Update on MAC Hello Kitty Collection

Not long ago, I've mentioned about the possible MAC Hello Kitty collection in an earlier post. This is an update on this limited-edition collection. It has been confirmed (yay!) that the MAC & Hello Kitty collaboration will be released in February, 2009. It is great news for MAC devotees and Hello Kitty fans!

According to Specktra, there will be a couture inspired, jewel laden compact housing a mystery powder and featuring Hello Kitty. I do not have the information on the rest of this collection. If you have heard any rumors about this collection, please feel free to keep me posted :-D

MAC Hello Kitty Collection

Updated on December 21th, 2009:
According to WWD, the limited-edition Hello Kitty collection will be launched at MAC's website on February 10th, 2009, and will be available at North American stores on February 12th. For all the overseas coveted fans, this collection is set to be released worldwide in March 2009. However, a waiting list for this highly-raved collection will be available at MAC's website on January 7th, 2009 .

The Hello Kitty collection collaborated between MAC Cosmetics and Sanrio features Hello Kitty Colour Collection and Hello Kitty Kouture.

The Hello Kitty Colour Collection includes:

• Lipstick: in 6 shades
• Lipglass: in 6 shades
• Tinted Lip Conditioner: in 2 shades
• Eye Shadow quad: in 2 variations (with one features violet blue, brown, gold and pink-coral shades and the other one features mint, blue-silver, pale pink and magenta shades)
• Pigment (loose color powder): in 2 shades
• Reflects Glitter: in 2 shades
• Glitter Eye Liner: in 4 shades
• Plush Lash mascara: in 1 shade
• false eyelash
• Beauty Powder: in 2 shades
• Beauty Powder Blush: in 2 shades
• Nail Lacquer: in 3 shades

The Hello Kitty Kouture includes:

• Dazzleglass: in 2 shades
• Sheer Mystery Powder: in 3 shades

There will also be some beauty accessories in this collection, including:

• petite Makeup Bag and medium Makeup Bag
• plush doll, purse mirror and brush collection (available only at MAC stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com)
• mirrored key clip and beaded bracelet (available only at MAC stores and at maccosmetics.com)
• tote and a soft vanity kit (exclusive to maccosmetics.com)

I had high hopes of MAC's Hello Kitty collection after learning the news of this upcoming collaboration between MAC Cosmetics and Sanrio. Unfortunately, I was disappointed when I saw the promo images of this collection. Although the pink-based makeup colors are spring-like and youthful, the packaging just looks less appealing than what I expected. It seems to lack of a breathtaking "kawaii" vibe that the famed Hello Kitty enticed its fans. But I still would like to wait and see what the collection look like in person to make my final judgement.

[Resource: WWD]

Updated on January 7th, 2009:
Do check out my post here for pictures of full MAC Hello Kitty Collection :)

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MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite

MAC released the Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo as part of the Electro Flash Collection in July, 2008. The Electro Flash Collection features nine Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos in various contrast color combinations.

In fact, this is not the first time MAC Cosmetics launched the mineral eyeshadows. In 2006, the A Muse Collection released five mineral eyeshadow duos; in 2007, the Antiquitease collection featured five mineral eyeshadow duos. All of these, including the mineral eyeshadow duos from the Electro Flash Collection, came out as limited editions. I am glad MAC decided to bring back the best-selling Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos and include them in the permanent Mineral collection.

In this collection, every eyeshadow is hand baked and therefore, every Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo has different veining on the swirled side. It certainly has a sense of uniqueness.

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite

Shade

I bought the Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in Polar Opposite when the Electro Flash Collection was out. Polar Opposite features a mélange of dusty purple, indigo, plum, pink, champagne and silver grey on one side, a solid shade of true shimmery silver on the other side. While the monoshade of silver contains frosty and metallic shimmer, the swirled side features subtle shimmer. The color combination is really beautiful. It is such a shame that Polar Opposite isn't included in the permanent Mineral collection.

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite

Pigment

The Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos in the Star Flash Collection are very pigmented. But I am cautious to pick up the colors little by little with a light hand. Otherwise, it will end up with colors that are too intense.

Texture

The texture is soft and smooth. It has a fluffy and powdery consistency, making it quite easy to pick up the colors with fingers. This is a plus when I am on the go.

