Ask Temptalia Session #025
Got a question? Now’s the time to ask it!
I’m taking your questions and answering them today. You can feel free to ask any question you’d like, both beauty-related or unrelated! Some tips on asking me questions so that you can get the best answer AND quickly…
- For color/makeup recommendations, please let me know your skin tone, if you have a brand preference, colors you love (whatever is applicable). I don’t want to recommend something that doesn’t work for your skin coloring or recommend a brand that’s more than you want to spend!
- If you’ve tried a lot of products and are still looking for the one that works, if you could tell me products or techniques you have tried, that helps me suss out what might work! Again, I’d hate to just recommend you a product/technique you’ve tried!
It is always a pleasure to answer your questions, and I always hate answering your question with a follow-up question about your coloring or what brand you’d like the dupe in or what-have-you, so hopefully this will allow me to give you better answers and more efficiently, to boot! 🙂
Feel free to answer other readers’ questions, too! The more the merrier! Plus, your feedback really helps to round out any answer I give. It’s like a more complete worldview!
Don’t be shy — ask one or twenty or none! 🙂
Edit @ 10:00PM PST: Session is now over! Thank you for participating!
What do you think of MAC’s 130 brush?
What’s your favourite Foundation, and which do you use most of the time?
How’s your lovely mellan?
Oh! and have you seen the new Dior Glosses? if you have what did you think of them?
Sorry for the questions in one lol, just thought it would save some time.
Hey Simone,
It’s okay – there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s a quality brush that has a nice level of stiffness, very soft on the skin, and it can be used with a host of cream-based products. I just never reach for it for anything!
I use Make Up For Ever HD the most – it looks really good in photos – but in real life, I use Kiehl’s Tinted Moisturizer the most.
He is great! 🙂 Napping now, of course.
Do you mean the Ultra Gloss? I did a few reviews – http://www.temptalia.com/tag/dior-ultra-gloss
No worries! Ask as many as you want!
How do you get your lips/lip color to look so perfect?
You could say practice – if you’re referring to lip swatches! If it’s in a look, I try to be a little more precise and clean up any obvious boo-boos!
hello, i would like to know when doing the eyeshadow applying on i notice different things you first but the primer on then some of the ladies put concelar or use’s the nyx milk how do you know and when should you do that all the time or just because
Hi Ms. Rolley,
Some use concealer or NYX Milk as their primer – I just use something else. It depends on what works for you, what you have, and the like. I don’t personally use concealer on my lids (some may just to camouflage any veins, redness, etc.), just a primer like UDPP or TFSI.
Hi! I don’t know if this counts as a question, but I’ve been dying to figure out how to duplicate ciara’s eye look in this video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnL9Ju7oSvU&feature=channel ). It looks like a gorgeous blend of unexpected colors and I can’t figure it out. Any suggestions would be awesome! Thank you! This is my first post here, but it won’t be my last. I LOVE your site! I don’t know what I ever did without Temptalia 🙂
Hi Michaela,
It looks kind of like a smoky eye with a smoky blue-gray. I watched the first minute or so of the video, and it looks to me like it could be something like MAC Purple Haze on the lid, maybe even Idol Eyes, and Scene in the crease.
Thank you! Happy first comment 😀
Hi Christine
I have oily eye lids but the skin just above that (near/on the bone) is dry and flakes. Should I be mosturizing this area?
Hey Diana,
Yep! You should be moisturizing even if you’re oily – sometimes things like overexfoliating or lack of moisturizing can actually make your skin worse!
Hi Christine!
So I am kind of new to MAC brushes and was wondering what the difference between the 187 and 188 brushes compared to the 130 and 131 brushes coming out in the new To the beach collection. Thanks so much for doing these sessions, they are very helpful to newbies like me!! =)
188 is a smaller version of the 187 – it’s smaller in everyday, and it’s not quite as flared out. The 130 is like a firmer, stiff, stumpier 188. The 131 is like none of them – it’s a tapered, fluffier duo-fibre brush – more like a blush brush but with duo-fibres.
I had 2 questions. First, I’m trying to get all my MAC eyeshadows organized, should I mix my limited colors with my permanent colors or should I put them in a seperate palette. Second is it a good idea to put lipsticks in one of those lipstic palettes or do they last longer if I leave them in the tubes. Oh wait 3rd question, how can I make my blush last longer. I only wear powder and blush, but by 10 AM I look blah. I use studio fix C4 and warm soul blush
Hey Lynda,
As a normal person, I would mix the two – I did that for a very long time. Since I post looks on the blog, I don’t want to use a limited edition from five years ago that nobody can find anymore, you know? That’s really the only reason I have mine separated!
I’m not sure if the shelf life matters. I would say that it is easier to sanitize a lipstick in a tube than a potted product, though.
I’ve always found that the mineralize blushes seem to fade a lot faster, so using a primer underneath your foundation + setting with translucent powder seems to help.
hi christine! i get so excited when u do these q&a posts because i can read ur answers to other ppl’s questions too haha
i’ve been contemplating getting coral crepe pp (the hype surrounding it doesn’t help haha) could i use it under neutral shadows too?
Hi Yuliya,
You can definitely use it under neutral eyeshadows! 🙂 It’s best as a base, so you can really layer anything you want over it, but I personally prefer more neutral shades!
I often use a lavender paint under my neutral shadows. It gives it something special.
What is the best black eyeshadow that is full of pigmentation?
Sugarpill’s Bulletproof has been the most intense I’ve seen.
hey christine
could you suggest some mac eyeshadows for me anything from neutrals to bright colors. i picked up 2 that you recommended me the last ask temptalia session which was humid and juxt which i love. im nw20 with brown eyes and dark brown hair.
thank you : )
Hey Vickie,
Neutrals – Soft Brown, Patina, Ricepaper
Brights – Winkle, Lucky Green, Atlantic Blue, Electric Eel
thank you for your quick answer : )
i just have one more question. i forgot to ask if you could recommend some pink eyeshadows from mac. ive tried many from nyx and they just make me look like i have pink eye :/
Aww!! It’s all about what you pair it with! Try pairing your pinks with either metallic, smoky browns OR with golds and yellows.
I like MAC’s Expensive Pink!
awesome! i’ll deff give those combo a try! thank you for the tips : )
yes i love MAC’s Expensive Pink! try wearing it on your lid and put MAC’s Haux in the crease. Haux is a very creamy blendable matte color and the two play off each other well. 🙂
Da Bling is a really pretty pink as well. I love wearing it on the lid with Tempting or Scene in the crease. Paradisco is really pretty too if you want something that is coral-pink. I wore it on the lid last week with Tempting in the crease and Nylon to highlight – liked this look a lot.
Hi Christine! No questions, here. I just wanted to thank you once again for all the amazing work you do! Your website is amazing, and I’m digging the new layout. =)
Aww, thank you so much, Tabi!! 🙂
I wanted to ask you what foundation do you wear? or what would you recommend for me. I am NC35/NC40 I have oily skin, my problem for example: If I hug somebody my makeup transfers to there clothing. Is this with any foundation? I do wear a primer, I set my foundation with a drug store powder or could it maybe be my powder? I’m currently using Mac’s studio fix, I have use other drug store brands but they all do that. Thank you in advance for all your help and suggestions!!!!
Hi,
I vary what I wear. I tend to wear Make Up For Ever HD for photos/videos, and I wear Guerlain’s Parure Gold for special events.
Hmm, it might be the powder — you should be able to let it set and not have it transfer! I’m not sure why the drugstore powder isn’t up to snuff – I use Laura Mercier’s and it’s solved a lot of the transferring issues!
I want to know a full 360 of what I should do to my face. Right now I am just using MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in C4 with MAC prep + prime base visage under which worked at first but not so much anymore.
I am a medium skin tone, as I am hispanic. My skin is one of the most horrible to tame I am EXTREMELY oily not only on my t-zone but as well as my chin and cheeks I also have VERY noticeable pores on my forehead & cheeks. What would you reccommend that isn’t very expensive? I’m more leaning towards MAC products because it’s a little more affordable than other brands out there. I was thinking of trying studio fix fluid spf 15 but i’m not too sure. What about concealer, primer, and finishing powder? What do you reccomend? Especially for my pores and oily skin.
Thank you so much! This blog is SUCH a help when I choose new products 🙂
I’m also open to other brands as long as they are affordable!
Hi Amanda,
Are you using a moisturizer? I only ask ’cause I know some with oilier skin skip moisturizer, but it can actually make your skin oilier if you do! I’d also recommend exfoliating two to three times a week.
You may want to try Smashbox’s Anti-Shine as a primer (price point is similar to MAC). For a concealer, something like MAC’s Studio Sculpt concealer might work, since it has a drier texture. As far as finishing powder goes, MAC’s Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is nice, but you may want to grab the Blot Powder, which is good for setting but also blotting up mid-day oil.
Studio Fix Fluid would be good for your skin type, since it has a matte finish!
Thank you!
I’m actually not using any type of moisturizer, but if you have opinions feel free to let me know! Any brands are good I’m really open to whatever since my skin is in need of mositure as well. Thank you for your comment back and thanks for ALL the comments, getting such good tips!
I always recommend Olay or Neutrogena — two affordable brands that know how to do a good moisturizer.
Does MAC send you free products? you always get them early, lucky! i would love to know what goes on with you getting the first look at all the high end products 🙂
Hi Nicole,
Yes, sometimes MAC sends free products, but if you see a full collection, then I most likely purchased it. Many sneak peeks are the result of product samples 🙂 Any review that has product samples has a disclosure statement at the end of the review, so you can always find out right then and there, too!
Do you get to keep the products? that’s amazing right there!
Usually!
woo hoo! ready? go!
1) do you use a mac or pc for the website work and video editing? i’m curious what program you use for video editing as well – now that i know you have a kick-ass camera (btw i JUST bought a DOF adaptor for my camcorder woo hoo! getting ready to shoot a music video soon). i’ll still use my flip for youtube videos but i love the look of the 35mm lens on the camcorder. it looks so 70s! 🙂
2) what is captain lab doing right now? lol i have one dog awake and one asleep, which is how it usually goes. one likes to play and wrestle (seriously, he uses his “arms” and is quite strong) and the other likes to be lazy and sleep all day long (especially if he can find a sunny spot to lay in and bake).
3) do you ever use mac’s prep + prime lash? i was talked into buying it about a year ago by a crafty sales person and i don’t like it. i also don’t really get the idea of a lash primer (not really). ever use lash primers? like em? hate em? don’t care? i’m dying for someone else’s opinion!!!
ooh! one more. paint pots vs mac pait (as an eyeshadow base). opinion on either?? and what is your favorite e/s base? i usually see you use paint pots but have noticed the last few looks using benefits stay don’t stray.
I like Paint Pots because they’re WAY WAY easier to use than paints. Both work fine on me (in terms of not creasing, budging, smudging, etc. etc.), so I don’t prefer one over the other on one of those things. Paints are creamier, and they’re easier to blend out sometimes – less prone to drying out than PPs. But PPs never over-dispense! You don’t have to worry about whether you unrolled the paint tube enough to avoid a gush of paint!
I like pigments + mixing medium, because I just find that nothing adds pop like a colored base! I’ve been testing out Stay Don’t Stray, and it seems to do the job. They kind of all run together for me – none of them crease on me, so it’s like, “hmm, how does one pick a favorite?” I hate the pump dispenser, though.
Ohh, you have questions this time!
1.) The boy does ALL the video editing! The deal was I’d do them if he would edit, ’cause I can’t STAND my voice. We use Adobe Premiere for editing. Which is an angry beast of a program. We both use PCs. It’s funny – growing up, I had a PC and a Mac (my parents are/were both computer engineers, so we were a very wired family), but I never liked Macs!
2.) Being a couch potato! I don’t know what it is about dogs, but they love them some couch time.
3.) I’ve used it, but I don’t know. I don’t know if it does anything. I tend to only use a lash primer with colored mascara, since my lashes are dark black/brown, to make the color pop a bit. I find MAC’s a little thick/creamy/goopy. Could be an old tube, but I don’t know. I liked Lancome’s Oscillation primer – coats nicely. But it seems like if you had a good mascara, you wouldn’t really need the primer.
I have heard a few bad things about that pump dispenser in the Benefit primer. I have used Paint Pots before but I was thinking of switching to Paints because then I don’t have to use a spatula to scrape out product (though I do LOVE those glass containers that Paint Pots come in). For colored bases – as you know – I like Pro Paint Sticks but I know a great many MAC artists to favor using Chromaline for colored bases. I’ve tried Chromaline before but I find it to be far too drying – So much that you have to work REALLY fast just to get eyeshadow to stick.
Good deal on the video editing – And I’m a PC guy myself. Of course I’d take a $3500 Mac if someone gave it to me, but I’d rather spend half that much and get a PC that’s just as good (I often compare the two to driving a stick vs an automatic transmission. I say Mac’s are for wusses LOL).
And re: the eyelash primer – I hear you on the colored mascara – Other than that I just find it cause clumps and be one extra pain-in-the-butt step (I think I’ve used it maybe three times?)
Thanks for the feedback! And my yellow dog is still asleep (maybe it’s something with yellow dogs and lazy?) LOL
Hey Dusty!
Ooh, yeah, I could see paints being more convenient in that sense then! 🙂 I’ve had no issues with them – they’re thinner and creamier than paint pots, but they work the same on me! I have a bunch of the Chromalines, but they are quite drying. I didn’t really dig ’em myself.
Ahaha! Yes, even though I can somehow justify paying for the name/label on makeup… I can’t do it on a computer. I’d rather get a top-of-the-line PC (my dad always builds mine, lol) than an entry-level Mac for the same price! TBH, I’ve never had a PC completely die on me, but a Mac has hosed me more than once… the sad Mac 🙁 Worst thing you could ever see!
Mine is still on the couch… shocker 😉
uh oh! mail is here! time to stop sleeping and bark out the window! lol
my folks used to own a computer company – custom building pc’s… so i’m just kind of familiar with them and just like you – i always build my own (well, have them built anyway lol). i know enough to have a conversation with a tech and to troublshoot pretty well, but i draw the line there. i was WAY more involved in my previous live (6 or 7 years ago). it’s amazing how much you can forget about something when you CAN’T STAND IT! lol!
Yeah, I have no capacity for the nitty gritty, and my Dad is my troubleshooter (though, I mean, I can do plenty on my own, but if we start talking specs, I’m like zzz!). I used to do HTML and I can’t remember much any more… nothing beyond links, images, and some font styling, LOL!
I started out using Shu Uemura’s Lash Repair as a primer/eyelash conditioner. It was good but too expensive. Then I switched to MAC’s Prep and Prime Lash for just putting it under mascara. I like it because it helps mascara NOT smudge on me. I used to wear Zoomlash which would smudge onto the undereye and needed to be wiped away with my fingers after 4 hours, but with the Prep and Prime Lash underneath, there was no smudging at all. Also, I used Dior Iconic mascara on its own and found it too hard to remove (Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil couldn’t do the job, I needed to use it, THEN use MAC Wipes. All the tugging was making me lose a few lashes). Using it on top of Prep and Prime Lash helps remove the Iconic mascara easily with just the cleansing oil. I think a lash primer does have its merits, it also helps condition the lashes (though I’m not sure if MAC’s primer does that).
NW20, brown hair and eyes, freckles.
LOVE the To The Beach collection, but I can’t buy everything, sadly. No money! I’m definitely getting the Scorcher nail polish and Hipness blush. No lippie products, I have too many already. What I’m wondering is… which shades of eyeshadow would you recommend from that collection for me? I wish I could get them all, but realistically, I’m thinking 2-3.
Hey Sara,
Well, considering that two of the five shades are permanent… you can always hold off on those (Humid and Shimmermoss). I think Sweet & Punchy is a gorg color if you love brights, enjoy the yellowness of a chartreuse green.. but even if you miss it, Sour Lemon (PRO) is pretty close – as is Rated R (from last year). I’d recommend Sweet & Punchy and Firecracker (but if you got Hot Hot Hot, you could skip this one since you’re on a budget). I really found Sand & Sun impossible to show up on me, though so I’d pass there!
I actually did get Hot Hot Hot! And I was eyeing Firecracker, lol. Good to know I could skip it though. I think it’s my goal to own every coraly shadow. Whoooops! Maybe I’ll do Sweet & Punchy and one of the permanent shades. I think Humid, unless there’s something faboo about Shimmermoss that I need to get it rightnow! :p
You’re amazing, and always the best person to come to with questions. Thank you so much 😀
Ahh, I feel ya – if you LOVE corals and want them and wear them, then definitely go for Firecracker. Like I adore me some teal, so I’ll own all of them. Whatever. They can be half a hue different and I want them both.
I don’t think you can go wrong, though 😉
I thought of another question! I think at some point I want to to the MUFE palette freebie thing on Sephora. Buy 3, get the palette free. I already have a shadow in 139 (deep, dark brown)… are there any other MUFE staples you think I should start with? 139 was my first one!
Hey Sara,
Have you seen my 30 Days of Make Up For Ever series? http://www.temptalia.com/30-days-of-make-up-for-ever-the-final-wrap-up
Anyway, I really like their brights. The quality is superb, but I find their shades a little one-note – like I want crazy teal and gold shimmer in a blue eyeshadow, you know? My faves were #83, #159, #26, #304, #93!
You. are. a. goddess. For real. Thank you so much! -big hugs-
🙂 Thank you, Sara!
Hi Christine!
I was watching a few youtube videos my makeup gurus who have suggested ‘trace gold’ by MAC. If you have seen it in person, what are your thoughts? How would it match my NW20 skin?
Do you have other blush recommendations? I am planning to get Hipness and I already use NARS Orgasm and Benefit’s Sugarbomb religiously. Maybe some darker/plum-ier shades? Or coral ones?
Thanks!!
Hey Vanessa,
I don’t own it myself (I don’t have many MAC permanent blushes — let’s just say I’ve spent more time on LEs… I think I have 50, LOL!). Are you able to check it out in store? I think Trace Gold is pretty, though a little frosty, but I worry it may not work perfect with your skin tone.
Ooh, what about Breath O’ Plum? Maybe Dolce Vita by NARS? Love Dolce Vita! NARS Deep Throat and MAC Springsheen are both nice, too.
I think I will fight the crowds and swatch Trace Gold and Breath O’ Plum in person when I grab Hipness!
I’ve been wanting Deep Throat for so long! Sephora has a set with a full-size Deep Throat, one of the multiples in Orgasm (mini), and a lip pencil, so I may grab that since it’s such a great value.
Thank you for your suggestions! 🙂
LOL! 😉
My pleasure, Vanessa!
Ah, and two more questions that just popped into my head. 1) Do regular MAC stores sell empty eyeshadow palettes or pan refills or are those only available at PRO locations? 2) Is To-The-Beach hitting MAC counters on the 27th as well? Would it be too late to call and pre-order marine life at either counters or stores?
Hey Vanessa,
1.) All freestanding MAC stores sell empty eyeshadow palettes and pan/palette refills. I can’t remember if freestanding stores now also carry the blush palettes (but I know they don’t have the blush pans).
2.) As far as I know, it’s still the 27th. I don’t think it’s too late!
Actually, both the (non-PRO) freestanding stores I go to have blush pans and blush palettes, so I’m assuming that’s common to most or all f/s stores 🙂
Really! I will have to ask my store next time I’m there. It’s been so long since I’ve asked, so that would be excellent!
Hey, I’m NC20 and I use Trace Gold daily. You just have to blend it out pretty well, but that’s no issue. HTH!
I’ve heard on another swatching site that MUFE’s HD Blush in 14 Star Struck is a good dupe for MAC Ripe Peach Ombre Blush, would do you think?
Here’s my swatch… http://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-hd-blush-nip-slip-star-struck-first-kiss-reviews-photos-swatches
I don’t think they’re the same. Ripe Peach has a lot more pink to it than peach, so it didn’t look like a pure peach on me, which Star Struck is more like, IMO. Have you tried Estee Lauder Nuance?
I LOVE my EL Peach Nuance. I also am madly in love with Radiant Peach. I can’t believe some of my favourite blushes are EL. It was just an accident I discovered them too because I had to return a concealer because they didn’t carry a shade light enough and they only did exchange only returns 😉
Hi Christine! I don’t have that much time in the morning so I’m looking for really good moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning. I have olay spf 15, but I find that it’s not moisturizing enough anymore. Something not too expensive and doesn’t leave a white sheen. I’m just a tad darker than NC 30 in Mac.
What are you using at night? Maybe you can beef up your night time moisturizer.
I also like Neutrogena’s line of moisturizers – solid and most have SPF in them.
This is more of a recommendation, but if it is too much work feel free to ignore me. I noticed that on the superglasses you posted the ingredients list, and you don’t normally do that, but it would be so awesome if you did! I always feel weird looking at the ingredients in a store, and it is practically impossible for me to see mac’s ingredients because they don’t post theirs on their website, and I forget to save the packaging (since it isn’t on the actual product).
I usually don’t get the boxes when products are samples, so I usually can’t provide any ingredient lists, unfortunately 🙁 I try to when it’s skincare, if I get the box or if the ingredients are on the packaging itself! So sorry!!
I would, though, if you *are* concerned about ingredients, just email via customer service for an ingredient list 🙂 I’ve done that in the past with good results! Sephora also lists a ton of ingredients for products.
Yeah, Sephora is awesome! It is mostly just mac items ;( I knew I shouldn’t have thrown out the boxes..
I’d try emailing customer service – they might have ’em all on hand – OOH, or Nordstrom/Macy’s – since both sell MAC, they may know, too.
shouldn’t you still have the superglass boxes since the superglass contest isn’t over yet? 🙂
They’re already packed away in a box, ready for a label, actually! 🙂 But yes, since I had the Superglass boxes from purchasing them – I was able to type up the ingredients, which I already did!
I have 2 questions, please!
1)why is it so challenging for me to apply gel/cream eyeliner? I have the right brushes & products (Clinique, Bobbi Brown & Smashbox). Do you ever use gel liners (rather than cake) right up under your top lashline? I have such trouble getting it smoothly across the top of my lid (probably due to crepey skin-I’m 52). 2)When using gel/cream liners on the upper lid, do your recommend pushing the product into the lashline or dragging it horizontally across the actual lid? Thanks a million if you can help!
Hey!
What brush do you use? I know a lot of people recommended the 266 to me years ago, and I hated it for gel lining! I found the 208 much, much easier to use! But you may find tightlining is better for you, you can still get some upper lash line definition but not have to worry so much about going smoothing over the lid.
As far as #2 goes, I do both – I usually will do the line across the actual lid initially, then push into the lash line.
Hi, my lipsticks are getting way, way out of control – I am thinking of detubing into individual see thru pots, I see lots of pros in doing this not to mention the B2M’s I would have. The only con I see is not being able to use from the tube always having to use a brush – – thoughts???? I don’t want to regret this later 🙂 for some reason I feel as though I would be hurting my lippies :0
Hey AYHM!
It’s not something I’d do personally, because I’m lazy and would rather apply straight from the tube than use a lip brush. I also like that I can easily sanitize my lipsticks periodically by dipping them into alcohol, which would be wayyy less feasible detubed. However, one suggestion I have for you is if you do decide to detube, you could always leave your very, very favorites that you wear often in their tubes 🙂
It would be one hell of an under taking but you could try somthing like this.
http://www.soapandmore.com/cart/product.php?productid=648&cat=46&page=1
or this
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/228167998/LB_A061_lipstick_tube.html
that way you could see the product. Let me know how it turns out.
Hey! I am trying your favorite foundation, Guerlain Parure Gold. What is the lasting time for you? Its now at hour 6 of wear time, and it is gone from my nose & chin, and forehead. How are you keeping it from disappearing? TIA!
Hey Amy,
It lasts all day for me – I set with Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting powder (which I do with all my makeup) – did you use any setting powder?
Which cleanser would you recommend with the clairsonic, I just got it today. I have very oily spot prone, clogged up skin. Can you please may be recommend a few, I live in the UK so just in case it is not available here. Thank you much
I like gel-based cleansers and ones that have a little lather/foaming. I like Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple (Foaming) & Chanel’s Exfoliating Mousse with the Clarisonic.
hi! =D i’m fair (nw 20) what’s the best bronzy blush i could use,and pink blush to have those georgous cheeks ?
You might like a bronzer like MAC’s Golden, which is a bronzer, but it has a lil’ shimmer in it, too – could give you a nice glow and tan. Try Benefit Sugarbomb or MAC’s Well Dressed!
Hi Christine
I use Mac lingering eyebrow pencil to fill in my eyebrows, the color is great as it looks natural while giving a very good definition but, it fades away like in 2 hours, I tried setting it with espresso eye shadow but it makes it too dark, do you know any other eye eyeshadow color that I can use to set it ( preferably Mac)
Thank you so much
🙂
Hey Aisha,
Have you tried Cork or Wedge?
Hey Christine!!
First question, are Love Nectar lustreglass and Big Baby plushglass similar?
Also, i have tan skin, blonde hair and blue eyes…which would you recommend for me – Angel or Creme Cup lipstick?
Thanks Christine!! Hope you have a good day!!! 🙂
Hey Kim,
They are pretty similar – Love Nectar is a little more pigmented/peach and has more shimmery.
Either would work well, but I think you may like Creme Cup more 🙂
I’m on a quest for the perfect concealer (for me), but I can’t seem to find one that (1) matches my skin color extremely well, (2) doesn’t settle into lines, (3) doesn’t totally kill my wallet. My main issue is finding my shade. 🙁
So far, I’ve tried Maybelline Angelfit, Nichido, Elianto, The Face Shop, The Body Shop, Etude House, and E.L.F.. And since I live in the Philippines, there aren’t a lot of brands available. 🙁 Help please.
