My MAC palette

Of all brands, MAC is probably the one that is pretty high up the list of best eyeshadows. People go crazy for them and they offer an insane amount of colors and finishes. Pre-made palettes aren't really a thing at MAC, instead you usually select shades individually or save up for a big palette. I decided a few years back on the latter.

If you take a look at my palette below, you'll see that it's not completely full yet. So yes, this is proof that I still show some form of resistance when it comes to makeup, right?

Stay tuned if you want to discover my MAC palette!

My Red Lip Routine

It's inexcusable that my blog's name is Red Lips And Beauty Bits, but I actually barely have any red lip looks posted on it! I decided to film a Red Lip routine video, so you can all see how I apply my red favorite red lipstick!

Enjoy!

I hope you all liked it! ^^

xx Anine

REVIEW: MAC Viva Glam Riri

I've been loving my summery lippies lately, but as an exception I've been loving the MAC Viva Glam Riri lipstick. I picked this up on a whim, and it's a very atypical color for me. The sheen on this lipstick is very unique and it's exactly that that drew me in.

Usually I tend to opt for a matte lip when I go red, but this lipstick is the exception. This red lipstick has slight blue undertones with a hint of gold shimmer and has a frost finish. This means it's very comfortable on the lips, but has a nice wear time of six to seven hours.

Use: On a daily basis I use this patted into the lips for a cute red tint, that gives a Snowwhite-like effect as if you've just bitten a blood red apple. Fully applied it's quite the eyecatcher and especially holiday appropriate.

Pro:

- Beautiful matte packaging

- Great staying power (up to seven hours)

- Versatile in use  

- Very comfortable and creamy on the lips

- A unique shade

Con:

- The packaging gets dirty easily

- It's quite full on and because of the finish, it might be too out there for some

Price: €18.50, which is the same price as the MAC bullet-shaped lipsticks. Because this is a Viva Glam lipstick, all the money goes to the MAC aids fund. This lipstick is limited edition but is still available online and in most Belgian MAC stores.

Conclusion: I find this color very unique and comfortable to wear. You can use this patted into the lips for a cute red tint or full on applied for an eye catching effect. It's a true staple in my lipstick 'collection'.

Do you own any MAC Viva Glam lipstick or any similar lipsticks?

xX Anine

REVIEW: MAC MSF in Stereo Rose

When the MAC Fantasy of Flowers collection launched in February, I only had my eyes on one thing: the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (MSF) in Stereo Rose. This beautiful product has quite the story behind it. 

In 2010, MAC launched Stereo Rose in a Limited Edition collection and everyone went nuts for it. I didn't pick it up back then and kind of regretted that. Imagine my excitement when they were going to bring it back for the 2014 Fantasy of Flowers collection!

Look at the gorgeousness of this baked product! The left swatch is blended into the skin (and so it would look like this on your cheeks), on the right you can see the swatch after one single swipe over the baked product.

But beware, this Stereo Rose MSF is not entirely what it seems. When compared to the Stereo Rose launched in 2010, the newer version of the product is lighter, and more peach instead of coral colored. Although I do not appreciate MAC launching two 'similar but not really similar' products under the same product name, just because it was such a hype, I do really like this color. It's much more wearable for lighter skin tones than the 2010 Stereo Rose.

I added these comparison swatches from Temptalia.com, just so you can see what the old and the new MAC Stereo Rose look like.

Source: Temptalia.com

From left to right: Stereo Rose (2010), Stereo Rose (2014)

Source: Temptalia.com

Use: I use a light duo-fibre brush to lightly apply it on the cheeks. If not applied carefully, it could look a bit lobsterlike, especially for us fair skinned girls. But the bronze, peachy sheen it gives to your skin is so amazingly beautiful. Perfect for spring and summer!

Price: I purchased this Mineralize Skinfinish for around €28. Not the cheapest product out there, so it was definitely a splurge to purchase this limited edition product. If MAC ever repromotes Stereo Rose, I do suggest to go and swatch it in store. You'll surely fall under its spell.

Conclusion: Although I don't think MAC should've launched this product under the same name, I do really like this product. Apply lightly and you'll look glowy, fresh and summerproof!

What's your favorite spring time cheek product?

xX Anine

REVIEW: MAC Fling Eye Brow pencil

Okay, this is the last review of my MAC Technique goodies, I swear! But don't worry, I saved the best for last! 

This MAC Eye Brows brow pencil in Fling has changed my entire make up routine. I've always had problems with my brows, usually finding the perfect shade and a tip that was fine enough was the biggest challenge. This product solves all brow issues for me. 