Finish

The monoshade of shimmering silver imparts a frosty finish. If I sweep the shades on the swirled side all together, it delivers a denim purple finish with subtle shimmer. The finish is more on the blue side than red tones. This eyeshadow duo can be used wet or dry. When used wet, the finish is more pigmented and saturated.

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite

Staying Power

I am disappointed by its staying power. The colors fall out and tend to crease at midday. On hot summer days, the colors wear off more easily. Thus, I usually use a primer under this eyeshadow duo to ensure a long-lasting effect.

Summary

I have sensitive skin, and skin around my eyes sometimes get redness and irritation. I found this Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo is gentle to the skin. It doesn't irritate my skin. Since it is a mineral-based eyeshadow, it can be removed easily with lukewarm water.

I think Polar Opposite has a unique color combination of silver, dusty purple, plum, pink and champagne. The solid silver shade can be worn alone or paired with the swirled shades. I like to use the indigo and plum as lining shades. The blend of dusty purple, pink, champagne are really beautiful shading colors. The shades are versatile and well-coordinated to create soft smoky eyes or a casual look. It is such a shame that the only downside is the lack of lasting power.

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MAC Emanuel Ungaro Collection

MAC has collaborated with the designer of Emanuel Ungaro Esteban Cortazar to create a limited-edition makeup collection due in stores in the US on Sept 25th Oct 2nd, 2008. It is going to be MAC's second collaboration for its designer makeup series. The first designer makeup collection was a collaboration with Alexander McQueen that was launched last fall.

I am a fan of Emanuel Ungaro's ultra feminine, colorful and classy fashion design. It is no surprise that the makeup colors from the Ungaro collection are based on romantic pale pastels and soft light textures. The lip and cheek colors are demure with muted pale pinks and beiges. Inspired by French Impressionist Claude Monet's "Water Lilies", the eye colors are colorful and rich in earthy, pink, blue and violet tones.

MAC Emanuel Ungaro Collection includes:

Lipstick
Left: Frechletone (neutral beige) Right: Pure Rose (pastel pink)

See Thru Lip Colour
Not So Shy! (berry stain)Lipglass
Pastel Emotion (pastel pink)

From Left to Right:
Eyeshadow: Soft Flower (coral), Lilac Touch (violet), Mineral (deep brown)& Paint Pot: Essential Beige (light metallic beige)

Cream Color Base
Left: Crushed Bougainvillea (berry stain) Right: Fresh Morning (pastel pink)

Beauty Powder
Flower Mist Dew (brightening pink)

Brow Set
Mink (brown)

The collection also features Technakohl Liner in Auto-de-blu (amethyst blue) and Zoom Lash mascara in Lofty Brown (blackened brown). In fact, these items plus the lipstick in "Frechletone" are permanent items.

I am just disappointed about the overall packaging design. I wish the collection came in something more delicate and unique that reflects the couture house's heritage in romantic style and colorful elegance.

If you are interested in swatches of the collection, check out Lushious Babe.

[Photo credit: www.iswii.net]

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Summer 2008: My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies

I am back! I apologize for not updating in the past few days. I just came back from a short but relaxing vacation in Lake Tahoe. This trip was full of bright sunshine, sandy beaches and blue skies. As much as I enjoyed all the breathtaking scenic views, it wasn't easy to get used to the temperature change from daytime to night time and protect the skin from the harsh sun rays on the beach.

I like to pack light during travel (I guess I was also forced to pack light due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rules). And, simple makeup and easy skin care routine are my philosophy during traveling. Based on my past experiences, I was always too tired to get up early finishing the delicate task of applying makeup. Secondly, for some lodging places, such as cabin, it is hard to find decent lighting to apply makeup, not to mention it is essentially mission impossible for me to have my makeup mistake-proof when visiting sunny beaches, playing water, traveling through windy or snowy places. The heat, humidity and strong wind can smear or melt the makeup within minutes. Thus, I would rather play safe with my resort makeup looks; keep it minimal and subtly fresh. Yet, my makeup will be still beautifully done to be photogenic (vacation photos last a lifetime).

I am going to share with you some of the beauty goodies that I brought in my last trip. I narrowed down the stuff that I found most travel-wise in term of size, capability and versatility. More detailed thoughts on these items will come up tomorrow.

Left to Right (Back Row):

• Burt's Bee Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment
• Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
• Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40
• Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer
• Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation

Left to Right (Front Row):

• L'Occitane Solid Perfume in Green Tea
• Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 in Peony
• MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite
• Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine lipstick in Strawberry Shine
• Kate Designing Eyebrow N set

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Will MAC Launch a Collaboration with Hello Kitty?