Oh no! 🙁
Some recommendations:
Amazing Cosmetics Concealer
theBalm Time Balm
Revlon ColorStay Concealer
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer
Estee Lauder Double-Wear Concealer
I’m kind of stumped for questions but for now I really want to know how Mellan is doing? (Didn’t he have problems with his hip or something?) And of course, how you are doing?!
Yep, still has a hip problem, so sometimes, towards the end of the day, he looks like an old man getting up, but otherwise he is good! You’d never know anything was wrong with him except that he sways his hip like a runway model when he walks 😛
I am good! Kind of exciting that there are only three more days of school (then two days of finals) and I’ll actually have summer… free… I haven’t taken a summer off since maybe 2003? LOL.
Hahaha! Glad to hear you’re doing good. Sometimes I feel us readers forget there’s an actual person *behind* the blog so I just wanted to check with you. Enjoy your summer off! Lots of occasions to take Mellan to the beach, no? 🙂 (I love your lab so much, he’s got that “awwww-factor”.)
Hopefully! The beach isn’t *that* close, so we’ll see. Surprisingly, he doesn’t love the beach. He’d much rather swim in my parents’ pool! He is a cutie. Sometimes labs look super cute as puppies but get the old man face… which is cute in an ugly way almost. (My boyfriend’s brother has a lab – such an ugly dog, but so ugly he’s cute again!)
I am in vet school, so I hope you don’t mind me butting in on this. 🙂
Have you taken him to see the vet? Definitely sounds like Mellan has hip dysplasia, which is pretty painful to those guys! Get him checked out if you haven’t yet.
Yes, he does – it was confirmed by our regular vet and an orthopedic surgeon at 8 months of age. Severe, bilateral hip dysplasia! Not to be defensive (seriously, totally not! I appreciate the concern) – let me tell ya, I am on his health, LOL. We do supplements, high quality food (not Science Diet!), exercise, special exercises (to strength the rear muscles). Unfortunately (but fortunately for him), we have become more than acquainted with it (since we are doing conservative management). You really couldn’t tell, though, and our ortho doesn’t recommend surgery at this time – treat the dog, not the x-ray.
hi christine
ques 1.no eyeliner or kaajal stays on my oily upperlid and lower waterline.have even tried mac fluidline in black track.anything i apply smudges within an hour.plz suggest some product and a technique?
ques 2.have fair skin but towards pale side,suggest a red lipstick that will suit me the best.?
ques 3.any tips on picking up a perfume?
ques 4.5 cosmetic products that u can suggest i shud always carry in my purse to sail me thru any occassion
would love to see ur reply
Hey Shilpa,
1.) Have you tried MAC Liquidlast – it’s a liquid liner that does. not. move. You could also try a sealer like Benefit She-Laq.
2.) Russian Red or Viva Glam I.
3.) Sniff around, but ask the salesperson for a sample vial – most counters have them, because it’s so hard to really smell something amongst 50 other scents!
4.) Makeup removing swabs (MAC and Jane Iredale make ’em), pressed powder (eliminate shine, blend out anything amiss), brown-black eyeliner, mascara, your favorite blush, and a makeup quad for your emergency kit.
Hi Christine,
Just wondering what pressed powder you would recommend to carry for oily skin?
Thanks!
MAC Blot Powder 🙂
Hi Christine, love the blog!
1. Please recommend a “permanent” dupe for MAC Fresh Salmon.
2. I am an NC35. i love wearing MAC Fold and Tuck liglass. Too bad it’s LE. I’ve tried Lychee Luxe and it kind of looks horrible on me. too bad b/c i know a lot of people love it. Can you recommend a “permanent” dupe for Fold and Tuck?
Thanks for your help!
Pam
Hi Pam,
1.) The closest might be Lovelorn. There doesn’t seem to be a fantastic MAC dupe for Fresh Salmon as far as I know!
2.) Benefit’s Spiked Punch (http://www.temptalia.com/benefit-ultra-shines-lip-shine-review-photos-swatches) is the closest I can think of, but it’s a little lighter/pinker.
Thanks!
Hi Christine! I have two questions:
1: I have flat, almost downturned shaped eyes. I find that I can get a sexy upturned look with eyeliner, but I’m pretty darn lousy when it comes to shaping my eyes with eyeshadow. The perfect placement of shadows seem to come to people in video tutorials so easily, but not to me. Any tips?
2: I have horrible lines under my eyes near the tear ducts (I think from years of pulling on them to put in contact lenses). Could you please recommend an undereye concealer as well as an eye-safe, worth-my-dollar, anti-wrinkle product?
Thanks much!
Courtney
Hi Courtney,
1.) From what I know, placement is still much like lightest color on the inner lid, fading to a medium color on the outer lid, then a darker crease color in the crease, but turned up a bit to help make the eye look like it’s pulled upwards. Also, keeping liner thinner and always wing it upwards to help further the illusion.
2.) I like theBalm’s Time Balm & MAC’s Moisturecover. For something anti-aging, try Olay or their Olay Pro-x line.
Oh! I got another one. In the summer I feel like a big blod of oil. My face gets so shiney. How do I stop this? I use MUFE Mat Velvet + in 30 (I was actually probably color matched wrong..Im more of a yellow base) and I use their All Mat primer. I shine so much I should be a vampire. What am I doing wrong??
Hmm, are you moisturizing beforehand? Gotta do that!
Then, are you setting with a powder? I find that I can’t skip setting my makeup in the summer, especially if I’m outside for long.
Hey Christine,
I’m looking to buy a tinted moisturizer but I’ve never had one before. What are your favorites?
I love Kiehl’s & Korres!
do you have any suggestions as to why TFSI would crease on me? most any eye primer does actually, and i have normal to dry skin so that seems a bit weird? i apply about 10-15 minutes after i moisturize, use eye cream. could the eye cream be the problem?
You could try dusting your lids with a translucent powder beforehand, to see if maybe the eye cream hasn’t fully absorbed yet. You could also try moisturizing your eyes, and then coming back a half hour or hour later –just to see if it makes a difference–and then you could kind of narrow down the issue!
You could, though, also be using too much or too little primer. Usually a thinner layer is better!
Hey Christine, I recently found your website through youtube so I’m kind of new and I don’t know if you’ve ever mentioned this, But I was just wondering, how do you get M.A.C. products before they come out in stores?
Hi Fatima,
Sometimes MAC has unveiling parties, so customers can attend the event and purchase the products before they’re out in-stores. Other times, if it’s just a selection of products, MAC’s public relations department has sent over product samples for review.
You can always find out if the product was provided by the brand/PR – there is a disclosure statement that follows the post/review 🙂
Hi, Christine!
Totally random/silly question, but how do you feel about eating with lipstick on? I am so bothered when I’m eating a sandwich and see lipstick on my bread (or on my glass). It doesn’t bother me so much that it gradually wears off, but when I see it on my food, it causes my OCD to kick in. Now, I wipe off my lipstick before eating and reapply… if I remember! 🙂
LOL! It doesn’t bother me, personally, except red… then I’m like, “Am I bleeding all over my food?!”
Quick tip: lick your lips before you drink or eat something. It makes them slippery. No more marks on the glass, I promise! 🙂 (You could also lick the glass but that would look err… kind of weird.)
Such a great tip, I’ll try that out! I avoid using red or darker toned lipstick too much because this drives me crazy!
Thank you for the wonderful tip, Roxanne!
I just smeared on my Cyndi lipstick and topped it off with some Dazzleglass and gave my lips a quick lick. There’s a bit of lip product on the cup but not as much as before!
I’ll probably save the glass licking in private, lol! 😉
I’m the same way! I wipe it all off and add it back later. I just get weirded out at the thought that I’m consciously eating all my lipstick, basically 😛 I also hate how lipstick and gloss cause crumbs, etc to stick to my lips. If I’m eating something with a fork that I can eat in small bites, I’ll leave it on, but sandwiches, burritos, etc…nooo sir. But the WORST is when I get lipstick all over my (reusable metal) water bottle. I keep a supply of straws in my office for that reason!
I think that we are lipstick wearing twins, daphne. 😀
It’s terrible when you get the lipstick rings on burritos! Ahhhh. I tend to not use straws (guilt issue lol), but I wipe away at my glass like crazy. If I can eat it with a fork or a utensil, I’m game, but anything that requires mouth contact, it has to come off!
Hi Christine!
I would like to start using a foundation and some blush but I’m kinda lost on which brand I should choose. I have pale skin with warm undertones and my skin is combination. Do you know a good foundation (to begin with) and some discreet blush?
Thank you!
I’d opt for Tinted Moisturizer if you’re new to foundation — it will give you some coverage but it’s a nice way to introduce yourself to foundation. I recommend Kiehl’s, Korres, or Laura Mercier for a tinted moisturizer (Laura Mercier has the widest shade range, though).
For a blush, try something like Benefit Sugarbomb–subtle but noticeable, and would be lovelyyy with your skin tone!
Thank you for your quick answer, I’ll check out Benefit’ Sugarbomb! Laura Mercier, Kiehl’s and Korres are not sold or hard to find in France but I’m going to London soon, I’ll look for them. 🙂
Thank you again for your quick answer, you’re so nice
Boo brands varying from country to country! I hope you find them in London!
You can get Benefit on sephora.fr xx
What do you think is the best way to get rid of those annoying little hairs in your face : between eyes, lip…(tweezer, wax, laser??)?
Thanks!
I tweeze for eyes, and I use a small razor (by Eve Pearl) for the upper lip. I do lip swatches every 1-2 days, so razor is just the best – because waxing/threading you just can’t do everyday, you know? I’m usually too busy/lazy/forgetful to get my brows done, so I tend to tweeze myself. I find it easy and quick enough to do though. If you need help with shape, a pro is usually the best way to go initially!
Hi Christine! I just want to say I love to follow your blog. I’ve been doing so for over a year and I usually participate when you have these forums. I recently got hooked on Twitter and I follow you there as well. (I’m sue713 idk I you recall me… I tend to respond 2 ur tweets).
My question today is: Do you use a separate sunblock with your tinted moisturizer? I’ve also discovered Korres & Kiehls TM thanks to you.
Also when are you going to post your review for the Laura Mercier TM. I have used it for a while. I really like it just that it’s $40 dollars. Although I must say I paid the same for MUFE HD foundtion but don’t really use that. I use my tinted moisturizer on a daily basis.
Last question. I recently noticed a change in my skin. I’ve become more oily in my t zone. What can I do to control it throughout the day?
Thanks again! Till next time! 🙂
Thank you so much, Susan! 🙂 I recognize your twitter name!
I use a moisturizer and a tinted moisturizer — I usually take a shower first thing in the morning, but I don’t necessarily put makeup on right away, so I use my daytime moisturizer (with SPF) and then a tinted moisturizer later on.
Soon! I am trying to make sure I have the right shade, LOL!
You can try a mattifying primer like Smashbox Anti-Shine or blotting powder to help control it during the day 🙂
Thank you!
Hi! (and sorry for the long comment in advance!)
I’ve been wondering whether to get Diorskin Nude or not. I have combination skin where my t-zone is oily but not in excess and my cheeks and around my mouth area can be extremely dry. I’ve been wanting to get a foundation which would give me a glow or dewy like effect (which is why i’m considering diorskin nude) and would give be a sheer coverage however I do enjoy exercising frequently which causes my face to get moist and flushed. Do you think the foundation would cover up my redness without running off my face? Or could you recommend one which may be more suitable?
Previously I have used BareMinerals foundation since my skin sometimes puts on a fuss and decides to be sensitive, however I found that makeup drying and dulling my face. Should I have been using liquid this time instead of powder? I’m kinda new to makeup 😛
Hey Arielle,
DiorSkin Nude is a nice foundation, but I don’t really think it’s going to last through any major workouts. If you need one that’s going to last through a workout, you’re better off going for long-wearing foundation (like Estee Lauder has some really tough foundations), but they tend to be on the medium or full coverage end of the spectrum.
Hmm, I know that some people react to the bismuth (I think it’s bismuth – it’s either bismuth or talc, but I’m pretty sure it’s bismuth) in BareMinerals, so it could have been that. If you have drier skin on your cheeks, you may find liquid more comfortable to wear, since it’s a larger, more noticeable surface than say your t-zone 🙂
Hi! Just a quick question, do you think that you will be reviewing the new LE Nars Multiple tints? I’m in the UK and we don’t have them so I’m tempted to ship from the US but I can’t bare to buy anything without your reviews first! 🙂 xx
I’m not planning to at the moment, since I think you can only grab ’em off the NARS site at the moment! They’re not something I think I’d use, and at $38 a pop, I’d rather just swatch in store, snap some photos, than buy each at $38 just to swatch, lol!
Or at least just grab one but if I don’t like it… can always easily return it!
How do you keep up with all your makeup! I love collecting makeup but sometimes I get so overwhelmed and can’t seem to use it all. Do you use all of it?
Nope, of course I don’t – it would be impossible to use all of it! How I use my makeup now is totally different than how I used it before I started the blog, too, so inevitably, there are certainly products that don’t get used!
Hello Christine! I hope you’re well!
Well, here’s my question: I would like something to contour my face.
The closer shade I am at mac is NW15 (although it’s too orange – I’m more cool/beige than anything)
The closest mac store is only a mac counter at Le Printemps which means, no access to the pro product and limited catalogue. Is there a blush (or an eyeshadow – that’d work too!!) among the mac collection that’d work to contour? If not among mac, anything in an other brand (but I really prefer mac, eh eh)? 🙂
MAC Harmony is the closest, but you can always just use foundation that’s darker than you by 1-2. So perhaps you could use MSF Natural in the lightest or second to lightest shade 🙂
Thank you very much. I’ll definitely test Harmony at the store. And the MSF Natural! 🙂
Hi Christine! Do you have recommendations for reducing under-eye creasing from concealer? I have BAD circles, so I have to use fairly thick and emollient products to keep the area looking moist and not dry and flaky. Currently, I prime the area with Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch or the L’Oreal Studio Secrets base, then conceal with Eve Pearl’s Salmon concealor, then brighten with a tiny dab of Estee Lauder Max Coverage Foundation, then set with Benefit’s Powderflage and a fluffy eye brush. I know it’s a lot of product, but it seems to be the only way to get the long-lasting coverage I need. Thanks a lot!
Hey Nichole,
All the steps you take were all the ones I was going to recommend! You may find using a sponge to gently press the product into the area helps to combat some of the creasing as well!
Hey – I am wondering about oil control. I am so tired with breaking out my MAC blot powder every hour.
The thing is that i start out the day super super dry and then get greasy mid/end day.
I wear Nars Sheer Glow in Trinidad and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Deep Dark.
What would you suggest to keep oil away ?
Hey Andrea,
I’d suggest a primer like Smashbox’s Anti-Shine!
Hi Christine!! First of all thank you so much for this site! I don’t know what I’d do without it. Although…I think I keep lemming things that may not work for me since we have totally different colouring!! I’m NW/NC10 LOL. I keep wanting all these bright lipsticks I see on here.
Anyways…my question is I’m looking for brand recommendations for eyeshadows. I love highly pigmented smooth eyeshadows. So far I seem to have the best luck with a lot of MAC’s shadows but I would like to try some other brands. I bought the DIOR Ready to Glow quint to branch out and had to return it since the pigmentation was HORRIBLE. Where should I start?? Thanks!
Hi Christa,
Best thing to do is try – maybe even just trying out a bright shade from the drugstore so you’re not out a ton of $ (or return!), too 🙂
If you love super pigmented and enjoy MAC – I think you’d enjoy Urban Decay and Make Up For Ever! UD has a lot of great shimmery shades, and Make Up For Ever does mattes and satins really well!
Green/natural beauty… are you concerned with transitioning your products to more “green” stuff? I’ve wanted to take the plunge to using mostly Burt’s Bees, tarte, Yes to Carrots, Korres, Kiehl’s but aghhh it’s so expensive! Which of these brands and products are you using now?
Hey Sara,
I don’t have a ton of time to research into the brands and products being touted as green, natural, etc. Very rarely are the terms regulated or have any concrete meaning – of course, some brands are more transparent about it than others, but then at the same time, I’m more concerned about the efficacy of what I’m using, since it is my skin. I don’t want to pay $40 for a product that does nothing for my skin or makes it worse – green or not. I’ve used all of the brands you mentioned. I love Kiehl’s, Korres and Burt’s Bees are nice but nothing has blown me away (this is to say good, but not great). I’ve used Yes to Carrots way, way long ago, but it seemed fine (again, good, not outstanding). I like Tarte’s liners and their eyeshadows.
Hi Sara – just a few tips since my whole skincare routine is green and some of my makeup is green. =)
I would concern myself more with greening my skincare than my makeup because it has much more face time (day and night and while you sleep). Good brands I recommend and that you can get at Whole Foods are suki, MyChelle, Pangea Organics, Devita and Burt’s Bees. suki makes excellent tinted moisturizer and a really nice concealer, MyChelle makes very nice stick foundations and Pangea has the best eye cream I’ve used (the Turkish Rose and White Tea one). Gabriel Cosmetics makes nice lipstick.
Korres is the worst brand of skincare I’ve ever used and I refuse to use their makeup because they’re dishonest about how green their products are. Tarte is nice. Hope this helps!
Hi christine! Could you reccomend some good mac eyeshadows for stage? I am a ballet dancer, my costume is going to be black and burgundy with lace etc. I am pretty fair with neutral undertones and brown eyes. Colors SA’s have reccomended were too cool and ashy or so frosty to the point that they looked dirty on stage…
Hmm, I would recommend some shades like Pink Freeze, Shale, Sketch if you’re aiming for something to match your costume. For something lighter, I might go with Hush on the lid, then a more dramatic crease like Plum Dressing or Sketch!
-Which would you recommend: The Mac holiday Brush sets or the sigma ones?
-Do you have a swatch of impassioned anywhere?
-What is your skincare routine?
I always get excited whenever you have these questionnaires, you’re very informative & I love this website.
Probably the Sigma ones.
Here’s Impassioned, an old, scary swatch… http://www.temptalia.com/mac-colour-ready-swatches-pictures
My skincare routine changes alllll the time. (Always testing something new out!) Right now, I’m using a Chanel day cream (very luxe, nice), was using a Burt’s Bee Pomegranate Night Cream (I got bored, moved onto Origins Ginger something right now!), Renee Rouleau Cleansing Gel for a general cleanser, shu’s balancing cleansing oil for removing makeup. I use Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate two times a week or so!
Thank you!
Hi Christine!
I’ve been a fan of Temptalia for years now and I have to say I’m as happy with all the reviews and product information as I was when I first encountered your site!
Now, I have a personal question. I know you’re a law student but I was wondering if you ever would consider becoming a professional makeup artist. It just seems to me your passion is makeup and, personally, I would enjoy doing something I loved as a career. What are your thoughts?
Hey Chloe,
That’s so AMAZING! to hear 🙂 Really, it is! It just makes me so, so happy to have long-time readers 🙂
I actually LOVE blogging. Let me rephrase – I love helping all of you with whatever makeup knowledge I have. It may not be technical or scientific knowledge, but if I can help you make better purchases, find things you really love (or warn you on products that you won’t) – that really makes my day. It’s not so much the application of makeup on others that holds interest to me – it’s being able to interact with so many wonderful people every day. Every day I feel blessed to be able to post on Temptalia and share with you whatever new products or swatches or tips or looks I have.
Thank you!!
Oh, you have more longtime readers that you think. Your blog was the first beauty blog I started to read some years ago and it’s getting better and better with time. Very professional and dedicated to be precise.
Have you already imagined being so taken with your future job that you couldn’t have the time/motivation to blog anymore? A job can be so time devouring (or even mentally destroying)… I hope it won’t happen to you and that you’ll keep on being there.
It’s just inspiring to hear from you guys (gals!) 🙂 It’s just like, “OK, I must be doing something right if someone can read my drivel for THAT many years!”
I really, truly LOVE doing the blog – if I can pay my bills and live my life and just do this, I would. I still have a year to go in school, and blogging as a career is totally unstable, so it’s still a wait-and-see game. But this is my dream – I am blessed and privileged to be able to live part of my dream for even a second. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that if I keep working hard, I can be fortunate enough to continue living out my dream 🙂
Thank you!
I’ve been lurking here since you were just using Temptalia as your own archive for looks 😉 Ahhh, they grow so fast…
I hope you can make a living out of this – you deserve it 🙂
WOW! You’ve been here a long time then 😉 Great to still you reading! Oh goodness, you knew us when we had the BLACK background, ahh!
Thank you!
Hi there, Christine!
You truly have followers from all around the world, since here’s finnish one writing for you 🙂
So my question is:
I’ve had Urban Decay’s Book of Shadows vol 1. for some time now, but i’m still not quite sure how to use all those lovely shadows for inspirational looks that would suit me, so I decided to ask help from you 🙂
Here is some description of the tones on my face to help you to give some guidelines next time i’m using that UD palette:
My complexion is fair, yet very warm with golden undertones, natural colour in my undyed hair is something between golden and dark blond,
and my eyes are really deep dark blue.
I’d like to try out new colours and combinations, but I always end up using those safe but oh so boooring browns on the second row. I just don’t know how to use these shades together and combine them :/
Any ideas?
Thank you so much for your help, and greetings from Finland, too!
Here are some combos you could try… Please let me know if I have the wrong palette, LOL.
Scandal, Roach, Lastcall
Scandal, Goddess
Sidecar, GridLock, Perversion
Baked, Smog
Shakedown, Protest, Perversion
Midnight Cowboy, Sidecar, Gridlock
Shakedown, Mayhem, Goddess
Hi Christine! I’m thinking about upgrading my drugstore foundation, and I’m not sure what brand would be best. I have clear skin, but I use foundation to cover redness on my nose and as needed elsewhere. I have a small sample of Lancome foundation, which I love…but I’m not sure what else is out there. Any recommendations?
I have light skin with warm/neutral undertones.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Well, if you love the sample you have – why not try that? Which foundation is it? Lancome has good foundations from what I’ve tried 🙂
What blush do you recomend?
I have tan NW 35-40 skin now and am looking for a blush that makes my cheeks look like they’ve been just pinched. Can you give me powder and cream recommendations? Thanks!
Fleur Power or Margin!
For cream, NARS Cactus Flower!
Hey Christine, I just wanted to ask you what eye look you were wearing in the Lancome tinted moisturiser review,I L-O-V-E the look and your blog.Keep up the great work.Love abhi
http://www.temptalia.com/softly-smoky-drama-but-not-too-much
Thanks!
Hello! I’m very, very pale (like, translucent) with some freckles, my eyes are brown, and my hair is brown with some warm red undertones.
Can you recommend any good eyeshadow looks for work? I’ve done the whole warm copper, brown, peach thing, and I’m getting bored with it. I’m afraid other “cooler” or “brighter” colors look ridiculous on me because I’m so pale and they look garish!
Thanks!
What about maybe red-based purples? Like soft pinks (MAC Hush) and a plum-gray (MAC Shale)? That might be an interesting way to move away from brown but still not be too much! You could also try light golds (MAC Nylon) paired with your fail-safe browns/coppers for more of a pop on the lid.
I get more compliments from the really professional people when I wear neutral eyeshadows with colorful eyeliner. That’s the main look that gets me attention.
Hi Christine! here’s another question for you. (I submitted one earlier but idk if it went through) Can you recommend a good concealer for undereye circles? I use select moisturecover by MAC. I also have studio finish concealer but it doesnt seem to work for my undereyes. It’s not creamy… doesn’t glide on like select moisturecover. What do you recommend? I’m open to try other brands =)
I love Moisturecover! 🙂
I also like theBalm’s Time Balm and Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer (definitely creamy!) 🙂
Such nice time to get this session…I had a question.
1. Do you have any idea if MUFE Gold Icone collection Spring 2010 which has been released in other countries will ever release in US SEPHORA or its an Asia exclusive kind of thing.
2. Is is mandatory to paint both feet nais and hand nails in same color?
3. Which is the best brush for Bronzer Application and which is your fav matte and shimmery Bronzer….
4. Is 188 beter or 131 better. Is 131 necessary…or must have kind of brush/
Hey Resham,
1.) I have no idea. I haven’t heard anything about it — I don’t think I even got a press release on it!
2.) No, I don’t think so. First, there are no RULES! just guidelines. I never have mine the same, though. I wear China Glaze For Audrey like 95% of the time on my toes, but my fingers change.
3.) I like the fan brush… 184? I think. I think it’s PRO, though. I also like the 168 (angled contour). I like Dior and Chanel bronzers a lot – both for matte and shimmery. I do like MAC, but I just find the Chanel bronzers to be the softest and most natural.
4.) I never reach for the 131 myself! I don’t use a lot of mineralize products, though (they break me out). Hmm, 130 may be better for cream blush than the 188, since it’s stiffer.
oh, btw, I forgot to thank you for this session, the reveiws and TEMPTALIA in general…:)
Always my pleasure, Resham! 🙂
Hi Christine! I had a q. about a smokey eye: I’m fair skinned w/warm undertones, big blue eyes, light brown hair and lots of lid space according to the mac mua’s. I’d love to do a dark all-over lid color like club but it looks like I’ve been punched in the eye! I’ve noticed that a lighter lid and a darker crease color looks better on me. What would you recommend for a smokey eye? Thanks!
P.S.: It’s so nice to see a law student can be interested in makeup and still be smart. I always felt like I was the only one!!
Hi Ali,
Club can be a hard color to wear, though. Have you tried something maybe more monochromatic (like Silver Ring all over the lid) or even just doing a light inner lid but going much darker on the outer and crease area? Maybe you still need a lil’ pop of brightness on the inner corner/lid, and there’s nothing wrong with that! If that works, then more power to you 🙂
hey Christine,
Wanna thank you first for the recommendation the frederic fekkai hairspray, it worked wonders and keeps the curls!
