M·A·C Extra Dimension Bronzing Powder in Delphic from the Alluring Aquatic Collection

The last piece I purchased from M·A·C's Alluring Aquatic Collection - the  Face Collection - was Extra Dimension Bronzing Powder in Delphic ($33). I had two choices, Delphic, described as a soft brick tan with a touch of fine shimmer; and Aphrodite's Shell, a golden bronze, also with a touch of fine shimmer. Given the swatch photos on M·A·C's Web site, I think I ordered the wrong one for my skin. However, I'm pleased with Delphic.

A liquid-powder bronzer with prismatic reflections. Highlights the face in the golden bronze shimmer of Aphrodite’s Shell and soft tan of Delphic. The cool, creamy, near-fluid formula creates a luminous well-defined finish. It provides 10-hour wear, and of course it comes in the beautiful teal packaging, accented with raindrops.

I took swatch photo of Delphic in full sun. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply it very heavily at the top of my arm, then I used a kabuki brush to apply the large swatch below.

You can see that Delphic, when applied relatively normally, gives a golden tan to the skin. It does have a subtle shimmer, but it doesn't make me look in any way like a disco ball. It's flattering. My skin can go either way (gold or pink). Delphic will give me that golden touch that looks like a real kiss from the sun.

Aphrodite's Shell appears to have more pink in it, and it might have been a better shade for me. I'll go looking to see if it's available anywhere. I ordered it online at Nordstrom, which has both shades available. Once I see whether it really is a better shade for me, I'll probably give Delphic to one of my friends.

M·A·C is sold out of the entire Alluring Aquatic Collection. Try Nordstrom online (or in stores) if there is something you would like to purchase. It may be your best bet.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Extra Dimension Blush in Seduced at Sea from the Alluring Aquatic Collection

You know I'm not a M·A·C groupie - and you know why. I did get extra-aggressive, though, in my attempts to acquire pieces from the limited-edition Alluring Aquatic Collection. The one pictured above is Extra Dimension Blush in Seduced at Sea ($27.50). I'm glad I ordered it as an add-on when I purchased the eye shadows.

This blush is a liquid-powder blush with prismatic reflections in two shimmering shades: Seduced at Sea and See Me, Hear Me. The impact ranges from a sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect.

M·A·C says it lasts six hours, although I experienced eight hours of wear. The pretty, limited-edition compact, with the aqua water droplets, gives it a special look.

Seduced at Sea is described as a mid-tone neutral plum. Well, maybe. Instead, I see an interesting hybrid peach rose shade - hard to describe, but lovely on the cheeks.

I swatched it heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator at the top of my arm, then I used a kabuki brush and applied it fairly heavily in the large swatch. I took my photos in full sun.

The finish gleams. It shows a tiny amount of shimmer in my photos, but I really don't see that on my cheeks. I fear I had some leftover shimmer on my arm from the makeup I swatched immediately prior to swatching this blush. Sometimes, those micro-shimmer particles hold on, no matter how vigorously you scrub them off.

I'm glad I purchased Seduced at Sea. The unusual color has seduced me, so I'll be wearing it this summer to warm my complexion and add a bit of color to my pale face.

The Alluring Aquatic Collection sold out immediately at the M·A·C Web site. Your best bet for finding it will be to call your local M·A·C counters (or boutiques if you have one nearby). I know there are still some "out there" somewhere.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Alluring Aquatic Extra Dimension Eye Shadow (Mini) - Lorelei, Sea Worship, and Silver Sun

Did I go to a lot of trouble to get these new M·A·C Alluring Aquatic Extra Dimension Eye Shadows ($19.50 each)! As I recounted in a Friday Forum, I saw some pretty new eye shadows on the M·A·C Web site. All were sold out - the usual for M·A·C. I called the M·A·C Boutique and was told the collection would arrive on May 22 and to call when they opened that day. I did and was able to order the items that interested me. I gave them my charge card and asked if I could pick them up after work. The answer was no! They would have to send them to me for a shipping charge of $7. I have never - ever - heard of something so bizarre. Why is it that M·A·C seems to exist in another world?
Sirens of the deep inspire an aquascape of shades, as waves of tarnished olive, seafoam, and darkened plum surrender to water’s enticing spirit. Sultry eyes take on a subtle radiance, while luminous Extra Dimension Blush washes over cheeks, creating a goddess glow. Under the sea, nails glisten in aquatic chrome and metallic Nail Lacquer, as Lipstick, Lipglass, and Lip Pencil dive deep into color. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets - which looks really cool - distinguishes this collection.

