MAC Art Supplies Haul

I was really be sensible with this haul! At one point I thought I was going to buy the whole collection. But swatching in store makes all the difference. The pearl glide liners did not interest me in the slightest after seeing them in store. It's nothing that Gosh doesn't already do in something similar or better that is Waterline safe because the pearlglide liners aren't. (even though I know tons of people that use them on the waterline anyway!) I had wanted to get the lip stain markers but I could not  figure out how to sanitize them thoroughly for my kit. After speaking to a few people it kinda became obvious that there were really designed to be used by just one person. No point putting them in your kit. So I passed up on them. So that left me with the Greasepaint sticks.

Yeah I got all 8. I had to! I bought Dirty and Below Ground first. And then got the rest because I just could not see how I would live without them! Dramatic I know!

I love my smokey eyes. 90% of the time when I do wear make-up I wear a smokey eye and these beautiful little pens will do the job most def. I have a punk rock chick shoot coming up shortly and I plan on using these for the look. I think they are gonna be fabuloso!

 If you're based in the UK these are still available online to purchase. I haven't used these in a look yet however off the bat I can tell that they are waaaaay softer than first GPS released. They still set quite quickly but blending is going to be a little bit easier with these. The colour that took me by surprise which I certainly did not think was going to be anything interesting was "Dirty". It.is.stunning. Seriously. I am nowhere near being neutral girl but this GPS is probably one of the most versatile of the lot. You can do smokey, you can do neutral, you can do brights, you can do mattes, you can do everything! If you were to get one, I would get Dirty.

For my brown girls, Below Ground is going to service all your bronze eye'd dreams. This colour was made for you chocolate divas. Check it out. I doubt you will be disappointed. Swatches...

top to bottom: Below Ground, Dirty, Zinc Zone, Brown Now, Charred Mauve, Uniformly blue, Greengrease, Slick Black

 Look out for a few looks using these coming up shortly. Catch you guys real soon :)

Be Blessed xxx

MAC Art Supplies Collection

I don't get excited about MAC collections much in general these days. I'm quite happy to miss the bulk of them. However there has been on collection that has been on my radar for a little while and it's the Art Supplies Collection that is out in April.

Just as Art Supplies for Eyes invokes the vision, Art Supplies for Lips speaks to the ultimate in sensuality….Luscious lips drawn from innovative new Lipstain Markers and Pencils to use like a modern multi-media artist would – design and discover! Incorporating the concept of art tools into the world of M·A·C makeup, these pencils and markers create dramatically different lip looks. New Pro Longwear Lipstain Marker has the doodle-fun of a “pen,” but with sophisticated, light and long-wearing results. It’s all about artistic freedom!

Pro Longwear Lipstain Marker ($16.00 U.S. / $19.00 CDN)
A lightweight lip stain featuring the look and delivery of a colour marker. With its felt-tip nib, it goes on with precision to deliver a sheer, ins tantly abs orbed flush of colour that can last all night. Fills, defines and layers for more colour when wanted. No need for lip liner. All limited edition.

Full of Flare Bright yellow coral (Limited Edition)
Stylesetter Hot pink (Limited Edition)
A Classic Rose red (Limited Edition)
Purposefully Red Dirty red coral (Limited Edition)
Modern Mocha Light brown (Limited Edition)
Point of View Light neutral (Limited Edition)
Tomorrow’s Coral Mid-tone blue red (Limited Edition)
Runway Ripened Berry plum red (Limited Edition)
Sunset Coral brown (Limited Edition)

Greasepaint Stick ($17.50 U.S. / $21.00 CDN)
Greengrease Blackened forest green (Limited Edition)
Zinc Zone Dark gunmetal (Limited Edition)
Slick Black True carbon black (Limited Edition)
Dirty Blackened taupe with pearl (Limited Edition)
Brown, Now Blackened burgundy (Limited Edition)
Below Ground Blackened bronze (Limited Edition)
Uniformly Blue Blackened navy (Limited Edition)
Charred Mauve Blackened violet (Limited Edition)

Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
An eye pencil that provides rich, luxurious colour with a touch of shimmer and sparkle. Soft, smooth, creamy formula glides on for a perfectly intense line, yet its soft texture allows you to blend. Long-wearing, smudge-proof.

