M·A·C Glamour Daze Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb

Seriously? This is sold out? Now you know why I seldom feature M·A·C Cosmetics. I received this a few weeks ago, forgot to feature it, and now it's sold out online at Nordstrom and M·A·C. I'll bet you can find one in one of the stores if you're persistent. You'll have to be fast too. I found Superb available at Belk. Go!

As a necessary aside, there are other reasons I don't usually feature M·A·C. By the time the bloggers who feature M·A·C everything are finished, you seem to find the features boring. That's what my numbers tell me. Additionally, a lot of the makeup is too too for me. Anyone over 40 will understand what I mean by too too. Even so, now and then, M·A·C introduces one of those "to die for" products, and I jump.

I ordered M·A·C's Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb ($29) from the Glamour DazeCollection because I absolutely love M·A·C's Skinfinish products. I've never purchased one that disappointed me. In this case, Superb gave me a buyer's high when it arrived - ordered sight unseen.

Did I know it was going to be rose gold? Nope. I knew it would be a liquid-powder highlighter with prismatic reflections that sculpts, highlights, and models the face. The cool, creamy near-fluid formula creates a luminous, well-defined finish. Wears 10 hours. In limited-edition Glamour Daze packaging. That was its description.

I took swatch photos outside in the windy cold today. It's a good thing I didn't have goosebumps. I saw every hair on my arm sticking straight out. I swatched at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I used a kabuki brush for the larger swatch below.

This illuminating powder is stunning in color, and it applies beautifully. I don't really get the near-fluid formula description - it's a creamy powder that adheres nicely. What makes it spectacular is its color.

I'm a rose gold addict, and I'm thrilled to have this new one in my collection. I hope you can find M·A·C's Glamour Daze Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb. It's worth the hunt.

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

MAC Art Supplies Collection

There's something about this photo that entices me. I'm not sure whether it's the combination of gorgeous colors or the perfection of the image. Those lashes, those eyes, the colors, such beauty! It reeled me in, so I had to see MAC's Art Supplies Collection.

I have a lot of MAC products, but I don't write about them often. The blogosphere is saturated with MAC reviews, and sometimes I feel that MAC is best left to the "younger set." Those gals can wear Barbie pink lipsticks, artsy pigments, and even magenta hair streaks and fit in with their peers. I envy their freedom for playful expression, but I'm smart enough (or old enough) to know that there really is such a thing as "age appropriate."

Not only that, MAC's collections are released with such rapidity, by the time I purchase and get to know a product - give it at least a few days to determine what I think of it - MAC has moved on. My purchase is old news. I would love to tell you about some of my favorite MAC products, but you wouldn't be able to purchase most of them. They have long since been replaced with the products of the moment. So, I buy carefully selected pieces, I enjoy them, and I seldom tell you about them.

Today, I'll change up my routine and tell you about my two latest MAC purchases, both from the Art Supplies Collection, which I "experienced" at Nordstrom, working with Chris Coles and a friendly MAC sales associate who didn't seem at all disinterested because my age was north of 25.

The Greasepaint Sticks ($17.50) were especially packaged for the Art Supplies collection in color-matched casing and packaging. The sticks are available in a selection of eight limited-edition shades. They can be used as shadows or liners, and they offer long-wearing, water-resistant color. MAC calls them creamy crayons with an opalescent sparkle finish formulated for maximum drama. It's easy to see why; you can apply them for ultra-high-level coverage. Although the colors can be intense, they are also controllable. A light touch will yield a light application, and that can be blended out quickly for a more sheer wash of color.

I chose Dirty - conservative and taupe with a touch of gray in it. Dirty is a totally wearable and versatile color! I wanted Greengrease too, simply because the color is gorgeous, but decided it would go into my "seldom worn" pile of cool colors that have limited use. While I might enjoy running around the house with Greengrease eyelids, I'm sure I'd draw stares - even at CVS. Here's a photo of Dirty, smudged and unsmudged, taken under a strong indoor light. The sparkles are reflections of the light and are not characteristic of the makeup.

The collection also features Pro Longwear Lipstain Markers ($16), lightweight lip stains featuring the look and delivery of a color marker. With their felt-tip nibs, they apply with precision to deliver a sheer, instantly absorbed flush of color that can last a long time. They can be used to fill, define, and layer for more color, depending on your mood and needs. MAC says there's no need for a lip liner with these markers, and I agree. The felt tip allows you to draw your line in first if you wish.

I stood at Nordstrom and tested every one of the nine colors on my arm. With an order from my brain to narrow it down to one, I came away with A Classic, the favorite shade of the MAC rep, and a juicy color for summer. A Classic is described on MAC's site as rose red, but I'd call it juicy strawberry.