My question is that I’ve been contemplating buying either the MAC 227 or 217 brush, i know they are quite different but i heard that the 227 is good for an all over the lid wash and blending too. Just wanna know which one is more versatile. thanks!
YAYYYYY! So happy to hear it, Kiki! Score 😉
I like the 217 more 🙂
Yay for another ask temptalia session! My favorite:)
1. I have a school event coming up next week and I have a coral dress but I have no idea what do for makeup, would a coralish eye be too much? I was thinking of a brown smokey eye or something along the lines
of that..how would you wear your makeup with a bright coral dress?
2. Have you tried the Chanel vitalumiere or the mat lumiere? if yes what do you think?
3. best pink lipsticks for nc30?
Thanks in advance and keep up the good work! 🙂
Hi Crissy,
1.) I think a brown smoky eye would be lovely paired with a coral dress 🙂 I might go with a coral lip or gloss OR blush and do more neutral shades on the eyes.
2.) I haven’t!
3.) MAC Sweetie, UD Naked
Thanks!
I’m NC30 too and I think the best pink lipstick is Full Fuchsia (PRO) or Girl About Town (almost the same colour). But that’s hot pink of course =P
Hey Crissy, I just bought myself a bottle of Mat Lumiere after loving a sample and I can tell you my thoughts. It’s a lovely, soft, even finish that gives the skin a really smooth look and has good coverage but looks super light. The look of it just makes me sigh – my skin is so flawless in it! It does not have the greatest lasting power though. I have to remind myself to be careful with my face when I wear it…so I try extra hard not to touch my face, and eat carefully, so I don’t end up taking my foundation off with a napkin. I also make sure to use a good primer and setting powder. Basically, I save it for special occasions because it’s so expensive and am especially like to use it when I’m going out for a night and won’t be wearing it all day.
Whats is a good mac product I can use for highlight? I have NC25 skin. Also what mac eyeshadow that is comparable to UD’s flash? Also what is a good medium pink lipstick/lipglass for my skin tone? Oh,I also have black hair
Try Soft & Gentle MSF! 🙂
None, really, TBH. Parfait Amour would come the closest. Violet pigment would work best after that!
Try Sweetie lipstick & Cultured lipglass!
What is a good under eye concealer from mac? And do you know any mac dupes for the e/s in the UD’s new summer love pallet?
I like Moisturecover the best 🙂
Try Parfait Amour, Patina, Melon pigment, Bronze. Parfait Amour is the only one that doesn’t dupe the palette well.
Hi Christine!!
Let me first of all say I LOVE this website even though I just discovered it a month ago and have been coming on every day! Its so inspiring how you can keep up this blog and still go to business and law school.lol anyways Now that the semester is over I want to learn more about makeup, and such. My face has moderately light acne but I want it all gone and I noticed that you dont have any at all on your skin(beautiful skin btw!) what is your skincare regimen? I know everyone has there own but I am just very curious so I can have an idea of where to start from lol
thanks!
Hi Okonedo!
So, it’s not that I don’t have any, it’s just that you can’t SEE it 😉 I usually wear light-medium to medium coverage foundation to cover up any imperfections, as I do struggle from acne unfortunately!
Right now, I am using Kate Somerville ExfoliKate 2x per week, Origins Ginger Moisturizer at night, Chanel day cream in the AM, Renee Rouleau Cleansing Gel for AM/PM cleansing, and shu uemura’s balancing cleansing oil for makeup removal. Mine changes every 8-12 weeks, though!
Thank you so much!
Hi! I was wondering if you knew any discount makeup/skin care stores online that do ships to Canada? They seem to be just an urban legend around here….Thank you!
Hey Gen,
I really have no idea 🙁 Hopefully one of our many Canadian readers can help you out!
OH! StrawberryNet, I believe, ships anywhere!
I have no solution but I would like to listen in and let you know I feel your pain. What drives me crazy is when a site has a county selector page and has Canada available then you go to check out and it is really the site for the US so you can’t actually get it shipped to you. *cries*
yeah i know…it really is sad when u.s. sites does ship elsewhere but Canada , we are on the same continent!!!! I live in Montreal and there are products we can’t get here because of the french language thing…*cries and weep*!!!
I like this store, I live in Puerto Rico and the transaction was smooth and fast.
thank you and thanks for the answers!
Try Cherry Culture: http://www.cherryculture.com/customer-service-shipping
I love shopping at Sasa and Cosme-De. They’re both based in Hong Kong and they have discounted products as well. Cosme-De does free shipping worldwide on any order, and Sasa offers free shipping over $100. You can pay either with Paypal or credit card, and they’re both very safe and reliable.
Hi Gen,
beautyticket.com ships to Canada. I got dinged with duty fees the last time I ordered from them, though, which had never happened before. Even with those fees it’s still a pretty good deal! No MAC, though. 🙁
There used to be a show on style called “The Modern Girls Guide to Life” and they had a segment on what to do with makeup products, aside from returning them, that weren’t the right shade for you (lip glosses,lipstick,blush etc.)..Do you think you could do something similar to that in the future?
I think I’ve done this post, actually! I either did a post or it was a Temptalia Asks You product.
http://www.temptalia.com/6-beauty-fixes-for-products-you-didnt-like
Hi again!
I am soo sorry for all the questions and comments but I also wanted to ask.which eyeshadow palette would you buy the coastal scents 88 one or the nyx? and do you know any good palettes apart from the mentioned that are really good and highly pigmented but at the same time affordable? thank you!
I would buy NYX, if only because the origin of the 88 palette concerns me a bit.
Yeah … another great “”Ask Temptalia Session”.
What’s your make-up trick for hot&humid summer months? Do you use mattifying product? How do you keep make-up in place during hot and sweaty days?
I usually turn into a grease ball in just a couple of hours in the morning. I tried switching from full foundation to tinted moisturizer (LM Oil Free) to mineral powder foundation (MAC), but it didn’t work. I tried MAC Blot Powder as a setting powder – didn’t work. I must have blotting sheets and MAC BP in every purse. Sometimes I ended up wiping off the entire make-up during lunch and redo the whole thing again for fresher look.
Hey Max,
I just use Korres silicone-free primer, tinted moisturizer, and setting powder. Nothing too special!
Have you tried a mattifying primer like Smashbox Anti-Shine? That might help extend your makeup wear time 🙂
Hey Christine! First time commenting–I love your site!
What would you recommend for a good “every day” lipstick? I’m a bit lighter than NW15, my lips are…fairly pigmented, but not too much? Not sure how to tell, haha. I have a lot of peach colors but I’m looking for a good pinky one. I’d prefer MAC (because of the price) but if it’s an amazing product I’ll consider anything! Also, a good pink blush?
Thank you soo much! xo
Ooh, maybe Angel or Creme Cup? I think you’d like those! Well-Dressed is a pretty pink blush shade, too!
Thank you!
Hi Christine! Can you recommend me a nice nailpolish top coat? Haven’t found a favourite yet. And how do you apply your polish? It’s so exact and nice looking! Wow!
Hey Marielouise!
I like Zoya’s Color Lock System – so I use the Zoya top coat included in it (it contains top coat, base coat, fast drying coat, and remover!). I start from the middle and then I pull the polish to each side. I keep meaning to do a video, since I’ve had a few people ask me, and I gotta say… it’s hard to describe in words!
I’d enjoy a video where you apply your polish. I love to watch girls applying polish. Especially dark colors. Weird eh? I find that relaxing. 😀
What are your favorite dramatic mascaras that do not smudge?
I absolutely LOVE reading your blogs, keep up the great work!
I love Chanel Exceptionnel 🙂 That’s my favorite for long, black lashes.
Thank you, Carina!
I’m paler than the MAC NC15 foundation, and I can’t seem to find any that isn’t too dark or too yellow for my skin tone. Do you know of any?
Giorgio Armani seems to do some nice lighter shades – check out Lasting Silk or Luminous Silk!
Hey Christine, I loved the look you did with Sweet and Punchy and Firecracker. Do you have similar e/s looks where you combined greens and pinks? Thanks!
Hmm, I don’t think I have – maybe one or two – but nothing recent!
Hi Christine,
I have some UD loose pigments and they are such a pain to put on as they go all over the place. Is there any way i can press them and make them into eyeshadows like how we can do it with the MAC!
P.S- LOVE LOVE your website!
Lily
Hi Lily,
I’ve never tried it, but you may be able to. I think they’re pretty finely milled, so use less alcohol to bind it together. I’m not sure if there is enough to press, though 🙁
Thank you!
I would like to know what color family or colors suit me, I have warm skin tone…. I think I’m warm, I have yellowish, tanned skin if that makes sense at all.
Thanks!!!!
If you are warm, try golds, coppers, greens, and teals!
Thank you for answering both of my questions!!!
Hi Christine, I have a question about reviews. When deciding whether or not to review products from brand new start up lines, what ultimately drives your decision? I know you review mainly more established lines, but have also been at the forefront of introducing some new ones to us. Why those lines and not others? Thanks!!
There is so much that goes into the process – from how many readers request a review, whether I think it’s a good fit for the blog or if I’m a good candidate for review (e.g. I’m not a mineral makeup fan, so I don’t review many, since I have a definite bias there!). There are so many new products coming out, so I try to pick what I think is most interesting to readers or if it really excites/inspires me as well.
Do you know any good dupes for Mac’s profusion and pink aphrodite lipsticks? Thanks. xx
Maybe for Profusion, you could try Lovelorn or See Sheer. I’ve never seen Pink Aphrodite though 🙁
Hi Christine!
I have pale skin with pink/yellowy undertones. I was wondering what would be a good red lipstick that’s a pure, deep red. Not an orangey one. I also would like a blueish red, if you know of one that would look good with my skin tone for under or around 20 dollars. THANKS!!!
Hey Maeve,
MAC Russian Red is a classic blue-based red. You could also try Ruby Woo! Dubonnet is a deeper red as well.
As Christine said, Mac “Russian Red” is the perfect true red. A real must have.
If you want a blueish red, you can check Mac “Mac Red” too, it’s true red but the “bluer” version of “Russian Red”. 🙂
Hi Christine! I had a q. about a smokey eye: I’m fair skinned w/warm undertones, big blue eyes, light brown hair and lots of lid space according to the mac mua’s. I’d love to do a dark all-over lid color like club but it looks like I’ve been punched in the eye! I’ve noticed that a lighter lid and a darker crease color looks better on me. What would you recommend for a smokey eye? Thanks!
P.S.: It’s so nice to see a law student can be interested in makeup and still be smart. I always felt like I was the only one!!
Hi Christine!
I was wondering if you could recommend a good facial sunscreen to wear under make up. I break out really easily and have oily skin so nothing ever goes over very well.
Also, could you tell me what your ALL TIME favorite mac blush and e/s would be if you had to pick one?
Hope you and mellan are doing well 🙂
Hey Court,
I like Kiehl’s daily moisturizer – I believe it’s SPF 15. I also like Neutrogena Dry-Touch for a ton of SPF, but unless I’m spending the day outside, it’s a bit overkill.
Margin blush for sure. Only blush I have pan showing in! 😉 For eyeshadow, all-time, then Rye eyeshadow (antique gold), which was LE.
Mellan is good!
Kiehl’s just came up with an SPF50 one ! (at least in Belgium, haven’t seen it in the UK, and I have no idea for the US !) but it’s great under makeup 🙂
Hi 🙂
What would you recommend as a crease brush? I think the one you usually use is a LE MAC brush and I’d like to get one which is available now.
I’ll really really appreciate the recommendation 🙂
The 222 or 224 – I prefer the 224, I’d say 🙂
sorry i have one more question……..what can i do to make my make up last at least half a day? i use bare minerals prime time and even better foundation by clinique, and i hate that later on my face has absorbed my make up, what other primer would u recommend? i have oily, acne prone skin. i have also tried using a cream blush under my powder blusha dn even that fades, could it be that i dont use enough product, because my mom sometimes tells me that i put very little product on
once again thank you and im addicted to temptalia since ive been more into make up :)and ur reviews are so helpful!!!!
Try Smashbox Anti-Shine! 🙂 Also, set with powder if you don’t already!
Thank you so much!
So i have an oily t-zone. I have tried every product from every brand and they all seem to work for no more than an hour and then i go back to being a grease ball. I do not have sensitive skin and do not have brakeouts. Whay mattifyer do u suggest i try? Prize does not matter at this point. Please help me…=(
Oh no, Yvette! 🙁
Have you tried Smashbox’s Anti-Shine?
Have you tried Yves Saint Laurent Matt Touch, Yvette?
Hi Christine, I hope this Ask Temptalia session is not too overwhelming for you! We appreciate you anwsering all of our questions 🙂
First off, I have very fair skin with cool undertones, I wear Make up Forever HD foundation in 115, and I have warm brown eyes and dark blonde/light brown hair.
I like to wear pink lipstick/gloss, do you think cool pinks (like Speed Dial) would suit my skintone better for an everyday look, or would warmer pinks be better (like Fanfare)?
Also, do you think warmer or cooler tones of blush would suit me better? I am thinking about purchasing a NARS blush, and I am debating weather I should get the ever popular Orgasm or the more pinky Deep Throat.
Thanks so much Christine!
Hi Kathryn,
I’m happy to be able to help in any way I can! 🙂
1.) Cooler pinks would definitely suit you better, IMO.
2.) Cooler, but you can wear warmer ones, too. I think you’ll like Deep Throat better!
What’s the best dupe for enough said blush? MAC or non-MAC.
Also, I’m NW20 with brown eyes, red hair…what NARS eyeshadows single or duos would you recommend having never tried NARS shadows before?
Hey Heather,
I think MAC Golden comes close – it’s not quite as pigmented/dark, but I think they’re close.
From NARS: All About Eve, April Fool’s, Brazil, Caravaggio, Iceland, Persepolis, Portobello, Unconditional Love
What MAC eye brushes do you recommend for a beginner with small eye space?
The 239 is my favorite eye brush, period. If you think that feels a bit big, try the 213, which is kind of a smaller version of it 🙂
Hi Christine! I love Temptalia & check it even single day…you are terrific 🙂 On the the questions…
(I have medium olive-ish skin with yellow undertones that’s oily/ acne-prone, dark brown hair and eyes)
1) Am I a warm complexion or a cool complexion?
2)Best MAC liquid foundation for me? (I have been using Bare Minerals but it looks kinda dry and powdery sometimes..)
3) Best MAC brushes for doing eye makeup (or dupes for those)?
4)If I had MAC Handwritten e/s do I need Espresso? (Maybe for brows…?)?
Thanks Christine! Sorry for all the questions…. 🙂
Hi Bxboricua,
1.) Based on what you’ve told me, it sounds like you’re warmer. You can check your veins on the underside of your forearm – if they’re green, you’re warm; if they’re blue, you’re cool.
2.) You may like Studio Fix Fluid 🙂 It has a matte finish, so it’s nice on oily skin.
3.) I love the 239. I used to just use that single brush to do my makeup! You may also like the 224 (crease) and 217 (blending).
4.) Espresso is a bit darker than Handwritten – love Espresso for brows!
Thank you!
Thinking about adding a primer and possibly a tinted moisturizer to my routine any recommendations? I have dry sensitive skin, fair-medium warm tones and noticeable pores down the center of my face. I’m in Canada both drugstore and higher end are fine. Thank so much!
Hey!
For tinted moisturizer, I’d totally recommend Kiehl’s or Laura Mercier – I think either would work just fine for your drier skin. I like Kiehl’s skincare (from what I’ve tried, too), and it’s at a nice price point — not too $$ for a non-drugstore brand.
For a primer, I like Korres’ silicone-free Primer, because it works well without breaking me out like some primers (which are often silicone based) do. I have heard some excellent things about Hourglass’ Veil Primer (something like that), but I haven’t tried it.
I’ve read that you recommend Kiehl’s, Korres, and Laura Mercier for tinted moisturizers, but could you explain further which skin types each brand might suit or what makes each brand appealing? I am an NC35 with an oily T-zone and dry skin around the creases of my nose and corners of my mouth, and I’m in the market for a tinted moisturizer. Thanks so much!
Kiehl’s has a very lightly dewy finish, so it’s ideal for all skin types. Korres has a very matte finish, so it’s not excellent for drier skin types. Both brands have a more finite shade range (Korres being only three, so you may not find one that’s right for you there). Laura Mercier is a good, universal offering suitable for all skin types (based on my experience) and has a much larger shade range.
Hello,
Love, Love, Love your site first of all. I have very fair skin, blonde hair, and greenish blue eyes. I also tend to have a red/pinkish tone to my skin. I have the hardest time trying to find eyeshadow shades that do not bring out the redness in my skin while trying to bring out my eyes. Any suggestions?
Hi Danielle,
Thank you!
Have you tried some peaches and champagne shades like MAC Samoa Silk, Motif, Ricepaper, and Nylon? I think you may also like smokier, cooler browns like Satin Taupe and Cork!
hi christine…..i’m a NC 37 in mac studio fix foundation……what do u think would be my colour in the Nars sheer glow foundation and the Mufe Matt velvet foundation?
Hi Kritika,
For NARS Sheer Glow, I’d say either Barcelona or Santa Fe. For MUFE Mat+ Velvet, I’d say 35 or 50.
Which tinted moiturizer would you recommend for someone with very oily skin? I have been considering the oil-free version from Laura Mercier or Stila, or MAC studio moisture tint. If you have any other suggestions, that would be fine too. For reference, I’m an NC40-NC42 so preferably a brand with a good colour range.
Hmm, I’d recommend Korres if you can match the dark shade – I fit medium (I’m around NC25/NC30). It has a drier, more matte finish, so it’s great for oilier skin. Otherwise, I’d definitely opt for Laura Mercier — such a huge range of shades available.
Hey, Christine! First of all – thank you for the awesome blog, the new layout is fab. Now, to the question…
I have a prom in less than a month, and I’m kind of stuck with the make up look ;( I’d love something on the natural side, yet fun and flirtatious. It would be amazing if you could incorporate M.A.C.’s Bough Grey from the LofL collection. Photos will be taken, of course, any tips on flawless photo-ready makeup? My skin tone is MAC NW20-ish, maybe a bit more bronzed after a vacation, I have grey-green SMALL eyes, light brown hair. I’ll be wearing a light grey top and this skirt (http://tinypic.com/r/b7l2k9/6), maybe you could take the inspriation from there. My make-up skills are kind of decent, so you can get all scientific if you want to 😉 Once again, you’re a dazzling blogger, keep up the great job!
P.S.: Any great false-lash effect mascara you would recommend? Falsies = mess.
Hey Lana!
My fave foundation for photos is MUFE HD – just always photographs well. Studio Fix Fluid photographed well back when I wore it, too.
Some combo ideas…
Phloof! on the inner half of the lid, Moon’s Reflection on the outer half, Bough Grey in the outer crease/crease
Crystal Avalanche/Vapour on the inner half of the lid, Scene on the outer half, Bough Grey in the outer crease/crease
Soft Brown on the inner half of the lid, Bough Grey on the outer lid & crease
Hmm, Dior Extase gives me really long, long lashes – love it for length! MAC Opulash also does really long, lengthy lashes.
Thank you!
Thank you! The look sounds fresh and beautiful =)
Ooooh I always look forward to these sessions 🙂
I just love MAC’s Tempting e/s, but I can’t stand the texture. Can you recommend a similar colour? MAC or other 🙂
Try Woodwinked or Romp!
I would try Golightly by Stila.
Christine are you going to do a review on the LE brushes that are coming out with MTtB? Also can you recomend 4 MAC e/s for a smokey quad that I am building ?
and Thank you for your AWESOME review of MTtB I am so excited for the 27th… when do you think it will be on MAC wesite ?
oh I have brown eyes and brown hair with highlights and I am Deauville in NARS sheerglow which I love 🙂
Thanks Again For All You Do !!!
Yes – I’m still trying them out 🙂
It should be up by the 25th, but it may start popping up on the 24th.
I think Christine forgot to answer your smokey quad question- I personally have Handwritten (matte brown), Typographic (matte black), and I’d think Electra (frost silver) and a shimmery gold or shimmery neutral colour.
For the smoky quad… I recommend
a neutral highlighter (Ricepaper, Shroom, Vanilla — whatever you think might work best for your skin tone!), then Carbon (matte black), Silver Ring (shimmering silver), and a brown – like Soft Brown or Bronze.
Hi Christine, love reading your blog and getting ideas. I copied this one green/gold eye look you had up the last time I went out- and it was a HIT. I got SO many compliments, it matched my dress, and the pics came out awesome!
So, some questions:
1- Have you found a lipstick that stays on past lunch/eating? I’m so tired of labels claiming “24 hr/long lasting” and it gets wiped out when I eat lunch. I generally dont wear lip stuff for this reason, I’m so lazy/busy to reapply. But of course recently I’ve been feeling my look is incomplete without a lip product.
2- How do you store all your makeup? How do you efficiently find what you are looking for when trying to do a look?
3- Do you ever feel like you are “not using” all the make up you have? I’m building quite a collection, but feel like I don’t use them enough and that they are going to waste or whatever. So I guess I’m asking- how do you rotate your makeup such that they are getting a fair use. And also, what’s your shelf life for these products (particulary eye shadows)? I want to make sure I’m getting the most use out of all the gorgeous items I buy!
Thanks in advance!
Ru
Hey Ru,
Thanks so much! 🙂 Would love to see the pics if you’d like to share (christine@temptalia.com!).
1.) Deeper/more pigmented shades definitely do. I can get through meals/drinking with Guerlain Rouge Gs, Cle de Peau Extra Silky Lipsticks, Chanel Rouge Allure Laques (darker shades – Ming would wear off, Dragon clings on), Laura Mercier Lipsticks, and Bobbi Brown’s new Lip Shines stay on pretty well, too.
2.) I keep it in makeup carts. I have an older “collection” video on my YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/temptalia where I show it all, lol.
3.) Oh, of course. I’m not at all in denial that I have a lot of makeup, more than I’ll ever use, and so on! You can pull out certain products you haven’t used in awhile and put them somewhere that’s easily accessible – instead of sitting in a drawer somewhere!
Technically, shelf life for powder products is listed as 2-3 years. I don’t adhere to that, as it’s very, very difficult for powder products to get bacteria, since they are dry (bacteria like warm, most places!).
Hi Christine,
I’ve been wondering, when you do nails swatches of a new nail polish collection, do you do all the pictures in the same day? I always wondered if you changed like 5-6 times nail color for swatches in the span of a day.
Yes, I usually do them all in the same day 🙂 I usually spend that time photographing products in general, while I wait for each coat to dry.
Yay! I love this post!
Christine, I have tried so many foundations as i am trying to control the oily forhead by mid morning. Any suggestions besides the blotter papers, powders etc?
2. I have the Guerlain Indian eye liner i cannot figure out how to sharpen it? I thought it was on the other end but its not. By the way this is a disappointing liner imo.
3. meteroites Beige Chic by Guerlain is being replaced by the new shades and I don’t know which one to get now. Do you?
4. and last question! What is a good cleansing oil besides Mac to take off makeup? I’ve tried Mac and Lancome but they are not meeting up to my expectations. Heard alot about Shu Uerma but i don’t know which one to choose because of my oily forhead.
Thanks and Happy almost Friday!
Hey Erica,
1.) Mattifying primer – like Smashbox’s Anti-Shine! Also, ensuring you wait 15 minutes for your moisturizer to sink in.
2.) I haven’t actually seen that in person, lol. I am sad to hear it was disappointing, though. Absolutely not a clue on how to sharpen it.
3.) Aww! I think I’d go for Beige Chic over Beige Tint, personally… Beige Chic is prettier.
4.) I’ve gone through half a huge honkin’ bottle of the orange shu – love it. I also love MAC’s & Bobbi Brown’s.
Happy almost Friday to you, too 😀
4. I’m no expert, but I spoke to a Shu SA and a friend who’s an avid collector of Shu’s Cleansing Oils, as they say that the pink one (High Performance Balancing Cleaning Oil Fresh) because it balances the amount of sebum/oil you produce during the day and and is more lightweight than heavier Cleansing Oils.
Hope this helps somehow!
I saw at Sephora the EDUN palettes the other day, they look great and I know the purchase is for a great cause, I was able to swatch them and they seemed pretty okay, and the ingredients are good too so….I have tried searching for reviews but have found none, I like them but are they worth it???? (don’t get me wrong I l♥ve to contribute to great causes but I really want to know the facts and makeup quality at first glance they seem to be really good) I just wanted to ask if you know something about it….
I haven’t tried them — I will shoot some emails out this afternoon and see if I can get my hands on one to review 🙂
Hey Christine! I was reading your MAC To the Beach Roundup and Review and you said that if you own a majority of UD’s 24/7 liners, then you should be able to find something similar to the Float on By eye kohl. I was wondering which one that would be? Thanks a million! : )
It’s like a mix of Deviant and Flipside!
I’m about the same skintone color as you are and I want to know what is your favorite eyeshadow wash? I don’t have time in the morning for more than one color!
Love your site!!!!!
Love Ricepaper or Patina!
It would be really helpful if you did a dupes blog, all the dupes you’ve found over the years for everything so far. Haha wow thats a lot to ask.
And also Kim kardashians lip combonation.. What is it?? Any cheaper dupes for it? Thanks 🙂
Yeahhh, that’s kind of a daunting task! I don’t really keep track of them in any organized fashion, so I’m not really sure if I’ll ever find the time to complete such a project! I have thought about it, though 🙂
MAC Angel Lipstick + NARS Turkish Delight
Can’t think of any cheaper dupes… I think you could get away with MAC Nymphette lipglass instead of Turkish Delight.
