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#MACxMickeyContractor Indian Beauty Essentials Natural Makeup Look, Tips & Tricks

#MACxMickeyContractor Indian Beauty Essentials Natural Makeup Look, Tips & Tricks

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#MACxMickeyContractor Indian Beauty Essentials Natural Makeup Look, Tips & Tricks

Hi guys,

So towards the end of March, I attended a session with MAC Cosmetics where Mickey Contractor, Director of Makeup Artistry, MAC India and celebrity Bollywood Makeup Artist, taught us to create a flawless base and a step by step Natural Indian Look!

I was so stoked and happy, I had no idea till I reached the venue that we had to do it step by step with him and he would be teaching us. I thought it was a regular event where the video will be unveiled, etc., but no, we saw the video and we created the whole look on ourselves with Mickey checking each step and teaching us how to do it correctly.

The video came out today and hence I wrote this post half way through earlier and saved in my drafts, because many of you asked me to share the tips and tricks and I thought I should jot them down quickly.

Here is the video..

So here are few tips and tricks Mickey taught us:

  • Always moisturise your face and undereyes before starting with your base. Mickey recommends MAC Studio Moisture Cream. He even mixes it later with the foundation when he needs a sheer look.
  • Spray MAC Fix Plus after the Moisture Cream and then start with concealer/corrector.
  • Everyone has dark circles and that is completely natural. If you try to layer too much of concealer and powder, it will only look ashy and settle in fine lines and crease. So correct and conceal once, go over the concealed area with a foundation and set with powder.
  • We used the MAC Pro Conceal and Correct Palette and he made us mix the concealer and both correctors on our hands to get the perfect match first. And then apply it on the dark circles. It made world of a difference. I mixed the corrector and concealer directly on the under eye area and applied it on one half and it was still looking ashy. I used the Medium palette which had shades close to and lighter to my skin tone. And the lighter concealer was making the dark circles look ashy. He made me take the yellow and orange corrector and the concealer shade on the back of my hand from the Medium Deep Palette, mix it in and add more untill I got the perfect peach. And then I applied it to cover dark circles, it was a perfect match!
  • He usually goes for the same color or a darker concealer for the under eye area and then covers that area with foundation for a seamless, even toned base.
  • Always match the foundation to your neck and body and in natural light only. Wear it through the day to check if it oxidizes and then go ahead and buy your perfect match.
  • Dab powder with a sponge on the under eye area and the T zone and take excess off with a brush. Never swipe concealer/powder. Always dab!
  • Take your eyelash curler till the base of the lashes and press and release the curler till count of 10, hold for 3-4 seconds and leave. Voila, you get amazing well curled lashes.
  • To define your cheekbones, apply blush in a slight slanted upward motion and just for a flush of colour, on the apples of your cheeks.
  • Dab the sponge on your highlighter to blend it in with the skin and take it slightly around the under eye area as it should not be a stark slanted highlighted line on top of your cheekbones and look seamless.
  • Always apply foundation on the neck if you are doing your whole face or just apply foundation partially like only on T zone and problem areas. There shouldn’t be a stark/visible difference between face and neck.

Clean and natural base using minimal products is his USP. He doesn’t like sharp contouring and highlighting, bold brows and all that you see on YouTube and Instagram these days.

He has done numerous Bollywood movies and magazine covers especially Aishwarya Rai, Kajol and Rani Mukherjee’s makeup and you can see how he loves a clean base, natural look and dark kohled eyes. He is a master of the Bollywood Smokey Eye.

In this video, he teaches a Natural Indian Look with a light smoke of kohl which is perfect for summers.

I used these products to create the look, as shown in the video..

  • MAC Pro Conceal & Correct Palette in Medium Deep
  • MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC37
  • MAC Cream Colour Base Hush
  • MAC Eyeshadow Embark
  • MAC Modern Twist Kajal Cat’s Meow
  • MAC In Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara Volume
  • MAC Mocha Blush
  • MAC Lipstick in Half n Half
  • MAC Brushes 217 and 168

The Conceal & Correct Palette helps you mix and match the exact amount of concealer and corrector till you get your perfect shade. This palette is also a must have if you are a makeup artist or do your friends and family’s makeup.

MAC Conceal & Correct Palette Medium Deep

Embark is a matte deep brown eyeshadow with red undertones. It is a perfect shade for a wash of colour like we have done here or for a soft smokey day time look, smudging it with a black kohl pencil underneath. We have used the Modern Twist Kajal in Cat’s Meow, which is the black shade as kohl on the waterline. If you like jet carbon black kohl, you can go for Squid. Gently smudge Embark on the lower lash line to merge the kohl and shadow. Flick the kohl slightly to create a wing like effect. Tightline with Cat’s Meow

Mocha, Hush, Embark

MAC Blush in Mocha is a matte soft peach colour which is very flattering on Indian skin tones, fair to medium especially. MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush gives a very soft and subtle highlight and can also be used all over eyes as a base or to highlight brow bone and inner corners.

