MAC Tres Cheek collection, photos, swatches, and review

MAC Tres Cheek Collection Blushes

Here are the new blushes from MAC's limited edition Tres Cheek collection for Spring 2012! I was in love with the promo photos as soon as I saw them. Sweet pastels! Every spring MAC hooks me with their pastels. I picked up everything from this collection except for Modern Mandarin because I thought it might a be a little too orange. Now that I see how buildable all of these are, Modern Mandarin doesn't seem such a daunting shade. All of these shades have a sheerness that allows you to build up the color without overdoing it.

Pink tea leans more red when swatched, but looks neutral in the pan. Immortal Flower is a peachy-pink coral shade perfect for warm skintones. Full of Joy was the highest on my list to have from this collection. It's a blue-based lavender-pink that is the only frost in the collection. Lovecloud is a neutral yellow pink that definitely has a little shine to it. Peony Petal is a bright blue-based cotton-candy pink perfect for cool skintones.

Colors swatched on bare skin with my finger, from left to right:
Pink Tea, Immortal Flower, Full of Joy, Lovecloud, Peony Petal
♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

MAC Pink Tea

MAC Immortal Flower

MAC Full of Joy

MAC Lovecloud

MAC Peony Petal

Zoya Collection: Beach & Surf, Spring 2012, official product photos and promo info

Zoya Beach & Surf Collection - Available April 1st, 2012

Press Release:

Summer 2012 is going to be a super stylish season for nails with the latest offering of nail polish collections, Beach and Surf, from the new color of fashion, Zoya! This new splash of color, designed by the Zoya color experts, is kissed by sea and sand translating beautifully onto the nail in the famous, full-coverage Zoya formula.Dive into the creamy shades of the Zoya Beach Collection or the shimmering sea foils of the Zoya Surf Collection. The choice is yours – this color palette is sure to be a splash!

Zoya BEACH Collection:

Reagan - deep cerise pink cream
Lara - vivid cerise pink cream
Shelby - soft pinky pink cream
Arizona - soft coral orange cream
Tracie - sea grass metallic
Wednesday - soft aqua cream

Zoya SURF Collection: 

Rory - lotus pink foil metallic
Carly - thalia purple foil metallic
Kimber - magenta pink foil metallic
Myrta - coral orange foil metallic
Meg - mermaid green foil metallic
Zuza - aquamarine foil metallic

Zoya nail lacquers are free of harmful industrial chemicals like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, resin, dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Available at www.zoya.com.

Retail $8.00 per 0.5 fl.oz. bottle (US)

MAC Launch: In Extra Dimension, official product photos and promo info

In Extra Dimension  --  Official US Release Date: April 5th, 2012

Introducing a new liquid-powder formula with prismatic reflections that sculpts, highlights and models the face. Two products to try: Extra Dimension Skinfinish and Extra Dimension Eye Shadow.

Press Release:

Introducing a NEW liquid-powder hybrid formula with prismatic reflections that instantly sculpts, highlights and models the face to the desired effect – In Extra Dimension. Two formulas to try: the three shades of Extra Dimension Skinfinish and the ten shimmering tints of Extra Dimension Eye Shadow. This cool, creamy, silky, near-fluid formula creates a luminous, visually arresting, well-defined finish. With the flawless, deft application of the 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush and the 128 Split Fibre Cheek Brush, these are your mediums. SHARE YOUR FUTURE.

MAC Launch: Reel Sexy Collection, official product photos and promo info

Reel Sexy  --  Official US Release Date: April 5th, 2012

Our main feature - a cinematic drama starring Ms. Kristen McMenamy, supported by an entire cast of limited edition Dynamic Duo Eye Shadows, Nail Lacquers, Cremesheen Glass and Mineralize Skinfinish - sublime! Rave reviews all around!

Press Release:

RSVP now for a private screening starring an iconic model as big as anyone who’s ever graced the screen:  Kristen McMenamy, photographed and filmed by Miles Aldridge.  What is she watching as she laughs, cries and sits mesmerized in a surreal cinema where popcorn is pink, fingernails fierce and the wardrobe minimal?  Obviously, it’s REEL SEXY.  Miss McMenamy’s bright, bold and brilliant look features a colour collection of enigmatic Eye Shadow Duos, Vivid Lipstick, Creamsheen Glass, Eye Kohl, Powder Blush, Lighscapade Mineralize Skinfinish, Nail Lacquer and Zoom Lash.

