Greens, Golds and Bronzed Plums: More Aromaleigh Looks

I am truly enjoying my sampling of Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral shadows. I am pleasantly surprised at how easy these are to apply and blend, and the pigmentation is just beautiful and strong. I am amazed that I bought several samples of Aromaleigh Pure Hue shadows, and out of the ones I've tried so far, not one is a dud. Not one. I also loved the staying power - the pigments stayed immaculate on my eyes after a long day at work. My only gripe is the very miniscule amount of the samples, 1/16 of a teaspoon! 1/8 teaspoon would have been perfect, but, oh well, that's what you call enterprising. I'm just going to save and use my samples up to the last crumb/smidgen.







Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick on lid, lower lashline and smoothed on brows as base
MAC Layin' Low paint pot on inner to mid-lid
MAC Artifact paint pot on mid to outer lid
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Fox foiled on lid and inner lower lashline
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Russett foiled on mid to outer lid and outer lower lashline
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Delicate Bronze on mid-lid and to contour crease
MAC Femme-Fi eyeshadow to highlight and on tearducts
MAC Blacktrack fluidline to line
Rimmel and MAC mascaras

Face:
Camellia Rose skin-smoothing primer
Joppa full-coverage mineral foundation in Light #3 and Medium-Light #3 (70-30 mix)Physician's Formula Mineral Wear cream concealer
Bare Escentuals Well-Rested
DreamWorld cream topping in Butterscotch (silk formula)
Cory mineral blush in Amused

Lips:
MAC Whirl lipliner
MAC lipstick in Noveau Frou
MAC lipglass in Nico Now


And just to show you how great the staying power of these shadows are, here is my eye makeup on my way home from work (10 hours after application):



Some greens/golds:











Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick on lid, lower lashline and smoothed on brows as base
MAC Greenstroke paint pot on lid
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Delicate Gold foiled on lid and inner lower lashline
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Meadow foiled on mid lid
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Holy Grail foiled on outer lid and outer lower lashline
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Smokescreen to contour crease
MAC Femme-Fi eyeshadow to highlight and on tearducts
MAC Blacktrack fluidline to line
Rimmel and MAC mascaras
Red Cherry falsies #503

Face:
Camellia Rose skin-smoothing primer
Pure Anada mineral foundation in Flaxen Field
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear cream concealer
Bare Escentuals Well-Rested
Bare Escentuals mineral veil
Violet Mauve mineral blush

Lips:
MAC Whirl lipliner
MAC lipstick in Spirit
MAC lustreglass in Spring Bean

Some Neutrals and Purples

I decided to use some of my MAC products that I haven't used in months. In this first look, I used my classic MAC neutral shadows in Tempting on outer lid, Mulch on the crease, and the limited edition Summer Neutral on the lid (love this color). I used Graphic Brown to line and Femme-Fi to highlight. I used Blusche full-coverage mineral foundation for oily and combination skin in a 50-50 mix of Brazilian and Creme Brulee. I love the finish of this foundation, and I also like the amazing coverage. For the cheeks, I used my CARGO blush in Mendocino (it's about time I used my CARGO blushes!) with MAC Lightflush MSF on top. I used MAC lipliner in Whirl, Composure mattene lipstick and C-thru lipglass.


I need a new mascara primer tube. My lashes look so sparse here!



Here's a purple look using purple mineral shadows I've been testing. I used my DreamWorld mineral foundation in a new mix - Theia and Amenti in an almost 50-50 ratio. I kinda like the combination, perhaps better than my Theia-Tethys mix since summer is upon us. I used the MAC Pleasureflush MSF dupe called Terra del Sol #7 (a German brand) over a deep pink mineral blush, and used my beloved purple lipstick from MAC - Orchidazzle (I love this so much that I bought a back-up!). The deep purple hue isn't that noticeable because I toned it down with MAC White Magic lipglass - but it is such a gorgeous color.







Here is Orchidazzle lipstick in all its glory used in a previous look:




Orchidazzle in the middle.

