Mac Nutcracker Sweet Lip Kits

MINI LIP KITS

Website:  http://www.maccosmetics.com/collections-mac-nutcracker-sweet-mini-kits

Mac has released three sets of four mini-lipsticks.  There’s a nude set, a ‘pink’ set, and a red set.  These are $35 each and that averages out to $8.75 a lipstick.  I can’t find how many ounces these are and finding the names of these were a bit of a headache.

Mac Nutcracker Sweet Nude Lip Set

NUDE

Creme Cup

Nouvelle Vogue

Kinda Sexy

Whirl

Creme Cup, Kinda Sexy, and Whirl are super popular nude lipsticks from Mac.  Creme Cup is a pinky kind of nude shade.  Kinda Sexy is a neutral mid-toned shade, probably not best for lighter skin tones.  Whirl is a very dark shade, not very good on my skin tone, but well loved by others.  Nouvelle Vogue is a new shade from Mac (I actually think it’s been released before but it’s not in their regular line) and in my opinion it’s more of a pink than a nude.

Mac Nutcracker Sweet Pink Lip Set
Christmas 2016

PINK

Impassioned

Dangerously Red

Girl About Town

Heroine

I know that Heroine and Girl About Town are two very popular Mac shades.  I own Heroine but Girl About Town always seemed too dark for me.  I really like pink lipstick but none of these shades are pink enough for me.  They are either too red toned or that random purple shade (Heroine).  Impassioned is a bright fuchsia.  Girl About Town is a purple-toned fuchsia.  Heroine is a bright purple shade.  Dangerously Red is the new shade of the bunch, it’s a dark pinky-red color.

Mac Nutcracker Sweet Red Lip Set
Christmas 2016

RED

Lady Danger

MAC Red

Diva

Rebel

Lady Danger, Diva, and Rebel are all top sellers.  I tried on Rebel once and it looked terrible on me.  Definitely not for my skin tone.  Lady Danger is an orange-toned red.  Diva is a dark red burgundy.  Rebel is a very dark plum color.  MAC Red is a true red that’s a little more blue toned than the incredibly popular Ruby Woo.

Website:  http://www.maccosmetics.com/collections-nutcracker-sweet-exclusive-bags

Mac Pink Nutcracker Sweet Mineralize Kit

PINK NUTCRACKER SWEET MINERALIZE KIT

Be Fabulous Mineralize Rich Lipstick

Elegantly Elegant Mineralize Glass

Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish

This could be described as a pale girl’s best friend.  And this kit is definitely my favorite.  A pink mineralized lipstick and Lightscapade.  Lightscapade is a beautiful highlighter that is perfect for pale skin.  I personally don’t like lipgloss but I know that there are a lot of people who do.  I also really like the makeup bag.  I’m still using the one they came out with last year.  This kit is $49.50.

Mac Pink Nutcracker Sweet Retro Matte Kit
Christmas 2016

PINK NUTCRACKER SWEET RETRO MATTE ($45)

Pandemonium (lipstick)

Bing Bang Boom Boom (liquid lipstick)

I really like these two lipsticks.  They are very beautiful shades of pink.  These look really similar in the swatches and I’m not sure they are different enough to justify owning them both.  I also remember that the retro matte lipsticks have gotten mixed reviews.

Mac Plum Nutcracker Sweet Retro Matte Kit
Christmas 2016

PLUM NUTCRACKER SWEET RETRO MATTE KIT

Dancing Flowers (lipstick)

Oh Lady (liquid lipstick)

Dancing Flowers swatches out as a lighter shade than Oh Lady.  Oh Lady is more of a true plum while Dancing Flowers is more of a mid-toned purple.

RED

Nutcracker Rouge (lipstick)

Fashion Legacy (liquid)

Fashion Legacy is more of a true red than Nutcracker Rouge and also seems to be a little bit more intense of a color.

Website:  http://www.maccosmetics.com/collections-mac-nutcracker-sweet-lip-eye-bags

Mac’s coming out with two sets that will give you a complete lip look.  If you love nude or red, you can get a lipstick, lip gloss, and lip pencil.  These kits are $29.50 each.  The Trust in Red pencil is very patchy and the Candy Cane lipstick seems a little patchy too.  These sets also come with one of those adorable lip bags.