MAC Launch: Tres Cheek, official product photos and promo info

Tres Cheek  --  Official US Release Date: April 5th, 2012

Blush as vibrantly, softly, or hip as you dare in shades that reflect your mood, style and skin tone. Six new limited edition Blush Powders in red-orange, peach, pink and lavender that are seamlessly sheer, and stay as bright on the skin as they are in palette.

Press Release:

Everyone loves when you blush. Fashioning your choices: A new sextet of MAC blush powders. Go hip in bright red-orange, or add a glorious touch of peach, pink or lavender – each shade staying as bright and un-beige on the skin as it is in the palette. With a formula that’s seamlessly sheer and unabashedly buildable, what do you get? a look that says Tres Cheek.

Powder Blush - USD $20
Pink Tea - neutral beiged pink (satin finish)
Immortal Flower - bright peach (satin finish)
Full of Joy - lavender (frost finish)
Lovecloud - bright mid-tone pink (satin finish)
Modern Mandarin - red-orange (satin finish)
Peony Petal - bright blue-pink (satin finish)

OPI Collection: New York City Ballet, official product photos and promo info

The New York City Ballet Collection from OPI is scheduled for release in April 2012.

Press Release:

OPI announces the launch of six new additions to the SoftShades collection, inspired by the New York City Ballet (NYCB), one of the world’s premiere dance companies. New York City Ballet by OPI features five sheer shades lightly tinged in hues of beige, pink, white, lilac and gray, as well as a silver sparkly lacquer. With various sized glitter particles, this hue can be worn alone or layered over any of the other colors for added shine and dimension.

My Pointe Exactly - See? This gorgeous sheer gray has been right all along!
Care to Danse? - This lilac is up-to-the-minuet in fashion.
You Callin’ Me a Lyre? - This ascending pink hits all the right notes.
Barre My Soul - This sheer beige is gorgeous, and that’s the “naked” truth.
Don’t Touch My Tutu! - Hands off this wispy white — it’s all mine!
Pirouette My Whistle - Drink up! This silver sparkle is just what you need.

OPI is available at professional salons, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA.
Suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer is $8.50 ($10.95 CAN).
OPI is a 3-Free brand.

MAC Launch: Prime Future, official product photos and promo info

Prime Future  -- Official US Release Date: April 5th, 2012

M∙A∙C PRIME FUTURE: Introducing two new all-over face primers. Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion saturates skin with a concentrated burst of hydration. Velvety Prep + Prime Skin Smoother instantly fills in fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin texture and mattifies while softening the skin.

Press Release:


Prep + Prime Skin Smoother - USD $30
"A velvety skin perfecting primer that instantly fills in fine lines and wrinkles. Contains powerful anti-oxidants, evens skintone and mattifies - while softening the skin. Convenient compact makes it perfect for on-the-go moments."

Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion - USD $40
"A lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration, making it a unique hybrid between skincare and priming. Gently soothes, revives and replenishes the skin while preparing it for foundation."

Sock Bun Hair Trend: Pink Hair Version

The sock bun. It's a trend I've seen everywhere lately and thought I'd share my photo. It's so easy. All you do is take a thin sock, like a nylon, and roll it into a tube shape and cut off the toe. For a larger bun, use a thicker sock. Instead of hand rolling it I just put the sock on and rolled it down over my calf to save time. Then I snipped off the tip, rolled it a bit, and pushed it down over my ponytail. I didn't roll the hair down with the sock though, I just separated my hair at my ponytail to cover the sock and then stuffed my hair underneath. Added a couple of pins and I was all done! It only takes a few seconds!

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

MOTD: Pink Nouveau MAC lipstick and NARS Angelika blush

Pink Nouveau from MAC is a great lipstick to pair with my pink hair. This is a simple Makeup Of The Day post. I'm wearing Make Up For Ever concealer, MAC loose powder, NARS Angelika blush, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade, MAC liquidlast eyeliner, and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Ransom.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

Toxic Chemicals in Cheap Jewelry

Several years ago I made a commitment to only buying handmade jewelry. I have done extremely well in that venture and I'm really proud of the collection I've amassed. I have unique pieces that I'm frequently asked about and it gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that my money goes to  independent artists. I've also made an effort to share my love of handmade jewelry by making it a feature on my blog.

