Archived Post
Ask Temptalia Session #024
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! 🙂
Can you review Neutrogena’s new liquid sunblock? Maybe compare it to La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Sunscreen Fluid?
I will try, Sally! Do you know what the name of Neutrogena’s sunblock is? Like the specific name? I know they have a zillion different sunscreens/sunblocks…
Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock. It comes in SPF 55 and 70. I’m curious as to which will leave skin less greasy and less likely to break out as well as which you would prefer for use under makeup. (Neutrogena vs. La Roche Posay)
Great, thanks Sally! 🙂
I bought this last week and I love it. It’s the only suncreen I’ve ever tried that doesn’t make me look oily. It actually feels like I’m putting moisturizer on my face. No breakouts yet but it’s only been 5 days.
I can 2nd this! I have been waiting a looong time for a product like this to come along! I have been using this for over 1 week and no breakouts and my skin is super clog prone and very sensitive! Hg for me!
Ahhh I can’t wait for this review! I love the RochePosay but it’s so expensive and I just don’t know if I want to keep spending the money.
This sunscreen gets good reviews on makeupalley.com if anyone wants to read some other quick reviews! If it were purely physical, I’d so try it. Alas, it is not 🙁
I have NW15 skin and use a lot of MAC. I’ve got quite a pinky undertone and high (although very round, not chiselled) cheekbones with prominent apples. Can you recommend me a blush to make me look polished? I have quite a few (mocha, peachykeen, personal style, dollymix, ripe peach, well dressed, trace gold – these last three are the best I think) but if applied on the cheekbones (as per your lovely tutorial!) mostly they make me look sunburnt. So I’m clearly doing something wrong!
Any nice, subtle blush recs? Application techniques I should be thinking about? Brushes? (I have a bunch of them, but any specifics I might not have thought of would be great!). I love pinks and nude shades, and nearly always wear an MSF over the top so sheertone and sheertone shimmers tend to be my favourites.
Thank you Christine!
Oh – and I am totally open to other brands, too! 🙂
Hey Ilexica,
From MAC, I’d say maybe Pink Swoon — I think it’s so cool toned that it might work a little better for you. Peaches or Pinch o’ Peach may also work as a lighter, less coral peach than Ripe Peach or Peachykeen. I’d also recommend NARS Angelika or Mata Hari — again, some cooler pinks that might give you more of a blush and less of a “sunburn” 🙂
Awesome, thank you! Do you have any recs for warmer pinks, too? I actually find cool pinks make me look more burnt (blonde MSF was the worst, that one when straight on MUA!). I’ve had pinch o’ peach on my wishlist for a while so I think my finger may slip next time I’m on the MAC website. Thank you!
For warmer pinks… try NARS Dolce Vita! MAC doesn’t really have any great warmer pinks, unfortunately!
Ilexica, I agree with Pink Swoon for you + try Tenderling. Sometimes I mix Pink Swoon and Tenderling together.
I also am very fair and have pink toned skin – I have found that blushes with neutral-warm true peach/nude tones work best for me – you can try Lancome Miel Glace and Shimmer Mocha Havana. If you apply them with a light hand and build the color slowly they can give a nice even glow and distract from any redness.
I have pretty prominent apples and I use the LORAC cheek stamper in Island spice! I apply 1 stamp to my temples and with the pointes edge of the stamp, I slightly make a contour about 1-2 inches below my apples! Works like a charm!
Sweetness! I love these! Ok, so info. about me first: I’m a MAC NC15, brown hair, blue eyes…now for the questions…
1. What would be a good red for me? I love MAC, Urban Decay, and Nars…but I’m open to pretty much anything. I’ve been afraid to wear bold lips in the past, but I’m starting to get more into it now, but I’m nervous about picking out a red for me.
2. Can you think of any good peach colored eyeshadow?
3. What eyeshadow would be best for my coloring?
4. Are you supposed to wear primer with tinted moisturizer?
5. I found that Sephora just stopped carrying the Cosmedicine Self-Adjusting Exfoliator…which is my fav. What would be a good facial exfoliator in it’s place? I have kinda sensitive skin.
6. What’s a good mask for sensitive skin? (to unclog pores, etc.)
7. Where can you get Seche Vita products?
Sorry ’bout all those…I’ve been kinda saving them up! =)
Em
Hey Emily,
1.) Try MAC Viva Glam I for a retro red, New York Apple for a raspberry-ish red, and Russian Red for a true-red. MAC has so many reds that I think they do a good job covering the spectrum!
2.) Make Up For Ever #69 (matte) or #153 (shimmer)
3.) For warm but fair skin, I like: * MAC: All That Glitters, Amber Lights, Carbon, Da Bling, Deep Truth, Electra, Humid, Jest, Juxt, Naked Lunch, Satellite Dreams. NARS: Alhambra, Balthazar, Bohemian Gold, Hula Hula, Sea, Sex, & Sun, Star Sailor, Summertime, Wicked. Urban Decay: Baked, Blaze, Crash, Ecstasy, Eldorado, Flipside, Half Baked, Vert.
4.) You can, but you don’t have to. It’s really up to you. I don’t typically! I do set with powder, though.
5.) Can you purchase from other merchants? I googled and saw it was carried at several places like Amazon and Nordstrom, sooo if it’s good for your sensitive skin and not discontinued, I’d just try to buy elsewhere!
6.) I like Kate Somerville’s Cleanse Mask – it feels really gentle (to me — I didn’t even have to build up any tolerance for it myself) and looks like it’s working but without any harsh stinging or burning or what-have-you.
7.) I get mine through etailers like 8ty8beauty.com or transdesign.com.
No worries! 🙂 You can always ask me any question whenever, though – in case you’re like, “I NEED AN ANSWER NOW!” so feel free!
You rock…thanks! I thought of one other question, as well…I’m getting married in October and I have a huge scar from two surgeries on my right clavicle. That being said, my wedding dress has a tube top…do you know of any good products to cover up this scar that won’t cake off later on my dress? I’d really like to cover it up ’cause I’m thinking about wearing my hair up too.
Dermablend! It’s amazing stuff when it comes to coverage!
Hmmm do you know where I could purchase Dermablend? I’d like to be able to swatch it before I purchase since I have a finicky skin tone – not yellow based and light/medium, which basically kills like 85% of brands for me. I can’t even get a good match in MAC. Shocker.
I think you might be able to – here’s their store locator… http://www.dermablend.com/stores/
You can find Seche vite at ULTA
What hair cream, sprays or serums do you use when blow drying or flat ironing your hair?
Hi Lisa,
I use T3 Volume Spray & Heat-Protectant Spray primarily! I don’t usually blow dry or flat iron my hair, though.
wow i love this session
here r my queries hahaha
i have 116 brush for blushes , i want a good loose pdr brush pls suggest?
n i love ambering rose blush but whenevr i apply it with 116 it shows up too much , is there any way out …. or should i do something to make it more wearable?
and what brush should i use to apply MAC’s MSF ?
n i wonder how did u managed without haircut for sooo long??? any special shampoo , conditioner , serum or leave-in-cond???
do u mix ur pigments with moisturizer or cream , if yes which color?
Hey Rashmi,
How are ya?
1.) I love the 134 for powder blush. It’s dense and fluffy and soooo soft.
2.) Try lighting tapping the brush against your forearm to dust some off. You could also dry using the 188 or 187 to stipple the color on! If you overdo it, though, you can use a little loose powder (translucent or colored) to diffuse it, as well as a buffer brush like the 182 can help diffuse the color, too.
3.) I like the 116, 165 (LE), and 187. The 116 is nice as a blush, and the 187 is nice for a highlighter. I like the 165 best for highlighting.
4.) I just don’t style my hair very often, so I think that helps keep it from getting *un*-healthy, you know? I use LiQWD for my shampoo and conditioner!
5.) I love mixing Vanilla or Pink Opal in with moisturizer for a shimmering body or face cream!
I just tried it with my naked pigment and some body oil….it gave a shimmer but no real color. I liked it 🙂
thanks dear for reply
m late though …
now i have a list ready for few face brushes hahahha
always ready with the list greedy meeee
Rashmi, I use the MAC 134 brush for loose powder and I love it!
Hey Christine , can you recommend a MAC face brush to use for msf – powder foundation ?
189!!
Wow you’re up so early! 🙂
anyway, my question is: do you know of an eyeshadow version of undercurrent pearlglide liner? I mean I LOVE that color and was just wondering if there is an eyeshadow that has similar color existing in the makeup world. Lol. If there isn’t, somebody needs to come out with one! Coz that color is blimmin’ gorgeous!!
Thank you so much Christine! You are AHMAZING! 🙂
Hey Felice,
You could try MAC Shimmermoss with a smidgen of goldmine layered over a black or dark teal base. That might get you close! 🙂
LOL! I was up at 5am so I could place an order for MAC’s Pret a Papier, because the overnight shipping cut off is 11am EST so I wanted to make sure to give myself plenty of buffer so my order will be processed and shipped out today and arriving tomorrow!
Thank you!
Wow, now that is dedication, lol! 🙂
That’s amazing Christine! I’m so excited to see your review 🙂
Shattered by Urban Decay is pretty close to the undercurrent liner (I absolutely love it too) and close by not exact may be Delft Paint Pot by Mac (both are just guesses though)
Hi Christine!
The only place I have some acne scars/blemishes is on my right cheek. I’ve always concealed them with concealer, but because there are more than just a few, I’m starting to wonder if there’s an easier way or a concealer that offers better coverage. What concealer would you recommend? Or would you suggest using something else?
Hey Mina,
You could try a buildable foundation (assuming you do wear foundation) so that you could layer it evenly all over your face and then apply a little more on the cheeks. I like MAC’s Moisturecover for a thicker concealer, but I’m also liking theBalm’s Time Balm right now, too – but it seems like it’ll work for under eyes and small spots, but may not be so creamy as to work for larger areas.
Hi Christine,
I’m 18 and I was wondering if I should maybe start exfoliating and using masks or whatever? My mom’s like “Oh you’re still young, don’t ruin your skin with that stuff”…so I don’t know…should I?
Exfoliating is great, even for younger folks. If I could exfoliate everyday, I would, ’cause it feels THAT good. I wouldn’t say you need to go overboard and buy the priciest exfoliator chocked full of anti-aging properties (c’mon! it’s hardly on your face anyway!). So yes, I’d say that a nice scrub or mask to use once or twice a week would be good 🙂
May I offer my humble aesthetician advice on this one? It is never too soon to start caring for your skin. What your skin will look like in the future is a built up result of every day before that. So daily care routine should start the earlier the better. That being said, it has to be proper care. Don’t over-exfoliate young skin. Once a week is sufficient. Key here is to actually do it on a regular basis. Exfoliating once in a blue moon will not get you too far. And please please please don’t use any of those apricot scrubs and such. The beads in the scrub have to be synthetic in order to be perfectly round and not scratch your skin. Choose your mask according to your skin type, just don’t go for anything meant to be very heavy (you will most likely need a good hydrating gel mask (for normal/dry skin) or an oil control mask (if hormones are making you break out). Other than that, every day care is crucial. Do not skip removing make up and tone and moisturize twice a day. Once again: key to great skin is having a routine and doing it all on a regular basis.
Christine, hope I didn’t take away your spot light here 🙂 Love your blog!!!
NO, NOT AT ALL! I always have to make sure I bring home the point that I’m really *not* a skincare expert – I don’t have the training, the body of knowledge, etc. that true skin experts, like yourself, have. I can always offer advice based on what I do know and have garnered from actual experts, but PLEASE, chime in any time 🙂
Kristina, thanks for your advice 🙂 Quick question: how can you tell the beads are synthetic and round?
Hey, Roxanne! You can usually tell if the beads are synthetic by either reading the ingredients (so anything “natural” as the main exfoliating agent is a red flag, like apricot seed, sugar and salt (ok-ish for the body, but still too rough on the face). But the main way is to actually rub the scrub between your fingers and look at it very closely: do the beads look like perfectly round balls? If yes, you’re good to go. Some exfoliators use extra-fine crystals, however (trying to mimic microdermabrasion crystals), then your best bet is to ask whoever is selling you the product (aesthetician, sales person), whether the crystals are synthetic and round and hope that they know (which they really should!). Most the time the crystals are ok, unless it’s a “trying to go all natural” brand. Hope this helps!
I also have a question for you, Kristina. I wash my face using a piece of linen as a washcloth daily. Is that too much exfoliation? I feel like I need to use a washcloth, or else my super-waterproof sunscreen and makeup won’t wash off.
Wow, thank you for your elaborate answer 🙂 I’ll be sure to check next time I buy a scrub.
Oh noooo i use the St.Ives Apricot Scrub and im only 15! I use it 3 times a week but i never knew it scratched the face!!
Kristina, when I went to school our teacher stressed not to use the apricot scrubs as well, the scrubs are to hard and big on the skin and can scatch ur skin with out you even knowing it
You can even make your own exfoliators if you want, my favorite is mixing EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) with sugar! It makes my skin suuuuper soft and it literally glows the next day! Be careful though because some people break out after using EVOO on their skin :S
I mix sugar with my foaming Cleanser for my own exfoliator.!
Aiks!! I’m super confused here~ So is it ok to use sugar as a scrub or not? (>.<)
When it’s finer, yes!
Actually it’s impossible for the EVOO to clog your pores! The molecule of the oil is too large to fit into your pores…..so you should be good to go! 1 thing I learned from a dermatologist is to make a homeade scrub my mixing lemon juice and sugar…..It like literally makes your skin baby butt smooth!
That’s not at all true. Just because it’s not a highly comedogenic ingredient, doesn’t mean it’s universally non-comedogenic. I break out from EVOO, regular olive oil, squalane.. Basically anything olive-related. Take mineral oil for example. Rates a 0 on the comedogenic scale, yet people do break out from it.
You might also want to try using a light cream with AHA (glycolic acid is best). AHAs exfoliate the skin, but only remove dead cells, so you don’t risk stripping away healthy skin like with a mechanical exfoliant. You want something with a concentration of 4% or greater (not everyone puts this information on their packaging, but most big derm brands meet this criteria). The oilier your skin is, the higher a concentration you can take, up to 10%.
i love Mac Venetian lustre glass. however, i find the staying power is not so great. Is there any MAC lipstick that you can recommend which you feel is similar to Venetian?
Thanks for your help!
Hmm, maybe Cockney — it’s still available on the website!
Or Lustering for a permanent option!
Hi Christine! I am new to your blog and absolutely love it! I hope that you have not already addressed this question and if you have I’m so sorry. I have bad under eye circles and I was wondering if there is one from mac that you would recommend. The problem that I have had in the past is that concealers crease and make my fine lines look HUGE even thought I am under 25! I don’t know if that has anything to do with the fact that I kind of have dry under eyes. Thank you so much!!!
P.S. I have not tried any mac concealers and I am pale if that helps. Also, if you feel that there is a better concealer that is more money then mac could you tell me that one too. Thanks again!
Hi Hannah,
What concealer have you been using in the past?
One thing I would do is apply a primer – like MAC Prep + Prime Line Filler first, then apply foundation (assuming you wear it, otherwise skip this step), apply the concealer (I like using a sponge or a fluffy brush like the 217), and then set with loose, translucent powder.
I have just been using one from Maybelline (I was not quite ready to spend the big bucks but I am now) that everyone on YouTube loves but I hate it! I always do apply a primer, so I don’t know what the problem is. Thanks for writing out some steps for me. Also, is there a specific concealer that you would recommend?
I like MAC Moisturecover and theBalm’s TimeBalm for more accessible concealers; Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer is my favorite.
Thank you so much!! That was so helpful!! Your the BEST!!
The new Milani HD Concealer pen in drugstores is fabulous. ITs my new HG concealer and at $7 ..wow
Im looking for a freah look for the summer, I want to look tan (i am fair) but without looking like i packed on the bronzer. Help!
Hey Krista,
Try a peachy blush (like MAC Peaches) or a very light bronzer — I love a lot of the really high-end bronzers by Chanel, Dior, and Guerlain for a more traditional bronzing powder. I also like peachier blushes for a very soft glowy look, and on your fairer skin, it’ll give you a little more of the bronze look. I also like MAC Margin blush, because it’s not bronze, but it has that just-back-from-the-beach look, too.
Hi Cristine! Can you make a video tutorial for a cat-eye look?
Another question, I´m a NW25 foundation tone, but Nars Orgasm don´t see on my cheeks -and I don´t know why- so I swapped it away. Now I´m in love of Benefit´s Sugarbomb, but i´m afraid if I´d have the same trouble as Orgasm. I have seen it at your cheeks and it looks gorgeous, ¿what can I do? Buy it?
Thank you and kisses from Canary Islands, Spain
Hi Coco,
1.) I will try! 🙂
2.) Have you tried NARS Deep Throat or Sin? Both are similar to Orgasm but they’re a bit darker, so they might show up better on your cheeks. Sugarbomb is a bit lighter than Orgasm, so if you’re having trouble getting Orgasm to show up, I’d say to pass!
Sin is GORGEOUS! Like all Nars blushes it’s very pigmented so you need a light hand but it’s easy to build up if you want. Amazingly I have very fair, NW15 skin but it looks so much better on my than Orgasm which is too coral
I agree with Christine try Deep Throat and Sin instead. Those are my two faves from Nars and I’m also NW25. Orgasm did nothing for me.
I do agree that the Sugarbomb is very light,I’m a NW20 from Mac an it didn’t show up much on my skin tone(which undertones are red)
Hi Christine!
I was so excited when I saw this. (:
Well, let me just start off by telling you a little about my skin and coloring.
I have medium-tan skins, probably between NC 30 or sometimes NC 35 (but my concealer colour is NW 25) and my skin is quite sensitive. I have combination dry skin (oilier on the t-zone) but the dryness isn’t such a problem because I apply moisturizer twice daily.
I am 15 and I was wondering what would be a really nice neutral eye look that I can maybe wear to school. I was thinking of making my own quad. in MAC, but I’m quite unsure of what colours would be nice for me (lid, crease, outer corner and a good inner corner colour to open up my eye). Another thing is, what foundation do you think would suit my skin and I don’t really have that much blemishes except for some acne marks on my cheek (I want something light that would look natural). Can you please suggest some high-end ones because I don’t get many drug store products where I live, so high-end ones are more easier to find.
Thank you! (Sorry if it’s kinda long!)
Natasha (:
Hi Natasha,
I like this neutral quad for your skin tone: Shroom (highlighter and lightest shade), Soft Brown (medium brown with a more matte look), Bronze (warmer, deeper bronze), and Gleam (peachy).
I would go for tinted moisturizer — it’s the best way to get a nice, light and natural look. I like Kiehl’s and Korres, but I hear good things about Laura Mercier’s, as well.
Thank you!
I have NW25 skin, and I’d like a bronzer that doesn’t make me look orange. I’ve already tried Cargo blu_ray and MAC Solar Riche(it worked the best, but under bright lights it eithers doesn’t show or is too orange), so maybe you could recommend a drugstore one? Also, how and where should I apply it? I usually use one sweep to contour my cheeks, then a light sweep and apply it on my forehead, nose, and chin. Thanks!
Have you tried Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer?
Do it in the shape of a “3” — around the temple/side of your head – like partially on your forehead, then a C shape so it goes to the top of your cheek and then another C that follows along your jaw line.
Sorry I have one more question… Is there a tinted moisturizer that you would suggest for me? I have combination oily skin and like I said before I am very pale. I have been thinking about getting the Benefit You Rebel light or maybe one from Clinique or maybe the Urban Decay one that you just reviewed. Do you think that I should get one of the three or a different one? Thanks SOOO much!!
You might like Korres Tinted Moisturizer, but I’d only grab it if you can try it in-store – they only have three shades, and I know the lightest doesn’t suit super pale people (a little on the darker side), but I do know some pale ladies wear it–just not the ultra pale.
I have really pale skin too, Laura Mercier’s oil free tinted moisturizer works well for me.
Me too! I am very fair – no match in MAC, but Laura Mercier TM is great for me. Benefit, UD and Clinique really do not cater to the fairest of us.
I really like You Rebel Lite but it’s very yellow, so if you’re more pink-based it won’t work for you at all.
Hi I use You Rebel Lite in the summer, try setting it with either georgia or dandelion powder (both from benefit)depending on your skin tone to correct it
Hi!
I have extremely oily lids. I’m NW15-20. Any suggestions for creating a good base for eyeshadow? I don’t mind using multiple products. I have already tried UDPP, and painterly paint pot. Also, for blue eyes, what MAC shadows would you recommend for a neutral look? You are awesome, and thank you for your wonderful website!
Try powdering your lid with loose, translucent powder and then applying a thin layer of UDPP and a thin layer of PP (and then also try PP first, UDPP second).
I like Cork, Dazzlelight, Espresso, Omega for cooler, fairer skin! 🙂 Soft Brown and Woodwinked are also nice!
Thank you, Amy!
Hi Amy, I too have very oily lids and I’ve found a combination that works for me.
First I blot my lid with half a blotting sheet (makes them go further!) and then I apply a thin layer of UDPP. Be sure to keep your eyes closed until it dries or otherwise it will crease. I then add a thin layer of PP before applying my eyeshadow. If I’m going for a neutral look and I don’t apply anything over my Painterly PP I just put a light dusting of translucent powder to remove the tackiness of the PP.
I hope this helps you, in addition to Christin’s suggestions 🙂
If you don’t like the tackiness of Paint Pots, the MAC Paints might be your thing! They are a cream to powder finish – might hold up better on oiler lids.
I have blue eyes as well and I find that these colors work best to pop my eyes, Color forcast quad #4, mythology, twinks, antuqued, mulch, sraw harvest if you can still get, nanogold if you can still get and rice paper
What’s your favorite tinted moisturizer that has decent coverage? I tried the Benefit one, but it broke me out! I was not a fan of the Laura Mercier one either– it just seemed to be too much like a foundation for me. I’ve heard good things about Khiels’s and Korres– what are your thoughts? Also, how do you recommend applying Benefit’s Sugarbomb– its a beautiful color, but I feel like it get look a little dirty sometimes, or sometimes look like nothing on my skin!
Thanks!
Kiehl’s and Korres are my favorites. I like both for their consistency, texture, and wear. They’re both sheer coverage, but I do feel like Korres covers a lil’ more.
I use the 116 brush and tap it about four times–one tap per corner!
MACs studio moisture tint is my new fav. but i dont think it should even be considered a tinted moisturizer cuz it gives me almost full coverage once i set it with powder.
Hey Christine!!! I’m just wondering if you know of a good dupe for Guerlain’s Charnel eyeshadow! A friend loves mine but is unwilling to shell out for it 🙂
Try MUFE #153! But hey, the Guerlain eyeshadow is freakin’ HUGE and will last her ten billion years 😛
Hi!
I’ve been wondering if MAC Golden Olive pigment is a good dupe for Lucky Green? I’ve been lemming for Lucky Green but am waiting for the F&F Sale to stock up on all the standard MAC shadows.
Also, what do u recommend to help cover up those hyperpigmentation scars from acne? i have some on my cheek that no matter what i use, always show. I’ve used Physician’s Formula Rx in green to try to help cover along w/ my MAC studio finish concealer, but it doesn’t quite do the job. Any brand rec’s?? oh, and i use BE for my foundation. i don’t like liquid.
one more 🙂 do you recommend the Honey tinted moisturizer from Korres (Watermelon) for NC35 skintone? i’m thinking of trying out tinted moisturizer for the first time after u reviewed it. would it work w/ my BE over it or better alone?
Thanx so much!
Hi Cynthia,
1.) Golden Olive is a bit darker and more olive than grassy green, IMO!
2.) If they’re not red, you don’t really need a green concealer. Have you tried perhaps a creamier, thicker concealer like theBalm’s Time balm?
3.) I think Honey would work for you 🙂 You could wear BE on top as a light coverage and to set it.
Yay! Temptalia to the rescue!! Hi Christine, I hope all is super well with you! 😀 I have a question regarding Chanel’s nail polish in the color Particuliere (505). I have been trying to find a really good dupe for it (like you did w/ nouvelle vague) but haven’t been very successful… What do you think would be the closest shade to dupe it?? You Don’t Know Jackes (opi) seems to be way too dark, Metro Chick (opi for sephora) way too purple, Mink Cuffs (essie) way too chocolate. Please help!!!
Hey Raquel,
You Don’t Know Jacques and Mink Muffs are probably the closest, even though they’re not exactly the same. OPI Over the Taupe might work, too. From what I’ve heard from more knowledgeable polish addicts is that it’s not quite dupeable!
Try Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Commander in Chic. Not an exact dupe, but really close!
Thanks Melissa! I will look for it today!
Try American Apparel’s nail polish in Mouse!
http://store.americanapparel.ca/nailpolsh.html?cid=139&c=Palm+Springs
I believe Christine did a review of these polishes if you want to see swatches
Try butter London in Fash Pack. It’s reeeeally close in colour. It’s not really cheap in terms of price comparison, but it’s definitely less pricey than Chanel 🙂
Are there different techniques to put on mascara?
Also, what is the best midnight blue eyeliner? (preferably gel but I’ll take all options!)
I imagine there are! You can wiggle the brush, just run it through, apply using a fan brush (like MAC’s 205), just do the tips, go horizontally…
I like MAC’s Waveline or Bobbi Brown’s Cobalt Ink / Indigo Ink.
Yeah, another ask temptalia session 🙂
One (probably stupid) question:
Is it possible that I need cool shades on my lips an warm colors on my eyes?
I really can´t decide whether I´m a cool or warm color girl?!?!
I asked a mac mua and she said I should just wear the colors I like and that there are no right or wrong colors.
When it comes to lipsticks, I love pink colors. Any red with yellow in it looks really bad on me.
For eyeshadows I like warm colors more, for example brown colors, blue colors don´t suit me I think.
I have green-blue eyes.
I don´t have any mac foundation (yet), but mua used NC 25 on me.
The same mua used a NW 25 concealer on me. Why is that, that they use C and W on me?
Thanks for your help!!! I hope I don´t sound too confused 😉
Hi Tanja,
1.) You can certainly do that, but it’s not necessarily a rule!
2.) Are your veins green or blue? Green = warm, blue = cool; if you can’t tell, you’re more neutral!
3.) It sounds like you could be neutral, to be honest!
Sometimes people use the opposite for concealer — so if you’re cool toned, you might use a warmer concealer and vice versa!
My veins look blue to me.
If I were neutral, wouldn´t that mean that I could wear all colors in eyeshadows and lipsticks?
Sorry, I´m realy a bit confused with this warm-cool-stuff…
For the concealer: thanks, that makes sense!
