NORDSTROM BUY 2 GET 1 FREE MASCARA MADNESS - NOV 8TH 2014 / PRE-ORDER NOW!

Nordstrom is already taking pre-orders for their HUGE Mascara Madness event. 

Nordstrom already hosted the event in May and now they are offering it again this coming Saturday, November 8th. This one day only event will be held all day and most Nordstrom stores will accept pre-orders up until Friday, Nov 7th.

For those who are unfamiliar with this event - Nordstrom allows shoppers to purchase (in store and online) two mascaras and then receive a third mascara for free. Last May there were no limits on the number of mascaras pre-ordered (I pre-ordered 9 of the Guerlain Maxi Lash mascaras) and you were able to purchase from across multiple brands. Just remember the lowest priced mascara will be the freebie so keep that in mind while shopping.

When you pre-order for the promotion you are guaranteed your mascaras and you will not be billed for them until a day or two before the event. If you decide to wait and make a purchase on the day of the event then quantities will be limited and your favorite brand might already be sold out. The same applies for making a purchase online as well. Additionally, online purchases will only apply to select brands while in-store and pre-orders will apply to all cosmetic brands.

So don’t miss out on this exclusive Nordstrom opportunity! Hurry in and get your pre-order before your favorite brand is sold out!

There are some exclusions - the B2G1 free promotion does not apply to lash primer or enhancing products (i.e. lash plumping serum). **Please note** All information listed in this post (including the exclusions) are subject to change. I will be sure to update this post immediately should that occur.

Last May, several readers had questions about the event so I'm posting those here:

a reader asked how do they pre-order - 

To pre-order one can visit their local Nordstrom department store and pre-order from any cosmetic counter. If you don't have a Nordstrom store nearby you can call the closest one and they will let you pre-order over the phone. Then they will mail out the mascaras to you. Or if either option is not feasible then you can order online from the Nordstrom website the day of the event. Keep in mind though the more popular mascaras will sell out quickly the day of the event so don't wait!!!

a reader asked for mascara recommendations - 

It all really depends on what kind of eyelashes that you have and personal preference. When choosing a mascara it all depends on several things - how wiry (hard) or thin (soft) your lashes are, do you want volume (making them look longer) or fullness (making them look thicker) and the last thing to consider is how far apart are your lashes spaced. Are they clumped together with little to no space between them or are they kind of sparse and spaced far apart. Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA is a good mascara that doesn't flake, smudge or smear but it applies wet and over time dries out rather quickly. Chanel Le Volume (one of my favs) is another great mascara but it takes several swipes to get a good application onto the lashes. Guerlain Maxi Lash is great as well and I pre-ordered three of those. I do not like Benefit They're Real - it smudges, it flakes and I hate the wand. However others have had a great experience with it. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara is another good one too. My last pick would be Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara which is another fav that I am currently using. I've tried Bobbi Brown's mascara but it makes my eyes itch so its a no go for me. Most of my favs are based on the fact that my lashes are super soft, medium length and spaced close together with no gaps. So I can recommend what works for me but I would suggest start collecting samples. Most high end department stores carry samples of their top mascara and that way you can try it before you spend a bunch of money on something that may not work for you.

a reader asked about picking up pre-orders - 

If a paid pre-order is not picked up the day of the event then the store holds the items for you. As a courtesy please call the store to let them know you will stop by later. Or upon request they will mail them to you if necessary. If pre-orders are not paid in advance then the store may not hold your items after the event ends UNLESS you call to make prior arrangements. Communication is a must!!

BROOKE SHIELDS - THE NEXT MAC COSMETICS ICON

Over the weekend it was announced the next MAC Cosmetics Icon collection would feature, Brooke Shields. This is WONDERFUL news for the beauty world! This new and exciting collaboration will feature 15 gorgeous MAC pieces. The packaging itself is exciting as well. We will see a departure from the traditional MAC black packaging to a gray themed packaging with orange detailing. The inspiration for this color scheme was in fact inspired by a recent redecorating project Brooke Shields had incorporated in her New York home. Personally, I love it - the two colors look great together!

The collection will be geared towards attaining two versatile looks - an every day fresh look and a darker, more sultry look. Which is made possible by the jewel of the collection - the 15 pan eyeshadow palette. At just $85 USD this will definitely be a high demand item. The collection* will also feature a brow liner ($20), a brow set ($17), two Veluxe Pearl Fusion shadows ($44 ea), a Cremeblend Blush Duo ($31), two lipsticks ($22 ea), two lipglasses ($22 ea), two nail lacquers ($17 ea), a bronzer ($27.50) and a mascara ($17). 

