Riri Hearts MAC: Barbados Girl Lustre Drops Reviewed

Barbados Girl Lustre drops

Barbados Girl Lustre Drops Swatch

 After the 3.5 hours of refreshing by 3 open tabs on MAC's website and 2 browsers on my phone,
I was finally able to get my Riri Loves MAC items.
First up for review in Barbados Girl Lustre Drops. While MAC has had lustre drops in their rotation for a while, I have never tried them. So I figure, I'll try it out this time as I was excited about the possibility of a shimmery highlighter that I can add above my cheek bone or add to my beloved Diorskin Nude BB Creme.
I swatched a pin size of Barbados Girl on my hand (above) and blended the color out to see what the effect would look like. I think I applied too much to my hand because it was a bit too shimmery but when I applied to the top of my cheekbones, it was tolerable (below).
Overall Barbados girl will be in my Summer stash for this year as I'm pairing down on wearing anything but tinted moisturizer.

Gettin' Cheeky with Barbados Girl Lustre Drops

Riri Hearts MAC: Riri Woo reviewed

Riri Woo.. at the kitchen table

Riri Woo Swatched

Before the chaos that was the Riri Hearts MAC on June 18th,  I picked up Riri Woo at the MAC Times Square store on quiet rainy day in May. I was ready for the MA to tell me that the lippie was all sold out but instead showed me the boxes that were available.. don't know if even a lippie is available now. I haven't been to the store since my purchase and I just checked the website and Riri Woo is on backorder until the middle of this month. Pressing on.

 Riri Woo is described as a "Matte Cool Red" retro matte lipstick but unfortunately the color description doesn't do the product justice as Ruby Woo is Riri Woo's bigger sister on the age spectrum and as far as color, both Woos are very similar.

I love the light textures of the retro mattes and this one is no different. The lipcolor stayed on for over 4 hours, including dinner and left a nice tint when rounding the 4th hour.

If you don't have this color already try to hold on for the next 2-3 weeks, its worth the wait.

Get ready: RiRi hearts MAC- June 18th

RiRi hearts MAC- June 18th

Did you miss out on the first launch of RiRi Woo? Are you ready to stalk MAC for the coveted RiRi hearts MAC Summer collection?  Get ready to be early, refresh and be crafty.

Last month, I lucked out and got RiRi Woo on MAC Cosmetics.com and it was a task at hand. After that experience, I'm here to let you know that there is hope beyond thinking about paying $50 on eBay for RiRi Woo. Here are 3 tips for you:


1. Check your connection.
Yes, this seems like a no-brainer but internet connection on your computer is very important and if you don't have it or its wonky, you lose out.
Recommendation: Go to a secure Wi-fi zone or use your phone's data as a backup to go on the site.

2. Multiple browsers.
The waiting room is a bust. When a collection goes live, people go HAM. Now there is a waiting room to help queue you. Well.. from previous experience, the waiting room felt like a nice gesture but nowhere close to actually ordering.
Recommendation: Have 2-3 browsers open on a desktop and a browser open on your phone.

3. Find a friend
So, you can't wait around for the launch on Tuesday the 18th at who-knows time. You've got work, you're travelling, you've got sleep. What to do?
Recommendation: Ask someone if they can order for you. There are some kind people out there that will throw some shade but at least you can throw them something non-RiRi related in return. Return the favor kindly.

gif credit:GabStankBx on Lipstick Alley

Backstage NYFW Beauty: Skater-Chic at HACHE

Jasmine Tookes  looking Skater-Chic at HACHE Fall 2013 NYFW

Final walk through- HACHE Fall 2013 NYFW

Jasmine Tookes- HACHE Fall 2013

Overcoats and beanies at HACHE Fall 2013 NYFW

HACHE's Fall 2013 show brought back the rebellious grunge from the 90's and replaced those skater boys (hello Travis Berkenstock) with skater-chic ladies.  After the show I spoke with senior MAC artist Frankie Boyd who brought the laid-back look to life. Frankie used a mix of Feline eyeliner and black paint stick for the messy eye look. A soon to be announced Fall 2013 mauvey-beige toned lipstick was used on the lips for subtle color. The skin was kept " simple and clean" and topped off with a spritz of water.
The hair channeled next day, slept-in chic with pieces that look windswept yet kept under beanies.

Neoprene, leather, and velour were at the heart of HACHE's aesthetic mixing menswear inspiration (Striped shirt, striped pants, biker jacket in embossed neoprene) and a laisse-fair comfort uniform           (jacquard sweatshirt, popeline shirt and quilted pants). The accessories included fuzzy pastel pink and yellow envelope clutches, wide strap slip on sandals and of course beanies.