Almost Noir Dirty plum (Limited Edition)
Designer Purple Iridescent violet (Limited Edition)
Petrol Blue Deep navy (Limited Edition)
Undercurrent Blue teal (Limited Edition)
Industrial Periwinkle grey (Limited Edition)
Black Line True black (Limited Edition)
Lipglass ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)
Clear Clear (Permanent)

The only thing I am really interested in are the Greasepaint sticks. I want all of them. And I suspect I will probably get all of them. I love my GPS from Style black and if I can get my hands on a few extra colours well let it be!I shall be stalking MAC for this one people! I am vaguely interested in the Lipstain markers but I am curious to know how one would sanitize them should you want to carry them in your MUA kit. If anyone has an idea please do let me know.

Stay Blessed xxx

I got a problem with this ish...

Hello, Hello.

I should be in bed but I wanted to write about this before I retired. I have a problem with a certain company that has become popular of late. The company in question is Sigma Make-up. This company blew up all over youtube when they started their brush company. From the get go I have not felt comfortable with the fact that they are blatently copies of MAC brushes sold for cheaper prices. That has NEVER sat well with me. However, I admit I am still attracted to them enough to have them on a my make-up wish list.

So I am obviously torn. What does one do in such a situation? I'd like to buy just to see if they live up to the hype but at the same time I think it's wrong for them to copy the names of the MAC brushes by simply adding an SS in front of it. As a make-up artist, if they work as well as people claim, they become a VERY ATTRACTIVE and AFFORABLE potential addition to my kit. I know myself. I am a brush fiend through and through. If you were to ask me what the most important part of my kit was I would say after foundation....its most definitely brushes.

So Sigma released this new kit today ...

I don't understand why I should have two conflicting emotions over a set of brushes!

I'd love to have the set but my conscience just will not let me rest. Now I know someone is thinking, "Deborah its only a set of brushes!" but I can't deny that something about this is just not right. That SS138 and SS138 are brushes I want in my kit like yesterday. I can't just do it. Mac brushes are originals (or at least that's what I know) In this case, imitation is not the best form of flattery. I'm not trying to defend MAC because I think their being bullied. They are perfectly capable of looking after themselves but the stench coming from this whole thing is too strong.

So the question remains. Does one stay faithful to MAC for the sake of originality and quality that has been proven over a long period of time?

Or do you embrace the inner recessionista in you and do it on the cheap even though it's a blatent copy?

Please people, let me know what you think. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Update on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 7:11PM by Deborah Jones

So after my mini rant on the Sigma Brushes, I took the plunge and ordered the complete set just to see for myself. Thank you for all your enabling supportive comments! My set has shipped and is due to arrive shortly. There will be a full review most definitely! I hold all of you responsible if I have just picked up another addiction...!

Much love xxx

IMATS 2010

Hi people!

I hope you are all well. Welcome to my new subscribers, I notice each and every one of you. Most honoured that you have chosen to join Dvoradivine.

So! Last weekend I took a long trip down to London to sort out a few things as well as attend the International Make-up Artist Trade show at Alexandra Palace. I was ill, so it wasn't the most comfortable of trips. And here I am a week later still ill. But whatever.

On Friday after I'd finished my other shenanigans, I headed to Westfield because I wanted to check out Inglot [the polish make-up brand that is cause a storm] for myself. Let me just say I had no intention of getting anything per say. I was just open to what they would have.

Well so much for self control. I walked away with an eyeshadow palette and a lip palette and the intention of going back one day soon to get some more!

Saturday morning I got up at the UNHOLY hour of 0500hrs to get ready for IMATS. I was on a train to central London at 0559hrs and I arrived at Alexandra palace at about 0735 or something like that. It was freezing and I lost the feeling in my toes long before they decided to open the doors. Speaking of which, I would like to complain because they specified on their site that doors would be open at 8am for people to collect their tickets. No such thing happened. the opened them long at 8.30 which was a bit annoying for those of us who got up at the break of dawn to get in early.

