As with many MAC limited edition collections, what sells out will most likely reappear in the future. This particular Paint Pot first came out in the Cham-Pale collection a couple years ago and is now back on the market with the debut of Pro Longwear Paint Pots. The shade called Vintage Selection is a frosted champagne with a muted peach base that is filled different sized light glitters. MAC Paint Pots can be used as bases or eye shadows and are typically long wearing with a cream texture.

Formula

The formula is so velvet soft that it tends to spread uneven unless properly blended out. The pearly finish really looks beautiful on the skin, and appears pigmented with one swipe. The texture is creamy and easy to apply, making it the perfect consistency to dab on with a finger and go. After a short while it sets and has a excellent lasting power; even a dry scrub will not take this product off. Without a primer underneath, it did crease a bit on my oily lids after a full day of wear especially when built up in layers. However when topped with a powder eye shadow, it did not budge.

Dupe

The only dupe I found was the Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #13, which has less pink tones. 

Find

This Paint Pot as well as the rest of the new Pro Longwear collection is available at MAC for $18.50 (.17 ounces).

Conclusion

Having picked up this shade when it first came out, I only put a small dent in the product despite how often I use it. If properly sanitized, a jar like this could last years if the formula stays in tact, which makes it a great value. I love how easy the texture is to work with and also how glowing and vibrant the color is on the lids. 

The MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Trace Gold is a warm gold, ultra reflective powder. Meant as a finely milled, light hint of color (sheertone) with metallic sheen (shimmer), this unique product is versatile and looks simply beautiful on the skin. Every time I use it, the bronzed effect reminds me of summer vacations down south in the hot sun.

Formula

The texture of the blush is soft, but a bit chalky. With one light swipe it is sheer as the name implies however it is also buildable. On it's own it doesn't last but 4 hours before some fading. To increase the longevity, this shade would look gorgeous on top of a cream bronzer and it would double as a setting powder to lock it into place.

Wear

The warm, orange tone makes me shy away from using Trace Gold as a contour shade especially when I am ghostly in the winter. Applied lightly as a sun kissed bronzer, it leaves a glowing effect that warms up the face. Deeper skin tones may find use as a pigmented highlighter on the higher points of the face. This shade is most flattering for all skin colors as a blush as it draws in the cheek bones yet adds a golden flush when hitting the light.

Dupe
A popular dupe for Trace Gold is Nars Luster which is similar but with more peach/pink tones.

Find
This shade is in the permanent range at MAC stores/counters and also available on their website for $20 (.21 ounces).

Conclusion
What drew me to Trace Gold was how unique it is and how bright and warm it looks when applied. I feel like it looks best on my fair skin in the summer when I'll a little tanned and I can apply it on top of bronzer. I would hesitate to recommend running out to purchase it unless you are aware if orange and gold tones flatter your skin coloring.


What is your favorite way to wear a shimmery powder?

This cute sample sized version of the bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener is a shadow diffuser designed to reduce fine lines and dark pigmentation around the eyes. The shade I have is in Luminous 1 for fair to pink complexions.

Formula

The consistency of the product is thin yet creamy, but it tends to cake up if not properly blended. It glides on easily and provides a sheer to medium coverage to even out any imperfections. This is essentially 'liquid light' as it instantly illuminates the skin while providing a tint that slightly color corrects, leaving an radiant appearance. On it's own the staying power isn't excellent, however an under eye setting powder on top will help it to last longer.

Despite it's pink tone, this shade would suit all fair skin as it sheers out and is reflective. Along with the sheen  are sparse micro glitters that are hardly noticeable when applied. The product is available in Medium, Tan, and Deep which is spectacular in my book as I find the market for dark skin suited brighteners is unfortunately limited.

I have the 'grungiest' of dark under eye circles, and I was so impressed that such a light formula would brighten them up. Applying the product on bare skin without any other makeup on, it looked like I got about 4 extra hours of sleep. When applied on top of liquid concealer, it's effects were intensified and the darkness was brought to light by about 80%.