Here is the exciting news for Hello Kitty and MAC Cosmetics fans; according to The Cut @ New York Magazine, it is likely that MAC will release a limited-edition collaboration with Hello Kitty next year. MAC has yet to confirm the collaboration.

I remember when I was a kid, Hello Kitty and Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala) were my true friends. I have a collection of their pencil boxes and died hard to buy their new stationery when the new semester was about to start. Although, I am no longer a big fan, it is still very exciting if I could collect a couple items of Hello Kitty makeup.

I can imagine the Hello Kitty Collection will be themed with pinks. The collection will definitely lure young girls and adult fans of the adorable feline character, if this rumor ever comes true. I am looking forward to seeing what the products look like and what will have in the collection.

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MAC New View Collection: The Mineralize Skinfinish Duos

MAC Cosmetics launches at least one or two limited-edition collections every month. With so many collections coming out within such a short period of time, I can hardly catch up with their speed. Also, with so many "limited-edition" collections, their uniqueness is questionable for me. But, finally, there is one MAC collection that has caught my attention again (since MAC Heatherette Collection) and that is New View Collection.

New View Collection will be available in the US and Canada in July, 2008. It is a duo version of Mineralize Skinfinish. There will be five variations of the Mineralize Skinfinish duos. It is a combination of the existing Mineralize Skinfinish Naturals and "Natural and Shimmer" Mineralize Skinfinish. The Mineralize Skinfinish Naturals provides a natural-matte finish. And, the "Natural and Shimmer" Mineralize Skinfinish adds shimmery highlights and a polished look to the face.

[Photo credit: Bjooti.net]

Check out the details:

• Light Medium/Natural & Shimmer: pale golden beige/warm yellow beige
• Medium/Natural & Shimmer: soft creamy beige/light peachy pink
• Medium Dark/Natural & Shimmer: caramel/light tan
• Dark/ Natural & Shimmer: deep caramel/mid tone yellow gold
• Deep Dark/Natural & Shimmer: rich golden bronze/deep copper bronze
• 189 Face Brush

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MAC Heatherette Collection: Lipstick in Lollipop Loving

MAC Heatherette Collection is a collaboration between MAC cosmetics and fashion designers of Heatherette, Richie Rich and Traver Rains. The collection was released in the US in late March, 2008. It consists of lipsticks, lip glosses, eye shadow palettes, dual edge eye pencils, glitters, loose color powders, blushers, nail lacquers and fake lashes. Among all, the lipsticks and lip glosses were highly coveted. They were sold out very quickly online at MAC website.

I noticed some other items from MAC Heatherette Collection like Eye Shadow Trio and Duo Edge Eye Pencil are still available online. You can still get your hands on it if you want anything from this collection! The collection has not been available in the Asia markets since it made its debut in March this year. I have come across a few websites mentioning MAC Heatherette Colleciton might hit the stores in Asia this coming July.

At the very beginning when I first glimpsed the advertisement photos on websites, I wasn't really intrigued by the packaging at all. I admit I am fussy about make-up packaging. I thought the plastic hot pink packaging and the print of glittery silver polka dots looked too 70/80s for me. The combination has a nifty and funky personality. After I checked out the Heatherette Collection at the counter, surprisingly, I ended up liking the makeup colors!

First Impression of Heatherette Lipsticks
In the collection, the pink-based lipsticks impressed me the most. There are four lipsticks in the line-up, including Fleshpot, Lollipop Loving, Melrose Mood and Hollywood Nights. Each shade looked so girly that I wanted to take all of them home. After giving some more thought, I decided to take the lipstick in Lollipop Loving.

• Fleshpot is a pale nude beige with a warm pink undertone. It has a satin finish. As much as I like it, the fleshy beige tone looks too pale on my lips.
• Melrose Mood is a bright pastel pink with a blue undertone. It has MAC Amplified formula, which has a creamy, smooth and rich texture. The cool undertone makes the finish very intense and bright. I have fair to light skin with light yellow undertones. I don't think I can pull off the color easily and nicely.
• Hollywood Nights is a fuchsia pink with a red undertone. It is the most pigmented in the line-up. I found Hollywood Nights stayed on well after hours of wear. My lips were nicely stained when the color started to wear off. I could still see a trace of lip color after I had some food. It has an amazing staying power that is perhaps perfect for people who like long-lasting lipsticks. The color is well-balanced between levels of softness and intensity to offer a nice sense of drama and femininity. I find it is a pretty color for night occasions.