You mean be cool but closer to neutral but still a little cool, so you will find that you can wear both but perhaps cooler shades are a *little* more flattering 🙂
I can live with that I guess 🙂
oooh gosh I have so many…
I love the Chanel Rouge Allures but I’d love a new colour suggestion. I’m nc15, hazel eyes and light brown hair. I really like incognito but am hankering after a face-lifting summer shade (and I have a nice coral one already)
Do you have a good suggestion of a wear alone eyeshadow shade for lazy days?
Any tips for covering little thread veins on young skin?
Thanks so much!
Hi Kit,
1.) Maybe Exquise or Libertine 🙂
2.) I like Ricepaper! It’s sheer and shimmery and soft.
3.) Use a matte, creamy and opaque primer — like UDPP Eden or MAC Soft Ochre paint pot.
Brilliant – thanks!
Could you recommend a good universal e/s highlight shade? I’ve tried MAC’s Brule but I personally find it to be a little flat/chalky. It’s not that I’m looking for sparkle, I just like a little bit of frost/sheen. I’m around an NC 42 for reference.
Hi Monica,
Have you tried Shroom or Vanilla?
No, neither. But I’ll definitely check them out. Thanks!
i’m nc40, i use ricepaper. sometimes i use shroom if i want a li’l shimmer
yeahh i second rice paper! 🙂
I am NC37-40 depending on time of year, you should give Mac Nylon a go, it’s lovely!
1. What are your top 3 picks for nail polish brand in any price range (in terms of application, lastability — is this a word? lol, etc)?
What’s your favorite brand to use out of those three?
2. How do you apply your Laura Mercier Loose Powder? Do you get some on the cap first? I’m having trouble using it! Usually more powder ends up on the counter than on my face… I normally shake the container (with the cap on) to get some on the product on the cap, and dap my brush into it, then tap of the excess. Any tips?
Thanks!
Hi Jenni,
1.) I like China Glaze, Zoya, and OPI. To be honest, I don’t have too much trouble with my nail polish lasting on me, but those are the brands that I like the most – nice colors, application, etc.
2.) I shake it upwards once with the cap closed, then I tap the lid a few times before opening, open the lid, and then tap my brush into it.
Thanks, Christine!
Also, what brush do you use to apply the loose powder with?
MAC 134!
Hi Christine.. can you please recommend foundations that photograph well especially with flash photography? And is it better to set them with translucent or tinted powder? I know some powders can leave a white cast. Thanks 🙂
Make Up For Ever HD is the best I’ve come across for photographing. I always use Laura Mercier’s powder in my photos (which I take with flash) and don’t think it leaves a white cast on my skin. I would say if it’s a special occasion that I’d just opt for colored setting powder just in case 🙂
I have combination skin by the way..
hey Christine!! I’m an nc40 and I was thinking of buying a highlighter.. I was thinking of getting either guerlain meteorites in beige or Dior amber diamond skin shimmer.. which one do u recommend? also, do u know when will be mac is going to have a sale again? thank u..
Amber Diamond 🙂
Nope, I have not heard anything about a MAC sale, sorry!
This is just idle wondering. I know you tried MAC’s Fast Response Eye Cream a while back. Did it freak your eyes out like most eye creams do? (It’s my staple, so I’m not looking for a recommendation one way or the other. Just curious to know how you feel about a favorite product of mine!)
LOL! It’s been on my counter forever, but I haven’t taken it out of the box yet!
Oh no! Silly blogger! Give it a whirl…such a lovely smooth consistency 😀
Hi Christine, I’m a NC 20 with yellow undertone, light brown hair and dark brown eyes. Any recs for highlighters and nude lipsticks that won’t wash me out? Thanks!: )
Hey Jen,
1.) For highlighters, do you mean cheek or eye? For cheek/face, MAC Soft & Gentle is a nice, subtle highlighter. For eye, I like Ricepaper, Shroom, and Nylon.
2.) For nude lipsticks, I like Freckletone and Honeylove.
I’m NC20 as well with the same eyes/hair and just bought Creme de Nude… on it’s own, it’s just a little bit corpsey but I put a clear gloss over top and it’s very pretty.
Just thought I’d add that 🙂
Hi, Do you know if Sephora is going to have a family & friends sale anytime this spring? because if i’m not wrong, don’t they have it twice a year, in the winter around decemeber and in the spring around april? Thanks.
They basically just had it – they had 15% off for VIBs first and then all BIs later. It’s not the same as the sale in November (which is 20%), but it was pretty close.
Hey Christine! I was wondering, I am using MAC Prep + Prime SPF50 under my makeup everyday, and I like it very much. Will the SPF be enough to wear during the summer on sunny days? Or will I need to use an extra sunblock underneath?
Hi Charlotte,
It looks like the ingredients (Zinc Oxide 16.10%, Octinoxate 7.50%) are good for broad-spectrum coverage. If you aren’t in the sun a lot, it should be just fine. If you’re spending the day in the sun, you’ll need to reapply!
http://www.temptalia.com/suncreen-101-uva-vs-uvb-what-spf-means-suncreen-makeup
Thanks! Another question popped up in my head. I sometimes use MAC Lip Erase under lipproducts to make the color pop, but the lip erase looks and feels horrible on my lips. I know it works really well for some people, so what am I doing wrong?
I’d try hydrating lips about 15-20 minutes before you apply it – then blot off any excess balm and apply the Lip Erase!
Christine, how do you feel about MAC’s Prep + Prime Lip? Does it really make a difference?
Oh, and have you tried a balm called The Lip Slip, from Sara Happ? It’s heavenly! I’ve tried so many other brands, but this one really stands out! Too bad it’s not sold here in Brazil… 🙁
1.) I haven’t tried it… I just use foundation or concealer, LOL. I should try it, though…
2.) I haven’t tried The Lip Slip, but I have been eying it!
I tried the lip slip and it was just too sticky and goopy for me. I <3 fresh lip balms, la mer and aveeno!
Really? That’s exactly why I loved it! I love thick lip products… I think they stay put longer than the other ones.
🙂
Thanks, Christine! 🙂
<3
Loolees,
I use MAC’s Prep + Prime Lip and I love it! It stops my red lipstick from feathering into the fine lines outside of my lip, so it does make a difference there for me.
The MA gave me a tip — when you first apply it, it feels kind of like chapstick. Let it set for a few minutes so that it feels stickier on your tips. Then apply your lipliner/lipstick.
Hi Christine!
I have a few q’s!
– I’m currently using a brow shader by mac, it’s been discontinued (it looks like a matchbox) in the shade walnut/ivore. I’m looking for a mac shadow that’s like it once i finish the powder. I’m NW20, dark brown hair and and my brows are pretty sparse so i’m afraid to go to espresso since it may look too fake for every day use. Any recommendations?
-Is mac’s refined golden bronzer similar to nars laguna? I’ve tried the regular golden bronzer by mac and it barely shows up on my skin so I’m wondering if the next shade up is comparable to Nars, which works well on me.
-Are you going to be able to review the new pret-a-papier collection before thursday?
Thanks as always!!
Hi Ilona,
1.) Have you considered using something more like Wedge, Cork, or Omega? Those are still dark enough but lighter than Espresso.
2.) I don’t think it’s nearly as dark as Laguna, TBH!
3.) I am hoping my order will arrive tomorrow since I paid for overnight shipping… but tomorrow afternoon would be the earliest.
thanks christine, i’m going to have to check all those shades out!
and i just placed my order for instant chic blush, i couldn’t wait lol. but i am looking forward to everything else when you do get around to swatching!
lol! Good luck 🙂
Hi Christine!
I have tan skin and blonde hair (Colouring similar to Lauren Conrad) and was wondering if you have any recommendations for MAC lipsticks/lipglosses for me? I looking for a nice peachy coloured lip and/or a baby pink. Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi Kim,
Try Freckletone lipstick for a peachy shade and Creme Cup lipstick for a pink lipstick. Gloss wise, I think you’d like Nymphette over both!
Oooh question!
I have super fair skin…Not sure what MAC tone, but Bobbi Brown’s Alabaster/Porcelain (the names alone should give you a pretty good feel) with pinkish undertones. I love wearing peachy or orange lipstick, but struggle finding a good blush/bronze situation to go with it. Too much makes me look really strange (Oompa Loompa, I’d venture) but nothing at all or anything too pink washes me out.
Any thoughts??
What bronzers have you tried?
Have you considered something like MAC Margin? I like it a lot on warmer skin, but it’s a nice way to give a more bronzy look on cooler skin, too. I’d also recommend a peachy blush like Peaches or a muted shade like Tenderling.
Hi Christine,
I am having a hard time finding good and gentle under eye concealer that actually works. I feel like I’ve tried a ton and they either don’t work all that well or they’re damaging to the delicate under eye area. I have very fair skin and usually use either the lightest or 2nd lightest color. I start out putting the new clinique roller ball eye de puffer or the khiel’s eye de puffer stick. I have tried armani concealer (with the orange base first, concealer 2nd), clinique, makeup forever, just got lancome’s EFFACERNES – Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer to try, i always put ysl touche eclat to highlight over the concealer. I end up trying like 5 on at a time and it looks heavy and doesn’t work that well. Is there something that will actually hide dark under eye circles but not be too heavy or damaging? Maybe re-applying during the dya more than once or there is a specific technique or order to application?
Thanks!
I just read Hannah’s comment above after posting mine, i did not write that under a different name!! I have the same issue with fine lines becoming very visible and dryness! I heard in the past that wearing foundating in the under eye area is bad because it’s too heavy. Is that also bad to put on a de-puffer and then a cream?
I don’t think wearing both is a bad idea, but I’m not a skincare expert!
Hi Maria!
I like thinner concealers that can be built up like MAC Moisturecover! I also like theBalm’s TimeBalm right now (testing it!) for more opaque coverage.
When you say damaging the under eye area, what do you feel it’s doing?
What do you use to apply your concealer?
I use my the tip of my ring finger and i don’t rub around but just blott carefully. By damage I mean irritate the area and stretch and wrinkle prematurely!
Hmm, I think unless it’s burning or itching, I don’t think you should have a problem just wearing the product!
I love theBalm anything! Have not tried the concealer, am looking forward to a review? 🙂 They really fly under the radar but are a great brand, don’t you think?
I haven’t tried much from it, actually! But they do seem to be a quieter brand!
Have you ever rediscovered something in your makeup stash only to wonder how you ever lived without it? I totally tossed aside my Bal de Nuit quad when I first got it, but now I wear it almost every day!!
Hi Jen,
I used to, but these days I spend more time reviewing new products (either new-to-me or new, period) that I don’t look at old, LE stuff (which is what I mostly have) since I can’t wear/use it on the blog really!
Hi again Christine! You’re a great help!
Alright, so I’ll be looking out for some exfoliators when I hit the drugstore! However, I don’t want any of the ones with those scrubs in them that feel really hard and grainy on your skin. Anything gentle and affordable for my skin? Also, can you suggest a nice affordable drugstore mask?
For a drugstore exfoliator, you could try Olay’s Detoxifying Pore Scrub! You could also look for an exfoliator with AHA/BHAs which works without scrubbing particles!
For a drugstore mask, you could try Queen Helene masks!
I am just getting into make-up and I am wondering about mascara. Basically, I have pale skin and my lashes are pretty long and thick as it is. (And, I just want to say that having thick dark hair basically every place hair grows has been more of a curse than a blessing, so I’m not trying to brag or anything!) So, I have never really used mascara, because I feel like it ends up being too much. However, I was recently playing around with a sample that I got (Anastasia, but I don’t remember anything else about it) and realized that if I put a very thin coat it looks good– the ends of my lashes are lighter in color, so it makes them visible and it definitely makes my eyes look bigger, which is a plus. The problem is that I don’t really want extra volume or length, just a little bit of color. Is there a mascara you’d recommend for that? Can I get away with a drugstore/inexpensive brand since I don’t need it to do a whole lot for me?
Maybelline Great Lash! I’d also say opt for black-brown mascara, so your lashes don’t look as dramatic, too.
Thank you! There are so many mascaras so having one to try first helps a lot!
One more question, if you don’t mind: skin tone. I am terrible with colors, knowing whether things go together, etc. I am very pale and definitely have redness in my face (I use green primer to tone it down), so that would mean cool undertones, right? My veins are kind of blue-ish green, I guess more blue than green but it is hard to tell. But, I think I look better in gold than silver jewelry, and my eyes are brown with gold flecks. For eye shadows I tend to gravitate towards warm colors– bronze, gold, etc– and I think cool colors like greys and blues don’t really look good. But, for lipstick, I have one that looks nice in the tube but on my lips it kind of turns orangey and looks terrible. The lipstick I look best in is blue-based. So, I am just really confused, obviously! Does the redness in my face override everything else? Should I stop wearing warmer eyeshadow colors because they don’t look as good as I think? Is it possible that my eye color points in one direction and my skin undertones in another?! Do I just need professional help?
Thank you for the blog, by the way. Whenever I get interested in a product I always come here first to see if you reviewed it. And your eye looks have definitely inspired me to try to use colors (although I am really into neutral right now!).
Hi Laura,
Yes, it sounds like you are cooler than warmer 🙂 You may be more neutral-cool, but probably a bit cool. But no, I wouldn’t stop wearing warmer eyeshadows! You can wear both warm and cool eyeshadows — it’s about a balance and really just depends on what YOU like!!
Thank you so much!
Second this. I am the same (dark hair, long thick lashes) and l-o-v-e Maybelline Great Lash because it’s not too clumpy and really reasonably priced. It’s quite a wet formula too, which is really nice as you actually get to finish a tube without it drying up!
lalala ~~ thanks Christine for doing this again
I have 3 questions 😀 I am in NC25.
1. I’m thinking of trying NARS blush in Mounia, do you think it’ll be too pigmented (even with light handed) for my skintone ?
2. can you recommend shades in MAC concealer for dark circle and blemishes for my skintone ?
3. can you recommend a good face primer to minimize pores ?
thanks again Christine 😀 you are the best ! <3
Hi Bubbles,
1.) No, I don’t! 🙂
2.) Try MAC Moisturecover! I love it.
3.) I like MAC’s Refined Zone.
Hi Christine! I’m looking for a peachy gloss with no crazy glitter or shimmer in it… preferably under $25. Also, I’m looking for a nice peachy pink drugstore lipstick… (I have fairly light asian skin).
Try Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Couleur in #8 (more peach) or #10 (peachy pink).
For the drugstore brand… maybe try revlon colorburst in peach or the other lighter pinks… it wears for a long time and slightly creamy…plus they also have a $3.00 off coupon on the website good especially if you’re trying it for the first time.
omg sorry to butt in here but revlon has a lipstick in their colorburst collection called peach. it’s really awesome and i was realllly pleased with this lipstick (not drying, pigmented, decent wear time)
Hi Christine! A few question for you..
1. MAC lipstick recs for NC30?
2. What are your thoughts on the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer? Or would you recommend the Kiehls tinted moisturizer instead?
3. What are your favorite translucent powders?
4. If you could choose one item from Nars, what would it be? I’m going to a Nars event/show in a couple of weeks and I’m not too sure what to pick up 😛
Thanks a million! Ask temptalia sessions are my favorite, I always keep my eye out for those:)
Hi Crissy,
1.) Here are some lipstick recommendations — http://www.temptalia.com/best-eyeshadows-lipglosseslipsticks-blushes-for-medium-skin
2.) I haven’t tried it, but it’s on my list!
3.) Laura Mercier’s & MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. MUFE HD is nice but it’s so pricey, and I find MAC to feel the same.
4.) NARS Blush. IMO, it’s what they’re known for that actually lives up to the hype (well, for the most part).
Thanks!
Hi Christine,
I was wondering what you thought of Tarte’s 4 in 1 Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara? Also, what is a good type of brush (maybe a specific brand, could be mac or another kind?) to use with Makeup Forever’s HD Microfinish Setting Powder..I recently got it and have been trying to use a powder brush, but it doesn’t really fit in the container well.
Thanks so much and LOVEEEEE your blog.I found it a few months ago and have been hooked..it’s definitely encouraged my newfound makeup addiction (in a good way!)
oops, i meant Lights, Camera, LASHES mascara!
Hey Amanda,
I don’t think I ever did a full test of Tarte. I should, and I’ll try to get that for you soon!
I like using MAC’s 134 brush, which doesn’t exactly fit, but I find it’s so soft and fluffy and really lays the powder on perfectly.
Thank you!
1: I have pale Irish skin! What is the best light bronzer that has not orange undertones? I don’t want to look like I’ve been tangoed! I like using Benefit 10 as a bronzer and highlight. I am yet to try Hoola as it looks like it could be a bit dark. What would you recommend?
2: I also love Benefit Big Beautiful eyes palette – the neutral colour in this is perfect on me but have seriously hit the pan on that colour but not on the others. Is there a MAC dupe I could pick up?
3: What is a good MAC lip colour that is neutral without being nude.
4: What is the best powder highlight that is not too sparkly – more of a shimmer?
Thanks so much! This blog is amazing! You’re great!
Hi Aoife,
1.) For mid to high end, I like Smashbox Bronze Lights, for higher-end, I like Chanel, Dior, and Guerlain.
2.) I don’t own that palette and never did, so I don’t know what it looks like 🙁
3.) Hmm, what about Shy Girl or Creme Cup?
4.) I like Dior’s SkinShimmers–very fine and subtle!
Thanks!
Hello, Christine!
Lately I’ve been noticed that my eyeliner brush’s bristles are so stiff and dry while using MAC fluidline. I think it’s drying and I don´t know what to do. I bought it a few months ago, only. Could you help me, please? Do you know any trick? Thank you very much!!
Hi Eli,
Try using a conditioning product (like for your hair) on the brush 🙂
Hi Christine!
Thanks you so much for doing this. I always find this very helpful!
I have a quite a few questions this time:
1) Have you tried the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizers? If so I was wondering what you think. I am currently using the Korres Tinted moisturizer but I find that it doesn’t match my skintone well. For reference I am a NC42.
2) Also wondering if you have tried any of the Bobbi Brown products like their tinted moisturizer of gel liner and what you think.
3) Would you be able to recommend a lip liner to use with MAC Viva Glam I? Maybe something that will tone it down a bit so it’s not too bright?
4)I like to use bright eyeshadow looks to match my outfits, especially for special events like weddings. I was wondering if you could recommend lip colors to go with the look. For example if I am wearing all blue colors, all purples, pinks.
Thanks Again!
I forgot to mention that my preference for lip colors would be MAC. =)
Hi Neena,
1.) I haven’t, BUT I am going to in the next month or so as part of my Tinted Moisturizer Challenge!
2.) I have tried their Tinted Moisturizer and Gel Eyeliner. Here’s the tinted moisturizer review – http://www.temptalia.com/bobbi-brown-extra-tinted-moisturizing-balm-with-spf-25-review-photos
Here is a gel eyeliner review – http://www.temptalia.com/bobbi-brown-ivy-league-collection-forest-shimmer-ink-gel-eyeliner
3.) Red Enriched or Brick, to tone it down, you could try Burgundy.
4.) For all blue, try a coral or nude lip; for purples/pinks, try a light pink or lilac lip.
Thanks!
Hi! I am new to Mac and your site..Love it btw!! I hear everyone rave about mac tendertones. Do you think they will bring them back this summer?! I really want some!!
I don’t know — they didn’t bring them back last year — instead they did Suntints, which were very similar but not the same. If they do, it’ll probably be in August, and I think the info we have right now only goes til July.
Heyy I’m NC45 & i used the colour Tan, i think the colour before (i can’t remember the name!) should suit you because i could have gotten that but tan looked slightly better! 🙂
Hi yes I received a sample of Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer in Tan and it matched me very well and I’m an NC45. I have MAC Viva Glam I and I’d recommend using MAC’s Mahogany lip pencil to tone it down or also try looking at MAC’s Chili lipstick as that is a toned-down version of Viva Glam I anyway.
Hey Christine!
I heard good reviews on Khiels product.I am looking for good moisturizer for aging skin.Is it worth to spend money on their products or maybe Olay or Clinique is better?
I love Kiehl’s! I’ve always had good luck with their products 🙂 If you want anti-aging, I’d say Olay, though if you don’t want to spend big bucks!
Hi Christine,
I was wondering what is the best order to apply your primer, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc. Also, do you think that a separate sunscreen is better than one built-in to your foundation/moisturizer?
Oh and one more! 🙂
I’ve been looking for a very peachy-coral blush (I’m about an NC44), and can’t find one anywhere..I liked ripe peach, but it was sold out at my MAC the minute it came out. I really like NARS blushes, but I’m open to anything!
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Sunscreen, moisturizer, primer from what I’ve read.
It’s better to have a separate sunscreen OR one built-in to your moisturizer. It’s better to have one that is broad spectrum (UVA and UVB), but I’m not aware of any benefits of having a separate sunscreen lotion vs. moisturizer with it in it–other than perhaps a higher SPF or concentration of ingredients.
Hmm, have you tried Mounia blush by NARS?
what about tinted moisturizer? would it still be before primer?
After!
Wanna come to a NASCAR race next time were in Cali? I’ll get ya passes! Haha
Aww! LOL! Perhaps 😉
I wanna go next time you’re in ATL, lol!
Hi Christine! Thanks for everything you do around here 🙂
I’d like to know if there is any concealer that can cover up tattoos.
And could you please review/tell me what you think about Shu Uemura Lash Repair? Is there anything else that’s better, does it work…
Thanks!
DERMABLEND! Seriously, that is stuff made to cover. 🙂
I haven’t tried shu’s Lash Repair, unfortunately!
Hi Christine,
Do you use any self tanners and if you do, what are your favorites?
I don’t usually, because I tan REALLY easily (even if I wear sunscreen), but I like Clarins, Dior DiorBronze, & St. Tropez — they all get my vote!
Christine, what is the most bizarre or extreme thing you’ve done in the name of beauty?
I saw on your Twitter that you got up at 5am to order Pret a Papier before the east coast overnight delivery cut off – that, to me, is extreme but mostly because I hate early mornings (even for MAC collections)
Hey Ally D!
Probably put my skin through some pretty bizarre trials and tests, I’d say, LOL. I don’t think of it as extreme, since I see it as what I need to do to help others. I remember I got up way early and stood in line at South Coast Plaza for MAC Barbie dolls… so that might be the most extreme thing from my perspective 🙂
I am a morning person — I normally get up between 6 and 7! SO, it’s not too bad for me!
whats the best oil control/mattifier/primer you have ever used?my tzone gets oily very quickly murad didnt work for me and i struggle with this everyday i like dewy looking skin but my tzone can go from dewy looking to greasy looking very quickly
I like Cover FX Clearprep FX & Cosmedicine Medi-Matte!
When I use an undereye concealer,my wrinkles appear bigger.Why is that and what should I do?Stop using a concealer?
Use a line-filling primer or primer underneath plus a setting powder on top so the concealer doesn’t settle into the wrinkles. Your concealer could also be too light!
Hi Christine!
I was wondering what do you recommend for eye creams, pore reducing, and anti-aging serums? Wallet friendly please 🙂
Also, I was wondering if you have any tips to prevent mascara from smudging? I have asian (one mono and one double) eyelids. I am currently using waterproof mascara, but it still smudges no matter what I try.
Thanks!
Hi Lisa,
I don’t really use eye creams, so I don’t have any recommendations on that front! For pore reducing, I go for regular exfoliation – I also like MAC Refined Zone as a primer. For a wallet-friendly anti-aging regimen, try Olay Regenerist 🙂
Hmm, you may want to try a lash primer OR try to keep your eyes open so it can fully dry. You may even want to hold your finger under your lashes and blink once or twice, which will help remove some excess mascara.
Thanks for the reply, Christine 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
Look down and Use a blow dryer on a low setting over your eyes. Your mascara will dry faster: 🙂
I’m 35, wear NW20 until summer when I switch to NW25 and add bronzer. Dark Brown eyes. Mature and DRY skin. Lots of MAC, but open minded to all brands/price levels
1. Whats a good summer moisturizer that is light but effective, as I live in a humid climate.
2. I have mature, dry skin and want a fabulous eye cream to combat the wrinkles I have and the wrinkles I will have. Thoughts?
3. Whats a good summer foundation with medium coverage that is light and won’t melt.
4. Any brand, best moisturizing concealer??
5. Sugarpill pressed eyeshadows? fan or not?
6. Which 6 MAC pigments are your MUST have? I’ve become a collector. UGH
7. I’ve asked questions and commented before and not heard back from you, like ever. I imagine you are super busy with school but am I doing it wrong?
Hey Whitney,
1.) I think you might like Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration or Clinique Superdefense SPF 25.
2.) I don’t really use eye creams, but if I were to, I’d probably start with Olay for a budget brand or Lancome for a more high-end brand. L’Oreal (which owns Lancome) is such a huge conglomerate, they’re able to invest millions of dollars into research & development, and of course, the best starts at their higher end brands (like Lancome) which then filters down to their drugstore and namesake line, L’Oreal.
3.) I like MUFE HD or MAC Studio Fix Fluid.
4.) I like MAC Moisturecover — very moisturizing for me.
5.) I like them! Very pigmented. If you like bright colors, go for it. If you want softer shades, not so much.
6.) Here are my 8 must-haves – http://www.temptalia.com/8-must-have-mac-pigments
7.) Hmm, are you subscribed to comments? I answer all of the ones I receive. There are also a few questions that take me longer to get to, but they should all get answered! Are you going through the different pages of comments?
Hi Christine,
Can you please recommend me some concealer for acne and redness? I have tried the MAC studio sculpt, but I would like to try other products. (I am a MAC NC20, Asian yellow based skin)
I hate Studio Sculpt, LOL! It’s SO STIFF!
Anyway, I like Moisturecover. I find it’s really hydrating, which is good for acne patches that are often dried out from the acne meds!
How about from other brands?
Thank you! 🙂
I like Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer, theBalm’s Time Balm (but it’s a little on the thicker side, so it’s not as great for acne, IMO), and Make Up For Ever’s Full Coverage Concealer.
Try the Conceal FX (Cover fx concealer in a tube) very natural looking, IMO. Excellent, full coverage.
Christine! What’s your favourite coral peach lipstick / lipgloss and why? And which MSF’s better? MAC’s MSF Perfect Topping or Refined? Thanks!
Sorry! Another quick one! NARS Sheer Glow Foundation or Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation? I’m a fairly fair Chinese with dry skin. Also, just curious. Hehe your favourite Summer/Spring Scent and Autumn/Winter Scent! Thanks!
I haven’t tried either, BUT knowing that shu does Asian undertones better, I’d go shu.
I love Vera Wang Look and Burberry Beat in the spring/summer and Dior Addict in the winter.
