December 2010 MAC & Clinique Mini-Haul

Random • Dec 16, 2010

Hey guys! It’s been a few days since i’ve been able to get online because i’ve been a bit under the weather. Doctor said that I cam down with bronchitis over the weekend. I’m glad that it’s slowly passing because its been somewhat of a miserable few days.

Anyway… with all of this downtime there has been plenty of time to get some SHOPPING done! There have been a few products that i’ve needed and a few products that i’ve been wanting to try! So.. I stopped by my local MAC counter in MACY’S as well as went online to MAC.COM


I’ve been wanting to switch from lip gloss to lipstick throughout the day. I have nothing against my ‘partial to pink’ cremsheen gloss from MAC, but I feel that the lip gloss can be a bit shiny for myself as well as a bit sticky throughout the day. The girl at MAC led me to the Viva Glam VI when I mentioned that I wanted a bit of a shine, but still a nude color (or color that matches my lip shade). This was the first lipstick I saw, and ended up buying it!

I feel that Viva Glam VI goes on VERY smooth and lasts long as well. Viva Glam is described by MAC as this… “In 1994, M·A·C introduced VIVA GLAM, an outspoken deep red that was universal in appeal and glamour. In 1997, a second lipstick was created VIVA GLAM II, a pinked mauve. VIVA GLAM III, a foxy brown plum launched in 2000. VIVA GLAM IV, a heartful rose charged with gold, introduced in March 2002. In March 2004, Viva Glam V makes its debut, a pure neutral pink with a delicious Lustre finish! VIVA GLAM VI, the newest member of the VIVA GLAM family, is a warm terracotta-plum with pearl finish. Wear it alone or finish it off with a coat of VIVA GLAM VI Lipglass. Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass is donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS.”

The VIVA GLAM line is one that I fully and whole heartedly support because of the fact that such a large organization is coming together to support a great cause.


I went online a few nights ago and was talking to the MAC specialists. I told them that I was looking for a nude lip color that had a bit of shine. I spoke with 2 MAC speciliasts through the online chat and both suggested the HUG ME color.

I really like the color. Its very similar to VIVA GLAM VI, but instead of having a pinkish tone, it has more of a tan/brown tone to it. It goes on light, and stays on long.


I went ahead and got the MAC LIP CONDITIONER as well. I’ve been looking for something to use in the evening that wasn’t the usual. I have been a long time fan of Blistex Silk & Shine. I feel it ads some shine but I don’t feel it has enough nutrition for my lips in it. I’ve been using the MAC conditioner for a few days and feel that my lips are less dry and a little more luscious 😉


I bought my first blush …EVER! lol. I’ve done a lot of research on good colors for guys. In other words, a good color thats not to ‘peachy’ or to pink. I don’t want it to be obvious that i’m wearing blush but I do want that pop of color to highlight my checks. Now, I just got this today so I haven’t been able to use it yet. I will do a review after a few weeks of using!


My final purchase was this Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel. Now, I used to have pretty bad acne in high school. I get a break out here and though but no longer have Acne. I’ve been using Clinique’s 3-step face wash system so I went back to my Clinique girl to see what they had for the occasional break out. Since use the MAC Studio Fix Fluid I seem to get the occasional pimple. I’ve only used this product once so far, and honestly, the zit I had in the evening had almost completely vanished after having it for days! So.. I will keep everyone posted!

Overall, i’m happy with the few purchases that I did make! I felt they were a few basic necessities. I apologize for not using my own photos yet. I’m still getting used to my camera and trying to find a way to photograph everything properly. I’m interested in hearing about what other people feel are makeup ‘necessities’! So please.. leave any comments/suggestions below!

So Much To Do Tomorrow!

Personal • Dec 8, 2010

I have been off work since Saturday and it is now Tuesday. Tomorrow is my last day off before I go back to work and I have SOOOOO much to do because I put it all off until the very last day of course! Saturday my partner, Brian, and I are having our annual CHRISTMAS COOKIE PARTY! Neither of us can’t wait until the day get here, but, there is just so much to do! Here is a sample of my list..

  • Scrub Hardwood Floors
  • Scrub Bathroom
  • Clean Couch (we have a leather couch, dog gets stuff all over it)
  • Vacuum My Office As Well As The Rug In The Living Room
  • Finish Decorating The Christmas Tree (i know.. i know..)
  • Re-Hang Christmas Lights On Front Porch (they are sagging a bit)
  • Scrub Kitchen Sink, Stove, & Microwave
  • Clean Out & Scrub Fridge
  • Wash Sheets
  • Organize Office
  • Organize Other Misc. Things

And of course the list goes on! lol.. among this I have to do my usual routine of getting homework done, getting to the gym, and I have to pick up our christmas cards so we can get them out in the mail! Why do I always procrastinate? That is one thing that needs to change next year!

