NAILS | MAC Skin Swatch #MidWeekMani

It's a short week (I still have to work 5 days because I am taking my stat next week to cover vacations this week), it's only Thursday and I am TIRED. Maybe it's the lack of sleep from sleeping outside on the couch during our heatwave, but I am feeling so sleepy the minute my body knows it's time to go home! This will be such a short post as I have period cramps and a headache, but I FINALLY am wearing MAC Skin all on its own after getting this limited edition bottle so long ago! I just wish I could remember WHICH collection this was?! I don't wear this shade alone a lot because I find it really close to my natural skin colour, but as a nude base for nail art I love it!

Hope everyone is surviving this week and enjoying the cooler weather (if you are in Vancouver)!

 

NAILS | Disco Flowers #CBBxManiMonday

I have been on vacation from almost 2 days and I am desperately trying to stop thinking about work, but unfortunately even though I had my vacation time planned for weeks, there were still some loose ends that I couldn't tie up before I left so I have been sneaking in a quick peek at emails here and there since clients are involved. I am one of those people who generally does not check voicemails or emails when I am off work as it makes me a happier person and I think it's good for clients and colleagues to give you personal time off. I rarely give my cell phone number out to clients and the few who have it are always told if I am off and they are super respectful about waiting until I am back in the store to communicate. I know this is not commonly the case in commission-based environments as failure to respond means losing a sale and push come to shove, if that's what it will be for me then I will make the time. I have met with clients on my days off maybe a handful of times in 5 years and that was ONLY for clients who live out of town. Are you good at putting up your work/home boundaries? I'm guessing for those of you who work from home, it's incredibly difficult!

 

Some PR samples 

MAKEUP LOOK | MAC Smoky Metallic Times Nine Review with Swatches

While my husband was away this week, I decided to make use of my nights alone by...playing with makeup! We work opposite schedules so I try not to do any blog related things in the evenings and do the Dr. Phil thing and "respect our marriage". However, the last few days I threw that rule out the window and lived it up!

I received the MAC Smoky Metallic x 9 Eyeshadow Palette* (0.8g each/$42.00 CDN) awhile ago and finally decided to give it a go. I like smoky eyes, but I can't say it's a look I think of doing immediately and looking at the mix of both matte and shimmery shades in this palette initially had me drawing a blank. Each individual shade was gorgeous, but putting them all together seemed a challenge.

MAKEUP LOOK | MAC Future MAC Collection Review with Swatches

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I don't know how all of you can keep up with MAC's many releases because there always seems to be something new from them that I want to have at least a few pieces from whether it's for the limited edition packaging or for the actual shades (in limited edition packaging!) I have taught myself to be mindful of which MAC collections I have to have and Future MAC resonated with my love of sci-fi. Tron, The Fifth Element and Battlestar Galactica are all things I have watched over and over again both for the storylines and makeup. I'm hoping people in the future still do neutral looks, but from what we have seen in most movies and TV shows, futuristic makeup is often shimmery and glowing while aliens look wet to the touch like the Borg Queen. Future MAC is just that and though I don't look like the Borg Queen, I thought I'd try a few different products that normally wouldn't make their way onto my face!

MAKEUP | MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation Review with Swatches of NC 20, NW 22, NW 45, NC 35 & NC 37

Affiliate links present.

Last year in July, I attended a MAC Cosmetics preview showcasing some pretty amazing products for the Fall season one of which was the MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation ($40.00 CDN). Last year was all about serum-like foundations that were so light that only a dropper was needed to deliver the product. When I tried the prototype of this foundation on my hand, I was floored and could not wait until its release!

MAKEUP LOOK | Channeling the 80s with the MAC Flamingo Park Collection Review & Swatches

I am a genuine child of the 80s being born in 1983. Yes, it's true I am over 30 and only discovered the joy of makeup and nail polish in my late 20s. Though I don't feel the urge to relieve my fashion choices of the 80s, there is something nostalgic about brightly obnoxious pinks that takes me back to the time of side ponytails, hairspray and bright makeup. The MAC Cosmetics Flamingo Park Collection is all about satisfying your sweet tooth with punchy shades of pink. I have a few of my favourites from the collection that deserved an homage to the 80s.

MAKEUP | MAC Limited Edition Vamplify Lipgloss in Hyperfabulous, Push Some Buttons and Speed Up Review with Swatches

All I can say is that these limited edition releases make me realize how fast time is flying by! It seems like not so long ago that I was at the MAC Cosmetics Fall preview back in July and only just hearing about the limited edition Vamplify Lipgloss Collection (5mL/$24.00 CDN). Touted to be MAC's most dramatic lipgloss yet, the formula contains colour-boosting pigments that promise rich, polished-looking colour for hours.