Find
I received the sample size in a Sephora order a month ago, however the full size is available on their website, Ulta.com, and bareescentuals.com at .18 ounces for $22.

Conclusion
I like how this product brings light to the eyes but also matches the skin. The result is a natural, fresh look as if you got a good night's rest. I would recommend this product to those looking to brighten the eye area when concealer alone isn't enough.


Do you use under eye brightening products?

How many hours a week do you spend writing/editing posts?

It depends on the type of post, but I'd estimate about 8 hours a week not including any of the other elements of blogging.

When is it easiest for you to blog?
I like to blog in random spurts throughout the day if possible, however I usually end up completing posts at the end of the day while relaxing in bed.

What makes writing behind a computer comfortable for you?

 Putting yourself out there for the world to judge is daunting, however with confidence and the support of others I find blogging has helped me grow and also has become an important part of my life.

What's your worst makeup/hair habit?

I sometimes get a bit lazy with maintaining haircuts, but I am also a bit traumatized from past scissor happy stylists.

What's one quote that you wish the world would live by?

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace".

My Experience

The other night while washing my face, I found a trial sachet of the Alpha Beta Daily Facial Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross and on a whim gave it a try. I'm sure I'm not the only one with a stack of cosmetic samples that seems to collect dust for periods of time until you feel guilty again and decide to use a few up... Just me? Okay.

The instructions written on the back of each packet were simple, suggesting to start on clean, dry skin. The towelette labeled 'Step 1' soaked in an Alpha Beta solution is to be rubbed in circular motions all over the face and neck. It felt a bit tingly on my skin at first and the areas that I had already treated turned red for a few seconds. I waited until the moisture completely dried up then applied the same technique with the 'Step 2' neutralizer until the pad was sufficiently used up.

Immediately my skin felt smooth, soft, and appeared very even and bright. Following the instructions, I applied a moisturizing serum without alcohol and let my skin be overnight. When I woke up in the morning it felt the same but looked even more clear and fresh. Although this product is marketed as a preventative, anti-aging peel, I feel like it could benefit anyone because of it's gentle formula and multiple effects on the skin.

Due to the amount and nature of the acids and other ingredients in this product it is suggested that it be used with limited sun exposure. If you're not outside in the sun often it's not much of an issue, however if you are it's important to put on some sunscreen to prevent a possible sunburn or other reaction. I've used photosensitive skin care products in the past and it was not fun when you start to grow itchy hives and look as red as a cooked lobster.

Claims
Fight aging, diminish the appearance of wrinkles
Helps complexion problems, balances oil, tones skin, increases clarity and radiance
Calms redness, sensitivity and irritation

Ingredients
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids promotes exfoliation and instantly reduce visible signs of aging
Retinol helps smooth visible wrinkles and lines while increasing moisture and elasticity
CO-Q10 is a potent antioxidant that defends against free radicals and supports natural collagen
Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant and anti-aging polyphenol that protects from free radical damage

Find
I received the one time use sample with a Sephora order a few months ago. This product in full size amounts can be found at Sephora.com and also at DGSkincare.com. On Sephora.com, a box of 30 prepackaged treatments costs $86, equaling out to about $2.86 each. There are different sachet/jar sizes available at varying prices on both websites.

Conclusion
From the rave reviews online and positive initial impression on my own skin, I would lean towards a recommendation. The biggest setback is the price, which is personally too high for me especially when I'm not in need of such a 'sophisticated' peel at this stage in my life. I also am curious to know how much improvement I'd see had I completed more than one treatment, but unfortunately I'll never know unless I have the extra to splurge on this product.

Have you tried an at home facial peels?

Here it is, the apple of my 'smokey' eye:  Revlon ColorStay foundation. A cult favorite, it has also been at the top of my list since I first started using it in 2010. For a drugstore foundation, the quality outshines all competition and holds it's place as one of the most reputable and well loved. I have a neutral/slightly warm skin tone and wear 180 Sand Beige in the Combination/Oily formula.