I wanted Lorelei, Sea Worship, and Silver Sun, shown from left to right directly above. I am very pleased that I purchased all three, even though I set out to purchase Silver Sun only.

I'm sure M·A·C "addicts" have already seen them on blogs or in person. I am writing for people like me - those who don't haunt every M·A·C collection, but who will go to some trouble to acquire a piece that looks pretty. Silver Sun was that piece for me.

I swatched all three colors with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in full sun. Lorelei is shown at the top of my arm, with Sea Worship in the middle, and the gorgeous green Silver Sun at the bottom.

Lorelei, described as golden beige, is a pretty peach. Sea Worship, called a tarnished olive, is indeed a tarnished olive - or maybe an antique gold. Silver Sun is a silvery, subdued green, absolutely stunning to my eye.

All three colors offer a gleaming, subtle shimmer. They are flattering on the eyelids and last a full day (remember, I use primer). I am thrilled that I purchase them - or that I was "allowed to purchase them." This M·A·C chase is downright annoying. Do they realize how much more money they could make if they loosened the strings a bit?

These colors are sold out at the M·A·C Web site. Your best best to find them will be at a M·A·C Boutique, like I did, or a M·A·C counter, such as the one at Nordstrom.  Good luck! They are worth the hunt.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Patentpolish Lip Pencil

Recently, and for the first time in a long time, I purchased a few M·A·C items. I seldom try because the brand's most exciting pieces sell out the day they are introduced. I was surprised to be able to order two new lip pencils. Maybe no one wanted them (big smile).

The color and shine of a gloss, the precision of a lip pencil - now in one color stick. M·A·C Patentpolish Lip Pencil ($20) instantly achieves a luscious shine with a single swipe. Effortless twist-up keeps application clean and simple, with no need to sharpen. Enjoy color in a range of 12 new shades - from bright corals to soft, rosy pinks and natural nudes - that stay bright and true on all skin tones.

I ordered Pleasant (shown at left above) and Spontaneous (shown at right). Both are pretty colors. I love the finish they leave on the lips.

I took my swatch photos in full sun. Pleasant is a bright cherry shade. Spontaneous is a warm mauve-pink. I love these pencils. Pencils seem so easy. The Patentpolish Lip Pencils provide a liquid look - almost like patent leather.

I think the range of colors in this collection provides something for everyone. Check it out. It didn't sell out the day it was released. You may still be able to buy one from M·A·C's Web site, a M·A·C boutique, or a M·A·C counter.

Photos at top and bottom courtesy of M·A·C; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm from the Après Chic Collection

I light up when I see new mineralize products from M·A·C - although always powder formulas. When the Après Chic Collection was launched, I decided to try a Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm ($19.50). There was a shade that appealed to me, Rosy Romance, so I ordered it with the rest of my order. Note: I am still waiting for the Mineralize Blush in General to ship. It's backordered, so it may never ship.

A liquid lip balm that adds moisture while providing the right pop of color and mirror-like shine. Enriched with a special, nourishing 77 Mineral-Rich Complex. Can be worn alone or over other lip products.

I love the color. The rose is perfect for any time of year. The lip balm is extremely hydrating - a definite plus. I have read that some find it tacky, but I don't. It's heavier than some tinted balms, like the new Maybelline Color Whisper, but that gives it staying power.  While it's very shiny on application, the shine wears off relatively quickly, so you must reapply if you want to keep shiny lips. Or top it with another gloss.

I took my swatch photos in full sun, which provided the shine a glassy reflection. I think it's a nice introduction to the M·A·C Mineralize Tinted Lip Balms. I don't think I need to rush out to purchase more, but I'll enjoy this one.

You can purchase items from the Après Chic Collection online or at any M·A·C counter or boutique. Just don't wait long. You know how M·A·C collections sell out in a heartbeat, making way for the next week's extravaganza.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Mineralize Eye Shadow from the Après Chic Collection

I light up when I see new mineralize products from M·A·C. The Après Chic Collection offered me a selection of five enticing shades of Mineralize Eye Shadow ($21). They were such a roll of the dice; I can't really tell from shopping online what shade they will be on the skin, but these two shades, Silver Birch on the left and Winter Pursuit on the right, won the coin toss.