Hi Melanie,
Guerlain Gems Rouge G, which is/was limited — gorgeousss! But I guess that’s more coral than coral peach. For a coral peach, I do like Chanel’s new Genial quite a bit! For lipgloss, I like Apricot Creme by Le Metier de Beaute. They all just look stunning on — pigmented, smooth, lovely!
Both are nice, but for warmer skin tones, Refined gives more of a glow while cooler skin tones will like Perfect Topping.
I love love love MAC’s Pink Maribu lipstick, but am almost out of the tube… do you have any recs for a similar lippie, MAC or other?
Thanks so much!
Maybe Chic or Plum Dandy!
Thanks! I’ll definitely take a peek at those!
I have fair skin with pink undertones. I don’t have my MAC match, but Nars Mont Blanc (Light 2) is a perfect match for my skin. I am willing to spend on something that’s been proven to be highly effective and worth the cost. I also have combo skin. Oily Tzone and chin, dry elsewhere.
My problem is that I have very fine lines under my eyes even thought I’m only 25. I have been using contacts for years. All my concealers just sink right into the lines and disappear over the course of the day. I even think my eye skin is a bit dry under there as well over the course of the day.
So to my point: is there a good under eye concealer that will cover slight bags and fine lines AND last all day?
Hi Lauren,
Have you tried using a line filler and/or primer on the under eye area, concealer, and then loose powder to set? I like theBalm’s TimeBalm, Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer, and MAC Moisturecover — TimeBalm seems to be the most opaque.
Hi,
My questions are:
1. Im mac NC50, and I have been looking for a sunblock that wont show up greasy or pasty on my face. Also how do you re-apply sunblock with foundation on ur face.
2.I have had a huge patchy discoloration on my face, and I have searched high and low for the perfect concealer..or something to take the patch away. Its on my cheek. Great, big and hulking.
3. How do u avoid having the lines of ur foundation show around the edges of ur face?
4.Are smoothies really good for glowing skin?(Like drinking them)
5.Whats the best eye cream you tried.
Hi Chi,
1.) If you can handle them, chemical sunscreens may be a better go for you. I reapply by putting powder with SPF in it or using an SPF spray over. It’s not ideal but it works if you have to be outdoors all day and need to wear full makeup.
2.) Have you tried Dermablend or Cover FX? They make some great, more opaque concealers designed to cover up larger areas like discoloration and scars.
3.) Set with powder! It helps keep your foundation from moving/creasing. A good primer may also help 🙂
4.) I can imagine that those that aren’t loaded with artificial sugar (but more naturally derived sugars) can help skin, because of the antioxidants in fruits.
5.) I haven’t found a fantastic one yet.
Hi Christine! Is there a less expensive dupe for NARS Turkish Delight. I love that color, and the creamy, non-sticky feel of a NARS lipgloss – just not the $26 price tag. I like MAC Cremesheen’s consistency, but there are no colors close to Turkish.
Also, are there any products you have tried similar to YSL’s Touche Eclat? Fresh came out with the Radiance Pen. Have you tried either? Any suggestions/recommendations? Thanks so much!
Try Underage lipglass, Angel Cream plushglass, Smashbox Pout, Neutrogena Groove!
I haven’t — just YSL’s!
Hi Christine! I have redness on my cheeks and was wondering if there is anything I can do to help even out my skin tone before applying foundation or perhaps a foundation that can do it. Also, what is a gloss similar to Mac’s Ensign? Thank you!
Hey Rachel,
I always like MUFE’s Correcting Primer (try the green, ’cause green conceals red) 🙂
Hmm… Lychee Luxe is kind of similar.
Hi Christine! I absolutely love your blog and your photographs of the products are so amazing. It is incredibly helpful since there is very limited access to most cosmetics brands where I live and I do a LOT of online shopping. I am 31 and want a good everyday morning moisturizer. I have combination skin, but in the summer I tend to be a little oilier, so something not too heavy would be great. If it had anti-aging properties, that would be a plus. Any recommendations?
Also, what brush would you recommend for applying eye shadow underneath the eyes and in the outer corner of the eye?
Finally, am I correct that you are a law student? How’s school going? I am an attorney and wished I had done something this fun when I was in law school! Your website brings me a little bit of happiness every day.
Hi Katie,
Thank you so much! 🙂
For something good and not too expensive, I like Clinique Superdefense — it has some nice SPF and anti-aging, and it comes in several versions so you can choose based on your skin type (oily, dry, very dry, etc.).
I like MAC’s 219, which comes to a pencil-like tip, but with bristles, for the lower lashline or you can use the horizontal edge of a flat eyeshadow brush like MAC’s 239. For the outer corner, you can use the same 219, or else you could use something a little fluffier like the 222 or 224.
But yes, I am a law student! 🙂 It is going, going, and going, LOL! I can imagine you know how it is! What area of law do you practice in now?
Thank you so much!
Hi Christine!
Thanks for the recommendations! I used to love Clinique skincare, and kind of strayed from it for a while. So, I am anxious to try something of theirs again.
I practice general civil litigation, and almost exclusively insurance defense work. I would say the bulk of my cases involve medical malpractice defense work and creditor bankruptcy work on behalf of financial institutions. It is definitely not the area I thought I would end up in when I was in law school, but I love it. Some of my friends did the JD/MBA program – it’s a ton of work! I don’t know how you juggle all of these things, but you do it well!
Thanks for this Q&A session – it was very helpful.
Oh, I have a cousin who lives in the Bay Area….Dog Patch (??) to be exact. I hope I got that name right. But she absolutely loves it there. Take care!
As long as you’re loving it, it’s all good! 🙂 I think the program is only work because they’re so secretive about the requirements and what you need to get done, LOL.
What is the blackest of the black eyeshadow you have ever tried? I need somthing insanely dark with a matte texture. Thank you!
Sugarpill Bulletproof — http://www.temptalia.com/sugarpill-cosmetics-pressed-eyeshadow-reviews-photos-swatches
I really want to try a tinted moisturizer because it would make skin tone even out as well as help my skin.You reviewed Urban Decay, Korres, and Keihl’s. I have combination skin where my t-zone gets shiny by the end of the day so I want a more matte finish. Do you have any recommendations?
Korres has the most matte finish I’ve come across so far!
hi Christine
Is it true that you can use MAC pigments to create lip glosses? and when I use glittery eye shadows I get the glitter all over my face, any tip how to remove them or avoid it in first place?
Yes! You just mix it with any gloss 🙂
For on the eyes, try using an adhesive base like MAC’s water-based Mixing Medium!
You can dust loose powder on your face and then brush it all off, or else there is the tape method (just clear tape used against the skin to pick up the glitter).
Hi Christine!
instead of using mixing medium, could i just spray a little Fix+ on the brush?
thanks for doing these sessions! love em
You can try that! I prefer Mixing Medium (has a more adhesive base) myself – but you could also do the DIY version which is one part glycerin, three parts water!
What is a good moisturiser with SPF 30 minimum, or a seperate SPF fluid which works with makeup? I heard that some SPF can make the skin look whiter due to something about physical and chemical SPF? Even though i put my face moisturiser (Olay daily fluid) on my face and neck, and i blend foundation down to my neck (mac select spf nc30/mineralize skinfinish natural) in pictures my face still looks slightly lighter than my neck, and when i’m not wearing makeup the same is true. Is it something to do with inadequete SPF protection?
Physical blockers (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) can sometimes give you that whitish cast, but a lot of higher end sunscreens have been developed to minimize that. In *photos* the flash can be reflected back from the sunscreen on your skin, even though you don’t see any white cast! This isn’t about inadequate sunscreen protection but basically… too much–at least for flash photography.
If I’m going to be photographed a lot, I often skip the foundation. Like at my wedding, sorry wrinkles, but I will go SPF-free! Sometimes layering a foundation without SPF on top your SPF can help minimize any adverse photography effects!
I have been trying to find some gorgeous lilac lipgloss shades for Spring. They are hard to find. Any recommendations? I already have Oyster Girl, Viva GLAM VI SE, and Dreamy from MAC (which I love) — but I would love more ideas!!
Thanks — love your blog and I appreciate all of the effort that you put into it!!
Too Faced Sex Pot, Shiseido Cool Lip Gloss, Laura Mercier Lilac Lip Gloss!
i know it’s a silly questions, but i’m craving for swatches from the pret-a-papier collection. Do you know when you can swatch it?
I always use your swatches as base for my decision and i love this collection.
sorry, for beeing so unpatient.
Hi Mora,
Unfortunately, I don’t usually get advance product of the collection (it’s like a surprise if and when it happens), so typically I purchase the collections myself, so I can only purchase them when they’re available for sale – I just placed an order this morning at 5AM PST and overnighted it, so hopefully everything will arrive tomorrow.
oh, thank you.
i’m very looking forward.
fortunaltly i live in europe, so we will get the collection earliest the 1st of may.
Hey Mora – see here for swatches from Pret at Papier: http://www.specktra.net/forum/f217/mac-pret-papier-collection-apr-10-a-158823/
Hi Christine,
I have combo/oily skin, breakout prone. A few weeks ago bought the Kate Somerville Exfolikate. It burns right a way on my skin, this is so uncomfortable that I tend to wash it off early…way early.
-Is it common to feel a burning sensation with this product?
-Should I try something else for sensitive skin?
-Am I harming my skin by continuing to use it?
Hey Diana,
It should tingle a bit, but I don’t think it should be so much that you wash it off within a minute. I know that ExfoliKate also has a gentler version for more sensitive skin. Is your skin red at all after you wash it off? If so, you may want to gift it to a friend or family member or see if you can return/exchange it for the lighter version.
My boyfriend had some noticeable tingling the first few times he used it and it tapered down after a week or two of use (once or twice a week), but I didn’t get much at all on my skin (we use the regular version).
christine how do i apply eyeshadows i am 28 yrs old and i cannot blend colors together or anything!!!! and i have trouble applying blush.. i am an nw20 what colors do u recommend….. and how can i learn to apply makeup?????
Hey Cyndy,
Have you checked out my YouTube channel (or other YouTube channels)? You might find videos to be a more helpful way to learn more about technique 🙂 My channel is at http://www.youtube.com/temptalia
Also for blending… less is more. Always remember to take a step back before you over-blend!
I would recommend blush shades like Well Dressed, Peaches, and Tenderling!
Hi Christine. I’m looking for a foundation. I’m in my early 40’s with dryish skin, some fine lines and spots. I’d like light to medium coverage, and not totally matte. I like MAC, MUFE and drug store brands too. Can you recommend anything? Right now I’m using Revlon Colorstay with a 187 brush. In MAC I’m a NC 20.
Thanks!
What is it you don’t likea bout Revlon Colorstay that makes you want to change?
I really like MUFE HD – it’s a good foundation that doesn’t make you look oily or matte and gives good coverage, plus it photographs like a dream.
I liked the Colorstay for a long time but I noticed this year that it seemed to accentuate the fine lines around my mouth and nose. I’ve tried primer under it, and making sure to moisturize, etc, but it didn’t seem to help.
I’ll see if I can get a sample of the MUFE to try. Thanks!
what would be your recommandation for eye cream? something that really works regarding prevention of wrinkles, dark circles + has a SPF?
btw i’m a great fan of yours, keep up the good work and greets from vienna, austria! 🙂
Hey Natasha,
I haven’t found one, to be honest! I’ve found no miracles, but I don’t have that many fine lines (yet!), so it’s hard to see a noticeable difference, you know?
Thank you!! 🙂
Christine, I noticed that you love your Kate Somerville Exfoliator! I’m utterly
in love with MAC’s Volcanic Ash (it virtually made my skin perfect!!) but since
it IS LE…I’m afraid I need a replacement. Can you tell me what you love about
Kate Somervilles? I have combination skin..thanks so much!!
Hey Kate,
ExfoliKate isn’t really a manual exfoliator like MAC’s Volcanic Ash — it does have some scrubby bits, but not really — it’s more of a chemical exfoliant!
It’s so weird to review it, and I keep wanting to, but it’s hard to explain why I like it. It’s like it gives me this subtle glow and makes my skin feel soft, smooth, and refined without being tugged or scrubbed.
hey! I’ve been using some MAC concealer and liquid foundation along with some clinique powder. I find that after an hour or so my makeup seems to melt off. its crazy! Can you recommend a foundation/powder that will stay on and not make me break out but will also give me good coverage? I live in Louisiana where the humidity and heat is crazy!
oh and another question! lol!
do you know of an eyeshadow that is very similiar to MAC’s Grand Entrance? (preferably from MAC)
and do you know if MAC is going to bring it out again? I know they do that with some of their limited edition products.
I can’t think of a great dupe in MAC, but Stila’s Kitten is pretty good. For a MAC dupe, maybe Retrospeck.
I have no idea if they will or not. They might!
thanks!
and I really hope they do!
It is hands down my favorite es!
What MAC liquid foundation? Do you have oily skin?
I would say use a primer underneath your foundation/concealer, which will help it stay better, and then set with a loose powder like Laura Mercier’s, to keep it in place better!
it’s the liquid fix i think.
and i use the mac moisturecover for concealer.
can you recommend a primer, one that wont clog pores?
I like MAC’s Prep + Prime primer!
Have you ever tried MUFE Sculpting Kit?? What’s your opinion on it?? I’m getting a little bit confused on what is the best contouring powder to use. Usually it comes out looking unnatural. I’ve tried using the 109, 168, even the 134 brush but the result is still not up to what I want. Any suggestion? (I’m NC 25-30 on Studio Sculpt for reference)
I haven’t tried it 🙁
You could try using a fan brush – sometimes that gives a very soft, natural look!
Hi Christine,
Can you recommend a MAC lipgloss that is the same shade as Glamour For All–it’s sold out and it was a LE. What is the best mattifying primer for oily skin? I have really oily skin. When I apply MUFE HD Primer, I will start to get shiny in 15-20 min. That’s even with setting my makeup with the HD Powder.
One last question, I currently use MAC’s studiofix powder in NC35. Is there another brand of powder foundation that is better?
thanks! 🙂
Hi Kylie,
The closest MAC lipglass is C-Thru, which is nude and doesn’t have the mauve tone of Glamour for All 🙁
I’d suggest Cosmedicine’s Medi-Matte!
I don’t use any pressed powders really… I’m probably not the best to recommend one!
Everytime I go to Sephora or Nordstrom or the like, I’m tempted to indulge in one high-end, luxury makeup item (thinkin Dior, Chanel, Geurulian, etc) but I never really know what brand/item is worth it. Does a high end foundation make the difference? Does Dior trump all brands?
Insight?
My favorite is Guerlain overall… Dior does great cheek products and Chanel did great lip products.
Hey Christine,
I’m C2 in the MAC range with slightly yellow undertones. I also have dry skin.
1)Can you suggest a nude blush that would suit my skin tone? I was eyeing prim and proper from the Liberty of London collection but I don’t know if there are similar blushes in the permanent range?
2)can you recommend a hair spray I can use after curling my hair with a curling iron, that would hold the curls but not make it hard?
3)Can you also suggest a good undereye concealer, I’ve tried mac select moisturecover (a little too sheer) and benefit’s erase paste, which kind of gets cakey…
Thanks!
Hi Kiki
1.) Hmm, maybe Tenderling or Strada. Prim & Proper would be nice — I’d grab that over anything in the permanent range!
2.) I like Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray!
3.) Hmm, you may like Make Up For Ever’s Full Coverage Concealer — it has some of the creaminess of Moisturecover but more of the opaqueness of thicker ones like Erase Paste.
Hi Christine,
Thanks so much for doing these sessions, been thinking of some questions but will bombard you next time. For now, I just want to find out how you deal with eyeshadow fallout? I got my Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette last week and for the first time, I got a lot of fallout on my cheeks which ruined the look of my blusher and Benefit Highbeam. Should I apply loose powder first or do you make up your eyes first then follow with primer, foundation, concealer etc?
Thanks again!!
P.S. I copied your Alice and Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals look for my first try of the palette, came out beautifully! Apart from the fallout….
Hi Brenda,
Definitely apply before you do the rest of your face, because then you can either use a makeup removing wipe to remove fall out, a cotton pad, loose powder (then dusted off with a brush), and then apply the makeup on top of that. I also do a patting motion first, which helps to press the shadow onto the lid, before blending.
Thank you!
Hi Cristine 🙂
I’m wondering if you could help me a bit ; I’m an NC 35 skintone but have alot of redness around my nose, cheek and mouth area(basically the center of my face). I’m really dry in the morning but get oily later on the day. Do you reccomend any good concealers for me?
And also – I need a matte blush, can be a cream or powder. I’m looking for something like mauvey pink, plummy or peachy.. 🙂
Hi Emma,
I’d recommend perhaps using MUFE’s Green Primer – it might help with the redness that’s on your nose, cheek, and mouth (which is enough area to merit potential use of a an all-over corrector).
For a matte blush… try NARS Cactus Flower 🙂
Hi Christine!! I’m of a medium skin tone with yellow undertones. In MAC im a NC30. I’m looking for a bronzer that will give me a glow. I’ve tried a few and feel like I look tanner/darker. Any recommendations? Thank you for your time 🙂
If you just want the *GLOW* try a bronzy shaded highlighter like Dior Amber Diamond 🙂
What kind of skin tone would Impassioned from mac flatter?
How do the holiday LE mac brushes compare to their regular one?
Cooler, but it’ll work on both warm and cool.
They used to be OK, a decent substitute, but these days, they’re pretty subpar in comparison. I wouldn’t recommend the sets any more.
Hi Christine! I was in Mac a week ago to B2M some stuff and the MA told me they were no longer gonna accept “depotted” emptys. To be specific, she said basically it has to have the silver pan still in it and appear empty thru usage and not b/c you took the product out. When I asked why they changed it she said it was b/c ” people were taking advantage” . ( I guess she meant people like me:) This is annoying b/c I depot A Lot of stuff! I shop at CCOs often and prefer to put things in palattes for space conservation. Since you seem to be familiar w/ Mac I wanted to know if you had heard anything about this??
Hey TC,
So, B2M is one of the most all-over-the-place policies. It’s pretty terrible, to be honest. Like about two months ago, MAC employees were saying (on various internet communities) that MAC sent out an email that said depots were OK.
Personally, I always do a livechat with MAC online and ask about if they take depots (well, I ask if I need the metal pan or just the plastic case) and print it out. I show that to whoever is at the store, if they say no.
It’s certainly NOT cheaper to buy pots over pans only to depot and turn in for a lipstick. Perhaps they shouldn’t sell so many limited edition shades that are only available in pots!
Wait you do a live chat with mac?? where do you do this and can I get in on it??
Go to maccosmetics.com and there is a link for “LiveChat!” on the bottom left of the page.
Sorry to butt in on this but I just had a very annoying recent experience with this —
I live near a TON of counters but the nearest freestanding is nearly 2 hours away and happens to be a pro store. I depotted my little collection, enough for 3 items, and called the pro store to find out their policy. The girl told me the same thing you said — I had to have the metal pans as well, and I was going wha? How would I use 18 eyeshadows up and still manage to keep the plastic bits?
So I said I wouldn’t waste time driving 2 hours to get the same lipsticks I could get 15 mins away. I went to turn mine in and explained what the girl told me, the MUA kinda ignored me but she helped me pick colors so… I was “ringing up” at the counter and once again said what the pro store told me. The girl stood there and argued with me for like 15 mins about it! She said that I could have taken what I had up there to B2M, and I kept trying to explain that I was referring to the METAL PAN, not the plastic insert that the pan gets glued to (which I didn’t have either). But yeah… just thought I’d add that. I think it’s different from store to store, so I just exchanged for the lipsticks and called it a day. (I wanted to try and get a gloss or eyeshadow)
I definitely recommend what Christine did with the live chat printout. I don’t understand why the metal pan matters so much to them. My store never requires the pan, they’re happy to take any depotted pots (does that even make sense? haha)
See, I’ve had the complete opposite experience from that. The MUA I went to had no problems taking the shadows without the metal pan and she let me B2M for 5 lipsticks.
Something that I’ve noticed though is that its good to get the know the MUA at the countes by you. I’ve been going to the one in my local Macy’s for awhile and the girls there are beginning to recognize me and in response they let me play around with the collections before they come out and “reserve” what I want from them. 🙂 So maybe thats why they had no problems taking back my depotted shadows…
yay for you and for these! Hope you, ur doggie, and ur bf are all doing well! i want, no NEED, a bright coral lipglass. i say lipglass because i dont care that theyre sticky because they wear long on me and are opaque. I dont care for what mac has to offer right now (i thought lychee luxe had a strange finish on me). i am kind of holding out for the summer collections because i see that coral is having a big come-back this year. am I right in waiting….do u see anything pretty in my future ;)? i am light to medium with warm undertones. i feel like corals with more orange than pink are better on me…is that right?
oh and thanks in advance…good luck in finals!!! dont know if u are in finals but I am so I figured u would be too!!!
LOL! I have law school finals in about a week and a half 🙂 I have a midterm for business next week! Ahh!
We are all good, thanks Alex! 🙂
Hmm, maybe Illamasqua Mistress?
It’s hard to judge MAC products by descriptions, to be honest — particularly because you want a bright opaque one!
hey christine! have you used the urban decay Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup? it’s on sale on hautelook so it is tempting me.
I’ve used it a few times, but I hate the delivery system, lol! It’s okay, but I’m not a huge fan of powder foundation.
Hi Christine. I really admire your dedication to beauty and this blog! how do you have time to do anything else?! BUT i really do love reading it.
I was wondering if you’ve ever tried the mac face and body foundation. I have pretty oily skin in the summer so i want something that will last for a day (instead of it slicking off in a couple of hours). I also do have some blemishes.
Also, I’m going away on a cruise (YAY) in a few weeks and what do you think are the “beauty necessities”?
btw, i think you should have those beauty gathering things where all you do is talk about makeup! i bet a lot of ppl will want to meet you.
thanks!
I am very, very organized! It also helps that I now have the benefit of experience since I’ve been blogging and juggling school for three years!
I have — I love it for a very natural, dewy finish, but it’s a little too dewy for me at times. I don’t love it for oily skin or summer, since it is dewy. I’d say something more matte like Studio Fix Fluid.
Sunscreen, waterproof mascara and eyeliner, cream blush, and lipgloss! 🙂
LOL, aww! Sometimes it seems really… egotistical? conceited? to do that to me for some reason!
Thanks for replying. I looked at your best eyeshadows, lipglosses/lipsticks and blushes recommendations. But I was wondering which cream blush you would recommend for Asian, medium skin tone, warm, brown eyes, brown/black hair. And what would you say is the most waterproof waterproof mascara (that also gives you noticeable lashes)?
Is there another brand/type of foundation you would recommend for oily skin? I also work 12hr days and by the end, my foundation DISAPPEARS!
Also, I don’t think it’s egotistical, from reading all your replies, I think you have great suggestions for making people look and feel more beautiful. A face-to-face session would be soooooo fun and everyone would learn a TON from you. 😀
Thanks.
For a cream blush, I’d recommend MUFE Nip Slip — it’s a yellower pink, so I think it would work for your skin tone!
Maybelle Full ‘n Soft (Waterproof) always works for me when I go swimming! (I don’t typically wear makeup to go swimming, but it’s more the “I might go swimming in my parents’ pool but maybe not…” kind of situation where I wear it just in case!)
I would use a mattifying primer like Cosmedicine’s Medi-Matte and a good setting powder (I like Laura Mercier’s).
Thank you 😀
If you have oily skin try matt touch from Yves Saint Laurent, Nars sheer glow or nars sheer matt or the good old Revlon colorstay….I have oily skin and I have tried everything. Mac face and body is not good for our skin types!
Hi Christine,
This “Ask Temptalia Session” is so awesome! I am Asian, MAC NC35, brown eyes and brown hair. My skin is super oily and it doesn’t help that I live in a tropical climates (Malaysia).
My question is about eye liner and application technique. I have real bad hooded eyes and super oily lids. Eyeliner always transfers to the upper lids and I also get raccoon eyes. I have tried a combination of Mac Prep + Prime Eye, loose powder, MAC paint pot, and powder shadow before putting on MAC eyeliner. I tried putting on foundation on lids first, loose powder, creamy shadow, powder shadow then eyeliner. Even Urban Decay Potion can’t seal any liner in. Nothing help!
I saw EnKore’s Video you recently posted on this website. He recommended 2 products that are not available here in Malaysia. Is there other technique out there to deal with hooded eyes?
Thanks a lot 🙂
PS. I prefer pencil eyeliner to other kinds.
Hey Max,
What MAC eyeliner are you using? Maybe you need a different eyeliner — liquidlast does not BUDGE on me, EVER. ANYWHERE. I mean I can shower three days in a row and it barely fades.
Any makeup sealer will do the trick – I believe MUFE has one as well (not that I know if you can get that in Malaysia), but perhaps a local brand has something called a makeup sealer.
Hi Christine,
I have been using Mac Studio Fix Fluid for about a year now and I really like the coverage and the wide range of shades. My skin is combo/oily and when I went to the Mac counter to get matched for my shade the artist thought the Studio Fix Fluid would be good for oily skin. I have noticed over time that it’s a bit to thick for my liking and it seems like I have to apply my blot powder at least three times throughout the day to not look so oily. I really don’t like the look of an oily face or even a bit dewy maybe because I battle it so much. I would like to stick with a foundation from Mac because I feel the shade I use matches my skin so perfectly. Can you please suggest another foundation that you think might help me fight the shine? Also I use Fix + to wet my brush and I spray a little on my face before I start applying the foundation. I do this to try and get it to apply more lightly. After I’ve finished applying it I use Select Sheer powder to set.
I’ve recently started wearing more eyeshadow and my collection is small because I use to be really big on lip products. I still buy lipstick and lipglasses more than anything else but I’m trying to get into eyeshadow. Can you suggest some shades that would compliment my skin tone, I am an NC40?
I bought the Seche Vite fast drying top coat and somehow it dried up a bit and it’s to thick to use. Do you think adding a little water to it would help it? Or do I just need to toss it and get a new one?
Hey Heather,
Hmm, Studio Fix Fluid is one of MAC’s most matte formulas. Studio Sculpt isn’t entirely matte though it was nearly matte when I tried it (I don’t personally like it), but I think that’ll be thicker than SFF for you 🙁 To be honest, I don’t think there’s a better option available in MAC’s foundation line-up that’s matte and thinner than Studio Fix Fluid. I would recommend a primer like Prep + Prime Face underneath the foundation to help minimize shine, though!
Love these shades… All That Glitters, Deep Truth, Electra, Humid, Jest, Juxt, Naked Lunch, Amber Lights, Bronze, Juxt, Patina, Ricepaper, Romp, Shimmermoss, Soft Brown
I think a little bit of nail polish thinner would help Seche Vite!