Mac Nude Nutcracker Sweet Lip Bag

NUDE NUTCRACKER SWEET LIP BAG

Tuned in (lipgloss)

Magic Spell (lipstick)

In Control (pencil)

Mac Red Nutcracker Sweet Lip Bag

RED NUTCRACKER SWEET LIP BAG

Suggestive (lipgloss)

Candy Cane (lipstick)

Trust in Red (pencil)

Mac Nutcracker Sweet (Christmas 2016)

Mac Nutcracker Sweet (Christmas 2016)

This year’s Mac Christmas collection comes with a pink, purple, and gold theme.  The 5 lipsticks, 6 eyeshadows, 2 pigments, 3 eye liners, and 2 blushes come in packaging that reflects this theme.  The contents of this collection also follow the theme.  This collection is really a pink lover’s dream, most of the lipsticks and eyeshadows are pink.

The lipsticks are $18, the eyeshadows are $19, the pigments are $22, the eyeliner are $17, and blushes are $28.

MEET THE LIPSTICKS

Mac
 Kingdom of Sweets

KINGDOM OF SWEETS (cremesheen)

This beautiful pink shade is incredibly white based.  It’s probably going to be too light for pale skin tones and look too shocking on any other skin tone.  This is the kind of lipstick that’s going to either need a lip liner or needs to be mixed in with another shade.

Mac
Flamboyish

FLAMBOYISH (matte)

This hot pink shade reminds me of a magenta type shade, like the matte magenta in the Maybelline collection.

Mac
Saucy Little Darling

SAUCY LITTLE DARLING (amplified creme)

This is a deep coral-red shade.  This shade will probably appear to be a Salmon-type shade.  It reminds me of one of the lipsticks that came out in the recent Maybelline Bolds collection.  The Maybelline shade may be a bit lighter.

Mac
So Good for You

SO GOOD FOR YOU (matte)

This is a cooler red shade.  I’m not a fan of reds, to me all reds are the same.  When I do wear red, I prefer a more crimson shade.  This is not crimson.  So, in summary, it’s too light for me.

Mac
Leap of Delight

LEAP OF DELIGHT (matte)

This is a deep plum purple.  I typically like these shades, but I already have two dark purple Mac shades that are basically the same.  They came out with a similar shade last Christmas.  I can’t imagine this shade is going to be different.

OTHER

Mac
Rose

ROSE (pigment)

These shade is interesting, though not for me.  I like that it has a sort of duochrome effect.  It is a pink shade with copper shimmer thrown in the mix.

Mac
Yum Yum Yum

YUM YUM YUM (blush)

This blush follows the theme of the makeup with it’s pink color and gold shimmer.  I personally don’t like blushes with shimmer, but I do love the packaging.

This Nutcracker collection is so cute and sweet.  I don’t think this is Mac’s greatest collection but I’ll definitely be picking up at least one of the lipsticks, probably Kingdom of Sweets.

5 Great Makeup Sales

Urban Decay on sale $24

1. URBAN DECAY

Website:  http://www.urbandecay.com/featured/sale

There’s a lot on sale at urbandecay.com.  There are brushes, a bag, and two palettes.  The Vice XX palette is currently on sale for $34 while the Electric palette is $24.  The Electric palette is also on sale at Sephora.  This will probably be your last chance to get these palettes, so if you want them then act now.

3 Colourpop Lipsticks for only $15

2. COLOURPOP

Website:  https://colourpop.com/collections/fall-edit

Colourpop has three fall bundles on sale for $15.  These are regularly $6 and so you’ll save $1 per lip color.  One is unfortunately sold out at the moment, but perhaps we’ll get lucky and it’ll come back in stock.

Kat von D and Formula X combo only $7.50

3. KAT VON D

Website:  http://www.sephora.com/studded-x-mini-lip-nail-polish-duo-P400951?skuId=1727817&icid2=products%20grid%3Ap400951

Kat Von D has a lip and nail combo that can be purchased for only $7.50.  This includes a mini-lipstick with a matching nail color.  You can get the lavender shade of Coven, the shimmery navy shade of Poe, and/or the black shade of Slayer.