MAC Half n Half Lipstick is a satin finish nude brown, I absolutely love this shade. It reminded me of Maybelline My Mahagony which was my favourite nude and was discontinued later on. But I highly recommend Half N Half if you are looking for a good, everyday wear nude shade.

MAC Half N Half

I love how simple this look is, and yet pretty and polished. Clean base, neutral tones and kohl rimmed eyes, suitable for any occasion and works for everyone.

I hope you liked this post and found it helpful. Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC42 Review, Swatches, Buy Online

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MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC42 Review, Swatches, Buy Online

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION – I have been planning to buy this concealer for a long time and when it was available online, I immediately picked this up. I once tried this concealer at a MAC store and loved the consistency and coverage. MAC is known for their extraordinary base products with an array of shade range. Having used the product for quite some time, here’s my review on the product.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump.

PRICE – Rs. 2100/ $22.00 for 9 ml / 0.30 US fl. oz. (Available on Nykaa)

MY REVIEW

The MAC Pro Longwear Concealer has a convenient packaging for travelling. It comes in a transparent bottle with a black opaque pump and the packaging is really sturdy. Although, it is hygienic and travel friendly, it has downside too. The pump dispenses a lot of product in a single pressure and sometimes you need end up wasting it. And honestly, you don’t want to waste a product from MAC. Therefore, the packaging fares well but nothing something I prefer.

Coming to its consistency, I would say it is medium. The texture is slightly runny but the moment you start blending, it kind of turns creamy. The best thing about the product is that it gives a medium to full coverage. Every liquid concealer I have used so far sheers out and we just end up wasting money. Therefore, I was very careful while purchasing this one. The concealer is also water proof and smudge proof. Once you have set the concealer, it is not going to smudge or spread at all.

I use this concealer mainly for under eyes and I have extreme dark circles. I simply apply a faint layer of orange corrector and apply this concealer with the help of my fingers. And using a blending sponge, blend the product. It completely hides the dark circles and gives a fresh, awake look.

Now, the shade range of MAC is outstanding and one can’t complain about it at all. I chose the shade NC42 because it matches my skin tone. I didn’t want the highlighting effect at all therefore went with something natural. For minor discolorations, pigmentation and acne cover also the concealer works like a charm.

The blending is really easy and it doesn’t cling on the dry areas of the face or eyes at all. Since, my eye area is extremely dry, I use an eye cream prior the application of product. The concealer gives a natural matte finish and would work great with oily and combination skin. It causes little to no creasing of under eyes if you set with a translucent powder. However, if you have dry skin, make sure you use the appropriate hydrating emollient to make the concealer work smoothly.

The concealer gives no flashback at all and I simply love that. It looks as natural as possible and would bring a huge difference to your look. It is surely long wearing and stayed on my eyes for about 8-9hrs with minimal fading in a moderate climate. I can also use this concealer for full face too. There are time when I mix it with sunscreen, moisturizer or any BB/CC cream to perfect a perfect natural coverage. The only downside of every MAC product is that they are unapologetically expensive. However, the quality is undeniably good and the product would last a long time.

WHAT I LIKED

1. Hygienic and travel friendly packaging.

2. Perfect shade range.

3. Medium consistency with slight runny texture.

4. Very easy to blend.

5. Medium to full coverage.

6. No flash back in photos.

7. Can be used with tinted moisturizer or any BB/CC cream.

8. Natural matte finish.

9. Water proof and smudge proof.

10. Long wearing.

WHAT I DISLIKED

1. Pump dispenses a lot of product.

2. May be little dry for dry skin.

3. Expensive.

RATING – 4.5/5

OVERALL – The MAC Pro Longwear Concealer is a medium to full coverage concealer with an extensive shade range. It has a liquid based formula, slightly runny and sets in easily to give a natural matte finish. It is easy to work with and if you have been looking for a full coverage liquid-cream concealer, this excels in its wonderful quality. I am really happy with the product.

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good! I wanted to try this, but right now I have the MAC Pro Conceal and Correct Palette and quite happy with it. As you can mix and match with the correctors and create your custom shade

Have you tried MAC Concealers? Which is your favourite?

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation NC 41 Review

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MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation NC 41 Review

By Linda

Hello Ladies,

Again I’m back with another review of a MAC product that is a highly recommended and belongs to the Studio range of collections. The sales assistant helped me out in picking the closest shade[NC 41] for my yellow toned medium to fair skin.I would recommend you to first try a suitable shade yourself before purchasing since these are high end products with varieties of shades and what you buy should be worth the money . I read many good reviews of this product due to its dual performance as a foundation plus powder hence made up mind that I’m definitely purchasing this product.

