Sunday, April 20, 2014

MAC Playland Collection Review


MAC Playland Collection was released at MAC Counters on 4/17/14. From the swatches online I knew that I had to wait to view this collection in stores in order to be convinced that the colors would be unique to my collection. Here is what I purchased:



Genuine orange chromographic pencil:
This pencil is for the lip area only. It is described as a bright orange, but shows up as more of a muted yellow toned orange. It is much better than MAC's previously popular orange liner named Entertain Me, which is more of a red orange. In the top left pic I used the pencil alone and in the top right photo I lined my lips with MAC Auburn liner. In the bottom left picture I added MAC morange to the center of the Genuine orange and Auburn liners. I am excited to play with this pencil this spring/summer.

Playland lipstick:
Playland is described as a frosted yellow gold. I do not have anything like it and it is unique to my collection. I have yet to identify a similar lip color. I know that Makeup Forever makes a gold lipstick but it is more of a bronze gold. I lined my lips with MAC hodgepodge liner after applying the Playland Lipstick. I plan to layer this lipstick and have fun wearing it alone! It looks great alone and these impromptu pictures does this color no justice.

Toying Around lipstick:
Toying Around is described as a hot coral pink. This is a very unique color to my collection and it is perfect for spring/summer. When paired with a pink liner, it appears more coral and a red liner brings out the pink. I paired this lipstick with MAC Basic Red liner. This will be a fun color to practice we

 
Sweet Experience Lipstick:
Sweet Experience is described as a bright pink with an amplified finish. It is less frosty than MAC St. Germaine and more frosty than MAC Snob, it seems to be their lovechild or a cross between the two permanent colors. I paired it with MAC Hodgepodge liner in the pic and I plan to play with various liners in the future.

I think this is one of the most exciting MAC collections since the Punk Couture collection in December. In terms of uniqueness, the must-haves of this collection are the Genuine Orange pencil and the Playland lipstick. What are your thoughts on the collection? Were you able to pick up anything? Feel free to leave questions or comments below. 






March Favorites

Hello JFOG Readers!

March was busy so I didn't blog much. I also started a new position as a beauty advisor at Sephora! I am loving the journey! I have already had rich experiences and I have met some of the best and most talented/knowledgeable people in the beauty industry! I look forward to sharing with my readers valuable product knowledge and beauty tips that I learn! Here are the products that I loved during the month of March:

Ole Henricksen Truth SerumI received a deluxe sample of this serum when I redeemed my beauty insider points at Sephora (100 points). I have recently learned how important serums are to skincare - they are considered the vitamins of your skincare routine. Serums are most effective when applied after cleansing and toning and just before moisturizing. I used it during the entire month of March but I haven't used it long enough to say that my skin has transformed completely thanks to this product. However, I feel comfortable saying that I noticed that my skin was visibly less dull after using this serum. I urge all of my readers to research skincare serums and to find one that works for you. This product is available for purchase in Sephora stores and at Sephora.com.



Bite Beauty Matte Lip Crayon in grape - I wore this lip color nearly everyday during the month of March. I love this lip crayon for several reasons. First of all it's matte! Hello I'm the matte lip product goddess! Secondly it's long-wearing! I can literally eat, drink, and shower and this product will still be on my lips. I remove it at night with waterproof eye makeup remover pads from Almay (the ones that are not oil-free). The Bite Beauty lip crayons are retractable so they last "forever" and are easy to apply. They smell soooo good - they have a fruity scent, similar to an orange creamsicle. They are organic so if you are more aware of ingredients in cosmetics these are on the safe list. The matte crayons are limited edition so be sure to get it now before they are gone forever! Bite Beauty focuses on lip products and the line also features permanent lip crayons, retractable lip liners, a lip masque, lip scrub, and lip glosses. Bite Beauty is exclusive to Sephora and can be purchased online or in stores. The crayon retails for $24. I did a comparison to Mac's Heroine lipstick on Instagram and included the pic below - I am wearing the Bite crayon in the pic on the top right side of the collage, and I'm in Mac Heroine lipstick in the pic on bottom.  



Glamglow Thirstymud Masque - this product just became available at Sephora in January and it is already one of the most raved about skincare products of the year! The masque is moisturizing, calming, hydrating, and multi-functional. You can use it as a treatment, where you apply it to clean skin and wear it for 20 minutes, rinse, and follow with your serum and moisturizer. You can sleep in this masque and rinse the next morning just before you complete your morning cleansing routine. You can apply GlamGlow ThirstyMud to wear while on an airplane to aid in preventing dehydrated skin that accompanies travel and climate/altitude changes. The masque can also be used as a moisturizer to be applied daily or under makeup. It is recommended that you use it at least twice per week and you may use it more if you prefer. I like to sleep in ThirstyMud two nights per week and I rinse the following morning before I wash my face with cleanser. It is a light, non-greasy creamy product that has a light coconut smell. It is safe for people with oily or combination skin. (I have combination to oily skin). 


Too Faced The Perfect Flush Blush in Something About Berry - I have worn this blush nearly everyday since Valentines Day. I focus on applying the blush from the hot pink section of the multi-dimensional blush. The light pink and golden colors can be worn as highlighters for my complexion but I have yet to try it this way. It is recommended that you mix the colors to create the perfect blush shade. I also sweep this blush into my crease on most days when I'm trying to do my makeup on the go and don't want to transport a ton of products. I purchased this blush at Sephora and it is still available at Sephora stores and Ulta. 


Mac Magnetic Appeal Mineralize Skin Finish - I purchased this MSF in December and just started wearing it in March. It offers a very pretty golden highlight to the high points of my cheeks and I also sweep it across my eyelid each day when I don't have time to do a complicated eye look. This product was limited edition but I believe that it will be repromoted this year so keep an eye out for it if you are interested. 

Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara - I used this mascara during most days in March. It lengthens and adds volume to my short lashes. This mascara does not clump easily and the formula is extra black! I received this as a deluxe sample at Sephora and it is available online at Sephora.com or makeupforever.com as well as in Sephora stores and Makeup Forever boutiques. 



Darcy's Botanicals Deep Conditioning Mask - this is one of my favorite deep conditioners of all time. I don't keep it on hand regularly because it is pricey but I am considering adding it to my holy grail list. It makes my hair super soft and assists in helping my hair retain moisture between wash days. I purchased this deep conditioner online at darcysbotanicals.com. 



I hope you enjoyed my monthly favorites. Are you guys using or thinking of trying any of these product? Please let me know in the comments section below. If you have additional questions please email me at jarfullofglam@yahoo.com. Please stay tuned for more posts as I plan to get back into blogging more about fashion in the upcoming months.