Thanks for answering 🙂
Do you know a good cheap dupe for Mac Angel lipstick? I found Neutrogena MoistureShine in Groove as a dupe for Nars Turkish Delight but I can’t afford Angel either. Thanks so much 🙂
Revlon Pink Pout, maybe?
What is a theme for a collection you wish MAC would come out with?
Temptalia? Does that count? That’s like my secret, secret, secret dream. The one you’re afraid to write down!
I would love maybe a space age one… For me, it’s less about the theme than the colors, LOL!
first i just want to thank you so much for the hard work and effort you put forth this site!..This is the first website i go to every mornin BEFORE my work emails! ..Thanks for evey swatch an review, every video..i have made so many smart purchases based on your posts, all because of your hard work an dedication to the site.. GOOD luck with school and with everything you do..thanks a bunch!
Aww, thank you SO much, Nudibelle!! 🙂
What lipstick would you recommend for a nude lip look that doesn’t completely wash you out? I’m pretty pale, I use fairly light foundation from bare minerals so I’m worried a nude lip will make me look sick. Also, do you use any products or primers to keep your lips smooth and lipstick lasting longer? I feel like I can never get my lipstick on smooth.. ever. Its really frustrating.
Hey Sandra,
For some nudes: check out MAC Angel, Hue, Hug Me, and Honeylove.
I don’t use primers, but I exfoliate my lips 2-3x a week or so. I use Sara Happ’s Lip Scrub (love it!), but you could also just use sugar and jojoba oil.
Hello! Can you recommend coral pink nail polishes?
Maybe China Glaze High Hopes?
I’ve seen several websites that sell “sample” sizes of various mac (an other) products – especially pigments and paint pots. This seems like a good way to try colors out without committing too much. If I like a color a lot, I can buy the full size from Mac. Have you ever done this and, if so are there any drawbacks that you have found? Are there some sites you would recommend? Thanks!
I’ve never seen it myself… I’ve only seen pigment samples, but that was only when I bought through the MAC Cosmetics Livejournal community. I wouldn’t do it again, except through some trusted sellers in the community. You can always ask MAC for samples when you’re there 🙂
Hi Chris!
Just a few things.
1) I love your new re vamp. It keeps things interesting.
2) I am loving your nail polish swatches, they are some of the best and this isn’t an exclusive polish blog. I really look forward to them.
3) I love all the great work you and your partner do!
4) My question: How do your girlfriends feel about “Temptalia”? Are they supportive? Help with reviews? Play with the Gratis? lol
I would love to have you as a best friend!
Hey Kristina!
1.) Thank you! I’m glad you liked it – we always sit here on pins and needles hoping that at least the majority doesn’t hate any changes we make!
2.) Again, thank you – it means a lot! I like nail polish, and I am definitely not an expert on all things nail polish, but they’re fun and I’m happy you enjoy the reviews.
3.) Thank you, thank you!
4.) None of them wear makeup, so it is pretty boring, LOL! All my friends and family are very supportive of Temptalia, and certainly, they can’t say they have any beauty needs I haven’t met for them, haha! The boyfriend actually JUST wrote a review that I’ll be posting tomorrow. It’s hilarious. I hope it’s well-received!
You are really kind — thank you again and again! We already best friends 🙂
Hi Christine!
I need recommendations for a good powder blush. My skin color is NC 42. I want a blush that gives my skin a nice, dewy look.. preferably from MAC. Any help is much appreciated.
Thank you!!
Hey Sharon,
I’d recommend Honour or Sunbasque!
Thanks Christine! I’ll try them out this weekend!
When you sanitize lipsticks with alcohol, does any percentage do? Like rubbing alcohol? And how man seconds do you keep it dipped? Thanks!
Hey Claudia,
I use whatever I have on hand, which I think is 97% but I think 70% or higher should be fine. I just dip them in for about 3-4 seconds, and then I let stand to dry.
Do you know of any lipsticks that could be a dupe for Chanel’s Rouge Allure in SUper?
Smashbox Flirty is a shade darker but close; Elizabeth Arden Perfect Flamingo is a shade brighter and creamier!
Thanks!
Of the three, which do you recommend for Siberia in Nars Sheer Glow?
(Nevermind that Super is LE, I found one I can get if I want to!)
I actually kind of dig Smashbox’s dupe. It has that glossy look and the color is really pretty. That being said, if you were asking for a dupe of Super, I think you may with Super if it caught your eye (plus, it is LE!) 🙂
Thanks so much for the advice!
I’ll just have to get both then! ;]
LOL! 😉
I’ve been dying for Flirty ever since your review but I cannot find that mother anywhere!! I know you said Drugstore.com (Beauty.com) carried it so when you mentioned their 20% off deal yesterday I got super-pumped, but it wasn’t there anymore :0(. Where the heck can I get me some Flirty?! Why isn’t it in stores? Is it too new? Too old? I’ve googled it but have never heard of any of the sites carrying it so I’m not comfy placing an order. Will it eventually make it’s way into stores? Where did you get yours Christine? I’m ready to stop admiring it on YOUR lips and start admiring it on MINE! Lol!
Okay… I just found it on Smashbox’s website. Guess my inner “Captain Obvious” has been on hiatus. Ugh. :0)
I am glad you found it, lol! 🙂
What an awesome thing to do Christine! You are so sweet to answer people’s questions!
I’m pretty pale, I don’t use MAC foundation but I’m somewhere in between the lightest and the second lightest foundations from BE. I have super dark brown hair and hazel eyes, although I don’t think that has much to do with this particular question!
I am looking for a neutral toned light-medium toned lipstick that would look good as an everyday kind of color for me. I’d like it to be a MAC lipstick, or at least something in that kind of price range. I keep liking the looks of Benefit’s “Lady’s Choice” and Urban Decay’s “Naked” and “Rush,” but they are sadly a bit too pricey for me. Any recommendations would be awesome!
And what is the best way to decide if I’m warm or cool toned? I honestly just can’t figure it out! I think I have some pink undertones to my skin, although it’s hard to tell, so does that make me cool toned?
Thanks so much Christine!
Hey Ashley,
If you like those shades… I’d recommend MAC Angel, Sweetie, and Creme Cup! 🙂
Look at the underside of your forearm – if your veins are green, you’re warm; if they’re blue, you’re cool! If you can’t tell, you could be neutral.
Thank you so much Christine! Sweetie is on my list to buy now! And I’m actually going to be buying Lazy Day once To the Beach comes out, and you mentioned that was close to Angel. 🙂 And I own Creme Cup and wore it today!
No problem, Ashley!
1. Do you prefer matte/cream based nail polish or polish with a shimmer/sparkle to it?
2. Make-up application/doing my hair/getting pretty for the day has become one of my favorite things to do, especially since Ive become a fan of your blog! What is your favorite thing to do in your prepping when you get ready for the day and why?
3. Im getting my make-up done in June for my birthday. It happens to be on a Saturday so I have to spend $50 at MAC. What do you recommend I get? Any amazing eyeshadows that you cant live without? Foundation? lipgloss or other amazing product?
Hey Rebecca,
1.) Definitely like me some shimmery shades!
2.) My favorite part of the day is when I get to exfoliate, LOL. I love to exfoliate!
3.) Oh, man… so many things! Depends what you love. Like Nymphette, Prr, and Luminary are great glosses. Sweetie, Crosswires, and Viva Glam I are fantastic lipsticks. I love eyeshadow shades like Patina, Romp, Bronze, Goldmine, Humid, Juxt, Sumptuous Olive…
Hi! I love your blog, it’s really helpful!
What are some basic brushes to start out with? I just started using makeup so I don’t have any! And is there any difference in applying cream and powder eyeshadow? Or can I use the same brush for both? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Susy!
Eye or face brushes?
Eye brushes: 239 (applying), 217 (blending), 224 (crease)
Face brushes: 109 (liquid foundation, if you use it), 116 (blush), 134 (powder)
Usually a flatter, firmer brush is better for cream, and a fluffier brush is better for eyeshadow. You can use the same one for both if you need to!
Thank you!
Hi Christine!
I find Soft Ochre paint pot formula is more dry than other paint pots…like painterly for example. Do you find the Soft Ochre paint pot has a drier formula than others?
Nope, I find it’s the same as the matte bases like Painterly. I left mine out once, and I microwaved it a bit – that seemed to restore the creaminess, too. If you do that, remove the lid!
I use mac msf natural in medium, can you recommend some blush colours and eyeshadow (the brand being mac) and i really want to know what your opinion is on the perfect brush to contour with?
It is so generous of you to take your personal time out to answer our questions, talking for myself, i really do appreciate the help and admire you. X
Hi Milly,
Blushes: Ambering Rose, Margin, Plum Foolery, Springsheen, Sunbasque (warmer skin tones); Cubic, Desert Rose, Dollymix, Peaches (cooler skin tones)
Eyeshadows: Amber Lights, Bronze, Coppering, Expensive Pink, Gorgeous Gold, Juxt, Patina, Ricepaper, Romp, Shimmermoss, Soft Brown (for warmer skin tones); Carbon, Digit, Espresso, Satin Taupe, Seedy Pearl, Shroom, Smut, Tilt, Typographic (cooler skin tones)
I love the 168 to contour with.
Thank you!! 🙂
Oh wow! Q & A time. 🙂
So I have two questions. First, could you recommend a good makeup removing wipe for eye makeup (specifically waterproof/smudge proof eye makeup)? Everything I’ve tried has either given me raccoon eyes or taken off nothing whatsoever…
My second question is regarding foundation. I’m trying to find a good foundation for my skin tone (caramel-toned with golden highlights I guess – somewhat like a Halle Berry but w/o the good looks lol).
Any brand suggestions? I’m open to trying just about anything, but if they carry it at Sephora, it’s even better. 😉
Great job on your site! I love reading your tutorials and reviews.
Hey Ebony,
1.) I love shu uemura’s cleansing oil for a great all-over cleanser, and then I use Lancome’s Bi-Facil on a q-tip/cotton pad for eyes if I’ve done a lot with them.
2.) So, one is I know that Bobbi Brown does some really excellent shades for deeper skin tones. I would also recommend Iman foundations (I think this is a drugstore brand), as the brand caters to women of color and does a better job of hitting the right undertones (which some mass market brands miss).
Thank you!
Thanks for the suggestions!
I’m going to check out the Bobbi Brown line tomorrow (been meaning to for ages) and the Lancome makeup remover as well. This VIB coupon needs to be used on something! 🙂
No problem! 🙂 Good luck!
How much time do you spend on this blog daily?
It varies from day to day – as many as fourteen hours or as little as four.
OMG! How do you find 14 hours in a day to spend on your blog, lol?! 🙂 Does “the boy” not mind it? Or is he also on his computer while your blogging? 😉
He pretty much works on Temptalia the majority of his day, too. He does some other web-based stuff (he works at home as his own boss), but he spends more and more time on Temptalia these days. Our desks are right next to each other, so we are “together” all day long, haha.
Hi Christine,
I broke my beloved Barbie loves Mac Pear Blossom Beauty powder and have yet to find anything that even comes close to it,any ideas on possible dupes?
Oh no! Maybe something like Shell Beauty Powder (which is LE but you might be able to find)? The texture of the Barbie powders were really excellent… not sure if there are any real dupes 🙁
I have Shell Beauty Powder and it doesn’t come close at all 🙁 Oh how I wish this color would be repromoted! I LOVED my Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder so much. I thought Philosophy’s Amazing Grace would be close but its not being that it has too much shimmer.
i have dry, acne prone and lots of red patches and scar on my face and i was thinking of either getting the Nars sheer glow or the MUFE HD foundation, which one do you think is better?
MUFE HD will offer you more coverage, IMO!
What is a good nude lipstick that I can wear that won’t wash me out? Whenever I put beige nude lipsticks on they always wash my fair skin out. Every nude lipstick I’ve tried just looks very out of place on me, I think because I have pink undertones in my skin. I would prefer a MAC lipstick but any will do.
Hey Shelby,
Which nudes you have tried? For fairer skin, I’d recommend shades like High Tea, Sweetie, Angel, and Hue. You could also try Shy Girl and Freckletone.
Hi Christine,
1.) What are your recommendations for lip stains? (Brand, specific product) I’ve read reviews here and there, but it all seems so scattered. I definitely want something that won’t accentuate dry patches on the lips, or any product that leaves blotches of color. I’m looking for pinks, or berry tones (raspberry, rather than wine). Don’t really care for reds. Also, the price range should be somewhere below $15…or maybe even $20, I’ll spurge for the perfect, lasting product! I just hate wearing lipsticks/glosses in the summer.
2.) Can you recommend me a blush? I have dry skin, warm skin tone, light to medium shade (summer time). I can’t seem to find the right color for me. There was once this peach blush by Sonia Kashuk that I LOVED, but I dropped it and it cracked and the color was discontinued so…It was a yellow/brownish peach, not the least bit orange-ish. I tried to search for a similar color, but couldn’t find anything. I love light pink blushes but I know that that warm tones seem to complement my skin more–there’s definite smoothness to my skin’s appearance when I wear a warm blush as opposed to pinks, but I want a natural flush, something feminine and pretty for the summer.
Thanks!
Hey Kat,
1.) I really haven’t met many lip stains that do anything for me, to be honest. The best stains seem to be the lipsticks that are so dark/pigmented they end up staining your lips. Have you thought about maybe a lip pencil? Those cling pretty well! Otherwise, Benefit’s Benetint is decent but kind of one-note… Laura Mercier’s have been the best (and come in at the top of your budget at $20). I don’t know – I just haven’t met a fantastic lip stain that stains without drying or emphasizing lip lines!
2.) Maybe MAC Tenderling or Peaches (which is pretty peach, which isn’t really orange…)! I really do like Benefit Sugarbomb, though – it’s such a pretty flush of glow on cheeks!
Stilla lipstains are longlasting and don’t crack on your lips
Hi Christine,
Great job on the website! I also love reading your posts on my RSS feeds and your website. I am Asian with NC30 coloring and golden/yellow undertones. What kind of blush would you recommend? Any brands are welcome! I have had really dry skin lately and no blushes would stay, cream or powder. I have tried NARS Torrid, Luster and Madly and all disappear within an hour or so. I also have MAC’s X-rocks, and same thing happens.
Also, what is your opinion of mineral makeup and mineral oil in make up in general? A friend of mine is selling Nu Skin products and was saying that mineral oil is bad for the skin and is in most makeup products because it is a cheap filler. Is it that bad? Are there any brands that you would recommend that don’t use mineral oil?
What are your favorite bronzers and highlighters? I loved your review of the Guerlain Meteorites and wanted them so much. Are they really worth it, or can you recommend something that is not so pricey?
thanks in advance for your answers!
Hey Phoenixor,
Thank you so much! 🙂
From MAC… OMG, Margin. LOVE Margin! Have you tried layering a powder on top of a cream and then setting with translucent powder or using a primer underneath?
I’m not a big fan of mineral makeup – I just find it really messy, and it bothers me. I also am not a fan of the majority of the packaging from mineral makeup brands – it feels so lab-sample-y. I just want a more finished product, I suppose. Mineral oil is known to clog pores, I believe, which is why it should be avoided. I am not so sure about it being in the majority of makeup products, though – I’m pretty sure that there’s been a significant backlash to mineral oil that it’s been phased out of a lot of products (just like parabens are being phased out by many brands now).
My favorite bronzers are definitely Chanel and Dior – just so subtle, soft, and feel amazing. Never orange or heavy! Meteorites are lovely, but I also really love Dior’s SkinShimmers, which aren’t cheap either, but I believe they’re a little cheaper than Meteorites.
Thank you so much!
Hi Christine!
So next May is my brother’s wedding and I’m Maid of Honor; I’m going to be wearing an ivory/off white dress.
I was thinking of wearing a silvery gold eye.
I love silver, but that color alone doesn’t look too good on me so I thought about mixing some gold (Cosmic, to be precise) in it to warm it up.
What eyeshadows do you think I should use?
Blush?
Lipstick/lipgloss?
I’m an NC35, by the way.
Also was planning on using MAC products. 🙂
Thanks!
I hope you’re having a great day. ^^
Hey Wendy,
If you go with more of a taupe-silver (like Smoke & Diamonds), I think it could pair really well with a shade like Cosmic. You could do something like Nylon, Cosmic, and Smoke & Diamonds! For blush, I’d go Margin or Springsheen. For lips, probably Honeylove or Honeyflower and maybe Nymphette lipglass!
Alright, thanks Christine! 🙂
Another question and then I’ll bugger off.
What do you think would be a good bronzer for me?
I really like the look of Get-Away Bronze… but what would you recommend for me?
Thanks so much!
You’re very helpful. 🙂
No worries — ask as much as you want 🙂
Refined Golden or Bronze maybe! But yes, I’d totally recommend it!! It will be so beautiful on your NC35 skin!
1. What do you think about Tokidoki? Do you think it’s a serious makeup brand or just out to sell it’s art? I don’t see the quality in it all 🙁
I just bought one of their makeup bags (love) and met the creator last weekend in Times Square Sephora – cool dude!
2. I bought the MAC 109 brush about two weeks ago and tried to use Studio Fix Fluid with it, using my own method and then using yours with Fix+ and I found that the brush soaks up the foundation and while I’m used to using one pump I had to use two. The good thing about this brush is that I had minimal shedding thank god.
Anyway, do you have any other tips as to how I can work with this brush. It’s just sitting in my holder looking sad.
3. Also, if possible, can you also include cheek swatches of blushes when you do reviews on them? It makes all the difference when trying to shop online for stuff.
That’s all for now. 🙂
Hey Sass,
1.) I actually think that it’s decent. I think the packaging has enough weight and detailing to it that it’s not cheaply presented, which is something that can be an immediate turn-off when a non-beauty brand goes into beauty. I like some products – like their pen liner is fab though the shades are muted (but that’s a personal preference). I haven’t had great luck with their eyeshadows, but I’ve only tried two (and I think anything with “glitter” is a big fat no… potentially from ANY brand, LOL). It’s nice — not fantastic — and it’s definitely hit or miss with their products.
2.) How did you get the foundation onto the face/brush? I pump onto a concealer brush or my finger, then I dab it on each cheek, forehead, and chin – then I wet the brush and went to town. I’m glad that you aren’t experiencing major shedding — phew!
3.) I try to do looks with newer cheek products to show how to use them in a look, but the stress on the skin from removing foundation, reapplying, applying cheek product, then setting with powder, and then doing it all over again is just a bit much so I can’t swatch a bunch of blushes back-to-back. I’m trying to do what I can, but my skin already freaks out enough and I don’t want to rub it raw (doesn’t quite take the damage as well as my lips have learned to from lip swatching!).
Thank you for your replies!
1. I have the white pen liner and it stays nicely, but I’ll keep working with it. It was only thing that appealed to me. Oh well! *shrugs*
I put the foundation on the back of my and dab out of that. Dab for my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, but I’ll do it your way “your way” and dab on my face first and see how that works. I only apply my foundation with the 188. I know everybody raves about the 109, but that’s how I feel about my 188 but it’s not always clean so I wanted to try something knew. I’ll give it another try!
3. And I understand about the blushes. If you can do it for at least one blush in a review that would be nice. Thanks!
No worries — everybody loved the 187 and I was like, “This is nice,” then I tried the 109 and was like, “THIS IS AMAZING.” Whatever works 😉
I’ve been trying to work in the blush when I do a lip swatch for a launch – e.g. wearing the blush that came out with the lipsticks or whatever!
Oh, another question!
What about liquid concealers? I need something for medium to full coverage that’s not too cakey, and is not dry. I heard Prescriptions was good…what do you think?
I like MAC’s Moisturecover 🙂 Prescriptives is kind of defunct now, though they’re still selling stock online.
first of all id like to say i love your passion for make up and cosmetics..i kind of feel as i am in a candy shop with all those colours and sparkles….:-)
as for my question….its actually that id love your recommedation if possible…i have two all-tme-favorite products that i cant find anymore and i am unable to find an acceptable replacement for them.
a.its a Givenchy Lip lip Lip lipstick ,called Orange kiss (a lightly orange lipstick with tine gold sparkle )
b.Clinique’s colour rub in 02 sheer radiance (a lipuid “champaignish” highlighter)
oh..im living in Europe so some of brands i cant find over here…so if possible anything like dior,ysl,mac,givenchy,chanel ,lancome would be fine…money is not really matter when ill find the “perfect” one 🙂
Hi Sofia,
Hmm… Okay, I’ve never seen either product, so going off of your descriptions, here are some possibilities…
For the lipstick: Guerlain Orange Sequin, Givenchy #14 Fruity Orange, Givenchy #10 Sun Shine
For the Colour Rub: maybe Chanel’s Illuminating Base.
Thank you!
thank you so much…ill look for them..:-)
Hey Christine, what’s a good, inexpensive liquid liner that won’t budge? I have oily lids, and even with UDPP, liner smudges after awhile. I’m looking for a really long-lasting drugstore brand of liner.
Milani’s 24-Hour Infinite Liquid Liner.
If you’re looking for a marker pen type one, I’ve got this one from Walgreens for about $1.99, and I find it has really good staying power on me and it’s very pigmented on me. It’s called InColor Fabuliner. They usually have it with the Jordana eyeliners. For $1.99, you can try it out 🙂
Here’s a link online, but they don’t have the black in stock:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Eyeliner/FabuLiner-Liquid-Eye-Liner/ID=prod5430945&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku5429811
Hi Cristine,
I am dying to buy the MUFE HD foundation…buti am not sure if i should use my old mac base and setting powder with it. What do you think? Also what is the best brush to apply that with? Also please reccomend some MUFE must haves like blushes, lipsticks, etc….
can you please recommned the best tinted foundation…light for the summer….
Lastly do you think i have to change foundations if i change my hair color?
Hi Eyeris,
I think you can use your normal MAC base and setting powder with it. You can definitely mix and match! MUFE does matte eyeshadow really well – to me that is their must-have. Their eyeliners are also nice.
I like Kiehl’s, Korres, and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizers 🙂
No, I don’t think so!
Hi Cristine,
Can you recommend a very good dupe of YSL Volupte lipstick on the lower end version? Thank you!
Maybe Milani’s lipsticks! Elizabeth Arden’s were the only ones that really came close to being similar to YSL’s texture, which is so unique amongst lipstick lines. Milani isn’t quite there, but it’s the only one I can think of that’s even a bit similar.
Hi Christine! First, let me start by saying that Temptalia ROCKS! 🙂 ok, now on to the real deal: I’m searching for the perfect nude lipstick/gloss combo for my skin tone -I’m MAC NC50. I love pinks & peachy-beige(y) looks but don’t want to go too light or too dark. That said, I’m willing to climb the highest mountain (Chanel, NARS etc.) or the lowest valley (NYX, Drugstore) and anywhere in between (MAC). Whatcha got for me? LOL!
Hey Katherine,
My picks for lipstick – MAC Touch & Spirit
Lipgloss on top – MAC Nymphette or Chai
Also, some recs from other readers – http://www.temptalia.com/best-eyeshadows-lipglosseslipsticks-blushes-for-dark-skin
Thank you!!
Thanks for the suggestions and most of all, the link!
Hi Christine,
is there any dupe for coral crepe paint pot? which paint pots would you recommend buying (I only own painterly)?
thank you for the nice job you do with the site
I can’t think of anything that’s a dupe 🙁
I like Soft Ochre, Bare Study, and Rubenesque.
Thank you, Patrizia!
Can you do a Blake Lively look? and a makeup starter kit
I’ll look into it!
I am going to be completely honest. I have never used a foundation brush and always used a cosmetic sponge to apply liquid foundation. What are great reasons to finally go out and buy a brush? Should I even switch? Thank you.
Hey Samantha,
If you’re happy with your method, I don’t think you need to switch. I do prefer brushes myself as I find it more hygienic (washing a sponge has always been more work for me than a brush for whatever reason) and less wasteful – since I don’t have to throw out the brush or replace it at all, and I feel like not as much product is soaked up/eaten by the sponge.
Hi christine do mac have any luminizers
Strobe Cream!
Hi Christine,
I’m looking for one last colour to fill up my MAC blush palette. The colours I already have are pink swoon, frankly scarlet, peaches, tenderling and harmony (as a contour, of course!). I really like matte blushes, so I can add highlight and shimmer to my own discretion (I have combination skin and hate looking oily). But if the shimmer is subtle, I’m open to it!
What would be a good colour that is not too much like any of the ones I already have that you think would suit me (NW20, blond hair, grey/blue eyes)?
Thank you so much!
Rhonda
PS: I love your website! I think your reviews are really helpful!
Fever, if you want something dark 🙂 (hey, I see you have Frankly Scarlet… so!) or else maybe Desert Rose – a plummy pink.
Thank you!
I’ll go check them out next time I’m at the store! yes, I don’t mind dark ones; it’s all in the application!
Thanks so much,
Rhonda
Hi Christine,
I don’t have any matte eyeshadows and looking for some nice neutrals for work. Any recommendations? I’m NC43 with black hair and brn eyes.
Thanks!
Hey Mary,
My favorite MAC matte neutrals are: Soft Brown, Omega, and Espresso!!
I like to ask semi-personal questions because I think it’s fascinating and neat to learn small things about the blogger.
Will you ever put a picture of your family or you and your boyfriend up on your blog?
How did you and your boyfriend meet? and when did he take on the role of website-design extraordinaire?
Do you run into readers a lot? Did/Does anyone at school come up to you acknowledge that you’re Temptalia?
How many hours on average do you sleep every night? I always see you make a new tweet really late into the night then another one VERY early in the morning.. it seems like you never sleep yet you do the blog, go to school.. you never look tired!!
