Most-Used Beauty Products - April 2014

So as many of you know, every month I share my favorite, "stand-out" products from that time period.
This month is no different, but I feel like I chose the products in a more helpful (hopefully) way that really hit every category, rather than just mentioning a handful of randoms.
So when I was grabbing for my products to talk about for the video (which is always easy because I definitely have those stand-out products month after month), I took it category by category choosing my most-worn products.  From foundation, brows, lip products, liner, etc... It's all represented.
...Which definitely made for a longer list of favorites, but I feel like it's more comprehensive and accurate to what were actually my favorites for the month.

I hope you enjoy my picks!

my picks...

IT CC Cream 

Almay Clear Complexion Concealer 

NARS Sex Fantasy blush 

Hourglass Radiant Magenta blush 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette 

UD 24/7 liner in Demolition 

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner 

Nars Larger than Life pencil in Rue Bonaparte 

Anastasia brow powders in Taupe and Medium Brown 

Anastasia #12 brow brush 

Anastasia clear brow gel 

Too Faced Perfect Lips lipliner in Perfect Nude 

Dior Lipliner in Grege 

Bite lipstick in Retsina 

Chanel lipstick in Radieuse (no longer available, similar -MAC Creme Cup)

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lipgloss in Non-Stop Glamour 

Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lipgloss in Ignite 

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish spray 

Not Your Mothers Sea Salt Spray 

what I'm wearing in the video:

Baublebar necklace  

Everlane tops 

See you all tomorrow!!

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Evening skincare routine

Following on from my morning skincare routine post, here is my current evening skincare routine plus my current weekly face mask treats!  I make no apologies for this being a bit long and ramble-y, I like talking about skincare!!

Firstly I remove my eye make up with a bi-phase eye make up remover and I am currently using the Nivea Double Effect Eye Make Up Remover.  I do not like this eye make up remover at all-I feel it's quite harsh on the skin and isn't all that effective at removing my heavy duty mascara.  I definitely wouldn't repurchase this and I also wouldn't recommend it for ladies with sensitive eyes.

I double cleanse every evening-my first cleanse is to remove my make up thoroughly and my second cleanser usually has some kind of skincare benefit to it.  I am currently on my second tub of the Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing balm which is a thick balm which melts into an oil as you massage it into your dry skin.  I find it really effective at removing all my make up and it is safe to use around the eyes.  The ingredients are basic and I think that's why I like it!  It doesn't contain shea or cocoa butter or beeswax if your skin is intolerant to those ingredients.

After I apply this to dry skin I give my face a good old massage before splashing with water and then removing with a damp flannel.  I definitely recommend using a flannel because, like a lot of balm cleansers, it can leave a film or residue like feeling on the skin if not removed properly.  I personally favour flannels to muslin cloths as they're cheap, less harsh and easy to wash.

This is a also great balm cleanser to try if you're new to this type of cleanser-yes it's undoubtedly not as luxurious as something like the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa cleansing balm but 1) my first cleanse is a functional cleanse-I want all my make up (or as much of it as possible) off my face and this cleanser does that terrifically and 2) the Emma Hardie is packed with essential oils
which my skin can be sensitive too-and your own skin will change over time/season as well.  My first tub of Emma Hardie my skin loved-it hated the second tub and broke out.

I really really really really recommend using a flannel to remove cleanser.  I read a blog post about someones skincare routine recently and the writer said she double cleansed but then toned 'because it's surprising how much make up residue is on your skin even after double cleansing'.  When you tone your skin, the cotton pad you sweep over your skin should come back clean-your cleanser should remove your make up-NOT TONER!  A flannel really does help to remove the cleanser AND the makeup off your face.

My current second cleanse in the evening is the Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser.  This is a runny, light gel cleanser packed with bergamot, chamomile and rosemary.  This is a very light cleanser and would not therefore be suitable for removing make up.  It does not foam on the skin and removes easily with water.  It smells very herbal-to me it smells like tea tree but am guessing its a combination of bergamot and rosemary.

