MAC Mineralized Skinfinishes

Welcome back to the Powder Room, beauty lovers! This week, we're talking all about one of the most well-known brands in the beauty industry: MAC Cosmetics. MAC makes some really unique products. MAC, in my opinion, is hit or miss with their products. You will either find something you're obsessed with and buy it forever, or you'll find something that is mediocre for such a respected brand. One product I love: The Mineralized Skinfinish powders!

Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade ***Image by Temptalia.com***

Some people like a matte, non-shiny look on their face. Other people like their skin to look luminous and dewy. If you fall into the latter category, these powders might be the answer! They are meant to be used as a highlighting product, applied only on areas of the face where the light hits (cheekbones, bridge of nose, Cupid's Bow.) However I find that applying them as blush (including the apples of the cheeks) gives you a pop of color in addition to a flattering shine.

They come in a variety of colors: browns, pinks, champagnes. Unfortunately, most of the pink/coral colors come out in limited edition collections, which tend to sell out rather quickly. However, there are some great neutrals available permanently to get you started with these powders! Soft And Gentle is my favorite- it is a very light, shimmery champagne color. I like to apply it on my cheeks and then layer my blush- this gives a subtle glow to the entire face.

Mineralize Skinfinish in By Candlelight ***Image by Temptalia.com***

As great as they are, these powders can be tricky. If you over apply, it can sink into your pores and enlarge them. Also, there is a fine line between looking dewy and looking shiny/oily, which is not a good look for anyone! You also need to check up on it through the day to make sure it does not look any different if you do have oily skin, like I do. Sometimes towards the end of the day, I'll see the powder has moved a bit because of the natural oils on my skin. Just carry a light face powder with you to keep from looking like a melted oil painting (again, not a good look!)

These powders definitely take practice to master, but the result is worth it. I haven't felt the need to buy any other highlighting products since I have tried these. And for about $28, it may seem expensive but these powders last forever! It is an investment, in my opinion. On days I don't wear makeup (foundation), I apply a Mineralized Skinfinish just to keep my skin looking healthy and glowy. This is a great product to start with if you want to get into MAC cosmetics, too. So, if you want glowy, dewy skin, try these powders!

You can buy it here:
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/869/782/Mineralize-Skinfinish/index.tmpl

Or here:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=MAC+mineralize+skinfinish&origin=keywordsearch

Want to look at shades from the past? Temptalia has reviews of many of them- with pictures!
http://www.temptalia.com/?cat=0&s=mineralize+skinfinish&x=0&y=0

Revlon- I've been bitten!

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to The Powder Room. This week, I'm going to be reviewing one of my favorite products from the past year- the Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain+Balm.

Let me just start out by saying that I am extremely picky about lip products. I hate most lipsticks (except for my favorite red, which I will blog about later) because I think they require too much time and attention. You have to line your lips, then put on the lipstick, blot, reapply etc. If you do not touch up through the day, it dries out your lips and can look bizarre.
Lipgloss is a sticky mess. I've tried so many brands, colors, formulas- you name it. I cannot seem to find a good, non-sticky gloss. I also like my lips to be fairly pigmented, so the sheer look of gloss does not do the trick for me.

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stains

I came across the Just Bitten variety at the drugstore, where there was a "Buy one, get one 50% off" promotion. I was intrigued by the bright colors and the dual-sided stain and lip balm. I picked up Passion (hot pink) and Flame (a bright, pinky-red).
As soon as I used these two shades, I was hooked. They are so pigmented and flattering! The only worry I had was that the stains would dry out my lips- which the balm helped with. The result is a luscious, colorful pout.

There are Cons to this product, however. The balm does not screw up/down- what you see is what you get. Be careful of the cap to the balm as well. I accidentally sliced off the balm of Flame while putting the cap on. Also, the color of the stain does not last very long. It leaves a stain for 3 hours at most, and then you have to reapply. Also, the balm fades within the first hour, so I always layer another balm, like SoftLips, on top to lock in the moisture.

Use another lip balm as well for best results!

There are so many colors to chose from in this collection. There are neutrals, purple/mauve shades, pinks, and reds, which all look natural and wearable. My favorite is Frenzy- it is the perfect red with a hint of pink. I like my lips to be dark but not completely red, so this is the perfect shade.

There is no perfect lip product, but for me, these come pretty close. There are so many different colors and they all have great pigmentation. The wear is not great, but for about $7, I think this is still a great deal. If you do not mind reapplying and touching-up through the day, I would definitely recommend these stains!

You can buy them at stores like Wal-Mart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Revlon-Just-Bitten-Lipstain-Balm-by-ColorStay/16676971

Or places like Ulta, where they often offer coupons and discounts: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2218986&productId=xlsImpprod2330029&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=61440offrevlonwk3210&categoryId=cat80062

Or Walgreens/CVS, where they do "Buy one, get one 50% off" deals: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/revlon-just-bitten-lipstain-%26-balm/ID=prod6080247-product