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Frederic Malle- Carnal Flower

2012-05-31T03:04:00Z

I'll be honest: Carnal Flower is not my favorite out of the grand dames of tuberose perfumes. The top spot belongs to Ferme tes Yeux and Fracas in extrait de parfum, and I doubt this is ever going to change, since even Dominique Ropion's Carnal Flower, created for Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums in 2005, did not change my mind. I'm biased, though, because Fracas simply smells better than on my skin, and that tends to skew one's opinion quite a bit. Still, I do acknowledge the fact that Carnal Flower is one magnificent fragrance.

I returned to this Frederic Malle perfume this week after reviewing a sub-par new tuberose fragrance. I wanted to re-calibrate my nose and remind myself how much I love this luscious flower on its many facets. Wearing Carnal Flower was the perfect way to do it, because it's it's incredibly nuanced and balanced, without leaning too heavily on any one of the flower's characteristics. It also doesn't try too hard to be pretty: Ropion took both the green freshness and the skin-like sensuality of his tuberose and stretched them until they almost touch the unpleasant aspects of reality: rot and decay. The freshly cut green stems start dying as soon as they're exposed to air; add to that a hint of overripe fruit (hello, melon!), and you get the underside of carnality.

In between, though, Carnal Flower also seduces with the sunshine of other white flowers: jasmine and orange blossom, and tempts with soft white musk. It's not too sweet and is also free of gardenia, making this Frederic Malle perfume one of those rare creatures: a tuberose fragrance that is not too femme (Cedre by Uncle Serge, Histoires de Parfums Tubereuse 3 L'Animale, and JAR's Ferme tes Yeux. are the only others I can think about). A man who loves tuberose should be able to wear Carnal Flower without feeling too self-conscious, something is probably a lot harder to do with Her Grace, Fracas.

Notes: tuberose, bergamot, melon, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, jasmine, white musk, coconut, and orange blossom absolute.

Frederic Malle- Carnal Flower ($155, 30ml in 3x10ml travel sprays) is available from Frederic Malle boutiques, Barneys, and Aedes, as well as online.

Art: Tuberose by Yulia of yuliart.blogspot.com

Get the celebrity look: Kristen Stewart

2012-05-31T03:00:01Z

I wish I could pull off red lipstick like Kristen Stewart here. I think its so glamorous and reminds me a bit of those pretty starlets of the 1950?s. All you’d need for the sexy sultry look is a set of false lashes, some black liner and red lipstick. Maybe a little powder. Unfortunately for me, the red lipstick makes my pale skin look sallow and my big mouth is highlighted by the bright red. So read more

Introducing MAC Beth Ditto and Casual Color

2012-05-30T21:25:00Z

INTRODUCING

M·A·C BETH DITTO

Available June 7, 2012 through July 19, 2012

THE M∙A∙C BETH DITTO COLLECTION SHOOTS A KNOWING WINK TO CANDY-GLOSSED POP

Featuring Zoom Lash Mascara in 3 colours plus Zoom Fast Black Lash, Pro Longwear Lipcremes and Nail Lacquers. Premiering in this collection is Shade & Smoke Shadow/Liner, a dual-ended pairing of Eye Shadow and Greasepaint Liner for achieving a perfect smoky eye. And of course, there’s Liquidlast Liner and our 7 Lash for extra drama. With polished punk sensibility and shades ranging from tender to tart, this collection of unadulterated Beth Ditto aims the spotlight on you.

M·A·C Beth Ditto Available June 7, 2012 through July 19, 2012

LONGWEAR LIPCREME
LOVE LONG DISTANCE Light mauve YOU’RE PERFECT ALREADY Neutral pale pink
BOOYAH!! Bright orange DEAR DIARY Bright neon pink
HEART HANGOVER Deep purple SRP $17.00 U.S./$20.00 CDN
LIP PENCIL
IN SYNCH Bright yellow pink EMBRACE ME Vivid pinkish fuchsia
ENTERTAIN ME Clearly orange NIGHTMOTH Blackened plum
SRP $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN
M∙A∙C SHADE & SMOKE SHADOW/LINER
LITTLE MISS MOFFET True black liner/true white shadow
DRAG, STRIP Smoky navy liner/pale blue shadow
BETH MASK Reddish brown bronze liner/golden peach pink shadow
BETH OR GLORY Deep brown liner/bright blue shadow SRP $22.00 U.S./$26.00 CDN
ZOOM LASH MASCARA
PLUM RESERVE Light violet purple NEW HUE Blackened burgundy
BLUE CHARGE Deep navy blue SRP $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
ZOOM FAST BLACK LASH
ZOOM FAST BLACK LASH Black SRP $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
LIQUIDLAST LINER
POINT BLACK Black SRP $18.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN
NAIL LACQUER
NEAR BETH EXPERIENCE Light yellow (creme) LIFE AND BETH Milky peach (creme)
VAGABONDAGE Mid-tone lavender (creme) NOCTURNELLE Black (creme)
SRP $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
M∙A∙C POWDER TO THE PEOPLE SRP $38.00 U.S./$45.00 CDN
7 LASH SRP $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN

