Thursday, October 27, 2011

What's New: Sigma, MAC and Love-makeup.co.uk

What's New: Sigma, MAC and Love-makeup.co.uk..




I guess it's that time again where I show you what's new! These items were purchased over the past week or so. As usual I strolled into MAC and couldn't resist temptation. I feel like every time I walk in there, I must leave with something or it doesn't feel right.

 I also ordered a couple of things from www.love-makeup.co.uk. For those of you unaware of this site make sure you click the links within this post!


Sigma F05 Small Contour Brush
"A rounded dome brush for contouring and face blending, useful for powder setting after the laydown of concealer under the eyes to avoid movement of product."







I bought this contour brush to be used with my Sleek Contour Face Kit. I've found that the brushes I was using previously were not giving me enough precision when contouring my face. This brush also works lovely for applying blush. Because it is small you can really apply your blush precisely where you want it.

I believe this brush is multi-purpose and can be used for more than just contouring therefore making it good value for money.

Since my last Sigma brush purchase, they have modified the look of their brushes slightly. The handles are now glossy as opposed to matte and the Sigma logo is a bit bigger.

Call me late if they changed this a while ago, I just haven't purchased a Sigma brush in so long.





Price: £11.99

Purchase Online: Love-Makeup











MAC Mineralize Blush in Love Joy

"Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer"









Swatch


This beautiful mineralize blush was purchased mainly because I don't own one. I've used it a few times now but I mainly use it to highlight my cheekbones. I love that it isn't too glittery and can be applied for that subtle glow. The blush is currently available in 6 shades but this one in particular is in the permanent range.





Price: £19.00

Purchase Online: http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk











Makeup Blending Sponge

"Latex free makeup blending sponge. Use the pointed end for blending in around the nose and under the eyes and the rounded end for the rest of the face. Wet and squeeze out excess water before using, when wet the sponge will swell up in size. Wash with mild shampoo after every use to prevent bacteria building."

I know I've only just recently purchased this but I am in loveeee!

I've dashed my Sigma F80 brush somewhere and have just been using this everyday without fail. I never thought my F80 brush would get replaced but I think this may have taken its place.

This sponge gives you a flawless and airbrushed finish. At first I was a bit unsure because you're meant to use it damp and I wasn't too sure how a damp sponge would feel when applying foundation and powder but I must say I think this is the best tool I've used to apply my makeup.

I use this sponge for everything apart from blush (I am still yet to try that) and it's perfect. Believe me it can also be used damp with powders as I use it to apply my Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

During application, I use the pointed end for my under-eye concealer and the rounded side for the rest of my face.

I think everyone should try using this sponge. I'm sure you will be amazed and it retails at such an affordable price compared to the "Beauty Blender" which is around £15!



Price: £3.99 (you cannot go wrong)

Purchase Online: http://www.love-makeup.co.uk









MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark

"A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a 

touch-up throughout the day."







This product is just a repurchase. I dust on this powder after applying my foundation. I feel that it gives off a lovely finish and a glow to your skin whilst looking matte. I'm not sure that I can live without it!

I believe it can be either worn alone or with a foundation. It does have a hint of coverage.



Price: £18.50

Purchase Online: http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk










MAC Eye Brows in Spiked

"Self-propelling, self-sharpening, brow defining. Confidently adds what you need: shape, colour, density in one streamlined tool. Like a pen, creates its own just-right point. Provides definition, shape, deepens/fills in colour. Creates striking arches. Easy to tote around. No sharpener needed."



 

  I don't know if you've noticed but I usually used the MAC Eye Brows in Stud. For some reason it has been out of stock in my local MAC for weeks. I was told that it may not even come in for a while. 
At the time I desperately needed an eye brow pencil as I don't go a day without filling them in. I was going to try the Clinique Superfine Liner but once again their darkest shade was out of stock. Personally I like my eyebrows really dark because I like them to stand out so I was in quite a dilemma. Eventually I went back to MAC and opted for the shade Spiked which is the shade just before Stud but obviously not as dark. Having used it a few times I guess it's not too bad and I can make do with it until Stud returns :)



Price: £11.50

Purchase Online: www.maccosmetics.co.uk





Have you made any purchases lately?