4. BH cosmetics

Website:  http://www.bhcosmetics.com/

BH cosmetics always has some kind of sale going on.  Today only you can check out their Halloween sale.  The whole site is 25% off when you use the code Treat.  So Treat yourself to some makeup goodies today.

Estee Lauder Lipgloss set only $70

5. Macy’s

Website:  http://www1.macys.com/shop/makeup-and-perfume?id=669&edge=hybrid&cm_re=2016.10.18-_-HOMEPAGE_INCLUDE_1_row_02-_-CATEGORY+--+5125+--+669%3Abeauty&akamai-feo=off

Macy’s is having a sitewide sale on select items, including makeup.  You can get brands like Smashbox and Estee Lauder for less.  The sale ends today so be sure to act fast.

Harry Potter Makeup Brushes (Pre-Order)

Harry Potter 'Wand' Inspired Makeup Brushes

Storybook Cosmetics is releasing a line of Harry Potter inspired makeup brushes.  These brushes will contain five brushes, including a shadow, shader, and pencil brush.  The handle part of these brushes are inspired by the wands carried in the Harry Potter movies and are officially known as the Wizard Brush Set or the Wand Brush Set.  These brushes are about $60 including shipping (USA) and are currently available for pre-order.

It’ll still be a month or two before these ship out.  They are still being made and a high quantity of orders could delay things.  These brushes have synthetic bristles and are cruelty free.  The handles are made of metal and come with a velvet wand pouch.  Remember that this company doesn’t take returns.  Once these are your’s, they are your’s forever.

I’m sorry that I don’t really know how these brushes perform.  They haven’t been released yet so there aren’t any official review yet.  And I don’t have a set myself to review.  They do look cool and I’m sure they will sell well and fast.  So if you want them, order quickly.

Here is a link to the official website: https://storybookcosmetics.com/products/pre-order-wand-brush-set

Lip Addict (2016 Version)

So this was a tag that went around a few years ago.  I liked the idea of doing a 2016 version and encourage you to do one too.

1. What is your favorite balm or treatment?

Easy.  Soft Lips.  I absolutely love Soft Lips.  They moisturize my lips and leave them feeling so soft.  They also seem to exfoliate which is nice.  I have three different scents.  Normal, but amazing, vanilla and two limited edition ones, Christmas Cookies and Haunted Marshmallow.  I’ve almost gone through an entire tube of the vanilla and am so proud of myself.  I highly recommend these.

2. What is your favorite eye catching red?

Partner in Crimson from Maybelline.  To be honest I’m not a big fan of red lips.  I’m more of a pink girl.  On the rare occasion that I do wear red, this is my go to.  I love this color and think it works perfect with my pale skin.

3. The best luxury and drugstore product?

Drugstore - Maybelline.  Maybelline makes my favorite lip sticks.  I recommend them over any other brand, drugstore or high end.  They are smooth and creamy and inexpensive.  I prefer my Maybellines over Mac or YSL.  I’m also a fan of the ColourPop Ultra Matte, though you do have to order those online.

Luxury - YSL.  I really like how creamy and hydrating the YSL lipsticks are.  My biggest problem with these is their lasting power.  They could really step it up with their lasting power.  I honestly don’t think the price tag matches the quality but I know that these are going to continue to be popular.

4. Best MAC lipstick?

Saint Germaine.  My first Mac lipstick.  I wanted this shade for years until I finally broke my spending limit and bought it.  It’s beautiful and amazing.  I know this shade is not for everyone but if you can make it work than you need it in your life.

5. Most disappointing lip product?

Mega Last from Wet N Wild and Nyx lip products.  These are both items that bloggers and youtubers will highly recommend.  They are both terrible.  The Mega Last is so dry and can be hard to apply.  They also don’t make a single shade I would recommend for my skin tone.  The Nyx lip products have terrible lasting power and feel terrible on the lips.  The Nyx ones also highlight the lines on your lips.  I think the Mega Last will work for some people, even though they don’t work for me.  I literally don’t know why Nyx products get recommended.

