is actually decent, why not just launch your own line (Cosmetics Art Makeup anyone?) instead of trying to usurp the fame of a brand that’s taken the time and effort to build its name and following. Answer.. because they’re greedy.

Consider: the consumers
If people are making an informed decision about what they’re buying, my stance is neutral. Not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on makeup, and there isn’t a thing wrong with that. I just find it amusing when they act stupid and put down people that actually support the authentic brand. You want to buy something on the cheap, that’s cool. You want to drop the cash, also cool. To each their own..

..and no high horses for anyone.

I saw this questionnaire over at Specktra. Being the eye shadow fiend that I am, I couldn’t resist.

Quiz: Eye Shadows

1. Best overall eyeshadow?
Expensive Pink / MAC Veluxe Pearl

2. Most unique eyeshadow?
Nymph / QUO

3. Most overrated eyeshadow?
Carbon / MAC Matte

4. Best eyeshadow to use as a liner?
Lush Raven / L’Oreal Wear Infinité

5. Best eyeshadow to use as a highlighter?
Blanc Type / MAC Matte2

6. Favorite L/E eyeshadow?
Sunsplosion / MAC Veluxe Pearl

7. Eyeshadow that you wish was made permanent?
Flip / MAC Frost

8. Discontinued eyeshadow you wish came back?
The entire N collection: Dark Edge, Modest Tone, Nanogold, Neutral Pink, Remotely Grey, Rich Flesh and the entire C-Shock collection: Bang On Blue, Big T, Eyepopping, Fab & Flashy, Going Bananas, Romping and Wondergrass.

9. Favorite matte eyeshadow?
Red Brick / MAC Matte (Pro)

10. Worst overall eyeshadow
Wondering / Fresh Minerals

Within every community there are bound to be disagreements and different perspectives, but recently the spotlight has been focused on something that isn’t new: expectations.

Gurus have expectations.  Subscribers have expectations.

Someone speaks on it, and bam pow wham.. it’s chaos.

To those in the role of guru..
If you think it’s a good idea to put yourself out there on the interwebz, then please realize that it would also be a good idea to invest in some thick skin and sharpen your ability to distinguish hate from constructive criticism.  You may be super cute, you may have mad crazy super skills, you may explain things thoroughly.. you may in fact be the best, but the truth is; not everyone is going to love you, like you or even be civil to you.  You are literally putting yourself out on the world stage, which not only makes you a target for appreciation and thanks, but for criticism and malice.  The audience is always a mix of love and hate and for the well being of yourself, focus on the love.. and dismiss the hate.

To those in the role of subscriber..
Interaction is fun, it’s great.. but for the guru with even 100 subscribers it’s time consuming.  It takes you a few minutes to write a question or five.. it might take them the same to get back to you, maybe longer.  So for your 5 minute question.. that’s over 8 hours of responses.. now put that subscriber number up in the thousands and there literally just isn’t enough time in the day.

These words may be useful to remember; you can’t always get what you waaaaaant.  Whether that’s wanting people to read the sidebar or do their own research, or whether that’s wanting an immediate response to your question about foundation or repeating questions for the 38th time.  Everyone has a life, what it revolves around isn’t really any of your business.  Just be assured that it doesn’t revolve around you.

Adjust your expectations and all will be well.  I promise.