MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows- Worth $20.00?

(Pictured Above: MAC "Round Midnight" Extra Dimension Eyeshadow)

 

So evidently I have been living under a rock and had NO idea that MAC released the Extra Dimension eye shadows a few months ago and have had a few colors available for purchase already. I try very hard (most times failing) to sometimes ignore MAC launches because almost every collection has something in it that I feel that I "HAVE" to have and I would most definitely go broke. I guess the Extra Dimension shadows was a collection I was able to overlook, thank God!
I was super excited that MAC came out with the Extra Dimension Eyeshadows with their Holiday Glamour Daze collection. I was not so excited that they were $20.00 each. I wasn't sure if they were going to be worth the money. When I went to the launch party at my local MAC store, I found myself in awe of the eyeshadow displays. Before I had a chance to swatch them, I thought they were a cream eyeshadow (almost with the consistency of the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush). They had of course been swatched a few times, and it looked almost.. squishy? LOL When I got to swatch it for myself, I was pleasantly surprised! I initially swatched "Round Midnight" (a gorgeous burgundy color). The pigmentation was insane, and it was SO shiny! I was immediately intrigued and found the nearest MAC associate to talk her ear off about these eye shadows! For those who, like me, were not aware this particular eyeshadow formula was already available (just in different colors), I was told that these eye shadows are a liquid-powder eyeshadow, and have the finish of almost a Satin but with A LOT more shine. They can come off even metallic depending on the color you have. According to MAC, these shadows are supposed to last up to six hours (with, of course, a proper primer base).
All together, there were 8 Extra Dimension Eyeshadows released with the Glamour Daze Holiday Collection, and in my opinion ALL of them were absolutely gorgeous, but I needed to stick to my budget that I had planned before even going into the store so I would not go bankrupt after the collection!
The 8 eyeshadows being released with this collection are:

• Divine Blue -a gorgeous aqua color
• Stylishly Merry - a violet color that reminds me a bit of  MACs "Stars n Rockets"
• Evening Grey- a very nice silver
• A Natural Flirt - a beautiful peach
• Ready to Party- a subtle light purple
• Stolen Moment- a very dark taupe
• Round Midnight- a beautiful burgundy
• Tall, Dark, and Handsome- a very dark, black with a pearl finish

While I loved every single one of the colors released in this collection, I had to narrow it down to 2. I chose Round Midnight and Stylishly Merry (I am a huge fan of a pink smokey eye, and felt these colors would compliment each other beautifully).
I am extremely happy with these eye shadows. Though the price may throw some people off, I think they are well worth it. They are SO easy to blend. It takes almost no effort to blend these beautiful shadows. Their pigmentation is amazing. The finish of these eye shadows are beautiful. You get a subtle metallic look, mixed in with what I describe as a Satin finish. These colors lasted a full work day for me (8 hours) which is saying a lot. I will say that towards the end of the day, it seemed like I needed to touch up a bit, but nothing to bad. As long as you use a great primer (my favorites being MACs Prep and Prime Eye or Tarte's eyeshadow primer), you should be fine.
As far as packaging is concerned, I think it is super sleek and cute! The collection has shiny, black packaging, and the detail to the eye shadows themselves are amazing! Each eyeshadow is embossed on the top half on the shadow with the words "MAC" and the bottom has a wave type of design. I almost felt bad using these shadows because I did not want to ruin the designs!

All in all, I give these eye shadows a 10 out of 10. Totally worth the money, and definitely a good investment as far as eye shadows are concerned!

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs,
Maryann
http://www.youtube.com/makeupmaryann

MAC Glamour Daze Collection Haul Swatches

You can watch my haul video on Youtube with these products here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAhhIzndS-0&feature=plcp

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday Collection Haul Swatches

 

 

 

 

 

Extra Dimension Eyeshadows in Round Midnight (Left) and Stylishly Merry (Right)

$19.50 each

Round Midnight is a dark burgundy, almost purple color and Stylishly Merry is a frosty pink/violet color. These pictures were taken on bare skin without any base or primer.

 

 

 

Lipstick in Outrageously Fun (Cremesheen)

$16.50

Outrageously Fun is a cremesheen finish in a violet color.

 

 

 

Kohl Power Eye Pencils in Feline (Bottom) and Mystery (Top)

$16.50 each

Feline is a very dark black color. Mystery is a black with a green pearl color.

 

 

What items did you get or do you want to get from the holiday collection?!

 

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs,

Maryann

 

 

Haul Swatches

As promised, here are swatches of the products I mentioned in my most recent haul video on YouTube (you can watch that here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-asGjLAS_A&feature=plcp )

Maybelline Eye Studio Quads

Cozy Cashmere

 

 

 

Smokey Cinnamon

 

 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stains

 

Honey (Top) & Cherish (Bottom)

 

 

 

 

Lorac Eye Candy Full Face Collection ($59 at Sephora)

 

Ooh La La Vanilla Nude Eye Quad

 

 

 

Tantalizing Cocoa Bronze Eye Quad

 

 

 

Caramel Love Affair Golden Eye Quad

 

 

 

Blackberry Truffle Seduction Smokey Eye Quad

 

 

 

Mesmerizing Dark Chocolate Cream Eye Liner Quad

 

 

 

Indulge In Berry Kisses Lip and Cheek Tint Quad

 

 

 

Unfortunately, I can't swatch "Pink Sugar" perfume over the internet, or else I would, because it smells so yummy!

