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!

FASHION: autumn/fall loves

Would you believe me if I'd tell you that I've been craving and wishlisting autumn/fall fashion since July?! Yeah, I'm an autumn girl through and through! I love all the wine red, oxblood red and rich warm, colors. I love the rainy weather without ice cold temperatures, the amazing seasonal Starbucks drinks, the cosy fireplaces and the amazeballs dishes with lots of heavy sauces.

Okay, you get it, I love autumn. My love for the UK and my 6 month stay there in 2012 certainly has something to do with it. But what sparked my autumn love so early on in the year? This campaign video by Mulberry. It brings me back to my second home and makes me want to only wear tartans, scarves and knitted socks all year round. Can we do that, please?

Anyway, I've been drooling over these fashion pieces for months. Check them out:

From left to right and from top to bottom:

Black top - & Other stories

Grey trickot top - H&M

Camel vest - H&M

Hat - & Other stories

Green midiskirt - & Other stories

Cargojack - H&M

Media lipstick - MAC

Knit top - Brandy Melville

Leather backpack - New Look

Beige ankle boots - H&M

Combat boots - unknown? I can't seem to find them anywhere online :(

They're all pretty basic, but that's what I love about them! Layering is key here, ladies and gents!

What fashion pieces are your favorites?

Xx Anine

HAUL: USA beauty

As I told you in my USA beauty wishlist post, my friend Maxime from laviedemaximee.blogspot.be went to New York last month, and the amazing darling she is, she brought me back LOTS of goodies. 

Stay tuned, people. It's gonna be amazeballs.

First she got me some MAC goodies that are way cheaper in the US (like the newer MAC eyeshadow palette) or are even unavailable in the Belgian MAC stores.

The newer MAC palette:

MAC eyeshadow in Omega: 

MAC eyeshadow in Soft Brown (unavailable in Belgium):

MAC eyeshadow in Expensive Pink:

All kinds of lip products! FOUR shades of the Maybelline Color Whispers (unavailable in Belgium), two of the L'Oréal Color Riche Extraordinaires (very expensive in Belgium) and one MAC lipstick in Coral Bliss (unavailable in Belgium):

Face products galore: The Maybelline Instant age rewind concealer, a back up of my Rimmel Stay Matte powder, and the Milani blush in Luminoso (unavailable in Belgian stores) and the NYC bronzer in Sunny (unavailable in Belgium).

And lastly, Maxime also brought me my favorite mascara: the Covergirl clump crusher, the Jordana Fabuliner (unavailable in Belgium) and the Origins GinZing eye cream.

A huge thanks to my girl Maxime!! You're truly an angel for picking up so many of my goodies!

xX Anine

Lip Addict TAG!

Did I get tagged to do this tag? No, but I'm doing it anyway! I'm not the biggest lip product addict, but I do buy lip products in phases. And it's almost time to plan in some no-buy months, because I'm going crazy for lip products lately!

Let's start this tag!

1. What's your favorite lip treatment? 

I love the Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight lip balm, you can read my review of it here. 

2. What's your favorite red lip color?

Without a doubt my fave red lipstick is Russian Red by MAC. It's a matte, deep red and simply compliments my lips beautifully.

4. Favorite high-end product?
My fave high-end lip products are the Rouge Volupté lipsticks by Yves Saint Laurent. I own two colors from the 2014 spring line in Jealous Coral/Corail Jalouse and Pink Storm/Fuchsia Tourbillon. A review of these buttery, luxurious, amazing lipsticks will be online soon!

5. Favorite drugstore lipstick?
My fave pick from the drugstore are probably the Rimmel Kate Moss matte lipsticks. I only own one color, but it doesn't feel drying on the lips and gives a gorgeous matte finish.

6. Lip liner, yes or no?
Yes! Well, not on a daily basis, but I really like how lip liner prolonges the wear of my very pigmented and dark lipsticks. My favorite lip liners are the NYX slim lip pencils, they aren't drying at all. I have tried the MAC lip liners but found them too drying on the lips.

7. Best glossy product? 
I'm not a gloss fan at all. Not because of the finish, I like me some glossy lips. But I hate the stickiness that comes with it. I prefer staining glossy products, and would pick the Bourjois Color Boost sticks since it does leave a glossy finish, without being sticky.

8. Favorite MAC lipstick?

My favorite MAC lipstick is actually Russian Red, but since I already mentioned that one, I'll mention my second favorite, which is Chatterbox. I don't usually go for pink lipsticks, but this bubblegum pink one is just pigmented and girly enough without it screaming "Barbie". 

9. Extra product worth mentioning?
The Rimmel Apocalips lacquers are insanely pigmented, wear off beautifully and come in a nice shade range. I've acquired four colors in the meantime (it just kinda... happened), but you can read a review here!

10. Most disappointing product?
I don't own many disappointing products, since I always do my research very thoroughly. But these matte lipsticks from Wet 'n Wild weren't worth the hype in my opinion. They dry out my lips like crazy and the shades do something very weird combined with my naturally quite pigmented lips. Luckily they aren't expensive at all and so, it is to be expected that they don't perform very well.

Do you own any of these lip products? What lip products are your favorites? I tag you all to do the Lip Addict Tag!

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

Beauty discoveries of 2013

Hi everyone,

Instead of talking about my 2013 favorites, today I will be telling you what my biggest beauty discoveries were this past year.

1. Maxfactor Clump defy mascara:
This all time favorite mascara of mine is the lovechild of the Benefit They're Real and the Maybelline Falsies mascaras. Just perfect for separating, volumizing and lengthening!

2. Maxfactor 3-in-1 foundation:
The first time I tried this, I was disappointed. Every beauty blogger seems to like this, but I had a hard time blending it into my skin, especially around my nose. Then I tried it with the Real Techniques Expert Face brush, and all of a sudden, this miracle happened. This foundation stays put for SO long, longer than I've seen any foundation last on my oily T-zone.

3. MAC blush in Bad Girl Gone Good:
This blush equals gorgeousness. I don't have anything like this blush color, it is so unique. It makes me look Fierce (yes, capital F) in just a few brush strokes. Amazing.

4. Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray:
This setting spray really made my make up look more natural and healthy after application. It also made my make up last a bit longer and made my foundation wear off in a very natural way.

5. NYX lipliner in 836 Bloom:
I never liked lip liners, they seem to harsh for my lips. But this one is so creamy and soft, I like to use it as much as possible!

6. Smashbox Photofinish foundation primer in Light:
I've been using this almost all year round and this really makes all the difference. It influences the staying power of my make up so much for the better!

7. Rimmel Scandaleyes waterproof Kohl Kajal in 002 Sparkling Black:
This kohl eyeliner pencil is so unbelievably creamy! I accidentally picked up the sparkling black, not the normal black color. But I like the subtle glitter in the liner, it adds something special but subtle to the look.

8. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush:
I've been using this brush for almost a year straight now. It is my favorite way to apply any form of liquid or cream make up, especially foundations. I use this all day, every day! Secretly I might go and buy a back up.

What have been your beauty discoveries in 2013?

Xoxo
Anine

Makeup look: Parisian Windows

Whilst I was in Paris, I took some time to quickly try out my new products I purchased there. I created this look:

Lipstick: MAC Chatterbox

Blush: MAC Love Thing

I hope you like it! Have you ever been in Paris?

Xoxo,

Anine