This collection definitely reminded me of home and I loved it, I think I'll channel '94 and pick up a beanie and jump back into '13 for a fuzzy pastel clutch.
BONUS: I was backstage and ran into my favorite model Jasmine Tookes! She was so nice to let me take a picture of her look from the HACHE show. Thank you so much for your kindness and graciousness!!

MAC for Azealia Banks- Yung Rapunxel

Yung Rapunxel

Yung Rapunxel Swatch

 MAC Cosmetics introduced its latest  lipstick collaboration with rapper/singer Azealia Banks this past week.
Yung Rapunxel is described as " a deep, rich shade of plum with an Amplified finish". I've never experienced the MAC Amplified formula before and with this color, it reminds me of a sheer finish.
I used two applications when swatching and the coverage is nice. I didn't test how long the wear was but so far, I'm pleased.
I can see myself wearing Yung Rapunxel in my day-to-day, probably pairing it with an orange or apricot blush. The color reminds me of the 90's! The Missy Elliot, Total, SWV , Mary J. Blige 90's where the ladies wore the rich colored lipstick through Hype Williams' fisheye lens or through an epic music video. I'm ready to get nostalgic!

FNO 2012: From Soho to NYFW and back

MAC SOHO preparing for Azealia Banks!

Fashion's Night Out 2012 started with a quiet rumble and ended with a relaxing good time in downtown Manhattan. I totally looped it!.. you'll see.
I started my afternoon off at 2pm by going to the MAC Soho store to see if they had Yung Rapunxel on hand, and they did! So I picked up my deep sheer violet berry packed lippie ( despite it being Amplified) and made my way uptown to Lincoln Center because I had a ticket to the Supima Competition Runway Show!

Rachel Zoe and the President of Supima

Supima awarded one design student with $10,000 to start their own line. Pratt Institute graduate Kate Wilkoff impressed the judges with her deconstructed nature collection.

Kate Wilcoff's work

After the show I made my way to Dior, and was sadly disappointed then made my way to Saks for the FNO exclusives! They had sold out of La Provocante!! the most coveted plum lippie this fall but they had the rest of the collection, here is a shot of the nail colors.

Chanel's FNO Exclusive Nail colors!

I did manage to get the Provocation and La Provocante twin-set at the Chanel on 57th street, I'll post swatches soon. Next I was onto Bottega Venetta where I learned about their exclusive eco-friendly sustainable handbag that debuted for FNO.

Then onto Ted Baker for Fish and Chips and other English fancies!

Finally met up with the Ladies and we were off to Saks to check out the Suno Manicures and then Henri Bendels to chat and have cocktails, we ran into the ladies of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas and chatted them up about the Tavi and Ari Cohen event we attended last year.

Leizel and Tiel!

I ran into the wonderful ladies of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas!

Post Henri Bendels, we were hungray! so we headed to the Opening Ceremony/ Ace Hotel party celebrating South Korea. We watched some bad ass karaoke, stalked Grizzly Bear and stalked the people who had the trays of South Korean cuisine! Norebang!

By this time, its 11pm and everyone was out and about on the street as we got ready to leave the Ace Hotel. Our final stop of the night was the Soho Grand where we sang 90's jams and debriefed on FNO 2012.
Next year, if there is an FNO, I think I'm sticking to 2-3 spots. The lines are ridic! Celebrities don't draw people in, fun things do! Things that engage people. I was all over town for the first time since FNO 2010, it was fun, I'm glad I wore comfortable shoes.

How was your FNO experience?

Just Beachy, just breezy

Just Beachin

Hey look its Tony Sirico aka Paulie Walnuts!

July Beach pics- easy breezy

This past weekend, I took the day to play in Rockaway with friends Anna and Leizel. While cruising on the boardwalk, we run into Paulie Walnuts! I've never watched the Sopranos but Anna is/was a huge fan and we took photos, such a nice guy.
So as you may or may not heard about the weather on the eastern seaboard, its hot, muggy, blah, sauna-rific, what ever clever adjective- just insert it here. While the weather wasn't that great for the face it was rather terrific for my hair. For my beach pics, I kept it minimal- just cover with sunscreen and keep lips moisturized. With that being said, here is what was in the black satin bag:


Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid SPF 70: Can't go wrong with a light sunscreen.