I really love that Brooke took an active role in the creation of the collection. According to WWD (see link below for the article), not only did Brooke assist in the creative process but she tried to create a collection that injected different parts of her personality by drawing upon her strengths, not only as a woman but also as a mom as well.

”I think beauty is seen in confidence — the confidence to be whatever they want to at that time.”

*Prices subject to change and availability of products are not guaranteed.

 

Check out the original pics and article here: WWD

Or pick up the September issue of Allure, on sale everywhere August 26 for more exclusive details.

North American Launch - MAC stores on Oct. 2
International launch, in 76 countries, later that same month.

JUST A WISP MAC MINERALIZE BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

JUST A WISP is a new frosty pale pink mineralize blush. It was released about two months ago when MAC unveiled their newly repackaged mineralize blushes. There were two new shades released with the relaunch: New Romance and Just A Wisp and I purchased both shades (check out the link below for New Romance). The mineralized blushes currently retail for $27.00 USD and they contain .10 oz of product. Wear time for Just A Wisp was about eight hours with slight fading and significant fading after ten hours.

Check out New Romance here: NEW ROMANCE MAC MINERALIZE BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

NEW ROMANCE MAC MINERALIZE BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

MAC recently repackaged their mineralize blushes. The formula for these are similar to the previous versions and MAC has released two new shades: New Romance and Just A Wisp (I purchased both). It is important to note the texture of the newer versions of the MAC mineralize blushes seem to be a tad bit more powdery and the champagne shimmer seems a bit more intense.

New Romance is a warm shimmery mineralized peach blush that boasts a wear time of seven to eight hours before fading. It currently retails for $27.00 USD which is a significant price increase from the last time I purchased one of these (I think I paid either $22 or $25) and it contains .10 oz of product. Although, according to the box, the MAC website and the Nordstrom website they all list the mineralize blushes as having .11 oz of product. Overall these are nice to have for illuminating the face or for highlighting the cheek area but they are not unique enough to make them a "Must Have".

PEACHES AND CREAM MAC POWDER BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, the mother daughter duo teamed up with M·A·C for a limited-edition makeup collection for the face, lips and eyes. Each item is housed in eye-catching red packaging with Sharon or Kelly emblazoned on the front to signify their respective pieces from the collaboration. From this collection I purchased the Peaches and Cream blush. There were many other pieces from this collection that were really nice but none really wow-ed me like the blush. I wasn't going to review it at first because it was one of those items to sell out everywhere and it has been next to impossible to find. However, if you live near a CCO (Cosmetic Company Outlet store) then eventually you will be able to purchase the collection from there. I was just at my local CCO over the weekend and they had the entire RiRi collection available along with several other obscure M·A·C collections so just be patient. If patience isn't your thing then you can always purchase way-overpriced M·A·C pieces on eBay.

M·A·C Peaches and Cream Powder Blush is a very vibrant rose pink ideal for the cheeks and face. When swatched the texture felt sort of rough similar to sandpaper - I know, this doesn't sound pleasant! It wasn't buttery soft or smooth and seemed a little chalky. The peaches and cream blush is extremely pigmented but it applied unevenly. However it can be buffed and blended down for a nice rosy hue. Wear time for the blush was about eight hours to ten hours with slight fading. Peaches and Cream currently retails for $23.00 USD and it contains .21 oz of product.

FATHOMS DEEP MAC EXTRA DIMENSION EYESHADOW - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

MAC Fathoms Deep Extra Dimension eyeshadow is part of the Alluring Aquatics color collection. MAC describes it as a deep blue but it is a dark metallic plum eyeshadow with miniscule glitter flecks. There were six eyeshadows with this collection and I purchased two of them - Soul Serenade (link below for the review) and Fathoms Deep. They are currently priced at $19.50 each and contain .04 oz. of product. Unfortunately all six are sold out on the MAC website but I do know some of these are still available in store at several MAC counters (Belk or Nordstrom).

MAC has released their Extra Dimension eyeshadows previously but the formula, texture and pigmentation for these has quite improved from then. Fathoms Deep applies nicely but the color can look somewhat muddy if not applied in layers. Add to much and you will lose the beautiful deep plum color so take care with this one. It can be worn wet or dry and the pigmentation will still be amazing! These are really worth the money and the lasting power for Fathoms Deep when worn was about ten hours before I experienced some slight fading and creasing.