What MAC Claims: A one step powder and foundation that gives skin a smooth, flawless, all matte finish with medium to full coverage. Long-wearing, velvety texture allows skin to breathe.

Packaging

Packaging consists of a classic MAC black compact case which has a built in mirror, the compressed product (in the mid section) and a third compartment where a sponge applicator is stored. A convenient packaging which can be carried easily where ever you go. What I like about the packaging is the separate compartment for the sponge applicator [please excuse my sponge since I haven’t washed it since I purchased this product ,Yes bad me !!] .In most of the compacts, the applicator is kept on top of product due to which the excess product is picked by the applicator when not in use hence forth the waste of product.

Cost: 2290 INR for 15 g

My take on MAC Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation [Shade NC 41]

As I applied this product on my well cleansed and moisturized skin, the first thing I noticed was my pores vanished in seconds. The powder is fine and so soft that it blends easily into the skin. The biggest bonus in this product is the sponge applicator. I found the applicator to be of a very good quality .I have been using this product for more than a year and the sponge is still intact. In fact I use this sponge for blending my other liquid foundation and it gives me a flawless finish.

On application of this product the oiliness on my skin did vanish giving a medium coverage to my skin. It does not seem to look cakey at all and even does not highlight the dry patches on my skin. The product lasts for around 5-6 hours on my combination skin. After which I do a touch up on my T zone. What I noticed is, it doesn’t completely cover the dark spots and minor blemishes and dark circles [hence medium coverage].

I have used this product alone most of the time, but somehow I feel a liquid foundation would help in giving full coverage along with a concealer and a flawless finish .As I mentioned earlier it doesn’t give a cakey look even after layering several products on the skin and it even does not flash on photographs. It just feels like a second skin.

A drawback I noticed was when you use a sponge applicator, it picks up more product than usual hence you tend to finish your product sooner. So in that case a blending brush is always helpful.

The product I’ve been using is almost over but it hasn’t broken as yet since it is fine milled and compressed well into the container. Hence no product wasted.

TIP: Dampen the sponge applicator a little with water and apply the product on to your skin. The product lasts on skin for a considerable longer time than usual and controls oiliness too. [Based on personal experience].

Definitely this is a multipurpose product that can be used alone or along with a liquid foundation which gives a flawless finish.

Pros:

  • Diminishes pores within seconds
  • Doesn’t give a cakey look
  • Photo friendly
  • Controls oiliness giving a matte finish
  • Can be used alone or along with a liquid foundations
  • Highly recommended for oily skin
  • Travel friendly light weight packaging
  • Long-lasting product

Cons:

  • Heavy on pockets
  • Medium coverage
  • Works better with liquid foundation

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I recommend MAC Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation? Yes definitely I would recommend since it’s a multipurpose product.

Editor’s Note: I would like to add one thing here, it broke one of my friend really bad every time she used it. So I would recommend trying it out first 2-3 times at the stores and see if it suits your skin, before investing in it. If it works for your skin, then it is indeed a great powder with very good coverage.

Have you tried the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation?

MAC Matte Lipstick Whirl Review, Swatches & Dupe

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MAC Matte Lipstick Whirl Review, Swatches & Dupe

By Linda

Hello Ladies,

While I go shopping I make it a point to try various lipsticks but somehow don’t know why I end up purchasing a MAC lipstick only, maybe it’s because of the variety of shades suiting most of the skin tones.

So this review is about another MAC lipstick, from the Matte Lip collection in the shade WHIRL. There is a lip liner also available in the same shade. I found the lip liner to be too dry on my lips as compared to the lipstick. So let’s go ahead with the review.

What MAC Claims and Packaging: Dirty Rose with Matte finish. The lipstick is packed in a Classic MAC matte black and silver lipstick container with the shade mentioned at the bottom.

Price: Rs 1450/- for 3g (I believe it is increased to Rs.1950 now :/)

My take on MAC Whirl Lipstick

MAC claims the shade as dirty rose but in simple words I can say this is a mauve brown neutral shade. The content of brown is little on the higher side so it can tend to look darker under natural light. The texture is creamy on application, glides smoothly to give a matte finish on the lips. This shade would go well on medium skin tones to fair skin tones but I’m really not sure how it would go on dusky to dark skin tones. If you are confused on which lipstick shade to wear, be safe and wear a neutral shade, in such cases I definitely would recommend MAC Whirl.

I’m not happy with the stay power, as after meals, the lipstick completely vanished from my lips. May be prior prepping and a whirl lip liner would help the product to last longer or you got to retouch your lipstick after every meal. You can wear this shade at your work place as well as on any other occasion. It does accentuate the lines on my dry lips.The coverage is good and I mostly wear it without the lip liner as it doesn’t bleed.