Twitter  Bloglovin

What's New: Sigma, MAC and Love-makeup.co.uk

What's New: Sigma, MAC and Love-makeup.co.uk..




I guess it's that time again where I show you what's new! These items were purchased over the past week or so. As usual I strolled into MAC and couldn't resist temptation. I feel like every time I walk in there, I must leave with something or it doesn't feel right.

 I also ordered a couple of things from www.love-makeup.co.uk. For those of you unaware of this site make sure you click the links within this post!


Sigma F05 Small Contour Brush
"A rounded dome brush for contouring and face blending, useful for powder setting after the laydown of concealer under the eyes to avoid movement of product."







I bought this contour brush to be used with my Sleek Contour Face Kit. I've found that the brushes I was using previously were not giving me enough precision when contouring my face. This brush also works lovely for applying blush. Because it is small you can really apply your blush precisely where you want it.

I believe this brush is multi-purpose and can be used for more than just contouring therefore making it good value for money.

Since my last Sigma brush purchase, they have modified the look of their brushes slightly. The handles are now glossy as opposed to matte and the Sigma logo is a bit bigger.

Call me late if they changed this a while ago, I just haven't purchased a Sigma brush in so long.





Price: £11.99

Purchase Online: Love-Makeup











MAC Mineralize Blush in Love Joy

"Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer"









Swatch


This beautiful mineralize blush was purchased mainly because I don't own one. I've used it a few times now but I mainly use it to highlight my cheekbones. I love that it isn't too glittery and can be applied for that subtle glow. The blush is currently available in 6 shades but this one in particular is in the permanent range.





Price: £19.00

Purchase Online: http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk











Makeup Blending Sponge

"Latex free makeup blending sponge. Use the pointed end for blending in around the nose and under the eyes and the rounded end for the rest of the face. Wet and squeeze out excess water before using, when wet the sponge will swell up in size. Wash with mild shampoo after every use to prevent bacteria building."

I know I've only just recently purchased this but I am in loveeee!

I've dashed my Sigma F80 brush somewhere and have just been using this everyday without fail. I never thought my F80 brush would get replaced but I think this may have taken its place.

This sponge gives you a flawless and airbrushed finish. At first I was a bit unsure because you're meant to use it damp and I wasn't too sure how a damp sponge would feel when applying foundation and powder but I must say I think this is the best tool I've used to apply my makeup.

I use this sponge for everything apart from blush (I am still yet to try that) and it's perfect. Believe me it can also be used damp with powders as I use it to apply my Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

During application, I use the pointed end for my under-eye concealer and the rounded side for the rest of my face.

I think everyone should try using this sponge. I'm sure you will be amazed and it retails at such an affordable price compared to the "Beauty Blender" which is around £15!



Price: £3.99 (you cannot go wrong)

Purchase Online: http://www.love-makeup.co.uk









MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark

"A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a 

touch-up throughout the day."







This product is just a repurchase. I dust on this powder after applying my foundation. I feel that it gives off a lovely finish and a glow to your skin whilst looking matte. I'm not sure that I can live without it!

I believe it can be either worn alone or with a foundation. It does have a hint of coverage.



Price: £18.50

Purchase Online: http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk










MAC Eye Brows in Spiked

"Self-propelling, self-sharpening, brow defining. Confidently adds what you need: shape, colour, density in one streamlined tool. Like a pen, creates its own just-right point. Provides definition, shape, deepens/fills in colour. Creates striking arches. Easy to tote around. No sharpener needed."