These baked minerals refined into a powder formula provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. The colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. I can create a kapow eye with these shades - or one that's subtle and refined - giving me a choice for application and look.

Silver Birch is defined by M·A·C as a silver base with peach veining. Winter Pursuit is defined as a copper base with grey veining. What I received, particularly with Silver Birch, more than met my expectations. I like them so much I am featuring them only a week after receipt. Miraculously, they are from a M·A·C collection that has remained available more than four days.

I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply them heavily, and I took my swatch photos in full sunlight. I'm really disappointed that I could not capture the khaki that I can see in Silver Birch (at the top of my arm). It is drop-dead gorgeous.

The silver is a stunning shade. Not extra-shiny silver, it's a taupe-silver that shows me a touch of khaki in person. I think the copper is extremely pretty. You gals with blue or green eyes are going to love it.

Now that I've grown accustomed to "orange" shades on my eyelids, I have realized how flattering they can be. It took awhile, but I'm on board now.

I'd really like to see the rest of the shades in person. Who knows? I could buy another one. These two have delighted me. You can purchase them online or at any M·A·C counter or boutique. Just don't wait long.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Baby Blooms Lip Bag Giveaway Contest

M·A·C's Baby Blooms Lip Bag ($35) was a Nordstrom exclusive - part of the Graphic Garden Collection. I found one untouched in my house over the weekend. How it eluded me for so long is beyond me. Out of sight, out of mind.

With the set, you get a cute little bag, as shown above, two lipsticks, and one lip gloss. The lipsticks are Soft Illusion (Frost - baby pink) and Spiceflower (Amplified Cream - mauve pink). The Lipglass is Baby Blooms (Frost - bronze pink). I found swatches at Temptalia if you'd like to see them.

I'm not going to use it at this point, so I might as well give it away, right? Here's how you can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes). Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of entrants I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, November 3, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

M·A·C Heavenly Creature Mineralize Blush - A Surprising Treat

As you may remember, I was late to the limited-edition Heavenly Creature Collection. No surprise there. I'm late to most of the M·A·C "parties." Still, after I tried Mineralize Skinfinish in Star Wonder, which I use as a blush, I wanted to try the blushes in the collection. So, I ordered Ring of Saturn and Stratus Mineralize Blushes ($23.50) from Nordstrom online. Although neither appeared to be "me," I wanted to play. Now, I wish I had also ordered Solar Ray, shown above. The play time has been fun.

Baked minerals are refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Color builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer.

Here are my two shades: Stratus (described as amethyst and gold melange) on the left and Ring of Saturn (described as terracotta and gold melange) on the right. I've found that I can't predict the blended and applied shade just by looking at a photo or at the compact directly. These are such complex shades, with the pretty swirls of color, that each one is a little surprise. Look at these gorgeous shades on my arm.

I swatched them with a sponge-tipped applicator (unnatural for a blush) and took my photos in full, late-afternoon sun. I applied the bands of color very heavily. No one will apply them this way.

I was surprised by how wearable both shades are when applied with a fluffy blush brush. The lighter shade, Ring of Saturn, is the best for me, but I'm looking forward to trying the darker one, Stratus (at the top of my arm), with my fall and winter clothing. I think these shades are stunning.

While I may have shades similar to the peachy Ring of Saturn, I don't think I own a blush quite like Stratus. Ring of Saturn is a pink-leaning peach on my cheeks. I'm struggling to describe Stratus. I think I can fairly call it rose, but what shade of rose? The purple I see in the compact doesn't translate into purple or lavender on my skin. If anything, there appears to be some brown in the shade. It's really flattering. If your skin is darker than mine, you might want to wear it now. I'll wait until the season can support the shade on my face.

These shades are not overtly shimmery on my face, but they do have a lot of life. My play time has been extremely satisfying. I'm going to have to be faster when M·A·C introduces its next Mineralized colletion.

What do you think of these shades? Have you tried them? Should I spring for Solar Ray?