This would be a great morning cleanser because it is so light and refreshing BUT it's packaged in a pharmacy inspired glass bottle which I know 100% know if it was in my shower I would drop it and it would smash.

I do not think this would be a repurchase for me.

Next up is my double tone routine.  I wrote quite a lot about why I double tone and the benefits of it in my post here if you're new to this concept.

My current exfoliating toner is the Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion.  Free from harmful chemicals, this toner uses willow bark to remove impurities and unclog pores, whilst mayblossom extract reduces the production of sebum.  Lemon, grape, pineapple and passion fruit extracts all contain organic acids that decongest the skin and stimulate cell renewal.  Despite all this good stuff I am not loving this toner.  It does the job but it seems to drag over the skin and feels quite harsh and almost stripping.  I will use it up but personally I would not repurchase even though it gets many great reviews.  I prefer the Michael Todd Lemon AHA toner and the Biologique Recherche P50.

I then sweep my hydrating toner over my skin and I use the same one from my morning routine-the Melvita Orange Blosson Extraordinary Water.  A clear, thick but non sticky gel with orange extract, it absorbs quickly and would be really good for very oily skintones.  It's not as hydrating as I would like for me and I will not repurchase.

I don't use a night cream-everything I have tried seems to be too heavy on my skin and cause breakouts.  I am have been alternating nightly between an oil and a serum which seems to work well.

I have raved endlessly about the Clarins Lotus Face Treatment oil and have a full post on this beauty here.  If you have oily skin then basically you need this in your life!  I press 3-4 drops into my skin and then massage lightly.  And the smell.....aaaaaahhhhh.  SO relaxing and soothing.  It helps to regulate oil on the skin-yes when first applied your skin will look extra oily but after 1 hour my skin looks almost matte.

The Chantecaille Retinol Intense is a brand new addition so I really can't comment on it yet as I have been using it just a week.  Ridiculously expensive (I think it was £85 from Space NK) this is a hybrid serum/cream targeting anti aging, pigmentation and stimulating collagen production.  It has a relatively low percentage of Retinol (given the name) and contains some very soothing ingredients such as Mallow, Evening Primrose Oil, Macadamia Nut oil and Jojoba Seed along with aromatherapy extracts of rose, jasmine and geranium.  Have I paid over the odds?  I'll be sure to let you know!

Two staples in my evening routine-an eye cream and a lip balm.  Currently on my eyes I am using the Benefit It's Potent which came in an Xmas gift set from my lovely god daughters.  Despite the frankly scary name it is very rich and hydrating and a little goes a long way.   It contains a peptide complex-peptides are an anti aging powerhouse plus tons of hydrating ingredients like glycerin and sweet almond extract.  It's not too rich that it doesn't absorb into the skin and I really quite like it. 

I am also using the Eve Lom Kiss Mix balm which was a GWP from Space NK.  It has a very minty tingle and is very hydrating even though the formula is relatively thin (we're not talking the heavy duty consistency of the Nuxe Reve de Miel or Dr Lipp Nipple Balm).

I use two masks per week-usually a detoxifying mask and a hydrating mask.  However as you can see above I am currently using two masks labelled as 'detox'-the Malin and Goetz detox face mask and the Elemental Herbology Facial Detox.  They are both SO different though.  I use the Malin and Goetz mid week as it's quick and easy.  You apply the gel to a dry face and within seconds it starts to foam and crackle-a bit like listening to a bowl of rice crispies when you add milk!  It's incredibly gentle and doesn't tingle or sting and after 5 minutes you simply wash off (I use my flannel again).  It deep cleanses the skin without using harsh detergents or drying clays.  Complex amino acids and natural almond extract gently and effectively purify, clarify, balance and soothe. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Soy Protein help to firm and address concerns for aging while instantly brightening complexion.  Your skin will feel SO soft when you remove it.  It can even be just tissued off for the most moisturisation benefit.  It's gentle enough to be used daily and perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

The Elemental Herbology Facial Detox is more of an old school, hardcore detoxifying clay mask.  When I posted a picture of this on instagram it got a lot of love from people saying it was their fave clay mask.  It contains amazonian clay, aloe vera and manuka honey to detoxify without overly stripping the skin and a combination of essential oils to help balance sebum production.  For a clay it is relatively light on the skin and it's not difficult to remove-I moisten with water and get most of it off before removing the rest with a flannel.  This mask seems to stop any upcoming spots in their tracks and shorten the life of anything erupting on your face.  Both of these masks are around the £30 mark and I got both of mine from Space NK.