6. Lip Liner: Yes or No?

No.  I’ve always thought that lip liner makes you look older than you are.  It just makes it look like you stepped straight out of the 80s and haven’t looked at any modern makeup trends.  The only reason you should wear lip liner is if you absolutely need it for something, like a dark vampy lip or to prevent bleeding.

7. Favorite gloss?

No.  Lip gloss is awful stuff.  It’s sticky and nasty and disgusting.  It’s rare for me to like a lip gloss.  I also seem to have a weird reaction to a lot of it.  Sorry, but I don’t really wear lip gloss.

8. Something else?!

I have one Marc Jacobs lipstick and one Buxom lipstick.  Both of these are really nice quality.  I don’t know if you’ve ever tried either of these, but I love them.  The Buxom one is a little bulky though.

P.S.  Buxom is such a sweet company.  They once liked one of posts about them on Instagram.  It really made my day.

I challenge you to do this yourself or an updated version if your answers have changed.  Here are the blank questions.

1. What is your favorite balm or treatment?

2. What is your favorite eye catching red?

3. The best luxury and drugstore product?

4. Best MAC lipstick?

5. Most disappointing lip product?

6. Lip Liner: Yes or No?

7. Favorite gloss?

8. Something else?!

13 Quick and Easy Costumes from your Closet

HIPPIE

As someone who loves 70s fashion, I could easily create a costume with just the stuff from my closet.  Even if you don’t love 70s fashion, you could do this.  All you really need is a tie-dye shirt.  Though, I remember reading somewhere that tie-dye was actually more popular in the early 80s.  Also anything with fringe, that was popular at the time too.

WITCH

Coco Chanel once said that every woman needs a little black dress.  It’s time to pull your’s out.  The trend of every woman ‘having’ a little black dress will come in handy after you pick up a cheap witch’s hat from the store.  Or maybe you already have a hat for whatever reason.  Grab your broom for a little added fun.

GHOST

Dress all in white or cover yourself with a sheet.  Don’t forget to scare your friends by saying boo and moan a lot as you walk along.  Remember that makeup will really tie this costume together.

COWBOY OR COWGIRL

Any old shirt and pair of jeans will be perfect for a cowfolk look.  If you can find an inexpensive cowboy hat, it’ll be perfect.  A pair of cowboy boots can be super expensive, but if you happen to already own a pair it’ll definitely work.

THIEF

Dress all in black.  Perhaps you have a ski mask or can make your own mask out of a piece of black fabric.  You could also draw on the mask with eyeliner or pick up an inexpensive one from a local store.  Perhaps you could carry around a sack of ‘loot’ with you everywhere you go.

SUPERHERO

This latest trend of superheroes means that many people already have a super shirt hanging in their closet.  A perfect last minute costume, throw on the shirt and be ready to save the holiday season.

PRINCESS

I’ve seen a lot of stores selling tiaras lately.  I picked up an inexpensive one from Walmart a few years ago and wore it for my birthday.  Wear a nice dress and your tiara and just see how many compliments you get.

BUTTERFLY

All you need is a pair of butterfly wings that you can find in a lot of stores this time of year.  Dress all in black or brown and throw on your wings.  Just remember that the wings can really dig in your skin and they can feel quite cumbersome.

POISON IVY

All you really need is a simple green dress.  If you can find a string of ivy in the flower department, you can wrap it around your neck like a scarf.  If you have red hair, it’s even more perfect.  Have a friend dress up as Harley Quinn and you will have the perfect BFF costumes.

CAT

It’s usually not hard to find cat ears (or some other kind of animal) at a store around Halloween.  I have some I bought a few years ago at Target.  Dress up as a cute animal and you’ll be the star of the show.

CLARK KENT AND/OR LOIS LANE

If you’ve got on your suit and tie, you can go around interrogating friends and making deadlines with Perry White breathing down your neck.  Just dress nice and have a notebook.  And if you’re going as Clark and you have a superman t-shirt, even better.

POPSTAR

A toy microphone and you can literally wear anything out of your closet.  You can be Taylor Swift or Lady Gaga.  You could be Carrie Underwood or Katy Perry.  You don’t even have to sing but you can if you want.

ARTIST

As an actual artist, I own a lot of paints.  But you can use what you’ve got.  Put some paint on your skin and an old shirt.  Carry around a palette and claim to be the latest Van Gogh.

