Most makeup geeks would say that there is never too much, but I think I’ve reached a saturation point.  Granted, I will always have an interest in trying new products.. but I don’t feel like there are many things missing in my collection’s current form.  Often when a new product or collection is launched I will check it out, but I’m pretty critical in the sense that I’m always looking out for dupes.  It’s so easy to get caught up in your comfort zone, until you realize that you’ve got 5 lipstick and 8 glosses that are maybe a shade or so apart.  A collection by it’s very nature could be considered “excessive”, but these days I’m really looking for those unique items, those products that are really different from what I already own.

With that said, I’ve decided that it’s time to sit down and do a proper inventory.  Until I’ve finished said inventory I won’t be purchasing anything new.. with the exception of replacing something like foundation or moisturizer.  Once it’s been completed I may or may not continue the “no-buy” for a month or two and really focus on shopping my stash.  I’ve also considered going through my backups and deciding on whether they’re really necessary.  I may even consider selling some things, but Canada Post is so expensive it really makes it hard to give people a good deal.

But I digress.  I do have a few things coming in the mail, but that aside I will be doing my best to avoid temptation.  But I figure that if I’m able to pass up the funky packaging of the Give Me Liberty of London launch.. I should be able to make it through.  Thanks to the ladies at Love Life Lipstick for the additional inspiration.

Wish me luck!

Greasepaint Stick Swatches

Now I’m on a kick with swatches, so here’s the next installment. This time around I’m featuring two similar products for the eyes that are multi-purpose as bases, liners and shadows.

The Greasepaint Stick made it’s debut this past fall with the release of MAC’s Style Black collection. It was released in a single colour that didn’t have a name, but matched the rest of the collection by being an intense black with a slight purple shimmer undertone. Shortly afterwards, the DSquared collection saw the release of two more colours, V (purple) and B (blue). Unfortunately, all three were limited edition.

Greasepaint Stick:
A smooth and creamy black eye crayon with an opalescent sparkle finish specially formulated for maximum drama. Easily provides ultra-high-level coverage. Versatile. Use as a soft but intense liner or blend out to create a smoke-like shadow. Long-wearing. Transfer and water-resistant. Limited edition.

- maccosmetics.com.au

Greasepaint Stick Collection

Shadestick Swatches

Shadesticks have been around for quite some time, but like so many other products they have been scaled back in recent months. Neutral shades can still be found in stores and online, but the bold, bright colours were retired as the Paint Pots rolled out as the newest, must-have eye product.

Shadestick:
A smooth and silky, rich and creamy eye shadow delivered in a sophisticated stick-style format. Provides rich gem-style colour overlaid by soft semi-precious finishes of shine. Glides on: works as a shadow – or a liner. Builds up coverage from sheer: colour always looks fabulous. More than an eye shadow. Total I-impact.- maccosmetics.ca

Only time will tell if the gp/s will be a true replacement for the s/s. They are definitely two very different formulas, but it would be fantastic to see a release of some brighter bases that will remain in the permanent line.

Shadestick Collection

Mattene Lipstick Swatches

It’s been far too long since I’ve updated with a “stash” post. During today’s makeup storage re-organization I figured I might as well knock out another one.

Some more lip products, this time featuring the slender tubed Mattene and Slimshine lipsticks. While the packaging looks similar, the formulas couldn’t be anymore different.

Mattene Lipstick:
With its streamlined design, this new slimline lipcolour, features the traditional glamour properties of a matte lipstick – intense colour and semi-matte velvety finish – while offering a creamier, softer, more glide-on application. Non-caking, non drying. Moisturizing and incredibly wearable yet absolutely matte.

- maccosmetics.ca

Slimshine Lipstick:
A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.

- maccosmetics.ca

Slimshine Lipstick Swatches

By far my favourite of the two finishes is Mattene. I love matte lips, they’ve just got this air of refinement about them. The greatest thing about this formulation compared to many other matte lipsticks, is the fact that they’re so moisturizing. The best of both worlds.

Mattene & Slimshine Lipstick

More of the Stash:

• Limited Edition Lipstick
• Dazzleglass

Two Tone

This look was inspired by the Spring Colour Forecast using a mix of pinks and corals, plus a bit of a twist. I’ve been fascinated with two toned lips for ages and figured this would be a good opportunity to try it out. Since pink and peach aren’t too much of a contrast, this came out relatively subtle. I actually really liked it, what do you think?