 

Be on the look out for my full review on the Lorac Eye Candy Full Face Collection! I will be posting a video on it after I have had a chance to play around with all the colors and quads! :)

 

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs!,

 

Maryann

http://www.youtube.com/makeupmaryann

 

 

 

 

 







MAC Haul (Heavenly Creature)!

I went into MAC with NO intention of buying anything I bought, except for the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. This collection has some absolutely gorgeous colors in it. Here is the link to my youtube video showing the products I purchased: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu0_q3grFx4&feature=plcp

The following is what I purchased: 

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator 

$28.00 

This exfoliator is AMAZING. It leaves my skin feeling so clean, smooth, and refreshed. The last time this product was released was about 2 years ago and I was devastated that it was a limited edition product. (The Volcanic Ash thermal mask was incredible as well! Unfortunately that was not re-released with this collection.) I wish MAC would make this a part of their permanent line! 

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in "Star Wonder" 

$29.00

I LOVE MAC's Mineralize SkinFinishes. They go on so smoothly and give your skin such a healthy glow. I have been using this as a blush and it is BEAUTIFUL. It gives you a beautiful blush color as well as an amazing highlight color, all in one. The swirls of dark plum, bronze, light pink, and shimmer blend together perfectly when you brush it on. 

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in "Universal Appeal"

$20.00

This eye shadow is gorgeous. I really loved one of the other ones in the collection as well. I do not remember the name of it but it was swirls of blue, green, and yellow. As much as I loved it, I knew that this one would compliment my eye color better and I would enjoy it better. It has swirls of purple, plum, and bronze. It goes on nice and smooth and blends beautifully and effortlessly. You can use the Mineralize Eye Shadows wet or dry, so you control how much intensity you get. 

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in "Magnetic Attraction"

$20.00

Another Mineralize Eye Shadow that I absolutely love! The pigmentation in this eye shadow is awesome. You wind up getting a really pretty, orange/coral color when you blend it all together. There are swirls of yellow, pink and reds. This also goes ono beautifully and effortlessly and blends so nicely! 

I highly recommend all these products. They are worth your money and are all super amazing! Remember, they are a limited edition and part of a collection, so get to your MAC stores/counters ASAP! 

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs,

Maryann 

Boyfriend/Fiance Tag!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Bronze/Coral Goddess Look

I created this look using Maybelline's "Coral Oasis" quad. 
You can watch my tutorial for this look on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NccTOxmbJEA
The products used for this look: 

• MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC25
• MAC MSF Natural in Medium 
• Stila Bronzer in Shade 02
• Benefit Box Blush in "Coralista" 
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• Maybelline Quad in "Coral Oasis"
• Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner in "Soft Black"
• Maybelline Mascara Mega Plush Volume Express in "Very Black" 
• Rimmel Lipstick in "Airy Fairy" 

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs,

Maryann

xOx

AMAZING Limited Edition Perfumes

I am a complete perfume maniac! I love trying new scents. I tend to like the more vanilla-y scents, but I find myself always looking for a new perfume. 
Some of my all time favorites are "Fancy Love" by Jessica Simpson, Burberry Brit, and Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion. I like perfumes that last all day and that you can smell on yourself. I have recently found two perfumes that I absolutely LOVE, especially for summertime, but the one downfall is that they are limited edition. 


The first one is Escada "Island Kiss". Here is a description of it, according to Sephora.com:
"The heady days of beach lounging in the Caribbean Sea inspired this fragrance. Island Kiss expresses the core heritage of Escada fashion fragrances with a blend of tropical red fruit and oriental floral notes. The trio of orange, passion flower, and mango top notes offers a mixture of sweet tropical passion that’s brought to life with a hint of citrus freshness. The heart notes of magnolia and juicy peach provide a splash of warmth. At the base, the Escada signature of red fruits are blended with sultry woods and musk to drive the passion of the fragrance. 

Notes:
Orange, Passion Flower, Mango, Magnolia, Sunny Accord, White Peach, Hibiscus, Blond Woods, Musky Notes, Red Fruits. 
Style:
Tropical. Floral. Passionate."

 I tend to wear this perfume at nighttime, since it has a heavier, muskier smell to it. I absolutely LOVE this perfume. I smell a hint of vanilla in it as well. You can definitely smell the musky notes, ad well as the tropical scents. It is SO pretty and makes me think of the beach right away. It comes in a super cute blue bottle with a little pink bow and palm tree charm on it. "Island Kiss" is one of the three limited edition scents. The others are "Sexy Graffiti" and "Rockin' Rio". I am not sure when these limited edition scents will stop being sold, but I would check your local Sephora or Sephora.com and pick one up because they are amazing! 