6 Lipsticks Perfect for Halloween

Maybelline, ColourPop, Mac, Bh Cosmetics
What's your perfect Halloween shade?

GHOST

Brand:  ColourPop

Shade:  Mr. Blonde

Price:  $6.00

Website:  https://colourpop.com/collections/ultra-matte-lip

This soft blue will give you perfect ghost lips.  You can walk around giving people the blue kiss of death or just rock out in this extreme color.  My friend went to a Halloween party as a ghost a few years ago, she used a frosty blue eyeliner on her lips.  It looked amazing and tied the whole thing together.  Unfortunately, the eyeliner had worn off by the time we got to the party and she didn’t bring the eyeliner with her.  You won’t have to worry about that with this ColourPop lipstick, it will stay put.  Alternatively, try bh Cosmetics Pop Art in Zap.

Hard Candy Wisteria

WITCH

Brand:  Hard Candy

Shade:  Wisteria

Price:  $6.00

Website:  https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hard-Candy-Velvet-Mousse-Matte-Lip-Color-Wisteria-0.23-oz/50651002?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=50651002&placement_id=irs-106-t1&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=0d23cd7a-11d5-4766-a680-130e8bdd47d5&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=50651127&parent_anchor_item_id=50651127&guid=7e78480f-10e3-4b6d-ad18-59e88db51d7f&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

This gothy purple shade is absolutely perfect for a witch.  It’s my darkest shade.  This liquid lipstick can go on patchy and you can see your lips through it but with a little work and patience it can be the lipstick that ties the whole look together.  Alternatively, try using ColourPop’s Lycee.  It’s not as dark but it’s easier to apply.

Maybelline Gilded Rose on the Lips
(And it's so much more sparkly in person)

FAIRY

Brand:  Maybelline

Shade:  Gilded Rose (Color Tattoo)

Price:  $9.99

Website:  https://www.maybelline.com/eye-makeup/eyeshadow/color-tattoo-eye-chrome/gilded-rose

Okay, so this is actually meant to be used for your eyes, but it could totally work as a liquid lipstick.  It’s rather dry but this product will give you a fairy dust sparkle on your lips.  I wouldn’t recommend using this if you're going to be eating and drinking a lot because I’m fairly certain it would just flake off but it gives an otherworldly effect to your lips.  Alternatively, try the Too Faced Metallic Melted or another sparkly shade.

HIPPIE

Brand:  ColourPop

Shade:  Ouiji or Pacific

Price:  $6.00

Website:  https://colourpop.com/collections/ultra-matte-lip

So hippie makeup can go one of two ways.  You can either go super natural or super fun, playing with all kinds of colors.  Natural is more of an everyday kind of thing.  Even if you’re  a natural girl, don’t be afraid to play around a bit.  Try using an orange toned lipstick, I know it’s the first thing I think of when I think of hippie makeup.  Try Ouiji or Pacific from ColourPop.  You can pair this with a blue eyeshadow and remember that blue eyeshadow was supposed to be the hottest thing this year.

Mac Saint Germaine

PRINCESS

Brand:  Mac

Shade:  Saint Germaine

Price:  $17

Website:  http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/lipstick#/shade/Saint_Germain

Nothing screams princess like the perfect pink lipstick.  Go for a sweet, innocent look.  A natural or neutral eye paired with your perfect pink.  Mac’s Saint Germaine is my perfect and favorite pink lipstick but I know that it wouldn’t work for everyone.  Just pink the color that’s right for you or pick a bold pink and go outside of your comfort zone.

VAMPIRE

Brand:  Maybelline

Shade:  Partner in Crimson (Colorblur)

Price:  $8.99

Website:  https://www.maybelline.com/lip-makeup/lip-color/lip-studio-colorblur-matte-pencil/partner-in-crimson

Who doesn’t want to be this creature of the night?  Strong and beautiful.  Fast and unaging.  Fun and scary.  Nothing says vampire like a vampy dark red lip.  Partner in Crimson from Maybelline is the perfect dark red lip.  It’s the darkest red I’ve got and my favorite.  I absolutely love these deep Crimson shades.