The Perfect Shade of Pink

Spring trends call for color. Pinks, oranges, reds, and berries for lips....I'm game to try them all. Product shopping with my client proved she's a bit more focused: set on the perfect pink. The list of "must have's" include a non-drying formula that won't have to be reapplied every hour. We tried pinks in variable tones, textures, finishes and shades.

Top brands included MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense/Satin Fuchsia. A creamy long-lasting pigment that deposits color in one stroke. And it's only $19! Next we tried the Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Unlimited at MAC COSMETICS, a muted dusty pink/$16. She wore this shade for awhile around the mall. At the GIORGIO ARMANI counter, she played with Armanisilk in Fuchsia #3/$27. This one wasn't quite right. The last stop was LANCOME...La Laque Fever Lipshine/$26.50 (pictured left) was the color of choice. This highly pearled, multi-dimensional lip shine boasts of an 8-hour wear but it was far too glittery. Glitter was everywhere when it was removed. But the color does last...it left behind a pretty pink stain.

After debating about the best color and texture, she chose the MAC Unlimited available at www.maccosmetics.com. Ms. Jones wants to keep the focus on her pretty pout. The look tomorrow will include her new lip topped with a sheer ESTEE LAUDER gloss, a soft shadow and loads of L'OREAL VOLUMINOUS Carbon Black Mascara!

Wonder Woman Kicks Sass/A MAC Xclusive

MAC has a thing for girl power! Disney Villians, Hello Kitty and Barbie collections were huge most recently. Now girls everywhere can fight off beauty supervillians. Pasty colors and sallow skin beware! It's WONDER WOMAN She Kicks Sass Collection to the rescue. Eye shadow quads, PenUltimate eye liner, lashes and Opulash mascara in black and color (purple/blue & green -- super stoked!!!) for eyes. Lipstick and Lipglass, nail laquer, pigment and Reflects, Mineralize Skinfinish and powder blush duos complete the look. Product is packaged in bright bold colors: signature blue, red and yellow...designs of the Amazonian super-shero. Exclusive extras include a brush set/$49.50, a mirror/$20 and a maybe even a t-shirt. My only question is where are the cuffs???? Available at www.maccosmetics and in stores February 10, 2011!

(photos from google images)

Toasting the MAC Cham Pale Collection

MAC COSMETICS is known for vibrant, impactful color but they've toned things down with the launch of The Cham Pale Collection. The limited edition/26 piece collection will be hitting stores December 26th. Shades are completely neutral but range from shimmery soft finishes to high shine frosts. The colors are pretty and amped up with opulence. The rose gold and lame finishes in the Reserve Highlight Powders are gorgeous! My picks include the two paint pots -- a soft onyx/Dangerous Cuvee and a metallic peach/Vintage Selection. Also like Soiree, the bronze nail lacquer, Bubble Lounge, a smooth pink peach lip gelee and the quad that compliments it all.

The skin care has somethng new -- calming ingredients to soothe and repair skin over time. Algae extracts, wheat germ and barley extracts are found in the Complete Comfort Creme (a permanent fixture in the states) to visibly reduce redness and zap winter skin with moisture. There's also Fix + Lavender...nice. I haven't tried either of the two but I will play around with it on my next visit to Nordstrom. If you beat me to it, please share your findings!

Visit www.maccosmetics.com or your local department store to experience this luxury on Saturday.

MAC Pro Cover Up

In search of a good concealer, I found one that conquers scars, redness, acne spots, and hyperpigmentation without a cakey, "made-up" look. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer was introduced to the market a few weeks ago. It is surprisingly lightweight and provides medium coverage though you're able to build to full with a matte finish that looks completely natural. The 15-hour wear claim lets you "erase" under eye circles too and it blends well. Dispenses in a super hygienic pump. Choose from 15 shades at $16.50. Shop maccosmetics.com and MAC counters.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Try it before you buy it. Ask for a sample for a test run since some of the shades are a bit deeper than expected.
• Check out the Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation and other products.

DOWNSIDE:

• Be gentle when you pump out product. The pump dispenses too much concealer.
• Limiting my use as my skin reacted after a couple of days.