Wednesday, December 15, 2010

My Final Review on Sigma Professional and Complete Brush Kits & A funny coincidence...or was it??? : D


I've had both of my brush sets for quite a long time now, I believe almost a year, and I feel the need to elaborate on my initial review of them. As we all know, the more you use a product the more opinions you have of it. With time the bad qualities show their ugly faces, and the good qualities become better. I would like to share the good, the bad, and the ugly with you. lol : D

I also wanted to share something I found extremely funny with you guys. In My Initial Review & Update I wrote a nice little "rant" note to Sigma for not selling their brushes individually. I let them know that their potential costumers, including myself, were taking there business else where in order to purchase their favorite Sigma brushes individually. I let them know how dumb of a business decision I thought this was, to allow other companies/people to make a profit off of Sigma's products simply by splitting up their sets and selling them at a more profitable price.

Well well, I think enough of us ranted about this situation, and Sigma was definitely listening and reading all of our complains on this matter. Mostly, I think that they realized what dumb asses they were being to allow their profits to go to other sellers simply because their company wasn't supplying their costumers with what they wanted. Now, Sigma offers both face and eye brushes that can be purchased individually! *sarcasm*  Great idea Sigma! lol!

Now for my updated review...I'm going to make this a painless as possible. Over the past several months of using my brushes, I have figured out that Sigma brushes are basically hit or miss. Some being fantastic, while others need to find their way to the nearest trash can, and others are un-necessary when you buy the sets, especially if you are just looking for essential brushes. So, that's how we're going to do this, I'm going to break them down in to categories for you and give you an updated review on each one.

Fantastic Sigma Brushes
F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki (SS197)- The best flat top kabuki brush I have ever used to apply liquid foundation. It also works very nicely to apply a pressed powder foundation. I always use this brush in a swirling motion all over my face. It gives great coverage with a flawless finish.

F70 Concealer (SS194)- Thankfully, I personally don't have to use this brush very often. But, it works great when I need to apply concealer to any blemishes I may have.

F05 Small Contour (SS109)- I wanted a 109 brush to apply liquid foundation with. After hearing all of the complaints about the MAC109 brush shedding so badly after using it with liquid foundation (it wasn't made for liquid products). I decided not to spend the extra money on MAC and just to pick up a F05 (SS109), that way if the brush started to shed I wouldn't be out so much money. I'm glad I did because my F05 (SS109) has not given me any trouble with shedding and works great for applying my liquid foundations.

F40 Large Angled Contour (SS168)- Some say that the SS168 is not as good as the MAC168 because the F40 (SS168) is not quite as dense. I never really noticed a difference myself. After I closely examined the brushes side by side I could see that the F40 (SS168) is slightly less dense, but I still think that the F40 (SS168) is just as good. The F40 (SS168) gives the same results as the MAC168. It applies and blends all of my powder blushes very well without being blotchy or streaky. I have also used it for contouring the cheek bones and it works fine for that as well.

F20 Large Powder (w/ Sort Handle) (SS134)- I don't use this type of powder brush that often, but if you are looking for a "paddle" type powder brush I think this one is the best choice. This brush applies nicely and gives a even finish, and is soo soft. However, I do think that the MAC134 maybe just ever so slightly denser. This does not effect the result of the application. So, I chose the Sigma one because the price is right.

F30 Large Powder (w/ Long Handle) (SS150)- My opinion of this brush is exactly the same as for the F20 (SS134). It's slightly less dense than the MAC150, but is still a great brush for the price. However, I don't think that you need both the F20 (SS134) and F30 (SS150). It just depends if you prefer the shorter or longer handle. So, the choice is yours.

E25 Blending (white hair) (SS217)- This is a fantastic brush and I recommend getting more than one of these brushes. In one single eye look I can easily use two or three of these brushes, simply because I need a clean one, as well as for all of the tasks I use it for. I use this brush for crease application, outer V work, and blending. This is truly a multi-tasker, and the E25 (SS217) is every bit as good as the MAC217. I've actually experienced less splaying with my E25 (SS217) than the MAC217.