Hey Samantha,
1.) Probably never the family, since they’re definitely part of a personal space. Maybe my sister, since I don’t think she’s quite as camera-shy as my parents! My boyfriend is pretty camera-shy, too… If you look hard enough (cough, facebook), you may find him… LOL. Wait, am I encouraging cyber stalking?
2.) We played the same online game (a random word game) like nine years ago, and then we met in person when I was 19, been together pretty much ever since 🙂 I think it’s 5 years this October! He was always the web designer behind Temptalia 🙂
3.) Nope, I’ve only run into two or three my entire time. I’ve met more than that – meeting some at MAC unveilings and the like, but I let people know that I’ll be there, so it’s less of a “run in” situation, lol! Nobody at school has, though I recently found out a reader is in the same MBA program I am – she takes classes T/Th and I always do M/W, which explains why we’ve never crossed paths!
4.) Maybe five or six. It’s good makeup, LOL! I never used to have undereye circles/bags, but I definitely have shadows now. Kind of makes me sad, and every night I want to go to bed by 10, and somehow I don’t log off Temptalia until past 11! I always wake up around 6:30am (I am an early bird by nature).
Hi Christine~
This problem drives me crazy but I never hear anyone really talk about it. I wonder if I’m the only one??
When I’m finished with doing my eye makeup and go to curl my lashes, it always messes my eyeliner up. Even if the liquid or cream liner has already dried, and definitely for pencil liners. Like the liner will stick on to the eyelash curler and leave a gap of skin on my eyelid. Grrrr. I did consider that maybe I’m curling too close to the base of my lashes, but curling farther away from the base makes my lashes look much shorter. I’ve also tried curling my lashes before doing the eye makeup, but then my lashes get in the way of lining my eyes and makes it very difficult to make a nice smooth line, especially with liquid liner. Do you ever have this problem? And do you have any tips for me? 🙂
(Btw this happens with every brand of lash curler I’ve used)
Hey J!
I don’t wear upper lash liner very often (it irritates my eyes), though I haven’t noticed this issue myself. How often do you clean your curler? I wonder if maybe there is residual mascara or liner that causes the liner on your lid to stick to it more so than just the metal/rubber grip?
The only thing I can think of is to curl your lashes before hand, and then use a brush handle to kind of hold the lashes down so they’re not in your way when you go to line!
You’re not the only one! I have this problem every time I curl my lashes! I haven’t found a way to fix it yet.. but I was thinking.. maybe a LIGHT dusting of powder (residual on your brush maybe) “set” the eyeliner?
hi christine, i have a few questions 🙁 sorry! lol
1. so i know you’ve had the 131 and the 165.. so my question is: for highlighting with mineralized skinfinishes, which do you prefer?
2. well, i plan to get marine life.. and already have instant chic and ripe peach and the ripe peach dupe from estee lauder.. i’m thinking about hipness but i’m mainly worried that it won’t even look right on me or it’ll look the same as one of the other blushes, do you think its different enough from the others that i should get it? (i’m nw20, btw)
3. do you think flurry of fun would be very similar to transparent teal glitter mixed with new spirit? i have both so i’m trying to figure out ways to save money, lol
Hey Jackie,
1.) I wayyyy prefer the 165 for highlighting!!
2.) I think it would look on you as a NW20! I mean, if you love your coral-pinks, I’d grab it. I think you’ll see a little difference, though subtle, between all of them.
3.) Yes, I do – what makes Flurry of Fun standout is the teal reflects in it, so really, mixing Transparent Teal glitter + sheer peach or tangerine gloss will get you there. Flurry of Fun really doesn’t do much in terms of color!
thank you sooo much! that was totally helpful 🙂
thank you so much!! helped me a ton 🙂
Hey christine,
I know some people use it all the time ( including me) and some avoid it: do you think Mac fluideline is safe to use on waterline?
🙂
Thanksssssssssssss
I have heard that the matte shades are waterline safe, but shades like Frostlite are not.
Hi, Christine! I’m looking at expanding my lipstick collection. I’ve got mostly nudes (Blankety, Warm Me Up, etc) and reds (Russian Red, Viva Glam I). They’re kinda boring and plain old lipgloss isn’t cutting it anymore. I’ve been looking at corals and oranges for the summer, but I’m not sure of shades to try. I have pale, pinkish skin (not sure of my MAC skin shade equivalent). Any suggestions for corals and oranges for the summer?
Hi Stacey,
You could try Crosswires or See Sheer for corals! For oranges, perhaps M’Orange and Vegas Volt – though those two are quite bright/bold! You may like Freckletone, which is kind of a lighter peachy-nude. Ravishing is also a played down peach-orange.
Hi I adore your all of your looks and I was wondering what you might suggest for me as either something fun or something just everyday. I’m 17 with medium brown hair, blue eyes, and very pale freckled skin that has pink undertones and some natural pink in my cheeks. Right now i’m using a clinique creme blush in rosy to keep from getting washed out which is the only shade i’ve found in blush that works, but really need some sort of powder or something to create cheekbones on my face and really don’t know what to do. I like mac, but it is so far away, any sephora suggestions for cheeks or well anything else for that matter, i’m sort of a makeup newbie. Thank you so much.
Hi Zoe,
I think you may really like Benefit Sugarbomb! It’s very pretty, soft, and natural.
Thank you!
Hope you don’t mind me asking this, but I’ve been wondering about this since I’ve been writing a blog myself. Do you ever feel like this blog is more of a curse than a blessing? What I mean by it is that you said you don’t wear any old LE make up because of the blog, so you can show it off n looks or test the new stuff. Also it must take up so much time to keep on top of it. Also do you EVER go on holiday? I’ve been reading this blog for a while, but honestly can’t remember you not posting every single day! 🙂 I know you love doing it, but do you ever feel like not wanting to carry on with it?
Nope, not at all. It’s really a blessing – never a curse. I’ve never even felt for one second that it’s ever been more of a curse than a blessing — quite the opposite! There are surely things about blogging (in general) that can be tedious or way less fun than the best parts (replying to comments, interacting with readers, talking shop!), but they are necessary evils to get to the good stuff 🙂
I don’t mind not wearing LEs or anything, and if I really want to, I could – I just like the idea of being more helpful than not! It makes me happier to be more helpful, I suppose.
And no, no holidays. Don’t believe in them! I have gone on vacation, but you should never know I’m away until I say, “Hey, just got back from vacation!” I went on a family vacation for a week last year to Lake Tahoe, actually. When I was 13-17, I did a daily “magazine” online via email, and I think I managed about 2.5 or 3 years without missing an issue. It’s just in me to stay on top of the things I love — you could call me a workaholic, but I don’t consider this work!
I’ve had a couple of rough days, just when some comments or things people have said have brought me down, but thankfully I have enormously supportive friends and family to remind me that for every one person that loathes me, there are many more who enjoy what I do!
Hi I have brown hair, blue eyes, and pale/fair skin with pinkish undertones. Hi, we don’t have a MAC errrr, but we do have a sephora where I live. Right now I’m using a powder, but do I need a liquid foundation. My skin is combination and pretty oily on my t-zone, with summer coming up I don’t want a look that will melt or look fake. Any foundation (whether it be powder or liquid which I don’t know how to use) suggestions? Also what sort of primer if any do you recommend? Thank you so much!
Hey Kate,
For oily skin, Smashbox Anti-Shine is a good primer to help keep your makeup wearing longer. As far as summer and liquid foundations, I like ones on the sheerer side or else super long-wearing stuff like Estee Lauder Double-Wear & Lancome’s 24-Hour something-rather – but they are kind of heavy. MUFE HD holds up pretty well for me in the summer, if I prime and set with powder!
Hi they don’t seem to still carry the Smashbox ANTISHINE primer, is the smashbox “light” primer the same thing?
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P9890&searchString=smashbox%20anti-shine#moreInfo
Hi Christine,
My warm wishes for you. When I saw your collection of MAC Limited Edition eyeshadow, a question popped in my mind. How long can you use an eyeshadow? What is the recommended shelf life? Do you follow the recommendation?
Technically, the shelf life is 2-3 years, but I don’t follow that. It’s very hard for powder products to harbor bacteria, since it is dry – bacteria thrive in warm, moist places!
Thanks for the info, Christine 🙂
A follow-up question then.. How long you continue wearing a powder eyeshadow? I mean how long they are of no harm? How do you know it cannot be continued more?
If it changes textures, smells funny, or doesn’t work as well as before – then it’s probably time to toss it.
Hi Christine! My problem thats always been around (problem with my sister too) is that I have large pores. I have tried neutregenas pore redefining cleanser or something and it did absolutely nothing. I cannot afford Microderm abrasion so i am wondering if there is anything I can do to help reduce them? I have a lot of little bumps on my face as well and I dont know what to do to get rid of them! its probably from dirt getting in my large pores! any advice?? Thanks!
Hey Brittany,
Regular exfoliation (about two to three times a week) can help reduce the appearance of pores. You can also use more matte/satin finish products on your cheeks to de-emphasize them.
The best pore minimizing product I’ve come across seems to be Clinique’s Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector.
The bumps might be milia, but I’m not a derm, so you might want to get an appointment and find out about those 🙂
Ah sorry another question! Since I am so pale with no tanning capabilities whatsoever tinted moisturizer = a do or a don’t? Any recommendations?
Sure, why not? Tinted moisturizer doesn’t really tan you or anything – it’s like a sheerer foundation, so if you get one in your tone, it’s all good. It may even be better for paler complexions since it’s so sheer, even if it’s not 100% the right shade, it can be sheered out so it is. Kiehl’s, Korres, or Laura Mercier!
just wanted to tell you thanks for doing a great job, i love this site 🙂
Thank you, Jacquelyn!
hey again!
i lied 🙁 i have one more question..
i’m nw20 or hd 115, very pink undertones, brown hair, with very pigmented lips… trying to find a nude lipstick. so far all i have is young thing lipglass and wearing that turns my lips into a mauve pink/browness so i don’t look dead but it’s still not quite the nude i’m looking for.. what mac lipstick would u suggest i try? i only have permanents and bouy o bouy available for me to buy ><
Hey Jackie,
Try something like Kinda Sexy or Honeylove — I think the opaqueness of these may work for you!
So After you have finished college and started your professional career, how will you keep temptalia going?
Will you get other writers to help, or are you going to scale back?
It’s really hard to say, since there is over a year until I graduate, and then months of studying for the Bar exam (and perhaps more, if I don’t pass the first time out… which is likely!). I just keep working hard every day and cross my fingers that maybe Temptalia can be my future 🙂
Hi Christine!
I love blushes, I use it all the time, I have pink, brown, beige… but I wanna do a right match with my eyeshadows, like for ex. beige blush and warm eyeshadow, so can you tell me how can I match them?
Hi Erika,
I learned mostly through experience – just playing around and hoping for the best.
I wear coral blushes with greens, golds, browns, blues, and teals.
I wear pink blushes with browns, neutrals, golds, pinks, purples, and blues.
I wear bronze blushes with greens, golds, and teals.
I wear plum blushes with browns, pinks, and purples.
Im NC35 and i just bought the korres tinted moisturizer in shade 02 Honey. At times, it looks a little light on me, and other times, it looks okay. Do you think i bought the right shade for my skin color (NC 35) or the color after shade 02 Honey would be the better choice for me?
You may be the next shade up, or you may be more like a mix, so you could probably wear either. It sucks that they have such a short range, though. I wear Honey as well as a NC25.
hey hun, question for you – got any idea of the best concealer or foundation that will cover scars on my arms? i cant one that lasts long enough 🙁 thx xxxxx
Dermablend! It is used for those with heavier scarring/imperfections. Oh, and tattoos — if it will cover-up a tattoo and last all day, you know you’ve got the right stuff!
brilliant thx i will try that 🙂
Hey Christine!
I got a couple questions to ask you. I would like to know what highlighting eyeshadow color would suit best on NC44 skin tone? Im going to be doing my sisters prom make up and she is a NC44. Also what highlighting shade will suit my NC40 skin tone. I was thinking about trying Stila’s Kitten but I am not too sure if that will suit me.
My brand preferences can be from NYX, Stila, MAC, MUFE, and Urban Decay
Hey Bridgette,
I think Ricepaper & Arena would probably suit both of you 🙂
Thank you for your time to answer my question. I believe my sister has Ricepaper so I will have to borrow hers for when I do her make up and get one for myself later on.
Great! Even better — ’cause then you can try it out and see if you like it!
What are your thoughts on the Marine Life High Light Powder on oily skin type? I’m debating whether I should get it or not.
Can you please suggest some neutral lipstick colors in MAC for NC20/NC25? Thanks!
I think it would be fine on oilier skin types!
Neutral lipstick shades – Sweetie, Creme Cup, Honeyflower, Kinda Sexy, Velvet Teddy
Just one more i forgot to ask!…
I am a nc 15 and I still find that it is to dark on me, do you know of any mid- to high end foundations that are lighter?
Giorgio Armani or NARS may work!
Armani & NARS seem to have some lighter shades!
I was wanting to know if there is a dupe for MAC Bright Fuschia Pigment, also I have oily skin and have a hard time finding a product that will actually control the oil for more than 3-4 hours, any suggestions?
Make Up For Ever #75
Have you tried Smashbox’s Anti-Shine?
At what time (central) do you think Mac will put the To the Beach Collection up for sale on their website on the 25th?
It’s really hard to say… I’d guess around 7 or 8AM.
Hi Christine!
Just a few questions:
1. Do you use Mac’s Fix+ and if so, what do you use it for?
2. Can you recommend an inexpensive lip concealer? My lips are bright red and I can’t get the nude look.
3. What are your favorite Mac ‘matte’ eyeshadows?
4. Also, can you recommend a blue liquid eyeliner?
Thank so much!
Hey Erena,
1.) I have it, but I don’t really use it. It’s like expensive water to me – so I use water. You can use it to help make your makeup look less powdery or to refresh yourself.
2.) You could try any concealer or your foundation – it doesn’t have to be targeted to lips, actually! 🙂
3.) Love Soft Brown, Espresso, Electric Eel (hm, think that’s a satin, actually), Atlantic Blue!
4.) MAC Blue Herizon Liquidlast Liner!
Hi! I hope your week is going well :] Thanks for this session and for the site. the new design is gorgeous (thanks Tech Guy!)!
A few questions:
How do you tell what skintype you have? Do I skip moisturizing after I cleanse and then watch my skin? That’s always confused me.
When you rate lipsticks for “wear” does that mean how long it takes for them to start fading, or until it’s completely gone?
Also, I’ve noticed you’ve been using Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray. What are your initial impressions? Or should I wait for the review?
Hey Christina,
Thanks a lot!
1.) You can tell by the end of the day, actually – are you oily? are you normal? If you’re pretty oily, you’re probably oily. If you can’t tell, you’re probably normal 😛
2.) Typically it’s how long until it’s about half gone or until it needs a reapplication (unless I say “it took 4 hours until it started fading”!).
3.) It works well – no creasing, smudging, fading, etc. I just hate the pump dispenser. Loathe.
hi!! i love this blog, i’ve been reading it everyday since i first started… which was like a LONG time ago (through the mac community on Lj!)
can you recommend a dupe for “utterly frivolous” lipstick by MAC? it came out with the fafi collection and my mom is obsessed with it, but it’s so hard to get a hold of! (you know how it is with those limited editions..)
and possibly a good eye cream for someone in their 20s?? something that’s more preventative and not so expensive! thanks 😀
Aww!! Thank you for staying with me for so long 😀
MAC: Maybeee See Sheer used REALLY lightly but nothing else sticks out. Maybe one of the Pret-a-Papier lipsticks – Dressmaker, Dressmaker or Made to Order could come close.
Non-MAC: Smashbox Splendid, Shiseido PK 327, Shiseido PK 224
What about Clinique’s All About the Eyes?
Can you think of a lip color similar to Guerlain’s Giulette, but without the shimmer? I love that color, but sometimes shimmer bothers me and I just want more of a creamy, glossy finish. I know you said it was hard to dupe, but a best approximation would be appreciated.
Also, would you recommend using an eyeshadow primer with Soft Ochre paint pot, or is the Soft Ochre all I need in terms of making the eyeshadow last?
Thanks, Christine!
Laura Mercier’s Hydrangea seems close actually, it has just a smidgen of shimmer but much less than Giulette!
You shouldn’t need a primer under it, but some people have found they need to (but then it’s more a case that no base alone works well, they need two).
Thanks for doing this Christine! 🙂
1. What is the best eyeshadow primer? I’ve been using MAC paintpots and they are fine but sometimes creasy. I tried Smashbox’s eyelid primer and liked it but am wondering if there are better ones? I have creasy lids but not oily.
2. What about face/foundation primer? I’ve only used MAC’s face one but noticed a tiny amount of shimmer. I wonder if that will reflect poorly in photos (have some weddings coming up). My face/skin is normal to sensitive.
3. Would you ever consider doing a best of nail polish post? Similar to your MAC eyeshadows ones? Office friendly, wild, vampy?
4. Not sure if this is too personal or if you’ve already answered before…. What type of law do you want to practice? Does it make you laugh that its called practice??? I just thought of that and how funny it sounds! You’ve been studying too long to be practising :).
Sorry if there are typos! I’m writing this on a BlackBerry on a train going home 😀
Hey Cherie!
1.) Hmm, do you think maybe you’re using too thick of a layer? Or have you tried layering the Smashbox + Paint Pot?
2.) I like Korres silicone-free, and MUFE’s Primer did me OK but never stuck with it for very long.
3.) Probably not for awhile… I am a nail polish dummy! I know my MAC eyeshadows pretty well, but I still feel lost in a sea of polish!
4.) No, not too personal at all! If I go into law, it will be business/corporate related 🙂
Thank you!
Thanks lady 🙂
1) Hmm, maybe I am layering too think. Yes, I did like the look of Smashbox primer + paint pot. It was fab. Is Smashbox the best primer to use or do you like others? Sorry for the additional q’s
2) I will try those!
3) Hahaha, that’s cool 🙂
4) Awesome!
Cheers!
All primers seem to work about equal on me, except the original UDPP which sometimes creases.
I like UDPP Eden quite a bit, actually.
I am a NC 20/25 and I wanted to buy the shape and sculpt powders from MAC pro (will have to do over phone since there is no store close by), which shades do you suggest. I wear MSF in Light Medium now, and will be Medium in the summer if that gives anymore clues.
I am just getting back into lipstick (I am more of a dramatic eye person), and I was wondering, what are some staple MAC lipsticks for someone with pigmented lips and warm skin? I have Cherish, Dressmaker, Dressmaker, Viva Glam Cyndi, Made to Order and Viva Glam V. Shades like Myth and Creme de Nude look awful on me, as do most ultra pale or light blue pink colors.
Thanks so much!
Sculpt!! That’s the best 😀
Some lipstick suggestions… Crosswires, See Sheer, Capricious, New York Apple, VG I, Fanfare
Thanks! Those lipstick colors look great, I will be trying them when I go check out the MAC to the Beach collection next week.
Would you recommend Accentuate for the highlighter?
Yes, it’s nice!
Would you be able to recommend a good moisturiser for the eye area, including the lid area and just above, for a slightly more mature skin (mid-40s)? Mine is starting to look a little wrinkly, and it’s not through wearing makeup as I don’t wear eye products that often, even though I have quite a collection now lol. I never sunbathe either
Hey Dawn,
High-end – Lancome Renergie Microlift Eye Cream
Drugstore – RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
hey christine 🙂 sorry i have a few questions lol
i got matched back in january to nw20 in studio sculpt and love it but for the summer i want something lighter and more sheer.. possibly a tinted moisturiser? anyways.. i go wayyy darker in the summer.. more like a goldeny orange brown, not at all pink.
so basically..
1. is it possible to go from cool to warm undertones or is it just the darkness that changes?
2. do you think ive been matched wrong even though it doesnt look too pink on my skin?
3. any recommendations for a foundation/tinted moisturiser?
for reference i have dry skin with mild acne which always seems to go away in the summer for some reason, medium brown hair and brown eyes.
this seems like an impossible question to answer but theres no harm in asking, right? thankyou so much 🙂
Hey Kerry,
1.) First, you might be more neutral or even neutral-warm – but undertones don’t usually change, just darkness I’d say.
2.) You could definitely have been matched wrong, or you could be neutral and be able to go either way without it looking odd!
3.) I like Kiehl’s & Korres for tinted moisturizer 🙂
HTH!
I started to develop acne during my pregnancy and it has never gone away. It has been close to 2 years. I have tried acne products from Peter Thomas Roth, Murad, and Bare Escentuals. The acne is better now, but I have problems concealing it. I have used MAC, Smashbox, Mally, Bare Escentuals, shu uemura, and Clinique concealers. I was hoping you could give me tips on how to get acne under control and how to cover up the scars and any blemishes. Thanks!
Hey Kathryn,
I think if you’ve spent two years working on it, you may want to see a dermatologist — sometimes just finding out what *type* of acne you’re suffering from can at least lead you to make better buying decisions or maybe a prescription is better.
As far as covering up blemishes/scarring, look for a medium coverage concealer – Make Up For Ever’s concealer is pretty good!
Hi Christine! I love your blog and thanks for doing another Q and A entry!
My question is: Do you think MUFE’s eyeshadows are worth the extra money over MAC eyeshadows? Specifically, I’m liking the way MUFE #171 looks layered over turquoise and don’t know if I should shell out or find a dupe. I’m more of a lippie girl so my eyeshadow experience is very limited. Thanks!
If you’re looking for specific shades, yes. I think both brands have great eyeshadows (overall, obviously not every single one is amazing!). MUFE does excellent mattes, for example – they are all consistent across the board!
hi christine, thanks for doing the session. i love reading your responses.
1. best overall foundation for normal to oily skin nc 40?
2. dior eyeshadow quads vs. chanel eyeshadow quads as your favorite and recomendation on a few of your fav quads from the 2 brands?
3. best tinted moisturizer foundation for normal to oily skin. is it better than powder foundation?
THANKS Christine. I have a lot of questions and I have been wanting to you asked you for the longest time 🙂 Please keep up with your blog, I read it 5-9 times a day, I love all your infos and reviews.
Hey Penelope,
1.) I think you’d like MAC Studio Fix Fluid or MUFE HD.
2.) I’ve found more Chanel quads I’ve liked, probably, than Dior. They’re both hit or miss for me! Chanel Murano and Spices are both classics. Dior’s Electric Lights (still on Sephora) is pretty and nice on NC40 skin tone.
3.) Korres is great, if the third tone (#3) suits you! I don’t like powder foundation, but I can be on the drier side, so it often just makes me look powdery.
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Hi Christine,
I was wondering if you have ever tried some of the Hakuhodo brushes.
I’ve heard such great things about them and I want to know what you think about them..
SInce most of them are super expensive, I’d love an expert opinion before ordering 🙂
Thank you so much for all your great work, I check Temptalia every single day and would be lost without it!
Hey Hannah,
Nope, I have not! If I do, I will definitely review, though 🙂
Thank you!!
i have really dry skin and have trouble with foundations because sometimes they make my skin look worse because the foundation almost rolls up. i’d like something that makes me look dewy since my skin also looks so dull. i’m nc15 with dark green eyes blonde hair and i’d love suggestions for different colors ( i do hate purple and brown eyeshadows, also mattes)…..thanks!
Hey Kate,
I think something like NARS Sheer Glow might work for you – it’s dewy and sheer so it shouldn’t be heavy or roll up on your skin. You can also spritz your face with water prior to application to help everything apply smoothly.
You could try peachy shadows!
Hello Christine!
First of all, thank you so much for your super useful, complete and detailed reviews!
Now the questions! Could you please recommend me some MAC eyeshadows I could wear with Creme de Violet? My skin tone is fair – I wear Clinique´s Superfit Makeup in Neutral and I usually wear three eyeshadow colors.
Also, when wearing purple eyeshadows I usually wear a pinkish gloss and blush, but sometimes I feel I look too pink…would it be better to wear neutrals or bronzy colors on cheeks and lips?
And finally, a fragrance question – I love Burberry Brit Sheer but have been unable to find it again in stores. Do you know any fragrance that could be similar? Something fruity and fresh? It is difficult to shop for a fragance when I have no idea of what brands to try and without being overwhelmed by insistent sales persons and a cloud of different smells!
Thank you very much for your help and keep up the good work! Your website is so organized, pretty and full of great tips. I love to visit it every day!
Hey Leticia,
1.) Try Beautiful Iris (or Digit) on the lid, Creme de Violet on the outer lid/crease, and Plum Dressing or Sketch in the crease. I actually tend to gravitate towards purples/plums on lips and blush, but I don’t think it’s too pink. You could go with a more neutral lip!
2.) I haven’t smelled that one, so I’m not sure. One way I find helps is to go to the store and ask for samples – that way you can take them home. You may actually find that talking with the salesperson at Burberry helpful in finding something similar 🙂
Thank you so much!
Thank you very much, Christine! Your advice is so useful and I will follow it! Thanks for taking the time to do your Ask Temptalia Sessions, you’re awesome!
My pleasure, Leticia!
why do mac artists at all different stores give me colors that are too dark for me?! is it the lighting in there that makes them think i’m tanner? o.O
LOL! MAC lighting is NOTORIOUSLY terrible!
Hello! My mother in law is going to London soon and will be going on a shopping journey! She is scoping out Lancome Erika F. for me (!!) but do you know of any make up lines, UK only releases or UK only brands to check out?
Thank you Christine :]
Good luck! Hope you can find Erika F. 😀
I’m not SUPER familiar with UK only brands myself – I know Illamasqua started there, lol.