STILETTOS, OFF! HAIR, DOWN!

Enjoy this collection of our idea of weekend chic, which includes all-in-one NEW Lip and Cheek Colour Pots, Nail Lacquer, Prep + Prime Highlighter, Studio Fix Mascara, Mineralize Skinfinish and the 187 Brush. Effortless and easy, these lightweight, barely-there formulas feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. In shades including: Weekend Getaway, Lazy Sunday, Out for Fun. Relax, it’s M·A·C – but don’t slack, this collection is only available for a limited time.

STUDIO FIX LASH
Black Fix Black SRP $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
CASUAL COLOUR
Have A Lovely Day! Neutral nude (creme)
Lazy Sunday Baby pink (creme)
Weekend Getaway Cool rose (creme)
Relaxation Warm pink (creme)
Keep It Loose Warm peach (creme)
Keep It Casual Warm wine (creme)
Evening Stroll Violet cream (creme)
Out for Fun Cool coral (creme) SRP $20.00 U.S./$24.00 CDN
MINERALIZE SKINFINISH NATURAL
Medium Soft creamy beige (neutral) SRP $29.00 U.S./$34.00 CDN
PREP + PRIME HIGHLIGHTER
Brigh t Fore cas t Mid-tone peachy coral
Light Boost Soft yellow cream
SRP $23.00 U.S./$27.50 CDN
NAIL LACQUER
Style Tip Soft pink nude (creme) Please Me Mid-tone warm pink (creme)
Ballet Pale sheer ballet pink (creme) Tangerine Fizz Mid-tone orange coral (creme)
SRP $16.00 U.S./$19.00 CDN
BRUSH
187 Duo fibre face SRP $42.00 U.S./$50.50 CDN

Fashion Throwback: 10/20/2011

2012-05-30T12:11:35Z

This photo was taken last year right around my birthday. I wore a black floral headband from...

Get the celebrity look: Kristen Stewart

2012-05-30T22:57:06Z

I wish I could pull off red lipstick like Kristen Stewart here. I think its so glamorous and reminds me a bit of those pretty starlets of the 1950′s. All you’d need for the sexy sultry look is a set of false lashes, some black liner and red lipstick. Maybe a little powder.

Unfortunately for me, the red lipstick makes my pale skin look sallow and my big mouth is highlighted by the bright red. So basically I will never wear that color. But for those of you who can, I urge you to do it! Wear bright red lipstick and have fun.

I asked Stacey Ellis of Byu-Ti Salon to help detail Kristen’s look (minus the red lipstick on her front tooth). And here’s how to look like you are walking the red carpet:

Get This Red Hot Look with M.A.C Cosmetics

Face: Apply Mineralize Satin Finish Foundation with a sponge, to even out the skin tone. Dust on the Iridescent Loose Powder on a large powder brush.

Create a warm cheek with the Powder Blush color, Pinch Me. Apply with a medium sized powder brush.

Eyes: Start the eyes with Metal X Cream Shadow in the color, Fusion Gold. Apply this shade to the inside corner of the eye, under the brow and blend into the darker Eye Shadow shade called Follie.

Line the eye with black Fluidline Gel Eyeliner. Apply with a fine, firm brush along the top lash line.

Plump up the lashes with two coats of Black False Lash Mascara.

Define the brows with Brow Set

Lips: Blot out the lips with foundation on a sponge then apply Hey, Sailor! lipstick in the color Red Racer. Blot then re-apply.

Royal Desire by Christina Aguilera

2012-05-30T22:08:20Z

by Kristen Docker

Find yourself the center of attention when you wear this brand new fragrance from Christina Aguilera! With charming notes of white marshmallow, blackberry, mandarin, honeysuckle, herbs rose, lily, sandalwood, musk and cedar, Royal Desire will have you smelling seductive and powerful!