E40 Tapered Blending (rounded w/ black hairs) (SS224)- This is another fantastic multi-tasker that you will need to buy more than one of. I use this brush for blending out harsh edges of my eye shadow, applying concealer, application of my setting powder on top of my concealer, and I have even used this brush to highlight the bridge of my nose and cheek bones. I've also used it to contour the sides of my nose with. I do see a very slight difference in the density of this brush compared to the MAC224, but it does not effect the application in any way.

E60 Large Shader (SS252)- I love this shader brush. I use it for placement of my eye shadows and pigments. I'm not going to compare it to MAC because the design is totally different. They are both wonderful brushes.

E65 Small Angle (SS266)- A must have for gel/cream eye liner application. It makes winged eye liner a breeze. I also use this one to shade in my brows a bit. This is another brush that I bought more than one of.

F25 Tapered Face (SS138)- I wasn't sure what category to put this brush in. It is trashy for sculpting. Because again, the Sigma tapered brushes are poorly cut. However, I did find a good use for this brush. I really like it to apply my setting powder with. I actually prefer it for powder application over all of my other powder brushes. I like to only powder my T-zone and leave the rest of my face with a nice natural glow. This brush is ever so slightly tapered and is narrower than any of my other "paddle" type powder brushes, so it is easier to use the F25 (SS138) to apply powder.


Trashy Sigma Brushes
E30 Pencil (SS219)- This is by far the crappiest brush of the entire collection. Sorry to be so blunt, but I really just threw this brush in the trash. It was that bad. The cut of this brush is horrible. I don't see how anyone could ever use this brush for it's intended purpose because the brush is not cut precisely enough to use it to apply a nice neat line of shadow under the lower lash line. It creates a large thick smear of color. Even after I gave this brush a much needed hair cut to better define the fibers and make it more precise. I still thew it away. You really can't turn a pile of crap into a pot of gold. lol : D

E45 Small Tapered Blending (SS226)- I have the same problem with this brush as I do with the SS219. The cut of this brush is not to hot. It's not quite as bad as the SS219, but still it's not what I would call a good brush.

E35 Tapered Blending (tapered w/ white hairs) (SS222)- Same thing with this brush. The cut is just not as precise as it should be. The brush can still be used successfully to achieve good results, but you really have to take your time and work with the E35 (SS222). The MAC222 is much better and takes less effort to get great results.

E05 Eye Liner (SS209)- This thing is to fat. It's like if you were using one of those fat Crayola Markers to apply your eye liner instead of a sharp pencil. The MAC209 is a better choice and allows for a more precise application, because it is thinner and the hairs are denser and stay together better.

F35 Tapered Highlighter (SS165)- Same old song and dance. Sigma's tapered brushes are poorly cut, and can't be used to precisely apply anything. The MAC165 is just so much better. I even tried to use this one like I use my F05 (SS109) and apply foundation with it so that it wouldn't be a total waste, but then the hairs started shedding like crazy. It's junk.

F15 Duo Fiber Powder/Blush (SS131)- Horrible. I was wanting this brush to be good so badly, because I missed out on the MAC131 when it was released, but this was a disappointment. I have mentioned that some of the other Sigma brushes were slightly less dense than the MAC brushes, but it did not affect the great outcome of the application. This is not the case with the F15 (SS131), the hairs on this brush are way to sparse. The application is horrible, streaky, and uneven. I also got a significant amount of bleeding from this brush when I washed it. If you can get a hold of the MAC131 get it. If you can't the MAC188 or MAC187 will do the same job as far as blush application goes, it just depends if you would rather the small or the large size.