 

  I don't know if you've noticed but I usually used the MAC Eye Brows in Stud. For some reason it has been out of stock in my local MAC for weeks. I was told that it may not even come in for a while. 
At the time I desperately needed an eye brow pencil as I don't go a day without filling them in. I was going to try the Clinique Superfine Liner but once again their darkest shade was out of stock. Personally I like my eyebrows really dark because I like them to stand out so I was in quite a dilemma. Eventually I went back to MAC and opted for the shade Spiked which is the shade just before Stud but obviously not as dark. Having used it a few times I guess it's not too bad and I can make do with it until Stud returns :)



Price: £11.50

Purchase Online: www.maccosmetics.co.uk





Have you made any purchases lately?









Twitter  Bloglovin

Monday, October 24, 2011

Update and I need your help!

Hey beauties
I know it's been a while since you've heard from me and I am sorry for the lack of posts. I have just been really busy with uni and stuff! I am going to try my best to post as often as possible though.


The main reason for this quick post is to let you know that for a while now I haven't been able to comment on blog posts of those that I am following. If you're wondering why I am a bit quiet on here, it's not that I'm not reading and acknowledging your posts, blogger just wont let me comment on them! I have no idea what the problem is and I have even searched for solutions but they were useless. 
If anyone knows why I can't comment or how the problem can be fixed then please let me know.


Hello to all my new and existing followers. I hope everyone is well!
I do really appreciate any feedback and comments that you leave :)


If you have any requests just email me at wondersofbeauty@live.co.uk 


If you're not already, make sure you follow me on Twitter and Bloglovin





Update and I need your help!

Hey beauties
I know it's been a while since you've heard from me and I am sorry for the lack of posts. I have just been really busy with uni and stuff! I am going to try my best to post as often as possible though.


The main reason for this quick post is to let you know that for a while now I haven't been able to comment on blog posts of those that I am following. If you're wondering why I am a bit quiet on here, it's not that I'm not reading and acknowledging your posts, blogger just wont let me comment on them! I have no idea what the problem is and I have even searched for solutions but they were useless. 
If anyone knows why I can't comment or how the problem can be fixed then please let me know.


Hello to all my new and existing followers. I hope everyone is well!
I do really appreciate any feedback and comments that you leave :)


If you have any requests just email me at wondersofbeauty@live.co.uk 


If you're not already, make sure you follow me on Twitter and Bloglovin





Monday, October 17, 2011

Review: MAC Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze

Review: MAC Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze..♥ 



"Iridescent Powder is a finely milled mixture of Mica and pigments which gives the skin a beautiful sheen. It can be used on its own or mixed into other products like foundations or moisturisers to enhance their iridescent qualities. Designed to apply easily and uniformly without streaking and caking, it blends beautifully and can be applied on bare skin or over foundation. Because it's so concentrated it should be used sparingly at first. Apply Iridescent Powder with #129 Powder/Blush Brush for the desired effect."


Hey beauties!
Though this product isn't new or anything, I wanted to share it with you all as some of you may have never come across it before. It is the MAC Iridescent Loose Powder which I own in Golden Bronze. I would describe this as a multipurpose product as I believe you can find many different uses for it. Before discovering this product through a YouTube video, I had never heard of it and I'm not too sure why. 
MAC Iridescent Loose Powder is available on the MAC website in two different colours: Golden Bronze (Golden brown with bronze shimmer) and Silver Dusk (Pinky beige with silver shimmer).
I currently only own it in Golden Bronze and to be honest, I've never seen the Silver Dusk one as I ordered my Golden Bronze online from the MAC website. I decided to buy the Golden Bronze based on what I had seen in a YouTube video and I actually took no interest in trying to find out what Silver Dusk looked like as I assumed from the description on the website that it would not complement my skin tone. 
This product can be used for a number of things but personally I use it as a highlighter using my Sigma Tapered Highligher Brush.
Like the MAC description says, it can be mixed in with your foundation to enhance their iridescent qualities. I haven't quite tried this yet because I am scared as the product is quite shimmery.