MAKEUP LOOK | MAC is Beauty “Pop Star” Inspired ft. Eyeshadow in Preening, Lipstick in Pure Vanity and Cremesheen Glass in Japanese Spring

Sometimes we forget that makeup is all about playing. There are days when I’m putting together a classic neutral eye look and I look back at myself and want to throw in some yellow, pink or glitter. Today is that day. Although the MAC is Beauty collection isn’ horrifically in your face in terms of colour, it IS very striking in terms of the colours that were chosen to be part of the collection. The message behind MAC is Beauty is one of pure vanity and indulgence. Yes, makeup can sometimes be all about showcasing your natural beauty, BUT it can also be about being completely and utterly high-maintenance.

MAKEUP LOOK | MAC Cosmetics Bao Bao Wan Veluxe Pearl Fusion Shadow Review & Swatches

MAC,  you need to stop with these limited edition releases. There is a reason why I never used to even peruse the MAC counters because of releases like the MAC Toledo Collection, Cinderella and now Bao Bao Wan. Bao Bao Wan is HUGE in Asia which is why this collection jumped out at me right away because I’m Asian hence the colours MUST work for me, right? The Bao Bao Wan collection has some stunning lipsticks and nail lacquers, but today we’re going to feast our eyes on the Veluxe Pearl Fusion Shadow*($52.50 CDN), that is all shimmer baby! I had fun with this one fo sho!

MAKEUP LOOK “Angry Forest Nymph” | MAC Toledo Collection Bellgreens Eye Shadow Palette Review & Swatches

This is my first time using MAC eyeshadows. My expectations were pretty high considering the other products I have used and what people have been saying so when I first laid my eyes on the Bellgreens Eye Shadow Palette*($53.00 CDN) I was both in love with the packaging and colours, but stumped on how I would use the whole palette cohesively. All six shades of green come in different finishes from matte to satin to sparkly so where do I begin? What popped into my head was the face of a forest nymph, but a pissed off one. 
 

NAIL ART | MAC x Isabel and Ruben Toledo Collection Studio Nail Lacquer in Venus Red

When it comes to all things MAC, I tend to have quite a bit of restraint. Every collection has me at love at first swatch and if I gave into those urges, I would be a very well made-up, but broke girl. Not since the MAC x Archies collaboration has my interest been piqued until I caught a glimpse of the MAC Toledo Collection. Maybe it was the abstract art on the packaging or the story behind Isabel and Ruben Toledo, who were high school sweethearts. The bottom line was that I HAD to have this collection. Or at least a small part of it!

The artwork popped out to me so much that along with swatching, I absolutely had to attempt some nail art! Venus Red* is my first MAC polish and it was SO PRETTY. This polish was a little watery, so be wary of some cuticle flooding, but the opacity is bang on delicious. Two coats MAX and I was ready to roll! The faces were hand-drawn with black acrylic paint and the lips with nothing else but Venus Red!

Guest Post | Heat Proof Makeup with Julie from Swatch & Review

Everyone let us welcome Julie from Swatch & Review who I have always admired for her beautiful photography, easy to read and honest reviews and her wonderfully sparkling personality! Today she is going to share with all of you some ways to make your makeup last through the summer heat! Take it away Julie!

Hello friends and fans of Cosmetic Proof! I'm Julie from Swatch and Review here to talk to you about making sure your makeup can last through the warm Summer days. Because there is nothing worse than a melty face at an outdoor festival or family picnic!

First, prime your face to make sure whatever foundation you choose to use goes on evenly and stays put. I like MUFE HD Primer, which now comes in a variety of shades to help correct your skin tone first.

 

I can only assume you'll be wearing sunscreen which can leave your eyelids extra oily. Creating a good base for your shadow to stick to is key to a smudgeproof eye look. I've been using MAC Painterly Paint Pot for years to keep my shadow in check.

Finding a good waterproof eyeliner pencil can be tough, I have tested at least 20 and the Avon No Place to Run line is the only one that can outlast a good cry.

Sometimes mascara can flake and smear all over your face if you're perspiring. Try Cover Girl Flamed Out mascara in the Waterproof formula for volume, length and long wear.

A good lip and cheek stain will give you a finished look all day long. Benefit's liquid lip and cheek stains have lasted on me even after going snorkeling! This month I'm rocking Posie Tint!

The last step to locking in that makeup look is to use a makeup setting spray, like MAC Fix +. Not only does this spray lock in your makeup, but it also has antioxidants and caffeine to keep your skin looking great.

An InLinkz Link-up

September 2013 Favourites

I am so sorry I have waited so long to post my September favourites! I think I may have forgotten as my brain as been elsewhere the last couple of weeks. I have been literally SICK with wedding jitters and have been throwing up which really bites…when I get excited or anxious my stomach is the first thing to react along with most recently my lips and I have often said that I might need to be hospitalized on my wedding day! I really hope that doesn’t happen, but even as I write this I am feeling so nauseated…anyway, I hope this stops and I can feel somewhat normal again. On that note, time for favourites?

December 2012 Luvs

I have thought about doing an all-time favourites post for 2012, but it was just too difficult to narrow it down to just a few products! Generally, I think it’s safe to say that if a product showed up in a Luvs post, it’ll be a favourite for awhile!