F50 Duo Fiber (SS187)- This brush maybe slightly less dense than the MAC187. I compared to see and honestly I can't see the difference. Even if it is less dense it has no effect on the application. The application is great with this brush. I use it to stipple my liquid foundation and I have always gotten flawless results. The reason why I gave this brush away and went back to my MAC187 is because the damn thing sheds so much. Just when you think it has stopped it starts shedding again. I hated having to pick of all those little hairs off my face.

F60 Foundation (SS191)- I have never liked this brush by any company. I find that when used for foundation application it leaves streaks and gives an uneven application. If you would like a "paddle" type foundation brush I suggest the MAC189.


Brushes I Just Don't Think are Necessary
E50 Large Fluff (SS227)- This brush is meant for applying a wash of color on the lid. I find it to be to large for my eyes, and my eyes are not small. I have used this brush for highlighting my cheek bones and it works fine, but I still say that it is an unnecessary brush being that you already get the F40 (SS168) which works fine for highlighting.

F65 Large Concealer (SS192)- I used to use this brush to apply my under eye concealer. I have started using the E40 (SS224) for this and it works sooo much better. It blends the concealer into the skin so much better. I have also used this brush in the past to apply my cream blush with. Now, I perfer the MAC188 for applying cream blush. It blends better and gives a more even application.

F75 Concealer (yellow hair, medium sized one) (SS195)- This brush can be used to apply concealer precisely, such as on a blemish on your face. I use the F70 (SS194) for this since it is smaller. You can also use the F75 (SS195) brush to apply under eye concealer with. I prefer the E40 (SS224) for this job. You may also use this brush to apply other cream products with such as paint pots or eye shadows bases. I would much rather use the E25 (SS217).

E70 Medium Angle Shading (SS275)- This is suggested to apply brow highlight shade, apply eyeshadow to inner corners, and for detailed outer V work. The only suggestion that worked for me was to use it to apply brow highlight shade. It works good for that, but so does just about every other eye brush, ex. E60 (SS252)or MAC239. The E70 (SS275) is way to large to apply eye shadow precisely to any eye area. I suggest the MAC272 or MAC226 for precise crease and outer V work, and the MAC219 to apply eyeshadow to the inner corner with.

E20 Short Shader (SS214)- They suggest this brush be used to densely apply eye shadow on the lid. The E60 (SS252) or MAC239 can be used for the same thing. They suggest this brush to also be used to apply and smudge eye shadow or eye liner on the lash lines. I think that the MAC219 is a better choice for doing this.

E10 Small Eye Liner (SS210)- I never use this brush. If you already have the MAC209 this one is not necessary it does the same job.

F10 Powder/Blush (SS129)- This is a good brush. I just rather use the F40 (SS168) or MAC116 to apply my blush with.


Sigma Brushes I Don't Have
F55 Small Duo Fiber (SS188)- I do not plan to buy this brush based on my opinion of the SS187 & SS131

F82- I'm going to give this one a try simply because I love the (SS197) F80 Flat Top Kabuki so much. I'm wondering how this would work for applying under eye concealer, and if it will replace my SS224 for concealer.

F84 Angled Top Sinthetic Kabuki- I can't wait to see how this will work to apply my cream blushes with.

F45 Buffer- I already have the MAC181, so I don't think I need it.

Hollywood Glamour Retractable Kabuki- I already have an Ecotools retractable kabuki that I rarely ever use, so what the point in buy another one.

Looks like I will be making a small Sigma Order soon : )

The bottom line is that the Sigma brushes that are tapered suck because they are poorly cut, and Sigma duo-fibers bleed and some are not as dense as they should be. I also think that when you buy brush sets you pay for brushes that you may not necessarily use. Remember you can now order the brushes individually and order multiples of your favorites.

I hope you enjoyed my new take on the Sigma Brushes. I was never really satisfied with my first review of them and it was kind of a difficult post for me to do. I really didn't know what I wanted to say about them. I think that it was because I hadn't used them long enough to really know how I felt about them. The facts were good, and really my opinion really didn't change that much. But, I just didn't feel confident about what I had written. I guess that happens to us bloggers from time to time. Now, I am happy with the information that I have put out here for you guys to see. I hope you enjoy reading it, and it helps you to decide which brushes to buy. Please let me know what you think of your Sigma brushes. I love hearing from everyone.