Christina Aguilera is mainly known as a music/fashion queen, but Royal Desire exposes another side of a queen she wants to be and she is sharing it with the world!

Royal Desire is described as “a sexy oriental fragrance punctuated by gourmand hints and surrounded by a luxurious symphony of flowers.” As the top note of blackcurrant and marshmallow wears off in minutes, the middle notes of honeysuckle and other florals follow, leaving the base notes of wood and musk as a final touch. One simple bottle holds all the power and femininity of an elegant queen. A single spritz leaves you seduced and empowered by royalty in a bottle.
Aguilera’s Royal Desire can be found at Kohls for under $50.

Hanakasumi™ Cherry Blossom Treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

2012-05-30T20:02:36Z

You all know how much I love to spa, right?! I mean I’ve only been talking about it for about 5 years now on this blog – remember this post? Well, I was invited back to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, and this time it was to experience the luxurious – yes, I said “LUXURIOUS” – Hanakasumi Cherry Blossom treatment!

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental describes the treatment as:

“Experience the ancient art of beauty with this relaxing and enchanting body ritual inspired by Japanese tradition. The journey commences with the application of a warmed exfoliating cream with Cherry Blossom & Rice Powder. A second exfoliating massage softens skin and invigorates the body. A unique foot massage based on reflexology revives vital energy complete with a full body massage of melted aromatic Shea butter bringing blissful relaxation.”

Now I’ll admit that I was hesitant at first because the service involved an exfoliation treatment and most of you know that I’m not a fan of exfoliation treatments administered at a spa (I prefer to apply those myself – at home). But, the treatment description sounded so luxurious that I couldn’t miss out.

I love how The Spa just gets it right! As soon as you step through the door it is all about relaxation. I was greeted with slippers, a warm towel for my hands and a cup of delicious cranberry hibiscus herbal tea. I was then asked to complete a client consultation form (remember this is a MUST!) and invited to experience the “heat and water oasis” before my treatment.

I was short on time, so I opted to spend the time before my treatment in the relaxation area (pictured above). And shortly thereafter, my spa therapist escorted me back to the treatment room, thoroughly explained the service, and asked if I had questions. She explained that the “cherry blossom & rice powder” was actually a gommage, which is not as aggressive and is a lot gentler than most body polishes. And unlike other exfoliating treatments, does not require the use of a shower to rinse off. I loved using gommage treatments while in esthetics school, so knowing this put my mind at ease and definitely helped set the tone for the service.

The treatment was not only gentle, but left my skin feeling like silk! When it ended, I could barely stand – that’s how relaxing it was! I think I almost melted off of the treatment table during the service. Yes, it was really that AMAZING! Get to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental NOW!

Why? Because YOU’RE worth it!

The Soho Project

2012-05-30T20:20:53Z

Treat yourself so that others can be treated fairly!

What girl does not love a good salon day? Well, your opportunity to start off your summer with a bang (or actual bangs) is here! Sip on champagne and other delectable summer delights while getting pampered by professional Beverly Hills hair stylists.

Please join Olympic Medalist Kimberly Glass, SoHo Project (www.sohoproject.com), Thalia Jewelry and the elite style team of Planet Salon in Beverly Hills on Monday, June 4th from 4-8pm and treat yourself while also raising money and awareness for FAIR Girls, an charity that prevents the exploitation of girls worldwide through education and empowerment. All the stylists will be donating both their talent and time for the cause. The suggested donation for a haircut is $50, blowout and makeup application for a suggested donation of $50. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcomed.

To book an appointment please call 310-990-2094 or email info@sohoproject.com

To pre-pay for your service with a credit card please visit: http://shear_goodness.charityhappenings.org/

*Also, that evening Thalia Jewelry will be showcasing a stunning jewelry collection benefiting FAIR Girls called the “Graces Collection”. Thalia Jewelry offers high-end, exquisite, one-of-a-kind Byzantine and Etruscan-inspired jewelry. So please stop by and purchase with a purpose! All the pieces are designed and made with love.

How Short Dare You Go?

2012-05-30T15:41:52Z

Deciding to go for a short or cropped hairstyle is a great choice; not only will your new hairstyle be easily managed and maintained but will give you plenty of freedom for different styles and appearances.