Photo at top courtesy of M·A·C; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Mineralize Skinfinish in Star Wonder from the Heavenly Creature Colour Collection

You know I don't often purchase items from M·A·C's way-too-frequent collections. I made an exception for Mineralize Skinfinish in Star Wonder from the Heavenly Creature Colour Collection ($29). In general, the Mineralize Skinfinish and Blushes are my favorite M·A·C products. I'm a pushover for the beautiful multicolored compacts.

A luxurious, velvet-soft powder with a high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.

True, but in the case of Star Wonder, it's a great highlighting blush.I stopped by the M·A·C counter at Bloomingdale's about a month ago - maybe longer. I had an opportunity to color test the shades in the store, and I selected Star Wonder over the other three shades. This beauty was mine!

Not only was it pretty in the compact, it's extremely pretty on my skin. I wouldn't say it has a high-frost metallic finish. I think it has a shimmering finish that's flattering and wearable. Check out my swatch photos, which were taken in full, late-afternoon sun. I blended all the colors in the palette together and applied a heavy swatch with a sponge-tipped applicator.

Isn't that a gorgeous pink? It has color and life, and it jumps off my face - in a good way. I'm smitten.

For me, Star Wonder is a blush. I wouldn't wear it applied all over my face, as M·A·C suggests you can. Perhaps someone with much darker skin can. Because I like it so much, I just blind-purchased two of the Mineralize Blushes from the collection. Hope I like them!

I just saw on M·A·C's Web site that this Mineralize Skinfinish is sold out in all shades except Earthshine. However, I believe you can still find it at M·A·C counters. Call around. I'd recommend you look for it if you're passing by a counter or M·A·C boutique. If you can't find it, just wait a few weeks. There will be another collection.

Update: I just found it at Nordstrom online.

Photo at top courtesy of M·A·C; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Limited-Edition Powder Blush from Le Très Chic Collection for 2012

The day I was shopping M·A·C's Perennial Pinks Collection online, somehow I made may way to pink powder blushes. I have no idea how. It appears that the Powder Blush shades I purchased were not part of the Perennial Pinks Collection. I never browse M·A·C's "generic" collections. For example, I don't branch off to look at blushes or lipsticks. So how did I find these three Powder Blushes from the New Collections tab? I have no idea. Just a little over a week later, there's no trace of my path on the Web site.

Could I have made my own sampler of pink blushes. Doubtful! No matter, here they are. From left to right above, you can see three very different rose and pink shades of M·A·C Powder Blush ($20). All three carry the company's satin finish, although I see a little more life in Lovecloud than the other two.

• Peony Petal, a blue rose
• Lovecloud, a true, medium pink
• Pink Tea, a light mauve pink

I took swatch photos last week to show you the significant differences in these blushes on the skin. I used a sponge-tipped applicator, applied them heavily, and took my photos in full sun. No one will ever apply these shades as heavily as I applied them for the swatch photos, so consider the swatches exaggerated.

Peony Petal at the top of my arm is too blue for my tastes. It has its place, particularly when a blue-pink blush complements a pink jacket. Although I can wear these colors, I am no longer comfortable in their extreme pinkness.

Lovecloud in the center is, in my opinion, drop dead gorgeous. It's a pink lover's dream. Not too blue, not too cool, it radiates spring and pink with a shade that's perky.

Pink Tea is my second favorite. I think the shade is a great one for gals with fair skin, and I like the "heather" or muted look to the color on my skin. It's definitely a cool pink, but one that will work on warm skin tones because it is subtle.

All three of these shades are limited editions. I found that on M·A·C's Web site. I guess it doesn't matter how I got to them, but I know they must have been featured together - not long ago. If anyone knows, please tell me in the comments!

These Powder Blushes are still available at M·A·C's Web site and should be available at M·A·C counters and boutiques.

Update: Thanks to my astute reader, I updated the title to this feature. See the comments. 

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Blossom Culture from the Perennial Pinks Collection

Every now and then, M·A·C introduces something with its "here today, gone tomorrow," limited-edition collections that grabs my attention. Last week was one of those times. I fell in love with Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Blossom Culture.