Please remember that every review you see on this blog is a true representation of my honest opinion. I have never and will never be affiliated with any company mentioned. I purchase all of the products I review with my own money, and would never be interested in receiving free products or money in exchange for a great review. This is an honest woman's blog.
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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Cham Pale Collection Photos & Swatches - Yes, I said swatches!


I'm so happy to say here are the Cham Pale Swatches! I know we have all been waiting to see them. With the new MAC secrecy policy, it is great that someone was able to help us out. Thank you so much to Haruhii! We appreciate this wonderful post from you! I hope that she can keep them coming for us, please. Enjoy everyone!

To see my Cham Pale Color Story with pictures and product descriptions visit my Cham Pale Collection post here on Pretty Little Cajun Queen.

Judging from these swatches I will be getting...
Lavander Fix +- $19.50
Caviar Dreams Palette- $36.00
Quite, Please Lipstick- B2MAC
Let Me Pop Paint Pot- $16.50
Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot- $16.50
Continue reading...

My Favorite Department Store & Drugstore Makeup Products of 2010 by Brand


I have been working endlessly on this huge post for you guys. I decided to do this so that everyone can see my tried and true favorite products and maybe try some out for yourselves. These would also be great in a nice little gift basket for Christmas. These are all items that I have repurchased over and over and have stood the test of time, and hung in there beyond the "New & Improved" products. I give all of these products a ♥♥♥♥♥ rating! So let's get started, this is going to be fun...

Benefit
  • Coralista Blush- This is a beautiful light coral shade that has great lasting power and would flatter most skin tones. You can purchase Benefit's Coralista Blush at Sephora for $28 US.

    • Powderflage- I use this as a setting & highlighting powder for my under eye concealer. It insures that your concealer will not crease or move around on the skin. I also use it as a highlight on the tops of my cheek bones. I don't use the brush that comes with it because I don't like how it distributes the product. I prefer using a fluffy blending brush, like the 224. I know that the packaging is small, but trust me this stuff is worth it. All you need is a tiny bit to get the job done. You can purchase Benefit's Powderflage at Sephora for $28 US.


      Clinique

      • Brush on Cream Eye Liner- I'm usually not a fan of many Clinique makeup products. I find their pigmentation lacking, and their green packaging ummm, ugly. Sorry, I like it ALL to be pretty. However, this is the exception. I first found these gel/cream eyeliners at the CCO in Gulfport, MS. The SA actually suggested them to me. I purchased Bronze and Egyptian for I believe $10.25 ea. US. I can wear these all day no matter what the weather conditions and I never get raccoon eyes. They are easy to apply and don't dry up quickly at all. I've had mine for several months and they're still as good as new. These particular shades are discontinued now, but the regular line shades are just as good. There is Black Honey (black/brown) Deep Brown, True Black.You can purchase Clinique Brush on Cream Eye Liner at Sephora for $14.50 US.
       MAC
      • Eyeshadows- I don't have certain favorite shades of eye shadows. It just depends on what I feel like wearing at the moment. That is what is so great about MAC eye shadows, variety! MAC eye shadows come in all sorts of shades and finishes. I will say this, be very careful when you purchase Lustre shades, some of them are all glitter and no color payoff, ex. Honeylust. However, some are pretty good, ex. Retrospeck. My advice, never buy a Lustre shade on-line unless you are sure of the texture and color payoff. If you see one you're interested in go to the store and swatch it first. You can purchase MAC eye shadows in pot form for $14.50 US and pan form for $11.00 US on the MAC web-site, in MAC Freestanding Stores, MAC Pro, or MAC counters in Dillard's.