L'Oreal Color Caresse by Color Riche in #180 Silky Java: This is my second color shade in this like and I hope that L'Oreal continues to keep these. The formula is light and smooth, though I don't care for the "fruity" scent, the color wear goes a long way.


MAC Cream Color Blush in Virgin Isle: This CCB is my perinnial favorite for the summer, its great for cheeks and over some clear gloss for lips. Unfortunately its no longer on MAC's perma-roster anymore but you can luck out at some outlet stores or Ebay.

Maybelline Babylips in Quenched: I love, love this balm, it does the job- soft lips. I even like the packaging but I absolutely cannot stand the name, Baby Lips. Really? I'm not 12.. but I bought it anyway. haha.

What are your beach pics?

Vamping it up for Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations

Photos: Getty Images and Wire Image

Earlier this evening the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute 2012 Gala kicked off celebrating the new spring exhibition, " Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" with fashion houses, their designers and celebrities. While looking at the live feed of photos from twitter and Instagram got me excited ( LOVED Chloé Sevigny's look!), I couldn't help but notice that the Schiaparelli pink was dismal on the red carpet. The bright pink shade that is sure to fill up the exhibit hall wasn't on lips of our favorite actresses or models, instead vampy shades of deep berries, blackened plum seeped through as a pleasant surprise!
Maybe it was the off-again, on-again cloudy, foggy NYC rainy gloom that prompted the bold statement lips or maybe it was the juxtaposition of the exhibit itself. In any case, I can't wait 'til Thursday to check out the exhibit at the Met and will breakout my MAC Media or Chanel Maniac lipsticks for the occasion.

Snow Day! Cosby Sweater + Rusty colored lipstick = comfort

Sweater: Forever 21; Lipstick: Photo by MAC

Its the first sign of snow all year and where am I? Oh hunkered down, freshly scrubbed (sans fards..haha) watching Clueless with my Cosby sweater on and my rusty raisin lips.

MAC Scarlet Ibis Review and Swatches

MAC Scarlet Ibis (no flash)

MAC Scarlet Ibis with Flash

MAC Scarlet Ibis

Fresh from the MAC for Iris Apfel's sold out collection is Scarlet Ibis lipstick, which is described as a "bright orange red" on MAC's website. I concur with the color description as if you were to use MAC's Morange as a bench mark for a orange color lipstick, Scarlet Ibis definitely brings the warm red (almost Ruby Woo-ish) to create a truly unique color. Of my collection of red-orange lipstick's, this one is definitely the brightest, because of the powdery yet moisturizing matte finish.

My only qualm is that it doesn't go on as smooth, I applied to color 2-3x before there was even coverage. 

       

Monday Muse: MAC for Iris Aphel

 

Cheers for MAC for embracing "All Ages", I think they kinda fell off the radar with the ages aspect after the Dame Edna collection in 2008. But to choose Iris Aphel to represent is amazing! Plus, her collaboration for MAC has sold out within hours online, as per a Soho MAC MUA, and Pink Pigeon Lipstick is sold out in all NYC and Brooklyn MAC stores.

The MUA in Soho explained the cult following behind Pink Pigeon. The popularity is attributed Pink Pigeon being similar to Candy Yum Yum-a bright fuchsia pink lipstick that was released with MAC's Quite Cute collection last year. But no need to panic, a perfect dupe is the new Embrace Me lip pencil that was just released with the Iris Aphel collection. Though it is not in a lipstick form, it doesn't mean that you can't create your own...

Top Five Beauty Trends for 2012

As we move on from 2011, do you think that we can hold fast to the colors and trends that have dominated the past few months? Will there be a victor from the hodgepodge of trends that have cyclically surfaced every 3 to 5 years?

To date, The Lipstick Index tried and failed to predict sales and trends and judging by the past few years we now can safely say that the Nail Color Index can attribute to the influx of spending in the nail care sector, so much so that Nail Color sales were $328 million in 2010, dominating over other color cosmetics.

Will Nail Domination continue in 2012? Here are my top 5 most- unscientifically hypothesized ganders for what 2012 will bring for us color cosmetic enthusiasts.


1. Beauty for the Ages

We all can generalize and say that gloss is for the teens and tweens, lipsticks are from the young adult to professional crowd and that everyone else just doesn't exist.. just kidding. Well, it sure does seem that way- the oldest beauty ambassador on the roster is Ellen DeGeneris who is in her Mid- 50's, well done cosmetic companies! But what about 50 and over? MAC Cosmetics answered the call of " All Ages" ( coincidentally their tag line) and will release the MAC for Iris Aphel collection this month. Iris is almost a centurion and is still fashionable in every way. Another cosmetic venture, Fabulousat60.com a lifestyle website for Baby Boomers who can also get their beauty fix.