These really are long-wearing shades. Once applied, they do not just wipe off with a tissue and water. That's a nice feature for summer.

You can still purchase the Art Supplies Collection - at least for now! MAC stores and the MAC Web site have these items, plus the other items in the collection, Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner and Clear Lip Glass. MAC is also available at Nordstrom, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's. Swing by a MAC counter and check out the collection - before it's gone and the latest trend has taken its place. The Art Collection is fun, and it has something for everyone. I think I'd enjoy art classes today more than I did in school.

Photo at top courtesy of MAC

M·A·C VIVA GLAM

Time to wham up the GLAM in M·A·C's VIVA GLAM - right in time for New York Fashion Week! The M·A·C AIDS Fund and the VIVA GLAM program are the heart and soul of M·A·C Cosmetics - and a cause that matters to all of us. M·A·C has made it easy to join them. All we have to do is purchase a VIVA GLAM lipstick! Or two.

Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga have teamed to promote the new M·A·C VIVA GLAM introductions. You can join the "gaga-glamorous" gals by supporting M·A·C's abiding passion. Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass is donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. This year's campaign has a special focus - women living with HIV. I'll let M·A·C tell you about it.

Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper: They love lipstick. They love fashion. And they want to tell girls all over the world how to keep their love life safe, seductive, and satisfying with eyes wide open to the facts about women and HIV/AIDS. These sizzling, sensuous self-created divas are channeling their high-voltage energy for VIVA GLAM and igniting From Our Lips - the new M·A·C Cosmetics VIVA GLAM campaign. In honor of all of the women who are living with the HIV/AIDS virus, and those working to curb its spread, the M·A·C AIDS Fund will announce $2.5 million in donations to fund model programs that address the vulnerabilities and inequities that place women at increased risk for HIV/AIDS.

From John Demsey, Group President, Estee Lauder Companies and Chairman, M·A·C AIDS Fund: "We're raising the VIVA GLAM bar this year with the voices of two incredible artists. Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper are bringing women's issues to the forefront of the HIV/AIDS crisis. We have one artist that hit the music industry at the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, and another that is explosively popular with young people today. They represent different generations that are equally affected by this disease, and both are helping to spread the message of the power of one lipstick."

VIVA GLAM Cyndi ($14) features a high-lustre finish and a light coral-red color. VIVA GLAM Gaga (also $14) has a high-lustre finish and a cool blue-pink shade. Each tube carries the artist's signature. What shade will you be wearing?

Photo courtesy of M·A·C

Brights for Spring and Summer 2010 - MAC's Colour Forecast

Here I am, thigh-high in snow, and I'm thinking about new makeup colors for spring and summer! I've seen a printed preview of the Chanel collection, due in April, and a new MAC spring collection is already available. Giorgio Armani Beauty's latest collection will be arriving in stores soon. So much to spend, so little money!

You already know that pinks and corals are the "it" colors for spring. Get ready, the trend will continue into summer. There's bright color in your future.

The MAC Spring Colour Forecast is available at MAC Cosmetics online and in MAC stores. I can't speak for MAC counters in the department stores since I am snowbound. There are some terrific colors in the four families - pink and plum cool tones and coral and amber warm tones. There are eye shadows, stackable crushed metal pigments, lipsticks, lip glosses, blushes, glossy nail lacquers, and even fragrances.

In the pinks, Blush Ombre in the limited-edition Azalea Blossom ($25) looks pretty. It's a light, cool pink - right up my alley! In the coral range, Nanogold eye shadow ($14.50), a sheer yellow beige with pink pearl, looks gorgeous and versatile. If you like coral and orange, this collection will give you the I-wants. I have to get my hands on Radiccio ($14), a plum family sheer mid-tone blue mauve lipstick. The warm ambers - precious, excessive, and golden - are the most intriguing to me (even though I have cool-toned skin). There is an Colour 4 eye shadow quad with four dreamy colors: Manila Paper, Flip, Aztec Brick, and Creole Beauty. At $36, these limited-edition shadows have me revved. I love golden and bronze shadows! Although my choices may seem to be the most subtle of the bright new colors, they will suit my fair skin.

I'll be giving you the latest on Chanel and Armani very soon. Gorgeous colors coming for a welcome season. Spring can't come fast enough! Want to dive in? MAC is offering free two-day shipping today (February 7) only! Wouldn't it be nice to get a box of sunshine delivered to your door? Just use the code CUPID at checkout. I plan to take advantage of this offer.