Finally my beloved lips scrub!  I always use a lip scrub twice a week to slough away dry flaky skin and this one from Bliss is amazing.  If you have sensitive lips and find a lot of lip scrubs to be too harsh then this one is perfect as it has a cream base and very small exfoliating kernals.  The only word of caution I would exercise is to those with nut allergies as it uses ground walnut shells to exfoliate.  Gentle but effective, this is a permanent fixture in my shower!

Well done if you got to the end of this epic post!!  Do you use any of these in your skincare routine?

Classic and Distressed OOTD

Happy Monday Loves!

Just sharing with you all a look I wore last week to my mom's birthday dinner that I really loved and was so easy to put together. 

I LOVE pairing more classic pieces like the vintage-looking sheer lace top, my Chanel classic flap bag, and classic red pumps with something a little more edgy like these distressed denim skinnies.

the look:

top: Express

denim: Express

shoes: Nordstrom (SJP Collection) (So happy these are finally back in stock!)

bag: Chanel (SIMILAR quilted bag by Rebecca Minkoff here)

sunglasses: Tom Ford

spike bracelet: Stella & Dot

gold cuff bracelets: The Current Custom

I hope you all have a wonderful day! See you tomorrow!!

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Current am skincare routine

If there is one area of the beauty world I love, its skincare. I love reading about it, learning about it and most of all trying it!

Here's what products I am currently using in my morning routine-for the record I am 34 (eek) with fair, combination skin.  My main concerns are open pores round my noise, the very occasional cystic spot and holding back the aging process as much as possible!!

I have learned over the years that my face doesn't tolerate cocoa butter and isn't a big fan of products containing lavender and lots of beeswax or shea butter.

I chop and change my skincare, rarely staying loyal to anything-and will discard anything I hate or my skin doesn't seem to like.

At the moment my skin is good and clear-but there are some products in my current routine I love and some I probably wouldn't repurchase.

My morning routine is currently cleanse, hydrating tone, eye gel, serum, hyluronic acid, moisturise before I start slapping on the make up!

Cleanse:  I am currently using the much hyped Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip.  I dampen my hands when I step in the shower, pump the cleanser into them and apply to dry skin before washing off under the shower.  It washes cleanly with no residue.  This cleanser is light and non drying and full of skin pleasing ingredients such as French green clay to draw out impurities and Vitamin C to reduce discolouration and stimulate collagen production.  Sandalwood combats sensitivity, black pepper promotes circulation and jasmine soothes.  It's pricey at £35 but I would repurchase.

Hydrating tone:  I double tone every evening but in the morning I just use a hydrating toner and I am currently using the Melvita Orange Blossom Extraordinary Water.  This toner has a gel like consistency and I swipe it over my skin with a cotton pad.  It's not sticky despite the consistency and dries almost immediately.  I don't feel a huge amount of benefit from using this and it sometimes leaves my skin feeling a bit tight.  Am coming to the end of the bottle and this would be something I would not repuchase.

Eye gel: I am currently using the Ren Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel which is a clear, light gel which feels cooling and soothing.  It claims to brighten and tighten but sadly I don't feel any of those effects-the Estee Lauder Idealist eye cream (which I was using prior to this) is far more brightening.  It does make a good base for make up but again, not something I would repurchase.