Check out Soul Serenade here: SOUL SERENADE MAC EXTRA DIMENSION EYESHADOW - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

SOUL SERENADE MAC EXTRA DIMENSION EYESHADOW - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

MAC Soul Serenade Extra Dimension eyeshadow is part of the Alluring Aquatics color collection. It is a dark smokey taupe eyeshadow with hints of plum undertones and miniscule glitter flecks. There were six eyeshadows with this collection and I purchased two of them - Soul Serenade and Fathoms Deep (I'm reviewing it next). They are currently priced at $19.50 each and contain .04 oz. of product. Unfortunately all six are sold out on the MAC website but I do know some of these are still available in store at several MAC counters (Belk or Nordstrom). This isn't the first time MAC has released their Extra Dimension eyeshadows but I do know that the formula, texture and pigmentation for these has quite improved from previous launches. With Soul Serenade it can be worn wet or dry and the pigmentation will still be amazing! These are really worth the money and the lasting power for Soul Serenade was about ten to twelve hours. There was slight fading after ten hours and then slight creasing after twelve hours.

EGGPLANT-BLEND MAC STUDIO SCULPT SHADE AND LINE - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

MAC Eggplant-Blend is an all in one eye product - it shapes, sculpts and lines the eyes. It contains a creamy soft pink eyeshadow, a pale grey eyeshadow and a dirty plum eyeliner. There are eight of these to choose from, they are currently priced at $21.00 USD and they contain .06 oz. of product. Each eye product houses two eyeshadows and one matte eyeliner. They can be applied dry for a muted soft look or applied wet for a bolder vibrant look. This is a nice concept. The two eyeshadows seem to blend beautifully together and the eyeliner seems to compliment the overall eye look as well. The only complaint I have is when the eyeshadows are applied dry. I wish the eyeshadows had been more pigmented and easier to work with. When applied dry I experienced significant fading, the colors weren't as pigmented and the lasting power was about four to five hours. When applied wet the colors really stand out, application is effortless, and the lasting power when worn is about ten hours with no creasing or fading.

FEARLESS MAC PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

On the MAC website they have recently launched 12 new PatentPolish lip pencils. The PatentPolish lip pencils have the shine of a gloss and the color of a lip pencil. The colors range from corals, pinks to nudes and each is housed in a twist up chubby pencil. I purchased Kittenish and Fearless. Click on the links below to read more about the whole collection and to see my review of Kittenish. 

Fearless is described as a deep blue pink and it provides semi-opaque coverage. It is rather sheer like a lip balm, it applies unevenly and tends to settle into the lips. Reapplication is necessary as it does not wear very well (at least on me) and seemed to enhance any lip imperfections. Fearless lasted maybe two or three hours wear time at best and then it just looked faded and feathered. It also has a really strong Vanilla scent, one that is similar to the MAC lipsticks, but nothing quite as strong as this. Overall I was just really disappointed with the performance of Fearless. There are better lip products out there and at $20 each I am not going to waste my money on a poor performer such as this. 

The PatentPolish lip pencils currently retail for $20.00 USD and they contain .08 oz. of product.

Read my review of Kittenish here:KITTENISH MAC PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

Read more about the entire collection here: MAC PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCILS

KITTENISH MAC PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

On their website, MAC recently launched 12 new PatentPolish lip pencils. The PatentPolish lip pencils have the shine of a gloss and the color of a lip pencil. The colors range from corals, pinks to nudes and each is housed in a twist up chubby pencil. I purchased Kittenish which is a mauve-y pink. It has the consistency of a creamy lightweight lipstick and I didn't notice any dryness to my lips when wearing the lip product. Wear time for the Kittenish lip pencil lasted for about four hours and with only one application it seemed to cover the lips like a full coverage lipstick. It also had great pigmentation with no settling into the lip lines. Kittenish currently retails for $20.00 USD and contains .08 oz. of product.

Read more about the entire collection here: MAC PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCILS

MAC PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL - NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

The colour and shine of a gloss, the precision of a pencil – all in one colour stick. M.A.C. Patentpolish Lip Pencil is your new magic wand for lips, with a single swipe instantly achieving luscious shine.

A unique blend of creamy emollients replenishes, keeping lips soft with an ultra-smooth texture that isn’t heavy or sticky. The pencil’s effortlessly twist-up application keeps things clean and mess-free, without the need to sharpen.

Enjoy color in a dazzling range of 12 new shades – from bright corals to soft, rosy pinks and naturally glossy nudes – that stay bright and true on all skin tones.