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Selections from MAC in Lillyland for Spring 2010

After much anticipation, MAC in Lillyland arrived in stores on January 7. It was September when we got word that Lilly Pulitzer had partnered with MAC Cosmetics to create a makeup collection. (You can read MAC to Go Preppie at Best Things in Beauty.)

Naturally, I went straight to a MAC store on Thursday. "If you can’t afford to go to the resort, we will bring the resort to you with these products,” James Gager, MAC's senior vice president and creative director, told WWD. That was enticing, with our prediction of snow. A trip to Florida without airport security!

The Lilly Pulitzer pull was strong too. The bright, cheerful clothing is very popular in the South, and there has been a resurgence of its retro-chic look. Sure enough, I found three pieces I "couldn't live without" within the colorful, very pretty collection. There's that "pretty" word again! There are pieces to love.

The collection includes two makeup brushes, an eyeshader for $24.50 and a large angled contour brush, $32; two Technakohl liners, each $14.50; four colorful Lipgelées, each $14; two nail lacquers, each $12; three Paint Pots, each $16.50; four Cremeblend blushes, each $18.50, a Pearlmatte Eye Shadow compact, $19.50; and a Pearlmatte Face Powder, $27.

My selections? I had to have the Pearlmatte Face Powder, a pressed powder in which pearlized shades combine to produce a soft, highlighted finish. In this special limited-edition design, four complementary shades form a floral motif inspired by the signature patterns of Lilly Pulitzer.

Cremeblend Blush in So Sweet, So Easy - pretty in pink - came home with me. This poured cream blush is uniquely formulated to bring a natural, softly dewy look to the cheeks. It's best to apply with your fingertips and lightly pat it into your "smile." The color, depth, and dimension stay put throughout the day. MAC says it can be used on cheeks or lips. I like it on my cheeks and will try it on my lips this weekend. Joie-de-Vivre, another new color, is a gorgeous peachy coral that will delight peach blush wearers. The other two shades border on artsy. Optimistic Orange is definitely orange, and Florida is bright fuchsia.

The Paint Pots are a favorite. I choose Rubenesque, a frosty golden-peach with gold pearl (shown here). The other two shades are pretty too: Bare study, soft beige with gold pearl, and Fresco Rose, a frosty pink with matching pearl. Paint Pots are highly pigmented, long-wearing cream eye color - long-wearing, easily blendable, and colorfast.

The Lipgelée shades are all gorgeous sheer lip glosses. The collection features Lush & Bright (bright pink yellow coral with pink in a pearl finish), Preppy (blue pink with pink pearl), Resort Life (described as off-white with pink pearl - I would call it pearly beige), and Shift to Pink (light violet with silver in pearl finish.

The limited-edition Pearlmatte Eye Shadow compact combines matte and pearlized shades of green, pink, and white in a floral pattern. These are not my eye shadow colors. They would be pretty in a carefree summer shift, but not on my eyes. They may appeal to dark-skinned beauties.

This is a fun collection! You can see it online at the MAC Cosmetics Web site, at MAC stores, or Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

Top photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

MAC Holiday Makeup Brush Sets - Discounted at Nordstrom

It's a great time to pick up a MAC makeup brush set at Nordstrom. There are three limited-edition sets that were all originally priced at $49.50. They have been discounted to $38.90, a 20% reduction. All come in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl - the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. I bought one set when they were released. Now I'm seriously considering the other two.

The Magic, Mirth & Mischief - Do the Trick Brush Bag (shown above) has five buff-and-line brushes: 168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE, and 252SE.

The Magic, Mirth & Mischief - Morning, Noon & Knight Eye Brush Bag (shown at right) has five key brushes for the eyes: 194SE, 204SE, 224SE, 266SE, and 275SE.

The Magic, Mirth & Mischief - Wave of a Wand Sweep & Define Brush Set (shown below) includes brushes 129SE, 190SE, 212SE, 227SE, and 275SE.
I don't have to tell you that MAC's makeup brushes are renowned for their quality. These sets were great values at full price, and they are steals now. I'm sure they will sell out at these prices.

Update 12/27: Nordstrom at Tysons Corner Center has sold out of Sweep & Define, as has the Nordstrom Web site. Tysons has a few left of the other two sets.

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom

MAC Dazzleglass Creme

MAC's new Dazzleglass Creme ($18) is MAC's cult favorite Dazzleglass reinvented - sort of. It's definitely creamier, and it retains its namesake's shine and dazzle, which I like. Unfortunately, I think it also retains the heavy Dazzleglass texture that attracts cat fur like outdoor lights attract moths. [I suspect I'll be labeled a heretic by legions of MAC fans.]