Serum 1 and 2: I do like a serum in the morning.  I had used the Hydraluron before and thought it was ok but nothing spectacular. Then one day I was reading Sarah's morning routine and she was using the Peptabright and Hydraluron together-and loving the result.  I had a tube of both in my stash so for the past few weeks I have been applying first the Peptabright (to even skintone, brighten and fade old scars) and then Hydraluron (a shot of hyaluronic acid for your skin for plumpness and hydration).  Whilst I don't think the Peptabright brightens noticeably (I rely on my Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base for that), it does even out the skintone and the Hydraluron is a great compliment to it.  As a result I need less moisturiser and my make up is definitely lasting longer and looking fresher.

Moisturiser: A beauty bloggers fave, I am slowly making my way through a pot of the Origins Ginzing.  And what's not to love?  The perfect moisturisor for summer-light, cool, hydrating-my skin just drinks it up.  Described by Origins as an energy drink for the skin, it is packed with Ginzing and Caffeine.  Something I have noticed-this moisturiser used to have a tint to it-I am sure it did.  The eye cream definitely does.  Now it doesn't has the same slightly metallic-y tint which is better but you don't see as much of an instant brightening effect to the skin as you do with the eye cream.

A great all rounder and great for all ages!  The only downside-it's in a germ attracting tub so personally after 6 months, if I still had any left I would bin it.  Am not a fan of dipping my fingers into anything.

I will follow this up with my evening skincare routine tomorrow!

Do you use any of these products in your am routine?

My Spring/Summer Wardrobe Essentials

I don't know about you all, but I am so ready for the weekend! Aren't we always though? I'm looking forward to more of this gorgeous warm weather! Looks like Spring finally got the memo around here. ;)

When the weather warms up, I'm always inspired to create some videos/posts all about some of my must-haves. I'm planning a beauty edition as well, but I thought it would be fun to start with some of my most-loved wardrobe essentials for the warmer seasons!

I hope you enjoy!!

**Just wanted to let you all know that the giveaway for the Hourglass Ambient Powder Palette ended today! The winner has already been contacted (and responded) so thank you all for entering and watching my videos! I love you guys!! More fun coming soon...

MY LOVES...

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MAC By Request 2014

Meet Pink Poodle and Glam, the 86th and 87th addition to my monstrous MAC lipstick collection!

'By Request' is a brilliant little marketing scheme from MAC where fans of their facebook page can vote for their favourite discontinued lipstick, lipglass and eyeshadow shades to make a one time re-appearance before disappearing forever.



Lipsticks are my thing (in case you hadn't realised) and I bagged two of the three shades.  I would have liked the third but it was sold out-having said that 'Hoop' has been likened to the also limited edition 'Betty Bright' which I do own!

The lipsticks come in the traditional black and silver bullet with the familiar vanilla scent.  I guess any scent becomes familiar when you own 87 sticks of it!

First up Glam-a matte vivid pink toned red.  I got compliments in the office when I wore this yesterday and the colour is divine but the problem is I own 3 or 4 shades which are almost identical-Dior Minuit (LE), Chanel La Precieuse (LE), Mac Red and Nars Luxembourg.

It's a tricky one to know whether to stick into my next blogsale or not because the colour is amazing and really brightens the face and the formula isn't too drying for a matte although I did place a dab of vaseline over the top after I photographed the swatch below.

Next up is Pink Poodle.  When I opened it I was like 'oh dear I will never pull that off' as it is literally neon in the bullet.  But because it is a 'glaze' formula it actually looks fab on and is less in your face than the bullet.

An almost lilac toned fuchsia pink.  I have nothing like it in my collection and I am so glad I now own this lipstick!  It just makes me feel like I want to wear it all the time!  The glaze formula feels quite syrupy on the lips and leaves a glossy finish-just perfect for summer.

These lipsticks are limited edition and exclusively online so snap them up whilst you have time!

Light n' Breezy Curtain Sheers

Last we spoke about the family room, we had added some pretty new bamboo shades and the windows were sort of begging for some drapery.

They totally were, I swear.

I decided on some soft-looking white sheer panels.

Seriously, white sheers would have been the last type of curtain panels I would have ever thought of choosing. But after really thinking about what had held me back in the first place from putting them up right away (I didn't want to block any of the pretty natural light in this room), the decision was a practical one.