2. Natural is as Natural Does

Cosmeticeuticals are once again up for debate. Borba has tried it and new products are coming soon that will give you all the nutrients you need so that your inner health is reflected on the outside, and it will taste good! I guess it beats the one pill to cure everything but also poses a problem if you have to have a mixed cocktail to strengthen hair, reduce oiliness in skin and boost the immune system..


3. The Unpredictable Coveted Beauty Collaborations

One day next year, or if I'm lucky enough to go to Japan in the fall, I will be able to order a lipstick alongside my Cassis Macaron at Ladureé. I'm so excited that Ladureé is stepping into the world of color cosmetics! Judging by the quality of their Candles, Fragrances, Teas and Macarons, their cosmetic collection will be nothing short of amazing! Other completely left-field-but-totally-can't wait collections include: Pantone and Sephora. On another note, why doesn't MAC partner up with Sprinkles cupcakes for some lip colors or nail polishes or better yet one of my favorite NYC stores, Opening Ceremony!


4. Global Beauty Love!

Some color cosmetics companies are good at others with this one, its teaching the US consumers about what is effective and special about products that do well abroad. For example, The BB creams that were released here didn't go so well. Why? because the Makeup Artists were not really trained to tell you what they were and how do they work! 
I think that more companies need to explore the Global Embrace, educate don't imitate nor dominate. Another example, if you are inspired by Baja Mexico, do your research, make the campaign look amazing and show how to work the colors, textures and tones into the everyday or special occasion looks.


5. The end of the Glittery Nail Struggle


I've posted before on my struggle with glitter nail polish, soaking doesn't work, rubbing takes off the color, not the glitter, twisting causes scratching on my nail surface..its a useless battle that has me sitting the bench instead of participating in the glitter party. Can someone please re-develop a formula so that glitter nail polish can easily be taken off without the threat of harming yourself in the process?


That is all for 2012.


 

Fall 2011 Looks: Rodarte's Rustic Inspired Lips

 Photos: Style.com and MAC Cosmetics 

MAC Photo lipstick swatch

I'm always anxious to see what looks Rodarte comes up with for their RTW fashion shows and was sorely disappointed when their MAC collaboration didn't pan out, I'm still holding out hope that they will create a makeup collab, after all for Spring 2012 NARS will now command the looks for the show. Ok, back to Fall 2011 where the look conjured "Mid-West, Prairie and Rustic" and the official lipstick chosen for the Rodarte this season is MAC's Photo.
Photo has been in MAC's lipstick lineup for quite along time. I remember looking at the color a few years ago trying to wrap my head around how to make it work albeit without trying it on. Just looking at the color from the tube reminds me of Rayanne Graff from My So Called Life and her makeup application moments in the ladies room, so mid-ninties, so passed over but definitely worth the try.
So after applying then walking around Soho busily looking in the mirror, I walked back into MAC and purchased Photo for my own. I had to do a bit of application adjusting as Photo has a Satin finish ( that's how you can tell its an older color, MAC now pushes Glosses, Glazes and Glass finishes) so I used a lighter hand. Overall I'm pleased with this re-earthed gem that Rodarte has brought to my attention.

Summer Fierceness @ Bar 13 with Dee and Michael Antonio

Pictured L to R: Dee at Double-D Productions  and Michael Antonio at Michael Antonio.net

On the way out from a summer soiree last night, Leizel and I spotted these beauties on our way out. Dee is wearing NARS Eyepencil topped with MAC on the lips and Michael Antonio is looking flawless in MAC!

DIY Beauty: Lacroix's Obsession

In light of MAC's Blogger Obsessions collection launching on June 21st, I figured it was time for me to create a new beauty product, even though my confection won't be available to the masses, it should inspire you to take what you've got and make what you want with it.
 With that, I present to you, Shangri-La Multi-Glow.

Shangri-La with Flash

Shangri-La with no flash

The color, a hot mustard honey-yellow with gold and peach subtle shimmer was inspired by Shangri-La, the mythical place described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon,  an earthly paradise isolated from the outside world. Shangri- La was also briefly conceptualized in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.

This multi-functional color was created with some of the following ingredients:
MAC Goldenrod Eyeshadow
YSL  Palette Fauve yellow-orange eyeshadow
MAC Fresco Cream Color Base
Smith's Rosebud Salve 

Shangri-La be used as a luminizer on the face or as a lip color. I recently used it as a lip color and love the result. Swatches to come!