Recently, though, I was considering breaking down and going to the mall to stocking up on some inexpensive jewelry so that my options at home wouldn't be as slim. Fortunately, before that happened, I stumbled upon this article from Ecology Center regarding a new study that found that more than half (59%) of the cheap commercially-manufactured jewelry they tested rated high on the list for toxic chemicals.

Researchers tested for chemicals -- including lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, bromine and chlorine (PVC) – which have been linked in animal and some human studies to acute allergies and to long-term health impacts such as birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer.

I hope you don't mind me saying so, but that is some seriously nasty shit. I don't mind suffering for beauty with my high heels or my hair color, but I'll be damned if I'm going to wear poison just to look pretty. So the next time you happen to be standing in a Target, Walmart, H&M or Forever 21, and eyeing the jewelry section, remember this new study and keep your hands off!

Support independent artists and buy handmade. Shop in the jewelry category on Etsy. Personally, I'm keen on shopping for sterling silver.

The following video is from HealthyStuff.org regarding the study.

Thanks for reading,
Lotus

Rose Nail Art, Purple and Red Glitter, Betsey Johnson Inspired

I have always been a sucker for roses, whether real, illustrated, or scented. Today I created this Betsey Johnson inspired manicure for myself. I started with two coats of OPI's Sweet Heart as a base, then applied large purple dots using OPI's Grape...Set...Match. On the ring finger I used OPI The One That Got Away as the large dots. Then I used OPI's Alpine Snow as the small polka dots in the background. On top of OPI Grape...Set...Match I used OPI's A Grape Fit to create the rose petals. On The One That Got Away I used OPI's La Paz-itively Hot for petals. Then I created leaves using China Glaze Cha Cha Cha. To finish the look I coated each nail with OPI's I Juggle Men to give it some sparkle.

Do you think Betsey would like it? I hope so.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

What's In My Makeup Bag, March

I haven't posted very many of these on my blog, but it was recently part of an Instagram challenge to post a Whats-In-My-Makeup-Bag photo. This is my leopard print makeup bag with red interior that I made to match a red and leopard print Lux de Ville bag I own. I typically keep two travel size bottles of perfume with me, Givenchy's Very Irresistable, and Juicy Couture's Viva La Juicy. I have MAC blotting powder and a retractable brush. The MAC lipstick with the red label is Viva Glam Gaga. I usually have more lipsticks than this in my bag in case I change my mind during the day. I always have a pink hair tie and a nail buffer. There's also lipliner, eyeliner, lip conditioner, and hand lotion.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

OOTD: New Candy Connoisseur Coat from Modcloth

Hey, an outfit of the day post? Yes, I'm going to attempt to make this a regular feature. I had been keeping my eye on the Candy Connoisseur coat from Modcloth for some time. My last pink coat bit the dust a few years ago and I just hadn't found anything I liked to replace it with. Isn't this darling? It's such a color shock combined with my pink hair and pink shoes! The purse is the Cruiser Tote from Lux de Ville in black and baby green sparkle. It's a beautiful seafoam green color. People are always asking me about my purses.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

5 Bright Pink MAC Lipsticks: Quick Sizzle, Girl About Town, Full Fuchsia, Show Orchid, Candy Yum-Yum, photos, swatches

I  picked out five bright pink lipsticks from my collection to swatch for comparison.

Quick Sizzle
Girl About Town
Full Fuchsia
Show Orchid
Candy Yum-Yum

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

NOTD: Zoya Skylar

Zoya Skylar was released with the True Collection in December. Skylar is described as a "medium steel blue with a softened, dusty look and speckled by visible gold and silver shimmer flecks. A soft blue that's bold without being too dark, bright or flashy." It has so much sparkle it's almost metallic. I applied two coats.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

NOTD: Zoya Maisie over ZOYA Skylar nail polish

This is Zoya Maisie over Zoya Skylar. This has quite a mermaid feel about it, doesn't it? Maisie was released with the Fleck Effect collection. It's a holographic glaze that's described by Zoya as "a sheer turquoise blue base with reflective Mylar flakes that shift from green to blue. A fun flake glitter topcoat that can be layered over any shade to create a fascinating 3D effect." Skylar  was released with the True Collection and is described as a "medium steel blue with a softened, dusty look and speckled by visible gold and silver shimmer flecks. A soft blue that's bold without being too dark, bright or flashy."