          • Mineralize Skinfinishes- These are probably the most sought after and coveted MAC products, and for good reason. They are gorgeous! MAC carries a few of these on the regular line, but the most beautiful are always brought out as limited edition products. These can be used as a highlighter or as gorgeous blushes depending on the shade. My only grip is some can be overly glittery (Color Craft collection) so be careful of those if you don't care for glitter bombs. You can purchase Mineralize SkinFinishes on the MAC site for $ US. Keep a watch for the limited edition ones. You can purchase them here as well, but they go fast.



            • Paint Pots- I recently did a full review on 2 of my favorite paint pots, so I won't bore you. However, I must say, "No Creasing!" You can purchase Paint Pots on the MAC site for $16.50 ea. US.

              • Empty Quads & 15 Pro Pan Palettes- I love the new design for the quads with the clear lid. It makes organization so much easier. I had heard that the 15 palettes would be changed to the clear lid as well, but it doesn't seem like it will be any time soon if at all. I'm waiting until the new year and if they haven't changed by then I will be purchasing the new quads for all of my eyeshadows. The quads and 15 palettes are a great price for great quality.Quads are $5 US and 15 Pro Pans are $14 US you can purchase these on the MAC website.

                • MAC Brushes- 187, 188, 131, 165, 138, 209, 239, 226, 219, 222- Actually they are all great, but these are my favorite for the price. You can buy them on the MAC web-site. Prices depend on the brush.
                Make Up For Ever
                • HD Invisible Coverage Foundation- You can see my full review here. Great coverage without wearing a mask. You can buy MUFE HD Foundation at Sephora for $40US.

                  • Aqua Eyes Stay Put Eye Liner Pencils- Through the hottest summer months this liner didn't budge on my waterline. It's a keeper! These eye liners come in 25 different shades and are the best I've ever tried, and I've tried them all. You can buy the MUFE Aqua Eyes Stay Put Eye Liner Pencils at Sephora for $17 US.

                    NARS
                    • Cream Blushes- As everyone knows I'm a bit of a beauty bargain hunter, and NARS blushes are imo not a beauty bargain, but the quality of these makes you kind of forget how much you are spending. If you have the extra to spare these are the best cream blushes I've ever tried. My favorite is NARS Cactus Flower. If you can only have one, this is the one. I would describe the shade as a watermelon pink with slight golden shimmer. The lasting power of this cream blusher is off the charts. Lasting all day long and not coming off until you clean your face. These blushes have a cream to silky powder finish, and will not be sticky to the touch, which is important to me.You can purchase NARS Cream Blushes at Sephora for $26 US. For great swatches of all the NARS Cream Blushes visit KarlaSugar.
                    This is a picture of NARS Turkish Red Cream Blush which is discontinued. 




                      Urban Decay
                      • Primer Potion- I use the regular formula and it always insures my eye shadow to stay put with no creasing. Just what I expected. You can get Urban Decay Primer Potion at Sephora for $29 US, this is for the large professional size in the tube. The origianal one with the wand is $18 US, but contains less product.


                        Now for my Drugstore favorites...These are products that I love and use everyday. These are just as good of quality as good Department store products, but just at a lower price. Who doesn't appreciate that??


                        Coastal Scents
                        • 88 Eye Shadow Palettes- My favorite is the Warm Palette. No matter what your choice is these are all great palettes. I think that these palettes are great for everyone, but I can see where these would be a must have for a makeup artist, since there are such a variety of shades. You can purchase several different palettes at Coastal Scents for any where from $16 US-$26 US. Which is a bargain considering all the different shades you get. Not to worry the texture and color payoff are wonderful.
                        This is a pic of the 88 Warm Palette

                          • Silica Spheres- This is the exact same product as MUFE HD Microfinish Powder. I have both products and have compared them. Same ingredients and same great results.  The greatest thing is that the CS Silica Spheres is $4.95 US for 1 oz./28.53 grams. Where as, MUFE HD Microfinish Powder is $30 US for 0.35 oz./10 grams. That means you are getting almost 3 times the product for 1/6 of the price. Now that's a deal. Talk about paying for a name brand. Now, when you order the Silica Sphere it will be shipped to you in just a random plastic container with a screw top lid. So, you will want to also order a container with a sifter in it for your powder which you can also get from Coastal Scents. Take a look at the following entry for a recommendation for the sifter...