Wishing to try it, I made the trip over to the MAC store this past weekend and selected two of the nine colors: Amorous and Do It Up. Amorous is as complex and rich in color as some of my favorite Chanel glosses. Described as "deep brown red with pearl," it looks very dark in the tube, but is quite wearable and will be a flexible lip gloss with many potential pairings this winter. I love the pigment and gold shimmer. Do It Up is described by MAC as a "bright blue pink with pearl." I would simply call it bright pink - the blue part is misleading. It's a good spring shade. Both have enough pigment to be worn without lipstick. I like that too.

Some of the colors were too bright or reminded me of bubble gum. I did like the transparent look of Soft Dazzle, a beautiful light pink with a hint of peach. If you are a Dazzleglass fan, you won't want to miss these. Their big plus is creme and shine. The minus to me is texture, but if you are a Dazzleglass fan, you won't mind the texture. In fact, you will like the new creaminess.

Available at MAC online, MAC stores, and wherever MAC cosmetics are sold.

Photo courtesy of MAC.

MAC to Go Preppie

According to WWD, Lilly Pulitzer has partnered with MAC Cosmetics to create a color cosmetics collection, "MAC in Lillyland," which will be introduced next January. The products will include two makeup brushes, an eyeshader for $24.50 and an angled contour brush, $32; two Technakohl liners, each $14.50; four Lipgelées, each $14; two nail lacquers, each $12; three Paint Pots, each $16.50; four Cremeblend blushes, each $18.50, and two embossed compacts. "If you can’t afford to go to the resort, we will bring the resort to you with these products,” James Gager, MAC's senior vice president and creative director, told WWD.

What a fabulous idea! Lilly and MAC are both famous for colors. I'm hoping the colors will be playful but wearable shades - just like the Lilly Pulitzer clothing.

We've got a long wait (doesn't snowy January sound a long way off?), but I'm looking forward to seeing this collection!

Photo courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer.

MAC Gives Back

MAC has a history of giving back and working to protect the environment and help people in need. You MAC fans know that if you return six MAC primary packaging containers to any MAC counter or their online site, they will give you a free lipstick of your choice. You can read about the Back to MAC Program on their Web site.

We found out last week at a MAC store that they will even expand the free choices to include other products, for example an eye shadow. My "personal problem" is that there are few products I finish up (with the exception of foundations, skin care, and a few lip products). However, last week, I was with a thrifty and environmentally conscious friend who hit the store with her empty and saved containers. Both my friend and MAC deserve a thumbs up!

As if that gesture weren't enough, MAC's VIVA GLAM program, which launched in 1994, releases special-edition lipsticks, and now coordinating Lipglasses, in popular colors. Every cent of the selling price is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund. Think about that...every cent! To date, they have raised more than $130 million to help men, women, and children with HIV/AIDS.

The current VIVA GLAM VI, the newest member of the VIVA GLAM family, is a warm terracotta-plum with a pearl finish. You can wear it alone or finish it off with a coat of VIVA GLAM VI Lipglass. How cool is that? Beauty with a conscience. If you have the $14 to invest in a lipstick, your investment will go to charity.

MAC is an extremely popular line, as all of you beauty addicts know. I was late to the party, and select carefully in the line. Some of the products are just too artsy for my tastes - but not all. There are MAC things I adore, including some of the limited-edition items I have bought at Nordstrom Anniversary Sales and their lip glosses. I feel good when I think about all the good MAC is doing.

Right now (August 16-18), you can get free shipping with any MAC online purchase. Just use code BUZZ at checkout.

Photo courtesy of MAC.

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive - MAC Sweet Tease Look in a Box

What a terrific set! The picture to the left doesn't do it justice.

I am absolutely loving this Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives MAC Look in a Box set. I purchased Sweet Tease (59.50), the softest look of the three color families available (Sweet Tease, Seductress, and Sun Siren).

The Sweet Tease five-product set features Shell Pearl Beauty Powder blush, Mulch and Gleam eye shadows, Love Nectar Lustreglass, a promotion-sized Zoom Lash, and a mini 181SE Buffer Brush. It's available exclusively at Nordstrom and advertised as a $100 value.

The two eye shadows harmonize perfectly for a soft, daytime look. Gleam (Lustre) is a pink-peach overall shade that looks nice even when used alone. It provides a soft shine that brightens the eye area. Mulch (Velvet), a copper-bronze, is the darker accent color to be used in the outside corner, crease, or however you like it.