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

NOTD: Happy St. Patricks Day with Cha Cha Cha from China Glaze

Happy St Patricks Day! This nail of the day is a shiny green called Cha Cha Cha by China Glaze. It was released last spring as part of their Island Escape collection. I applied two coats and then I sprinkled Key Lime Pie glitter from Medusa's Makeup over the nails while still wet. After it dried I just washed the excess glitter off.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

Perfume: Coach Poppy

Coach Poppy

Scent is not always easy for me to describe. It takes time to get to know a scent, but perfumes change over the course of a day. With a lipstick or an eye shadow I know immediately upon swatching it whether or not it pleases me. With a perfume, however, I have to spend time with it. I have to apply it and smell it throughout the entire day, perhaps even for several days, before I can decide if I like it. Do the top notes disappear? What notes are lingering? It is a time consuming process.

I've had a sample of Coach Poppy for a few months now and after trying it again and again, I finally purchased a 1oz bottle from Sephora.

Here is the official description of  Coach Poppy: "A youthful and spirited fragrance, the initial spray of this fruity-floral scent delights with bright cucumber flower petals, juicy mandarin, and the sparkling freshness of bright baby freesia buds. In the heart notes, a lush bouquet comes forward, including petally jasmine, pink water lily, Southern gardenia, and the petals of red candied rose. A sweet depth wraps around these floral notes with a rich accord of crème brûlée. In the base, sensual and woody undertones create a lasting impression with notes of cedarwood, bleached sandalwood, lush vanilla, and whipped marshmallow."

Notes: cucumber flower petals, mandarin, baby freesia buds, jasmine, pink water lily, southern gardenia, rose petals, crème brûlée accord, cedarwood, bleached sandalwood, vanilla, whipped marshmallow

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

NOTD: Senorita Bonita from China Glaze to match my Lux de Ville wallet

I painted my nails with Señorita Bonita nail polish by China Glaze to match my Lux de Ville violet sparkle wallet! Señorita Bonita was released with the China Glaze Island Escape collection that launched last spring. It has a micro sparkle that isn't an exact match to my wallet, but it is pretty close!

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

Perfume: Versace Bright Crystal

Versace Bright Crystal

Scent is not always easy for me to describe. It takes time to get to know a scent, but perfumes change over the course of a day. With a lipstick or an eye shadow I know immediately upon swatching it whether or not it pleases me. With a perfume, however, I have to spend time with it. I have to apply it and smell it throughout the entire day, perhaps even for several days, before I can decide if I like it. Do the top notes disappear? What notes are lingering? It is a time consuming process.

I've had a sample of Versace Bright Crystal for a few months now and after trying it again and again, I finally purchased a 1oz bottle from Sephora.
 
Here is the official description of Versace Bright Crystal: "Inspired by a mixture of Donatella Versace's favorite floral fragrances, Bright Crystal is a fresh, sensual blend of refreshing chilled yuzu and pomegranate mingled with soothing blossoms of peony, magnolia, and lotus flower, warmed with notes of musk and amber."

Notes:
Iced Accord, Yuzu, Pomegranate, Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower, Acajou, Vegetal Amber, Musk.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

Handmade Jewelry: dankartistry spoon rings

In my never-ending search for beautiful handmade and vintage jewelry, I recently came across Dan Kemp, owner of dankartistry on Etsy who specializes in making jewelry out of repurposed vintage silverware pieces. I was immediately drawn the the classic art nouveau style of the 1904 Modern Art Bailey's ring with its stylized orchid.

The price range for the spoon rings is from $15 to $125 for each piece. Almost all of the rings offered are available for altering a half size either up or down. His spoon bracelets range from $25 to $42. Also offered are bell pendants made from butter knives!