If you like pigments, you should definitely try Barry M’s Dazzle Dusts – they are very reasonably priced and have some absolutely gorgeous colours. Their nail polishes are also highly recommended and only £2.95 each, sometimes 2 for £5.
ooh ooh ummm… I have a real problem with my thin upper lip with no heart shape in the middle, any suggestions on shaping and finding the right shapes that go with my square face.
Use concealer to cover up a lil’ of your lip, lip liner to define, and a highlighter right at the bow to highlight 🙂
hello!
1) i have oily lids and when i use a cream eye liner i get it all over the eye, what should i do for this not to happen?
2) im NC35 on mac, and i bought this mufe matt velvet in 30 and doesnt match my skin how can i do to match my skin cause i want to finish it so i can buy the color that i am
Hey Claudia,
1.) You can set with a powder or you can use a sealer like Benefit She-Laq.
2.) You can’t return it or exchange it? If it’s light for you, you can always try using bronzer to darken it.
Hi Christine. I am a NC20, asian complexion. I have been eyeing the Nars Sheer Glow foundation. I have pretty dry skin but at the end of the day my t-zone is a bit oily. I heard that the sheer glow is for normal to dry skin and i’ve also seen reviews on it on youtube. do you think it’s worth it for me to purchase?
Another question. I want to purchase one or two more Nars blushes. I already have Orgasm and Deep Throat. What other Nars blushes would you recommend for my skin color (NC20)? I don’t like the darker blushes. I was looking at Mata Hari and Luster but are there other ones you think are better for my skin tone. =)
Oooh, Dolce Vita!! I think you will like that one. Luster is also good 😀
I think it would be fine for your skin type, since it has a dewy finish, it’s better for dry to normal skin (it’ll make oily people look oilier), so I think just having your t-zone get oily at the end of the day shouldn’t deter you from it!
I don’t have bad acne, only a few problem spots a month. I always want to get rid of them when they come up, but I don’t want to overdry my skin with my cleansers/moisturizers etc etc. What do you suggest? I’m currently using Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Acne Cleanser with Clean & Clear Oil Free Moisturizer, and have used Clinique’s Three-Step System in the past.
Also, I’m an approximate NC15 – what is a good contour shade?
I use Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion & Drying Cream – both spot treatments.
Sculpt, actually. But if you can’t get that, I’d try MSF Natural in Light Medium.
i use MAC’s studio sculpt spf 15 foundation, NC15. i always moisturise beforehand because i have really, really dry skin. i’ve tried makeup sponges, as well as MAC’s 190, 187, and 168 brushes, and i always run into the same problem: the foundation finds its way into the lines under my eyes as well as in my crease. i should probably also note that i have really dark, discoloured eyelids that mean i have to use foundation on them daily. i’ve also tried MAC’s prep + prime face protect SPF15 between moisturiser and foundation, to no avail.
sorry for the novel, but any tips?
should also note that i used to use mineralize skinfinish powder over my foundation, but stopped about a week or two ago in hopes it might help. and i don’t ever wear eyeshadow, just liquid liner.
Are you setting the foundation at all? Just a light dusting of translucent powder or blot powder can definitely help it from creasing.
i replied to my own post above but i was using the mineralize skinfinish powder before, up until a couple weeks ago. it was a bit too powdery for me. i think i’m going to get some of MAC’s set powder next and see if that works better for me…
You can always spritz your face with some water to take down the powderiness, too!
Hi Christine!
1)Could you please recommend bright and neutral eyeshadows from Mac. I’m NW20, have green/hazel eyes, and have darkish blond hair.
2)What does Imo stand for? I could never figure it out!
3)Would Gold Deposit MSF be too harsh for my skin tone?
4)What’s a really good dupe for Float on By eye kohl from To The Beach?
5)I have oily skin in the T-Zone, what’s a really good setting powder?
6)Do you know when Mac will have a Friend&Family sale again?
7)Do you think Mutiny pigment is going to come back in a collection because I really want it!
8)What are some really good coral products for my skin tone?
9)Do you shop at your CCO a lot?
Thanks so much! 🙂
Hi Ashley,
1.) Brights: Tilt, Woodwinked, Electric Eel, Winkle, Stars ‘n Rockets; Neutrals: Cork, Dazzlelight, Smut, Espresso
2.) In My Opinion 🙂
3.) It’s gonna be a bit dark, but if you use it with a light hand, you should be OK. I don’t think it’s going to be OMG amazing on your skin tone, so if you’re paying $$$ for it, I don’t think it’d be worth it.
4.) Deviant + Flipside by UD
5.) I love Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder.
6.) Nope, I have no idea.
7.) It’s always a possibility, but who knows!
8.) Nope – it’s an hour or so away, so I just don’t end up there very often!
HTH!
Hi Christine,
When applying lipstick do you use a brush or apply directly from the tube?
I think it is amazing that you go to law school and have time to do this blog. How do you do it, and how many hours do you devote to the website each day?
Hi Kelly,
From the tube! I am usually too lazy to use a brush!
I prioritize and schedule everything out, so I know when I’m doing something, what I’m doing, etc. I even plan “free time,” LOL! I also try to stay really organized. It depends – usually the least is three or four hours, and then the max would be around fourteen hours.
Hi Christine,
Could you please recommend a good starter kit (facial cleanser, mositurizer, wrinkle prevention, etc…) I am 26 and realized I need to start taking precautions and preventionsfor my skin!! I know I should have started a long time ago. I have combo sking (major t-zone). Also, I dont have noticable cheeks until I smile the apples of my cheeks pop-out. What can I use to create or use to make it look like they are noticable.
BTW I love your site!! I spread the word about your site!!
Hi Christine… I have really oily lower lids, and would love to find a pencil liner that doesn’t migrate everywhere during the day. Using Benefit’s now, but it doesn’t look so great after a few hours, and have one from MUFE in plum (but need to pick up one in a dark gray before they leave my city (sob)). If you or anyone reading this have any suggestions as to pencil liners that stay put, I would really love to hear them. Brands available where I live — other than drugstore stuff like Revlon, etc. — are Lancome, Lise Watier, Smashbox, Pur Minerals, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden, and MAC… I’m sure I’m forgetting some. I’m willing to pay a little more for something that I’ll use every day. Thank you!
Aww, try to gab some more MUFE shades – those are the best I’ve come across, to be honest. Smashbox worked well on me (their Wish liners, haven’t tried the newest ones), as well as UD’s 24/7 liners (though I don’t know if you have those). Revlon ColorStay pencils might work!
Hi Christine,
I am looking for my perfect nude lipstick. I already have Mac Cherish and UD Naked (both I found out thru your blog, thanks). However, Cherish is more on the beige-peachy side while UD Naked is more on the really nude-pinkish side. I’m looking for a combination of both, kindof the pale side of Cherish but pinkish instead. What would you recommend?
PS. I went to mac store yesterday, they suggested honeylove, but my lips are too dry for it.
Hey Michelle,
Hmm, maybe Jubilee or Brave!
I am extremely fair skinned – cool toned and I actually have to use a lot of concealler to remove the red from my skin, but I’m wondering if I should use blush – would it just make me more red? And I’d love to wear bronzer but the ones I’ve tried make me look dirty and I don’t even know how to apply them! Thank you.
oh-please let me know if a good eyeliner that will stay put in my waterline!
Hi Erika,
You could also try looking into MUFE’s Green Primer – it might streamline your routine since it’s an all-over solution for redness. Anyway, try peachier blushes (like MAC Peaches). As far as bronzers go, you might like MAC Golden – it’s subtle, soft, and it shouldn’t look dirty on you.
I like MUFE Aqua Eyes for the water line.
Hey Christine,
I just started collecting makeup since the beginning of this year. I have been wanting to get the MAC 187 or 188. However, the 130 and 131 are coming out in the new collection. I am torn now. I am planning to get two of them first. What do you recommend?
I apply liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer pretty often. I do cream blush too but I tend to use my fingers. You think the 131 is good for this purpose?
BTW, just wanna let you know that this site is VERY helpful =). Thank you very much!
Oh yeahhh forgot to mention that, I have been using the sigma 187 for my liquid foundation and I am loving it.
Hi Angie,
I would get the LE brushes if you like them, because they’re LE and will sell out, as brushes often do. The 131 is better for mineralize products, like blush and the like. The 130, on the other hand, works well for foundation and cream blush. You may like the 131 for applying moisturizer, though!
Thank you! 🙂
Hey Christine,
Thanks so much for doing this. I wanted to get a Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick, I don’t own any and I was wondering any recommendations for a good color I can get a lot of use out of? Preferably a nude ish pink. I was thinking of the Genial as a coral color, do you think it’d be to much? I am an NW50-DARK! And if do you know any other coral lipstick I can use if genial doesn’t work, any brand. Thanks so much.
I think you’d like Darling, Exquise, or maybe Mythic (a little less nude-pink). Genial is super pretty, and I think it would POP against your skin tone (like in a good way!!).
what a wonderful post!
do you have an idea for a total mac look that you would love for an nc25 with brown hair and brown eyes? i love purples, pinks, greens, teal! so pretty much everything haha
what treats do you give mellan?
do you prefer an eye primer like udpp or a paint pot instead? running out of udpp myself and undecided if i should buy soft ochre instead!
i have big eyes, hooded lids sort of, suggestion for most needed mac brush besides a 239? that’s the only one i have, other brushes are by sonia kashuk and i am hoping to replace them soon.
Hey Alisson… look at my looks, lol! I am NC25 with brown eyes and hazel eyes 😛
I think NC25s look really good in golds and greens, though. 🙂 The golds warm up the eyes, greens set off the skin tone.
Mellan only gets Charlie Bears as treats, but only if we’re doing training!
Hmm, I think they’re on equal footing – if UDPP works for you, I don’t think Soft Ochre is going to be revolutionary or anything!
Maybe the 224 for the crease? Or the 217 for blending.
somehow i think the mac people matched me too dark, cause you seem a bit more tan than i am. and i love your color, haha! i might lean more towards nc20 but your’re still right about the golds and greens 🙂
What final was your hardest this school year?
Any fun summer plans?
Would you recommend putting an SPF first and then primer or vice-versa? or does it even matter?
Evidence for sure!
Not doing anything – and I’m serious, I am really looking forward to NO school for a little while.
SPF first 🙂
Hi christine! A couple of questions… What drugstore mascara do you recommend for volume, and length? Also, do you sell any of your makeup that you don’t use anymore? I would love to purchase a light lavender lipstick.. Like fashions mews, Lavender whip, or Blooming Lovely. If you do, or if you know any dupes being sold/online retailers, please please let me know. Thanks!
Hi Haley,
I like Maybelline Full ‘n Soft!
I don’t – I do get a fair amount (at least, recently, not always) sent over by brands/companies for consideration, so since I’m not paying for them, it’d be unethical to sell them. I also don’t feel comfortable selling used makeup anymore.
Tarina Tarantino Candy Jar lipstick is kind of like Fashion Mews — a little pinker. Oh, and Viva Glam Gaga is kind of lilac!
One more question.. I’m looking for a blush that would go well with Nars’ Roman Holiday Lipstick.. And turkish delight.. Any suggestions? (I love NARS and MAC) Thanks!
Oooh, what about NARS Dolce Vita?
Hello!
I would like to start by saying this site is amazing! I am graduating law school in 11 weeks, and I admire you for all the time you put into this site. I don’t know how you do it!!! I have two questions (sorry if you have already answered these)
1. What camera do you use to take your pictures?
2. What is your current skincare routine?
Thank you for your response 😉
Hi Meg!
Thank you! I’m so jealous — wish I was graduating that soon!! Congrats!
1.) Nikon D90
2.) Chanel Lifting Day Cream (I think that’s the one!) for AM, Origins Ginger-something-rather for PM (just started a week ago), Renee Rouleau Cleansing Gel (AM/PM general cleansing), shu cleansing oil for makeup removing, and Kate Somerville ExfoliKate 2x per week!
Thank you! If you dont mind, I have one more question. What product would you recc. for correcting uneven skin? This is a huge problem, as I have darker patches on my face, and I can NEVER ever get the right foundation match. Thank you! BTW, law school goes by super fast, you will done before you know it!
I’d recommend Kiehl’s Tone Corrector (I think it may have a fancier name, though)! 🙂
Hey, I recently had a ton of my makeup stolen and my brushes were top of the line and expensive! What brushes could I use to replace them without breaking the bank? Because the others I had accumulated over time and such and I just can’t afford replacements. Are there any good sets to invest in? Recommendations for brands? Thank you!!!
OH NO! 🙁 How sad!
I like Sonia Kashuk or EcoTools! Both have good sets available 🙂
Hi Christine! I recently discover Chanel Nail laquers (L-O-V-E!) I saw your swatches and run (2 weeks ago) and bought Particuliere before it was sold out, so, I went to the Chanel counter wich is in another city (I’m from Mexico) and ask the lady at the counter for Particuliere, the new colection was already out (Les Pop-Up or whatever) so I was mentally prepared to hear that it was sold out, but the lady found one in the draw and my eyes shined! So, I bought it and when I arrived home and open the bag, I see a box of Chanel Riviera but inside was Particuliere… the tester!!!! I almost had a heart atack! I’m going again to the Chanel counter to get the new colection, but I really really want Particuliere (not the tester!) and I’m afraid to tell the lady that she gave me the tester and then she tells me she has no Particuliere and I end up without Particuliere (new) and Particuliere (tester)! Haha! I hope I explain myself! I really really want it but I mean the tester is like half used but that’s better than no Particuliere! By the way I haven’t used it, I’m afraid to get a nail infection or something! Hahaha! :p
Oh noooo! Definitely go back… I mean, who could use up half a bottle of nail polish? Does it say tester on it? Anyway, definitely go back!! I might even call 🙂
Yes it says tester! LOL! Great idea! I’m gonna call tomorrow! Hahaha! The things I do for make up (adiction)! Thanks for the answer Christine! 🙂
Hi Christine, What MAC blushes do you recommend for NC35-NC37 skin? Thanks!
MAC Margin, Ambering Rose, Sunbasque!
wat is ur favorite drugstore foundation?
wat is ur favorite drugstore foundation for oily skin?
Hi Mia,
Revlon ColorStay – which also works well for oily skin!
Hi Christine,
I bought a dazzleglass creme and I didn’t like the consistency or the smell. How do the cremesheen glasses compare?
Have you used the Mac 130 brush for foundation? If so how does it compare to the 109?
I have oily skin, which setting powder would you recommend from Mac?
Cremesheen glasses smell like vanilla to me, and they’re non-sticky and smooth.
I have – it’s more like the 187 to me. I find it a little streaky, personally!
Blot Powder or Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder!
yay yay yay..ask temptalia are my fav type of posts!!! 🙂
so my question is :
my MUA at MAC talked me into getting the 130 brush for my cream blushes…its good but im wondering if theres anything better…i always have to use another brush
Also i got the mac pearlglide liner in blackline seeing the pretty swatch but whenever i apply it on my upper lash line the glitter gets stuck between my lashes and falls under my eyes…am i working it the wrong way please help me since sooo many people rave about it but for me its a big glittery mess…thanks so much!
last question is im an NC30 and i got soft ochre paintpot to use instead of UDPP…but when i apply it the outer parts of my eyelids flake…i have really oily lids so whats with the flakyness or is it the product which is too dry since i dont get tht with UDPP..but i love using Soft ochre as a base as my eyeshadows pop more.
SOrry for the long questions thanks and lots of love to mellan 🙂
Hi Sum,
I think the 130 is quite good for cream blushes 🙂 It’s between the 188 and 130 for me, and the 130 is great!
Oh no! The only quick fix I can think of is to set with sealer like Benefit She-Laq. Other options might be to use a similar eyeshadow to press it in…
The flaking thing is weird – do you think it’s the product flaking or your skin? If you think it’s a little dry, you can take the lid off and microwave for a seconds – it helped me get creamy again (I forgot to close the lid, so it sat open for a whole day and dried out a bit!).
Hi Christine!
I wanna know what tinted moisturizer would be best for me. I have oily skin, acne prone and have dark acne scarring. If you know of any tinted moisturizer with more than a sheer coverage, please let me know 🙂
For color reference: I’m NC30-35, NARS Barcelona, and Clinique Even Better in Golden Neutral.
Also, what color blush or eyeshadow would be best for my complexion? I have brown eyes, btw 🙂 Thanks!
Korres did really well for me, actually — I’m NC25/30 and #2 Honey worked — and I loved the coverage. Lancome’s Tinted Moisturizer (but in #1 for me at NC25, I think #2 would work if you are closer to NC35) also had a nice, matte finish with light medium coverage.
MAC Margin would be amazinggg as a blush! Corals, peaches, and bronzes for blush. For eyeshadow, greens, olives, teals, and golds for sure.
What’s a good heavyish coverage drugstore priced tinted moisturizer? It doesnt need to come from the drugstore but around that price range please. I have some acne want to cover but I would rather use a tinted moisturized during the summer.
Also Im about a NC20/NC15 What cheap nude lip combo would you suggest for me? Do you possibly know any nude combos using NYX products that would suit me?
Thanks so much! I love Temptalia, keep up the amazing work 🙂
Hey Sarah,
You could try Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer – but there’s really no such thing as heavy coverage tinted moisturizer (kind of defeats the purpose).
From NYX, you could try NYX Mars or Cream lipstick with Sugar Pie Lipgloss.
Thank you!
How do you get your eyebrows to look “wet?” At least thats how it looks in the photos! I think it looks cool 🙂
LOL, well now I have no idea. I do use eyebrow gel on occasion, but otherwise it’s just Espresso eyeshadow!
Hi Christine! Just thought I’d let you know that I did go ahead and call my MAC store and they are holding Marine Life and Hipness for me! I’m so excited hahaha 🙂
YAY!! 😀
Hi christine! I was wondering, what kinds of blushes & eyeshadows are best for asian skin with a golden undertone? I don’t know what shade I am in mac foundation, but I would estimate NC25-35.
for blushes, I like coral and peachy colors. and for eyeshadow, i just want one that i can apply everyday for a sheer wash of color 🙂 and my price range is less than 30 dollars per product, haha
and one last question. what is your favorite drugstore daytime moisturizer?
Thank you in advance! 🙂
Try MAC Margin blush or Benefit Sugarbomb 🙂 I think they are both great everyday shades for your skin tone. I am NC25 myself 🙂
I like Olay Complete All Day UV Defense Moisture Lotion!
Hi Again Chritine!lol
I wanted to ask what type of concerns do you have for the coastal scent palette?
thankyou!
I’m not exactly sure who is manufacturing it – which is why I’m not sure what ingredients went into it!
Ey Chris!!! great post!!!
I would like to know why don´t you te dejas el pelo suelto para las fotos!!! sorry I wanted to translate that but Google translate didn´t help so much…
I believe that you have very shiny beautiful hair =)
So I had to translate that, since I don’t speak Spanish, lol, but I’d say I wear my hair up 50% of the time and down the other 50% of the time!
^^ Ok!!! now I know how to say hair up and hair down haha
Congratulations for this web, is fantastic, my best wishes for you =)
lol! 🙂 Thank goodness for translators!
Thanks again, Ana!
I am probably way too late in the day for this, so don’t worry if you can’t get to it, but I one burning question: I LOVE MAC High Top lipstick (from Fafi) but never got my hands on a tube. Do you know of any dupe for it, or anything even similar, or do you predict it may be re-released in an upcoming collection? Thanks Christine – I feel so lucky to have found your site. It always makes my day!! 🙂
I’m on PST time, so you’re totally not too late.
You could maybe DIY with Reflects Transparent Teal + Touch lipstick. I couldn’t think of any dupe for it, though, not just in one product. I don’t think it’ll be repromoted, but who knows with MAC!
Thank you!
fantastic – this is a great suggestion I hadn’t thought of…thanks!!
Hi Christine,
know any good under eye concealers other than mac moisturecover
good blushes for nc40 (mac or nars or anything)
not too dark not too light lipsticks. i have warm skin. yellow undertone.
finally, do you personally type all these replies?
anyways i think you are just awesome
keep doing it and
thank you so much from all of us
Hi Puddhu,
1.) You could also try MUFE Full Coverage Concealer, theBalm Time Balm, or Amazing Cosmetics Concealer.
2.) MAC Ambering Rose/Sunbasque; NARS Torrid & Deep Throat
3.) For lipsticks, you could try New York Apple, Capricious, and Crosswires.
Yes, the only person who replies to comments is me — there is only one person who handles content (other than the occasional guest post), comments, emails, etc.. If I could Mellan to reply for me… but his replies end up looking like “KLSDFLJAWETlkjdglaserfi” and don’t end up being helpful!
Thanks!
thank you so much for the reply
i asked you cuz i thought you really need a helper if not mellan
i know its not a small task to reply to hundreds of comments
I wish there were more time in the day! 🙂
Hi! I was just wondering what color Lipstick should i be buying for this Summer? And what colors go good with tan skin?
Corals & pinks are great for lipstick during summer — both would be great for tan skin!
Hi Christine,
Could you please recommend a good starter kit (facial cleanser, mositurizer, wrinkle prevention, etc…) I am 26 and realized I need to start taking precautions and preventions for my skin!! I know I should have started a long time ago. I have combo skin (major t-zone).
How can I make my cheeks pop more! The apples of my cheek pop when I smile but I dont want to have to smile 24/7 to be noticeable. 🙂
Hey Laura,
I’d recommend trying out Olay’s line — it’s effective without breaking the bank, and it will let you get to know your skin and what you want, without wasting money on higher end brands until you know what you’re looking for 🙂
Have you tried using a lil’ highlighter? I find that Benefit Sugarbomb works really well to make my cheeks standout! You could also contour the hollow of your cheeks.
Hey! I was wondering what color i should be buying for this Summer? An types of colors will look good for tan skin? And is there anyway that you can keep on lipstick for longer.
Corals/bronzes! Which would both rock on your tan skin!
Try lining your entire lip with a lip pencil!
Hi Christine!
So I am around NC40 right now and I want to find an eyeshadow that would be good for my eyebrows because they’re really sparse and I need to fill them in. Any eyeshadow will do, MAC, drugstore, etc etc. thanks!
Hey Chelsea,
I guess for brows it’s more about your hair color than skin tone 🙂 Brow shades that I like are Omega, Wedge, Cork, Espresso, and Brun (from light to dark!). I wear Espresso for reference!
hehe another question…
im starting to collect high end makeup and i need help finding a good non oily cream blush. any suggestions?
and have you tried the laura mercier tinted moisturizer, bobbi brown corrector and shu uemura painting liner?
if you have id like to know your thoughts about them
do you think theyre worth the money?
thank you(:
Hi Chelsea,
I like Make Up For Ever HD Blush for a cream blush that’s not oily.
I’m still testing out Laura Mercier’s, so I don’t have a full review at the ready. I’ve tried Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Eye Brightener (http://www.temptalia.com/bobbi-brown-tinted-eye-brightener-review-photos-swatches) and shu uemura’s painting liner (http://www.temptalia.com/creamgel-eyeliner-the-best-of-the-best).
I love MAC’s Naked Lunch but I don’t always want a frosty shadow. Can you recommend something around the same color but more of a satin or slight shimmer finish? Thanks!
I would say Brule or Arena!
I really love MAC’s Eversun blush…is there a permanent shade thats close to it??
Thanks!! 🙂
Maybe Coppertone?
Thank you!!
So I’m going on a school trip to costa rica and I don’t know what to pack in my makeup bag…I was thinking tinted moisturizer, concealer, benetint…what else would you recommend? we will be hiking, going to the beach, going to the city and doing a homestay. thank you!
Hey Rachel,
I’d probably go for maybe a primer since you’ll likely be sweating a bit on the beach/hiking – but to be honest, I probably wouldn’t wear much during those two activities anyway! Definitely sunscreen, though. A cream blush might be nice, too, but you do have Benetint with ya already 🙂 Ooh, waterproof mascara and maybe waterproof liquid liner.
Have fun!
This may be a weird request, but would you consider filming a nail polish tutorial? your polish always looks so perfect!
I am planning on it 🙂
I’ve always been addicted to blush since it’s my favourite product, so I haven’t gotten really into eyeshadows. What are some great MAC eyeshadows for a beginner? I’m not particularly looking for one in each colour of the spectrum, just ones that can give me basic look that I can start out with! (BTW I love golds!)
I have NC 20 skin, light brown eyes, black hair.
Okay, since you love golds…
MAC Goldmine, MAC Romp, MAC Bronze, & MAC Woodwinked 😀
Hi Christine,
I’m 21 years old, Asian, NC 35, with naturally pink cheeks. What 4 MAC eyeshadows do you recommend for a neutral, everyday quad that I can wear to school and work? Thanks!
Ricepaper, Soft Brown, Espresso, & Satin Taupe!
Hi Christine,
I’m Asian, NC 35, and have naturally pale lips (upper lips slightly darker than lower lips). What lipglass and lipstick do you recommend from the To the Beach collection? I’m looking for something that I can wear everyday in the summer. Thanks!
Oooh, I think you could rock Thrills SO well! You could sheer it out so it’s perfect for everyday. Lipglass wise, eh, nothing is AMAZING, but Flurry of Fun is the best of the three.
Hey there!!
I have a few questions for you. I don’t really know what my foundation shade is for MAC, but as far as I remember, one girl from the store told me that I’m NW 25. I have fair-medium Asian skin. So here are my questions:
1.) I have some basic neutral eyeshadows from MAC. I wanna start buying some of the more colorful ones such as purple, what you recommend for purple eyeshadows? shimmery neutral shadows? Something I can also wear for everyday for school.
2.) Any recommendations for a neutral blush from MAC?
3.) Any lipstick recommendations for everyday school look? Something not too pink and not too nude? Preferrably from MAC too. Lol (Im going to MAC with a friend this weekend that’s why im asking mostly about MAC stuff)
4.)Also, I saw somewhere on your blog that you used Xen-Tan Self Tanner. It might’ve been a while ago but did those work well for you?