However, you shouldn’t make the decision lightly as once the hair is cut, there’s no going back. Consider the following points before you give your hairdresser the nod to chop:

Tip 1 – Your Face Shape

Although it’s often said that the majority of face shapes can cope with and work a short hair style, there’s also a lot to be said for getting the right shape for your face. Whilst round faces tend to work a style which is longer than the chin and therefore elongates the face rather than a style which sits around the ears and looks like a helmet, a longer face can really pull a longer style down and you may feel that your face is unnecessarily long as a result. In either event, it’s always wise to consider your face shape before choosing a style, although none should prevent you from having a short style.

Tip 2 – Your Neck

If you’ve only ever had long hair before then you might not have had to consider your shoulders, jawline and neck when deciding on a hairstyle. The best way of seeing if the style suits you and the shape of your neck and shoulders is to try a strapless top with your hair tied up. If you like the way the style makes your neck and shoulders look, then the chances are that you’ll like the way short hairstyles will look.

Tip 3 – Your Hair Type

Although hair which has a natural wave to it often suits short hair as it sits nicely, if you have tight curls and struggle to tame these under normal circumstances then a short style could leave you with an unfortunate mushroom shape. Some stylists (especially one who doesn’t know you) may refuse or try to persuade you out of having a short cut if you have particularly curly hair but it’s always worth being careful yourself as stylists might not take into account how you’re going to style your hair yourself.

Furthermore, if your hair is overly thick then you might want to reconsider any prospects of a short choppy do as eve thinning scissors can do so much and thick, short hair may look clumpy and bulky rather than choppy and fresh.

Tip 4 – Maintenance

Consider the amount of time you have to maintain the style. Contrary to popular belief, short cuts aren’t always the easiest to look after and you may need a lot of styling, masses of products and regular cuts to maintain the shape, length and effect of the cut. If you’re a get out of bed, pull hair into ponytail and leave home kind of person then you may find that the daily routine of daily washing and styling are too much for you to cope with.

Barry Wells enjoys rock climbing and blogs on fashion, celebrities and short hairstyles.

Disclosures: Girl Gloss at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

About the Author: Carleen Coulter

Soothe and Renew with a Single-use Mask from Masque*ology

2012-05-30T19:00:29Z

I had never heard of or tried single-use paper masks and then of course I got three different ones to sample in the course of about a week. Clearly this is a trend I need to jump on and see …

Rouge Bunny Rouge Large Shader Brush (003)

2012-05-30T19:05:00Z

Roube Bunny Rouge makeup brushes don't get the same amount of attention as the color products receive, and it's a shame, really, because these tools are top notch. Take, for example, Rouge Bunny Rouge Large Shader Brush (003): It has a thick medium size head of soft natural hair (my guess is sable, as it picks and holds more product that squirrel hair usually does). The brush is large enough for an all-over lid application and has enough bounce and fluffiness to blend it nicely.

As you can see, Rouge Bunny Rouge Large Shader (003) is of similar proportions to the magnificent RMK's Eye Shadow brush L. It's not quite as thick, but close enough, and is not much different in performance, unless you're using ultra soft, sheer, and shimmery Japanese eye shadows. In that case go with the RMK brush for an even application and minimal fallout. Other brushes in this category, Sephora Pro #12 (formerly the Platinum Collection) and Sue Devitt Refined Eyebase brush (the medium size of the three eye brushes by Sue Devitt), are flatter and not quite as soft and luxurious.

Bottom Line: Excellent.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Large Shader Brush #003 ($26) is available from Beautyhabit in the US and Zuneta if you're elsewhere in the world.

Lise Watier’s Summer Sunset Collection

2012-05-30T17:26:57Z

If you’re a fan of my Beauty Booty Facebook Page, then you’ve been staring right at the gorgeous new Summer Sunset Collection by Lise Watier for the last week. Read on to see my faves from this summer-ready collection.

I’ll start off with the Summer Sunset Bronzing Powder ($35). With a mixture of browns and perfect pinks, this tropical-looking combination makes for a deep bronzed effect with the perfect dash of colour on the cheekbones. I actually gave this one to my sister-in-law, a certified makeup artist herself, and she is totally in love.

For the gals who can’t get enough in the eyeshadow department, you might be interested to try the Summer Sunset Eyeshadow Palette in Tropical ($38). These long-lasting shades are perfect for summer, with a combination of essential earth tones and a few vivid brights.