TIP: Trying using this shade along with MAC Mehr or MAC Brave, or any lip liner close to old rose shade. I bet the mixtures of colors will give an awesome result.

Definitely there is something about MAC Whirl, as when this shade was launched it was sold out in no time.I got my hands on this almost after a year.

Pros:

  • Best for work place
  • Good coverage
  • Creamy texture
  • Suits most of the skin tones.
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Looks best along with an old rose lip liner or lipstick.

Cons:

  • Poor Staying power
  • A little heavy on the pockets (as many neutral shades are easily available)
  • Might accentuate the lines on the lip (mostly on dry lips)

Rating: 3.5/5

Would I repurchase WHIRL Mac Lipstick? Not so sure, as there are many shades of neutrals in MAC, would like to try those.

Dupe Alert: Rimmel London Kate Nude Lipstick in 48 is an exact dupe of MAC Whirl! Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Nude Nuance is also a close dupe

Editor’s Note: I quite like the shade, this is really pretty and perfect for all skin tones! MAC Whirl Lip Liner is what Kylie Jenner loves and uses a lot, so it’s always sold out most of the times 😀

Have you tried MAC Whirl Lipstick?

MAC Cosmetics India New Launches, Reviews, FOTD

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MAC Cosmetics India New Launches, Reviews, FOTD

Hi guys,

So it’s been quite some time I am playing with a few new launches by MAC Cosmetics. I also created a look with few of their new launches. And here are my thoughts on it..

MAC Modern Twist Kajal Liner

What the Company claims: A kohl-like liner that’s sultry, seductive and a little bit scandalous.The easy-glide formula makes this pencil a one-stroke wonder with a silky, soft texture perfect for rimming the sensitive waterline. Its colour intensity and extreme depth creates a look with unparalleled impact. The long-wearing, waterproof formula locks in your look for hours.

Features an extremely soft, gliding, creamy formula
Features excellent and even colour payoff
Features a high-coverage formula
Long-wearing, ten hours
Smudge-resistant
Transfer-resistant
Waterproof
Ophthalmologist tested
Safe for contact lens wearers

Usage: Apply to lid directly (can also be used in the waterline). Once twisted up, this product will not twist back down.

MRP: Rs.990

Shades Available: 13

I have the shade New Marine which is a cool toned emerald green with a pearly finish. The Modern Twist Kajal glides on pretty smooth and do not tug or pull. These are super pigmented and with two swipes would give a perfect, opaque line. These are water proof as well as smudge proof but need a good makeup remover to take it off. On the upper lashline, they stay put almost whole day, however on the waterline, they do fade away after 6-7 hours which is still pretty good.

They retract only one way, so be careful and do not retract the entire pencil. As we are used to two way retracting pencils, this is a disadvantage as one has to be extra cautious or the entire pencil will go waste.

They have a beautiful n*de shade called ‘Nothing On’ which is a perfect nude for the waterline. I am eyeing that one.

Overall I would say these are definitely worth a try.

MAC Versicolour Stain

What the Company claims: A liquid lip colour that’s the ultimate fusion of gloss and stain. The ultimate fusion of gloss + stain in one fluid formula that melts onto lips for a full-on glassy shine that lasts and lasts and lasts. Infused with emollient oils, its creamy, lightweight texture stays bright, lustrous and so comfortable without ever cracking or peeling. Like an energy shot for your lips, a range of resilient hues live long into the day (and night).

Long-wearing, eight hours
Shine wears for eight hours
Provides stay-true colour
Features a comfortable formula
Features a jelly-like texture
Provides a super-glossy shine
Dermatologist tested

Usage: Apply directly to lips with doe foot applicator. As with many lip stains, lips might feel slightly dry over time. If desired, prep lips with a lightweight lip balm or our Prep + Prime Lip. Product not recommended for use on overly dry or sensitive lips. For optimal lip definition, use with Lip Pencil or Pro Longwear Lip Pencil.

MRP: Rs.1800 for 8.5ml

Shades Available: 16

As rightly described, Veriscolour Stain is a mix of lip gloss and lip stain. It looks and feels like a lip gloss and is pigmented and long staying like a lip stain. It comes with a doe foot applicator. The packaging is basic black with transparent see through part in between to identify the colour.

It is jelly like in texture and goes on like a lip gloss. The only disadvantage is that it might smear and smudge since it is very pigmented and liquidy/runny. I love the pigmentation and staying power, although doesn’t stay 8 hours, but stays a decent 4-4.5 hours on me. It is not transfer proof though, so will fade away with a full meal, it leaves behind a pretty stain.

These are slightly expensive at Rs.1800 but it’s an innovative product. If you like lip glosses and prefer them to be more pigmented and long staying which leave a nice stain behind, you will love this.

I have the shade Preserving Passion which is a nice, deep wine berry colour.