...Which luckily ended up being super pretty!

I love how soft and billowy they look. 

Another reason I had held off for so long on these was because beside the fact I wasn't 100% sure on what type I wanted, I knew we'd have to have super long ones (120"), which would end up costing quite a bit. So I knew I had to be absolutely sure.

Well, these were majorly affordable.  

No, seriously. They were $23.99 a piece. 

boom.

I got four of the "Soho Voile Lightweight Sheer Grommet Panel" in winter white from Curtainworks online. 

I'll be honest, the word "shimmer" in the product description scared the crap out of me and I was worried about how nice they would look for the price. I definitely took a chance. But I'm so happy I did. They look super nice and give the room a more luxurious vibe.  I'm majorly impressed!

And for the record, they have zero shimmer to them whatsoever, thank goodness.

I also really love how these are grommeted. At that height, the grommets help them open and close easily if we ever wanted a little more privacy. They also keep them looking perfectly pleated and more "arranged" at the top, rather than more bunched up like pole pockets can sometimes look.

This photo below shows just why I didn't want to block any of the light or pretty view...

Ignore the messy cords... When we pulled the table out to put up the curtains, I didn't arrange them back in their little Command Hooks. Do you guys do that? If you've got a table like this where you can see a massive cord explosion behind, you can just grab some clear command hooks and sort of run the cord through them to keep them straight and out of view.  Cords drive me nuts. Tell me I'm not alone on that... haha

Just for fun, here's a pic of what the room looked like over there about six months ago...

...and what it looks like now! So crazy how different the paint can look in here depending on the lighting!  And because I'm super helpful, I have no idea what it's called. It was newly painted that mystery shade when we moved in.

So what do you all think?? We're really in love with them. I was so impressed with them that I ordered four more for another space. I'll share it soon!!

MAC Proenza Schouler

Happy Hump Day, Loves!
Today I'm back with another MAC collection post! If you missed my MAC Playland post earlier this week, check it out here.

Today, we're moving right along with the very fashionable MAC Proenza Schouler collection...

I mean, dang. Could the packaging be any harder to photograph....

MAC Proenza Schouler

Available now online 

In-store April 24th, 2014

through May 22, 2014

Out of all the new collections, this is definitely the one I was looking forward to seeing in person the most.
First of all, this collection makes total sense to me. If you're familiar with the Proenza Schouler brand, the look and feel of the line is fun and sophisticated. Classic, modern shapes and lines, but with a sophisticated edge and a pop of color here and there.

To me, the colorful gradient packaging is a bit unexpected and really fun to see from MAC. I gotta admit... I got a little excited to see square MAC lipsticks! Yet, the colors themselves are very classic (but still fun).

The collection includes four Lipsticks, two Pro Longwear Lip Pencils, two Blush Ombre blushes, two Pro Longwear Eye Liners, four Nail Lacquer shades, and one 129SE Powder/Blush Brushes.

Let's check out the products I have!

First off, the lip products:

Lipsticks: $22 each

(left-right) PINKFRINGE vivid flamingo pink (satin), MANGROVE bright clean orange-red (matte)

Pro Longwear Lip Pencil: $21 each

HIGH ENERGY bright orange-red cream

You can see from the swatches above, these are pretty solid lipsticks. If you love bright orange-reds, you HAVE to try Mangrove. I'm not a huge red lip kinda' gal, but I need to psych myself up to wear this one. Orange-reds are so big for Spring and Summer!
Pinkfringe is absolutely gorgeous. The pink lipstick lover in me totally swooned over this one. It's not super opaque and scary at first swipe. It's very build-able. Because of that, this one is a winner for me.
I also have my eye on the Woodrose shade which I don't have. It's more of a nude pink. I think I may have to place an order for that one...
The lip pencil in High Energy pairs absolutely perfectly with the Mangrove shade and has the most perfect formula. It's creamy and transfers to the lip wonderfully, however, it's not one of those super creamy lipstick-like lip pencils that will wear off in twenty minutes. This one will last ALL night! If you filled in your lips with this beauty, then layered on a pretty red, you'd have red lips for days.