So i’m still getting used to WordPress. I have used CuteNews for so long thats its been a challenge. I spent almost 4 hours this morning coding this free layout that I got online today. I was to scared to make my own and found a fellow blogger that makes STUNNING yet simple layouts. I hope to commission her soon to make me one!

I feel proud that I have already done 3 product reviews. All three products are ones that I love and I use EVERYDAY! I hope that at least one person gets to see these reviews and leaves a comment or to. Anyway… off to bed, gotta get up early to get that list done!

REVIEW: Jessica Simpson Fancy Love

Reviews • Dec 8, 2010

I know that I am only 23, but I have been looking for “MY SCENT” for a VERY LONG time! In December of 2009 I found that scent in Jessica’s Simpson second perfume, Fancy Love. It is played as “the timeless fragrance of falling in love.”

  • Top notes: Playful and sparkling, the fragrance opens with a rich radiance of Peach Blossom, Bergamot and the delicate Goij Leaf, wrapped in a celebration of Pink Champagne.
  • Heart notes: A captivating bouquet of blossoms forms the heart of this fragrance that deepens with the seductive blend of Lotus, Peony, Plumeria, Jasmine and Turkish Rose.
  • Base notes: The depth of this fragrance bursts with creamy Amber and Blonde Woods while sensual Musk and Patchouli create a loving and long lasting trail.

This seems odd reading all of the scents it lists above, but I smell somewhat of a vanilla undertone. I have always been a HUGE vanilla fan so that is the main reason why I first made this purchase (that and my love for Jessica Simpson). I love the subtle mix of peach (and other fruits) as well as the champagne like after-scent it leaves behind. I have never been a fan of flowery scents or musky scents but do love the over-all mix that this perfume provides. And, the scent seems to last for HOURS!

Call me crazy.. but.. I saw an interview I believe with Britney Spears many years ago. In the interview Britney was talking about how everybody should have a signature scent. That one scent that when everybody smells it.. they think of you!

I am on my 4th bottle of this perfume and I have 3 unopened bottles waiting for me. I go back and forth from buying this in Macy’s ($59), to Ebay ($34.99), to even China town New York ($30) depending on how much money I currently have. When I find a good deal at either place I generally try to throw in a little extra and stock up.

The one plus when buying at Macy’s is you get the $30 bottle of matching lotion for free. I LOVE the lotion as well. I have always been a Bath & Body Works lotion user until this lotion came out. It is great for treating dry spots and dry hands. Add a bit on your hand throughout the day and keep your scent. Because the lotion is so expensive I do not use it on my body, just my arms, hands, and neck.

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

REVIEW: MAC Prep+Prime Skin Base

Reviews • Dec 8, 2010

Since beginning to wear makeup I have been continuously told how important it is to apply a primer after applying moisturizer and before concealer and foundation. I have not tried a ton of primers but have found one through mac that I LOVE!

Prior to using MAC’s primer I was using the primer that came with my BareMinerals foundation. I believe that it was called PrimeTime. My only problem with PrimeTime is that it came out of the tube like a gel. I would moisturize and then ad this gel to m y face. I HATED the way that it felt on both my hands and my face. No idea why.. just didn’t like the feeling. It left my hands almost feeling somewhat powdery.

When I started to wear MAC cosmetics this primer was the first item the lady had me put on and the first item she suggested that I buy regardless of what I purchase that day. The cost is $26.50 for one fluid ounce. It is somewhat over priced, but so far, I feel the product is worth the money spent.

When using this product after my moisturizer I really enjoy the way it feels on my skin. I use the MAC Studio Fix Moisture so I feel that the two really do go hand-in-hand. The moisture goes on light, and the primer goes on almost like a thin second layer. This second layer ads a hint of moisture and a hint of shimmer to brighten the face .

There is silicone within the primer that ads a filler to pores, lines, etc. Not only does it offer a silicone but it also has and oil blotting ability. This blotting effect helps with oil production throughout the day.

In the end, the cost for this product is worth every penny. I have been wanting to try the Smashbox primer because of all the great reviews BUT can’t peel myself away from this primer. The benefits and features within the product make it worth the cost and the trouble of an extra step before your foundation. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below.

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!