MAC Zac Posen Collection

I have the Haute Contour from the MAC Zac Posen Collection which is a powder blush-bronzer duo. The packaging is very sturdy and it comes with a nice mirror.

What the Company claims: A powder blush duo to achieve the sculpted look seen in Zac Posen’s runway shows.

MRP: Rs. 2800 for 10g

The bronzer is medium brown with warm orange-yellow undertones and the blush is a medium coral pink with gold shimmer. I don’t have much to say about this, there is no pigmentation in the product. You have to go over at least 6-7 times for some colour to show up on your skin. The bronzer is still better but the blush gives no colour sadly. Disappointed with this, do not recommend.

MAC Flamingo Park Collection

I have a lipstick and a cremesheen glass from this collection.

MRP: Rs.1450 for lipstick and Rs.1650 for cremesheen glass

The lipstick in Flocking Fabulous is a bright coral red and is a mix of cremesheen + pearl finish and Such Sweeties is a pastel baby pink. There are 9 other lipsticks in this collection and 5 cremesheen glass.

The lipstick is bright and pigmented, goes on smooth and is very comfortable on the lips. It has a glossy finish but the glossiness settles down after some time. It stays put for a decent 4-5 hours without meal. The cremesheen glass is completely non sticky and very smooth to apply. It is not that pigmented and needs a base like a lipliner or lipstick below. I used it as it is and it doesn’t look very flattering as it does not cover pigmented lips.

I had used this lipglass in my blue smokey eyes tutorial HERE

It has a doe foot wand and a nice, warm vanilla smell.

Absolutely love the lipstick, the cremesheen glass is pretty nice but with a base colour.

L-R: Preserving Passion, New Marin, Haute Contour, Flocking Fabulous, Such Sweeties

Here I have used the Modern Twist Kajal in New Marine, I went for the half and half eyeliner look with half being green and half black, and also used it on the waterline. I have also used Haute Contour which is not much visible coz of the pigmentation and the Preserving Passion Stain.

Excuse my under eyes, I should have used an orange corrector, but I was in a hurry that day as had to leave for an event.

Overall I would definitely recommend the Modern Twist Kajal and Versicolour Stains. Also if you can get your hands on Flocking Fabulous, some lipsticks and cremesheen glass shades are ‘fabulous’ 😀

Have you tried any of these? Your favourite?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Flat Out Fabulous Review, Swatches

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MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Flat Out Fabulous Review, Swatches

By Linda

Hello all you beauties out there,

Today’s review is all about a beautiful bold shade from MAC ‘Retro Matte’ collection called Flat Out Fabulous. While I was on my regular window shopping to MAC stores I noticed this bold fuschia pink matte shade with a purple undertone in it , so headed straight to try it on. I was literally dying to buy this lipstick but then was reluctant, as I was under the impression of bold colors were only for very fair skin tones (cool tone).But thanks to my friend who observed my desire and gifted this shade to me(how sweet of her) . Now since I have this shade lets go head and know more about it.

What MAC Claims: Bright plum matte shade. With Retro Matte finish. Apply directly on to lips.

Packaging

This lipstick is packed in a carton which has a list of ingredients on it. It does come in one of the Classic MAC matte black and silver lipstick container with the shade mentioned at the bottom.

Cost: Rs 1450 /- for 3g

My take on Flat Out Fabulous Lipstick

As we know matte lipsticks tend to give us a dry texture to our lips, it wasn’t in this case. This lipstick glided smoothly on to the lips giving a polished finish with minimal swipes. I have lips that are dry and tend to get chapped easily hence I prefer prepping my lips by exfoliating, well moisturizing and then by applying the lipstick. It’s your personal choice if you need a primer for a longer stay put .A lip balm will be handy in case it tugs into your lips.

This shade is so well pigmented that you don’t require multiple swipes and at the same time gives an even distribution of shade on the lips. To maintain or to increase the intensity of color, you can go for multiple swipes and retouch every 4-5 hours. Inspite of drinking and eating you will notice the lipstick won’t wear off easily. It stains to such an extent that you need a makeup remover to take off the lipstick completely, incase if you need to. Be careful not to stain your clothes accidentally as its going to be a hard stain to take off.

Since this is a bold color your base makeup has be very neat and subtle as this shade will stand out so beautifully that everyone will notice your lips first (wink wink). I have a fair to medium skin tone and this shade looked amazing on me. In the picture attached I did not use a lip liner as it doesn’t even bleed .I researched whether it suited other skin tones and yes it looks amazing on other skin tones also, even on our dusky skin beauties. What I can suggest is before you purchase this shade please try it on yourself rather than judging the shade by just looking at it. Lipsticks tend to look different on different skin tones. Try it on see how it looks on you.

You can wear this shade for a day or an evening event (depending on the place and type of event) .I prefer wearing this shade for any weddings, parties or while I go clubbing with my friends. Personally I’m a non matte lipstick lover but once I seen the end results of this lipstick, I was totally in love with it.