Eventually they opened up the door, by which time there were plenty of people waiting to get in. It took me the whole of 5mins to get my ticket but I've read stories of how some people waited 45mins to get theirs. Double dang. I would not have been pleased!

The rest ladies and gents was a flurry of activity. I got most of what I wanted to get. First stop was the Make-up Artist Magazine stand. I was not leaving with a subscription. I had intended on picking up some make-up books but they weren't discounted enough. I knew I could get them cheaper else where.

After that,  I headed over to the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stand where I got 6 lip tars in Black (Tarred), yellow(Traffic) , red (NSFW), blue (RX), white (feathered) and clear (Clear).

I didn't bother with the other colours because I reckon I can use basic colour theory to mix up any colour I need. I've tried it out already and I've mixed up most of the colours you see those little tubes. Takes a bit of patience but it's doable.The review for these is coming up shortly.

I had intentions of going to a few talks that day but they filled up really quickly. I only managed two in the end. The first was Eve Pearl where she did a look for Women of Colour.

I think she was a bit rushed given the tight running of the schedule and the fact that she only had an hour to do the model's face. She did take the time to explain everything from setting up your work station to sanitation. She spoke very thoroughly on her products and how to produce an easy-go to look that will work for most women of colour.

I enjoyed the talk but I didn't feel like I learnt anything from this talk. It was a bit too simplistic for my liking. No offense to her. I knew most of what she spoke about in terms of techniques. I would have loved a more advanced class on the things you don't necessarily learn from places like You tube.

I did like they way she gave ideas on how you can make an extra income as a make-up artist. It was good to hear it from someone who had gone and done it and become a success. She pushed her products a lot and I'm sure they are very good. However I had my mind made up so I didn't buy anything.

There were several brush companies in attendance some of which included Royal and Langnickel which had a good stand. I wasn't feeling any of their brushes however. I was rather disappointed in them after I had seem the brushes on the website. Somehow they just didn't match up to what I had envisioned.

Crown Brush which was absolutely heaving! I managed to get a few lip and liner brushes after waiting like 30 mins. I tried the lip brushes and again I'm not a fan but I kind of expected this with Crown Brush so I don't have buyers remorse.

For me, the Brush company that stole my heart was Hakuhodo. I had had these brushes on my hit list for a VERY long time now. And after seeing them in person, they have no failed me. In fact I am more impressed with them now than I was before and I've decided to rebuild my brush belt with a good proportion of these. They are THAT good.

The Japanese are masters when it comes to making certain items. Their fude (make-up brush) quality is superb. It will be worth the investment when the time comes. (That is when I can get my hands on the credit card...lol!)

I bought two brushes from Hakuhodo and I had to hold myself from buying more. I had other things I needed to get so I'm gonna do a mega haul of some brushes when I've sold my left kidney.

The funny thing is that you guys think I'm joking :)

Yaby Cosmetics was in attendance. I had really wanted to get a few palettes from them but I could NOT justify the price for the size (£65/palette). The pigmentation is brilliant but those pans were too tiny for my liking. I might build my own palette one of these days but for now I'm happy to sit and watch others use it.

MUD cosmetics was in attendance as well. I went to a talk held by one of their lectures Yvonne which was good as well. I learnt a few interesting things during that talk such curling lashes with a spoon. Yep. You read right. It works too.

There was so much going on and if you are a reader of any of the larger UK Beauty Bloggers you would have seem plenty of pictures. Want some crystal clear ones? Try Lipglossiping. Her stuff is ah-mazing.

I know that some people read my blog. But never did I expect to actually meet one of my readers! Gobsmacked is not the word. If it wasn't forhe high melanin levels in my skin, I would have been blushing! Whilst I was at the Charles Fox stand a lady who was standing next to me recognized me and said she reads my blog. I was way beyond chuffed. I totally forgot myself and simply said thank you and she moved off! I didn't even ask her name! GUTTED! Pretty lady if you are still reading this, it was lovely to meet you. Next time I shall at least ask your name!