Other uses that people have discovered:
Highlighting their brow bones
Mixing it with their lipgloss/lip balm
Mixing it with Studio Fix+ in order to be used as a body shimmer 


Because this is a loose powder, I find it can be quite messy at times and there has been times where I have wasted product because of this. 
I think MAC released a pressed powder form called Belightful which was a limited edition product but it appears again in their new "Packed To Go" face kits.
You can buy this product for £17.50 from MAC. You get 12g of product for this price which I think is reasonable because it is very shimmery and concentrated so you only need a small amount of product. A little really does go a long way with these iridescent powders so it should last for years!


Does anyone own any of the MAC Iridescent Powders?




Review: MAC Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze

Review: MAC Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze..♥ 



"Iridescent Powder is a finely milled mixture of Mica and pigments which gives the skin a beautiful sheen. It can be used on its own or mixed into other products like foundations or moisturisers to enhance their iridescent qualities. Designed to apply easily and uniformly without streaking and caking, it blends beautifully and can be applied on bare skin or over foundation. Because it's so concentrated it should be used sparingly at first. Apply Iridescent Powder with #129 Powder/Blush Brush for the desired effect."


Hey beauties!
Though this product isn't new or anything, I wanted to share it with you all as some of you may have never come across it before. It is the MAC Iridescent Loose Powder which I own in Golden Bronze. I would describe this as a multipurpose product as I believe you can find many different uses for it. Before discovering this product through a YouTube video, I had never heard of it and I'm not too sure why. 
MAC Iridescent Loose Powder is available on the MAC website in two different colours: Golden Bronze (Golden brown with bronze shimmer) and Silver Dusk (Pinky beige with silver shimmer).
I currently only own it in Golden Bronze and to be honest, I've never seen the Silver Dusk one as I ordered my Golden Bronze online from the MAC website. I decided to buy the Golden Bronze based on what I had seen in a YouTube video and I actually took no interest in trying to find out what Silver Dusk looked like as I assumed from the description on the website that it would not complement my skin tone. 
This product can be used for a number of things but personally I use it as a highlighter using my Sigma Tapered Highligher Brush.
Like the MAC description says, it can be mixed in with your foundation to enhance their iridescent qualities. I haven't quite tried this yet because I am scared as the product is quite shimmery.


Other uses that people have discovered:
Highlighting their brow bones
Mixing it with their lipgloss/lip balm
Mixing it with Studio Fix+ in order to be used as a body shimmer 


Because this is a loose powder, I find it can be quite messy at times and there has been times where I have wasted product because of this. 
I think MAC released a pressed powder form called Belightful which was a limited edition product but it appears again in their new "Packed To Go" face kits.
You can buy this product for £17.50 from MAC. You get 12g of product for this price which I think is reasonable because it is very shimmery and concentrated so you only need a small amount of product. A little really does go a long way with these iridescent powders so it should last for years!


Does anyone own any of the MAC Iridescent Powders?




Saturday, October 15, 2011

Review: MAC Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation

Review: MAC Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation..





As you are all probably aware, I went to get a sample of MAC's most recent foundation some time last month from my local counter. I have worn it a few times now and I think I'm ready to give it my own personal review. 
Though I have tried a range of MAC foundations, I've never really found one that I would say I loved. They had spent quite a while developing the technology for this foundation so I thought I'd try it out.





 "With our all races credo, we’re redefined what a perfect match should be with new Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 technology, using translucent pigments to create a formula that enables a fully personalized finish influenced by the subtleties of your own skin tone. Adding to Matchmaster’s true-to-life appeal is its moisturizing demi-matte finish, medium buildable coverage, and line-reducing soft focus powders. Add the fact that this formula reduces excess shine-creating oil, and who could resist?"





