Archive for December, 2007
Are You A MAC Original?
In addition to my love of all things lacquer, as an overall beauty junkie, I’m also a gushing fan of MAC. A good pal dragged me to a MAC counter a few years back and I’ve been hooked ever since. My collection doesn’t even compare to some of the hardcore fanatics on Specktra but that doesn’t make me any less smitten. So when I heard that MAC was releasing the Originals collection I was overjoyed. I don’t own the coveted Parrot eyeshadow so now is my chance (the collection hits stores today!). Of course I wish they would have included some lacquers in the collection but I’ll survive. Anywho, MAC is launching the “Are You A MAC Original?” contest and I wanted to share the deets.
New York, December 18, 2007 – M·A·C Cosmetics announced the “Are You A M·A·C Original?†contest to launch their new limited edition collection The Originals. The contest is a celebration of one’s individuality and originality—qualities intrinsic to the M·A·C brand. Launching nationally through the M·A·C website (www.maccosmetics.com), the contest will also run regionally in 6 key cities across the United States: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Houston.
The M·A·C Originals Collection will launch in stores December 19, 2007. The Originals pays tribute to popular product shades both discontinued or existing that consumers covet and can’t live without. The Originals, a collaboration of the new and the old, introduces new textures and modified formulations of must-have Lipsticks, Lipglass, Eye Shadows and Pigments.
National Contest – How to Enter?
To enter the “Are You A M·A·C Original?†contest on a national level, consumers can visit www.maccosmetics.com beginning December 26th to submit a picture of themselves wearing their favorite M·A·C products, along with 50 words on what makes them a M·A·C Original. The winner will be determined by votes online. The winner will receive a $1,000 M·A·C gift card and the complete Originals collection.
Regional Contest – How to Enter?
On a regional level, M·A·C will hold the “Are You A M·A·C Original†Contest in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Houston on the weekend of January 4th-6th. M·A·C customers can visit designated M·A·C locations for a complimentary makeup application and get a professional photograph taken. Customers can then enter to be the MAC Original winner of the city and will also be automatically entered into the national contest. The regional winner will receive a $250 M·A·C gift card, the complete Originals collection and a story in a local publication.
For contest rules and regulations, please visit www.maccosmetics.com.
Nail Tip Of The Week: Fake A Pedicure
I was doing my daily blog reading when I came across Baze’s post over at the Glamour Beauty Insider about getting pedicures in the winter. Even though it’s freezing here, when holiday party season hits I still love to pull out my favorite special occasion peep-toes. And in my opinion, that means your nails and feet gotta look good. But you don’t always have time for a full pedicure during the shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking madness of the season. So I say FAKE IT!
In general I’m not a fan of fake anything; acrylics, stark white french manicures, costume jewelry, etc. but in this case I make an exception. I never thought I’d share this with the public but if it helps a fellow nail gal, it’s worth it.
A couple weeks ago my company held their holiday party. Cleveland was snow free so I felt it was safe to wear my black satin peep toe slingbacks. Problem was that my toe polish was chipped and my heels were looking rough from padding around barefoot on my hardwood floors. With the clocking ticking and me running late as usual, I had to rely on my quick fake pedi fix.
I do my fake pedi about an hour before I step in the shower.
- Try on your peep toes and see which toes show, even partials count.
- Remove toe polish.
- Quickly file the nails that will show (if needed). Don’t bother with buffing. No one is getting that close to your feet.
- Slap on two quick coats of color to the toes that will show. Keep an orange stick on hand to remove any wet polish that hits your skin.
- Apply quick drying top coat (Seche Vite, Poshe).
- Wait 30-60 minutes and hop in the shower with your foot file. Scrub scrub scrub your heels.
- Immediately after showering, remove any remaining polish mistakes from your skin/cuticles with your orange stick. The water and steam will soften the skin and make removal a breeze.
- Moisturize your heels with a non-greasy lotion. You don’t want to be slipping on the soles.
- Hop into your shoes and off you go.
No one will know the difference and you’ll feel so much better knowing that your feet look pampered. And no matter how much those cute shoes hurt, DON’T TAKE THEM OFF! There are some secrets you need to keep to yourself.
Holiday Gift Guide – Bath & Body Works
Every holiday season I find myself running to Bath & Body Works for last minute gifts. Whether it be for a gift exchange, hostess gift, co-worker, etc. I know I can always find something great, regardless of my budget. Every woman you know has at least one favorite scent or product from them. This year they’ve put together quite an array of gift sets sure to please the nail gal in your life.
The perfect kit for spa-tacular hands! Includes 1 fl oz. Look Ma, New Hands!â„¢ Softening Hand Lotion, 1-2-3 Nail Buffer, a nail brush and manicure tools ($15).
All the pampering products you’ll need for a handy-dandy holiday! Manicure set includes: 1 fl oz. Look Ma, New Hands!â„¢ Softening Hand Lotion Treatment, .2 fl oz. Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Message in a Bottle, 2 fl oz. Just a Minuteâ„¢ 60-Second Manicure Scrub and 1-2-3 Nail Buffer. All stored in a plush cosmetic bag ($20).