It fits my brows in color, stays put perfectly all day and you can easily create a heavy, stand-out brow or a subtle brow look.

Use & Packaging: I love the twist-up tip and it's quite foolproof, even for a brow noobie like me. I apply it if I want to go for a quite defined, full face of makeup kind of day. I only opt for another, lighter brow pencil if I go for an extremely simple, natural make up look.

Above: 'Nude' brows

Below: Brow pencil applied

Price: €16 for 0.09grams/0.003oz of product. That sounds like a ridiculously small amount of product, but I'm just so in love with it, that I'm willing to spend €16 on a brow pencil!

Conclusion: I don't think I'll ever find a better brow pencil than this. It is pretty much gaining Holy Grail status.


Which brow product do you use daily?

Xx Anine

REVIEW: MAC eyeshadow in Quarry

I'm an eyeshadow kinda gal'. Even so, a perfect nude eyeshadow look can take my breath away (okay that might be an overstatement, but you get the gist). At the MAC Technique workshop I purchased the  perfect nude eyeshadow pan in Quarry and fell in love.

Quality: No complaints whatsoever here, I find MAC eyeshadows to be perfection. The eyeshadow is véry pigmented, easily blendable, a bit more warm-toned than I expected, but still with cold undertones and so perfect to apply in the crease with a very coppery shade all over the lid. 

Price: 13 euros for 1.5grams/0.05oz of product in the pan.

Conclusion: I love this eyeshadow! It's the perfect cool-toned crease color.


What's your favorite eyeshadow color from MAC?

Xx Anine

REVIEW: MAC Paint pot in Bare Study

Here's another review of a worldwide loved MAC product, the paint pot in Bare Study. Believe it or not, I'd never tried a MAC paint pot before (I know, I feel like such a makeup noob right now), so I was véry excited to try this out!

Bare study is a soft beige with soft gold sheen. The beige tone isn't so pigmented that it'll completely cancel out any imperfections or veins on your eyelids, but it's the perfect product if you like that pop of something on your eyes if you're doing a no-makeup makeup look.

Use: I use my ring finger to dab ever so slightly into the jar and then apply it on my eyelids. I've heard other bloggers' warnings about applying too much, since it would crease ridiculously. However, I've not had any problems with this.

Quality: The paint pot doesn't crease on me. It is a nice base to make eyeshadows pop, or to use on its own. I do notice that I could use an eye primer to apply underneath, since it does not replace an eyeshadow primer in my opinion. 

Price: €19 for 5 grams/0.17oz. 

Conclusion: I like this product and am tempted to try out more colors! However, it's not perfect on its own to keep eyeshadows in place all day long.

Which MAC paint pots are your favorites?

xX Anine

PREVIEW: MAC Technique haul

Almost a month ago, I went to a MAC Technique class in Antwerp, where the MUA's taught me some tips and tricks for the perfect nude makeup look. To be honest, I didn't really end up liking the makeup application, since I usually go for a more full coverage look (simply 'cause I really need it!).  However I did get to know some new products, that in the meantime, I've added to my MAC wishlist!

I picked up some goodies I've been wanting to pick up for ages, but also got surprised during the Technique class by a stunning product that I fell in love with. More on that later. These are the products I chose:

All these products are very well known, classic blogger favorites, I might even say. Individual reviews of all these products will be coming up!

Xx Anine

INGLOT in Belgium?

That's right, INGLOT Cosmetics is coming to Belgium! Can we pleaaase do a little happy dance? 

Image from MaisonPR

If you're reading this and you don't know INGLOT Cosmetics yet, you're definitely in for a treat. This beauty brand is right up there with brands like MAC, both in quality and price. 

The thing INGLOT is known for, is their Freedom System. With this system, you're entirely free to create your own eyeshadow, blush, powder, concealer or lipstick palettes. Also, the freedom palettes are magnetized and the lid of the palettes is matte but see-through. This makes it easy to know what product you're reaching for.

INGLOT was doing very well in the Netherlands and I was eagerly convincing my Dutch friends that we had to plan a trip to Amsterdam so I could take a look at the INGLOT store there. Luckily, a Belgian store will be opening in Antwerp, so the INGLOT store will be "just around the corner"!

It is still unknown when the store will be opened, but I can say that I'm VERY excited! If you won't be living close to the future Belgian store, you can find your way to the Benelux webshop that will be launched this summer!

The color pay-off of INGLOT products is exquisite and their color range is very extensive. I've finally got my hands on some INGLOT eyeshadows and I will definitely keep you up to date on how I'm experiencing the products. I'm also very curious about their blushes!

Have you ever tried products from INGLOT?

Xoxo,
Anine