Pros

  • Travel friendly
  • Amazing pigmentation
  • Lasts for 6-7 hours
  • Suits most of the skin tones.
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Does not bleed.

Cons

  • Stain could be a problem for some of them.

I cannot think any other cons, please let me know if you have any.

Rating: 5/5 (For texture, shade and the finish on your lips)

Would I recommend Flat Out fabulous Mac Lipstick? Yes definitely I would, if you are bored of a classic red lipstick, try this bold shade.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love this shade, I am surely trying this out on myself at MAC store next time.

Have you tried the MAC Lipstick in Flat Out Fabulous? Your favourite Retro Matte shade is?

MAC Sheertone Blush Pink Swoon Review, Swatches, FOTD

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MAC Sheertone Blush Pink Swoon Review, Swatches, FOTD

By Ishleen

Hello gorgeous ladies!

How are the winters going for you? Delhi has started to turn out cold—like really cold! And with cold weather, my skincare regimen goes off the drain—quite literally! No, not because I want to, but because I become too lazy to wake up early in the morning, or take my lazy bum out of the warm blankets at night to undergo a proper cleansing-toning-moisturising routine! And water intake you may ask? Yes, that pretty much is negligible too! Yes, I am that kind of lazy!

But looking at all those wintery-flushed rosy-posy cheeks, I so envy girls with naturally pink looking skins! And this is when the dire need to get some really cheeky-naturally-enamouring blushes comes to play! So if you are anything like me, and you want a pure matte blush which gives your cheeks the look that you would expect to have right after a run in the winter morning, girl, you need Mac Sheertone blush in pink swoon in your life! No kidding here!

The deal with the blush is that I am straight heads over heels in love with this little tub of pink goodness and have no cons to state whatsoever! So I am starting with what I like about the blush and will be explaining each aspect of it on the way! Let us dig in then!

Price: Rs.1450/- for 6g

Packaging and Price: Okay, like all mac powder blushes, this one too comes in a matte black tub with a see through lid and all the details on the back side of the tub! What I personally love about my mac blushes is the way all of them come in this really chic outer cardboard packaging which makes me feel so good about my vanity! Hmm, height of my vanity, I know! But I did spend 1450 bucks for this little tub—a classy packaging is the least I could have wished for! 😉

Shade: How can I even begin expressing the major drool attack I had when I saw this blush at the mac store about 3 months back—but me being the miser me, I needed double-trouble-quadruple assurances about the supposedly pale, cool toned looking blue based pink blush to be suitable for us warm Indian skins! And when I could not find a suitable answer to my anxieties, I had to go on and take the lunge and was I taken for a surprise? Although the blush is undeniably cool toned, blue based candy pink it looks so darn natural on the cheeks that it is hard to believe that I actually have worn a blush, or if I just heard Diljit Dosanjh say my name (fan crush, sorry :p)! Yes, it looks that natural and gives a nice flushed look to your cheeks—especially in these winters! Yum!

Pigmentation and Coverage: Coming from the sheertone range, this is indeed a very sheer-tone blush and if you swipe your finger across the blush pan, you will not find much product upon your fingers! Which trust me girls is the perfect thing for a daily wear blush like this one! It is so sheerly pigmented that there is no chance you can go overboard with this baby! Plus, if you are a newbie who struggles with the clown-cheek look every time you play with your makeup, Pink Swoon is here to stay! And the good part is that it is totally buildable and can be layered up as per your needs and taste!

Texture and Finish: The blush is such a classic example of a matte baby pink blush man, I cannot even tell! Not an ounce of sheen to be seen—just a daily wear mate pink, so undoubtedly it gives a very natural finish to the cheeks! The texture of Pink Swoon like all mac powder blushes is utterly smooth and not at all chalky or excessively powdery! But what I personally love about Pink Swoon is that despite being devoid of any shimmer or glittery sheen, it catches light at all the high points of your face and gives the face a luminosity—a natural radiance, if you know what I mean!

Staying Power: Although the shade is quite light and I use a couple swipes on my NC 39-40 skin for it to show up as a natural swipe—it stays put for quite some time! I mean I have never worn my makeup for more than 7 hours at a stretch and except for a slight fading at the hairline this blush despite being so light stayed for a good 6 hours in direct sunlight! And mind you, I do not wear primer under my makeup generally, so I can just guess how long it would stay if I had a primer on!

So this is pretty much it for the review of this glorious little pinky tub which is a new cult-favourite in my stash and is my daily wear blush! The only thing which I think can be a downer for some that it is not going to show up on skin tones above NC45 or so! But if you can manage to make it work, go grab it ASAP!

Rating- 5/5

Love it!! <3

Editor’s Note: It indeed looks gorgeous Ishleen, especially on you! Loved it.