Another one of my personal favourites is the CRYSTAL DROPS Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Tangerine ($18). It’s as shiny as the name makes it out to be so that makes it an instant summer hit for me. I also really like the DUO GLAM ROUGE INFINI Lipstick Duo ($27). It’s ideal for gals who can’t ever decide between lipstick and lip gloss.

I have to hand it to Lise Watier, this collection is jam-packed with high-quality goods at reasonable prices. I’m a big fan. What do you think of the new collection?

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Lise Watier’s Summer Sunset Collection

2012-05-30T17:26:57Z

I have to hand it to Lise Watier, this collection is jam-packed with high-quality goods at reasonable prices. I’m a big fan. What do you think of the new collection?

Become a fan on Facebook!

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Lunasol Fall 2012 Makeup Collection

2012-05-30T17:15:46Z

Lunasol will release its fall 2012 makeup collection in Japan on August 17th. Check here for images of the collection tweeted by the editor of Frau, a Japanese lifestyle magazine. (Follow the link in the tweet and click on the right arrow for two additional images.)

More information/images to follow!

Related posts:

Lunasol Summer 2012 Makeup Collection

Lunasol Spring 2012 Makeup Collection

Lunasol Modeling Cheeks in EX01 Soft Pink

Chandler Burr Launches Untitled Series On OpenSky

2012-05-30T17:19:00Z

Many of us tend to get cranky with perfume marketing. You know the drill: a new perfume is launched, be it a mainstream designer fragrance or a semi-obscure niche one, and the marketing team behind the brand spends way too much time, money, and energy, weaving a story or adding an air or exotic mystery around it. That is, when they don't just slap an overly sexy (borderline soft porn) image to try and convince us that this is the way to make ourselves irresistible. Do they really think we're that dumb?

(yes, they probably do)

Chandler Burr, he former scent critic for The New York Times and the curator of The Department of Olfactory Art at New York's Museum of Arts and Design, wants to strip perfume from the hype and see what happens. Burr partnered with OpenSky, a new online store. OpenSky offers collection of various items, hand-picked by experts, celebrities, and reality TV personalities. Not everything there is this fascinating, but Chandler Burr's Untitled series is probably the most interesting experiment in perfume anti-marketing I've come across. Once a month, he will choose and offer a fragrance in a 50ml lab bottle. There will be no label, title or any identifying details, and no purple prose describing it. The perfumes themselves are not new launches: they're already on the market, some more famous than others. Burr will choose scents he thinks are worth our time and effort because they are good and make an artistic point, no matter if they're mainstream or niche, old (late 19th century) or new; the styles of the perfumes will vary. From the press release:

There will be only 100 bottles available in the series, 100 bottles available in June, followed by a limited number to follow, depending on the scent. The first fragrance called S01E01 (Season One Episode One) and will launch this Friday, June 1st on OpenSky. The identity of the scent as well as more about the artist who created it will be revealed to shoppers on the last day of June. The series will continue with a new launch on the first of every month and a subsequent reveal on the last day of each month.

I think this is an amusing exercise that has the potential to make a poignant point about perfumes and the people who buy them. I'm curious to see how it goes and what will be the chosen perfumes. I hope it will have at least some impact on the industry, but maybe it's too optimistic an idea. At least, we can have fun trying to guess and figure out the juice in the Untitled bottles. What do you think? Will you give it a try?

Photo of Chandler Burr courtesy of OpenSky.com

Grungy-to-Glam Hair Makeover

2012-05-30T11:56:00Z

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeover article

Micki is tired of her long, damaged hair. After years of avoiding trims and bleaching her hair blonde, she came to us ready for a change. See how our makeover team worked their magic to give her a hair and makeup transformation that really wowed her. Plus, get tips on how you can copy the look at home.

361/365 Days of Makeup

2012-05-30T16:00:22Z

By Sheila Arkee

Purple, purple, purple eyeshadow. One of my all-time favorite shades, I kept things interesting with a heavier crease and melange of various colors.

Base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Inner Lid: Too Faced Honeymoon

Lid: MAC Stars and Rockets

Outer Lid: MAC Nocturnelle

Outer Corner: MAC Signed, Sealed

Browbone: Too Faced Bouquet Toss

Liner: Urban Decay Zero

Brows: NYX Eyebrow Cake in Taupe/Ash

Mascara: Revlon Photoready 3D Volume layered with Jordana Best Lash Extreme

Lancome Artliner Waterproof Gold Passion (103) Summer 2012 Precision Point Eyeliner

2012-05-30T16:34:00Z

Lancome Artliner has been a permanent fixture in my collection for about twenty years. It used to be one of the first and few felt tip eyeliners on the market, and had set the standards for ease of application, performance, and longevity. This season Lancome is offering a waterproof version, Summer 2012 Precision Point Eyeliner, in three colors: Gold Passion (103), Bronze Desire (104), and Pink Luxe (200). I chose Gold Passion, a blackened, brassy, dirty gold.