Face

• Make Up Forever HD Foundation / 153
• Maybelline Super Stay Makeup 24HR / Honey Beige
• MAC Eye Shadow / Handwritten
• MAC Brow Set / Clear
• MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush / Dollymix
• MAC Powder Blush / Rhubarb
• MAC Studio Fix / NC 42

Eyes

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• MAC Eye Shadow / Coral, Da Bling, Rule, Sushi Flower, Motif, Arena, Blanc Type & Handwritten (upper)
• Da Bling, Motif & Expensive Pink (lower)
• Bobbi Brown Gel Liner / Black Ink
• MAC Eye Pencil / Coffee
• MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara / Black Fix

Lips

• MAC Lip Pencil / Magenta
• MAC Frost Lipstick / Trimming Talk
• MAC Cremesheen Lipstick / Ravishing
• MAC Lipglass / Clear

Two Tone 2

Two Tone: Close Up Lips

Two Tone: Close Up Eyes

Enjoy!

After my last experience I felt much more comfortable moving around the space, and I felt like my browsing was more efficient. I knew roughly where the points of interest were, which helped me navigate through all the rooms relatively quickly. It so happened that what I was after was in fact there, the old style pigment jars.. yay! I’ve got a lot of pressing to do now. By far though, the lip products were a great deal.. they were all $10 each and buy one get one free! Good times I say, good times.

Warehouse Haulage

I also managed to pick up the free gift and charity bag. The charity bags are fantastic, they cost $5 and the full proceeds to to charity. My bag contained a pearlglide eye liner, an eye shadow, a lipstick and a blush.. for $5!  The free gift was a Mineralized Skin Finish in Perfect Topping, a limited edition item from last year’s Sugarsweet collection.

If you have any questions about the sale or any of the products, just let me know.  Enjoy the photos. :]

Warehouse Haul: Concealer & Skin

Left to right;
mini Fix+, Fix+ Rose, Green Gel Cleanser, Charged Water (Renewal Defense), Charged Water (Revitalizing Energy)
Asphalt Flower Fragrance Blend
Select Cover Up (NC42), Select Cover Up (Corrector Green), Select Cover Up (Colour Corrector Yellow), Stilife Paint, Naked Honey Skin Salve

Warehouse Haul: Tools & Lashes

Left to right;
2 oz bottle, square powder puff
272 brush, 165 brush
#20 lash, #37 lash, pencil sharpener small, #38 lash, disposable mascara wands
#41 lash, pencil sharpener duo, #46 lash
#48 lash

Warehouse Haul: Pigment, Glitter & Eyeshadow

Left to right;
(Pigments) Golden Lemon, Mega Rich, Tan, Rose, Frozen White, Spiritualize, Deep Blue Green, Copperize, Chocolate Brown
Burnt Orange Eye Shadow
Rave Pearlglide Eye Liner
Alum Eye Shadow, Reflects Transparent Teal Glitter, Reflects Very Pink Glitter, Et Tu Bouquet? Eye Shadow

Warehouse Haul: Face

Left to right;
Pink Swoon Sheertone Blush, Otherworldly Sheertone Shimmer Blush, X-Rocks Sheertone Shimmer Blush, Eversun Beauty Powder Blush
(Mineralize Skin Finish) Brunette, Perfect Topping

Warehouse Haul: Lips

Left to right;
Poco Pink Lacquer, Rags to Riches Dazzleglass, Looks Like Sin Cremesheen Glass, Moonbathe Lipglass, Foolishly Fab Plushglass, Loving Touch See Thru Lip Colour, Wonderstruck Lustreglass
Lavender Whip Cremesheen Lipstick, What A Do! Frost Lipstick, Lovin’ It Lustre Lipstick, Grenadine Slimshine, Immodest Mattene
Saplicious Lipgelée

Here’s the deal: “Post 10 things that make you happy, try to do at least one of them today, link back to the person who awarded you and pass along for up to ten people.”