Coverage:

 As described by MAC, I would agree that this foundation has a medium coverage but I would say it was more on the lighter side of a medium coverage. If you are somebody who likes a full coverage and would like to cover imperfections such as scars, blemishes or hyperpigmentation, you may find that the coverage of this foundation isn't enough for you. Though it may cover some blemishes to a certain extent, I don't think it will cover everything.

 I found that when using Matchmaster some of your natural skin does tend to show through which is expected as it is only a medium coverage foundation. Because it isn't too heavy, it looks very skin-like. It is great for those who maybe just want to even out their skin-tone but still want a natural look.





Finish: 

This foundation has a very natural demi-matte finish but I usually finish my face using a powder. It can definitely be worn without a powder to sustain the demi-matte finish. 





Texture:

One thing I will credit this foundation for is the texture. It is liquid and has a lovely texture which is very blendable. I've never had a problem with blending this foundation into my skin. Once applied, it looks very smooth as well.

The texture is a bit thicker than some foundations that I currently own but this isn't a problem once applied. 







Staying Power:
I have worn this foundation for up to 10hrs and as with all my other foundations, it seemed to stay on my face pretty well. My only problem is that I found myself looking shiny after around 5hrs and would need to touch up a bit to keep my makeup looking fresh. When used with the Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Powder, I found that it took longer before I needed to touch up and looked good for about maybe 7hrs.

I like my makeup looking fresh for the majority of the day and this foundation just didn't do that for me. I hate shine and having to touch up during the day so I'm not too sure about MAC's claim that this foundation "reduces excess shine-creating oil"





Colour Range:

This foundation comes in 14 different shades. 1.0 being the palest and 10.0 being the darkest. The shades have been labelled differently to MAC's original labelling system.





Below is a rough conversion of shade numbers:







 1.0 - NC15
 1.5 - NW15
 2.0 - NC20/NC25/NW20
 3.0 - NC30
 4.0 - NC35/NC37/NW30
 5.0 - NC40/NC41/NC42
 6.0 - NW33/NW35/NC44
♥ 7.0 - NW40/NW43/NC45
 7.5 - NC50/NC55
 8.0 - NW44/NW45
 8.5 - NW46/NW47
 9.0 - NW48
 9.5 - NW50/NW55
 10.0 - NW58/NW60




All the shades in Matchmaster have a neutral undertone.







I normally use NC50 throughout the MAC ranges and though MAC claims that with this new technology, the foundation shade should adjust to your skin tone, I didn't find 7.5 was a perfect match for me when the foundation was originally applied but I guess throughout the day, it did adjust ever so slightly though the match still wasn't fantastic.
 7.0 was too light and 8.0 was too dark. 


Price:

This foundation is £24.50 and costs more than most MAC foundations. In comparison to their Studio Fix Fluid (which is £19.50), the Matchmaster costs more because you get 35ml worth of product and Studio Fix Fluid has only 30ml of product.





Availability:

This foundation is available from any MAC counter or anywhere that stocks MAC products such as Debenhams (online).

 Click Here to purchase it from the MAC website.





Overall Thoughts: 

To be quite honest, I was expecting much more from this foundation and I don't know why. I think because I was so desperate to find a foundation in MAC that I loved, I was hoping that Matchmaster would be the one. Don't get me wrong, this foundation is still lovely but I am not blown away to the extent where I'd rush out to purchase it. There really isn't anything that it does for me, that most of my other foundations can't. 

The claim that it adjusts to your skin tone may work better for others but I didn't find it great. All in all I was quite disappointed with this foundation because I had such high hopes and expectations from it.

As far as I am aware, it didn't make me break out or anything but my friend who got a sample at the same time that I did, suffered from break outs and therefore stopped using it.

For now, I don't think that I'll be purchasing this foundation but I will continue using the samples (me being cheeky, I got two) that I got from the counter until they run out. 





Here I am wearing MAC Matchmaster 7.5







Click Here to see my FOTD using Matchmaster





Did anyone buy the MAC Matchmaster foundation or have gone to get a sample?







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