Review on Heatherette Lipstick in Lollipop LovingAs you can see from the picture, Lollipop Loving looks peachy coral in the tube. It goes on light peachy-pink. The lipstick has a good pigmentation. What makes Lollipop Loving unique is it has green and golden iridescence. I like the combination of faint pink, peachy shade and golden/green iridescence. It creates a light peachy nude finish with a hint of pale pink. It doesn't make me look washed-out like other pale lipsticks I have used. The golden/green iridescence delivers a nice healthy sheen over the lips, but not too overly shimmery.

This is my first lipstick that contains green flecks of iridescence. I am surprised to find the subtle green/golden shimmer goes so well with light peachy-pink. This color is great for spring and summer. After all, I don't really mind the packaging style if the quality and color are amazing!


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MAC Dazzleglass Collection is Up!

MAC website is updated with the Dazzleglass collection! The lip gloss collection is now available online. According to the description on MAC website, sixteen lip glosses from the collection dazzles with high shine, large particle pearls and crystalline iridescence.

Click here for swatches of part of the Dazzleglass collection!


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MAC Dazzleglass Collection

MAC Cosmetics will release the Dazzleglass Collection on May 1st, 2008. The collection has sixteen lip glosses from pales, pinks, reds, purples and browns. Dazzleglass lip glosses contain glittering sparkles to create a shine wash of color.

I am not sure if the Dazzleglass Collection will be too shiny for my liking. But I have been intrigued to try its blue and clear white lip glosses. Are you interested in any lip color from the collection?

Photo credit: Kiss and Makeup

Below are the color descriptions of the collection:

• Baby Sparks: Pale pink with violet pearl.
• Funtabulous: Purple with violet pearl.
• Comet Blue: Violet blue.
• Like Venus: Clean light bubble gum pink with red pearl.
• Love Alert: Raspberry red with red pearl.
• Money, Honey: Mid-tone rosy mauve with red pearl.
• Ms. Fizz: Bright pink with blue pearl.
• Pleasure Principal: Clear white violet, teal and white pearl.
• Spanking Rich: Raspberry pink with red and gold pearl.
• Steppin' Out: Clean yellow pink with red pearl.
• Sugar Rimmed: Milky pale pink with red, teal and white pearl.
• Glamour OD: Bright coral red with red pearl.
• Date Night: Deep plum with blue and gold pearl.
• Bare Necessity: Caramel apricot with red and gold pearl.
• Rags to Riches: Plumy pink with teal and red pearl.
• Get Rich Quick: Warm yellow brown.

Resource: Specktra.net


Updated on April 24, 2008:
MAC Dazzleglass Collection is up!

MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection: My Thoughts and My Pick!

The other day, I went to check out MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection at a MAC store. Overall, I really enjoy the colors in this collection. All the cheek colors in the collection, from pale to intense, neutral to bright and cool to warm tones, are beautiful wearable shades. I think people with different skin tones and/or with different tastes would find something for themselves from this collection.

MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection has a silky and velvety texture. The powders are finely-milled. The pearly shimmer is quite muted, and it deliver a subtle sheen on the face. The blushes are pigmented, especially for strong and bright shades such as Serenely, Joyous and Sweetness. I would suggest you to apply these blushes lightly.

[Photo credit: www.nordstrom.com]

I am going to share with you how I tried out the collection, and bring you my final pick! I classify these blushes into tones as followed:

Pinks
Sweetness is a bright pink with blue undertones, making it reflect a cool tone of bright pink on my skin.

True Romantic is a mauvey-rose pinky shade with silver shimmer. It is a beautiful mid-tone pink that suits my skin well. But, when the silver shimmer reflects with light from different angles, the shimmer overpowers the pink shade and delivers a silver sheen. The silver frosty appearance doesn't appeal to me that much.

Shy Beauty is a light apricot hue with gold shimmer. This is the least pigmented blush in the collection. It has a pale peachy pink similar to Benefit's Dandelion. Only it is peachier than Dandelion. It has the soft warm pink that is probably universally flattering for all skin types.