I agree with Christine on the primer. I use a combination of The Body Shop’s Mattifying Gel (the one in the clear tube) and Smashbox’s Primer. They’re pretty much the same thing so you could just get one. I’ve also seen really good reviews about Smashbox’s Anti Shine product.
I also use SFF NC40. I use Max Factor’s translucent powder mixed with a little powder foundation to set my face and it works pretty well for me (considering the heat and humidity where I live. It reached up to 40 degrees here yesterday!). I do it really lightly so it won’t look cakey.
I’m not an eyeshadow person either but at the moment, I’ve been giving Straw Harvest and Expensive Pink more love! I also like Brule, Goldmine, Woodwinked, Espresso, Amber Lights and Bronze a lot. 🙂
Thank you Christine and Lliana those are some good suggestions! I will definately look into these.
Hi Christine,
I love to buy lipglasses and dazzleglasses and I want to have a good selection of colors. I am worried about buying too many and having them expire before I even get to use it. Is there anything you can do to prolong lip products?
You can use a disposable applicator to minimize contamination and/or store them in the refrigerator.
oh christine one more Q:
is the 129sh the exact same thing as the regular 129? just the handle is smaller? or is the brush itself a little different? i wanted to purchase it to keep in my makeup bag for touch ups but wanted to make sure it wasn’t like the special edition version.
thanks!
Yes, it is! 🙂 I have a SH and a regular and they’re the same.
What do you think its the best under eye concealer, that doesn’t sink into fine line as much??
thanks!
I like Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer, theBalm’s Time Balm, and MAC Moisturecover!
Hi Christine,
Can you give the best substitues for these LE’s: MAC
Here we go!!!
Lipstick: Skew
Eyeshadows: Nanogold, Bottle Green, Club, Up-do, Living Pink, and White Tie
I hope this wasn’t too much to ask.
Thanks so much
Have a great Day!
Hi Abbie,
These are the best substitutes, but they may not be 100% the same.
Skew = See Sheer; Nangold = Nylon; Bottle Green = Plumage; Up-do = Sweeten Up; Living Pink = Da Bling; White Tie = Nylon
Thanks!
Another Ask Temptalia session! Woohooo!
Do you have a technique you recommend for contouring cheekbones? I’d like to make mine look more sculpted and give my face a less round look. I’m using Benefit’s Hoola as my contour powder.
Thanks Christine!
Hey Shirley,
I like to suck in my cheeks or make fish lips (which basically sucks your cheeks in!) and then go right along the underside of the cheekbone with the 168. I use MAC’s Sculpt sculpting powder myself, but in the past I’ve used Strada blush. I like sculpting powders over bronzers, because they have a shadowy look (grayer).
i was wondering if you could recommend some eye products for my mum: she’s about nc20-25, green eyes, dark brown hair, has very lined, sensitive lids and has ONE (you read that correctly) eyeshadow that she likes, which is a khaki green with a bit of gold shimmer. could you recommend a paintpot or eyeshadow base to go with her colouring and also a lighter eyeshadow to use as a lid colour with the khaki green? thankyou!
Ooh, for a soft, matte base, definitely Soft Ochre. For a more shimmery look, I’d say Bare Study, but with her lined lids, I’d probably stay away from that since it may be too frosty.
I wonder if she’d like Sumptuous Olive by MAC! She may also like Patina, which doesn’t have green, but has that khaki feel. To pair with khaki green, I’d say use something like Gleam or Orb.
Is there anything I can do to stop my menstrual break-outs? I have a pretty good skincare routine that works well all the rest of the month but no mask/spot treatment I’ve found works for that week – any recommends? (I’m in the UK and have combo-oily sensitive skin)
Hey Charlotte,
I can only say drink more water and keep up with your skincare regimen – when it comes to hormonal related skin issues, your derm may be your best bet!
Hi Christine! I love your site! A couple of questions…
1. Missed out on Optomistic Orange from MAC Lillyland (and now I really want it!), any similar recs for a cream blush in this shade? Also a good powder blush in a peachy shade?
2. What are your fave Bobbi Brown gel liners for brown eyes?(I’m not afraid of color)
3. I’m getting married this October, what foundation do you recommend? I need light coverage, and typically wear Revlon PR or CS in the winter, tinted moisturizer only in the summer. I want to photograph well on the big day! Thanks!!
Hi Stephanie,
1.) Try MUFE #12. I think that’s the closest. Try MAC Peaches 🙂
2.) I love the formula, so really any shade! I love Indigo Ink for a nice, dark blue.
3.) Right now, I’d wear Make Up For Ever HD to my wedding, so that’s about as much of an endorsement for a foundation as it gets, LOL!
Nordstrom.com has Optimistc Orange 🙂
Hi Christine!!
I have combination skin and during the summer my T zone gets really oily, my cheeks is normaly dry and pink, i dont have pimples or discoloration (other then the pink cheeks!)I have fair skin cool toned!.I dont like wearing foundation during the summer, feels heavy on my skin. Do u have anything to recommend that can make me look polish in a very light way ?! Can be a foundation or a tinted moisturizer.
Thank you 🙂
Hey Maude,
You may want to try MUFE’s Green Primer — it can help cancel out some of the redness in your cheeks. You can use the primer alone or under foundation/a tinted moisturizer.
hey christine! im currrently filliing up a mac pro pallette for eyeshadows, and am looking for decent neutral everyday tones for my coloring, as well as dramatic colors….but everytime i walk into my local mac store, i go crazy deciding on colors and wind up totally confused. my coloring is dark brown hair/brown eyes, NW 25-30 depending on the season… any ideas on good everyday mac eyeshadows? ive already started with satin taupe, smut, folie, and use soft brown religiously. also, could you recommend a good polished/baby pink blush?
Hey Tayla,
Here are some neutrals that I like… Espresso, Smut, Print, Gleam, Ricepaper, Dazzlelight, Wedge, and Cork!
For a polished/baby pink blush try Dame or Well Dressed!
What’s your favourite brush to apply foundation with for a flawless finish? I’ve tried the 190, 187 and the 109, with no such luck 🙁 always end up covered in hairs or streaky!
Also, what do you think is the best primer that will fill in my pores? they always look massive ruin my make up!
btw, I used NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Siberia and I have dry skin!
thanks xxx
I love the 109!!
Do you use water? I find that spritzing the brush & face with water makes it AMAZING!
I like MAC Prep + Prime Refined Zone.
I recently got the mac refined zone because I have huge pores on my cheeks. It doesn’t seem to be working to reduce the look of my pores even though it does an ok job at oil control. Could you give me some tips in application and how much to use? Have you had luck with this product?
I’ve had good luck with it, but my pores aren’t huge so that might be why it works okay for me! I use my fingers to apply, and I apply it after my moisturizer has fully absorbed!
I’ve heard that you should dab it on and wait 5 minutes to fully dry and you’ll get better results with it!
Hey Christine,
I am an NC40 (NC42 during the summer) and I’ve been looking for a nice oil-free tinted moisturizer.
1. Right now I’m using MAC’s Studio Moisture Tint in Medium Dark but sometimes I feel like it makes me look darker and doesn’t go with my yellow undertones. What would you suggest? I’ve been looking into the UD tinted moisturizers that you recently reviewed since they do have the UVA/UVB protection. My skin has just been so out of whack lately with some sort of hormonal imbalance and I have breakouts everywhere so I stopped using my foundation. Should I even use a tinted moisturizer? I’m going to see a dermatologist this week but I feel like all they will say is “stop using makeup”..which I feel like I cannot do!!! Do they have one tinted moisturizers that are non-comedogenic?
2. Also, what would you suggest for a good acne-fighting concealer? I just feel so “naked” having my ginormous breakouts exposed. But when I cover them up, the more my concealer aggravates it (I switch between MAC Studio Finish and Select Moisturecover). Any suggestions?
3. I’m looking for a nice peachy-orange or bronze type blush that would work for me when I use my green, blue and black shadows…I got the nude lip down but I can’t seem to find the right pairing for my cheeks. If I use bronzer, I’m good in the morning but then I feel like at the end of the day, my cheeks look toasted! I don’t think I have a heavy hand when I apply blush/bronzer. What would you suggest?
Sorry I have hella questions lol…I wanted to grab the opportunity! And thanks so much for your tips on your other posts. I’m so glad temptalia.com is not blocked from our server hahahah! I would not be able to survive work!
Hi Sheena,
1.) LOL! I saw a dermatologist once and she was so caught up on the idea that makeup was why I was breaking out… even though I had GREAT SKIN for three months then had terrible breakouts… and I stopped using the majority of makeup (only foundation when I absolutely had to!) for over a month. Hated that! She literally told me to stop using makeup. For. Ever. If your breakouts are related to hormones, I don’t think using a little tinted moisturizer will be the worst thing for you. Perhaps Korres (good ’cause there are no silicones!) or Kiehls would work better for you.
2.) I think Murad makes one, but I’ve never tried it. Oh, I know Renee Rouleau has this little gel for blemishes that helps to “coat” them kind of… and yeah, then you can apply makeup on top of it!
3.) Try Peachykeen or Sunbasque!
Thank you! 🙂
Can you recommend a really translucent loose powder for settling makeup and oil controlling?? Since I live in Asia, so i wouldn’t have access to local US drugstore brands, but anything mid range to high end would be nice!!!
I want a really translucent loose powder that does not give a white ghosty cast on my face after application 🙂
my shade is NC25, for reference.
thanks 🙂
I loveee Laura Mercier’s!! 🙂
does that LM loose powder you like has a specific name? like is it the mineral one or ?
😀 thanks for the help!
Loose Setting Powder is the official name, lol!
Hello Christine!
I have dark brown hair and bronzy-brown eyes. Light/Medium complection-I haven’t worn MAC foundation in years, but I believe I am NC25. I currently wear MUFE HD in 125 or EL DW in Ivory Beige. I usually use MAC Blot loose in medium dark or MUFE HD setting powder. Oily-combo acne-prone skin, t-zone makeup tends to melt off despite primer (tried Smashbox light, Boscia, MUFE HD). I’m 36, so despite acne breakouts (per the derm, hormonal) and some post-acne discoloration I also have large pores and some fine lines. Sigh, even with all of my skin issues, makeup is my greatest love! (Hubby will never see this). I’d like your recommendations-any brand-for:
1. Any other oil absorbing primers/foundations/powders combinations. Items that offer good coverage but look light-will help “float” over my imperfections.
2. Blush colors-I own a drawerful of pinks and corals-how about a soft, “define my cheeks and make them glow but not show an obvious blush placement” color? Shimmer or matte,any color, powder or cream. I generally sweep a shimmery highlight over my face anyway (Too Faced Candlelight right now)I recently tried NARS Madly and Chanel Tempting Beige and Fandango JC, all pulled orangey on me. Today I tried NARS Guele De Nuit w/MAC Northern Lights on top. It’s not bad…I think I want to go more beige-y.
Hi Melissa,
1.) Mattifying primer – Cosmedicine Medi-Matte. Foundation – MUFE HD is fine, IMO! 🙂 Powder – MUFE’s HD powder works (if you already have it!) or I prefer Laura Mercier’s Loose Translucent Setting Powder.
2.) You might like something like Peaches or Tenderling. Kind of soft, not a lot of color, but noticeable enough to define.
Thank you!
Hi Christine,
I have what my doctor refers to as “very asian skin”, ie. very sensitive, at times painfully dry, and i have eczema. sometimes my products make my skin turn out in little bumps, but the thing is they’re not breakouts, just like almost a temporary allergic reaction that itches. i’m not really sure what product it is and it only sometimes happens in different places, what do you think is something that may help?
thanks!
Do you think it might be an ingredient you’re using? I would look at the labels of some of the products you’re using and seeing if there is a common ingredient. Some have issues with ingredients like bismuth and talc, which are common in cosmetics.
even if it’s just something like itching at the lashline? that happens a lot and i try not to touch it because i’ll ruin my liner…but it’s hard…
Yeah, if it’s itching there, I would not keep it on 🙁 It could be an ingredient in it that’s causing that reaction – if it’s more like a little tickle maybe not, but if it’s really itchy, I wouldn’t use it. What are you using that does it?
Hi Cristine…
Have you ever tried the the SHeer over products?
Which do you think is better setting powder the Laura Marcie, MAC. or MUFE?
Best primer?
I really have a hard time making my foundation last all day…..
I am an NC30 skin….please recommend the best
lipgloss, lipstick, blush and highlighter for my skin…also what colors should i avoid?
Thanks you are the best…
Hi Eyeris,
1.) Sheer over products? I’m not familiar with those!
2.) Laura Mercier
3.) I like Korres’ primer, but I like it for its silicone-free-ness.
4.) Check out this post – http://www.temptalia.com/best-eyeshadows-lipglosseslipsticks-blushes-for-medium-skin
sheer cover?
How’s your puppy doing? My puppy (who is actually 8, but he still acts like one) is going to the vet today… luckily he doesn’t realize it yet.
He is good! 🙂 Happy, wiggly self as per usual!
LOL, Mellan LOVES the vet! I hope your doggy is good!
Hi Christine! I am loving the coral trend for lips, but I’m not sure what color would look best on me (if any). I use Benefit Hello Flawless in Honey Bunny, and have been told that I have yellow and pink undertones (I’d say more pink than yellow). I think I’m pretty medium in skin tone. I also have very rosy lips. Any suggestions? Thanks!
PS Do you plan to review the Sephora by OPI Havana nights collection?
You should try MAC Crosswires 🙂
No plans to, but I’ll see what I can do!
Hi Christine! Love your blog. I go on here everyday! Jus a few questions I wanted to ask. I am a Mac NC20, asian.
1. I’ve been scooping around for a good concealer. I don’t have any acne scars but I do have brown pigmentations on my cheeks as well as dark circles under my eyes. Any suggestions?
2. Also a tinted moisturizer. I know you were suggesting the Khiels or Korres but I have dry skin and just wondering which one would work best on me.
3. An eye cream. not really sure what it does but one that would help with my dark circles and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. (I’m 24 and I don’t think I have any fine lines or wrinkles yet) Maybe a drugstore brand for this one.
4. My lips are really chap and I have this really bad habit of peeling off the dead skins. (I know gross right?!) Anyways, I really need a good chapstick or I heard of an exfoliator, to stop this but I dont know what to get. What do you recommend?
5. So before when I apply on my blush (mac or nars), i always notice patchiness on my cheeks. I talked to a mua from mac and she said that probably my skin is too soft and the blush needs something to grab onto so she suggested a msf. I bought the By Candlelight msf and put that underneath the blush and it’s been working fine but i don’t want to use that if i’m going to use a matte blush for my cheeks because of the light shimmer that the msf have. I’ve been really wanting to use Tenderling but I can’t. just want to know your recommendation, should i use one of those cream color base or blush creme underneath matte blushes in order for it to stay?
(sorry so much stuff…hope you can help!)
Hi Ms. Kia,
1.) I like Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer, theBalm’s Time Balm, and MAC Moisturecover! Time Balm is the most opaque, but Moisturecover is the most hydrating. Eve Pearl is a nice combo of both.
2.) For drier skin, Kiehl’s!
3.) I haven’t found any great eye creams. I don’t know, they don’t seem to do anything for me that I can see…
4.) I love Philosophy’s Kiss Me Intense Lip Therapy for a great balm. For a scrub, I love Sara Happ’s The Lip Scrub.
5.) Too soft? What? Sorry, I have never heard that before, lol! I don’t know about that. You might need a little more coverage over your cheeks, so I’d either layer concealer or a little extra foundation on top to minimize the patchiness 🙂 You can use a blush creme to help a powder blush stay on better for sure!
Thanks!
one more question 😛
can you recommend a primer which offers an SPF protection more than 25?
It can be either tinted or not tinted! Again, I don’t have access to US/UK drugstore brands.
thanks in advance!
MAC Prep + Prime SPF 50 is the only one that I can think of that’s higher than 25!
Oh, and MUFE has one that is SPF 50 as well.
Hey!! I missed out on MAC’s Lush and Lilac Cremestick liner, any suggestions for something similar or close to it?
Thanks for doing this open forum!! 🙂
You could try Sephora’s Lovely Lilac Nano Lip Liner!
Hi Christine,
I’m looking for a peachy or nude lipstick (any brand will do).
NC15, brunnette and dark blue eyes.
Thank you for offering your advices!
Hey Christelle,
Try MAC Freckletone 🙂
Hi Christine
Love your site. I am interested in some items from the new MAC collection Pret a Papier that is now available on the MAC site. Do you know when you will be doing a review and posting swatches??
Thanks for all the wonderful work you do on this site.
Melanie
Hopefully Wednesday, but it really depends on whether MAC shipped out my order this morning or not 🙁
Always forget to ask when you do AskTemptalia, how do you do swatches without getting your lips & skin red from wiping off lipstick?
The trick is to only remove the product – don’t go outside of your natural lip – and to use a good makeup remover — I use MAC Wipes.
What is the best looking matte, non-shimmery straight up ORANGE blush out there?
I like MUFE’s #12 a lot right now, but that is a cream blush… Exhibit A by NARS otherwise, but I want to say that has some shimmer in it.
Hey Christine,
May I ask what happens when you use mineralized blushes or products? I recently got porcelain pink and I’m worried about getting a bad reaction…
Also, may i ask how I should use haunting eyeshadow? I’ve got Asian eyes and just cannot get eyeshadow blending right… I don’t have a crease… Help help help…
I get milia, which are tiny, tiny little raised bumps.
Hm, try it along the lash line with a deeper blue/navy above it, then fade out!
Yay! Thanks for doing this… yet again!
I have a few questions:
What kind of foundation and blush do you recommend for girls who sweat VERY easily (i.e. just standing in the sun!). I usually use just a tinted moisturizers so I prefer light coverage.
Do you have any other makeup tips for people who sweat easily?
I have been LOVING kate bosworths makeup lately… she is always wearing some kind of very coral/peach blush. But I have really dark hair and dark eyes and somewhat light skin (NC25). Can I pull off blush like that? Do you have any recommendations, maybe from Mac and the new MUF HD blush?
Thanks!!!!
Hey,
I’d just try a mattifying primer (or at least a primer!) before the tinted moisturizer. I’d then use a cream blush and powder blush together (the powder blush helps to set the cream blush!) followed by a light dusting of powder to set everything.
You can DEFINITELY pull it off! Do you have a picture I can reference?
http://justjared.buzznet.com/photo-gallery/2429099/kate-bosworth-bread-restaurant-04/
http://justjared.buzznet.com/photo-gallery/2432593/kate-bosworth-montblanc-charity-cocktail-14/
also, what mac shadow combination would you pair with it?
Thanks, Christine!
I’d say that might be like MAC Margin or Ambering Rose almost (those might be a bit darker) or NARS Gilda or Gina — I think the NARS blushes are a closer match.
I’d pair it with golds or neutrals on the lids!
Do face primers make your makeup stay on longer?? Which ones are the best?? Thanks
Yes, they can! I like Korres’ Primer a lot!
What is the purpose of the chromographic pencils that are part of the latest MAC launch?
Thanks
They can be used to open up the eye – you can use them on the waterline or lower lash line 🙂
How do you keep your lips smooth and without flakies?
Check this post — all my tips! http://www.temptalia.com/how-to-get-perfectly-pouty-lips-smoothe-moisturized-lips
Will you ever review the Revlon Matte lipsticks or Revlon Colorburst lipsticks Christine?
I will try!
I wear NC40 studio fix foundation but it breaks me out. I’m looking for a foundation that has similar coverage, what do you recommend? (ps, I’ve tried Revlon Color Stay and didn’t like it)
You could try MUFE HD or MUFE Mat+ Velvet 🙂
The perfect light coral lipstick in your opinon?
I like Chanel Santal quite a bit, as well as Cle de Peau #124. For something more affordable, Smashbox Splendid.
Heya Christine, I am pretty pale, I can’t remember what mac shade but I am alabaster in Clinique and also have quite dry skin so foundations tend to flake or cake around my nose and chin which are dry. Are there any decent foundations for dry skin that give more than light medium coverage as I can’t find any! Thank you! x
Hey Hayley,
Have you tried MUFE HD? I think you might like that!
I normally come up with my own makeup combos but I’m lacking inspiration on this one… I got a sundress that is a sheer-ish black with purple, gold, silver, a bit of teal and bronzey mosaic like patterns on it. I’ve been trying to come up with a complimenting makeup look but the few I’ve tried overpowered the dress. I’m wearing it to the airport when I (finally) can get my fiance (he’s from the UK, need I say more?) so I want a more nude/light pink lip so I don’t get it all over him!
You do such pretty combos so I was wondering your suggestion! I’m in 15/20 shades in Mac, I can wear either NW or NC depending on how my skin is that day, I have brown hair with violet ends (weird, I know…) and brown eyes that lean green.
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Wendy,
Hmm, what about a grayish silvery lid (like Filament or Silver Ring) that fades into a bluish-teal on the outer lid (like Shimmermoss) and then into a bluish-purple (like Contrast) in the lid?
Is Temptalia your job?
No, I am a full-time student 🙂
WOW! How do you find time for school and this? You keep it up so well.
Prioritize, organize, and stay on top of everything 🙂 I live off of to-do lists!
Can you recommend a brow filler color match for MACs mechanical pencil in Lingering? I bought this, love the color, got used to the technique, and it was GONE in like… 5 weeks…. INSANELY fast. I haven’t gotten my technique with powder fillers back, and my brows look AWFUL! Been using a maybelline brow pencil but there’s WAY too much red in the color to look remotely natural with my completely natural brownish-red hair!
Hmm, maybe Cork?
I hope you don’t mind me asking this question/I hope it hasn’t been asked too many times, but how do you manage to go to grad school and work on Temptalia at the same time? I’d like to know your secrets to time extending 🙂
Hi Mai,
I just stay really, really organized. I also have been doing both for three years now, so I’ve been able to figure out what works for me or I’ve learned to take better photographs faster – like I don’t spend hours photographing one thing any more, because I’ve learned how to work with the light I have at home or how to photograph this product or that product. It’s really about staying on top of everything and prioritizing what you need to do (or what you don’t have to do that day) — lots of post-its, to-do lists, and routine, routine, routine!
Hi 🙂
What’s the best matte near full coverage liquid foundation you’ve ever tried? 😀 x
MAC Full Coverage, lol! MUFE Mat+ Velvt is also pretty matte and medium coverage, not quite full.
Do you think you could review some bb Creams?
I don’t think I will be, sorry!
I use sunscreen almost everyday. However, if I wear liquid foundation on top of the sunscreen, would the foundation “delute” the sunscreen and make it ineffective?
Also, if I wear SPF 40 (my everyday Clarins sunscreen) in the morning, go to a windowless office for the day, and then go home (1 hour bus ride), do I need to apply before I leave the office for the day?
Nope, it shouldn’t! 🙂
No, you probably don’t need to reapply it — Renee Rouleau (skincare expert!) talked about it on her a blog a little awhile ago, and sunscreen breaks down from exposure to the sun, so if you’re inside for the most part, you should be fine.
Can you do a look featuring shu uemura lipstick pink 369?
You have so many beauty products–which ones are the ones you go through and purchase again?
Can you do a subtle smokey eye look, something not too intense but still smokey for like a summer evening.
Can you do a look featuring Mac pigment in Brash and Bold. I haven’t used it yet because I don’t know what to do with it! It’s so intense, it seems wrong on the eyes.
What’s the perfect pink summer lipstick that’s not a bold color?
Hi Sarah!
1.) I will try.
2.) To be honest, not many. It takes me a really long time to finish any product, and even if I do, I kind of move onto something new so I can try it and review it. I think the last product I repurchased was Kate Somerville ExfoliKate and Oil-Free Moisturizer.
3.) Have you seen these looks?
http://www.temptalia.com/look-smokey-eyes-in-silver-gray
http://www.temptalia.com/look-smokey-eyes-with-gray-and-silver
http://www.temptalia.com/look-vellum-and-mont-black-smoky-eye
http://www.temptalia.com/looks-deeper-smoky-eye-for-evening-out
4.) Brash & Bold was LE awhile ago, and I really try to not use older LE products (either what recently came out or permanent), sorry 🙁 I would use it on the outer lid myself, though.
5.) Creme Cup is nice!
Hi Christine! Hope your day’s treating you well. Just a question or two.
1. What do you think of the color pay off of Lancome’s eyeshadow quads, if you’ve tried/swatched any?
2. Is MAC your go-to brand for blushes? Even if it is, are there any other brands you favor as well?
3. What’s your favorite nude MAC lipstick/lipglass combo?
4. What do you like to do to relax? 🙂
Hi Ceriene,
I’m good, hope you are, too!
1.) I think they’re, in general, good! I really liked Spring’s quad.
2.) I like MAC for blushes, but my favorites are Guerlain and Dior. NARS and Smashbox also have good blushes.
3.) I like Honeylove with Nymphette.
4.) Play with Mellan & hang out with the boy!
Hi Christine!! I am MAC NW 20 with very pink undertones. I have blond hair and green eyes. I know that purples make green eyes stand out but I haven’t had much luck finding purples that don’t make me look like I have a black eye (MAC shale always does this to me) or are so bright they make my pale skin look ridiculous. Do you have any recommendations for purple eye shadows (preferably MAC) that I should try? Thanks so much!
Hi Sarah,
Have you tried MAC Digit, Beautiful Iris, or Parfait Amour?
If you have green eyes, the complimentary colour is red. So maybe try warm purples (red-based) like Hepcat or Plum Dressing. Burgundy colours would look nice too!
These colours might be a tad dark or dramatic (because you have blond hair) for your liking but check them out.
Oh, another red-based purple to try out is Stars N’Rockets! It has a pink duochrome so I don’t think it’ll give you a black eye look.
Maybe the reason why the purples are giving you a bruised look because it’s blue-based or has a greyish tint to it?
-what’s the best brush to use with studio sculpt foundation?
do you think that the eyeshadows in the holiday mac palettes are as -good as regular eyeshadows from mac?
-doo you know when the new design for palettes (with the creal lead) from mac are coming out?
thank you!!!
I like the 190 with Studio Sculpt, just because I find it a little thick to use with fluffier brushes.
Yes, I do think they’re as good 🙂
Nope, I haven’t heard anything concrete about the 15 pan palettes.
I told the person I buy from at MAC Pro that the MINUTE she hears about new palettes coming out she is to take a good handful of the old ones and set them aside for me! I’ll be damned if I’m going to re-buy all my palettes! (Do you have any idea what it would do to my brain if my palettes didn’t match? Oh, I don’t even want to think about it! LOL)
OMG DITTO. Like cool, clear palettes, but I don’t know. I like my black ones, so whatev! Plus, THAT’S WHAT I HAVE ALREADY. My OCD!