Aromaleigh's Pure Hue Pigments and DreamWorld's Amenti

Last week I ordered several samples of Aromaleigh Pure Hue eyeshadows because they were on sale for $0.98 each with free shipping if you only buy samples. I was honestly disappointed when I got the samples because there was only a smidgen of the pigment per baggie, just like The She Space, but at least She Space samples are only fifty cents each. I then decided to try these pigments out today and I am just impressed by how pigmented and beautiful they are when applied. Application was also very easy and I didn't have a hard time blending these out. I can honestly say that these Pure Hue minerals are the closest thing to MAC pigments, both in pigmentation and application, at least in my experience with mineral eyeshadows. Hmmm, is that the reason why these are expensive? I like the fact that they are not just sparkle bombs, but, just like their name, they radiate pure hue and the texture is outstanding, especially for mineral shadows. I applied all these foiled using my MAC mixing medium, and boy, did my mixing medium love these babies! They really worked very well together and were never splotchy in application.

I guess the real test would be the staying power of these shadows. I used my MAC Beige-ing shadestick as base, then I applied Rollickin' paint pot on the lid under the shadows to smoothen the application and to make the colors pop. I'm still wearing these as I write and I have applied the pigments 5 hours ago, and amazingly, the eye look is still immaculate with no trace of creasing or smearing. I now understand why I read a lot of raves regarding Aromaleigh shadows. I would prefer to stick with Pure Hue for now, though (for those unfamiliar with the company, Aromaleigh offers a wide range of formulas and an unbelievable spectrum of colors for the eyes). I can't wait to try my other little baggies of pigment bombs!

Also, I am wearing my favorite mineral foundation in DreamWorld, but this time, I added Amenti shade to my usual shades of Theia and Tethys. Amazingly, it looked a lot better to my eyes. I love that Amenti infused a warmer color to my face, without making me look jaundiced. Unfortunately, I forget the exact ratio of these shades, but I surmise it won't be hard to come up with this look using the three, as DreamWorld shades are very forgiving. I also used DreamWorld's Butterscotch cream topping (finishing powder) in the silk formula, and I just LOVE how creamy the finish was. Perhaps it's time go get full sizes of the cream toppings and Amenti!











Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick on lid, lower lashline and smoothed on brows as base
MAC Rollickin' paint pot on lid
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Lucky foiled on lid and inner lower lashline
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Arbor foiled on mid to outer lid and outer lower lashline
Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral eyeshadow in Smokescreen to contour crease
MAC Femme-Fi eyeshadow to highlight and on tearducts
MAC Blacktrack fluidline to line
Rimmel and MAC mascaras
Ardell falsies #106

Face:
Camellia Rose skin-smoothing primer
DreamWorld mineral foundation in Theia, Tethys and Amenti (Luna formula)
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear cream concealer
Bare Escentuals Well-Rested
DreamWorld cream topping in Butterscotch (silk formula)
Cory mineral blush in Spiced Plum
MAC Sculpt powder to contour

Lips:
MAC Sublime Culture cremestick lipliner
MAC Royal Assets: 3 Pink Lips lip palette

MAC Neo Sci-Fi Take Two

Here's another look using MAC Neo Sci-Fi eyeshadows and Soft & Slow lipgloss which is also part of the collection. I amped the colors up by using Indianwood paint pot underneath, and I also applied falsies to complement the bold colors. I likewise used Firespot eyeshadow from last year's Moonbathe collection, and as expected, it went well with the Neo Sci-Fi colors.

Also, I am using a new mineral foundation, this time it's Pure Anada, a Canadian company. I found out about this brand while browsing MMU forums, and I saw this lovely look using this brand from Vely, a co-mineral makeup enthusiast (I can't post the link to her blog entry as it is only viewable by friends and family). I was so intrigued by this brand because it looked so flawless on her. I bought 12 samples of foundations, finishing powders and eyeshadows for only $9 including shipping, and I was so surprised when it arrived in just a couple of days. Needless to say, I immediately tried it out. I think I found a good match in the shade Flaxen Field. I liked the brochure of products that came with my order, basically introducing the company to the consumer and the different shades and formulas of its foundations, finishing powders, eyeshadows and blushes, and also a step-by-step instruction (you can view their brochure on their website). I'll create another look featuring its eyeshadows in another entry.

















Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick on lid and smoothed on brows as base
MAC Indianwood paint pot on lid
MAC Expensive Pink eyeshadow on lid
MAC Firespot eyeshadow on middle of lid
MAC Time & Space eyeshadow on outer lid and crease
MAC Magnetic Fields and Satin Taupe eyeshadows on crease and outer V
MAC Femme-Fi eyeshadow to highlight and on tearducts
MAC Blacktrack fluidline to line
MAC Brownborder technakohl liner on waterline
Rimmel and MAC mascaras
Red Cherry falsies #103

Face:
Camellia Rose skin-smoothing primer
Pure Anada mineral foundation in Flaxen Field
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear cream concealer
Bare Escentuals Well-Rested
Bare Escentuals mineral veil
MAC Beauty Powder blush in Secret Blush

Lips:
Rimmel 1000 Kisses stay-on lipliner in Epic
MAC lipstick in Fleshpot
MAC lipglass in Soft & Slow

MAC Neo Sci-Fi Swatches and Eye Look

Let me say that I've been as delighted with Neo Sci-Fi as I had been with last year's Moonbathe collection. I reiterate my observation that Neo Sci-Fi is the lovechild of Moonbathe and C-Shock collections from last year, but it takes more after Moonbathe when it comes to rich, warm, celestial colors. When I swatched the eyeshadows, I was floored by how creamy and buttery they applied on my skin. The texture is just amazing, and application was a cinch.









I am extremely happy with the eyeshadows I used for this look: Expensive Pink, Femme-Fi, Time & Space and Magnetic Fields. These are breathtaking, classic colors that give the neutral look an extra kick. I've been talking to the MA at the free-standing store, and she told me that Femme-Fi is like the new Goldbit that will also become cult fave. I remember browsing several MAC fan websites, and Goldbit was indeed being sold several times for more than the retail price (take note: those Goldbit eyeshadows were used!). That was how coveted Goldbit was, and Femme-Fi is slowly following suit. It is really selling like hotcakes, and after using it, I can understand why. It's a very beautiful highlighter, not over-the-top but not underwhelming either. Now I have another highlighter to add to my favorite Ricepaper and Nylon eyeshadows.

I will make another review of this collection, but for now, I leave you with this eye look. It's a simple office look, but you can amp it up by packing more color on the lid, as these are very buildable.









Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick on lid and smoothed on brows as base
MAC Expensive Pink eyeshadow on lid
MAC Time & Space eyeshadow on outer lid and crease
MAC Magnetic Fields eyeshadow on crease and outer V
MAC Femme-Fi eyeshadow to highlight and on tearducts
Indelible gel liner in Black Cherry to line
Rimmel and MAC mascaras

Face:
Camellia Rose skin-smoothing primer
Adorned With Grace mineral foundation in Y3 and Y2 (60-40 mix)
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear cream concealer
Bare Escentuals Well-Rested
Joppa Simple Radiance finishing silk in Medium
MAC Beauty Powder blush in Joyous

Lips:
Almay lipliner in Bronze
MAC lipstick in Sparks Can Fly
MAC 3D glass gloss in Energy

Milani Runway Eyes and She Space Looks

I am featuring two looks in this entry, and I better do this quick before I forget what I wore in these photos.

First of all, let me say I am truly in love with Milani's Runway Eyes shadows. I have not come across a single review that says they are absolutely atrocious. Most of the reviews I've read say that these are not only good, but great eyeshadows, especially for a drugstore brand. I am particularly mystified over Beach Sand because I love how smooth the pigment glides on my lids even when foiled (and dry gives off a pretty shimmery neutral color that is just chic). I really like how this eye look turned out because I love how light, neutral but definitely polished Beach Sand was. It totally elevated the look in my humble opinion.





Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick on lid and smoothed on brows as base
Milani Runway Eyes Wet-Dry shadow in Beach Sand foiled on lid
DreamWorld mineral eyeshadow in Atlantean Treasure on middle to outer lid
Valerie Beauty mineral eyeshadow in Fall on crease
MAC Ricepaper and Nylon eyeshadows to highlight and on tearducts
Indelible gel liner in Chocolate Mousse to line
Rimmel and MAC mascaras

Face:
Camellia Rose skin-smoothing primer
Cory mica-free mineral foundation in Beyond Cream
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear cream concealer
Bare Escentuals Well-Rested
Joppa Simple Radiance finishing silk in Medium
Cory mineral blush in Spiced Plum

Lips:
Almay lipliner in Bronze
MAC lipstick in Barely Lit
MAC lipglass in Be-In

In this second look, I used some of my favorite She Space pigments, Touched by the Truth, Bella Diablo and Lucifer's Chariot. Since I wanted the entire look soft and simple, I didn't foil the pigments except Touched By the Truth. Bella Diablo and Lucifer's Chariot may scream "hell" (pardon the pun) in the jars, but applied dry they are actually very wearable and neutral-ish.







Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick on lid and smoothed on brows as base
The She Space pigment in Touched by the Truth foiled on lid
The She Space pigment in Lucifer's Chariot on middle to outer lid
The She Space pigment in Bella Diablo on crease
MAC Ricepaper and Nylon eyeshadows to highlight and on tearducts
Indelible gel liner in Chocolate Mousse to line
Rimmel and MAC mascaras

Face:
Camellia Rose skin-smoothing primer
DreamWorld mineral foundation in Theia and Tethys (70-30 mix) (Luna formula)
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear cream concealer
Bare Escentuals Well-Rested
Joppa Simple Radiance finishing silk in Medium
MAC beauty powder blush in Joyous
Terra Del Sol skinfinish in #7 (MAC Pleasureflush MSF dupe) over blush

Lips:
Almay lipliner in Bronze
MAC lipstick in Masque
MAC lipglass in C-Thru

MAC Tender Tones

The point between love and lust is this succulent, tender, and eat-me as all bon-bon-tinted lip balm. Six new, four popular bring-backs. All of them sheer, satiny, sun-protective and moisturizing. Some richly tinted to provide summer’s deepest sexiest stain. Others deliciously and lightly cotton candy. Delicately strawberry-kiwi-flavoured.

Tendertones Lip Balm SPF12
Tread Gently Soft lime green with yellow pearl
E-Z Baby Sheer milky pink
Honey Bare Rosy blue pink with white and gold pearl
Hot n’ Saucy Soft cherry red
Sweet & Nice Sheer red grape with red pearl
Take A Hint Sheer peach with white pearl
Hush, Hush Sheer gold with yellow gold pearl
Sweet Tooth Sheer coral with white pearl
Pucker Sheer berry with red pearl
Deep Sigh Sheer grape brown with red pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 US/$17.50 CDN

Available
June 2008 at all M·A·C locations,
1.800.387.6707 and www.maccosmetics.com

MAC Cool Heat Collection

I love the beautiful summer colors in this collection, especially the teals and the greens. Waiting with bated breath for this!





TEMPERATURES SIZZLE…BUT THE PERFECT BALANCE LIES WITHIN REACH. COOL HEAT. NOT AN OXYMORON: SUMMER’S CHILLEST LOOK. FIVE SLIMSHINE LIPSTICKS, SEVEN EYE SHADOWS, AND TWO SKIN-COOLING FRAGRANCES: SUMMER’S FAVOURITE TURQUATIC, AND INTRODUCING ITS SISTER SHADE, TURQUATIC HEAT. SOME LOOKS ARE TOO HOT FOR SUMMER TO HANDLE BUT NOT COOL HEAT. FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR, IT FEELS JUST RIGHT.

SLIMSHINE

Tropic Glow Blue pink with silver pearl (frost)
By Degrees Neutral brown pink (frost)
Gentle Summer Light clean yellow pink with white pearl (frost)
High 90’s Clean pink orange (frost)
Swelter Sheer clean red (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN

EYE SHADOW

Solar White Frosty muted white gold (frost)
Warming Trend Frosty light taupe (veluxe pearl)
Warm Chill Frosty seafoam green with gold pearl (frost)
Gulf Stream Frosty mid-tone blue green with green pearl (frost)
Cool Heat Frosty teal with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Climate Blue Mid-tone violet blue with pink pearl (velvet)
Blue Flame Dirty metallic navy blue (veluxe pearl)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

CREATIONS

Hue: Tuquatic Keynotes: Lotus Leaves, Corsican Cedrat, Anemone, Orris and Blue Cedar
Hue: Turquatic Heat Keynotes: Cedrat saturated with the clear effervescence of Mineral Water, Lotus Flower, Opulent Orris, Jasmine and Tiare Soul.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.50 U.S./$28.50

AVAILABLE
North America: June 2008 at all M•A•C locations,
1.800.387.6707 and www.maccosmetics.com
International: July 2008 at all M•A•C locations,
1.800.387.6707 and www.maccosmetics.com