What made me look at the Perennial Pinks Collection? The name! What pink lover could resist a springtime color collection with that name? There are two Sheen Supreme Lipsticks ($14.50) in the collection: Behave Yourself, described as a light blue pink, and Blossom Culture, described as a soft pink with pearl - the one that looked warm and welcoming online at M·A·C. It's better than warm and welcoming. It's downright gorgeous! I may need a back-up before it disappears - again. Both shades are repromotes. I missed them a few years ago. Fortunately, I didn't miss them this time around.

Combining the color impact of a lipstick with the shiny sheen of a lip glass, Sheen Supreme creates the perfect hybrid. Lightweight, non-sticky, "slick" and creamy to apply, and comfortable to wear (understatement), this lipstick is a must-have for those who crave a "fusion" between lipstick and lip gloss - people like me.

Although M·A·C's own photo of Blossom Culture, shown at the top of this feature is great, I think my own photo, directly above, brings the color to life. It shows the warm pink in its glory against the turquoise backdrop. On my lips, it's even better. Because my lips have their own light rose pigment, they bring out the pink in the semi-sheer shade.

On my arm, the shade shows its peach hue. On my lips, it still shows its warmth with that peach hue, but, overall, looks gloriously peachy-pink, the perfect marriage between the shades.

I took my photos in full, late-afternoon sun, and I took one in front of a neighbor's mauve pink blossoms in an attempt to show the warmth in the pink shade. Call it peachy pink, call it warm pink, call it divine! Add in how wonderfully soothing and moisturizing it feels on my lips, and I'm swooning. I feel like a movie star when I wear it. It looks that good.

I also snapped a photo with a pretty white Catalpa bloom in the background - again showing a different look to the shade.  Your own coloring and what you choose to wear with Blossom Culture are likely to determine its exact color rendition on your lips. Even though I associate the name with "flower child," there's nothing in Blossom Culture that's a throwback to the 60's and 70's. It's more Philadelphia Flower Show.

At $14.50, I can afford to order another one so that I can use one in my bathroom and keep one in the makeup bag. I'm so glad I bought it!

You can too. Just check out M·A·C's Web site. I'll be telling you about my other pretty purchases as soon as I can get photos. If you aren't an ardent M·A·C follower, you may not have seen the Perennial Pinks Collection. There was only a 50-50 chance I would. I'm delighted.

Photo at top courtesy of M·A·C; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Improvise Mineralize Blush Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Liz!

I have always liked M·A·C's mineralized makeup. That's why this Improvise Mineralize Blush attracted me. I had gone shopping this year at the Estée Lauder Company Store in Leesburg, Virginia. I find such nice things there, and sometimes, I buy an extra for a giveaway contest. That's how I came to have an extra Mineralize Blush in Improvise.

M·A·C's mineralized blushes feature baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application and coverage. You can build the color lightly, layer after layer, without overdoing it. These blushes veil and enhance the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer.

Improvise is a peachy gold on my skin. The color appears to be a coral-peach with gold veins running through it in the pan. It's a shade that's beautiful on the face or eyes. I swatched my own compact so that you could see the color on my skin. I think its gorgeous. I applied it with a sponge-tipped applicator at the top of my arm and very lightly with a dense blush brush below.

Did I say I love the color? It translates onto my skin with such a luminosity, it's eye-catching. It also adheres to my skin extremely well.

We haven't done a M·A·C giveaway for a long time, and I decided it would be fun to do another. How can you enter to win? All you really have to do is leave a comment on this feature.

After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, November 19, at midnight. The next day, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner. Lately, my shipping luck has improved significantly.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. This prize is valued at a retail price of $22 plus shipping.

Good luck!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Possessed by Pink Lip Kit Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Ladytink, winner of Possessed by Pink!

I just love the Estée Lauder Company Store in Leesburg, Virginia. I find such nice things there, and sometimes, I buy an extra for a giveaway contest. That's how I came to have an extra Possessed by Pink Lip Kit. It was a limited edition when introduced.

The kit contains three lip colors and a lip brush and has a mirror.

• Sweet Smile is a sheer, shimmering rosy-pink gloss.
• Laugh A Lot is a sheer, medium rose-pink with a glossy sheen.
• Tickled is a dark, plum-brown with a glossy sheen.

Anyone who likes M·A·C and looks pretty in pink should be delighted with this kit, which is now virtually impossible to find - except on eBay, where you can pay more than its original price. I like the kit and find the colors to be lovely, particularly this time of year.

