Me, Myself, and MAC

[alysia56]

Hello ladies and gents and everything in between. I'm a newbie to the forum, so go easy on me for the first couple of weeks or so. I guess I should introduce myself...I'm a 26 y/o female in Arizona...started using MAC at 20 and swore by it for about 5 years. I did makeup for my husband's filmmaking endeavors and wouldn't use anything else (with the exception of Ben Nye Final Seal), even for that. I'm pretty sure I even converted some folk in my day. Anyway, long story short, I switched over to Bare Minerals about a year ago after hearing all the hype. I figured it would - if nothing else - at least make my skin healthier. So after much flirting and dabbling in just about everything BM has to offer, I finally realized my skin wasn't healthier, I was breaking out worse than I EVER did with MAC, and that I never had that "finished" or "polished" or "tailored" look I really wanted. Don't exactly know the terminology to use there...I just know I never achieved it. So...12 months later, after spending GOBS of money on the BM, I have officially switched back to MAC, and this time I'm pretty sure I'll be a lifer.

Anyway, my current regimen consists of: Bare Escentuals Skin Rev-er Upper as primer. Then I use Studio Finish Concealer in NC20 on any spots and under my eyeballs, followed by Studio Fix in C3. Then I use Frost Blush in Style, followed by a sweep of Bare Minerals Gossamer over the entire face to give me a fresh, dewy glow. Right now I'm still using BM eyeshadow (usually Sex on the Beach blended with Opal), Revlon Wet/Dry Liner in Brown/Black, and finish off with any random sweep of Lipglass.

I made an online order yesterday, and as soon as my package arrives, I will be amending the above to read:

1. MAC Prep and Prime Skin

2. Studio Finish Concealer in NC20 on any spots.

3. Select Cover-Up in NC20 under the eyes (I'm hoping this will prevent "caking" and whatnot in the undereye wrinkle area.

4. Studio Fix in C3

5. Irridescent Loose Powder in Silver Dusk (will hopefully give me that dewy glow I like from BM Gossamer).

6. Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Peachykeen (never tried this shade - am looking forward to it).

7. Eyeshadows and Liner will probably stay the same for the time being; there's only so much money in the bank right now; I will probably go back to using MAC liner in Tarnish, if they've still got that one around.

8. Lipglass in one of many shades

So...that's me. Right now I'm just lying in wait of my package, but I just found out the Prep & Prime is backordered, so phooey. I'm always looking for recommendations, especially as far as the eyes go. To be honest, I don't like using more than two shades on any given day, simply because of the time involved. I was thinking about getting the Smoke Signals set, but am still debating that one.

 

[Britikitty]

Welcome to Specktra!

I'm a make-up newbie with a strong leaning towards neutrals, and therefore absolutely love my Smoking Eyes palette, as well as the Smoke Signals pigment. The palette is a great staple for me since the mix of warm browns, darkest black, and Satin Taupe means I can really play around with how natural or dramatic I want a look to be. I've also found that the colours go really well with a number of others. Right now, I'm pairing my browns and taupes up with pinks and deepest purples, and I love it.

The Smoke Signals pigment is a wonderfully smoky grey-purple. I've seen it look really dark and purple on some people, and more grey on others. It's definitely more on the grey spectrum on my skin (I am very pale with dark eyes and dark hair). Again, it's versatile and is a wonderful matte.

If you like to wear just two shades, you would definitely do well with some of the Smoke Signals colours. Having said that, you can also just mix and match from the regular line, so it's really up to you.

By the way, I'm sorry BM didn't work out for you. I switched over to a mineral foundation (for the rare days I wear such) a year ago (from a UK company called Lily Lolo), and it's really saved my skin. I do know of a few women, though, who respond really badly to such. Skin can be so tricky!

 

[lara]

Hey there, welcome to Specktra!

 

[MarieLisa_Smile]

Welcome to Specktra!

 

[franimal]

Hi!!!