A Mention of MAC

I wanted to quickly mention something that most of you may already know about. However, it's good to mention, nonetheless. S informed me of the MAC Recycling Program a few months ago and it's a cool program! I thought about it this morning as I applied my Ricepaper shadow to my lid - I'm starting to run low on that stuff because I use it every single day!

The MAC Recycling Program essentially has you trade in six of your old MAC products to a MAC store or via snail mail and they will give you a free MAC lipstick in exchange. This way, you are properly disposing of your old makeup materials and getting a little something out of it at the same time. In fact, I believe S was able to get a new eyeshadow when she went to the store in person. That's a great way to try out a new color!

So be sure to save your old MAC containers and do the exchange. It's a win-win situation.

-A

Dreaming of Gleam

Talking to makeup artists and salespeople often is a good idea. I, myself, have been skeptical in the past, thinking that all they would try to do is sell me something I don't really need. However, you must remember that while they probably earn a commission for what they sell you, they are extremely knowledgeable (we hope) and deal with these products all the time.

Case and point - my MAC store experience the other day. I walked in looking for a navy-colored shadow and was immediately greeted by a girl who helped me see that the shade I would have picked at first was not eh one I should purchase. It was a different shade (Contrast) that I initially wasn't too sold on. She then asked me what I might pair it with. Ricepaper, of course, was my answer.

She was very approving of my choice, but still suggested another I may not have though of - Gleam. It was also soft, but more of a peach color. I did love it, but decided it was unnecessary. But now - I can't stop thinking about it! I really want to pick myself up some Gleam.

Lesson here: listen to salespeople, but don't impulse buy either. If it's something that might end up working for you, then you'll be back to the store eventually!

-A

Neutral and Natural

I think every girl needs a neutral eyeshadow in their makeup repertoire. My staple product: MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper. Retailing at $14.50, it is worth every penny. I use it every single day for a neutral, work-look and even on the weekends for my dramatic look for a night out. It's my default and most sought-after color.

MAC's Ricepaper is a shiny, golden color and is light so it's great to throw on as a little something extra. Ricepaper is great as a base and as a highlighter for under the browbone. I've also added Ricepaper over other shadows to give my eyes an extra glow.

Whether you want to be natural, accent your look, or want to blend your shadows, this neutral shade of MAC eyeshadow is perfect for any look!

-A

Can't Live Without This: Product 3

My final product in the "What three products can't you live without" series would have to be something that really brightens my face. It gives me color on a pale day and makes my smile happier. It's my rosy MAC Powder Blush in the color dame.

Blush is tricky sometimes because there are so many shades to choose from. Which one is right for you? You can break it down into a few options. We have cream and powder; pink, orange, and brown shades; sparkly and matte. I've chosen a shade of pink because of the blue in my eyes and my fair skin. I think brown shades are better for darker skin types, while orange is good for more olive tones. I don't particularly like cream anything because it feels rather heavy on my already oily skin - why add to that? And, to me, sparkly makeup is best for dramatic eyes on a night out.

I really love blush as one of the products I can run out of my house with. It can take a dreary face into a bright face and make you look more awake. You can forget pinching those cheeks for color when you have blush - it makes you come alive. And with the right angled brush you can really get complete coverage over the applets of your cheeks.

So now you've seen my three favorite products: Prescriptives concealer, Prescriptives eyeliner, and MAC blush. With these three products combined I'm ready to run in less than 60 seconds. And these are all such little products that I can easily throw them into my bag and hang on to them for quick touch-ups. I think these three products enhance the quality of my face. While concealer is something that hides imperfections, it's the right concealer that will go on smoothly and give a flawless appearance.

Your three favorite products may be different than mine. Maybe you like mascara better than liner or bronzer more than blush. Tell me all about it in the comments section of Makeup Lovers Anonymous!

-A

A Steal of a Deal

Brushes are a must, but sometimes it's very pricey to buy all the necessities. Lucky for us, Nordstrom is having their fabulously delicious anniversary sale right now and they always have a ton of wonderful deals. One in particular that I took advantage of was a MAC brush set, exclusively sold at Nordstrom. For only $49.50, I got some of the most important brushes you'll need to add to your makeup repertoire.

Five brushes come in this collection, as well as a makeup bag and a wallet-style brush holder. I bought the purple one, pictured here, but the same set also comes in green. The red set is a set of five different brushes, but the one I purchased seemed the most appropriate for my makeup routine.

Brush 1: 187 SE - This brush I'll use with my bronzer. It's for lightweight application and it really smoothes your face out to evenly apply makeup. Purchased separately, it'll cost you $42.

Brush 2: 168 SE - This white brush (don't get scared, because you'll be washing your brushes frequently, right?) is perfect for your cheeks. I use it with my blush and get the perfect amount of color to exaggerate my cheekbones. Alone, it runs for $32.

Brush 3: 275 SE - Perfect for blending your shadow, this small angled brush works well after you've applied your colors. Smokey eyes will be a piece of cake with this brush. You can even apply your shadow with this brush, making it multi-functional. Retail price is $24.50.

Brush 4: 219 SE - For some added exaggeration in your crease or on your lash line, use this pencil brush for precision. Since it's still flexible and completely stiff, you'll be able to get some nice blending with the rest of your lid. It's normally $23.

Brush 5: 212 SE - This flat brush is great for lining the eye. I like to use it under my bottom lashes with a shadow that I may not have a liner for. It makes not having to buy more pencils a nice money-saving plus. Buy it out of the set and it's $21.

Now, if you add up all those brushes, you'll be brought to the grand total of $142.50 and you won't get the nice purple cases! But hurry because they're only there as long as supplies last at Nordstrom - it's the one limited edition I really couldn't live without!

-A

Black Tied

So I know I write a lot about MAC and there's a reason why...I LOVE IT!! I love the wide variety of colors and textures, I love the quality, and I love that it won't break the bank!! There is one eyeshadow in particular that I thought I should share my thoughts on: Black Tied, a black with gold shimmer. This color is AMAZING!!

I was very skeptical when I first received this MAC shade as a gift. In fact, I only started using it a couple of months ago. Now, don't get me wrong and misinterpret my skepticism. It wasn't my beloved MAC's fault, it was actually my own. At first I just wasn't exactly sure how to use this dark of a shadow. But, to start, I decided to use Amber Lights on the lid (another fab must-have color by MAC). Next, I used Black Tied on the side to blend. In the crease, I added a little bit of black eyeliner. I cannot explain what an amazing nightlook I achieved!

I highly suggest all of you makeup lovers out there visit any major department store carrying MAC or any MAC store and try this color on. After all, it goes with just about any color.

-S

Photo: Black Tied, maccosmetics.com