Formula
The medium to full coverage of the liquid leaves an ultimately flawless look, but at the same time doesn't appear 'cakey' or unnatural. It blends so well, especially with a synthetic buffing brush that will really work the product in. It does dry rather quickly so I find it best to apply it in one small section then buff it in, moving on to the next. The formula feels so lightweight even when layered as it spreads thin. The coverage masks redness, dark spots, blemishes, and other marks on the face quite well in just one 'coat'. It conceals pores at about 70% opacity, which in turn gives the skin a very natural looking finish whilst still looking even.

Dry versus Oily

I have tried both the formula for oily skin and the one for dry, and to be honest I couldn't tell too much of a difference. If I had to nit-pick, the oily/combination skin formula had a slightly longer lasting powder and also felt a bit lighter on my skin. I found that with both, the foundation did cling a small amount to dry patches if I didn't sufficiently exfoliate. An easy fix for that issue is to rub a small amount of moisturizer over the dry area with my finger or a Q-tip and then reapply the foundation in that spot.

Shades
With a total of 20 different shades for multiple undertones and complexion types, the range is extremely generous especially for deep skin tones which is a rarity for drugstore foundations. I find that 180 Sand Beige has a yellow undertone and looks a tiny bit dark on my light, neutral skin tone. In natural or artificial light, it it hardly noticeable with proper blending; but if you are fair just take note. In all honesty, the next shade lighter which is 150 Buff most likely would have been more suitable for my skin during winter, however in the summer time Sand Beige is my perfect match. I also found that the foundation looks darker in the bottle than it does when completely blended into the skin, so keep that in mind as well.

Use

I'm not a big fan of the packaging of this product as the open top tends to get a bit messy and is technically unsanitary. I tend to plug the hole with a clean finger, tip it over then flip it back up to dot the product on one area of the face. I use to put a drop on the back of my hand but I found it would dry quicker than I could use it and it also would waste some product. I typically use the Real Techniques synthetic buffing brush as it's flat, wide shape gives an almost airbrushed finish while covering imperfections well.

Find
This foundation can be found at drugstores and also online at Ulta and Revlon.com. Here in the United States I've seen it priced as high as $14.99 at CVS Pharmacy and as low as $9 at Target. Revlon is generally on sale or at a discount with coupons at a majority of drugstores. The bottle contains 1 fluid ounce of  liquid makeup and generally lasts me about 10 months to a year with regular use.

Conclusion

If I was told by a magic makeup genie that I had to choose one foundation for all of eternity, at this moment in time it would be Revlon ColorStay. I love the generous coverage and the flawless, yet natural finish it leaves on my skin. It is affordable, easy to find, and comes in a range of shades for all types of skin tones. In my opinion, no other drugstore foundation is completely comparable to it's quality.

What is your favorite foundation?

Another year of growth and experience has passed us by. As for me, it's been an unexpectedly spiritual journey of healing that was more effective and peaceful than last year. Of course there were low points that are inevitable in life, however with the help of lots of love, patience, hope, and my favorite creative outlet, Boho Vanity, I learned a lot about myself and how to become the person I want to be.

 It's been almost a year since I began this blog, and since then it has been such a positive way to channel my love for beauty while also meeting and communicating with amazing people who blog themselves or leave sweet comments that make my day. I am so blessed to have this blog and all my friends and followers, and I hope you all know how grateful I am and how much this all means to me.

Despite my purposefully "professional" toned blogging style, I am going to make a conscience decision to try to add more of my personality into posts. I like to make people laugh and enjoy life, and although I am private and shy by nature, I would like to be more open and telling with you all this new year.

Thank you for staying with me for almost an entire year now, or if you have just subscribed then welcome, it's so nice to have you here! I appreciate every single thing you do for me, and I hope that I can only reciprocate the kindness and effort.

Happy New Year!