In no particular order:

1. Sunshine – I love the sun.  Sunshine makes the winter bearable, and I love picking up a tan in the summer.   Safely mind you, rock that sunscreen everyday!
2. Naps – What can I say, I love naps!
3. Music – Music is a wonderful thing that makes my world go around.  It can be  inspring, soothing, energizing.. whatever I need it to be.  My taste in music is quite fluid and eclectic – genres are good for organization, but good music transcends genres.
4. Makeup – Yep.  It makes me epically happy.. a very passionate hobby.
5. Dancing – I think it has to do with my love of music.  Dancing around the house or in front of the mirror is not uncommon.. I don’t get out much to dance any more, but when I do.. it’s on. :]
6. Travel – I love travelling.  Admittedly, I haven’t done much of it recently.. I’m hoping for a tropical vacation within the next year.
7. Shopping – It’s just fun.  Whether I’m shopping for makeup, music or clothes.. or something like necessities at WalMart.  I’m always looking for a good deal and comparing between brands.
8. Blogging – This blog has been a great way for me to look back and see how far I’ve come in terms of everything makeup related.  Not to mention I’ve come across other fabulous bloggers in the realm of beauty blogging!
9. Friends – I’m a social creature to be sure, but over the years my circle of friends has shrunk significantly.  I don’t have the same patience for drama and have let go of a lot of people.  This has made me treasure my true friends that much more, as well as make room for those up and coming.
10. The Man – Love is a remarkable thing, it’s as simple as that. :]

And to pass it on, I tag these five ladies:
Awila Hearts Makeup, Beda’s Beauty Blog, Gimme That Glow, Scandalous Beauty, Vanity Snob

Brown Smoke

Face

• Make Up Forever HD Foundation / 153
• Maybelline Super Stay Makeup 24HR / Honey Beige
• MAC Brow / Stud
• MAC Brow Set / Clear
• MAC Beauty Powder Blush / On A Mission
• MAC Studio Fix / NC 42

Eyes

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• MAC Eye Shadow / Arena, Saddle, Typographic & Blanc Type
• Bobbi Brown Gel Eye Liner / Black Ink
• MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil / Feline
• L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara / Carbon Black

Lips

• Nyx Lip Liner / 1000 Years
• MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick / Blankety
• MAC Lipglass / Soft Wave

Brown Smoke 2

Brown Smoke 3

Brown Smoke: Close Up

There are lots of options when it comes to keeping your brushes clean. The most thorough is commonly called a deep clean. This is when you literally take your brushes to the sink, and wash them like you would your own hair; wet, shampoo, condition, style/shape and dry. While this is a great way to clean your brushes, it can be very time consuming with numerous brushes. A quicker alternative is to spot clean, which you can do more frequently. You can pick up cleansers at various shops and online retailers, or you can make your own. Most people probably have these items at home already, which makes it a very affordable option. Just keep in mind that if your dish soap or shampoo/conditioner has a scent it will be on your brushes, so if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing you may want to find some non-scented ones.

Please keep in mind that the following measurements are just a rough estimate, depending on how much you want to make and the size of your bottle. I use a 250mL spray bottle and it lasts at least a month.

• ¾ cup of distilled water
• ¼ cup of isopropyl alcohol (minimum 70%)

• ½ tbsp of dish soap

• ½ tbsp of shampoo
• 1 tbsp conditioner (spray/liquid condition is best)

** alternatively you can use 1 ½ tbsp of a 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner

Everything goes into a 2 cup measuring cup, (very) gently stir everything together and then pour into your bottle.

Bright Smoke

Face

• Korres Vitamin E Face Primer
• Make Up Forever HD Foundation / 153
• Maybelline Super Stay Makeup 24HR / Honey Beige
• MAC Brow / Stud
• MAC Brow Set / Clear
• MAC Powder Blush / Emote
• MAC Studio Fix / NC 42

Eyes

• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• Ben Nye Lumiére Eye Shadow / Sun Yellow, Tangerine, Azalea
• MAC Eye Shadow / Blanc Type, Arena, Poison Pen, Carbon
• Make Up For Ever Eye Shadow / no. 92
• Bobbi Brown Gel Eye Liner / Black Ink
• GOSH Velvet Touch Eye Liner / Black Ink
• Styli-Style Line & Seal 24 Twist for Eyes / 172 Emerald
• L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara / Carbon Black
• MAC 45 Lash

Lips

• NYX Lip Pencil / 1000 Years
• MAC Lustre Lipstick / Viva Glam V
• MAC Lipglass / Viva Glam V

Bright Smoke 2

Bright Smoke 3

Bright Smoke: Close Up