But I cry and tell myself that one day I do need to rearrange and separate LE from permanent… and the permanent can just go into the clear lids or vice versa.
i’ve thought about dividing them up but i think i like mine how they are (mixing le with perm). i also don’t have a TON of eyeshadows – enough to fill 5 or 6 palettes. i have dreams of owning all of macs perm shadows but i don’t know what i’d do with them if i did! lol i have most of the ones i want 🙂
(and i actually like the palettes as they are – i like the way they feel.) 🙂
I like them all black, because they camouflage the mess that is inside! It’s just never perfectly clean, so I feel like you’d end up with eyeshadow dust and the like on the clear lid! We shall see how it goes…
I think I am somewhere around 10 or 11 palettes, plus 50 or so eyeshadows I should depot!
LOL! That many eyeshadows totally calls for cocktails! I helped a friend depot about 30 eyeshadows last summer – By the time we were done I was pretty much out of my mind. It was fun but if I did it again there would be margarita’s involved. Hmmm… Sounds like fun. Need any help? Haha 😉
lol in my case, i have yet to purchase any 15 palettes, so i’m waiting until the new ones come out so i can start my depotting!
Hi Christine!
*NC20
*Combination oily skin
I’m looking for a tinted moisturizer because it’s tennis season and i’m always outside in the sun! I’ve tried Stila’s illuminating tinted moisturizer, but it’s just TOO “illuminating”.
What would you recommend? sorry if this sounds high-maintenance, but it needs SPF, since I’m outside a lot during the day.
Thanks so much for everything, you are my go-to beauty blogger!
Hi Melly,
I’d say go for a high SPF primer or moisturizer before you put on your tinted moisturizer — particularly since you’re out in the sun playing tennis vs. just walking to and from buildings. I recommend Kiehl’s or Korres!
hi christine, i was wondering if you could swatch the pro cream colour bases as i can not find any one else who has swatched them online. would be sooooo greatful as i do not have a pro store anywhere near me in england as there is only one that i know of here.
Sorry, I don’t get to the PRO store very often 🙁
no woris thought it would be worth askin as you swatch almost everything lolz
I have hazel eyes that appear mostly brown except when I’ve been crying or their bloodshot, then they’re a beautiful moss green mix with brown accents. I’ve tried pinks and purples, and reds and reds work ok, but I’m looking for something to really make the green pop. Can you reccomend anything (preferably avaliable at Sephora or MAC or even Canadian DS- but not super high end like dior or givenchy) e/s or e/l or something to achieve this? Thanks a bunch! (P.S. I love your blog I check obsessively everyday for new posts!)
Try purples like Parfait Amour and Beautiful Iris by MAC! 🙂
Thank you!!
I like the look (in theory) of bronzer on cheekbones and blush on the apples of the cheeks, but when I try to wear both it end up just looking like way too much cheek color. I am fair toned NC20 with dark brown eyes and light brown/blondish hair. I usually use Cargo medium bronzer and Benefit Coralista. I try to use a light hand, but then i feel the colors don’t show up.
Also, any tips on how to get blush to last all day? Mine disappears after a few hours (with primer) I’ve never been a fan of cream blush.
Thanks!
Hola from NYC,
Can you recommend any Pore minimizer’s ? I have large pores around my cheek area and I’m looking for a good one.
P.S. – I hate primers because I’m not a matte faced kinda gal. Gracias !!
You could try Clinique’s Pore Minimizer!
If you had to choose just one face brush and one eye brush (doesn’t have to MAC, it could be any brand) to use for the rest of your makeup wearing days, which ones would you choose and why?
Thank you! 🙂
239 for eye, 116 for face. I could just use tinted moisturizer and use my hands (’cause I love the 109 for foundation) 😉
I used to only own 1 239 brush and I did all my looks with it, so I know I could survive. The 116 is fluffy enough to use for blush, bronzer, or loose powder.
Hiya Christine
Really sorry if this comment duplicates but i got a big old error when I tried to submit my last one!
I really like MAC eyeshadows 🙂 I recently got into Retrospeck which looks totally boring in the pan but has a lovely soft sparkle when applied, are there anymore MAC eyeshadows like that, that you know of? That look all boring but have a lovely sheen/shimmer/sparkle/finish when applied? I like all colours the brighter the better 🙂 no worries if not!
Also pigmented lipglosses i know ive asked you this before and you recommended Make Up Forever but unfortunatley im in the UK and therefore no Sephore (how i love that shop when i visit Florida/NY), should i go with Illamasqua?
Thanks a million
Hi Rachael,
If you liked Retrospeck, you may also like Gleam, All That Glitters, and Honesty. 🙂
Yes, definitely Illamasqua – their Intense glosses are super, super pigmented!
I just have a couple of questions,
For reference I am very pale, NC15 in MAC which can sometimes be too dark. I have combination skin, so I get quite an oily t-zone and slightly dry cheeks.
I was wondering if you have a favourite exfoliator? I am looking for a new one that isn’t too harsh.
Also, I’m not sure if this is something you will be able to help with, but I might as well ask!
I have KP (Keratosis Polaris) on my cheeks, I’m really quite self concious about it, and I wanted to know if you (or anyone else) might have any suggestions as to how to conceal it or make it less obvious. Right now I use Studio Sculpt foundation, but I still feel like the redness and the little bumps are very obvious.
Thank you Christine. I love your blog!
Hey Caroline,
I like Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate, but I think it may be too harsh for your skin. You might like Philosophy’s Microdelivery which has very fine granules.
As far as your cheeks — you can counter redness with a green concealer or primer — for larger areas, I like to go with MUFE’s green Primer. That might help tone down some of the redness.
Thank you, Caroline!
Thank you!
I’ll make sure I check out those scrubs.
Gosh, I hadn’t even thought about a green primer. Duh! That was stupid of me, especially since I use green concealer on a little acne scarring I have. Woops. I’ll definitley look into the MUFE primer. I think concealer wouldn’t work as it is quite a large area, so it may look a little cakey.
Thank you for your recommendations, they’ve been really helpful.
Hi Christine, here’s my question:
Despite being into makeup for a couple years, I have yet to buy ANY MAC eyeshadows (I know!!!). Pretty soon I plan on making my first purchase (I’m thinking the x4 palette), and I was wondering what four eyeshadows you’d suggest as a good intro to the line.
(My favorite eyeshadow brands are Urban Decay (sans glitter) and MUFE, I’m not afraid of any color, and I’m definitely NW (probably 15 or 20, I’m very pale).
Hey Christina,
Since you’re into color and already have a good bunch of UD/MUFE, these aren’t necessarily to coordinate with each other but with else you own…
MAC Freshwater (blue)
MAC Sumptuous Olive (olive green)
MAC Bronze (bronze)
MAC Stars ‘n Rockets (duochrome purple)
What lip conditioner do you use ? xxxx
I just use Philosophy’s Intense Lip Therapy!
Hi Christine,
Have you tried the Buxom lash liner from Bare Escentuals? I want to know if this product is safe to use on your waterline. The one that I am talking about is the lash line enhancing and conditioning treatment.
Thanks!
I haven’t tried it,, sorry!
Hey Christine,
I was just wondering, I’m looking for a good exfoliator and also a good eye cream. I have combination skin and it’s also quite sensitive.
Thanks 🙂
I like Kiehl’s Rare Earth Cleanser and Kate Somerville ExfoliKate (but I think this would be too harsh on your skin). I don’t have any recs for a good eye cream, though.
Thanks, I have a Kiehl’s nearby, I’ll go there and check it out 🙂
Hi, Christine, I have light combination skin, black hair and dark eyes (parents from Taiwan). My perfect colour match is Clinique Superbalanced Makeup in Ivory, and a makeup artist told me I would be NC30 at MAC, but I haven’t tested this one yet. I want to buy the Korres Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 – I loved most of the 23 Korres makeup, body and skincare products I’ve tried so far, so I gladly read all your Korres reviews (and your NARS reviews, since this is my favourite makeup brand). I see that you use Honey Beige (#2) and I think I should use Light Sand (#1). Do you Light Sand would work for me? Many thanks in advance for your reply and all the best from Rio de Janeiro 🙂
yes, I think Light Sand would work for you 🙂
I was wonderin if you have get products form a web site called Brush111.com….the reviews tell that the Mac brushes are fake but I was interested in getting some eyeshadow sets and I wonder if the are also fake. Do ytou know?
No, I wouldn’t buy from there.
This is brilliant Christine…loads a questions.
Am NW20 with blue eyes and mid brown hair – blond highlights.
1. Love to wear MAC Dubbonet, Russian Red lipsticks but never know what e/s to pair them with.
2. Would love to experiment more with colour e/s but usually stick to browns or greys – Can you recommend any green or purples that would suit? Love MAC e/s! & really loving your website xx
3. Lastly love doing smokey eyes but usually stick to black – sometimes with Teal pigment over top – any other recommendations?! 🙂
Hi!
1.) Pair them with light neutrals (e.g. Ricepaper, Shroom), maybe winged black liner for a retro look. I always find neutrals pair so well with red lips!
2.) For greens, try Juxt and Humid! For purples, try Beautiful Iris and Parfait Amour.
3.) Ooh, try a smoky eye with PURPLE! 🙂 Like Vex over black is gorgeous!
Thank you!
Hello! This is my 1st comment. I’m from Brazil and I’m in love with your blog! Everything is soooo organized!!!
My question is… help me to buy good brushes! I need an eyesahow brush, a blush brush and a powder brush. The ones I have are not that good… Thanks in advance.
Hi Jessica,
You could try Sonia Kashuk or Eco-Tools for more affordable alternatives, otherwise… from MAC, I’d suggest the 239 (for eyeshadow), 116 (for blush), and 134 (for powder).
Thank you so much! Happy first comment!
Hello Christine! I love these sessions. They’re fun to read, so thanks for putting the time! 🙂
Could you please do some looks with MAC’s Up the Amp or maybe feature it in the Summer Season?
What do you use for your everyday makeup look?
One more quick question I love love love Nars Strada everytime I see it and swatch it on my finger in store but when I calculated the price per 0.01oz in comparison to other MU brands e/s the price per product is rediculous for the singles so I haven’t been able to push myself to spend the money without feeling guility. So my question is is there a cheaper dupe for strada out there? Will it look nice on my hazel eyes with NC15 skin? How would you recommend wearing it? Is it good quality? THanks for your time!
I can’t think of anything quite like it, to be honest, but I do think it would work with your skin tone. My concern over it would really just be fall out, to be honest. NARS + glitter = bad news. Strada is one of their better glittery shades, though… a very unique color, IMO.
Hello Christine! I love these sessions. They’re fun to read, so thanks for putting the time! 🙂
Could you please do some looks with MAC’s Up the Amp or feature it in the Summer Season?
What do you use for your everyday makeup look?
I will try to remember to use it sometime!
Just tinted moisturizer and maybe a coat of mascara 🙂
I have sensitive eyes. I wear contacts as well. I love lining my waterline but everytime I do, the product ends up on my contacts. I can only line my waterline half way and I have to stop. Do you have a product you recommend that is for sensitive eyes and waterline/contact safe? Come to think about it, sensitive eyes and waterline/contact safe might not even exist together…haha 🙁
Hey HC,
Aww! When I asked my eye doctor about it, he didn’t seemed concerned about eyeliner on the waterline with contacts (though I don’t have them myself, still wear glasses, I did ask!). What liner do you use?
I’d say maybe a waterproof liner like Almay’s pencil or a MAC fluidline might work.
Yeah I’m not too concerned putting products on my waterline but it ALWAYS gets ON my contacts causing a film of crap on my lens! 🙁
I’ve tried MAC fluidline, it’s too drying and it makes my eyes water.
I’ll give Almay’s pencil a go.
I also just picked up a new Bare Escentuals liner so hopefully that works? haha http://bareescentuals.com/Big%20Bright%20Eyeliner%20-%20Intense%20Black/mastereyepencil,default,pd.html?start=3&cgid=BE_EYES
🙁 I know the rule of thumb, too, is contacts before makeup so I’m stumped!
I know we have some contact-lens wearers… I hope they chime in 🙂
I tried the Bare Escentuals liner last night and so far so good. I left it on my waterline for an hour and it did NOT get on my contacts. That’s a good start. However, since the formula is not waterproof, it doesn’t last very long on the waterline. But umm, so far so good? lol
Hi HC,
Sorry to butt in! I wear contacts on a daily basis, (Mine are the one-day use kind, so they may be thinner/softer than ones that last longer), and I’ve had no trouble with using Make Up For Ever’s AquaEyes on my waterline. When it sets, it literally doesn’t budge, and in turn, it doesn’t wind up on your lens when you blink, etc.
If gunk is getting on your lens while you’re applying, maybe your eyeliner is too soft? (I don’t have this issue with AquaEyes) Or try looking up/away from your waterline (tilting your head down and looking up at a mirror), so that your lens is far enough from the waterline to avoid brushing against the tip of the eyeliner.
I hope this was helpful and that you find a solution that works for you. If waterlining still irritates your eyes while wearing contacts, it might be best for you to not do it altogether. 🙁 Safety first, since the wrong habits combined with contacts can seriously damage your eyesight/cornea.
Hi Christine, I can’t think of anyone else in the world who would be better for this question than you!
My skin: Dry/ Normal combination.
I’m on a mission to find the perfect foundation. In this month alone, I probably bought 5 different foundation in diff textures including mineral foundation.
But I just keep remembering back to MAC’S HYPER REAL FOUNDATION that came in a bottle which I just can’t seem to find anymore.
Do you know if I can still get this? Or can you recommend a few different types of foundation that would be comparable?
Thanks! xoxo
Hi Julia,
I think Hyper Real is PRO only now, so if you call the MAC PRO store (they all will ship to you for a flat rate of like $7!)!
Hi Christine,
I have a few questions for you but I totally understand if you don’t have time to answer all of them. Background on me is I have very pale oily skin with extremely pale blue gray eyes (pale enough to where people have asked if I have some kind of condition or if I’m wearing contacts) & naturally golden red hair though I haven’t seen that color since I was 14 and am currently working toward platinum blonde.
1st question is I’m having trouble finding a foundation. MAC is too dark for me, I’m currently using NARS sheer glow in Siberia and that is just a touch too dark but it will do for now as long and I apply it sheer and blend well. I was wondering if you would have any recommendations of something lighter but not pink under toned those all then to look like I’ve blended calamine lotion on my face? Have tried and are too dark: Revlon color stay & photo ready in two lightest, all almost all the Mac foundations in NC15, MUFE HD # 117 (the other colors were too pink)& Illamasqua # 105 & 120 (105 looked good blended except it was way too pink).
2nd is I’m also looking for a nude lipstick that’s pale enough to give and almost erased lip look on my super pale skin but I don’t just want to erase them with concealer because would like then to still have a sheen.
3rd is how do you decide which blush and lip color to pair with your eye looks? I just can’t figure this one out for the life of me and I feel like I sometimes pick things that don’t go especially because I really love to wear intense blush looks despite my paleness. For example I love MAC’s dirty plum blush but I don’t know what to pair with it. Any ideas?
Sorry this was so long & thank you so much!
Hi Kristina,
1.) Wow, you are very, very light! You might want to try CoverFX – I think E0 might work for you.
2.) MAC Fleshpot (PRO) or MAC Myth might work.
3.) For me, it’s mostly experience. I’ve just found I like certain pairings better than others — I love coral blushes/lips with blue, green, and teal eyes; pink/plu blushes/lips with pink and purple eyes; anything with neutral eyes. For Dirty Plum, I’d go with maybe a light pink on the eye but still pretty neutral and a berry lip.
Thank you!
Thank you so much Christine! I never even thought of CoverFX, I always walk right past them every time I’m in Sephora. I’m going to buy myth on Thursday when I go in to get Pret-A-Papier
PS I am going to be taping your advice to the wall in my bathroom so I will remember what to do when I’m half awake and trying to get ready in the mornings.
LOL!
That is so sweet 🙂
Hi Christine! I love looove your blog! It’s so helpful! Can’t wait for the new mac collection swatches!
My question isn’t particularly beauty related. You mentioned a few times in answers here that you’re very organized and that helps you balance temptalia and school. Could you give any organization tips that you find useful? Thank you!
Hi Yuliyah,
I make to-do lists a lot. I find they help me sort out what I need to get done and when 🙂 I also try to keep things where they belong so I don’t waste time looking for them!
why do you hardly have new mac collection updates anymore you use to have them all the time.
We have all information posted until end of July? I don’t think there’s anything left to report on until July!
Hi Christine I use MAC Mineralize foundation and was wonder what tinted moisturiser you would recommend for everyday use. I use shades NC35 or NW30 I think the NW shade looks better then the NC but that was the shade given to me at the counter. Also what colors would you recommend to use with MAC mythology just bought and really love the color thanks so much
Hi Araceli,
I like Kiehl’s or Korres for Tinted Moisturizer! 🙂
I’d pair it with Amber Lights and Bronze!
Hi Christine! I never remember to write down my questions but here goes one at the to of my head! I use Eve Pearl’s salmon concealer, just wondering the best way to apply it so it looks smooth? Only recently it has had a powdery look yet I feel I’ve been putting on less 🙂
Also, have you tried Eve Pearl’s salmon concealer in the pot? It is only a bit more in cost but almost double the net weight. Is there any difference between the two aside from that? Any benefits to one over the other?
Thanks a lot for doing this and for your time!! 🙂 Have a great day!
just to verify for my first question, I use a small concealer brush to apply it and then a sponge to buff/blend it out. I then use a powder to set it. Thanks 🙂
Hey Teresa,
Hm, that is weird. I use a sponge or the 217 brush (by MAC)! I haven’t tried the one in a pot, just the one in the compact! I don’t think there are any differences, though.
Thank you!
Hi Christine! 🙂 Im building up my MAC neutrals palette and I want to know what colors would you recommend?
Im a NC37/C4 just for reference :)Thanks!
I like…
Ricepaper, Nylon, Gleam, Romp, Bronze, Amber Lights, Soft Brown, Wedge, Cork, Omega, Malt!
Satin Taupe!!
I am having a serious foundation HG search. I seemed to have tried so many, and none quite hit the bar for me. I’ve tried (plus my issues with them):
MUFE HD: never seems to sink in, just sits there looking heavy and cakey
Neutrogena healthy glow: is beautiful, but likes to sink into my pores too much, leaving my nose looking like a dalmation
Lancome photogenic lumescense( or whatever it is called): is my favorite of all, but it doesn’t have the best staying power…only a few hours
Revlon colorstay: never looks good on my skin, maybe because my skin is too dry, but it just doesn’t sink in, always very uneven and accentuates my dry spots
MUFE face and body: another of my favorites, but again, the staying power kind of sucks
I think that is it. I know that was a lot of info, and I”m sorry, just wanted to make sure you had all the ‘facts’ before recommending one for me. My skin is very very dry, and what I want to cover is redness (I have rosacea) and some acne scaring on my chin (which is normal, not dry)
Ok, done.
Thanks again, for everything that you do!
No, no, it was really helpful to know what you’ve tried and more importantly, why it didn’t work well for you!
Did you use a primer under any of them? A primer and/or setting powder may help prolong the wear of the ones you do like. You may also like Lancome’s Enduring Divine & Comfortable Makeup – supposed to last for 14-hours!
Thank you, Jillian!
Thank you so much for getting back to me! I often feel so frustrated, because I have tried so many people’s HG foundations which everyone seems to rave over.
Have you tried the lancome one you suggested? Lancome is really good about samples, so hopefully I can get a few to try out.
Thanks again for all your help!!! You’re my favorite! 🙂
I haven’t, but when I was trying to see if any of the major brands had some standout foundations, I came across that one! 🙂
Well, I”m seeing some seriously good reviews on it, so I will try it out for sure! Thanks again for all your help!
For long lasting eyeliner, do you prefer MUFE or UD?
MUFE lasts a bit longer on the waterline than UD, but they last the same on my lash line.
1)is mac date night dazzleglass a good dupe for mac little vi lustreglass?
if not, could you recommend a good one? preferably mac, but other brands too.
2)what color mac blush would be suit NC15-NC20 skin? soft & subtle – nothing too bold.
thank you!
Hi Kate,
1.) It is a pretty good dupe 🙂
2.) Peachykeen, Margin, and Tenderling!
Hi,
I am 23 from uk and have a fair complexion with slight red undertones to my skin. I am looking for a blusher that is long lasting but also make me glow and suit my colouring. I like the idea of nars orgasm but I am not quite sure. What would you recommend?
Hi Ruth,
You may like NARS Sin or Taos a bit more with your coloring! 🙂
HI!
Ok so just 2 questions,
first: What do you recommend as a decently priced eye cream, Im noticed small wrinkles and dark circles under my eyes but not too excited to spend $50 on an eye cream.
And second: Do you have any tricks for symmetry? For example.. I have being doing cat eyes for many many years (kind of my trademark) but I still havent got gotten them to be symmetrical. Close, but not perfect. Any advice?
THANKS! YOUR AMAZING!
Hi Lindsey,
1.) I don’t have any recs, unfortunately! I haven’t found anything that has shown me a noticeable change 🙁
2.) You know, if you’ve been doing it for years, I don’t think there’s anything that will help you other than perhaps steadying your elbow on the side you feel less confident on or really scrutinizing the shape of your eyes to see if they’re asymmetrical to begin with so perhaps you can adjust accordingly!
Thanks!
im nc35. what lipgloss (mac and drugstore) would be paired best wit the lady gaga lipstick? thnanks
Try MAC Nymphette or Cultured! For drugstore, try NYX Chandelier.
Hi Christine! I love your site and all the reviews you share.
I use NW43 foundation and am on the hunt for a nice everyday lip color. I am also looking for a brighter more shimmery color for the evening wear. Any recommendations? I prefer MAC lipsticks but find their glosses a bit sticky (if there’s any wind my hair gets all stuck in the gloss).
Thanks in advance and all the best on your exams! 🙂
Hi Nisha,
Try Spirit or Strength for a more everyday lip color, New York Apple or Rebel for something brighter 🙂
Thank you!
Hi Christine,
Eyeliner! What should I use? I’ve tried rimming my eyes in all-black before but felt it looked too harsh. I’m Asian with teh monolids, and with (I think) NC20 skin. Should I try a different colour (I recently bought Maybelline Eyestoppers in Pewter), or different technique – i.e. don’t line the lower lash line, or just partway, or use different colours on the upper lash and lower lash lines? I’m open to anything. Any recs for a mechnical eyeliner would be great too (don’t want to bother with sharpening!). I’m a MAC fan, but open to other brands.
Also: should I use liquid eyeliner? I’ve swatched some brands while at Sephora and felt it would look too dramatic. Is that the only time to use liquid eyeliner?
Thanks!
Hey Lin,
Have you tried just lining the outer upper and lower lash lines or just the top line? Sometimes doing both (particularly in the same color) can close up the eye. I think that might help!
Nah, you can definitely use liquid liner during the day — it’s really how you wear it, what you wear it with. If you just do a thin line on the upper lash line and nowhere else, it won’t be too much.
I’m a monolid too! Definitely do NOT rim your entire eye unless you want them to look smaller.
I prefer to just do my upper lash line with a little wing or I do a cat eye that goes from upper lash line to half way of my lower lash line (makes eyes look bigger).
For colour, brown is more suitable for everyday but you could try brown-black maybe?
What are your opnion about Mac’s prep + prime lip?
Thank you.
It’s okay – doesn’t really do much for me!
Hello!
Skin tone: NC30
Skin type: Oily
Hair and eyes: Brown
1. I’m looking for an eyeshadow combination that will be good for school/work with my skin tone.
2. I’m also looking for a lipstick recommendation that is good for school/work.
3. I don’t tan that easily so I stay quite fair in the summer. I’m looking for a bronzer that will go well for me.
4. I would also like a recommendation of tinted moisturizers.
Thank you so much!
Hi Diane,
1.) Try a light, slightly shimmery shade all over the lid (like Ricepaper, Shroom, Vanilla) with a darker, medium brown in the crease/outer lid (like Soft Brown, Espresso, Cork, Wedge, etc.) — put a highlighter on the brow bone and done! You can always mix it up by adding more darkness to the crease or using a light, softer shimmery shade that’s colored (like Goldmine) to brighten, too.
2.) Sweetie and Brave are nice!
3.) I’d say try MAC’s Refined Golden!
4.) Korres Honey would be a good match for you, and it has a more matte finish, which will work well with your oily skin!
Most foundation makes me look cakey and that is because i have dry cheeks. Also when i use a foundation that doesn’t make me look cakey, it becomes cakey when i apply powder/blush. I know i have dry patches but i don’t know how to get rid of them. I use the clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion and i use exfoliater such Loreal pefect clean foaming gentle scrub, ocean salt from lush and St.Ives Apricot Scrub. The products that i used doesn’t seems to work nomore.
I know i should avoid powder products, but even when i don’t apply any makeup i still have those dry rough patches which feels horrible.
So my question is how do i get rid of dry patches on my cheeks(under my eyes)?
My skin is combination, i have a oily nose, dry cheeks and the rest is normal.
Hi Tiffany,
I would try looking for a really, really thick, moisturizing cream and use it as a spot treatment on your cheeks and see if it helps give them the moisture they need. You could also be over exfoliating — how often are you exfoliating?
i exfoliate whenever i feel like it, maximum twice a week or sometimes i don’t even do it. however i do use the scrublet (that came with a loreal product) to cleanse my face with my cleanser.
Thank you for the advise. next time when i go shopping i definitely look for a very thick cream. ^.^
Hey Christine… I have brown hair, brown eyes, and light skin tone. However, I have freckles and my face has no problem getting tan in the summer. I’m looking for an everyday lip color. Could you suggest a higher-end brand and a drugstore brand?
Also.. I’m getting married in June. What do you suggest for the perfect wedding day makeup that looks natural but yet won’t leave me looking washed out in pics?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Michelle,
You might like MAC Sweetie lipstick / Maybelline Warm Me Up.
I like a satiny/lightly shimmered champagne shade on the lid with a medium matte brown in the outer lid/crease, with perhaps just a smidgen of darker brown to add depth to the crease. Natural lashes and a hint of eyeliner (waterproof of course!). For cheeks, something soft like a peach, coral, or pink. I’d make lips a nice coral or deeper pink.
