M·A·C Opulash Optimum Black.

Who wants the most bold, black and eyelashes exceeding length and volume normally achieved with mascara? I do! I CANNOT apply false lashes for the life of me.  I have tried all types to no avail.  Thus, I stick with mascara.  I have a mascara for everyday, one for a smoky eye, colored mascara for special eye looks and then sometimes I need one for the super duper over the top lash look I love (which is more often than not). The latest mascara in my line up on my vanity is this new one from M·A·C. Meet M·A·C Opulash Optimum Black.
 

Something bolder, better, blacker, badder! The race is on to build the best Dramatic Volume and Curl ever. M·A·C Mascara is on the up, trending big, growing gargantuan – so here it is! M·A·C Opulash Optimum Black is your new way forward for a more impressive, imperious build, a more saturated black, with the vroom of extra-volumization, delivered dramatically with our most bodacious brush yet – it’s bigger than beyond! And Intense! Hence the extreme expansion and curl, formed from a blend of silica plates of mica and natural kaolin to thicken and grab each lash with every application, for an intense lay-down with succinctly sexy separation.

Resists flaking, smudging, and humidity, with multifunctional emollient ester flexibility, superior adhesion, and water-gel instant conditioning for even the most sensitive of eyes.  And it lasts 15 hours! The spotlight is on superlative style, state-of-the-art science, and the urge to merge the two....Opulash Optimum Black is the Bat-For-Lashes bomb!

The brush is huge! It takes a few tries to get used to such a large brush, but having tried so many before, it was not that difficult. Just be careful navigating around the corners of your eyes as to be sure not to poke them.  The formula is thick and lush and spreads evenly with just one coat. Two coats and wow - lashes are thick, with no clumps, of course.  I experienced all day wear with Opulash, with no smudging or flaking at all.

I love that one thing this mascara  (wonder if it's in the soon to be released MAC Holiday 2011 collection?) does is resists humidity! Those of us who spend any time in New England or summer in Florida (crazy, I know!) with the high levels of humidity, thank you for that quality alone.

M·A·C Opulash Optimum Black is for sale today at all M·A·C counters, stores and online at maccosmetics.com.  It retails for $15.00.

M·A·C Prime Focus.

As I have gotten older, I have faced the fact that I need more than just good makeup and skin care.  I need the extra help of primers. I consider primers to be a part of my skin care routine as thy are a very important step in the overall process.  A good primer not only helps to keep makeup in place all day perfectly, it smoothes the skin, protects the skin, even it out and more.  It really makes you skin the perfect canvas on which to apply makeup.

M·A·C has their Prep & Prime line that features just that. Products to prep the skin and prime it for perfect makeup application.  Today, they are adding to it with these new beauties and they are calling it Prime Focus.

We’ve become THE high-performance Prep + Prime player backstage at Fashion Week. To keep up with the demand to achieve an even more awe-inspiring level of Artistry, M·A·C puts the latest must-haves right in the Pros’ hands again this season by taking Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35 global. This major multi-tasker functions as colour-corrector, face primer, and UV protector with light hydrating properties all-in-one. But innovation never idles; so we’re introducing NEW  Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed to glide on skin after for an undetectable and smooth, silky-soft, colourless aura, in the form of a compact cache to freshen up on-the-go. Day or night, runway or real time, these Primers are the start-to-finish every girl needs to get where she’s going in record time, ultimate chic! These are fast times. We’re running with it.

Take a look at the collection!

PREP+PRIME FORTIFIED SKIN ENHANCER SPF 35 - $30.00

• Adjust Light - neutral peach
• Illuminate - Pale lavender
• Neutralize - Pale yellow
• Recharge - Bronzy orange

I have tried Illuminate and Neutralize.  As I am self tanning right now, Neutralize is the shade for me these days.  It evens out my skin making the need for less foundation. It softens my lines and makes my skin just look better.  Illuminate is a more pink/lavender shade that totally brightens a look when used under makeup.  IT was too bright for my tan, but I can see this shade being perfect under foundation in the winter when I am more pale.

PREP+PRIME TRANSPARENT PRESSED FINISHING POWDER - $23.00

This finishing powder adds a beautiful soft focus look to the skin.  I am applying it with the MAC Bufffer Brush 182. It is a kabuki style brush that blends the powder into my skin so there is no white look left behind, only smooth flawless looking skin.

PREP+PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER - $23.00

All of the new Prime Focus products are available at all M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070
and maccosmetics.com today. Be sure to use all the right primers before using the MAC Holiday 2011 shades.

M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter.

It wasn’t until recently that I began using highlighter products. I used to think they were a non-essential, just something else to clutter the makeup drawer. I’ve dabbled with a few, but I was never super impressed. That is, until I met M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter ($23).

Let’s take a look at the stats, first, shall we? M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter is available in three shades: Light Boost (soft yellow creme), Radiant Rose (light shell pink), and Bright Forecast (light peachy coral). Delivered in a click-style pen, this highlighter promises to deliver sheer color and radiance. M.A.C. suggests that this product can be “use[d] over makeup for highlights, touchups, or under makeup to brighten and prime”. Sounds intriguing! I love a good multipurpose product.

Let me tell you: I dislike click-pens in a big way. I’m usually a little biased against anything with a click-pen package simply because I find them so annoying. With that out of the way… I am in love with M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter. Yes, it’s love! You got me, M.A.C. As they always wow me with the MAC Holiday Collections too.

This highlighter is everything promised: a sheer wash of color that adds an irresistible glow that’s not too shimmery or over the top. It is fabulous to brighten under the eyes, add a cheek or brow highlight, or even as a eye-shadow primer. Even better? I’ve found it to be pretty long-lasting and smudge-proof. (Even when trying to tissue off the swatch on my hand - ha!) 

Ready to snag your own? Check out maccosmetics.com for more info or to find a M.A.C. counter near you.