Tag Archives: Tried and True Beauty Gems

Tried & True Beauty Gem #2: MAC Pigment – Vanilla

Posted on by
12

For an everyday girl:
This is one of the most versatile beauty item you can ever own.  Vanilla pigment is a finely milled loose powder that you can use on your eyes, cheeks, lips, even nails.  Don’t let its seemingly ordinary name fool you, this soft shimmery ivory powder is literally like magic dust – it enhances and highlights in the most beautiful way.  You will only need a very small amount at a time, so even with its multi-purpose function, a jar will serve you well for a long time.  The possibilities are endless!  Check out some ideas below..

For a makeup artist:
This is a great product to have for bridal work or any photoshoot, for that matter.  I usually scoop a little out of the jar and travel with a smaller container because a minimal amount will do the job.  This is a power tool for dry and dull skin, and looks gorgeous in HD.  Depending on how you apply it, it will work with a wide range of skintones.  Your kit is not complete without this.

Cost: $23.50CA/$19.50USD for a 4.5 gram jar (The one shown in my pictures is the old packaging)

Colour: It looks ivory (and boring) in the container, but it reflects a gold and sometimes pink iridescence.  It is shimmery rather than sparkly.

Texture: This powder is soft and easy to blend (MAC pigments all have different textures)

How:

  1. Overall eyeshadow wash: Just a sweep of this will give the lids a soft wash of colour
  2. Brow highlighter: Apply it right underneath your brow for an instant lift
  3. Eye brightener: Put your finger tips to use and dab a little in the inner corners of your eyes
  4. Cheek highlighter: Give your best smile and throw some on those cheek bones with a small blush brush or your fingers
  5. Moisturizer enhancer: Mix a little of this with your moisturizer to give a subtle glow (I don’t recommend putting this stuff in a foundation though.  Some foundations are already shimmery/glowy)
  6. Lip accent: Dab a little on the centre of your lips on top of your lip colour to create the illusion of a fuller lip
  7. Nail polish:  Mix with clear nail polish (small amount for just a shimmer, add more for opacity)

Cons:
1)  In terms of the packaging:  NIGHTMARE in a jar.  I’ll be the first to admit that I have spilled pigments all over the floor before, which is why I suggest you transfer some to a smaller container and refill as you go.  The new packaging MAC offers now is better as the opening is narrower.. but just be careful.

2) A word of caution: don’t overdo it.  A tiny touch will do the job.  Too much and you’ll look oily and sweaty.  It might not be noticeable when you put it on, but I promise it will catch the light as you move.

Show me a look:
This is a barely there look with a brighter pinky lip.  Vanilla pigment was used to brighten and highlight the skin.


What about other beauty gems?

Tried & True Beauty Gem #1:  MAC Fluidline – Blacktrack

Tried & True Beauty Gem #1: MAC Fluidline – Blacktrack

Posted on by
9

For an everyday girl:
If you wear make up at all, I know you’ve heard of MAC’s gel liners.  Blacktrack Fluidline is a definite staple for every girl in the world.   In the realm of makeup, we call this an HG – Holy Grail!  I’ve used many brands of gel liners including Clinique, Bobby Brown, Stila, etc. and MAC no doubt comes out on top.  Blacktrack is a waterproof true black liner that is easy to work with, glides on smoothly and lasts all day.  If you’ve never tried a gel liner, pick up an angled brush and start experimenting!  Don’t fuss with the liquid liners anymore.

For a makeup artist:
Brides can cry and this liner will stay put.  It does not come off in little ugly flecks like a liquid would.  To keep the product in the jar clean, I use a spatula to scoop a little out and dip my brush into that.

Cost: $18 CAD / $15 USD

Colour: Matte true black

How:
1)  As a liner – top and bottom line:  Here’s a winged line that I do often.

2)  As a base:  The gel makes a great base for eyeshadows to adhere to.  Use a synthetic brush or your finger to apply a very thin coat before packing eyeshadow on top.  Check out how different these three duochrome eyeshadows look with Blacktrack as a base.  We describe an eyeshadow as a duochrome when it is two colours at once.  Talk about identity crisis, right.. From left to right, Club is a red-brown which flashes green, Vellum is a white which flashes light-blue violet and Stars ‘n Rockets is a purple-pink which flashes blue.  Blacktrack brings out all the undertones beautifully.

Cons:
If you are very picky, I should warn you that the finish of Blacktrack Fluidline is actually slightly different from a liquid – it is silkier and softer.  The difference is not huge and you can easily build intensity by layering.

The product is prone to drying out.  There are two things you can do to prevent this:
1) Store the jar upside down (label facing up) at all times
2) When the gel looks dry, use a bobby pin and give it a swirl.  Add a drop of Visine if you need to, but just stirring it as is will revive the product.

Show me a look:
I did a classic winged liner paired with a matte red lip.