                            • Cosmetics Containers- I am constantly ordering the 5 gram packing jars to store all of my pigment samples in. I purchase 1" round labels from the office supply store to write the product name on. I stick the label on the black lid so that I can store the pigments upside down so that I can see the actual color instead of the name on the label. I have also purchased the 30 gram Rotation Sifter Jar to store my Silica Spheres Powder. This jar is like the jar that BE uses for there powder foundation. It twists so that the product doesn't pour out. Smart idea. You can purchase these and other jars at Coastal Scents. They also come in different quantities this is just how I order mine. The 5 gram jar is $7.99 US per 25 jars and the 30 gram jar is $0.89 US for 1 jar.


                              La Femme
                              • Blush on Rouge- Do you love the awesome pigmentation of NARS blushes?? Me too, but at $26 ea. US my collection contains very few. Not to worry, there is a cheaper alternative. The La Femme blushes are just as pigmented and last all day on the skin, the texture is nice and soft as well. They are everything that NARS blushes are for about a tenth of the price! This is a great find! Makeup Mania sells the Individual Pots for $3 US, or you can buy the Individual Pans for $2.50 US, or you can also head to the Palette Lab and create your own custom 12 pan blush palette for $35 US. OR you can do what I did and order the individual pans and then go on evil-bay and buy a better palette for about $10 US including shipping. The palettes that La Femme uses are cardboard and leaves more to be desired from the quality aspect. Doing it this way it will cost you about the same amount for 10 blushes instead of the original 12, but you get a much sturdier, higher quality palette. Either way it's a great bargain.

                                L'oreal
                                • Voluminous Mascara- This is an amazing mascara that adds volume and length to my lashes while the deep black pigmentation makes each lash stand out. I've dabbled in all types of mascara and even thought I found new favorites, but each time I came back to this one. If you ask me mascara is a very personal preference item. Everyone wants something different from their mascara. Still, I recommend this one to everyone. I believe it to be one that you can't go wrong with.You can purchase this at any drugstore for less than $10 US.
                                NYX
                                • 10 Color Eye Shadow Palettes- I love these to keep in my purse, just in case I need a quick touch up. These are also great for travel, just pop these into your cosmetic case for great vacation eye looks. There a many different palettes to choose from. My favorites for travel are the Smokey, Champagne and Caviar, and the Versus palettes. They don't take up any room and by chance it happens to get broken you're only out about $8 ea. US. These eye shadows have great pigmentation and soft texture, so blending is a breeze. You can purchase these and other great ones at CherryCulture for $8 US or on the NYX website for $9.75 US. Watch both of these sites for great sales. Psst, I just saw that there are new ones to choose from.

                                  • Mega Shine Lip Gloss- One look at these and you will know why I don't usually buy lip glosses from MAC or any other company. These are gorgeous, moisturizing, and come in a variety of shades and finishes. The packaging is pretty too. You can buy these for $3.99 US at CherryCulture or $5.50 US at NYX. Again, watch for sales.

                                    Revlon
                                    • ColorStay Liquid Foundation- I have been wearing this foundation for years. I used this foundation before I knew anything about MUFE, NARS, MAC, or any other pricier cosmetics. Now, even after using and loving other departments store foundations that are 3 to 4 times the price. ColorStay foundation is always in my regular rotation. This foundation is a must have for me in the summer months here in Louisiana. Most other foundations melt off my face with in an hour of leaving the house, this one stays on for the long haul. I've also noticed that ColorStay photographs pretty well and doesn't leave the white cast that flash photography can cause. Recently, I learned that the main culprit that causes the white cast in pics is usually due to a high amount of SPF included in a foundation, just a little FYI. With the SPF thing explained, I always buy 2 of these foundations. One for Normal/Dry Skin with a SPF of 15 to wear daily and the other for Oily/Combo Skin with a SPF of 6 to wear for photos. These foundations come in wide range of shades in each formula, so finding your match in this foundation is much easier than most other drugstore brand foundations.You can find Revlon ColorStay foundation at  Walgreens, most other drugstores, super stores, and grocery stores.