Oh sorry i forget to write that i live in the UK. And i don’t know the time difference so it might not be 20th april.
hi christine!
can you tell me which eyeshadows from MAC’s permanent and/or PRO lines are duochromes? from what i have seen, the only e/s with “duochrome” in the description is crystal. are there others? and which ones are they? i adore this finish and am dying to collect~
thank you so much ^^
Club, Expensive Pink, Gorgeous Gold, Hush, Motif, Parfait Amour, Seedy Pearl, Stars ‘n Rockets, Vapour, Vellum, Vex
First, good evening 🙂
I’m searching for a new mascara. Usually I use drugstore ones, but, if any of them are good I wanted to try a MAC one. If none is really good, I just want your advice on any mascara I should try.
As for skin, even if there I don’t think it matters, i’m really light.
As I’m a bit goth, I like dramatic make up and dark ones, so I like mascaras that make long thick dark lashes. So would you have any recommendation for me?
Oh and I love my MAC “London life” lipstick and i’m searching for the perfect lip liner for it, what color should I take?
Thank you for your blog and everything you do for us !
Hi Hinahon,
1.) I like MAC Plushlash 🙂 It’s one of my favorite mascaras, period!
2.) For London Life, maybe Red Enriched, though I don’t think anything by MAC works, and nothing by MUFE seemed to look right either 🙁
Thank you!
hi Christine. First of all, just wanted to say i love your site! Im NC25, oily, brown hair, hazel eyes. Im actually looking for a really good blush and foundation brush.
I already have the 187 and 188. I love the 187 but i find its too big to get into the little nooks and crannies on my face. The 188 i find too flimsy and takes a while to apply foundation.
I was thinkign of the following: either
109, 130, or sonia kashuk flat top synethetic
i want something that gives an airbrushed look but doesnt take forever for foundation. same with blush. thanks!
Hi Mary,
Thanks!
I prefer the 109 🙂 It’s my favorite for foundation!
o.k. I have a question, Can you do a review of the Make up forever 12 color flash case? I’m thinking of investing in it but would like various opinions first. Please anyone answer me!!! How do you use it? how’s the consistancy? is it really worth the hype and the money?
Thanks to you all ladies!
I will try, Kathie!
Hi Christine! What is your opinion on the viva glam I and II lipsticks? Is Viva Glam I similar to lady bug or russian red?
Thank you!
Lurve VG I! VG II is nice, too. All the VGs are very wearable and universal. VG I is not like either of those — it’s a really retro red!
Whats a good mac blush for NC25 skin, brown eyes, black hair.
Also what are some good eyeshadows,lipglass, lipstick
Margin, Sunbasque, Ambering Rose
Here’s a good list with recs — http://www.temptalia.com/best-eyeshadows-lipglosseslipsticks-blushes-for-medium-skin
I love this blog Christine!
I’m an NW20 in MAC Studio Tech, 115 in MUFE HD, but N3 in MAC Studio Fix Powder (go figure).
I’ve always been a pink/plum/berry blush kinda girl, but suddenly I want to branch out to apricots/corals/peaches, and have no idea where to start! Can you recommend non-shimmery coral, peach and/or apricot powder blushes that won’t look like bronzer, or too orange on me? For instance, I’m loving the way Instant Chic looks on the model in the promo pic for Pret a Papier, but I doubt that Instant Chic would actually look like that on me. I love MAC and MUFE, but NARS and Smashbox would be good too.
Thanks so much for answering our questions!
Hi Anna,
Try Illamasqua Expose (peach), Lover (apricot), … MUFE #69 (apricot), #24 (apricot)! MAC Peaches should be a peachy matte blush as well.
Thank you!
Christine,
Can you make a swatches (on lips) MAC´s speak louder?
Thanks.
I will try! Thanks!
I will try, Marta!
Hi Christine,
I just posted this question yesterday in your Lancome Matte lipstick Part 1″ post, but since there is this Ask Temptalia post now, I figured it’d be easier for you to see.
I am wondering how Lancome’s Pink Preview and Love it! lipsticks compare shade-wise? Is one more blue based than the other? Which one is more wearable?
I am a NC25 with dark hair (I’m asian), and I sometimes have trouble wearing colours that are too cool. Which one do you think would be better?
Thanks very much.
Hey Angie!
Just answered it, LOL! I work from oldest to newest but saw this come in, so here’s the answer just copied and pasted…
Hey Angie,
I would say Pink Preview is a smidgen cooler, and it’s also a bit lighter. It obviously has a different texture, and it is more opaque. Love It is more wearable, I’d say!
I think Love It would be better for your skin tone!
Hi Christine,
Another question for you: I have quite pigmented lips, and lipsticks turn out darker for me than on your lip swatches. Because of that, I have trouble wearing pale lip colours. I’m wondering what would be a good way to get the true lipstick colour to show? So far I’ve been putting foundation under my lipstick, but is there a better way? Maybe a nude lipliner first? Or what do you suggest?
Thanks again!
Hey Angie,
Yes, a nude or lighter-than-your-lip liner could work — they all basically work the same as a foundation would. Liner might be a little more comfortable! MAC’s new Chromagraphic pencils might be nice for that purpose.
Hi Christine!
I have pretty oily skin (30 min after just moisturizer I start to see shine). I was wondering what you suggest is a good primer for oily skin?
I’ve tried so many different primers: Smashbox Photo Finish Light, Bare Escentuals Prime Time, MakeUp ForEver, Kate Spade, MAC Prep +Prime, Cover FX Skin Prep (kind of controlled oil, but chin still got really oilY), Perfekt Skin, Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Velvet Touch Primer(Sephora MUA told me this works like a dream…but it didn’t work as well as I thought).
I purchased the Urban Decay De-Slick in a Tube yesterday…not sure if that one will work.
Some of the primers were okay…but I don’t know why my chin gets oily the most/fastest. Maybe it’s just my skin..? Or my face wash? Or moisturizer? I use Clinique’s Different Moisturizing Gel (used it ever since HS)~ maybe I need a change?
Thanks for helping!
Whew, you have tried quite a bit! I would suggest Cosmedicine’s Medi-Matte… I think De-Slick should work, though… Let me know how it goes!
If your chin feels really oily, it could be that your skin is being stripped in the cleansing process somehow. (From what I’ve read, if your oily skin gets too dry it will compensate by producing more oil!)
Only one question, can you recommend a true burgundy eyeshadow? I have MAC’s Cranberry, but its too red to be burgundy. I really want burnt burgundy pigment but I have to go to the mainland to get to the pro store!
Thanks! When you describe the weather I always get jealous (like on twitter). I live on the west coast, but in canada, and we have like 10 C and thats not cold! Have a great day! 😀
Hey Nadine,
Do you have Sketch? I’d say either Sketch or Beautymarked. I don’t have Burnt Burgundy pigment (I could swear it wasn’t eye safe — I don’t usually buy pigments that aren’t, lol!).
OMG, 10C!!
I have beauty marked, but find its kinda black more, but I’ll try sketch. I’m not sure about Burnt Burgundy and eye-safe-ness.
Can I also say how AWESOME it is that you are so accessible! Like, you’ve responded to HUNDREDS of comments. You answer every question even though it may be a repeat (and many are!) with happiness. You are an incredible person! 😀
It is an honor to be looked upon for advice, and it is truly a pleasure to be able to help in whatever way I can 🙂
Thank you!
What is a good product to use for highlighting? I am medium skin toned
I like Dior SkinShimmers!
are you working on an iphone app? i would love to have temptalia with me all the time!
Maybe! 🙂
I second that notion!!! Pretty please!!!???
You sneeky girl… I went on temptalia.com with my iPhone last night and it worked well! Christine, you must have done something to set that up!! It’s soooooooo cool I love it!!!
Aw, we put up the mobile version a couple of weeks ago 🙂
Love your blog! Just wondering how you pair your lips with a look… I never know how to match a dark, nude, red, coral or whatever lipstick with what eyes. I figured a neutral eye makes more sense to be paired with a bolder lip, but once i throw on some color i’m a bit lost.
Thanks so much!
Hi Marie,
For me, it really was a lot of experimentation and learning over the years. I’ve just found certain combos/pairings that work for me and go from there. I tend to match lips to either the cheeks or eyes in terms of warm/cool. Since I’m warmer, I can do all warm, or I can do a combination of cool/warm areas but not all cool (it’ll make me look dead!). I like blues, greens, and teals with corals, peaches, and nudes. I like pinks and purples with pinks, lilac, purple, and hot pink. I like neutrals with everything, but I especially find it works well with darker and brighter shades.
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Christine, thanks for such a great site and for offering these Q&A sessions!!
I’m a MAC NW25 and I’m looking for:
1) a pinky-peach/coral lipstick and or lipglass to give me a polished summer look
2) a coraly blush to give me a hint of color…i read that you might suggest Peaches in earlier comments, I checked the website and it’s listed as “SOLD OUT.” Is it a permanent color that will be back in stock??
3) a good non-orange bronzer. I’ve really only tried a Rimmel one and UD Backed and I didn’t “love” either
I like MAC mostly, but I’m open to other brands that Sephora carries. Also, I’m willing to wait for the Beach collection that comes out in May. There looks like some pretty colors in there.
Thanks!!!
Hi Melissa,
1.) Try Crosswires lipstick / Lychee Luxe lipglass — to lighten Crosswires, layer Nymphette on top instead!
2.) Try Peachykeen or Springsheen for a more coral-y blush. Peaches is permanent!
3.) Try Smashbox’s Bronze Lights!
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Christine,
Love your site!
Ok, I really like MUFE HD foundation, however, I found that it makes my naturally oily skin (oily in the t-zone) look WAY more oily after awhile. I have found that by using a primer it seems to combat the problem, but I don’t always like having that much on my face. Have you tried MUFE matte foundation? Any recommendation for liquid foundations that control oil? I am MUFE 140 btw.
Thanks!
I’ve tried their Mat+ Velvet foundation, and I did like it — it’s very smooth and offers great coverage. It’s a bit heavier than HD, but it’s very, very matte (great for oily skin!).
Hi Christine!!
My first question is about brown eyeliner. Okay so I am very very fair ( around NC10) and I have ligh light blonde hair, and light blue eyes. I always wear black liner on my upper lashline, and sometimes on my waterline but, I find that since I wear a lot of black it makes me look like I am gothic or something!! I want a liner that i can wear on my top lashline that is darker but doesn’t make me look dead or like I want to hurt someone, and one for my waterline that is soft and will replace the black. Thanks so much!!
Hey Meagan,
Have you thought about trying something that’s black-brown or even using a pencil liner on your upper lash line? (I’m not sure if you are or if you’re using a gel/cream/liquid.)
what time is it where you are???
It is 1:35pm!
Hi! Do you think that one really ever gets too “old” to wear shimmery shadows? I am 45 and LOVE to wear shimmery eyeshadows, and my mom is 73 and she still likes them too. We wear them tastefully, never over the top. I always hear people say that after a certain age, you should wear matte shadows, but I still love me some shimmer ! Thanks……….
Whatever makes YOU happy, do it! If you love shimmer, do it! I know that from what I’ve seen/read, it’s more about that shimmer can accentuate fine lines, wrinkling, etc. so that’s why they recommend matte or satin shades.
Hi Christine,
I was just wondering if making your own tinted moisturizer would be as great as an actual tinted moisturizer, such as the Laura Mercier one. Is there really any difference? If no, could you recommend a method to make your own tinted moisturizer please?
Thanks so much!
Hey Sasha,
The difference is that it is a little bit lighter, but if you use a loose or mineral foundation into your moisturizer, it’s much like however your moisturizer feels. Personally, I prefer purchasing it, because I don’t have to worry about how much foundation and moisturizer (what proportions) I need – so much faster just to have it already made.
I would recommend using loose or mineral foundation and MEASURING! so perhaps you can make one big ol’ match or just know you need one teaspoon of foundation for a dab of moisturizer. You can mix it in your hands for one-time use or use a sample jar or empty jar for a cleaner approach.
Just wondering what colours you’d reccomend for a redhead with very pale skin? Open to any brands 🙂 …. Thankyouuu
Try greens and champagne golds 🙂
Can you please review Amazing concealer? Everyone raves about it and your reviews are the best!
I just bought it, so I will try to review it soon! (But I’m currently testing theBalm’s Time Balm!)
Woah! I didn’t know MAC made a 189! What does it look like??
It’s like a bigger version of the 190, but it’s way thicker, more fluff to it, but not REALLY fluffy.
Hi!
Could you please recommend a good pencil for waterline? I have Mac’s smolder, but it doesn’t have a good staying power, and I end up looking like I’ve been crying, smudgy.
Thanks!
Try Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes!
I agree!!! By far the BEST eyeliner for the waterline (I’ve tried many). Im a MAC girl, but this one is the best. It also comes in colours that other companies rarely have!
I have combination skin with clogged pores in the unforgiving t-zone areas. I have my skin regimen basically down except for the dark circles part! I use PTR Mega Rich eye cream but they don’t seem to help circles. I haven’t tried any other products and when I find one I think I’ll like (like Fresh Lotus Gel) there are so many contradictory reviews, I don’t try it. Thoughts?
Also, I am only 23 but see “11” appearing on my forehead. I use Philosophy Help Me to reduce the wrinkling. Any other ideas? I was considering Botox but am scared..
Hey Christy,
Sometimes dark circles are hereditary, so there may be not be a miracle cure for it. The standard advice is, of course, eat healthier, drink more water, and get more sleep. A good concealer also helps! 🙂
I try to read the reviews it has – what are the contradictory reviews really saying? What didn’t work for that person? Then I look at the positive reviews and figure out what kind of skin they had and what “worked” for them.
Just sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen… oh, and don’t worry about it so much! Too much worrying will definitely age you a bit 🙂
Why do you think Dirty Greasepaint Stick by MAC is such a big deal? I have a few and I think they are great, but this Dirty one people are going nutty over.
I don’t really know why, but it’s probably just the shade — it’s gray, but yet not black, it’s gray but yet kind of brown. It’s taupe and pewter and dark. Kind of like Smoke & Diamonds is so coveted.
I mean, heck! I definitely didn’t see Ripe Peach being the superstar it was… but wow!
What is the purpose of the chromographic pencils that are in the Pret-a-Papier release?
You can use them on the lash line/waterline to brighten, you could use it to mute your natural lip color, maybe as a base…
I love Bobbie Brown foundation (both skin and the cream compact) in Warm Ivory. But it is so expensive! Any recommendations for a good dupe? Thanks!
Hey Carole,
Hmm, I don’t think I could suggest anything better than either of those at that much of a cheaper price. The only thing that comes to mind is perhaps Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse…
Hi, Christine! I love your website! I am going to be 50 next month but told I look much younger. I have shoulder length shagged medim brown hair, dark brown eyes and I am very fair. I wear MAC Studio Fix N4 every day, and use Blot Powder Light. I can’t wear most pink/mauve shadows because they make me look too tired and I can’t wear too many golds/corals because I look too yellow. Certain browns make me look washed out. What can you suggest as an every day look for me, blush and eye shadow? Also, can you suggest pink, brown, coral shades that would work?
Hi Karen,
Happy early birthday, Karen! 🙂
For an everyday look, I’d say try Ricepaper on the lid, Soft Brown on the outer lid, and Espresso in the crease then use a blush like Peaches on the cheek. If you just want a wash of color, Ricepaper alone will do the trick!
For pinks, try perhaps cooler pinks like Sweeten Up and Hush. For browns, try Soft Brown, Cork, Wedge, Satin Taupe, and Espresso. There aren’t really any coral eyeshadows, hm!
Thanks so much, Christine! Visiting the MAC counter @ Macys tomorrow!
Not sure if this was asked, I’m far too lazy to read everything! My question is: How do you remove facial makeup/sunscreen without cleansing? I work out evenings, and I don’t want to have to cleanse before and after working out – would be overkill for my sensitive skin. Are cleansing oils the best choice? Preferably something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and that lasts a good long while!
Hey Ashley,
You can use a makeup removing wipe! I use shu’s cleansing oil to remove makeup, but it still does cleanse my face, too. I don’t find it drying or anything – so it might be OK to do before and after working out.
Oh! Oh! I’ve been saving this one up! Here’s your question:
You’re awesome.
Oh wait…
I think I misunderstood the assignment.
Dusty 🙂
LOL!
Thank you, Dusty! Not a single question? I’m shocked 😉
hmmm… nope i got nothin 🙂 but i still wanted to participate! this is one of my favorite postings you do 🙂 love it!
Have you tried any of these products?? The concept is cool! But idk if I want to spend that much on a brand I haven’t heard anything about! http://www.ellisfaas.com/index.php
Hey Vanessa,
I have… I have not yet reviewed because I haven’t completed testing. It’s a very natural line… in the sense that the colors are flattering and neutral – they’re not bright or bold or in-your-face. The whole concept is interesting as well, but if you’re a powder person, this is going to be an odd venture, lol!
Hi Christine! Thanks for doing this!!!
I was wondering if you liked UD Surreal mineral makeup, and if so, would you recommend nirvana for NC 20? I typically hate mineral makeup and am looking for a good one.
Also, I was wondering what tinted moisturizers that you have tried have the heaviest coverage ( I have acne and Roscea…such a party!)
Lastly, what higher end hairdryer do you like? I want to get my hair straight by blowdrying only..sick of the fla t iron! if such a thing exists:)
Thanks so much! I love your site, and check it everytime I’m on the comp!!
Hi Daria,
I’d go with Illusion for NC20. If you are a little on the darker side of NC20, Nirvana could work. It’s definitely one of those, though.
Korres and Lancome have had the best coverage so far!
I like T3!! My love.
Thank you!
Hi!
I attend high school, i i rarely break out, but when i do, it is usually one pimple that is very red in my t-zone. I always try to conceal it, and by 3rd period, the concealer is gone! I also need suggestions for a good even moisturizer/foundation- i just got back from Florida and have no matching foundations. Thanks!
Hi Nicole,
Try using a primer and/or a setting powder to keep the concealer in check 🙂 I like tinted moisturizer – I’d suggest Kiehl’s or Korres – for evening out the skin with some moisturizing qualities.
Hi Christine I love these sessions thank you.
Can you recommend an affordable facial cleanser and exfoliator that I can use daily (not the exfoliator of course) my skin has been acting up and I think its because my cleanser is not removing all my makeup. I feel like my face has makeup buildup (gross). I can use anything my skin is tough as steel I’ve never broken out with anything.
I also have normal skin with no issues
Hi Diana,
Neutrogena Gentle Scrub… Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser!
However, when it comes to removing makeup… Neutrogena’s Makeup Removing Towelettes are good to make sure you’ve removed it all!
Hi Christine,
I think your blog is fabulous. A couple questions what would you recommend for a day time mosturizer with SPF I have pale Skin NW20? Also is there a bronzer you could recommend that wont make me look dirty? Sorry do you know of a mac colour that could dupe for mac deckchair pigment? Thanks so much for your time 🙂
Hi Jenna,
Thank you!
1.) You could try Clinique Superdefense, which has a nice SPF 25 in it.
2.) Hmm, have you tried Smashbox Bronze Lights in Sunkissed Matte?
3.) The closest dupe I think would be Gleam eyeshadow.
One more question…
what do you think is the PERFECT everyday MAC color..
fair, medium, and dark skin tones!
thanks!
LOL! Like just a single eyeshadow? Probably Ricepaper…
Hi Christine:
1. I’m still not sure what MAC’s NC/NW means. Can you explain?
2. Have you ever tired MAC’s Splashproof mascara? Can you recommend a waterproof mascara?
3. Can you recommend a waterproof (or tear-resistant) eyeliner? I prefer MAC if possible.
Thank you!!
Hi Joanna,
1.) Think of NC as Not Cool and NW as Not Warm. Anything else is just confusing!
2.) I haven’t! At least, I don’t think so. I might have it kicking around, but I can’t remember buying it… I like Maybelline Full ‘n Soft in Waterproof. Not so much crunch with it!
3.) Liquidlast liner is like… RIDICULOUS in its long-wearing-ness. For pencil, MUFE Aqua Eyes.
Awesome – thanks so much!
Hey Christine, thank you so much for doing another session, they’re much appreciated!
I was looking for a good nude nail polish for NW20 skin. Everything I’ve tried always has too much peach in it. I’ve tried Sally Hansen Peachy Keeb, OPI Malaysian Mist, Sally Hansen Quick Sand. Now I’m just nervous to buy because the color always looks so different in the bottle! Any help is absolutely appreciated!
Hm, Maybe Borghese Botticelli Nude?
Hi Christine,
I was wondering if you have ever tried UD pigments? If so, how did you like/dislike them?
Thank you!
I’ve tried a few — they’re nice, but they’re VERY VERY VERY expensive. Which is why I totally bought all 12 that were on HauteLook this morning!
LOL, I just bought 11 of them as well (ugh I missed smog because of the time limit!). I wanted to wait for your answer but I know that pigments are very versatile so I got impatient and purchased them. I didn’t want to miss out on that great deal!
Thank you for replying!
LOL! Yeah, $5 a pop is too good to miss out on!
Question #2
For an oily T-zone, which of the two do you think is a better oil control technique…
A)having a really good moisturizer and/or primer or
B)having a good setting power and touching-up throughout the day?
Or both A & B?
Thank you!
Hi Mirna,
I’d probably go with a mattifying primer over just a powder, but if you’re *really* oily, I would do both.
DO YOU KNOW IF OR WHEN THE MAC 226 BRUSH WILL COME OUT AGAIN??
Hi Christine,
I was wondering what I am doing wrong? Sometimes my questions just sit on your website without a response..
Hey Abbie — I just answered yours. I have about 100 Qs to answer still! We were having some server trouble so I had to spend a couple of hours dealing with that, unfortunately, which has caused a bit of a slower response time than I’d like!
OOOPS!! Looks like my question was answered when I was writting this. SOOORRYY!
Thanks so much. I am so glad you have this website. Some of my other questions were already answered!!
No worries! 🙂
Hi christine! I have two questions today (I always miss the Ask Temptalia Sessions because of shool LOL! And I wrote what I’ve been wanting to ask you 🙂 )…
1. Do you know if the MAC 226 brush is going to be launched anytime soon? I NEED it!
2. I don’t have NARS here in Mexico and I really really want to try NARS Sheer Glow foundation, so I have to buy it online but I don’t know wich tone I am in NARS. Can you help me? I’m between MAC NC30 and NC35.
Thank you! 🙂
I’m so glad you got a chance to ask today, Abril! 🙂
1.) I haven’t seen anything about it, but I expect it will. I know artists used it at NYFW in February, and they made mention of it in the face charts, so I feel like we’ll see it again.
2.) Sante Fe would probably be your best bet!
Thank you!
Thanks for the answer Christine! It took me forever to find my question! LOL!! But thanks a lot! I really really aprecciate it! 🙂
CHRISTINE, I KNOW U HAVE HEARD THIS A GAZILLION TIMES…BUT U ARE AWESOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL
Aw, thanks a lot, Chi 🙂
For how long should I test out a skincare product (i.e. cleanser, moisturizer…) before determining if it works for me or not?
What do you mean “works”? I only ask because it depends on what you’re looking at. The general rule is six to eight weeks to see results, whether it’s related to acne or aging. If we’re talking about whether it’s doing a good job removing makeup or keeping your skin moisturized, you should be able to know that much, much sooner.
If it burns, that’s bad (if it’s a regular cleanser or moisturizer)! Whether it’s the first time or the tenth time.
HELLO!! DO YOU KNOW IF OR WHEN THE MAC 226 BRUSH WILL COME OUT AGAIN?
I expect it probably will make another appearance, but I have no idea when.
Heya hun..i lurve ur page =)
ive got some questions for you…i hope you dont mind.
i need help finding a good setting powder to put on top of my foundation.
i use MAC NC35 Studio fix and Nars sheer glow…but they tend to rub off on my fingers after a while…can you recommend a good setting powder?
i was also wondering what contour blush would suit my skin tone…?
a good concelor for my under eye are?
a good highlight for my cheekbones??
sorry for all the questions =) x
Hi Millie,
1.) Try Laura Mercier’s Loose Translucent Setting Powder or MAC’s Prep + Prime Transparent Finishign Powder.
2.) Try Sculpt sculpting powder, if you can grab it (I think they still sell it on MAC’s website), or Strada blush.
3.) I like Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer, theBalm’s Time Balm, and MAC Moisturecover.
4.) Try MAC Soft & Gentle MSF!
thank you… =)
i will try the laura mercier powder..i have the Mac prep & prime powder but it doesnt make a difference.
quick question…im from the UK and we dont have a Make Up Forever store here and ive been hearing about the MUFE HD foundation…
is that foundation good for oily/combo skin?
and would you know what shade to get for NC35 skintone?
Yes, I think it’s good for oily/combo skin! 🙂 I would say 140 or 155.
Could you recommend a hot pink/darker pink lipstick and lipg loss as well that is suitable for someone who is in their 40s? Any brand works.
I know of Girl About Town of course, but any others?
Thanks xx
Hey Kiran,
From MAC, you could try Lickable lipstick or Pink Poodle lipglass. Perhaps Urban Decay Jilted… NARS Schiap or Funny Face!
aww thanks you’re so helpful! 🙂
Hi christine. ok so my problem is my blush always oxidizes on my cheeks. i use mac’s mineralized blush in dainty by the way.
Has it happened with any other blush than Dainty? Oxidization occurs based on the pH level of your skin, so as far as I know, you have to change the product or put more product between your skin and your blush!
Hi Christine,
I’m NC27 with yellow undertones (maybe this summer I’ll be NC30). I love corals and peaches too! Here are my questions:
1. What are some MAC/NARS peachy nude l/g or l/s rec’s?
I currently own MAC’s Shy Girl, Ever Hip, and Boy Bait and love them!
2. Which would you recommend for an easy one-step process: MAC wipes or MAC Cleanse off oil?
3. Which MAC/NARS bronzer would you recommend for a natural sun-kissed glow? (Is Laguna suitable for me?)
4. Which MAC brush should I use for bronzer?
5. Hair treatments for dry, coloured hair?
That’s it for now. Thanks for taking the time to answer everyone’s questions! I always go to your blog for collection swatches and reviews too. Great work!
Lily
Hi Lily,
1.) MAC: Freckletone, Ravishing lipsticks. NARS: Turkish Delight or Orgasm lipgloss!
2.) Cleanse Off Oil! MAC Wipes shouldn’t be used on the eyes (can you believe it?!)!
3.) I think Laguna would work 🙂 I also like Refined Golden.
4.) I like the 116, 168, or the fan brush. I am totally blanking on the number for it…
5.) K-pak! I used to use that when I’d color my hair. Super conditioning!
Thank you, Lily! 🙂 Have a great night!
Thanks Christine! =)
What is the best way to mix eyeshadow colors to make a new color? And I always see makeup artists with their arms covered with different colors during a job, why do they do this?