I picked out three gorgeous rings for myself, all in size 5. My order arrived four business days after I placed it and when I received my delivery notification letter from Dan, it was honestly the most adorable heart-warming letter ever! I won't spoil it for you in case you place your own orders (hint-hint) but all I can say is that it involved a pet owl named Mr. Blinky.

Don't forget to check out the dankartistry Facebook page. Please enjoy more photos and content after the break. I've included the descriptions for each ring as listed on Etsy. KEEP READING

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

MAC By Request: Vote for your favorites on Facebook

M·A·C is inviting fans to vote for their favorite shades starting March 12 on Facebook.  18 popular lipsticks, lipglasses and eye shadows have been selected from past collections; the three shades with the most votes from each category will come back as an online exclusive, limited edition collection.

Voting opens to all Facebook fans March 12-30.  The collection will be available online in North America in August and internationally Fall 2012.

Do you have a favorite shade or two? We invite you to start your own campaign; tweet about it using #MACBYREQUEST

Lipstick:

3N as seen in N Collection (January 2008)

Candy Yum Yum as seen in Quite Cute (April 2011)

Eden Rocks as seen in Eden Rocks (May 2001)

Moxie as seen in Retro Matte Lipsticks (September 1999)

Rocker as seen in Time Rocker (Fall 1999)

Shitaki as seen in Cuisine (March 2001)

Lipglass:

2N as seen in N Collection (January 2008)

Bait as seen in Lure (June 2006)

Cult of Cherry as seen in Cult of Cherry (September 2008)

Emancipation as seen in Wonder Woman (February 2011)

Flash of Flesh as seen in M·A·C D’Bohemia (May 2005)

Icescape as seen in Love Lace (December 2009)

Eye Shadow:

Cool Heat as seen in Cool Heat (June 2008)

Guacamole as seen in Salsabelle (May 2005)

Heavenly Bliss as seen in Eden Rocks (May 2001)

Jeté as seen in Danse (January 2006)

Moth Brown as seen in Madame B. (March 2005)

Solar White as seen in Cool Heat (June 2008)

source

OOTD: New Coach Tour Dress from ModCloth

This dress fits like a glove. It's the Coach Tour Dress from ModCloth in noir. It was on my love-list for so long and I finally grabbed one. The black and white houndstooth version is the one I really wanted, but unfortuantely they don't stock my size. I was drawn in by its black buttons, side pockets, and asymmetrical collar. It's a stretchy poly/rayon blend, so I don't expect the black to fade into a dull gray, even though this dress is going to see lots of wear in the near future.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

China Glaze Collection: Prismatic Chroma Glitters, official product photos and promo info

Prismatic Chroma Glitters from China Glaze will be available in April 2012.

Array your nails in a myriad of color this spring with China Glaze®’s limited edition Prismati cnail polish collection!  Inspired by the colors formed by the refraction of light through a prism, Prismatic by China Glaze® combines glitter and holographic particles to create the ultimate eye-catching, 3-dimensional manicure.

China Glaze® Prismatic will be available April 2012.  Individual shades retail for $8 MSRP.  The collection will be available in a 3-D 12-piece counter display and as open stock colors.

Ray-Diant
Polarized
Liquid Crystal
Prism
Full Spectrum
Optical Illusion

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. They are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com

NOTD: Zoya Reece deco nails hearts and glitter

Deco nails! I rarely do these, but they're so much fun! First I applied two coats of Zoya Reece, which is a metallic rose duochrome with goldish-green shine. Then I dipped just the tips into a pot of fine glitter - I honestly don't remember what I used! Then I used tweezers to apply individual hearts to eat nail. Last, I applied a generous coat of China Glaze top coat to seal everything in.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus

Blush to Match Your Lipstick

Back in February I posted about the vintage style tip of matching the shades of your nail polish and lipstick. It was part of Elizabeth Arden's "Total Look" technique. Well, I've sifted through my collection and found a matching lipstick and blush to share with you. This is MAC Prolongwear in Love Forever and Tarte Amazonian Clay Bluh in Amused. Both are cool-toned bright fuchsia. Wearing a both lipstick and blush together means less emphasis should be placed on eye makeup. I would wear this either without shadow or with the most neutral of eye shadows, plus some black eyeliner.

♥ ♥ ♥
Lotus