Literally.

Next, I have the Nail Lacquer in Thimbleweed.  I'll spare you any photos of this one because it's pretty horrible. Sheer, streaky, nude. Even with three coats. I feel like if I ever feel the need to do a third coat of polish to make it look good, it's no good in my book. There are so many great polishes that don't require a goopy third coat to make pretty. I struggle with MAC nail lacquers. I feel like they could make them so nice! Some I've tried are great, but I'd say a solid 80% of them I've tried over the years are exactly like this one. I just don't get it.

The last product I have from this collection is the 129SE brush (you can see it pictured in the first photo in the post. I was shocked that this little thing is $38! It's the size of a travel brush. This one is going in my purse for touch-ups. While I think it's a great little brush, I'd probably skip it for the price. If you really want a 129 brush, I'd go for the full-sized one (it's a few dollars cheaper).

So that's that for Proenza Schouler for MAC! What do you all think?? The lipsticks are definitely the stand-outs for me...  What are yours??

Products provided for consideration by MAC Cosmetics with no agreements or obligations to feature or review. Post contains affiliate links.

How I Get CRAZY Long & Thick Lashes

In my (almost) six years of doing beauty videos and blogging, my most commented-on and asked-about features are my eye lashes.
I totally get that mine are naturally pretty good, but they definitely don't look the way they do without the help of some great products.  I know I'll get questions about this... So I'll go ahead and tell you that I do not use any lash growth serums of any kind. I wish I had a magic formula I loved that I could recommend for growing lashes, but I don't. So for those curious, that's that.

This lash trickery is all about products and techniques.

Even if you don't have great lashes,  you can definitely make them their best and beef them up a bit and make them their best with a few of my favorite products and trickeroos.

So while I think no look is complete without some mascara, this look goes beyond that. For those days when you want something a little extra (without using false lashes, which aren't my favorite).

I hope you all love the look and maybe pick up a life lash-changing trick or two!

Products used:

Too Faced Choc Bar Palette 

Kat Von D Tattoo liquid liner in Trooper

NARS Via De Martelli liner 

IT Cosmetics Waterproof Tightline

Dior Iconic Overcurl mascara 

Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara 

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Bobbi Brown Art Sticks review-and the beauty bloggers who NEED these in their lives

I seem to have stumbled on the perfect chunky lip pencil.  I say stumbled because the only review I have seen of these so far is from Laura at  Buy Now Blog Later and as far as I know, these haven't actually launched in the UK yet.  Dubai launching something before the UK??? Unheard of usually.

I am a big fan of chunky lip pencils-I must be seeing as I have a whole muji drawer dedicated to housing them!  My previous favourites were the Nars Velvet Matte formula and the Tarte Lipsurgence matte-but these have now been swept aside.  Yes fellow beauty lovers, there's a new girl in town and her name is Bobbi Brown.

The formula: Ridiculously easy to apply to the lips because of the 'reminiscent of childhood' crayon shape.  Remember to stay inside the lines kids.  And the formula is nothing short of immense...really.

The problem with pencil formulas is that they can be drier than the Dubai desert.  Not these chunksters.  The shea butter packed pencils glide on without being too slippery and leave a semi matte finish on the lips.  And once on, the formula stays really comfortable on the lips and feels weightless.  My lips didn't feel dry all day and when topping up my lip colour I didn't need to add a slick of lip balm to rehydrate before re-applying.  There was no pesky flaking off of the colour nor any bleeding-two pet lip related hates of mine!  Definitely more hydrating than the Nars Velvet Matte pencils.

Pigmentation: I chose three pretty punchy shades (there are only 8 in the range but 4 are relatively neutral-ish) and I am bowled over by the pigmentation.  Top marks.

Lasting power: Pretty decent.  I got 3 to 4 hours out of mine with an even fade.

It's fair to say these shades are going to be a staple over the summer and I got to thinking which of my beauty blogger friends would also like these.