How can you enter to win? Here's the "fine print."

There are a few simple steps. First, leave a comment on this feature. After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). That's all you have to do to be entered.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) or my Twitter account, @BTiBeauty. That will earn a second entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. Only one tweet will be counted as an entry. I appreciate multiple tweets, but it's not necessary.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 16, at midnight. The next day, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I won't be able to replace it with another. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail services do right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

Good luck!

M·A·C Magically Cool Liquid Powder

M·A·C's Magically Cool Liquid Powder ($29.50) is pretty cool. I was enticed by its description to order a loose powder, even though loose powders are not my favorites - and I don't order every new M·A·C item that hits my inbox. They arrive with such amazing regularity, I tend to overlook them.

A silky, feather-light powder, formulated with 70% water, dusts on to the skin as a cooling mist to set and enhance the look of any foundation. Beyond sheer, light reflecting and translucent. A virtually invisible way to add luminosity and a soft, radiant glow to the skin.

There are three shades available: Truth and Light (yellow cream), Honey Rose (warm pink), and Cajun (brown-toned). I had to select one. I had given myself a limit! Even though Honey Rose didn't appear to be the lightest, I chose it. It appeared online to have more color - and a pink tilt - that made it potentially more interesting to me than Truth and Light.

I was so pleasantly surprised when it arrived, I wanted to show you instantly. Unfortunately, there was no sun to get a photo that day, or the day after, or the day after that. It was only this past Saturday, when the sun made an unexpected appearance, that I was able to get a swatch photo.

The powder is easy to control. The interior lid has little holes in it. If I screw on the cap, turn it upside down, and gently tap, enough powder for a few applications pushes through the holes. It's not a mess, as some loose M·A·C pigments can be.

Honey Rose is a drop-dead gorgeous warm pink on my skin. I am wearing it as a blusher - and as a finishing powder with a light touch. I am really impressed. On my arm, the powder shimmers; on my face, not so much. It adds a glow, but no discernible shimmer or micro-glitter. Figure that out! I think it's the difference between a dusting with a blush brush and a heavy application with a dense foundation brush that I used to apply Honey Rose on my arm for the photo. If I run my finger over the top of the powder, I get shimmer. On my face, I don't.

I hope you can see in my photos, with the very rosy azaleas and roses in the background, that Honey Rose is warm and sheer. It's definitely a pink shade, but it has a fair amount of brown in it, which makes it so desirable - and natural. I think the high water content contributes to its lovely appearance on the skin. It doesn't look like powder, as some powders can if you don't have moist skin.

I am more than happy with my M·A·C Magically Cool Liquid Powder - I'm delighted. I can't always say that when I buy blind online. This one's a hit!

You can find this "liquid powder" online at M·A·C's Web site and at M·A·C stores and counters, I'm sure. Check it out and see if you like it as much as I do. If you have tried it, please let me know what you think.

Photo at top courtesy of M·A·C

M·A·C Cremeblend Blush

M·A·C Cremeblend Blush ($19.50) may come in a color you love! There are six shades of Cremeblend Blush, which M·A·C says "manages to make a simple blush state-of-the-art."

The price was right, so I ordered three of them: So Sweet, So Easy; Something Special; and Posey. They appeared online to be shades I might like. I have no idea why I didn't order Tea Petal, which I think I would have liked. I wish I had ordered it.

When the blushes arrived, I was immediately struck by the lightly creamy and easy-to-blend texture. They blend well with a synthetic brush or my fingers. Incredibly nice! The medium-coverage formula imparts a natural finish that's smooth and dewy.

Color makes all the difference. If you select the right shade from the six, you will be extremely happy. I want Tea Petal!

I love two of the three shades I did order. My swatch photo, taken in outdoor sunlight, with the shades fairly unblended, shows my three shades in this order top to bottom:

• Posey, described as warm peach, but a lovely coral (to my eye) even I can wear,
• Something Special, described as light coral, but a gorgeous peach with a hint of nude or warm pink, and
• So Sweet, So Easy, described as a bright yellow-pink, but really cotton-candy pink.

So Sweet, So Easy is way too sugary - a pink that for me is too cool, too young, too light, too something. How could anyone could have selected the description of "yellow-pink"? I don't like it at all, so it's headed to a better home, probably one inhabited by a 12-year-old kid allowed to wear makeup.