Just take a little of each onto the brush and apply! That’s how I do it. I’m not sure how exactly you’d do it any other way — you could also layer on the lid. Say lay down a gold, then tap a little green on top.
I imagine they’re testing out shades, seeing how they play together, how they work on the model, could be putting lipstick on their arm so they can use it with their lip brush in a sanitary fashion.
Hey Christine!
So I’ll be going to college in the fall. What products would you say are essential to bring to college? I’m also in search of a good medium coverage foundation. Have you tried any Clinique foundations and if so, do they break you out? Or are there any other brands that you would recommend? My skin is oily and breaks out whenever I use the wrong products (like MAC Fix+). My skin tone is about 1-2 shades darker than yours.
Thanks for answering all these questions! 🙂
Hi Annie,
I think whatever you want to bring is fine! I don’t think there are necessarily things you should leave behind just because you’re going to college 🙂
I haven’t tried too many Clinique foundations, but I haven’t had any problems in the past when I have used them from time to time. You might like Superfit!
Hey! Just wondering what the best white and gold nail polishes are in your opinion!
Also, where do you buy Milani lipsticks?
Hmm, I don’t have any preferences for a white polish (I don’t even know if I own any, lol!). For gold, I’m totally in love with Chanel’s Illusion d’Or. So pretty!
But anyway, I have good luck with China Glaze all around for a nail polish brand.
I usually get mine from drugstore.com, but you can buy them at some drugstores — I’d check milanicosmetics.com and do a store locator search 🙂
Have you ever used hylexin for under your eyes? I have terrible bags and I would like to do something about them.. And if you havent used it before, what would you recommend?
I haven’t, but I made my boyfriend, and it didn’t do anything 🙁
Is there any way we can see a list of all the products you’ve given an A+ too?
http://www.temptalia.com/tag/rating-a-plus
Hi,
i have so many…
im a NC20-42, depending on the time of the season. black-brownish hair. I love mac and UD, but open to other brands.
1. I need some blushes that suits my skintone.
2. I have nylon eyeshadow and have no clue what to pair it with that wont look funky with my skintone…lol
3. Also can you recommend some eyeshadows for my skintone.
4. I have combination skin and really need a good moisturizer for my skin, I have been using clinique super defense and it’s okay but really want something different.
thanks
Hi Cynthia,
1.) Try Margin, Sunbasque, Ambering Rose
2.) Try wearing Nylon with blues and greens 🙂
3.) Amber Lights, Bronze, Coppering, Expensive Pink, Gorgeous Gold, Juxt, Patina, Ricepaper, Romp, Shimmermoss, Soft Brown
4.) You could try Korres’ Rose Moisturizer!
thanks so much…your the best !
Hey Christine well I’m just kind of curious to which kind of foundation would be good for my oily, acne prone skin. I’ve tried Clinique even better, Neutrogena skin-clearing oil-free makeup, and mark speedway. Are there any foundations that you can recommend that can help control oil/matify for some period of time.
You might like MUFE Mat+ Velvet — it has a more matte finish so it doesn’t contribute or add dewiness to an already naturally dewy complexion! You may also want to look into Cosmedicine’s Medi-Matte 🙂
How do you manage your time with school and blogging? Your posts are of great quality and MUST take time. Are there deadlines you set for yourself?
Hi Shivani,
I like to make to-do lists of what I need to get done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. I also mark things in my calendar when I do have deadlines/due dates (mostly for school), but it helps me have a good grasp of what’s coming up or what must absolutely get done and by when. I also try to stay organized with my school work so I know where everything is!
Hi!!!
My question is about foundation. I’ve tried quite a few foundations (besides MAC, can you believe I’ve never tried a MAC foundation?) and I find that foundations seem to look very streaky on me and don’t leave a smooth finish. My dry skin shines through and if I have a pimple the dry skin around it starts to flake. I’ve tried applying with sponges, stipling brushes and my fingers and all of them don’t seem to leave a flawless finish. I do have acne-prone skin and I can understand difficulty in masking texture, but I’m wondering whether there is any way to combat the dry skin that tends to shine through my foundation. I feel as tough this is what contributes to the streakiness. Is it a particular moisturizer that might help?
I hope this all makes sense. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!! You’re amazing!
Hi Joyce,
I would say use a liquid, moisturizing foundation–foundations that say dewy, glowy, or natural are all on the more moisturizing side. You might like MUFE Face & Body for instance. You may also find that perhaps you need a more moisturizing moisturizer. Are you letting your moisturizer sink in for 10-15 minutes prior to putting on foundation? I find that letting my moisturizer absorbs really helps the foundation application later on.
Hey Kiki,
Your post went through! Check the other pages of the comments 🙂
Hi, I don’t have a sephora near me but would like to try either Makeup Forever’s HD foundation or NARS Sheer Glow. In MAC I’m an NC40. Thanks!
Try Barcelona for Sheer Glow, 153 or 155 for MUFE HD.
Hi Christine,
Of the higher end brands (Chanel, YSL, etc.), who do you think makes the best eyeshadow palettes(as far as pigmentation and how long it wears) and the best lipsticks? And they don’t have to be the same brand! Thanks!
Guerlain does it best consistently. Chanel has some great quads, but there have been some duds. Dior is like that for me, too, but I also find that they can be super frosty, too.
Best lipsticks… Guerlain. I love Chanel’s Rouge Allure Laques, and they’re my favorite lipstick, but they’re more like a liquid lipstick. Rouge Gs are my favorite “normal” lipstick 🙂
Hi Christine – thanks for the session!!
What is the hardest-to-remove eyeliner you have ever tried? I love liner to make my eyes stand out, but I always end up with it “traveling” around the outer corner of my eye (I only line the top lashline, and I always end up with smudges below the outer third of my eye). I have had this happen to me with Bobbi Brown gel liner, MAC fluidline and Powerpoint pencils, L’Oreal Extra-Intense pencil, UD 24/7s, MUFE Aqua Eyes, Prestige Total Intensity, Laura Geller cake liners, and Lancome kohl pencils. I do use eye primer under them all. Any ideas?
Hey BeckBeck,
MAC Liquidlast is the hardest to remove in my experience. To be honest, given that you’ve pretty much tried some of the longest lasting liners on the market, you might just want to get Benefit She-laq to lock ’em on! Cheaper than wasting all those eyeliners!
are macs greasepaint sticks easier to blend then the shade sticks? I have relaxed shade stick from the warm and cozy collection but i rarely use it because i struggle to much to get it to blend out on my lid. If the grease paint sticks are easier to work with I definately want to pick up a few… or them all 🙂
Personally, I find them about the same…
Hi Chistine!
1) Is there such a thing as a kiss-proof, non-drying matte red lipstick? I have Russian Red (I’m an NC43, for reference), and unfortunately it doesn’t stand up to the test and I find it quite drying! I’m open to any brand below $20 (even though your beloved Dragon is quite tempting :O )
2) What would you recommend as a good peachy blush with little to no shimmer?
Hi Lego,
1.) The only stuff that’s kiss-proof in my experience are long-wearing lip products like MAC’s Prolongwears (or the drugstore equivalents)!
2.) Peaches 🙂
Hi Christine!!!!
I have light skin (nw15 in mac and porcelain in bobbi brown) with dark brown eyes and hair. Also, as I am not a fan of dramatic lips, which Nars lip gloss would you recommend for me?
Try Turkish Delight and Orgasm 🙂
Hey Christine, it’s prom soon , do you have any recommendations on a neutral pink lip that will stay on all night?
Try MAC For Keeps Prolongwear. I believe Revlon makes some long lasting product that’s very similar to MAC — I haven’t tried but that might work for you if you’re just going to use it during prom ($10 less for half as much product, but again, if you are only using it for prom, you don’t need a ton!). The color will stay on for the most part, and you’ll just need to reapply the gloss every few hours.
how do you juggle studies and maintaining a site like this where you post sooo consistently (this is a very good thing!)?
in other words, what are your secrets to time management aka being superwoman?
Hi Michelle,
It’s really about prioritizing the things in your life, just in general, but also on a daily basis. I have lots of post-its, to-do lists, and keep a running calendar of what things I have to have done by (which is especially handy for school). I’ll work harder for the blog a few weeks before finals so I can concentrate on my finals when it’s time to study. Similarly, the first week or two of classes, I don’t have to work as hard at school, so I use that as a good time to work harder on the blog!
I CAN’T FIND MY ORGINAL QUESTION!! IS THE MAC 226 BRUSH COMING OUT AGAIN?
Hi,
There are a few pages of comments, but I did answer yours early! To answer again, I think it will (based on my personal opinion, not knowledge), but I don’t know for sure or when.
Hey Christine, I adore the eye shadow Gridlock from Urban Decay’s Book of Shadows 1. I use so often that I’m starting to hit pan! I know that color is limited and not available as a single eyeshadow. Do you know of any dupes? I thought of MAC satin taupe but I’m not sure.
I’m hispanic so I’m a light medium color with dark eyes.
Anything will help! Thanks for your time!
Maybe MAC Woodwinked or Bronze?
Thanks for your help. I will check those out then!
Christine, you are the best ever!
I LOVE TEMPTALIA!!!
Aw 🙂 Thanks, Marta!
I heard plink! lipstick from mac is being discontinued. This is a huge disappointment to me. Do you know of any dupes? Also, viva glam gaga will be discontinued in a year. Are there any dupes for that? If you dont have any, dont worry. No big deal. I’m trying to prepare myself.
Hm, maybe Politely Pink for Plink. For VG Gaga, try Snob!
Okay here is my info first: I am EXTREMELY pale, i’m not sure which undertone but im thinking more cool, blueish greyish eyes, light brownish dirty-blondeish hair, glasses, freckles, and naturally red lips. I’m not much into glitter, but shimmer is alright. I’m kind of scared of dark and bright coloured makeup, so im trying to ease myself into that area. i’ve been told that reddish liups look good on me but once again im scared of bright colours, lol. I don’t really like blue e/s or purple or orange or other extreme colours like that for lips or cheeks. Anything over the MAC or NARS price range is too expensive for my budget, btw. I don’t have any brand specifications, as long as they do their job and don’t cost an arm and a leg. NARS, MAC, tarte, Urban Decay, anything that works.
haha okay welll i’ve got a few questions and most of them are more reccomendations than questions since im clueless. Sorry and thank you!
1. What would you reccomend for a blush for me?
2. Would bronzer look too fake on me? If not, any reccomendations?
3. What about Sunless tanner? Would they all be too orange or dark? Any reccomendations, if there is some that would look okay?
4. What colours of lip sticks, glosses, stans, etc. would you reccomend for me? Specific brands and names would be better but just general colours works too.
5. Any eyeshadows that you think would look best?
6. What nude lipsticks do you think would look alright one me without looking coprse-ish or unatural or just in general unflattering?
7. Can you reccomend a naturalish look that I could wear to school? Like, a blush, lippie, and eye?
I know this is ALOT, and im so so sorry for that. I’m a makeup newbie (like you couldnt tell) and I’m curious where to start. THANK YOU for your time and consideration.
How often do you ussually do these type of ask temptalia things? Because I’m probably going to have a bunch more questions soon too. =P
Thanks again, Christine!
Hi Sara,
Thanks for all those details–super helpful!
1.) MAC Dame or Well Dressed — they’re both cooler pinks so they’ll work with your very, very pale skin (given that you’re blonde with blue-gray eyes, I’d definitely say you’re most likely cool!)
2.) You could try Smashbox Bronze Softlights in the lightest shade – it should work on your skintone if you use a very, very light hand
3.) L’Oreal Sublime Bronze is good for subtle, everyday bronzing. I would do a spot test on the inside of your wrist or ankle or thigh so you can see if it goes orange on you (but it shouldn’t… but it’s skin and tones, can be fickle!).
4.) Cooler pinks like MAC Oyster Girl Lipglass, MAC Angel Lipstick, NARS Turkish Delight Lipgloss, and NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick will work well.
5.) For your skin tone, I like MAC eyeshadow in Espresso, Cork, Omega, Shroom, and Dazzlelight for great neutrals. From NARS, I like All About Eve, Brazil, and Portobello duos. From Urban Decay, Roach, Sellout, and YDK are nice!
6.) You could try something like Hug Me or Hue. Also, Shy Girl!
7.) Do a wash of something slightly shimmery and in a champagne-y shade (like Ricepaper or Shroom) all over the lid, and then you can put just a little darkness in the crease/outer corner (think any medium or dark brown). Pair it with a rosy cheek (like one of the blushes I recommended earlier). I’d go with a slightly pinker lip like MAC Sweetie (still on the cooler side). You could top it with Oyster Girl Lipglass for a glossy sheen.
I try to do them at least once a month! I do them when I can devote my entire day to answering questions, which isn’t super often, but I try to get it in once a month. You are always welcome to ask me questions, whether it’s on a random post or via email, any time!
Thanks, Sara!
Thank you so much, Christine you are amazing and just solved pretty much all my makeup questions/problems!
I absolutely love your site, I check it pretty much religiously.
Keep up the good work and stay fabulous!
Thanks again!
Oh yeah, sorry to pester you again but i just realized another thing that I’m clueless about. For the AMAZING sounding look that you described for me (#7) What brushes would I use?
Thank you!
I’d use a 239 for the eyes… you don’t really need to switch brushes, IMO, since it’s very subtle. For cheeks, a blush brush like the 116!
Always happy to help! Thanks, Sara 🙂
hi christine
i have ance(red dots) not pimples all over my face(cheecks and forehead)
which product would u like to suggest to get rid of them..
i also hv scars? that were left from old acne…
how can i prevent from hving new acne…
which products should i use daily and weekly to have flawless skin?
thank u
Hi Iris,
I’m not sure about the red dots, to be honest. For scars, you could try Mederma for new scars or hyperpigmentation. To prevent new scars/hyperpigmentation, avoid picking or popping your pimples 🙁 I know it’s hard, but that’s the way to prevent it!
You should exfoliate once or twice a week with either a manual/chemical exfoliant, cleanse twice daily (AM and PM), make sure to remove your makeup before you go to bed, and moisturize twice daily (AM and PM)!
Hey Christine! I don’t know how you get the chance to answer all these 500+ questions! I’ve been needing a better way to get off makeup. I use Clinique Take the Night Off for my eye makeup and it works pretty great. I just need something to take off my foundation. I use make up removing towlettes, then wash my face, then use my acne clarifying lotion (toner)… and I still see foundation on the cotton ball! I have acne prone skin and I was wondering if you would recommend MAC’s Cleanse Off Oil. I don’t want to use anything that is going to make my ance worse (oil?) but maybe my makeup not all coming off my face is whats causing the problems ? 🙁
Also just wondering what are you most looking forward to in the Pret A Papier collection? I have my eye on Dressmaker, Dressmaker 🙂
Lurve MAC Clenase Off Oil! Oil making acne worse is a myth – not all oils are created equal (mineral oil can clog pores for instance!).
The coral paint pot!
Hi Christine!
So since Summer is coming around soon, I was wondering what tinted moisturizers would you recommend for my NC35-37 skintone? Some drugstore TM or foundations I’ve tried have too many pink or neutral undertones to work for my skintone. I’m looking for a TM under $35, but Im not sure where to start! D: Also, have you tried any drugstore foundations that you liked? Thanks!!
Hey Cheryl,
I haven’t found a drugstore foundation that will make me quit my high-end, but I do like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse! Neutrogena Healthy Glow is good as well.
For a tinted moisturizer for you, I like Kiehl’s or Korres (probably the darkest shade) — both under $35 I believe 🙂
Hi,
Im a NC42, Black hair and brown eyes. Can you give me some direction as to what colors for blushes i need and maybe some eyeshadows. I prefer Mac but I am actually open to anything really. thanks, love this Q&A.
Hi Aisha!
Try blushes like MAC Margin, Tenderling, Sunbasque, Peachykeen, and Ambering Rose! For eyeshadows, I like… Amber Lights, Bronze, Coppering, Expensive Pink, Ricepaper, Romp, Shimmermoss, Soft Brown.
Hi! I am a NC42 as well with the same hair and eye colour. My fav blushes are Gingerly, Peachtwist, Margin, Ambering rose, Dollymix and Coygirl. For contouring I use Emote (for a stronger contour) and Harmony for a subtle contour. I love NARS torrid for a glamourous night out and NARS albatross as a highlight. My fav eyeshadows are Woodwinked, goldmine, humid, satin taupe, tempting, ricepaper (highlight), cranberry, coppering, expensive pink, carbon, knight devine, shimmermoss, sketch, mulch and nocturnelle. Take your time finding which colours you like best though! 🙂
I dont like wearing eyeliner but I want to. 😛 Just to like define my eyes more. What tips can I use to soften the look? I also dont like the look that I am wearing eyeliner. Will a brown eyeliner be a good choice?
Yes! Go for a brown eyeliner – you could even do a light gray or light brown. You can also use eyeshadow for a softer look (take an eyeliner brush and use the shadow to line instead) or you can use a fluffy brush to diffuse the liner itself so it doesn’t look so clean.
Have you tried NARS Sheer Glow? What do you think of it?
I haven’t, sorry! 🙁
hey! i’m obsessed with your site! seriously a huge money & time saver!
anyway!!
i have like ridiuclous amounts of freckles on my nose & cheeks and i REALLY hate them. i know purple primers are supposed to brighten skintones, so would that help to neutralize them?
hope that makes sense 🙂
A peachier concealer or primer will help to neutralize them a bit 🙂
Thanks, Sheri!
When you go for a job interview for mac and you do a demo do you do a full face demo? is there a special way they like to apply there face makeup and eyes etc? And do you bing a picture of what to do or do you just get told on the day?
Hi Madee,
I believe they have you do a full face demo — I’ve never applied so I have never gone through the process — and I believe they like the 3 method…e.g eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow; lip liner, lipstick, lipgloss. It’s part of the way you build up a sale when you’re there. I think you have the creativity to do what you want within reason – if it’s still the way it was a few years ago (when I knew more about the hiring process from friends), you had to create a daytime look and then take it to evening.
How do you make a really good portfolio?
Hi Madee,
Collect any and all photographs of your work in as high res as you can get and make sure to print them on quality, glossy paper. Include credits, contacts, etc. about who the work was done for as well.
I’m doing a couple friends makeup for prom. I’ve done other peoples makeup before but I am a little nervous. Do you have any tips?
Hi Nicholle,
Ask them to bring their foundation if they don’t match anything you have! That’s one of the harder parts 🙂
Some general tips…
Have all your brushes washed and ready to go
Have makeup remover and q-tips on standby
Use baby wipes for spot cleaning between applications/people
Ask them what their normal style is (but you probably know!) so you don’t deviate so far from it that they’re like, “WHAT!?!” when you’re done
You could also ask them what they’re wearing to prom and if there is anything they’d like you do for them – then you could plan a bit, too!
I have been trying to find the right lipstick color for the summertime. Can you recommend specific lipsticks for me. I have light skin with yellow undertones? I am number 117 in Makeup Forever.
Thank you!
Hi Charline,
For something brighter, I like Girl About Town or Lustering. For something a little less intense, I like Crosswires and Speed Dial!
I’ve been wondering for the last few days.. and since you just posted the “How would you use Dirty Greasepaint Stick” post.. now I’m wondering..
Do you have any links/pictures using Dirty as a base with other eyeshadow on top of it? How does it look? I tried Zinc Zone under NARS Underworld and honesly, didn’t think it would do much but Oh MY GOODNESS.. it looked so amazing.
From just swatching Dirty alone, I wasn’t super amazed but now I keep wondering how it would look as a base. I left my Dirty Greasepaint Stick at my boyfriend’s house and have been wondering for the last few days how it looks under neutral shades.. It’s been killing me. =P
I need to know..
If you can, please, please let me know.
I haven’t used dirty in a look myself! I just have it swatched/reviewed!
Hi Christine! I have another question haha
Any ideas to pair Folie Eyeshadow? I like it but I don’t use it as much as I want!
Try it with Shroom & Antiqued!
hi!
I have the asian monolid and hooded eyes. I found it hard to apply eyeliner and eye make up. any tips for that? especially for making the eyes look bigger?
thanks.
Hi Adriana,
Line just the outer half of the upper lash line, see if that helps 🙂
I’ve got the same eyes as you.
So yes you could line just your upper lash line but you can also line the outer third (or half) of your bottom lash line to make them bigger. When you line your upper lash line, try to wing it, I know its hard with hooded eyelids but use a pointy brush and practice. 🙂 And don’t tug as you do it because when the skin retracts you get a fat triangle instead of a wing or flick.
Mascara will make your eyes look bigger too. Putting white or peach eyeliner on your water line too.
what I did previously was to draw the line way higher, then it will show for the hooded eyes. but it looked weird when i closed my eyes.
any good pictures to share the technique?
Hi Christine,
I had a few more quick questions!
If you had to pick only one of each product (primer, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, & setting powder), what would they be?
Also, what do you think is the best drugstore eye makeup remover?
Thanks so much, your website is so informative and helpful!!
Hi Sarah,
Do you mean a specific brand/product from those categories? Or just one of those types of products? The latter is way harder!
Korres Primer, Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer, Kiehl’s or Korres Tinted Moisturizer, Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer, Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder.
I like Neutrogena Oil-Free Makeup Remover 🙂
Thanks!
Lol, sorry I wasn’t clear! Your answer was exactly what I was looking for!
Which MSFs in your opinion would suit a NC 42 skintone for a subtle blush/highlighter effect? What do you think of Stereorose on darker skin tones?
Also, any advice on how to rock a bolder lip. I own a few bolds like GAT, gladiola, dubonnet and ravishing but only wear them in my room. 🙁 Do I need a lipliner for brights?
I think Stereo Rose would be nice on your skin tone 🙂 I’d say that would be a subtle way to highlight and add a little color!
Pair with very simple/neutral eyes. Make silly faces (seriously!). Just do it!!
hey christine!
im an nw20 with brown hair/eyes and was wondering what colors compliment me the most and which i should stay away from.im particularly am intrested about corals since there seem to be alot of corals coming out. I’m also trying to get into brighter eyeshadow since i have mostly neutrals, are there any that i should look into.
oh and i am particluarly intrested in expanding my MAC eyeshadow collection
Hi Vickie,
Try Juxt, Freshwater, Beautiful Iris, and Humid. I think you may like these colors 🙂
1) I’m having trouble finding the right concealer for my skin color NC40, especially under my eyes. Do you have any suggestions?
2) What eye cream is good to reduce under eye dark circles and to make the skin tighter and remove wrinkle?
3) Do you know what NARS Sheer Glow foundation color is the similar to MAC NC40?
Hi Grace!
1.) Hmm, have you tried theBalm’s Time Balm? I think the shade range is decent. Make Up For Ever’s shade range is good as well.
2.) I haven’t found any eye cream that’s done something for me personally!
3.) Try Barcelona!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions Christine!! You’re the best! :]
Don;t know if these questions have been asked I don’t really have the patience or time to scroll thru hundreds of other questions ( wish I did tho). Here are my questions
1) how in the world do you determine your undertones and except for foundation is it even really important in the spectrum of makeup? I try all the ‘techniques” and always come up with a different answer.if its any help I wear maybelline liquid moose in creamy natural that’s the closest foundation I can find I’m not light but i’m not medium I fall in between somewhere. If it help I’m also a brunette with dark brown eyes.
2)How do you select the right color blush and is blush for everyone?
3) I love the looks of pink eyeshadow but every time I wear one it just looks like inflammation is there a pink that wont do that and whats the best way to apply it?
Thank you so much
Hi LH,
1.) The easiest way is by your vein color; blue is cool, green is warm. If you can’t figure it out, you’re probably neutral, which means you’re neither warm nor cool. It can be important to some, and it can definitely help you pick shades that are suitable to your coloring — e.g. lipsticks, eyeshadow, etc.
2.) I think everyone can wear blush, but not everyone may want to. A lot of blush colors are about what works for your coloring, so we’re back to the cool/warm – since it sounds like you might be neutral, then the sky’s the limit for you. Both cooler and warmer shades can work for you!
3.) Try blue-based pinks or lighter pinks – less medium pinks. Try applying it with whites, purples, or champagnes.
Thank you
1) My veins are green mostly but when I wear the designated warmer colors ivory /gold I get washed out but I can wear pinks and reds. I guess neutral it is.
2)I think Ill look in to blush
3) More blue based pinks it is
Than you again for the advice I love your site. Good luck with school 🙂
My pleasure, LH! Thanks!
Hey, have you tried any products from etsy.com? If so, what did you like & recommend? I’m looking for homemade/mostly natural soaps, scrubs & etc.
I haven’t! I always want to, but I never know where to buy!
Oh and last one which do you advise to do first invest in good makeup or good brushes?
Both. Build up both slowly with good pieces you’ll love. 🙂 I’d say get the makeup going a bit, perhaps use cheaper brushes initially, and then start adding your brushes.
Hey christine!
Im wanting to go buy a 15pceyeshadow
palette from mac but im havin a hard time
deciding wat colors to get. Wat r 15e/s that
r MUST HAVES… im tan-medium in mufe im
127… I LOVE ALL colors 🙂 help!
Hi Arielle,
5 neutrals: Shroom, Bronze, Satin Taupe, Carbon, Vanilla
5 blues/greens: Freshwater, Deep Truth, Juxt, Humid, Shimmermoss
5 golds/pinks/purples: Goldmine, Da Bling, Beautiful Iris, Parfait Amour, Stars ‘n Rockets
hey,
Thanks so much for doing this. I have a couple questions.
I’ve never referenced my skin color from MAC but if i had to say i’d be between NW45 and 50. Boy that’s dark! I am African 🙂
first, exactly why do you love the exfolikate by kate sommerville, cos i have been getting samples from sephora and I love it and I am thinking that’s what my skin has been waiting for. I am liking all of thier products and I didn’t want to go crazy and buy everything so which of her stuff would you recommend? I have acne prone skin and i do get break outs every now and then.
Also what pencil, gel, and liquid eyeliner can you recommend? I have mac’s fluidline and smolder eye kohl but i’m still searching for something better.
do you know any good highlighters that won’t sit on the skin? you know just give a nice luminous glow for darker skin obviously 🙂
and finally, what foundations do you know give good buildable coverage and last all day…I have the giorgio armani luminous silk and while I love it, i’m just looking for a second. Thanks so much!
Hi Vanelle,
There’s something about it that makes my skin soft, a little glowy, smooth, but not like it’s been through the ringer. And man, I even LIKE scrubs for the feel, but I love the way this feels without being scrubby at all really… I also love her Oil Free Moisturizer. I’ve been using the Clearing Mask lately, and I like it in the sense that it’s easy to use, doesn’t burn or hurt, and it seems like my acne is a little reduced but I think a lot of my acne is stress/hormone/food related vs. makeup/product related.