The second person I met was a lady called Stella. We literally walked into each other and this time I made an effort to talk to her. What a lovely girl. Oh and she's like tall. Like model type tall. Or maybe I'm just really short. She came over from France just for IMATS. And I thought I had travelled far! Hi Stella!!! Twas fab to meet you!!!She make writing this even more enjoyable!

And then just as I was starting to think I should go home, I happened to bump into a fellow MUA by the name of Kemi. Kemi Kings to be exact! We met on facebook. Yes. I know. But she is one of the most down to earth people I have ever come across. It was like seeing a old friend! Couldn't believe it. So we took some time to walk around bit. Exchanged some notes and helped each other out. She really sealed it for me! Her work is fabulous. If you're ever on facebook try and find her. She had a fan page under the name of Kemi the Make-up Artist. Wonderful stuff!

All in all, I had a fantastic time at IMATS. I know other people were somewhat disappointed by the even but I honestly did not mind. The venue didn't bother me, neither did the location. Certain things could have been better but I suspect at lot changed at the last minute. As a trade show for make-up artists, it served me well. It was excellent for Kit building. I'll know to bring more money next time because for me the deals were pretty awesome. Will I be going next year? Most definitely. I've already started my new list. I have a whole year to save for it too. That's the way to do it!

Finally! Onto the haul!

Make-up Artist MAG subscription*MUFE eyeshadow 10 palette*MAC 15 pan palette*MAC 6 pan Blush palette*Inglot 10 eyeshadow palette*Disposables*Kryolan Invisible Matt*Dermacolour Concealer wheel*OCC lip tars*MUFE HD powder*Kryolan under make-up base*Inglot lipstick palett* brushes*3 MAC lipsticks*mini collapsable bin*PP Pill cases for depotting lipsticks*Kryolan 10 eyeshadow palette.

I am happy with my purchases. It's going to serve me kit well and I can't wait to try out certain items. As soon as I am better I'll be posting a bit more.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

You stay blessed now! xxx

Urban Decay Books of Shadows Vol II FOTD

Hi people!

How you all doing? Still cold? Dealing with heaps of snow? or perhaps you're in some hot country laughing at the foolywang that is happening in England at the moment? I wouldn't blame you if you were....

Ror today's FOTD,  I'd like to spend a moment explaining something. I need to admit that I am totally and utterly addicted to the colour purple when it comes to my eyeshadow. I always seem to gravitate towards it. But hold on a min. I think I have previously made this confession before somewhere...so obviously this isn't new! Oh well! I hope you guys like it!

Sometimes the fuzziest pictures are the best pictures people! this one with Zuccherro shows the colours I used at its best!!

I am redonkulously in love with this man. And yes. He does smile. Just not in pictures :)

The Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol II has been out a minute. And I'm only getting round to using it a second time right now. The first time I used it, I wore a green look that came out fabulously but I then forgot to take pictures! Second time around I've used the purples and the look is pretty awesome.

Urban Decay shadows are creamy. They wear very very well and their palettes are exceedingly affordable. Much better than trying to get their singles.

In this look I am wearing:

Eyes:

UD Ecstasy (1/3 lid)

UD AC/DC (3/3 lid)

UD Sphynx (inner corner)

UD Perversion (crease)

MAC2 Graphology (crease)

Graftobian Extra Hi-Lite (under the brow)

I was feeling extra happy here.

The face is

Black Opal foundation stick in Hazelnut (I need to start paying more attention to my varied tones...but I'm too lazy! but it WILL happen soon!)

Myfacecosmetics Blush in "Her name is Rio" (One of my all time favorite blushes of all time!)

Ben Nye Neutral Set (this stuff is the shizzz!)

Natural Born Cosmetics brow powder for my brows

Boots No 7 Shine Free Make-up Base

And then on zeee lips I wore my favorite combo of the moment

Stargazer lipgloss in Fuschia

MAC's Style Black Glimmerglass in Blackfire (I think I need a back up of this....)

And that's it ladies and gents! Urban Decay eyeshadow will almost always get a thumbs up in my books cause they are a brilliant brand. There are a few rouge eyeshadows out there but overall the brand is pretty darn good!

You stay blessed now! xxx

ps suggestions for colours for the next FOTD?  All I can see if purple...