Sorry if I asked a lot. Thank you so much!!!
Hey Joanne,
1.) For purples, check out Parfait Amour, Digit, and Beautiful Iris. For shimmery neutrals, check out Ricepaper, Naked Lunch, and Satin Taupe.
2.) Try Peaches!
3.) Sweetie is a pretty muted pink; Hue is subtle nude-pink; Freckletone is a nice peach.
4.) It worked well for me at the time! I tan pretty easily (even when wearing SPF) so I don’t do much self-tanning… so time consuming!
Can you recommend me a black eyeliner that is waterline safe and won’t dissipate only a few hours after i apply? I currently use MAC’s Technikohl liner in graph black, but it’s not staying on as long as i need it to. I love the site, and i’ve only been following it a few weeks, but i know that it will be in my bookmarks for a long time!
I believe Bobbi Brown’s is supposed to be waterline safe!
Thank you so much!
Hi, thanks so mush for answering all of these questions! I absolutely love your blog!
1. What base coat and top coat for nails would you recommend that lasts long, resists chipping, and doesn’t damage nails(my nails have been peeling a lot lately with my nail polish)?
2. I’ve never worn blush but I want to buy one that looks really natural and isn’t too bright. I have fair/light skin with pink undertones so I don’t want anything that will make my skin look any pinker(my primer+foundation covers up the pink well though, almost to the point where I look too pale). What MAC blushes would you recommend that will give me just a bit of color and look natural? I was looking at Tenderling and Pinch O’ Peach, but I’m not sure. Any tips about choosing a blush would help a lot too!
Thanks so much!
Hey Kelsey,
1.) I love Zoya’s Color Lock System — I use that for my base, top coat, drying coat, etc. Love it!
2.) Try MAC Peaches blush — I think you will like it 🙂 Tenderling and Pinch O’ Peach are good choices, too!
1. What would you say are the must needed MAC eyeshadow brushed?
2. Also, what would be a good cheek highlighter brush?
3. Have you ever tried/reviewed and of Bliss’ products?
4. Wedding make-up recommendations? NC15/Brown Hair/Blue Eyes…Fall Wedding, Colors: Wine and Champagne
5. If you could pick ONE eyeshadow to keep, and had to give all others away, what would it be? (what an evil question!) =)
Hey Emily,
1.) For eyes: 239, 224, 208, 217, 249. For face: 109, 116, 134.
2.) Benefit Sugarbomb is amazing!
3.) I have – you can check out any and all Bliss reviews here: http://www.temptalia.com/category/brands/bliss
4.) I’d something subtle like Ricepaper on the lid, Shale in the crease, maybe a touch of Plum Dressing 🙂 Slightly plummy cheeks, maybe a light pinky-plum lip or a wine-berry lip if you want to go darker.
5.) MAC Rye 🙂
Hey Christine! First off I love your website! Im so glad I had found it while roaming on the internet! And for my question, what is the best acne treatment to get rid of unwanted acne and/or acne scars. What do you use when you get those hard-headed acne that wont leave for days! And Thanks for advance!!
Thanks so much, Diana!
I’ve had good luck with Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion & Drying Cream for spot treatment. I’ve used Mederma on acne scars.
What is your favorite pink berry combination?
When you apply wax cream on brows are you supposed to do it after all your makeup is done, is it okay to get setting powder or setting spray on it?
Are you going to review UD’s new e/s that are at Sephora?
Do you think you’ll ever have a DIY series?
I can’t think of anything else right now but I love these sessions :).
I like New York Apple + Luminary!
I think it’s okay to get setting spray on it – setting powder might get stuck to it, though.
I hope to!
I did way back in the day – I don’t personally DIY much, if anything!
Thank you!
I had recently moved to So. Cal and since then I had gotten 3 shades darker. Months I left I had bought some expensive foundation (DiorSkin Nude) and now its too light for me. Any suggestions on what I can do with this bottle? Its been way too long since I bought and I doubt I can return it. Thanks!
You could try giving it to a lighter friend, or you could mix in some moisturizer and maybe a little shimmer powder (like Pink Opal by MAC or Vanilla by MAC) and make a DIY body highlighter or luminizer.
Wow, this must be so time-consuming! Thanks for doing this!
1) Do you know of a lip gloss that approximates the colour of MAC’s pink grapefruit lipglass? I love that shade so much, but it’s LE. I still take out my tube and admire it sometimes, but it’s too old to use now 🙁
2) I am new to eyeshadow, I am NC15, and I have brown hair and eyes. I like neutral looks with gold, bronze, copper, brown, taupe, etc – could you recommend some MAC shades?
I would say time-intensive, since that doesn’t sound negative, because I enjoy it 🙂
1.) Lychee Luxe is the closest, but it’s a little more orange.
2.) Goldmine (gold), Bronze (bronze), Coppering (copper) or Amber Lights (copper), Satin Taupe (deep taupe), LOL. Sorry, totally giggling at myself here! I also think you’d like Patina, Romp, Soft Brown, Cork, Vanilla, Ricepaper, and Wedge. Not all at once – but shades you may enjoy that are worth a peek!
Hi Christine,
well I am rather confused about the whole warm/cool/neutral thing. I have asked in different MAC stores, and they have told me different things..and I can’t honestly tell from my veins. My hair is naturally brown, my eyes are hazel, but I have dyed my hair black and my current foundation is NC15…what blush would work best for me?
He Misha,
You could just be neutral 🙂 This would mean you can easily wear warmer or cooler shades. If you are matched as NC15, you’d look lovely in shades like Peaches, Springsheen, and Melba.
Hi! I love the “ask Temptalia” sessions but I usually just read everyone else’s questions and always stumble onto something that I would love the answer to but didn’t think of on my own. It’s so awesome how you connect with your readers. Thank you for that Christine!
I had a question pop into my head though! Hooray! It’s about bronzers. I would like something I can use all over my face during the summer months. I don’t get a lot of sun but inevitably I will get *some* (I need to fake some color!) and I would like to keep using my same foundation (don’t wanna hafta buy something darker). I use mineral (powder) foundation and I like a glowy finish. I’m an NC20 (blue veins=NC right?). I have light hair and blue eyes. I’ve been considering NARS Laguna but really I’m clueless as I’ve always been so intimidated by bronzers that I have avoided them.
Also, brush recommendations for bronzing powders?
Thanks a gazillion girl!
Hey Kaylynrenee,
Blue veins is cool, so NW! 🙂 Anyway… I like Dior’s for all-over, because it’s matte. http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231027&categoryId=B70
I think probably shade #1 or #2! For brush, if it’s all over, something like the 187 or 116 should do you right!
oohh AST session n m so late … had gone to in-laws place …
pls answer few my quest –
1. my dying to try this smokey eyes … i did purchased carbon , i have espresso … pls tell me what all colors to add for…
like any other brown/silver/blue or color like silver ring ???
2. what all products do u use on ur face while going to bed i mean ur skin routine … pls tell me brands n in which order u apply them ?
3. pls tell me how is beauty powder diff from blush ??? what are ur fav beauty powders?
4. your THE BEST baby pink lipstick ???
Hi Rashmi,
1.) For a silver/black smoky eye, I like: Silver Ring on the lid, Carbon in the crease, and then your highlighter. For a brown smoky eye, you can do something like Goldmine on the lid, Espresso on the outer lid and crease, maybe even a little Carbon in it.
2.) Right now, I use shu’s balancing cleansing oil to remove my makeup, Renee Rouleau Cleansing Gel to cleanse my face, and Origins Ginger Night Cream for moisturizing. I apply them in that order 🙂
3.) Beauty powders are larger and sheerer than blushes – usually meant for all over or highlighting. I loved the ones that came out with Barbie – nothing has really blown me away since!
4.) MAC Angel is nice! 🙂
ohh christine i forgot to ask one more quest …
i dont have any of the bronzers…
pls tell me are they gonna look nice on me?
what purpose do they solve?
ur top 3 bronzers pic for me …?
1.) Dior Matte Bronzers – http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231027&categoryId=B70
2.) Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel
3.) MAC Refined Golden or Bronze
I don’t think you need it – you could just use a highlighter to give you a little glow and sunkissed look, IMO!
Hi, I was wondering if Life’s A Breeze lip pencil would be a good nude/pink color for me and if not, what would be? My skin is light/sand-ish beige with yellow undertones. My natural lip color is a light strawberry-rose color. Also, what would be a good coral blush for me(mac or nars)? because the summer’s coming and I want to switch out my usual rosy blush! Do you switch up your usual make-up routine for the seasons? Thanks!
p.s. LOVE the new layout! It’s very clean, neat, and professional yet slightly girly and fun!
Hi Alison,
I think it would be – it’s very pretty, and I think it’s pink without being too bright. Try MAC Springsheen or Style 🙂
I do tend to gravitate towards brighter shades in the summer! It always feels weird to wear super dark, more fall-ish shades when the sun is shining, lol!
Thank you 😀
Christine! I’m on a blush rage here~ 😀
In your opinion~
What’s the best neutral blush for NC/NW25-35? (E.g. Prim and proper, Garb… preferably LE & any brand)
What’s the best coral/peach (No pink at all please) blush for NC/NW25-35? (any brand/perm or le)
Shoot me!
And I tried to ask for your fav Dior Amber Diamond highlighter but they are LE (I didn’t know! LOL) Any substitutes?
Thanks!
I read somewhere “upthere” you like Dior and Chanel’s bronzers~? Could you recommend some~? (preferably something i can get my hands on, perm or current le)
& I wanna start a Guerlain Meteorite Collection! LOL! Any recommendation on what’s good~?
Lastly, a skincare question~
Is it important to use an antioxidant product~? Can you please recommend any that you’ve used before (or heard that’s good!)
Thanks! 🙂
Dior’s Matte Bronzers (http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231027&categoryId=B70) are good 🙂 Chanel’s Soleil de Tan (I think that’s the full name) are really good – I haven’t met a Chanel bronzer I didn’t like.
I love Beige Chic!
Antioxidants are supposed to help counteract free radicals I believe. It’s all scientific and fancy but they are supposed to be good for your skin, but I think eating them is better than just in your skincare.
Hi Melanie,
1.) You want LE ones? Like old LEs? I think Prim & Proper was probably one of the best neutral ones. Dolce & Gabbana does a nice Nude blush, too.
2.) MAC Style or Peaches; NARS Gilda
That is weird… I was told that Amber and Rose Diamond are permanent! (Bronze and Pop Diamond being the LE ones!) I like Benefit’s Sugarbomb for a Rose Diamond substitute. For an Amber Diamond substitute, hmm, maybe NARS Luster.
Is there a good tinted moisturizer thats sweat/waterproof out there!? Thanks!
I haven’t found one myself… Last time I tried to waterproof my makeup, I used a Kryolan spray which held up quite well.
have you found any good lip primers? i have quite pigmented lips that can get dry and the lipstick settles in the lines and around the dry bits! not a nice look!
Oh have you tried lipstick queen lipsticks? i think they are meant to be nice!
Concealer/lip pencils work just as well as anything marketed as a lip primer, IMO. I will say that if your lips are pretty dry, lip primers are creamier than concealer/lip pencils!
I have tried some of the 15-minutes of fame ones!
thank you! i too am on a similar career path, i did a bachelor’s degree in business and law and now a masters degree in accountancy, (law is not necessarily a postgraduate course in ireland) so i admire all the work you put into the blog, i think you are the hardest working blogger!
Thank you so much! Best of luck in your Accountancy program!
Where you do you photograph your beauty products? I’m curious about how you get really good lighting in your photograph
I just photograph them on a white table 🙂 It’s just the light coming through the window!
What is a dupe for dazzleglass goldyrocks that was le?
What is a good orange lipstick for someone who is nc 45?
Have you ever used bio oil?
Do you know what the name of the bubblegum pink lipstick nicki minaj is wearing in her massive attack video?
If not what is the brightest matte pink bubblegum lip for nc45?
What hand sanitizer do you use?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Elysia,
1.) YSL #1 Golden Gloss
2.) M’Orange
3.) Nope.
4.) I have no idea. Maybe Pink Nouveau there. Saint Germain probably comes closest, but it’s not matte!
5.) I use Purell or Bath & Body Works if I do.
Hi Christine 🙂
I have a MAC foundation question.
I’m a NC 40 in mineralize foundation spf 15 but C2 in face and body which is really confusing! and to top it all off I’m a C3 in studio fix! lol.
I plan on purchasing a mineralize skin finish natural to set my C2 face and body foundation. Which color should I order? I was told that if I’m NC 40, I am medium dark but does Medium dark still work for C2?
Thanks for doing this, I really love that u do.
Cheers!
Hey Julia,
A couple of MAC’s foundations do run lighter/darker, depending on the formula. I think if you are C2/C3/NC40, you’ll probably be Medium Plus – both C2 in F&B and C3 in Studio Fix put you at more like a NC30ish range, generally speaking.
Thank you!
Hello Christine, thank you for doing this, I love these sessions! So, I’ve been really debating about what kind of liquid foundation I should get for a while now. I have really good skin, so theoretically, I don’t need it. I just want it for special occasions and for the every now and then when I might want some more coverage. Right now I alternate between Laura Mercier’s TM in Nude, MAC Studio Fix in C3, and MSFN. I’m an NW25, with a lot of yellow undertones. I have oily/combination skin. I’ve been debating over products such as NARS Firming Foundation (I heard it was good for oily skin; I’m only 18 so it’s not about the aging benefits so much), Sheer Glow, or Sheer Matte. It doesn’t have to be one of those NARS products though, if you could recommend me a few foundations from different brands to test out, I would really appreciate it. I tried Sheer Glow, and Chanel Pro Lumiere thus far. I have had MAC Mineralize Satinfinish, and MAC Face and Body before. I’m just curious about what you would recommend me. Thanks so much!
I’d recommend MUFE HD (it’s practically a classic foundation!), from MAC I’d say Studio Fix Fluid, and NARS Sheer Matte over Sheer Glow!
Okay, I will go check those out at Sephora tomorrow. Thank you! I really appreciate it. I love reading your blog.
Thanks, Shanna!
heyy 🙂
im in my teens with a lot of acne and acne scarring…
i tried many concealers but they dont cover well..will rub off at the end of the day…right now i am using dior’s hydrating concealer…i am thinking of trying mufe full cover camoflage cream…….is that alright for spots?? and can it be used uder the eye too?
Also what do u suggest to get rid of acne and acne scarring..?
Yes, I think that would work well on your acne spots and under the eye!
I’d ask your mom/dad to see a dermatologist – really, I would – because then you can find out more about the type of acne you have and how best to treat it (whether you use a prescription or not).
Hey Christine,
1. Is there an option to be notified ONLY for replies to a comment, instead of being notified every time there is a new post on the thread?
2. What’s your go-to red lipstick?
3. What are your fav shadow combos for a black smokey eye look (preferably MAC)
4. When do you know to replace the lash curler pad? How often should this be done?
5. What’s the best eyeliner sharpener (or is there such a thing..? are they pretty much the same?)
6. Anddd lastly, how long have you and your bf been together? He seems very supportive of everything you do!! 🙂
Thanks as always!!
Hey Jenni,
1.) Unfortunately, not so much. We keep wanting a plugin that does that, but we haven’t found anything. It’s on our to-do list to see if we can make it ourselves 🙁 Ideally, I’d just like it to notify you when *your* comment gets a reply.
2.) Chanel Dragon!
3.) Love Blacktrack fluidline as a base, Carbon on top, Vex as a highlight. Yes, Vex as a highlight!!
4.) When your curl starts to be less than the best, really. I haven’t replaced mine, LOL. I think they say once per year.
5.) I love UD’s – I use it for most pencils.
6.) OMG, I think it’ll be five years this October! He is! He is amazing.
Thank you!
Hi! I absolutely love your site!! Thank you for doing this Q and A session! I am an NW25 and was wondering what blush would look good on me… I have some acne scars on my cheeks and anything shimmery just enhances them, so I was looking to stay away from anything with glitter. I would love a bright summer color and also a neutral everyday color. Thank you!
Try Peaches, Melba, and Dame! If you want something brighter, you may like Fleur Power, which is a satin, so not too shimmery.
What are the best blushes for fair skin that aren’t too bright?
What is your favorite setting powder?
Thanks!
Any brand in particular? I’ll just go with MAC since that tends to be the majority choice, but definitely let me know if another brand is more suitable for you.
MAC Peaches, Dame, Well Dressed, and Buff.
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder!
MAC blushes are the ones I am going to get. I’ll definitely check those out!
Another question, what is your favorite base coat for nail polish? Top coat?
Thanks!
Zoya’s Anchor!
Hi Christine,
I am looking for a lipstick and/or gloss recommendation. I’ve never tried MAC’s regular foundation, but in the mineralize loose, I’m a light medium. I think I’m warm toned because baby pink colors always look unnatural on my lips. 🙁
I’m interested in a light pinky lip color or maybe the peach equivalent of a baby pink. I’m also looking for a nice nude lip color. I’m up for anything $30 and under.
Thank you so much!
You could check out MAC shades like Freckletone, Brew, and Honeylove. For something with a little more pink in it, you could try Creme Cup or Sweetie. 🙂
I was wondering if you know of any blush mid to high end that is similar to MAC’s Afterdusk blush from the Moonbathe collection a few years ago. I’m finally down to my last few swipes, and I’m going to miss it. 🙁
Hey Ariana,
Maybe NARS Sin or Oasis.
Hey Ms. Lady! I have 2 questions…
1)Which highly pigmented pink blush would you recommend for a nc50 skin tone?
2)Do you think Mac’s new Mineralize spf15 foundation is transfer resistant like Revlon ColorStay?
4)Do you think Korres Tinted Moisturizer is more transfer resistant than Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer?
Thanks in advance for your help!!!
Hi Dot,
1.) Mata Hari by NARS or Dollymix by MAC.
2.) Nah, I think Mineralize is kind of slippery.
3.) I think they’re probably about the same – Korres may be a little more so since it is naturally a matte finish.
Hi Christine!
I’ve recently become a makeup addict, and it makes me smile everyday knowing that I have something new to come up with 🙂
Questions:
1) I have oily skin with large pores (horrible, I know), and I’ve been using Bare Escentuals mineral makeup foundation (in Medium Tan [now], Tan [summer]). What moisturizer, primer, and SPF lotion/whatever do you recommend? In what order should I be applying this?
I’ve been using BE primer (regular and oil free), and I lean toward the regular one for staying power. It isn’t the best though. I have heard about smashbox photofinish, but I want to make sure that my makeup stays on and has a ‘matte finish’ all day (or, as long as possible).
2) I wanted to grab a couple MAC shadows for everyday neutral looks. Which browns do you recommend (no shimmer, or very little shimmer if possible)? Do you recommend buying as pans + a palette, or individual cases?
3) I’ve run out of my HG browbone eyeshadow product (Benefit ‘Me Myself & I’) which was part of the Hoola Hues box. Do you have any dupes or recs that are similar to this shade? It was suuuper creamy in application, and had amazing stay power. Loved it, and now I’m crying inside because it’s discontinued and I’ve hit MAJOR PAN. =/
4) Do you have a daily ‘lip’ routine? I’ve started lipsticks as well, and whenever I remove it, my lips tend to get dry and chapped w/ skin peeling (gross, I know). I exfoliated w/ olive oil & sugar before, but that was a one time thing… and then my lips were still chapped after another lipstick application. Recommendations?
5) Some of my e/s palettes (NYX) sometimes need to be packed on heavily in order to have color, but sometimes it fades throughout the day, even w/ TFSI. Do you have any other base recommendations to make sure the colors are vibrant (even though the vibrant colors I’m talking about are neutrals… lol.)
Thanks for all the info, and HAPPY SUMMER! 😀
Also, I am Filipina, w/ natural pinkish apples of my cheeks, w/ medium brown eyes and dark/almost black hair. Very pigmented lips! (which sometimes affects lipsticks that I buy… *shrug*)
ALSO acne-prone.
Last question: what concealer do you recommend for acne scarring? I’ve had some scars for a couple years, along the hollows of my left cheekbone, as well as my chin area and a couple spots on the forehead.
Sorry for the trailing questions and info…. >_<
I’d go with a creamier one, like MUFE Full Coverage or MAC Moisturecover.
Hi Sarah,
1.) Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer is my favorite, but I also like DDF Ultra-Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew with SPF 15. For Primer, Smashbox Anti-Shine. Moisturizer, primer. If you have a separate SPF, moisturizer, SPF, then primer.
2.) Soft Brown, Shroom, Wedge, Cork. I’d buy a quad and fill it with four neutrals 🙂 Even if you end up buying more MAC and want to use a 15-pan palette, you can use the quad for traveling.
3.) Do any of the Creaseless Cream shadows replace it? (http://www.temptalia.com/benefit-creaseless-cream-eyeshadowliner-photos-swatches-review) I’ve never seen it myself, so it’s hard to give you a great dupe 🙁
4.) I use lip balm whenever I don’t have lipstick or gloss on. I exfoliate 2-3x a week with Sara Happ’s Lip Scrub or else just from removing my lipstick 10-15x from lip swatches, LOL. Exfoliation helps smooth out the surface, not so much adding moisture. I like Philosophy’s Intense Lip Therapy for balm.
5.) UDPP Eden actually seems to do a nice job of making vibrant colors pop more. 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Christine!
Do you know a good dupe for Fresco Rose PP?
Maybe Benefit Flatter Me?
Hi Christine, seeing that you reviewed the new MUFE Aqua Creams, firstly, what would you say the differences are between the aqua creams, the flash colors, and then the other black cream eyeliner that they have in a similar pot? Also, what cream eyeshadows are they most comparable to in your opinion? I went to check them out at Sephora but then I remembered they were Beauty Insider online only for now, ha! Thanks!
I don’t have the Flash colors, lol! It’s creamier and thinner than the cream eyeliner, though. They’re kind of like Benefit’s Creaseless Cream Shadows, but maybe a little drier.
I love to go hiking.
Ok last question… I am sure you heard that a lot today :))
When I put on lipstick or lipgloss the skin on my lips start to… Not sure how to explain. I guess clumpy?! I’m not sure if I should use an exfoliator for my lips or if is one out there?! Basically my lips are not smooth once products are placed on my lips. It’s gross 🙁 and I really like all lip products but it keeps me away from it :((
You can definitely exfoliate your lips — I use Sara Happ’s Lip Scrub, but you can also just use sugar + an oil (like jojoba oil).
Mac dupe for UD’s baked lipgloss?
Oh Baby would be the closest.
Hi Christine:
Can you recommend a purple/lilac/mauve lipstick? I prefer MAC, but am willing to try another brand.
I’m NC 20 with brown hair and eyes. I love Violetta in the tube, but it’s a little too intense for me. I recently got Up the Amp and that’s more my style.
Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Joanna,
You could try Viva Glam Gaga or Saint Germain. For something more mauve, maybe Midi-mauve.
You could try Capricious — not quite as purple as Up the Amp, but it’s kind of in the family.
Hi Christine! I love your updated website! I’m always impressed with your work, not to mention time you put in! My question is about purple/violet eyeshadow, or rather what to pair them with? I’m never quite sure about blush or lipstick combos. Whether purple,violet, or lilac lip and cheek is too purple face?! Pinks or berries? I’m pretty fair skinned, although I do wear bronzer often(still very light).I have hazel eyes, medium golden/stawberry blonde hair. I’ve been loving stars ‘n’ rockets with au contraire and Estee’s bronze goddess in purple. I also love bed head’s e/s in passion -more red violet or very deep fuchsia. I have used coygirl blush, would azalea be better? If it’s still around!Also I’ve tried Rimmel’s lipstick in dizzy, I think it may be too pink. Thanks:)
Hey Ashley,
Whenever I wear purple eyeshadow, I often pair with either a pink or plum blush, and then the lips might be a pale pink, nude, or purple – maybe even a bright pink for fun. If you like how it turns out, wear it!!
I don’t have any questions at the moment…just wanted to say thanks for taking the time. I’m gonna have fun reading thru others’ posts 🙂
Thanks, Kim!
Hi Christine! I’ve been following your website for the past year and a half, and I just wanted to say your beautiful and thank you for all of your inspirational looks, helpful reviews, and countless swatches! It must take forever; your amazing.
Okay, a few questions…
I’m relatively new to makeup, but which brush is better to apply liquid foundation: MAC 187 Duo Fibre or MAC 190 Foundation? Or another brush, possibly? (If it helps I want to apply Chanel Mat Lumiere.. but I don’t know if you’ve used that one before…)
And… how do you keep your skin so clear? I’ve never seen a zit on you, I don’t think! What products do you use?
Oh, lastly, how do you feel about this Lady Gaga era? Are you into it? Do you like her music? Or do you think she/her cult following are psychotic? I can’t help but love her, honestly! (I know, I know.) Won’t rant about her (but, I could) I just love her music and her individuality. She’s amazing, but borderline a psycho genius. Thoughts?
Hi Emmalina! 🙂 Thank you so much!
1.) I prefer the 109 altogether. I don’t like the 190 for foundation, personally. I like the 109, then the 182, then the 187.
2.) It’s not clear. LOL. It’s good foundation! 😉 I have tons of millia (baby acne almost) and some bigger pimples 🙁 But it makes me happy inside that you thought so!
3.) I like her music, but she gets so much radio play that I get pretty tired of her songs quickly, lol. I don’t follow celebrities in general, but I like her music – it’s fun, upbeat, easy to listen to!
hi!! i just have one question. do you know if mac will be having their friends & family sale this year?
I haven’t heard anything about it!
Hi Christine!