The second perfume I have been obsessed with is Estee Lauder "Bronze Goddess". Seriously, this is the beach in a bottle. It smells SO yummy. It smells just like sun tan lotion (I love that smell). There are notes of coconut and vanilla and its just such a beautiful smell. Here is it's description, according to EsteeLauder.com:

The fragrance that worships every inch of you.

A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed with Amber, Sandalwood and Vetiver.

All heat. All desire. All woman."

I can't say enough good things about this perfume. It lasts all day and I love to wear it during the daytime. It is light enough for the day, but still wearable for nighttime. I definitely smell the coconut and sandalwood notes along with the amber notes. It is such an amazing scent and really just reminds you of the summertime and the beach. Estee Lauder's website is sold out, but I purchased mine at my local Macy's. Try your best to get your hands on it because it is limited edition! 

Here is the link to my youtube video talking about these perfumes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW1pLGg9a8E&feature=plcp

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs,

Maryann

xOx

Garnier BB Cream vs. Maybelline BB Cream

WOW. BB Creams have EXPLODED in the beauty world lately! I had to give them a try!

I tried two different brands.. Garnier and Maybelline.

Garnier Miracle Perfector BB Cream (Light/Medium)
$12.99 at Walgreens (Prices will vary based on location and store)
I love this product. It has a bit of a thicker consistency than the Maybelline BB Cream, but I like that. It has an SPF 15 in it as well. It goes on so smooth and it blended in so beautifully with my skin. Even after applying my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish over it, it still gave my skin a nice, dewey look, which is great for the summertime. It definitely evened out my skin tone. I did still see some of my problem areas, which is why I still applied the MAC MSF. It stays on all day and you don't need to reapply. This is a wonderful product for the price!
Rating: 5 out of 5

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (Light)
$7.99 at Walgreens (Prices will vary based on location and store)
This product didn't do much for me. I was not that impressed. It is very lightweight and reminds me more of a moisturizer consistency. It doe have an SPF of 30, which is a plus. It goes on nicely, but I felt it made my skin feel a bit oily. It blended in nicely with my skin, but I don't feel it did anything for it- nothing better, nothing worse. I think this would work for a day on the beach if you want to give your skin a tiny bit of coverage without having to worry about feeling gross and like your face is basically melting off. Other than that, I don't really recommend this product.
Rating: 2 out of 5

Keep in mind that everybody has different skin types. What works well for m may not work well for another and vice versa. It is always good to try products for yourself, especially when it comes to skin care products. These are MY opinions, and not everyone may agree! :)

My Youtube Video About These BB Creams:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAguFcf4W7s&feature=plcp

Check out my YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/makeupmaryann
Follow Me On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/makeupmaryann
My Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pinkobsession

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs,
Maryann
xOx

I'm BAAAAACK!

Where have I been? Where do I begin?!

Honestly, YouTube got a bit scary for me for a while. I was getting some nasty messages and comments, and I was going through a pretty rough patch in my life, and I just needed to get all of the negativity out of my life.. at least all that I could. When I sat back and thought about it, I realized I had made (and then lost by leaving youtube) a lot of wonderful friends on YouTube and I missed them dearly. I also realized that the nice comments I received and nice messages I received really outweighed the negative ones, and that I wasn’t going to allow a few negative comments to stop me from doing what I love.

I got a job as a preschool teacher’s assistant and was quickly promoted to the lead teacher of the 3 and 4 year old preschool class. My job can be hectic and tiring most of the time, but I love what I am doing.. One thing is for sure, I never have a dull day at work!

I met a man in May of 2011. His name is DJ. I am not going to keep it a secret that we met on PlentyofFish.com, a dating website. I went into the entire thing not expecting much because I did not want to get let down.  I was pleasantly surprised! It was love at first sight with DJ and we have been inseparable ever since. DJ proposed to me on Christmas Eve of last year (2011) and our date to get married is May 2, 2014. There are a select few people who think DJ and I moved to fast… but I know what I feel in my heart, and I love DJ with all I have and I know the feeling is mutual. And this all just seems RIGHT. I MAY start a YouTube channel all about my wedding planning, but I am not sure yet. Since our wedding day is still about 2 years away, I can’t do a TON at this point. We do, however, have our venue and DJ all set and booked. J

My love for makeup has not ceased, and neither has my spending money on it, LOL! I have lots to share with you all, lots of looks and tutorials to show you all, and I am so excited to be back in the YouTube community. I hope that I am as warmly embraced as I was when I first joined the YouTube community. I apologize to everyone who I may have lost touch with… life just gets hectic for us sometimes and I needed some time to pick up the pieces of my life and to put it back together.  I am excited to be back! I should have a new video up on my NEW channel... http://www.youtube.com/makeupmaryann sometime this weekend! :)

Peace, Love, and Pug Hugs,

Maryann

xox