Price: $20.00 USD for .08 oz.

Free overnight shipping with code: NEXT

Availability

U.S. Launch Date – 3 April 2014 at MAC Locations and online maccosmetics.com

International Launch Date – May 2014 at MAC Locations

Shades:
(top row l-r)
Innocent – nude beige
Revved Up – creamy peach
Go For Girlie – bright yellow pink
Teen Dream – bright coral orange
Fearless – deep blue pink
Berry Bold – orange red
Pleasant – rosy pink
(bottom row l-r)
Hopelessly Devoted – bright fuchsia (except Asia)
Patentpink – washed out lilac
Kittenish – mauve-y pink
Spontaneous – soft plum with pearlized pigments
Sultana – dark grape (except Asia)

Mojo Maker – warm brown (Asia exclusive)
Clever – mid tone brick coral (Asia exclusive)

MAC HAUTECORE MATTE LIPSTICK - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

On Black Friday, MAC cosmetics launched it's first matte true black lipstick in HauteCore. This limited edition lipstick was only available on Black Friday although a few lucky MAC cosmetic subscribers were able to pre-order this beautiful lipstick on Thanksgiving day - several hours before the online only midnight launch. No worries though if you weren't able to purchase the lipstick on Black Friday, the Hautecore lipstick will be relaunched in Punk Couture another MAC collection available late December (around the 26th).

Hautecore lipstick is a fun and bold statement making lipstick - one that should be worn with confidence. It is described as a matte lipstick but applies like a cream and I noticed a slight sheen as well. During the application process I would recommend using a lip brush to prevent any unnecessary black smudges around the lip and chin area. If you are wanting to use a lip liner for a more seamless application I would suggest a deep blackberry or a deepened plum lip liner.

The Hautecore lipstick contains .1 oz. of product and it retails for $15.00 USD.

MAC TROPICAL TABOO COLLECTION SUMMER 2013 - AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW

M·A·C captures the passion of samba in a shimmering colour collection

pulsating with sensuality, heat and exotic glamour.

MINERALIZE EYESHADOW - $21.00

Dare to Bare – Light cream with gold pearlized pigments

Tropica - Silver blue with purple

Carribean – Rose with pink and red pearlized pigments

Cha-Cha-Cha – Deep blue green with green pearlized pigments

Time to Tango - Lavendar with silver pearlized pigments

Bossa Blue – Royal blue with brown pearlized pigments

KOHL POWER EYE PENCIL – $16.00

Feline – Rich Black (Repromote)
Orpheus – Intense black with gold pearlized pigments (Repromote)

MINERALIZE BLUSH – $25.00

Sweet Samba –Dark pink with tan pearlized pigments

Exotic Ember – Orange with bronze pearlized pigments

Simmer- Burnt rose with peach/gold pearlized pigments

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH – $30.00

Adored – Coral with light beige pearlized pigments

Rio – Bronze with bright pink pearlized pigments

Lust – Pale pink with cranberry pearlized pigments

Soft ‘n Gentle – Gilded peach bronze (Permanent)

Gold Deposit – Soft reflective golden bronze (Permanent)

MINERALIZE LIPSTICKS – $22.00

Lady at Play – Mid-tone cool tangerine (Permanent)

Divine Choice – Mid-tone cool pink cream (Permanent)

Midnight Mambo –Intense violet

Luxe Naturale – Light beige cream (Permanent)

Glamour Era – Mid-tone warm brown frost (Permanent)

CREMESHEEN GLASS – $20.00

Calypso Beat –Pale neutral peach

Fever Isle – Bright red coral

Japanese Spring – Pale mid-tone pink (Repromote)

Narcissus – Mid-tone eggplant (Repromote)

LIP PENCIL - $15.00

Hip ‘n’ Happy – Mid-tone blue pink (Repromote)

Have to Have It – Soft warm beige (Repromote)

Heroine – Bright purple (Repromote)

Ablaze – Bright apricot (Repromote)

BRUSHES

187 Brush $42.00 USD
Duo fibre face brush (Permanent)

159 Brush $35.00 USD
Duo fibre face brush

287 Brush $32.00 USD
Duo fibre eyeshadow brush (Repromote)

MASCARA

In Extreme Dimension Lash – $20.00
Black

Availability

Online Launch Date – June 24th 2013
U.S. Launch Date – June 27th 2013 at MAC Locations
International Launch Date – July 2013 at MAC Locations