                                        • Super Lustrous Lip Sticks- These lipsticks stay on pretty well, are moisturizing, and come in a slue of different shades and finishes. They are not drying and don't have a gross taste. Works for me...My favorite shade is Just Enough Buff. You can purchase these at just about any drugstore, Wal-Mart, Target, or you can order them on-line as well for about $6.99 US. Watch for Walgreens Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Sales.

                                          Rimmel
                                          • Moisture Renew Lipsticks- The shades of these lipsticks are so flattering. That's initially what sold me most on these lipsticks, but there's more. These lipsticks are so moisturizing without being sticky feeling on the lips. My favorite shade is Spotlight Beige, which is not listed on the web-site, but can be purchased in the store.  You can buy Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks at Walgreens for $6.99 US, and watch for their Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Sales.

                                            • 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner- These eye liners are good stuff. They come in several different shades to match your lipsticks and have good lasting power. I perfer buying cheaper brands of lip pencils to save money for more important department store products. You can find the Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liners at Walgreens.

                                              Sigma
                                              • Brushes- F80 (SS197), F05(SS109), SS134, F30(SS150), F40(SS168), E60(SS252), E35(SS217), E40(SS224), E65(SS266). Oh gosh, the drama behind these brushes. Frankly, there are good and bad products of every brand, and Sigma is no exception. Some of these brushes are great and some are not. You can take a look at my full Sigma Review and MAC Comparisons here. The just of it is that Sigma brushes are great for the price, but the brushes that are supposed to be tapered suck because they are poorly cut, ex. the (SS219) is the absolute worst of the whole collection. However, the others that I have mentioned above are great brushes and I use them on a daily basis with great results. You can now purchase individual brushes from Sigma which is great. The price varies depending on the brush.

                                                Wet n' Wild

                                                • Color Icon Eye Shadows- Take your choice, the singles, trios, and 6 color palettes are all wonderful, come in gorgeous shades, and a steal of a deal. You can find these at Walgreens


                                                • Cream Eyeliner- This is some good stuff!! Even in the hottest summer month this stuff is not coming off. I even use it on my waterline when I know that a pencil liner just won't cut it. This is the best black gel eye liner I have ever used. The pigmentation is awesome. The blackest of black. It glides on smoothly and last forever. You can purchase Wet n Wild gel eyeliner at most drugstores including CVS for $3.99 US.







                                                 I feel the need to remind everyone that I am in no way affiliated with the brands or stores I have mentioned. These are strictly my personal experiences and opinions based on my own use and purchases of these products. The stores mentioned are only a suggestion of where these item can be purchased, but may also be found else where.
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                                                  Sunday, December 5, 2010

                                                  What the hell is MAC thinking???


                                                  The word on the beautiful side of the street is that MAC's new policy now states that their employees are no longer allowed to share inside information with the public about MAC collections before the collection releases.  From what I hear, if a MAC employee is caught doing this they can be terminated! So, this means no more upcoming collection names, product list, or swatches. This was confirmed for me yesterday when I called the MAC consumer care line to inquire about when and if the 15 pro pan palettes would be changed to the same style as the quads, with clear lids. When I told the lady that I had heard that the palettes where rumored to be changed, she snottily asked me, "Where exactly did you hear this information from?" I calmly responded in my most sweet, southern mannerly voice, "Excuse me Mame, but I thought I was supposed to be the one asking the questions while you are the one who was supposed to do the answering." She quickly respond with a snappy little attitude, "Yes, Mame I do not have any information about this, we have not been given any updates at this time." Which I happen to know is a lie, because on November 31, 2010 there was a product meeting held. At the meeting she would have been told about the upcoming products that will be released. But, whatever.