Have you tried the MAC Pink Swoon Blush Yet? Your favourite blush from MAC? Mine is Bite of an Apple which was a LE

MAC Lip Liner Cherry Review, Swatches, FOTD

FOTD, Lip Liner, Lip Pencils, MAC Cosmetics, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MAC Lip Liner Cherry Review, Swatches, FOTD

By Ishleen

Hello beauties!

How is everyone doing? It has been quite some time since I got the time to sit down and write something up for you gorgeous sweeties! So here I am with a very interesting review—something which is raved by bloggers and vloggers all across the internet, alike! Review for the best selling red lip liner from the house of MAC—Cherry liner!

MAC cherry lip liner is my first and perhaps the most cherished purchase from MAC! Though an impulse one, I can undoubtedly say that this is one shade of red which will suit almost all skin tones across the spectrum—no matter the undertones!

Price: Rs 1400 (prices have been further hiked) for 1.45 grams of product

What MAC has to say about Cherry Lip Liner?

A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades.

Packaging: The lip liner is quite long and 1.45 grams of quantity is quite a lot for a lip pencil. The lip liner comes packed snugly in the trademark black outer covering in which Mac liner’s generally come. The wooden pencil in itself is quite sturdy and the best part is that it is a sharpenable pencil—which means less wastage and more hygiene; plus, crisp lines every time. The cap is a classic, plastic-y shiny black and shuts down tightly, leaving no scope for air to dry out the pencil. Plus, it is tight enough to avoid it from opening in your vanity or makeup bag.

My Experience with Mac Cherry Lip Liner!

Shade: MAC describes Cherry shade as a “vivid bright bluish-red”! And man, could they be any more correct? True to the description, the shade is a very vivid, leaning towards a bright, bluish-red! But what makes cherry different from all other blue based reds is that it is not stark enough to look OTT or odd on Indian skins! It suits warm skins as much as it will suit pink tones or cool toned beauties! I swear this shade is one of the must try from Mac’s range of lip liners.

Texture: Like most of the Mac lip liners, the texture of this one too is a waxy matte which gives a beyond gorgeous matte finish on the lips. Though the lipsticks are waxy and matte in texture, they do not tug or pull even on non-prepped lips and glides on smoothly. The lipstick settles down to a beautiful matte finish and also, does not settle into the fine lines of the lips or accentuate them. The texture is so that it can be worn both alone, as a full blown lipstick (by using it is a liner as well as a filler—the way i generally use it); or as a lip liner, or as a base for your favourite red lipstick. But do try to apply a lip balm or top it off with a clear gloss if you plan to wear it alone as a lipstick, as it can feel a tad bit drying—but nothing unbearable.

Pigmentation: Had this been a lipstick or a pencil with a large bullet, I would have said that “One swipe, and you are all set to go”—but because this is not a lipstick and is technically a pencil—so one swipe can in no possible way be enough to cover up the entire lip. But you get the idea right? The lip pencil is insanely pigmented, and maybe this is why it is always among the best selling pencils in the range. The colour pay-off is enough to cover up even the most pigmented of the lips. And i can say this with experience—no, i do not have pigmented lips, but some of my friends do—and being the only “makeup fanatic” or as they like to call me—“beauty blogger” amongst my friends—i am the makeup artist for them on all special college days! 😀

Line and filled lips with the lip liner, worn all over the lips

Staying Power: Mac definitely leaves no scope for complaints with this exquisite lip liner. Even the staying power of the pencil is such that it left me awestruck. I have, or rather had a habit of licking my lips after applying anything on them, and man, did the colour even budge? But yes, after having oily meals, or meals in general, the corners of the mouth did look a bit smeared, but that is just me seeking perfection with my lips! The overall lip look was quite balanced and looked quite amazing even 5 hours of constant wear. You may need a touch up to brighten up the colour after 4-5 hours of application, but that too if you like your lipsticks to look bright at almost all the time.

Post 5 hours of application

Pros of MAC cherry lip liner:

  • Long staying
  • Insanely pigmented
  • Universally flattering red shade
  • Does not smudge, smear or bleed
  • Stays put for a minimum of 4 hours
  • Waxy-matte pencil
  • Does not tug on the lips
  • Creamy-matte application
  • Matte finish
  • Can be worn alone or paired up with other lip products
  • Can be layered with ease
  • Does not accentuate the fine lines
  • Does not settle in lip crevices
  • Sharpenable wooden pencil

Cons of MAC cherry lip liner:

  • May seem expensive to budget-beauties
  • Can be a tiny-teeny bit drying after a few hours of application of not topped off with a balm

Technically, i could not think of any cons, i had to list them just for the sake of it!

Rating: 5/5

Would i recommend?