I have very oily eyelids and somehow by the end of the day my eyeshadow crease even with UDPP. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks:)
Layer UDPP and a MAC paint pot together!
Sorry I forgot to mention I’m open to any brands! And super light lipsticks don’t show up very well- I also have very light lips. Thanks again for your incredible commitment to this fantastic site:) I don’t know what I did pre-Christine!! I have one more question. Do you think thrills would work for me or marine life? I almost forgot, back to purples , show orchid?
Yes, I think they would!! 🙂 And yes, everyone should own Show Orchid!
hey Christine!! I hope u have a good Thursday! anyway, ive been using mac’s studio fix fluid nc40 for about a year now.. and I set it with mineralized akin finish natural.. but Everytime I used it it makes my face looked very tan and whatever I do it won’t match my neck and my chest.. I end up looking kinda orangey on my neck.. is it bcoz of the setting powder or I need to change my foundation? btw I wanna try mufe HD foundation but I dunno what’s my color.. we don’t have mufe in my local sephora.. I dunno my color..
Oooh, do you look orange right away or a little after? It could be oxidizing on you! For MUFE HD, you are probably 128, 153, or 155.
Thanks so much for your time! What are some good tips for making makeup look good in pictures? My family and I are taking family pics soon indoors and outdoors.
Don’t wear SPF – it often reflects light and gives you a washed out/overexposed look! Also set your makeup, bring pressed or blot powder to blot if it’s warm outside or you’re under heavy lights so you don’t look shiny!
hey christine!!
i wanted to know what mac eye brushes are a must have!!
239 (applying, blending), 224 (crease), 219 (lower lash line/defined crease), 208 (gel lining), 217 (blending), 249 (cream products)
Nvm…lol. I didn’t realize the comments were going on multiple pages. *face palm*
No problem 🙂
Hi! I am looking for a new Mascara. I currently us Diorshow Iconic and I like it but I am looking for a change. I tried Extase but find it very clumpy. Wanted to try YSL Faux Cils but I heard it dries out very quickly… Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hmm, what about Chanel Exceptionnel?
Is that what you use?
Yep – Exceptionnel is my favorite.
hey christine
i have been wanting hipness and benefits coralista which one would be better on nc25 i cant decide between the two because they seem similar
CORALista 🙂
What do you DO that allows you to buy sososo much make-up?! Very jealous!
I run ads on the website, which helps to pay for the expenses on the site (servers, tech support, design, products to review, etc.)!
Hi Christine, thank you so much for doing this again.
So I have a few questions again but not as many as last time, haha last time I had 9 questions i think, woops =P
1) what eye brushes would you recommend as the most necessary? I am a makeup newbie and looking to start building my inventory, lol.
2) What brush would you reccomend using for something like the Mac Fluidline, etc?
3) In your opinion what is the easiest to apply, longest lansting/doesn’t smudge/applies smoothly/all that good stuff eyeliner? (btw i have oily lids, eyeliner ussually turns into raccoon eyes by the end of the day, esp. in the summer)
4) Would liquid liner or gel liner be easier to apply and last longer?
5) What red lipstick would you reccomend for me that is still wearable and not too bright? I would rather it be more dark than bright or to be completely opposite something sheerer, just something that looks nice and isnt too clownish =P I am very pale (NW15, sometimes lighter)cool skintone, greyish blue eyes, hair colour between dirty blonde and light brown.
6) What colours of eyeshadow would you reccomend for me using the above descriptions? I love browns, bronzes, silvers and greys but im wanting a little colour now that the weather’s warming up. Nothing too bringht like neon but a little brightness is alright (does that even make sense? lol)
woops that did turn into alot of questions again, SORRY! haha I guess that’s what I get for being such a makeup newbie.
Thanks again Christine!
oh ya to add on to the thing for the red lipstick, i have naturally pigmented (red) lips just in case that changes anything lol
Hi Sara,
1.) 239, 217, 224
2.) 208
3.) UD 24/7 Liner or MUFE Aqua Eyes – if you need to, you can seal with Benefit She-Laq or set with a similar-colored eyeshadow.
4.) Liquidlast is not going to go anywhere, ever!
5.) Russian Red or Viva Glam I — both are classic reds 🙂
6.) Tilt, Woodwinked, Shale, Parfait Amour, Aquadisiac
Thank you!! 🙂
thank you so much Christine!!
Favorite skin care products and foundtion for dry, sensitive skin? (I have light skin with warm undertones, if that matters)
What are your top ten favorite products from MAC?
What is the makeup splurge you think is most worth the money?
Why don’t you do more reviews of drugstore/inexpensive makeup?
What hobbies do you have that are non-makeup and blog related?
Hi Kathleen,
1.) Clinique Maximum Hydrator is AMAZING. Foundation-wise, Dior DiorSkin Nude worked well.
2.) Oh, good, you just said product, so I can be general! Pigments, brushes, lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascara, skincare,
3.) Skincare. Your skin is worth it.
4.) I’m actually completely grossed out by buying makeup at the drugstore, because it feels so, so unsanitary to me. But I don’t want to buy online, because drugstore makeup shopping is already a hassle when you can at least see it with your two eyes let alone just online. It’s just kind of a frustrating experience for me, and with so many requests for higher end (the request list for products to review is at 200+), it’s easier (and more enjoyable for me) to focus on those. I do and am always trying to include more, but only to a certain point. I just can’t get to everything I’d like to, unfortunately!
5.) Just my dog! Makeup is kind of my hobby (and has been for awhile), and with school and the blog, I don’t have much time else for picking up any additional hobbies, lol!
Hey Christine! I was wondering if you could recommend a good moisturizer for acne prone skin. I have combination skin where it is mildy oily in the t-zone and mild/pretty dry on my cheeks. Also I wanted to know what you thought of the Clinique High Lengths Mascara? I got it as a sample and was really impressed by the outcome after I got used to the crazy looking brush/comb.
Any price-range or brand preference?
I like Kate Somerville Oil-Free in general. I also like Olay for something more budget-friendly.
I think I tried it once but didn’t get excited so haven’t tried it since, lol!
Christiiiiine! Any idea on how to save a drying cream shadow? My beloved Benefit RSVP has lost its creaminess, even though I’ve had it for less than a year, and have always been sure to keep it covered. 🙁
Microwave it! :O Remove the lid though!
Hi Christine,
I hope it’s not too late to ask a question! I was wondering if you have tried any lip primers and which ones you would recommend. Lipsticks tend to fade quickly on me and I was hoping a lip primer would help! Also, I have really oily lids and my eye makeup fades SUPER fast. I’m currently using Urban Decay Primer Potion, which helps somewhat but I’m wondering if there is something better!
Thanks 🙂
Eh, lip primers don’t seem to prolong wear for me any better than concealer/lip liners do. Have you tried wearing a nude or similar-colored lip liner all over your lips before you apply the lipstick?
You could also layer UDPP and MAC Paint Pots (or another base) — I’ve heard a lot of readers mention they do this to combat super oily lids!
Hello Christine … i hope all’s going great at your ends.
1) I would like to know all about a conservative office makeup . would u kindly mention the eye colours ( shadows and liner ) , lip colours ( sticks and glosses ) and cheek colours for me . It would be great if you could refer to particular shades from Mac .
2) I would like to know what would be the best primer, foundation and concealer ( again preferably from the Mac stable ) for me . And kindly suggest the brushes that need to be used for applying the foundation and concealer along with the application methods.
Thanks a lot in advance . Best wishes from India .
Hi Adhya,
1.) Try shades like MAC Shroom, Ricepaper, Soft Brown, and Wedge; Sweetie, Hue, Angel, Freckletone; Nymphette, Prr, and Chai; Peaches, Tenderling, Dame.
2.) Prep + Prime Skin, Studio Fix Fluid, Moisturecover.
109 for foundation, 217 for concealer.
Would you wear patina from lash to brows?
I’d fade it around the crease!
HI (:
So, I was wondering if I want light to medium coverage in a foundation, what foundation would you recommend for me ?
I have combination skin, slightly dry on the sides, oily not so much in the T zone as around my mouth (chin & nose). If you could recommend like Tinted Moisturizers, Liquid Foundation, and Powder Foundation, that would be great. Uh, I don’t have a preference of brand. I’m fairly light skinned- Around NC25-NC30 ?
Also, a few must have neutral eyeshadows- I would prefer MAC, but I’m open to anything. That doesn’t look too dramatic on my light skin because I find it’s hard to find ones that look not too smokey.
Thanks a bunch<3
Hi Melodyy,
1.) Try MAC Studio Fix Fluid or MUFE HD.
2.) Try Kiehl’s Tinted Moisturizer; MUFE HD foundation; MAC Studio Fix Powder.
Neutral shadows from MAC: Ricepaper, Patina, Soft Brown, Wedge
Thought of another one, hope it’s not too late 🙂
Would you happen to know of a cheaper dupe for Mac Originality NP? So pretty, yet I am so disinclined to spend nearly $20 CND for a bottle of nail polish.
Maybe China Glaze In Awe of Amber, but to be honest, I’m not familiar enough with nail polish names and past shades to be the best resources to ask 🙁
Hi Christine!
I LOVE your website, I have been coming here for a long time, but this is the first time I’m posting. I always come here to see your reviews, discussions, swatches, and makeup looks. I am slowly (and I mean slowly) building my makeup collection. I depend on your website like for everything. So before I ask any questions or post comments, thanks for creating an AWESOME website.
On to the questions:
I’m a NC37 in MAC’s Mineralize Skin Finish foundation, is the color going to be the same in MAC’s Studio Fix?
What color type of blush and bronzer would you recommend from Nars?
Thanks!
Hey Mariam,
Thank you so much! Happy first comment 🙂
You’ll probably be around NC35 in Studio Fix Fluid. I believe it runs just a smidgen darker. (I’m not sure they have NC37 anyway.)
I think you’d like NARS Deep Throat for a blush and Laguna for a bronzer.
Hi Christine, i’m not really into blush i only have nars orgasm which i think is very perfect for me ‘coz it’s already in between pink and peach color but i’ve been reading a lot of good reviews on instant chic and hipness blush. Do you think i should get one of these or they are quite close to orgasm that i can skip on it?
I think you’d like Hipness 🙂
Thanks for your suggestion Christine. I hope i can get hipness blush. I have a lot that i like in to the beach collection especially their eyeshadows but i’m quite on a budget … just enrolled my son last week, bought his books, uniform and supplies … now i have little money left for my makeup addiction.LOL.
No prob 🙂 School is $$!!
Hi Christine,
i always wanted to try a sheer/medium coverage in a liquid foundation but cannot find one that matches my skin color for the life of me..
ive been using bare essentials, bare minerals in the color fairly light for the past few years and i love it.
i do want a change somtimes… and ive tried NARS sheer glow in the colors deuville and fiji and to be honest.. im right in between i think.. dueville is a tad tooo light… and fiji is a bit too yellow based for me.. and i also tried dior nude in peach but it was a bit too heavy for me… peach was an ok match i guess…
i also tried mufe HD and cant seem to get a right color as well..
my skin’s undertone is a bit of yellow.. a bit of pink… and some even say olive? i dont know 🙁
i was just wondering if there is any other brands (besides MAC and the aforementioned) that you could reccommend in terms of medium coverage, lightweight liquid foundation? that i havnt tried? price doenst really matter just quality… lightweight… and sheer/medium coverage.. not too heavy since im soo use to bare minerals..
thanks so much 🙂
You might like Clinique Soft Finish – that is sheer and lightweight. Did you like the MUFE HD? What shades did you try? If you are having trouble matching, you may want to look into a tinted moisturizer, which is more forgiving (like Laura Mercier).
It just sounds like you may have a more neutral tone.
thanks so much! 🙂
yea i did like mufe HD, i tried 118 but that was wayyy too dark for me…
i feel like giving up 🙁
thanks so much, ill try clinique… and ive been meaning to try the tinted moisturizer as well.
btw, you are awesome at what your doing, i check your blog like 10000000 times a day… and it definately plays a role in putting large holes in my wallet lol, but i cant help it!
ps. your dog is sooooooooo cuteeee
i have a little maltese named toby and i love him to bits.
thank you so much for taking the time and responding to this and all of our questions.. it is so sweet of you!
OH one more question if you dont mind…
im fairly light in terms of my skin tone i guess you can say, and im looking for a blush that will give me that peachy/bronzy glow but not too dramatic or dark because im fairly light..
what do you reccommend? 🙂
Hi Tracie,
Maybe 110 or 115 would work better for you than 118? If you’re able to, definitely ask for foundation samples instead of buying one, if you aren’t already!
You could try Trace Gold 🙂
Thank you!!
Hey christine, just wondering what would be ur must have lip pencil lipstick and lipgloss for someone around NC15/NC20?
Pink Treat & Nymphette.
Hi!
I have light brown hair and fair skin with a neutral undertone and I cannot find an eyeshadow that works for my eyebrows. Everything I’ve tried is too red/warm to match. Any recommendations?
So far I haven’t ventured out of the drugstore but I am willing to splurge if it means finding a good match and if its something I’m using to fill in eyebrows its going to last a long time anyways. Department stores brands are preferred as I don’t live that close to a Sephora. Thank you!!!
Hmm, have you tried MAC Omega? Wedge? Espresso? Those don’t have red tones to it, and Espresso doesn’t seem *too* warm. Those are kind of my go-to shades for brow recs! And you’re right — it will last you awhile. I think it took me 2 years to get through Espresso, using it nearly daily for brows!
Hi Christine, first i just wanna say i LOVE…. your site!!! I come here to read your post everyday before i check my emails lol! =)
Ok heres a question: Im planning to make a everyday neutral MAC 15-Palette for everyday wear to office. Was thinking of nudes, highlights and different shades of browns. Can you recommend me some colors preferably without shimmers/glitters?
Thanks in advance Christine! You’re the bomb! =)
Hi Connie,
So you just want pure mattes then?
Some mattes: Soft Brown, Omega, Wedge, Espresso, Blanc Type, Bamboo, Swiss Chocolate, Malt, Bisque
Thank you!
Not sure if I got this question in on time…I’m in another continent…but here goes. Do you like the NARS duos and how would you compare them to MAC (except in pricing)? I’m thinking of getting Key Largo, Madrague, Kalahari and Cordura.
Thanks for all the help!
Anna
I never have that much luck with NARS eyeshadows. It’s like a different breed of eyeshadow. I just find they’re a bit powdery, more muted than they appear in the pan as they do on the eye. The more natural shades are nice for softer looks, but I’m just not a big fan.
Hey Christine! Is it possible to B2M for a limited edition packaged lipstick (e.g. a MAC To the Beach Collection lipstick)? Thanks!
It seems like it varies from store to store 🙁
Aww 🙁 that’s a shame!
Thank u so much for answering my questions btw! I love Ask Temptalia Sessions!
No problem, Mia! 🙂
Hi,
– What’s a good setting powder to use after I put on my liquid foundation?
– I don’t own any MAC brushes, what would you recommend for starters?
– What would you say are the must have eyeshadows and lipsticks from MAC? Both neutral ones and brighter ones.
Thanks!!
Hi Jane,
1.) Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
2.) Eyes – 239, 217, 224; Face – 109, 116, 134
3.) Neutral shades: Ricepaper, Shroom, Bronze, Woodwinked, Soft Brown, Espresso, Satin Taupe; Brighter shades: Humid, Juxt, Winkle, Electric Eel, Parfait Amour, Stars ‘n Rockets
Dear Christine
– Can you tell me colors used here?
http://www.projectvanity.com/storage/Screen%20shot%202010-02-02%20at%208.07.15%20AM.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1265077210613
-And shadows here and here?
http://www.mybeautymatch.com/images/diane-kruger-sag-awards-2010-red-carpet-look.jpg
and http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cyH_7sPxVcQ/S7N9TZuj7_I/AAAAAAAABAw/Kak0Tl93flg/s1600/Diane+Kruger+picture+at+82nd+Academy+Awards+(5).jpg
– Is there a less shimmery/matte version of Orgasm? Tried it on recently, it made my skin look sooo good but the glitters were everywhere and my pores looked huge!
– I’m NC25, asian with black hair and black eyes. Could you recomend some colors for me? Warm-yellow toned. What bronzer what look good as a light contour? i used BB matte medium when I was tan but sadly I haven’t been able to get that tan lately and y bronzer looks harsh on me. What shadow would look good as a crease color but NOT harsh? (light browny color)
-Does fix+ really make your MU look less powdery?
-Can you link me some looks where coral crepe was used as a base?
– Would you recommend the black in NARS pandora or Carbon? Typographic?
Sorry, and could you recommend me some MAC lipglasses?
Hi Lora,
1.) Maybe Shadowy Lady kind of smudged onto the lid. Vampy lip like Rebel. Looks like something like Amber Lights and Rule, then Ladybug lipstick (texture is off). Could be Patina with Bronze and Angel lipstick.
2.) You could try MAC Springsheen or Peachykeen – maybe not quite as shimmery as Orgasm.
3.) If you’re going for a contour, I would try MSF Natural in Medium Dark. Check out this post for recs for NC25: http://www.temptalia.com/best-eyeshadows-lipglosseslipsticks-blushes-for-medium-skin
4.) A good crease color would be Soft Brown.
5.) Fix+ will do that, but so will any water product (even just water).
6.) http://www.temptalia.com/tag/mac-coral-crepe-paint-pot
7.) Carbon!
What bronzer would you recommend if it seems like they all turn orange on me? Other wise they are too dark or muddy. I do like Laguna however would like more options. I have been matched as NW25 (studio fix – powder).
Cargo Bronzer, Rimmel Sun Bronze!
Can you make any suggestions for blushes and lipsticks/glosses/combinations that would look good on me, please?
I’m NC40, light honey brown eyes, and VERY VERY pigmented lips (I hate that they always seem to alter gloss colors, which is why I’m looking for lipstick combos as well!)
Hey Ashley,
This is an excellent post – http://www.temptalia.com/best-eyeshadows-lipglosseslipsticks-blushes-for-dark-skin
I would also try taking a nude lipstick or even a little foundation to pat onto lips to mute your natural lip color, too.
Sorry to ask more questions, but could you recommend some mac lipglasses for me too? And I’m thinking of getting sweet and punchy, do you think it wuld look good with my coloring?
Check the link I gave ya – lists Lipglasses, too! And yep, Sweet & Punchy would be nice on your skin tone! I am NC25 🙂
What would you recommend for a nice gold color. I had one that was discontinued so I’m still on the search. I already have goldmine, gorgeous gold, one in a L’Oreal HIp duo & honey from UD.
Make Up For Ever #10, LORAC Gold
Sorry to ask yet ANOTHER question (my computer won’t let me resond to my own questions for some reason), but why carbon? I swatched it and it was really unpigented, hard to blend.
Thanks for all your answers though, it’s a lot of help! 🙂
With mattes, you can’t just swatch – you gotta use them. Typographic is really dusty, that’s why I don’t love that one!
Thanks so much for this Q&A! I’m trying to figure out what I want to buy for the MAC launch next week and I know I’m definitely getting Thrills, but I’m trying to figure out whether or not I want to buy Hipness, Marine Life, or something else. I really appreciated your dupe comparison and the accompanying swatches; they really helped! I have a bit of a natural flush so I normally don’t wear blush, but sometimes I want to emphasize them a little more, you know? I’m Asian and wear a NC35 and wasn’t looking for anything too matte (like Hussy by Illamasqua) but not too shimmery (like MAC Springsheen). I’m leaning towards Hipness because I thought Marine Life may be a little too loud for what I’m going for. I do wish Hipness was a LITTLE more coral-red, though… so basically, can you think of a product that is sort of a combination of Hipness and Marine Life? And should I try shooting for either MAC Hipness (or Marine Life) when they’re released? I’m afraid they’ll both be gone before I make up my mind! Thanks again!
Hi Joy,
I think you should get Marine Life 🙂 You can tone it down if it’s too bright! It’s easily sheered down, and this way you won’t have to pile Hipness on! But if you like the color family, I’d just get both and think about it, lol.
Sometimes I feel like when I create a dramatic eye look it’s “drag-queen-ish”. I know it’s a funny question but I love dramatic, bold, and colorful eye looks but it’s always my fear. Any tips to avoid this or overcome my fear? lol. ALso, what do you think works best to keep oily skin at bay?
Don’t worry about it 😉 Make funny faces in the mirror! Enjoy your inner drag-queen! Let her out 😀
Smashbox Anti-Shine helps a good bit!
Sorry to keep asking questions and so close to the end of the day (literally!).. I was just wondering though. Do you have any tried and true foundations that won’t give my face that white cast in pictures? Budget isn’t really an object but I want a nice special occasion foundation for pictures. Thank you!
MUFE HD 🙂
Is it possible to be NC in winter and NW in summer? Because I got matched during the winter to NC and just a couple weeks ago I got matched for NW.
You may just be neutral 🙂
Is it too late?
What is a dupe for Mac’s Fleurry Powder Blush? I saw this color swatch and I want something similar!
You could try Style 🙂
hi christine…..i am on the lookout for a daily face moisturizer with sun protection…..i have dry skin but don’t really like the greasy look and feel that some give……so could you suggest some good ones for me?
Maybe Neutrogena Dry Touch? It has a very matte finish!
🙁
you didn’t even answer my question..
Hi Air,
I did answer your question about Utterly Frivolous — did you check out the other pages of comments? There are several! Let me know!
Hi Christine,
I was just wondering if you can please give me pros & cons as to whether I should depot my MAC e/s or not. I watch some people’s tut’s on YT and of course some have only palettes, a lot of them have both, and some refuse to depot. I’m not a makeup artist of any sort…just have a love for makeup period. Thanks for your help!!
Hi JC,
I don’t know what the cons are, really, LOL. I would say portable, but then the palettes are quite portable (or you can get an empty quad or two just for travel purposes). Umm, you can keep pretty packaging.
This is why all of mine are depotted 😛 I can only see the pros!
– Saves space
– Easier access (you don’t have to pop open the little pots or find the ones you need)
– B2Ms
Have you ever tried BB cream?
Nope.
I have found that my MAC eye/lip pencil (with aloe vera and vitamin E, MAC 1599)does not go on smoothly…at all. You really have to tug it across the eye lid. Have you experienced this with their pencils?
No idea… it doesn’t tug for me!
Hello Christine,
First I just want to say that I absolutely LOVE your website its AMAZING…..like I truly think so! I find you reviews and pictures to be so helpful. I find my self searching through different websites and different videos all the time but I seem to find mostly everything that I need. I usually don’t comment or subscribe to different blogs or websites but I just couldn’t resist here lol! Ok, on to my question….sorry about the long “preview”!
1. Ok, so I have a pretty fair complexion (close to Rihanna or Beyonce) but I have blemishes and I was wondering if you could recommend a full coverage concealer?
2. Have you ever tried the Ebay professional makeup brushes? Are they any good?
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you so much! 🙂
1.) Try Make Up For Ever’s Full Coverage Concealer – it’s in a tube and very creamy!
2.) I haven’t! I’d go for EcoTools or Sonia Kashuk over those 🙂
Thanx you so much!!!
Hello,
I’m NW20 skin tone, which MAC blushers would you recommend from their permanent line for me? I have Tenderling, but would like to try out some more. I like colours with a hint of gold in them. 🙂
Try MAC Peaches, Trace Gold, Cubic
frisbee golfing!!
What do you recommend is a good body scrub and body butter my skin is really dry. But i dont’ want something that is sticky. I currently use the Clinique Body butter in the yellow tube.
Have you tried Bath & Body Works? I actually find their True Blue Spa line to work quite well.
Hi Temptalia! I ready your page everyday day sometime 2-3 time. I am looking for a chapstick or lip balm. I’ve used from La Mer to Softlips and none of them tend to work. everytime i put them on i get the white dead skin i assume on the side of my mouth or inner lips…looks funny. I’ve tried exfoliate and also brushing my lips. NOTHING works =( any suggestion… everythimg i ask someone at the mall they try to sell me something new… PLEASE HELP
Try using Jack Black’s Lip Therapy! I think that might work!
Hi Christine!
Could you suggest some Mac eyeshadows to use for highlightig the browbone in purple eyeshadow looks? I normally use Vanilla on the browbone with pink, purple and burgundy eyeshadow colours and while it looks perfect with pinks and burgundies and really brightens the eye look, I find that it doesn’t work as well with purple looks on me – it looks a little bit chalky and a bit dull sometimes. I’m not sure if I need to try something brighter or whiter. Any suggestions? I’ve had a look online and thought Mylar, Dazzlelight and Vapour might be good but not sure what they’re like on or what they would look like with purple eyeshadow. Thanks for your help.
What about Hush?
Thanks for responding so quickly! What sort of colour is Hush? I think I’ve seen you use it a lot in your purple eyeshadow looks. Does it have quite strong pink undertones or is it more white/beige with very light pink shimmer? I don’t want anything that is too pinky but something that is sort of neutral with pink undertones is fine. Does Hush go well with other eyeshadow colours as well?
It’s a soft white that has pink undertones, which is why I loveee it for pink/purple looks. It also works as an all over lid color, too. I don’t find it too pink!
Thanks so much – was so nice of you to reply so quickly :o) . It sounds like just what I have been looking for. I’ll check it out next time I am in the Mac shop.
The ‘Ask Temptalia’ sessions are so helpful. It’s so nice that you take the time to run the sessions and respond to all the comments, as I know that you get tonnes of comments when you run each new session. When I’m looking at products in the Mac store, there are so many different shades to choose from that it can be a bit overwhelming, so it’s really good being able to ask questions about products, etc.
It’s my pleasure! 🙂
I find Sephora intimidating and overwhelming. Even the MAC store can be overwhelming at times, though I know the range well enough by now (I should hope so!) that it’s not *too* bad going there.