Sunset Orange has got beautiful Sarah from And Beauty Or Something whose blog I adore and lovely Laura (whose complexion is like the perfect English rose) from Laurzrah's name all over it!!  Both of them love a bold lip and this punchy 'Lady Danger'-esque shade is going to be right up their street I am sure.  One blonde (like very blonde) and one brunette but both of them will look stunning wearing this shade.

No one pulls off a pink lip as well as my gorgeous friend Antonia from Mac and Cheese.  I remember her frantic search for the limited edition Mac Embrace Me bold pink lipstick last year.  I love the combination of blonde hair and pink lips and I know Antonia would wear this night and day.  This was easily the longest lasting of the three and the prettiest whether it was 'just applied bold' or 'what was left on my lips after eating a whole tub of yoghurt'!

Finally the adorable and hilarious Kate from Pretty Little Us and the ever glam Anoushka from Anoushka Loves  would rock the socks of this bright fuchsia.  This shade, whilst still being matte has a lovely sheen to it.  If you missed out on Mac's Flat Out Fabulous retro matte lipstick from last year this is a great dupe for it.  But the Retro Matte formula is painfully drying on me and I would pick this Bobbi Brown formula any of the Mac matte offerings any day.

These sticks will be permanent (yey) and are currently on sale in the US and in Dubai.  I will try and find out a UK release date.  I definitely recommend you hot foot it down to your nearest Bobbi Brown counter and pick up one.  Or two.  Or three....

MAC Playland Collection Swatches & Review

Hello Loves! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

MAC has SO much good stuff right now... Seriously.
This week, I'll be sharing a lot of new pretties from the new collections, so look for more of these posts throughout the week!

Naturally, I had to start with this super bright and fun collection that very much reflects it's name, Playland.

MAC Playland

Available online and in store now

through May 29, 2014

The collection contains 6 Lipsticks, 5 Lipglasses, 3 Casual Color pots, 4 Pigments, and 4 Chromagraphic Pencils all in super bright and playful shades.

Let's check out what I have from the collection!

First off, the lipsticks:

$16. each

(left-right) RED BALLOON hot fuchsia (amplified), PLAYLAND frosty yellow gold (frost), TOYING AROUND hot coral pink (amplified)

Seriously, whoa.

First of all, I LOVE the amplified formulas for super bright shades like this. It gives super opaque color, but still with a gorgeous shine which makes the shade really come alive. Both of the amplified shades are gorgeous, but Toying Around is my favorite. Playland is a little more daring, but is actually pretty sheer so it could be layered over brighter shades for a more dimensional look.

Next up, (probably my favorite products I have from this collection) two of the Lipglass shades:

$15. each

(top-bottom) CAROUSEL creamy pink, LIVE IT UP creamy orange

Crazy gorgeous, right? These are so pigmented and opaque! I love love love them. Especially the gorgeous orange. 

Next, Chromagraphic Pencils:

$16. each

(top-bottom) HI-DEF CYAN hi-def cyan, GENUINE ORANGE bright orange

These pencils are serious business. You can definitely see what amazing payoff they have, which is pretty unique. The consistency is perfect, in that they transfer to your skin like that of a creamier pencil, however, they really have a drier feel that instantly "sets". These are awesome for creating bold and daring pops of color really anywhere on the face.

And finally, two of the Pigment shades:

$21 each.

(left-right) HI-DEF CYAN cyan blue, EVER SO YELLOW soft yellow with pearl

Hi-Def Cyan is one of the prettiest pigments I own. You can see just how opaque and bright the color is. It's so beautiful!  The Ever So Yellow isn't quite as opaque after it's first blended, but it is very build-able which is nice.  It can be worn sheer as a soft wash of pearly yellow, but can easily become the bright yellow shown in the swatch with a few layers of color and some blending.

The collection is available now in stores and online here.

What are your thoughts on this collection?? Any favorites? What stands out to you?

Products provided for consideration by MAC Cosmetics with no agreements or obligations to feature or review. Post contains affiliate links.