The blush, in Shell Pearl, is a gorgeous pink-peach. Applied with the Buffer Brush, it adds a summer glow that is perfectly matched to the eye shadows. The topper is the Love Nectar Lustreglass, a pink-peach lip gloss that shimmers and feels good on the lips.

Sets always seem to have one or two products you just won't use. Not this one! I will use these colors and use them together. The "look" brought out the blue in my eyes, so I am very pleased.

You can still purchase most of the MAC Beauty Exclusives at Nordstrom online or in the stores. Unfortunately, the Lip Bags (I bought Baby Blooms) are no longer available online.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives and Gifts with Purchase

I hit Nordstrom today to pick up my pre-sale MAC Beauty Exclusives, and I found that there were some other nice deals.

Laura Mercier has a nice sample of products in a pretty brown cosmetic bag. It includes deluxe Flawless Skin Day Creme SPF 15, a full-size Undercover Pot UC-3, exclusive full-size Pink Champagne Lip Glacé, exclusive Renaissance Eye Color Duo in nice everyday colors, mini Black Thickening and Building Mascara, and a double-ended Secret Camouflage Powder Brush and a mini velour puff. Billed as a $167 value, it was $65. If you want this one, they are running out of it all over the country. Hurry.

Clinique has a really nice bag for $45. It includes the "legendary" Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, which I have always loved, and five equally nice products: All-new Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer, All About Eyes, Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, Dual-ended High Impact Mascara/High Impact Curling Mascara in Black, and a dual-ended Cream Shaper for Eyes, all in a pretty, large canvas makeup bag with darling silver handles and accents. This is billed as a $79 value.

My Nordstrom store has sold out of the Chanel eye and lip palette, as predicted. It appears that this is still available online, and you might be able to find it in the store closest to you.

As usual, MAC has fabulous Beauty Exclusives, including brush sets, Look in a Box in three color tones, eye shadow palettes, and a lip set (I got Baby Blooms - nice).

Last, but not least, there is a Bobbi Brown "Must Have Set," priced at $75. It has a seven-well lip palette with lip brush (featuring Italian Rose Creamy Lip Color, Nude Pink Lip Color, Heather Buff Creamy Lip Color, Uber Pink Creamy Lip Color, Baby Peach Metallic Creamy Lip Color, Dusk Metallic Lip Color and Kir Metallic Lip Color), two-pan eyeshadow palette (featuring Nude Beach Metallic Eye Shadow and Hot Stone Eye Shadow), full-size Espresso Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, mini black Everything Mascara, and new mini dual-ended eyeshadow/ultra-fine eyeliner brush. Fabulous!

In the Gifts with Purchase category, I liked the Estee Lauder gift, but they had sold out of every new color product I wanted. Too bad, but I won't invent "wants" just to get a freebie.

Jo Malone has a gift with purchase. The most incredible offer is that you can get a discount on the colognes if you buy two. Jo's fragrances are never discounted!

Hurry over to Nordstrom or order online for these and other great buys. At my store, the Chanel exclusive was sold out, the Laura Mercier set was almost gone, and others will disappear soon. You don't want to be late to this party.

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom.

Late to the MAC Colour Craft Party

MAC's latest look, Colour Craft, offers some nice products. I'm a bit late to the party. I read all the beauty blogs, and there were so many comments about glitter that I approached the collection with a bit of trepidation. So, I ordered four pieces, and I am pleased to say that I am very happy with three of them.

I'll start with the glittery one. The Mineralize Skinfinish Trio (Smooth Merge for me) has too much glitter, as many have noted before me. It's really too bad because the colors are gorgeous! Unfortunately, face and cheek products with glitter look (in my humble opinion) very strange on anyone over 20, and I sure don't want glitter flaking onto my clothing. So, as pretty as it looks in the pan, this one gets a thumbs down.

It's thumbs up from here. The Mineralize Blush is very nice. I ordered Hand-Finish. It's not quite as pure pink as the swatch appears online, but it is a pretty peachy pink everyday color. The blushes come in many colors, so there is probably a color for everyone. I am very happy with my new blusher.

Both of the lip products I purchased are keepers. Madly Creative Lipstick feels nice and creamy and looks great. I would have been happier if it had been a tad darker, but I fix that easily by using a darker gloss over it. My Marbelized Lipglass in Pretty Pattern is, as advertised, a high-shine mixture of three colors, which gives it some depth.

Now is a great time to check out MAC at Nordstrom. Their Anniversary Sale started yesterday, and there are many Beauty Exclusives and gifts with purchase. The MAC exclusives are among the best. I have two at the store waiting for me (Lip Bag in Baby Blooms and a Look in a Box), so I'll be headed over this weekend to pick them up. A treat to anticipate!

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.