Launching June 21st- MAC's Blogger's Obsessions

In April, MAC invited 9 bloggers to create their very own Lipglass and Eyeshadows for us to enjoy! Among the nine are Patrice from Afrobella.com; Wendy from Nitrolicious.com and Karen from Makeupandbeautyblog.com who contributed some lipglass shades that are already creating a buzz on other beauty and fashion blogs as well as the Twitterverse!
The launch is exclusively online for the US and Canada.
I hope I'm able to get my hands on lipglass creations!
In the meantime, I think I am due to create my own cosmetic confection...

Revisited: MAC for Alexander McQueen and the Savage Beauty Experience

MAC for Alexander McQueen Fall 2007. Clockwise: New Vegas Mineralized Skinfinish, Pagan Eyeshadow, Haunting Eyeshadow, Nile Eyeshadow and Archetype lipstick

Swatches from top to bottom: Pagan,Haunting, Nile, New Vegas and Archetype

Pieces from Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This weekend I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition and was totally emasculated by all of works that were shared from his collections.
Last week, upon hearing that the exhibition would be opening a few days after the Met Ball hosted by Vogue and Anna Wintour, I started going through my makeup stash, revisiting my MAC for Alexander McQueen collection from October 2007. The MAC for Alexander McQueen collection was inspired by the Salem Witch trials, with which he had a familial connection and Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra. The makeup look was from Taylor's role as Cleopatra, strong eyebrows, heavy eyeshadow with extended cat-eye and glowing skin.
I remember my initial thoughts of the collection of vibrant yellow-greens, sea-foam teal and golden as too out there, but they worked well once applied, whether it was everyday subtle with a "wash" of color on the lid and a dab of lipstick or applied heavy and dramatic.
This collection was ahead of its time just like its co-creator, Alexander McQueen.
Savage Beauty brought you some of his pieces from his famed Central Saint Martins thesis collection and some pieces he created in the early late 1990's while he worked for Givenchy up until his last runway collection shown Plato's Atlantis.
My favorite was his fall 2005 collection which was displayed on a chess board, with each model being moving chess pieces and the inspiration ranged from a pucci-esque swimsuit with football pads to overly curvy silhouette's with horsehair trim and Gemma Ward having a carved bonsai tree as a headpiece. The color palette featured camel, lilac and a melting pot of colors in between.

The Savage Beauty Exhibit at the Met is open until July 31st and I definitely plan to revisit in the next month or so. I loved it all, the videos, the collections, the thoughts and the clothing. So moving and theatrical, there is and will be nothing else like it.

Win it!: New York Fashion Week Giveaway!

How to Enter the NYFW Give away:

Leave a comment in this post or send an email to Lacroixthebeautyblog at gmail.com or tweet me @Lavande_G about your favorite NYFW designer!

One (1) lucky winner will be chosen at random from the entries/comments in this post to receive one (1) MAC Lipglass, one (1) MAC Haute and Naughty Mascara, one (1) Shopbop discount coupon for 20% off your purchase, one (1) Charlotte Ronson- Diet Pepsi Skinny Collaboration Tee-shirt and one (1) The Find.com Tote Bag.

Special Thanks to IFB, Milk Studios, MAC Cosmetics, The Find.com, Charlotte Ronson for Diet Pepsi and Shopbop.com

Giveaway Starts: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 – Now
Giveaway Ends: Sunday, February 20, 2011 – 11:59pm EST
Winner will be announced via email and here on Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MAC Soho Wonderwoman Pop-up shop

Just when I thought that nothing great can come of a snowy winter's day drudging along Soho comes MAC's Wonderwoman pop-up shop!
The newly renovated MAC Soho location is currently home of the new Wonderwoman collection as well as the regular line's favorites. Plus this is the only location to have the full Wonderwoman collection about 2 weeks from the official launch on February 10th.
I did manage to pick up the new giant sized lipglass in Wonderwoman, a sheer apple red with shimmer and the re-packaged Russian Red lipstick.
This new collection comes with an increase in pricing as well. According to my receipt the lipglass is $20 and dually noted as " large", the size is .37 oz compared to the standard .17 oz. The lipstick was $15.50 and I'm sure that the special packaging also attributes to the price increase as well.

The unveiling is coming up next week where I will have full collection coverage, at the Soho pop-up I found that not all of the collection was in its encasing. Until then, enjoy the photos!

disclaimer: all products photographed were purchased by me