Do i still need to answer this question? It is a big thumbs up from my side! Go buy it and thank me later. And yes, beginners, this includes you too! :*

Editor’s Note: That’s quite a convincing review Ishleen, I am definitely checking this out and trying out next 🙂

Have you tried MAC Cosmetics Cherry Lip Liner yet? Your favourite red lip liner? Do let me know in the comments below.

Soft Smokey Eyes Tutorial inspired by Mickey Contractor feat. MAC Cosmetics

Eye Liners, Eye Makeup, Eye Pencils, Eyeshadows, Gel Liners, How To, MAC Cosmetics, Makeup, Makeup Breakdown, Makeup Tutorials, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Soft Smokey Eyes Tutorial inspired by Mickey Contractor feat. MAC Cosmetics

Hi guys,

MAC Cosmetics is celebrating 35 years of Mickey Contractor in Bollywood with a special video that has Mickey creating the iconic smoky eye look which has become extremely huge and popular all over!

Take a look at it here..

Remember ‘Chalte Chalte’, the Sharukh- Rani Mukherjee starrer? Rani Mukherjee’s makeup in the movie was done by Mickey Contractor and it was this smokey eye in majority of the scenes, plus it looked fabulous on Rani’s brown eyes.

I was asked to create my version of this smokey eyes using a few MAC products. I got MAC Blacktrack gel liner, carbon eye shadow and Feline Crayon Kohl.

Here is a small video on how I did my eyes..

I started with MAC Blacktrack gel liner as a base and smudged it with a pencil brush, went over it with MAC Carbon eye shadow. Blended everything with a matte brown eye shadow. Layered the black again with the MAC Feline Crayon Kohl and smudged it again.

Used Feline on the waterline and smudged it and used the matte brown eye shadow with a pencil brush to smudge the kohl along the lower lash line.

Highlighted with a matte off white eye shadow and the inner corners with a shimmery gold shadow, then curled my eye lashes and applied lots of mascara.

I went ahead and did my face normally, skipped the powder for a dewy effect and also used a soft highlighter on the high points including centre of the forehead and nose. Applied an MLBB rosy brown shade to complete the look.

Excuse the little redness in one eye, something irritated my eye :/

I hope you liked the look, do let me know in the comments below 🙂

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms Review, Swatches

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Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms Sultry and Unapologetic Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Velvety Matte Look. Moisture Rich Balm

A Matte finish that’s beyond plush.Balm that’s beyond comforting. Our Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters nourishes lips. In 8 collectible, craveable colors.

MRP: Rs.800/- for 2.7g

Shades Available: 8

  • Elusive
  • Sultry
  • Unapologetic
  • Shameless
  • Audacious
  • Mischievous
  • Striking
  • Standout

The packaging is almost the same as the Revlon Kissable Lip Balm Stain..the retractable chubby pencils..the outer finish is though matte and darker..

They have the same peppermint smell and flavour as the Lip Balm Stains..though these Matte Balms and the Lacquer Balms have a blend of 3 butters..Shea, Mango and Coconut..which makes them more hydrating and moisturising..

Matte lipsticks and balms are not easily available across all brands..MAC makes good matte lipsticks..Revlon has a matte range..but very selected matte lipsticks are that good and hydrating too..these are matte with a velvety finish.

Revlon has almost nailed it with these Matte Balms..pigmentation- check, matte texture- check, staying power- check. Almost all good qualities of a matte lipstick/lip product..only thing is its not completely transfer proof..and cannot be layered for touch up..as it can go patchy..it needs to be removed and reapplied..

L- Sultry, R- Unapologetic

225 Sultry is a deep pink brown..supposedly MAC Twig dupe..but I am not really sure.

210 Unapologetic is a bright reddish coral pink..dupe of MAC Lipstick in Impassioned (Impassioned its slightly deeper) and Party Parrot – Limited Edition (Almost similar.. 95%)

I think Unapologetic is also the most loved shade in the Indian blogosphere..I personally love it ! Totally brightens up the face.. Also wore it HERE.

U- Sultry, D- Unapologetic

Here are the shades on me..

L- Sultry, R- Unapologetic

Lips look a little drier with Unapologetic coz Sultry was removed completely which left lips little dry..

And an FOTD with Unapologetic..

Pros:

1. Love the velvetty matte look.

2. Amazingly pigmented.

3. Staying power is pretty good.

4. All 8 shades are quite pretty..there is one for everyone..red lovers, pink lovers, especially Unapologetic is beauty bloggers’ favorite !

5. Hydrating..even though its matte.

6. Feels light on the lips.

Cons:

1. Not transfer proof.

2. Cannot be layered as goes patchy.

Overall, I am in love with the feel and texture of these matte balms..they score on all levels..Highly recommended !

Unapologetic is my most worn shade these days..I also love Audacious, Striking and Elusive..oh I think I love all the shades..the colors are all fab..

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Which shades doyou like ?? Any particular favorites ?