I do like the shades that are often hard for me to wear, Posey and Something Special. While I think they switched the descriptions at birth, they are both pretty. Why didn't I order Tea Petal? The site calls it a mid-tone reddish brown, but the swatch photo at M·A·C's Web site is gorgeous. Should I place another order? Anyone have Tea Petal?

You can purchase the Cremeblend Blushes at M·A·C stores, online, and M·A·C counters at department stores. I bought mine online from M·A·C.

Photo at top courtesy of M·A·C

M·A·C Prep + Prime Highlighter in Light Boost

Another Touche Éclat clone! That's how I think about every pen highlighter that's introduced. It's not fair, really, because some of the clones are much better than others. YSL scored big time with Touche Éclat. Every company wants to grow up to be YSL - at least with a pen highlighter.

M·A·C's new Prep + Prime Highlighter in Light Boost ($23), the lightest of three shades offered, is a pen-style highlighter that adds a soft sheer wash of illuminating color to the skin. With its precision pen-style applicator, it adds radiance exactly where you want it, and blends smoothly for cushion-soft wear. You can use it over makeup for highlights, touch-ups, or under makeup to brighten and prime.

I actually like it, so perhaps I shouldn't have started my feature with a comparison to the unparalleled Touche Éclat. The $23 price is attractive, and the highlighter is nice. It blends well and adds a yellow-gold highlight to my skin - no striking shimmer, just a light-reflecting glow. I think it would be a great dual purpose pen to carry in your handbag: concealer and highlighter in one.

Here's a swatch photo of Light Boost, with the unblended shade at the top and a blended shade below. It was taken in full sun. I hope you can see that Light Boost adds a yellow-gold tint to my skin.

There are two other shades: Bright Forecast (peachy) and Radiant Rose (pink). I think I selected the best shade for my skin, but I'd love to see the others. I purchased mine online, so I had no opportunity to play with the others.

You can find M·A·C's Prep + Prime Highlighter at M·A·C's Web site and M·A·C counters.

Photo at top courtesy of M·A·C

M·A·C Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer

I'm always game for trying a new eye primer, so when I saw recently that M·A·C had introduced Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer ($30), I wanted to try it. I'm glad I purchased it!

Called an instant eye prep, "this quick fix reduces the look of puffy eyes and under-eye shadows while imparting a bright natural radiance to the entire eye area." The company says it perfectly primes the eye for makeup. M·A·C says that if you use it regularly, you will see those instant benefits become more permanent. Sounds great, right?

I haven't used it long enough to tell you whether it reduces puffiness or permanently reduces shadows - that's a tall order. It does have caffeine in it, which is a diuretic and will help reduce puffiness, but the effects are transient. What I can tell you is that it has a host of great ingredients, and I love the effect it provides.

The pump dispenser is very convenient, and it's easy to use. Unlike other pumps, this one is fairly easy to control, so you can dispense only what you need, without wasting product. The texture is a lightweight cream that blends like a dream. It has a slight pink tint when you look at it in a tiny drop in your palm, but that blends into a neutral, almost transparent white shade in the palm (should you decide to blend it there, which you would do only out of curiosity). On my skin, it disappears - except for the beautiful radiance it leaves behind.

I've used it under my eyes, on my lids, and up to my brows. It is easy on the skin, meaning I don't feel it at all. It is a lovely base for my normal primer, corrector, concealer, or a shadow. It adheres to the skin well and prevents creasing of cream products applied over it. It also provides a great base for powder products. That's what we expect from great primers.

The ingredient list is a who's who of skin care, including dimethicone, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, algae extract, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, chamomile, peptides, and many other beneficial ingredients. It is very moisturizing without leaving any kind of oil slick on the lids - which is impressive. It does have the humectant butylene glycol in it. Butylene glycol does irritate some skin, particularly around the eyes, but my sensitive skin has been unaffected.

The radiance it provides is the most exciting feature of Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer. It adds a glow, which is amazing since it disappears into the skin. I am excited about my new primer. I also purchased the new Prep + Prime Highlighter. I'll tell you about it soon.

You can find Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer at M·A·C's Web site or M·A·C counters everywhere. Have you tried it?

Photo courtesy of M·A·C