                                                  Also, if you take a look on Specktra.net the traffic really seems like it has slowed down a bit. I'm not sure if this is because of the new layout and differences in the way you now have to navigate the sight, but it truly seems as though there is less posting taken place there, and much less information being posted. With the Cham Pale collection releasing in only 20 more days there would already be numerous swatches posted of all or most of the products. There are very few swatches of this collection available ANYWHERE, not just on Specktra.net. If you are able to find any swatches most of them are of the items that are being re-promoted. Also, usually there is information on at least the next 2 or 3 upcoming collections. The newest collection information is for the Mickey Contractor collection which releases in January.

                                                  MAC must have had a brain fart or something. I guess they don't realize that releasing early information brings in big profits for them. Think of it like this...Your average chick down the street is not a MAC addict and could care less about upcoming MAC collections. She also probably doesn't spend that much money on MAC cosmetics. We beauty bloggers, Makeupalley members, Specktra members, makeup artist, and closet makeup hoers are the ones shelling out hundreds of dollars on each collection, and we are the ones waiting on pins and needles for the next collection to come out so we can do it again. We are the ones who want to hear all the newest information, so that we can plan out our massive MAC wish lists. We are also the ones who are bring in the majority of the big bucks to MAC every year! All I can say is what in the hell are they thinking??? I guess they weren't thinking about this at all, but in this economy they really should be.

                                                  By MAC allowing all of us beauty bloggers to know about upcoming collections early we we're sending out free advisement and hyping up their products to millions around the world from our home computers or mobile phones. Helping to sell out their products very quickly, and helping to bring in costumers that normally would have just walked right passed the MAC counter. Not only that, with MAC shiting out a new collection every other week, it seems. The early information gave all of us MAC addicts time to cough up a couple hundred dollars to spend on each collection. I know that sounds crazy, but I'm not joking. I have one of the smallest MAC collections of any of the MAC addicts I know, and I have spent over $5,000.00 on MAC products alone in the past 2 years. If you think that's bad you should see my best friends brush collection alone. MAC should be kissing our asses and give us exactly what we want...for the right price of course. Instead it seems as though they think we should be kissing their ass. If you need proof of that, take a walk into the MAC freestanding store in Baton Rouge, LA the SA's there act like they are doing you a favor to answer your questions, help you find a product, or to even take your money. Needless, to say I don't shop there anymore.

                                                  This new kick in the teeth makes me not want to purchase MAC anymore. They have raised prices, decreased the size of several of their products, and now this whole no info rule. It's just a total let down. However, I know that my addiction is way to strong to say that I would never buy their products again. I wouldn't dare say I am on a MAC no buy, but I can promise you one thing. No more stalking LE for me!! I will stop in to replenish items from the regular line, and if a new collection happens to be out and item catches my eye, great I will pick it up. But no more $200 collection wish lists or purchases for me. I can promise you I won't be standing in front of the MAC store in Metarie, LA anymore just waiting for the doors to open, so that I can score the latest bag of hype. My MAC budget just went on a diet and my savings account just got fatter.

                                                  Then again, Make Up For Ever has some great products I've had my eye on. : D I guess I said that like a true makeup hoer. LOL.

                                                  Disclaimer
                                                  My blog entries always express my personal views and opinions. My blog entries represent my rights of freedom of speech and press, which are protected as an American citizen in the Bill of Rights. Thank you to all of the branches military, and service men and women who make this possible. God Bless You!!
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                                                  Tiffany L. Prevost Esthetician & Makeup Artist Copyright © 2009 Cosmetic Girl Designed by Ipietoon | In Collaboration with FIFA
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