I like UD or MUFE for pencil, MAC for gel, and MAC for liquid (liquidlast).
I like Dior SkinShimmers — the shimmer is so fine, it really just gives you a soft glow. I get a little color out of some, so on your deeper skin tone, I’d say they’d definitely just be more glowy. You could also try a cream highlighter like Benefit’s Moon Beam (I believe that’s the one designed for deeper skin tones!).
I like MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Guerlain Parure Gold, and MUFE HD. I haven’t tried any Giorgio Armani foundations, though, so I can’t compare!
I’m going to be doing my friends makeup for prom but im not really sure what colors i should use or what kind of look to create. I have mostly MAC and L’oreal HIP eyeshadows to use, along with a few goldish Urban Decay ones.
This is what her dress looks like
http://razzledazzlegowns.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Jov10.41163825.jpg
it’s a beautiful dress with a nice long train, and i really want her make-up to go with her dress
she has medium to dark skin (she’s Mexican), dark brown eyes, and dark brown hair.
also i have dark circles that i have a hard time covering. i’m also mexican and have a medium skin tone. concealers i’ve tried are Maybelline mineral wear, some yellow nyc stick, maybelline dream matte mousse concealer, some covergirl one, mac’s select moisturecover, and the last one i can remember (cuz it’s the most expensive!) is Amazing Cosmetic’s concealer. I tried this sephora brand hilighting pen in Apricot and it seemed to help a little, like if it were a thicker consistancy it might actually work. I’ve heard that orange concealers sometimes work but where can i find one?
if you can’t answer both questions then please just help me with the prom look cuz thats super important…thank you so much christine!
Hi Diana,
For your friend’s look, I really think a sultry smoky eye would be gorgeous with the dress, but really, since it’s black… anything would work, really! You could do some really fun golds and smoke it out with a black eyeshadow!
For your concealer, you might find Laura Mercier’s helpful, since she has a peachy orange shade – http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P109927&categoryId=B70
Have you tried using the concealer first and then using the highlighting pen on top?
yea but it’s not long lasting…i’d probably have to apply it every hour!!!
i’ll look into the laura mercier one when i go this weekend though
thanx so much christine you’re the best!
Good luck! See if you can try it on, perhaps that will save you some hassle!
Hi Christine!
I was wondering if you have found a dupe for MAC’s Hello Kitty Cute-ster?
Which concealer/corrector do you this is the most moisturizing? I have very dry skin most concealers dry out and look cakey under my eyes. The only thing that I found that works is to mix it with my eye cream, but then I get a film in my eyes.
I also have pigmented lips and am a NC40. What nude lip color would you recommend that doesn’t make me look like a corpse? Or is nude lip colors just not in the cards for me?
Thank you!
Hi Christi,
1.) I haven’t found a great dupe for it 🙁
2.) MAC Moisturecover is pretty moisturizing for me!
3.) Hmm, try MAC Freckletone!
I have been using Cover girls Lash Blast mascara and i love it but even my eye makeup remover (from Olay) and cleanser does not complete remove it. Could you please recommend something that could help me (drugstore or even high end). Also I use a cheapie revlon curler for my lashes. Does the Shu one live up to the hype and should I invest in one? Thanks!
Have you tried Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover?
LOVE the shu!! So worth it.
oh try VS they have a get makeup remover as well
christine, can u please do a review/swatches of the lipsticks and blushes from tarino tarantino collection from sephora. and also can u do one for the bitchslap cosmetics brand that i keep on seeing on youtube? thanx so much !
Hi,
I’ll have a couple of reviews for some of the Tarina Tarantino lipsticks (no blushes at this time, though) soon. Unfortunately, since Bitchslap Cosmetics attempted to pass my lip swatches off as swatches of their products (when I had never heard of them let alone used their products), I will never review their products.
wow an they never asked you, thats odd and kinda rude of them. hope that said sorry to you
Hi Christine!
I was wondering if you’re supposed to put on cream blush before setting the face with powder, or is it the other way around?
Thanks!
Before the powder 🙂
Do you know of a dupe (any brand) for MAC’s Gilt by Association from the style black collection?
Thanks!
Try layering a purple shadow over a black base 🙂
Besides makeup (or make up related things)… what are other things in your life that you love? Ex. chocolate, exercise, computer games, etc.? 🙂
I love to read… though I rarely read any more (no time!), Starbucks (bad, bad for you!), trash reality TV (even worse for you!), and eating (bad stuff, of course, LOL!).
But my life is very much blog/school (they totally jockey for #1), my “family” (boyfriend & my dog), and then my family (parents, my sister is usually away at college). I don’t have a lot of time for many outside activities, so a lot of it is just hanging out with my boyfriend (though we live and work together, so we see each other 24/7!), watching TV, taking walks with the puppy. Totally low-key but I’m very happy 🙂 Hopefully once school is finished, things will loosen up a little!
Hello Christine, hope you had a great day or are having, I love ur site and it’s the first thing I got to when new collections come out, My question is (I’m a NW20 brown hair highlights blond blue eyes i burn don’t tan red undertones)I love the coral lipstick you post on here an everytime I go to try one on, I personal think it just doesn’t look good, I would like a nice coral for the summer what do you think would be good on me, I’m open to any brand as well , Thank you for taking the time on this <3
Have you tried building up to coral? Maybe you’re just not used to seeing yourself with one on 🙂 You could try a gloss like Nymphette, which isn’t totally coral, but it starts to get there.
YAY another Q&A session! =)
I have oily skin. Can you recommend me non-greasy moisturizers, both drugstore and high end, that would be suitable for my skin type?
Do you like Myth, Creme D’Nude, or Hue better?
Do you have any recommendations for a musky, woodsy type fragrance?
Do you know of a good dupe for MAC lipglass in “poetic license”? It was from the holday ’09 collection.
Do you know of a waterproof mascara that gives a lot of volume and fullness?
Thanks so much for all your help!!
Hi TL,
1.) I like Creme d’Nude and Hue — Hue is nicer with warmer colors, Creme d’Nude with cooler. Myth is a little too fleshy on me, personally.
2.) Hmm… Tom Ford, which is way expensive – several scents might fit the bill. I am not a fragrance expert, though (stupid, stupid ignorant nose!).
3.) NARS Chihuahua is a kinda close.
4.) I love Maybelline Full ‘n Soft for waterproof 🙂
Hi Christine, thanks for the daily awesomeness!!!
Have you ever considered doing makeup looks on other people, especially those with different colouring than your own? (I love your way with colours, but I lack the awesome eyebrows to balance out some of the more intense looks.)
Unfortunately, the people in my life do not want to be photographed for hundreds of thousands of people to see! I am also more about helping you apply your makeup on yourself, rather than how to apply it to someone else (since that’s not what most of us do on a daily basis!).
I can’t find my post or your reponse to my post. Can you help?
Here it is again…
Hi Ms. Kia,
1.) I like Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer, theBalm’s Time Balm, and MAC Moisturecover! Time Balm is the most opaque, but Moisturecover is the most hydrating. Eve Pearl is a nice combo of both.
2.) For drier skin, Kiehl’s!
3.) I haven’t found any great eye creams. I don’t know, they don’t seem to do anything for me that I can see…
4.) I love Philosophy’s Kiss Me Intense Lip Therapy for a great balm. For a scrub, I love Sara Happ’s The Lip Scrub.
5.) Too soft? What? Sorry, I have never heard that before, lol! I don’t know about that. You might need a little more coverage over your cheeks, so I’d either layer concealer or a little extra foundation on top to minimize the patchiness 🙂 You can use a blush creme to help a powder blush stay on better for sure!
Thanks!
Hi Christine!!
I really needed your suggestions and thoughts! I love the way Kim Kardashian does her makeup. I’ve seen many blogs/youtubes on her but I wanted opnion on how she does her makeup and what products she uses.
Can you please help me out here! Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi Mina,
Most of her makeup is done by Mario — he usually breaks down a lot of her looks here: http://blog.makeupbymario.com/
I know she also has some tutorials/stuff on her official website about what products she uses 🙂
Here again! My prom is coming up and my dress is purple with tiers of ruffles what kind of makeup would you suggests? Like eyeshadow colors and what not.
Also, have you ever walked into MAC for a quick makeover (like them doing a quick look for you), is it a good idea for someone like me who has no clue what to do for my makeup for prom?
Hey Tiffany,
Is it a really vibrant purple? I think if it’s not, you could do a silver-gray smoky eye but use a purple eyeshadow in the crease (I’m thinking Parfait Amour or Contrast) to tie-in with the dress but in a subtle way. I’d also go with a pink blush and lip!
I haven’t had great experience with MAC makeovers, but I’ve only had the event ones done. I do know that you can schedule and book an appointment for prom makeup (but they do fill up!). I believe it’s $60 but redeemable in product.
Yay, I love these! Thanks Christine for taking the time to do these, they’re soooo helpful!
Anyways, I took the plunge and got the Amber Diamond Skin Shimmer. I love it and I think it’s so gorgeous, but I was wondering, when you use it as a highlighter, do you sweep your brush across all the colors or do you limit it to just one? I use a smaller brush to apply, so sometimes it seems strange to blend all the colors, if that makes sense…
Thank you!
Hey Natalie,
I do sweep it across — I usually go across and back 🙂
Hi Christine,
I’m an NC20 and have a couple deep, purple-toned acne scars on my cheek. I’m using Smashbox’s photo finish color corrector in adjust to try to neutralize the redness, and I also wear MAC studio stick concealer and studio fix powder but it still shows through as a blatantly purple blotch. Do you have any recommendations for a product that would do a better job neutralizing the color, or covering it altogether?
Thank you so much 🙂
You might want to look into Dermablend or Cover FX — both brands designed to do some heavy duty coverage/concealing!
You’re like Wonder Woman – able to answer all these questions and not miss a beat! Goodness! 🙂 I have no questions, just wanted to tell you you’re awesome!
Thank you, Jen 🙂
Hi Christine!
I recently bought pots of *bright* shadow (well, non-neutral ones) but have no idea how to use them. I have Freshwater, Electric Eel, Vibrant Grape, Stars N Rockets and Swish. I love them all but I’m afraid they won’t look nice on me (I tend to buy based on how nice they look on pan and on the back of my hand)! I’ve tried using them as liners but I’d love to be more creative than that. 🙂 I’ve seen you use some of them in brighter looks but I guess what I am looking for is a more subtle way of using them. Like a pop of color without being too wild. Any suggestions?
Hey Iliana,
Try it on the outer lid/crease instead — or try it sheerly on the lid as a wash!
Hi Christine!
Alright here are my questions.
I’m an NC30 (dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, olive-y skin with yellow undertones) and I have the hardest time picking out pretty pink, plum and nude lipsticks from MAC. Got any recommendations for me?
What brush would you recommend for putting on blush and what blush do you recommend for putting on my Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation to give me a flawless look?
Also, I *really* want to try a nice pink blush from MAC but I’m not sure which one. All the blushes at the counter intimidate me. xD
Thanks for your help! 🙂
Oops, I meant NC35. ^^;
Hi Wendy,
For a pink, try Sweetie or Speed Dial. For a plum, try Plum Dandy. For a nude, try Freckletone.
I prefer the 116 for blush. For powder foundation, I like the 189 or 190.
Try Dollymix 🙂
I hope you still have some power to answer the questions))) Thank you for that! I learn lots of new things)
I have 2 questions:
1) any palette recommendation for summer? if possible – european brands. would like smth fresh, bright that fits my eyes and skin. i like Dior “Pink May” alot but its not in shops anymore 🙁 This time Dior has crush glow that is too brown for me i think 🙁
2) any lipgloss or glossy lipstick recommendation for summer? maybe smth pinky or bubble-gum? main criteria – non-sticky
here’s how i look like:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4403324271_c5a71ce1c9_o.jpg
3) any other recommendations to improve my look?
I’m now a bit more tanned, like “medium” i guess.
looking forward to getting your comment 🙂
Hi Nina,
1.) What about Dior’s Read-to-Glow? Maybe that would work better for you 🙂
2.) I think you’d like Dior Sari Pink Ultra Gloss!
3.) No tips — you’re gorgeous!! 🙂
hi christine!
WOW you are a superstar. Honestly your dedication, passion and shear genuine care is truly inspiring.
You deserve all the success and goodness that comes your way.
Okay I have a few requests + questions:
because summer is just around the corner would it be possible to do a post dedicated to:
1. Sunscreeen
2. Acne
as both of these things tend to be super important come warmer temps, hideous city humidity ( i live in new york) and usually need to be tweaked come summer.
ALSO have you ever used Retin-A ? or are you able to recommend a product for Acne Scarring or more so discoloration? What would be a good option?
I have fairly clear skin, but have some flair ups, and they always seem to live a huge red mark no matter what.
THANKS AGAIN christine, I look forward to your response,
have a wonderful rest of your week
Hi Lisa,
Did you catch this sunscreen post? http://www.temptalia.com/suncreen-101-uva-vs-uvb-what-spf-means-suncreen-makeup
Since I’m not a skincare expert or qualified expert, I really don’t feel comfortable writing about acne. It’s such a complicated topic with so many potential causes, it’s really inappropriate (in my eyes) to write about it when I really don’t have the expertise to back it up!
I used Retin-A very, very briefly, and it permanently damaged the skin above my upper lip, so I don’t know if I’d ever try it again myself.
If they leave a red mark, it’s probably hyperpigmentation, which will fade with time. I like Clinique’s Even Better line or Kiehl’s Tone Corrector!
Thanks a lot!
Hey,
can you help me, please?
I want to by the lipstick Flash´n´dash (Fafi LE).
How similar to the lipstick Cyndi?
Can you make swatch please this two lipsticks on your arm?
Great, thanks!
Anett
Flash ‘n Dash is a lot redder and frostier — it’s almost a bit orange.
What is a dupe for Pink Clash from Mac
Try Angelwing maybe!
Do you know if mac tendertones will be back this summer?! I’m new to mac and I hear they are LE but I really want one!! Thanks=).
Not that I know of, sorry!
I can’t believe I missed this… I have a few questions, I check the site every morning (kicking myself now!) and I guess it was posted after my daily read… next time… sigh.
Hey Keener,
I think it was posted around 6AM PST, but anyway, you can still ask 🙂
Christine! Thanks so much for your earlier advice::~ Another quick one if you dun mind!
🙂 Name your top 3:
a. Coral/peach blush
b. Highlight
c. Bronzer
Thanks so much!
Hi Melanie,
1.) MAC Springsheen, MAC Margin, Benefit Sugarbomb
2.) Dior Amber Diamond, Dior Rose Diamond, Guerlain Meteorites
3.) Chanel, Dior, & Guerlain
Christine,
I’m 16, asian and i have combination oily skin and sensitive skin. My skin has been horrible lately especially my forehead. I was thinking of getting the clarisonic plus but do you really think it can improve my skin? Wont it scratch my acne? and breakouts?
Second, do you think mario badescu skin care line is good for someone like my skin type?
Hi Angela,
The Clarisonic shouldn’t scratch your acne. I had good results with the Clarisonic myself, but skin is so personal, it’s hard to speak for everyone on it.
Mario Badescu has a lot of great products for your skin type!
Hi Christine!
Happy to see another Ask Temptalia session. (Even though you *always* answer questions when we ask them :))
First up: I’ve got this weird thing going on with my blush. I’ve been using Dame a lot because I love the rosy color but lately it turns orangey on me! I don’t know why this is happening since I haven’t changed anything in my makeup routine (primer, let it set, foundation with damn sponge, let it dry, little bit of MSFN for more coverage, blush, setting powder). Boo! 🙁
Second: would you consider doing a sunscreen challenge (for face)? I’ve been looking for a decent sunscreen for my face since *forever* but they’re all slippery, greasy and don’t sink into my skin. I know you’re an SPF girl yourself, so I though you might like the idea 🙂
Thanks!
PS: good luck on your midterms and lots of hugs to Mellan!
Hey Roxanne,
See, I told you I was getting to it, lol!
Do you think it has to do with a weather change? e.g. warming up or cooling down? Usually if something turns orange, it’s oxidizing, which occurs because of the pH balance of your skin.
I actually am 🙂 I’m not testing them in fully — e.g. six weeks — but 2-3 days or so to get an idea about the texture (greasy? dry? white cast?).
Haha, I knew you would! 🙂
Could be the weather change maybe, hmmm… it’s not *that* hot right now but the temperature has increased a bit (+ lots of sun). Any tips on how to change it? Maybe tinted moisturiser of cream blush? (I googled it but no luck!)
Looking fwd to your tinted moisturiser/sunscreen challenge 🙂 Thanks again for answering my question!
The only thing I could think of would be to make sure you’re exfoliating and letting your moisturizer sink in… and then maybe dusting a little powder on top of your cheeks before you put the powder on. Or maybe a primer could act as a “barrier.”
Hi Christine, I wanna know if u could do an overview on the foundations that u have and if it’s possible nars sheer glow review… thanks 4 take the time to make this blog that help us sooooooooooo much …lol xoxo
I will try, Erika! I believe I have reviewed every foundation I’ve used already, though.
Christine, I’m an NC37 in studio tech wich shade do u recomend for MUFE HD foundation, MUFE mat velvet +, NARS sheer glow and clinique super fit … thanks !!!
MUFE HD – 155
MUFE Mat+ Velvet – 35
NARS Sheer Glow – Barcelona
Clinique Super Fit – Nutty
Hi Christine,
First I’d like to say how much I love this site… I am as well addicted to make up and beauty products in general. I have 2 questions for you.
1) Can you do some more celebrity inspired make up? I really like how Lauren Conrad and Jessica Alba apply their make up.
2) I’m going to a formal party in May and I’m wearing a dress that would probably be considered lilac but with more of a pink tone… I would say its the color orchid from the crayola box. I’m having trouble thinking of how to do my makeup. I’m not very much into matching my makeup with my clothing so the whole purple lilac thing doesn’t suit well with me. I’m a NC35- NC42 depending on the season and have brown eyes and dark brown hair with honey high lights and suggestions would be great!
Thanks 🙂
Hi Vanessa,
1.) Based on previous feedback surveys, the overwhelming majority (like 85%) *hated* celebrity looks, so it’s not really something I’m considering doing at this time unless it’s more out-of-the-box.
2.) Have you considered doing something like a light pink on the eye with a taupe brown in the crease? It’s a little summery, not super matchy-matchy, but still complementary. I’d go with either a pink or maybe a little violet lip 🙂 You could even do a pink lip with a shimmery gloss like Luminary!
Hi 🙂
I don’t have any questions at the moment but just by reading what everyone has written, I do have some products I wanna try 🙂
Great idea Christine :)!
I love lip glosses with a lot of shine (super shiney)but nor sparkle…any recommendations?
I have light skin and green eyes with hazel and gold speckles…. Can I wear gold/yellow eyeshadow? I thought it may bring out the gold tones in my eyes. If so, how would you apply it?
Yes, you can! 🙂 Try champagne golds! I’d apply it all over the lid or on the inner portion of the lid.
Hello Christine,
I have been on a serious look out for a dupe for Prescriptives Sheen Cream in Beam, it is a cream highlighter that is a champagne color, but the consistency is unique in that it is super smooth and goes on easy and looks the most natural. I have already looked at all the brands in sephora, macys, nordstroms, and ulta, and online. I bought something that I thought would be the one from a brand called Jouer and it was called a cream highlighter in the color champagne and in the pot it looks identical but on the skin it is not natural looking enough, so onto the search again… any suggestions? No brands in any of the stores above had anything similar.
Hi Valene,
I don’t know anything about this product — is it a cream blush? liquid? Is it for eyes or face?
Christine, I don’t think you answered my question. Do you have any recommendations for very shiny but not sparkley lip gloss? I love sheer and extremely glossy! Thanks!!!
YSL Pur Gloss — sheer, no sparkle at all, and glossy!
Christine,
Do you think that the clarisonic will scratch my sensitive, acne, pimple forhead?
Angela
I don’t think so…
Hi Christine 🙂 Hope you can help me out! I’m a newb 😛
1) Would you recommend me to wear bronzer? I’m Vietnamese, my skin tone is NC30 I believe, or MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Medium Plus. Since I’m pretty dark as is, would bronzer be possible? Oh, plus I’m currently living in the Philippines where it’s summer all year long. Wondering if wearing bronzer would be too much of a tan? I don’t know… Kinda lost here…
2) What would you suggest for contouring? I’m confuse as to wear a darker shade of powder, blush, bronzer, or what else?
3) How is the quality for Givenchy lipsticks in general? I’m planning on getting one because I’m a sucker for good packaging – and wow aren’t they eye candies! My downfall, seriously! I told my bf to buy Dante Inferno the PS3 game just because that death edition looked so darn cool! Oops, sorry about my blabbering… :”> Got caught in the heat…
Well, just 3 questions so far. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks so much in advance! (>____<)*
Hi Linh,
1.) You don’t *need* bronzer, but if you want to, you can still wear it 🙂 It just gives you a little more of a sunkissed glow.
2.) I prefer contouring powders or else using a powder product that’s just 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin tone — like MSFN.
3.) They’re nice, but I don’t think the formula is particularly standout. Like it’s nice, but I prefer Guerlain and Chanel over it!
Hi! I am having such a hard time trying to find a good bronzer. I have Indian skin tone, kinda of like the girl from slum dog millionaire, maybe a shade more brown. I wear Medium plus in MAC’s mineralized powder and NW35 in concealer to give you an idea. I would like something to give me contour without looking tan (since I am already brown), and something minus the shimmer. Pls help, thankssss! <3
p/s do you normally wear blush and bronzer? When I do, it seems to be looking like a darker tan =(
Why don’t you try wearing MSFN in like Dark or Deep Dark? They’d be great for contouring.
Sometimes I do, but I generally don’t wear bronzer, actually!
MSFN?
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural!
ohhhhhhh lol. Hmm sounds good. funny enough is that I have Dark and when I went back one of the girls said that’s not my color (for face powder) I should use Medium plus. So I ended up just keeping the Dark, she said I can use it when ever the summer comes around and i get alittle tan etc. Thanks for the advice though, I am going to try it, since i already have it!!
ok I know it’s sunday and this thing is over, but someone has to tell me or let me know. I went all crazy on haute look and bought a bunch of UD pigments at just 5 dollars a pop. Now, my question is can I press these pigments into shadows like people usually do with mac ones. I am still new to pigments. HELP!
oh and another question, i am wearing a dress that is i guess white’ish cream and blue like shimmermoss blue. But I dont want my eyeshadows to have those colors maybe the lowerlash line can have a little bit of shimmermoss my lids has to be a different color. This party is during the day but I dont want my eyes to look too dramatic. Can you give me some ideas as to what to do?
I’m not sure – the texture is very fine, so it may be more difficult.
You could do golds – like a soft gold all over the lid and a light copper in the crease.
Hi Christine!
You should do a skincare post! (:
1.) Have you tried the Mac 130 brush, if so how is it? & do you know if it’s limited or permanent?
2.) Is the Mac 165 brush limited or permanent?
3.) Is a lip primer, such as Mac necessary?
4.) Any good undereye concealer or blemish coverage concealer that you would recommend?
5.) Are you supposed to use translucent powders after & over your eyeshadows too? What about setting powder?
ahh makeup can be fun yet confusing .. maybe because i’m still a beginner hehe.
Thanks for being so helpful and answering all the questions! (:
Hi Tiffany,
What kind of skincare post did you have in mind?
1.) I like it, it’s limited as far as I know. I don’t really use it, though.
2.) I believe it is limited.
3.) No, not really. You can use foundation, concealer, or lip liner.
4.) theBalm’s Time Balm.
5.) You don’t need to use it over your eyeshadows, since they are powder already. Translucent powders are essentially setting powders 🙂
Thanks!
I’ve heard that sometimes spraying alcohol on powder makeup will make the product have a harden surface. Is this true, Christine?
Hmm, I haven’t had that problem with alcohol – with water, yes.
Christine,
I’m sorry I also forgot to include my other question. What do you use & how do you clean your cream or liquid makeup products?
Thank you!
I don’t clean liquid products, and for cream, I wipe off the top layer if I’m concerned, but I usually don’t do much with cream/liquid products.
hey Christine, could you please do a a review on opulash mascara
Thank u
When I’ve finished doing my testing on it, I will be happy to review it!
I wear NW45 Foundation by MAC. I was looking for some color suggestions for blush and lip color. For the lips I’m trying to branch out from the typical neutrals: Oh baby, Beaux, etc. I would like something that stands out but is not clownish on a dark skinned complexion. Also any new eyeshadow recommendations would be appreciated.
For blush, I like Breezy, Dollymix, and Sunbasque. For lips, I like Love Nectar, Instant Gold Lipglosses… Kinda Sexy, Media, & New York Apple lipsticks.
These eyeshadows would be great with your skin tone – Aquadisiac, Amber Lights, Contrast, Espresso, Freshwater, Humid,Mulch, Nocturnelle, Paradisco, Shimmermoss, Stars ‘n Rockets
Thanks for the color suggestions!!
what was the first item that you spent a lot of money on?
Cle de Peau #2 Gloss.
I’m 43 yrs old and just starting to notice my skin aging. Im looking for a facial product/mask for, do I dare say, aging skin. Something to help with elasticity, dullness. I don’t usually get facials, I would like to spend the money on a product that I can use at home.
Thanks!
Try Olay Pro-x 🙂
HELP. I am having a problem with my eyeliner on the top. When using eyeshadow as an eyeliner I get a stamp of the color on the crease of my eye from opening my eye. Other than using liquid liner can you suggest anything?
Try using a sealer – like Benefit She-Laq on top!
Hi Christine! Could you suggest which Mac eye brushes are best for applying paintpots? I normally use my fingers but I sometimes find it hard to get even application when I’m using coloured paintpots so I thought it might be worth trying out a brush. My eyes are almond shaped and I have a fairly small lid space area, so I need something that isn’t too big and I also want something that can get into the corners easily. Any suggestions?
I like the 249! If the 249 is too big, you could try the 195 – designed for concealer, but it’ll work just fine for paint pots!
Thanks so much, Christine. I will check these out :o) .
Hey, I would like to have some tips on applying concealer? Is it better to apply it before or after foundation? I use Mac Studio Finish SPF 35 concealer. Its in a pot like the eyeshadows. Also, what a nice red and/or coral lipstick for me (I wear MAC NW45-I want something FUN for the summer time!! Thanks!
Hey KeslieRose,
I prefer after foundation, because then you don’t end up smearing it beyond where you need/want it.
What about Vegas Volt or even Lady Danger?
Thanks, I will look into those!!