Pinky Coral
Joyous is a bright pinky coral with gold shimmer. The actual color looks more intense and brighter than what I saw on MAC website. Joyous has intense orange undertones and is very pigmented.

Brownish Tones
Feeling is a brownish plum shade with berry undertones. Serenely, however, is a deep brown with red undertones.

MAC Beauty Powder Blush " Eversun"

Neutral Tones
While Secret Blush is a neutral plum hue with gold shimmer, Eversun is a peachy bronze with gold shimmer. Both Secret Blush and Eversun have neutral earthy tones that look very similar to me. Secret Blush, however, has more of brown undertones and Eversun has more of orange undertones.

Close-up of MAC Beauty Powder Blush "Eversun"

My Pick - Eversun
Shy Beauty and Eversun are my favorite shades in the collection. Since I already own a few warm pink blushes such as Benifit's Dandelion and Nars Orgasm Blush, I decided to try Eversun. I am surprised to find the gold shimmer in Eversun goes on very subdued, and gives a subtle finish. Eversun is medium-pigmented. I love the bronzy peach color with a touch of gold shimmer. It is a definitely wearable and buildable blush I am going to wear during spring and summer months.

Heatherette Collection is Up!

This is a quick reminder to let you know that MAC Heatherette Collection is just up. The collection is now available online at MAC Website. Enjoy!

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MAC Heatherette Collection is Coming!

MAC Heatherette Collection is Coming!

MAC has collaborated with the fashion designers of Heatherette, Richie Rich and Traver Rains, to create MAC Heatherette Collection. The limited-edition collection, full of pink shades, is in a 1980s style of pink plastic packaging. It was set to make its debut in MAC stores on March 27, 2008. Due to the popular demand from eager-anticipated fans, the Heatherette Collection has been changed to March 20, 2008, a week earlier than previously scheduled.

This collection includes Lipstick, Lipglass, Eye Trio, Glitter, Pigment, Dual Edge Pencil, Nail Lacquer, Beauty Powder and Lashes. I am not a fan of pink & glittering plastic packaging. But, I am intrigued by the pink shades in the collection, and planning to check it out!

Check here for more images of MAC Heatherette Collection!

Source:Specktra

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MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection is Available Now!

MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection is Available Now!

MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection is now available at MAC website. Eight shades of the collection range from blue pink, various peach tones with gold pearly shimmer , various plums with silver or gold pearly shimmer and deep brownish red.

At this point, I am quite interested in Shy Beauty (Pastel apricot with gold pearl), Joyous (Peach with gold pearl) and Eversun (Neutral peach bronze with gold pearl). I am also curious to see how the Beauty Powder Blush Collection is compared to the existing the Powder Blush line. Have any cheek color from the collection drawn your attention?


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Update on MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection

[Photo credit: Shades of u]

MAC Beauty Powder Blush collection will launch on March 13th, 2008. This limited-edition collection is a series of micronized powder blushes with pearlized pigments.

[Photo credit: Shades of u]

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Upcoming Beauty Powder Blush Collection from MAC

Updated on March 19, 2008:
MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection: My Thoughts and My Pick!

Upcoming Beauty Powder Blush Collection from MAC

You have heard all the buzz about the vivid bright colors from the latest Fafi Collection, a collaboration between MAC and French graffiti artist Fafi. The upcoming Beauty Powder Blush Collection by MAC is a series of micronized powder blushes with pearlized pigments.

There will be 8 new shades and 2 repromoted brushes in Beauty Powder Blush Collection.
[Photo credit: Specktra forum member tinkerbelle2001]

Shades from top left:

• Sweetness - Intense blue pink with pealized pigments
• Feeling - Plum with silver pearlized pigments
• Eversun - neutral peach bronze with gold pearlized pigments
• Secret Blush - Neutral plum with gold pearlized pigments

Shades from bottom left:

• Joyous - Peach with gold pearlized pigments
• True Romantic - Mid-tone pink with silver pearlized pigments
• Shy Beauty - Pastel apricot with gold pearlized pigments
• Serenely - deep brownish red with gold pearlized pigments

The cheek colors from the collection look pretty and wearable. The pearlized pigments are not overwhelmingly shimmery. They look dazzling to me. MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection is soon to be launched in early March. I will keep you posted when I have more information.

Updated on March 19, 2008:
MAC Beauty Powder Blush Collection: My Thoughts and My Pick!