The waterproof formula of the summer Artliners seems to have required Lancome to change the applicator. This is not a pen, but a foam-tip that's dipped in the tube. I'm not the biggest fan of foam tips because they can be extremely floppy (I assume to protect one from stabbing herself in the eye, for which my klutzy self is thankful). Lancome's version is pretty solid, or at least I've seen a lot worse. It's easy enough to use and with some practice can yield a nice fine line. Since Gold Passion is not too dark or harsh, I actually like to draw a thicker line than I would with black or dark brown. The metallic finish is not glittery or too obvious, and it plays well with many eye shadows and/or a navy blue mascara.

Lancome's new waterproof formula is also different from the original by being somewhat flaky. I prime my lids religiously, so I never experienced a problem while actually wearing this Artliner, but when I remove my eye makeup this eyeliner comes off in chunks and flakes, so you should take extra care to prevent the debris from wandering off into the eye (and keep eye drops handy, as I learned the hard way).

Bottom Line: Nice. I wish for a similar color in the regular line.

Lancome Artliner Waterproof Gold Passion (103) Summer 2012 Precision Point Eyeliner ($29.50) is available at the counters and from lancome-usa.com.

Spring Scents with Callio and Illuminum

2012-05-30T15:15:00Z

I ran into an old co-worker over the weekend and she asked me what couple of fragrances I could recommend to help her get her spring on. And these next two were at the tip of my tongue.

CALLIO Fragrance in Kiele – the line was launched in the fall of 2011 and is made up of 6 signature scents, soaps, and body lotions. I have not been able to get enough of this Kiele since the first whiff. It’s made up of island flowers: gardenia, jasmine and tuberose. $20/1oz @ calliofragrance.com.

ILLUMINUM White Gardenia Petals EDP – did you ever wonder what scent the Dutchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, wore on her wedding day? Well this is it! It has top notes of Lily, middle of white gardenia, muguet and jasmine, on a base of amber wood. Very sophisticated. $140/50ml, $190/100ml, $4/sample @ luckyscent.com.

Disclosure: Samples of these items were provided for review purposes.

Current Obsession: MAC Hey, Sailor! Collection

2012-05-30T15:18:23Z

MAC Cosmetics is out with a fabulous nautical-inspired collection, Hey, Sailor! Packaged in sassy stripes and with bright, punchy colors, this is one collection that you don’t want to miss out on. Read on for more…

The MAC Hey, Sailor! Colour Collection is a full 40-piece colour collection, with everything from lipstick to bronzers. Some of my favorite products in the collection are the Suntints SPF 20, the High-Light Powder, Jaunty Eye Shadow (a perfect everyday neutral), Powder Blush in Fleet Fast and the Touch of Red Nail Lacquer. I found the quality of pigmentation in this collection to be very good, overall.

I love MAC Powder Blushes ($21). A standout in this collection is Fleet Fast, a pinky, golden coral. It’s been my go-to blush almost every day since I got it. Excellent pigmentation and wear. I have to be mindful to build color gradually so as not to over apply. Grab this one!

Red Racer Lipstick ($15.50) has a satin finish and is a bright yellow-red; it’s so hard for me to find a shade of red that works, that I may buy another one to have on hand! Great depth of color and coverage in a lipstick.

High-Light Powder in Crew is a soft peachy cream with fine shimmer. The perfect finish to makeup, $28.

The Hey, Sailor! Nail Lacquers in Vestral White and Touch of Red go on effortlessly and give bright, clear color with two coats ($16 each).

Another standout for me are the Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balm. Sheer, portable tubes of color–I’m loving the Au Rose shade; a poppy, coraly pink with gold pearl and Abalone, a see-through hot pink ($16).

Check out the cute Gone Sailing bucket-style canvas tote ($45) and Gone Sailing Makeup Bag Set ($35), both done in a Marine-strip pattern.

The MAC Hey, Sailor! Collection is available now at all MAC locations and www.maccosmetics.com through June. Don’t let this collection sail away!