Review: Mac 217 & 219

I mentioned in a blog post a while back that I had some Mac purchases on the way. I was referring to two brushes (and brush cleaner); specifically, Mac 217 and Mac 219. Both are well known and have received a lot of praise. I can't really disagree, they are two of the best brushes I've ever owned. I can't wait to get more- next on my list are the flat shader brush (239) and highlight brush (227 I believe). Onto pictures...

MAC 217:





The 217. A fluffy, large brush that is less rounded than normal blending brushes. It is dense enough to apply a gradient of color and soft enough to blend. This is, in my opinion, a must-have for anybody who has a genuine interest in makeup. It is pricey, at over $20, so I wouldn't recommend it if the buyer won't utilize it often, or is just beginning with makeup. This brush has become a part of my everyday eyeshadow process, no matter which colors I use.

MAC 219:


I couldn't get a good close up of this brush for the life of me, but it's basically a pencil brush. This is ideal for packing on color into the crease, inner corner or under the eye. I use it mainly to apply dark shadow onto my outer V, and to blend eyeliner. It picks up an amazing amount of color and allows for a lot of control with its dense, pointed shape. I would recommend it for those who like a smokier eyeshadow look.



All in all, these brushes have made doing my makeup even more enjoyable. I now know what I was missing! :) My main gripe is that they get dirty so quickly, especially the 219. (As you can easily see in my pictures...) They are expensive, but an investment in something durable and quality-made is worth it to me.
Would it be helpful for me to do reviews on other, cheaper brushes that I own? I don't really have face brushes, but I do have a lot of eye brushes.
Have a good day! More posts coming soon :)

-Rhiana

My Birthday and Some Thrift Store Purchases

This post will definitely be mostly pictures of birthday gifts and a few cute things I picked up from the Arc today :) (and a few awful things that I hope no one would ever purchase for themselves or anyone else...)


The perfect summer bag! Its so cute. And my favorite magazine, Elle. Getting my subscription tomorrow! :)

:). In order: Sun Kissed from Sally Hansen, Timbleberry from Sinful Colors, French Affair from Essie, and Sand Tropez from Essie. Soon after I took this picture, I walked outside to get more light and dropped Sand Tropez :(. It shattered and spilled all over (not in the house thankfully!) But I'm really bummed. It was the last one they had at Target when I picked it out so I hope they restock it. I'm going to buy it again.

I dont know why this freaking picture wont rotate but its the Sara Bareilles CD, Taylor Swift CD, an adorable case for my iPod and an iTunes gift card.


My makeup for church that day. Neutral eye and orange lips. My sister bought me Siren from Revlon and I love it!


My thrift store purchases. The best deal was the Converse. They were only 4 bucks and they are in great shape!And they needed laces but I bought some already :).

And then there were these... Suction cup shirts and velcro tops, hot!

Thats it for now :). Had a good birthday.

Naomi

Lime Crime Contest

The contest: Create a themed makeup look based off of your favorite animated character. Be as literal or as subtle as you like. Post your photo entry to our wall & let us know who or what it is inspired by. Best entry wins a Magic Dust & lipstick of choice! Contest ends 5/21 midnight EST. One entry per person. Open internationally. Good luck!

I told Rhiana about the contest and we decided to enter it. Our inspiration for the look was the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland. Rhiana did the makeup. Here's how it turned out!



Even if we don't win, it was a fun way to spend a Friday night and the last night that Rhiana is in Brighton for seven whole weeks. I'm going to miss that girl. Glad we keep this blog together though :).

That's it for now. I'll post again tomorrow with pictures of birthday gifts! :)

Naomi

My Latest Obsession: Neutral Eyes

When I first got into makeup, I was really into bright colors for an everday basis. And while that's fun sometimes, I think a more toned down look is better for the daytime. (Read: no varying shades of lime green all over the lid. Because I've done that... never again) Here are some of my favorite ways to wear a neutral eye: (my very favorite way doesn't have a picture... I wonder why?)


The first way: barely there. I used to never do this, but I'm glad I tried it. It's a great way to achieve a natural sort of look and still wear makeup.






The second is one I've really liked recently. In the pictures Naomi posted from the dance, this is makeup similar to what I was wearing. It's a light color on the lid, with a more defined, dark brown crease. I use my coastal scents matte palette for this. I also have been loving liquid eyeliner with this look- I'm not the greatest, but I still like the way it turns out.

And the last, for an example of a more toned down way to wear color:

A look of greens, a color I don't wear often. Even though it has color, it was pretty neutral. I used a basic technique: light color on the lid, darker in crease and outer corner.

What are some of your favorite ways to wear a neutral eye?
More posts coming soon, sorry for the slacking. When we're on summer break, it should be much easier to update more regularly.

-Rhiana