The essential Tinker Bell. Top-zip cosmetic bag adorned with signature Tinker Bell artwork, a Tinker Bell Lip Gloss, and a Tinker Bell Nail Shade – all in a limited edition Tinker Bell signature keepsake box ($30). You know your little divas will go gaga over Tinker Bell.
A salon-perfect present that rocks in mock crocodile and includes nail clipper, toenail clipper, nail file, cuticle nipper, cuticle pusher, slant tweezers and scissors ($18).
The perfect kit for spa-tacular toes! Includes 1.5 fl oz. Shea it Isn’t Soâ„¢ The Original Shea Butter Foot Cream, toe separators, nail file, nail brush and a flat pumice ($15).
All the pampering products you’ll need for fancy, festive feet! Pedicure set includes: 1.5 fl oz. Heel of Approvalâ„¢ Cracked Heel Treatment, .2 fl oz. Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Need You Tonight, 1.5 fl oz. Toe the Lineâ„¢ Foot Scrub and toe separators. All stored in a plush cosmetic bag ($39.50). 
All the tools you’ll need for a spa-tacular pedicure to go, stored neatly in this too-chic beauty case. Includes 4 oz. Toe the Lineâ„¢ Smoothing Foot Scrub, 4 oz. Heel of Approvalâ„¢ Cracked Heel Treatment, spa pumice brush, VINYL Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer, toe separators, and Seal the Dealâ„¢ Base Coat, Top Coat and Nail Strengthener ($39.50).
Treat yourself to feel-good feet with warming booties scented with soothing lavender. Pair them with 4 oz. True Blue® Spa Shea It Isn’t Soâ„¢ Shea Butter Foot Cream for a heated, ultra-pampering, at-home spa experience ($45). This is definitely on my wish list. Honey, are you reading this?
Made with a revolutionary super-plush microfiber, these luxurious slipper socks are so soft, so indulgent, you have to feel them to believe it ($6).
Enjoy the Sweetest, Softest Feet with this perfectly paired duo. Includes our popular Sweetest, Softest Sleep Socks on Earthâ„¢ and 4 oz. Shea It Isn’t Soâ„¢ Shea Butter Foot Cream ($10).
For My UK Gals – Nailed by Sleek
When the lovely people from UK brand Sleek Makeup read about my yearning for NARS Zulu (which has been fulfilled!) they were kind enough to share with me a gorgeous green polish from their NAILED lacquer line.
The shade, Poison Ivy, is a blackened forest green shimmer. It’s probably one of the truest deep forest greens I’ve seen. Unlike CND NFS it doesn’t lean towards teal. I’d say that it’s OPI Jasper Jade’s vampier older sister. The shimmer is pronounced enough to make my tips resemble little jewels but not so over the top that it looks like I’ve dipped my fingers in glitter.
The formula is Big 3 Free, highly pigmented and thick in consistency. Yet it applies like a dream. I only needed one coat to achieve bottle color and it was very easy to control. Since Nailed by Sleek is a new brand to me, I decided to give it a full trial run and my findings are puzzling.
I wore Poison Ivy for 5 days with just a base coat (Nubar) and no top coat. It lasted the full 5 days with just the slightest bit of tip wear. Next I decided to wear it again with Nubar’s top coat to help keep the lacquer’s luster. This time the polish was peeling and lifting after only 2 days. I really can’t explain it. There must be something in the combination of ingredients that didn’t mesh well the second time around. Regardless, this color and formula get two enthusiastic thumbs up.
Since I knew my fellow greenies would be asking, here are some comparisons.
Nailed by Sleek polishes retail for £2-£3 and can be found in independent beauty supply stores. The rest of the Sleek Makeup line can be found at SuperDrug.
Weekly Beauty Read
Here you go my lovelies, the best reads of the week from my pals at the Beauty Blog Network
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries out Max Factor’s Vivid Impact Highlighting Mascara for something fun
All Lacquered Up previews the spring polish collections from Chanel, China Glaze, CND and Zoya
Beauty Anonymous reviews Roxy Fragrance and Delicate Shower Gel
Beauty and Personality Grooming – Chilblains:a skin affliction that occurs in winter
Elke looks back at her first trip to NY and how it changed her.
Do you want MARC JACOBS fragrance sets for a steal? Kyle at Face Candy has the scoop.
The Glitterati feels pretty… oh so pretty… in West Side.
makeup loves me is giving away two limited edition prescriptives illuminator all over face color bricks! head on over to leave a comment and win!
Because good things come in small packages, Makeup Moxie’s got the ultimate guide to beauty stocking stuffers that are almost too pretty to part with.
The Muse Battles Dry Winter Skin with a Review of Philosophy’s Microdelivery Wash!
Savvy Skin has a Freeze 24/7 Review And Contest
SugarShock is craving beauty treats that smell good enough to eat.
Temptalia shares nine beauty-themed gift guides for all your friends and family for the holiday season!
A Touch of Blusher loves lilac!
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
