Pick-Ups & Deliveries: May 2014 — Beauty Haul

End of the month (!) means haul post time! After the crazy splurging I did last month, I really had to control my shopping this month, especially given that I'm leaving for New York tomorrow. So aside from the MAC Alluring Aquatics and Maleficent products I ordered (which, admittedly, is still quite a lot), I only picked up a few things here and there, starting with some drugstore goodies:
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso and Berry Amore
Essie Nail Lacquer in Fashion Playground, Romper Room, and In the Cab-ana
Yep, my local Loblaws had just re-stocked their Milani and got a whole new shipment of Luminoso in. So I snapped that baby up, plus Berry Amore, because I can't physically leave a store with just one single blush. (Blush fiends will know what I mean.) I also picked up Fashion Playground and Romper Room from Essie's Spring 2014 collection (the pale pink is an odd choice for me, I know, but I actually prefer clean pastels for my toes), and a full-size bottle of In the Cab-ana which was from Essie's Resort 2013 collection because I lost the mini bottle I had got last year.

Rainbow Honey Nail Lacquer in Tidal Wave, Ivy's Kiss, Star Stuff, and Tessellate
Rainbow Honey Nail Lacquer in Explosions in the Sky, Sakura Matsuri, and Poffin Party

Rainbow Honey May Mystery Bag (Sakura Matsuri Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, Summer Juice Rollerball, Summer Juice Shea Butter Soap, Nail Honey Cuticle Balm, and 5ml Nail Lacquers in Waves, Petit Four, and Neon Blossom) and May Limited Edition Nail Lacquer in I'm the Hero And in more nail polish news, I made another big order from Rainbow Honey because I have a sick addiction. I actually went on their site for the sole purpose of ordering Tessellate (partially because of the name but mostly because it has triangular glitter!) from their Neon Graffiti collection, and ended up getting six other glitter polishes as well. I also received their May Limited Edition Nail Lacquer called I'm the Hero (very... star-spangled banner) and their May Mystery Bag for free because my purchase was over $60. But I also had a coupon code for 25% off everything, so I ended up only paying $52.50. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Body & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
C. O. Bigelow No. 1412 Mentha Body Vitamin Body Lotion
I went to Bath & Body Works just to take a look (I am still on a candle ban) and ended up getting all things mint. When spring and summer roll around, I like all things cooling because I have eczema- and allergy-prone skin so I do whatever I can to prevent myself from scratching itchy skin. Also because mint just feels nice and tingly and awesome on a hot day. So I picked up their Aromatherapy Stress Relief Shampoo and Conditioner in Eucalyptus Spearmint (one of my favourite scents from Bath & Body Works) and a bottle of C. O. Bigelow Mentha Body Vitamin Body Lotion. They were on a Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale, and I also had a 30% off coupon, so I couldn't resist. You kinda smell like toothpaste after using the body lotion, but it feels glorious on overheated skin and is oddly addictive to use. Gonna come in handy when the mosquitoes come out in full force.
Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser
Vichy Idéalia Life Serum Skin Idealizer Serum
Illamasqua Eyeshadow in Imagine, Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Pure Gold Sparkle Powder, and Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 6
Finally, at our meet-up a couple weeks ago, Liz gifted me with a bag of goodies, which included a brand-new full-size tube of Shisedo's Ibuki Purifying Cleanser, a bottle of Vichy's Idéalia Life Serum, Illamasqua's Powder Eyeshadow in Imagine (a gorgeous vibrant matte cornflower blue), a jar of Tarina Tarantino's Sparklicity Pure Gold Sparkle Powder (because I have a love of all things glittery), and Hourglass' Femme Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 6 (actually a beautiful everyday nude on my skintone, similar to MAC's Velvet Teddy, and the formula is gorgeous). I can't wait to start using the skincare, especially the Vichy Life Serum; I'm trying to use up my current serums first before opening a new one, but I've heard so many good things about this one. Thanks, Liz!
What did you pick up this month?

Friday Five: Fireday 5

This week's Friday Five:

1. What kind of campfire experience do you have? I don't do campfires a lot because I don't spend a lot of time outdoors, but if I do participate in a campfire, it's gotta include roasting marshmallows. I mean, really, what else is there?


2. How are you with a charcoal grill? Anytime I've gone to a BBQ, someone else is manning the grill so I've never actually grilled anything myself... I think the only time I grill anything is at Korean BBQ. Does that count? In which case, I'm fantastic! I grill those (all-you-can-eat deliciously marinated) beef ribs like a pro! But... it's not charcoal...


3. What was the occasion for which you last lit a candle? I wanted my room to smell good? It was a Voluspa candle in French Cade & Lavender. One of my favourite scents for this time of year!


4. What food, usually consumed cooked, do you prefer raw? (Alternate question: What food, usually consumed raw, do you prefer cooked?) I always prefer salmon raw (salmon sashimi, holla!). And I usually prefer most vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, etc.) cooked instead of raw.


5. What was the occasion for your last getting all fired up? Bad drivers. Always. I have a 30-minute drive to and from work everyday and there's always someone on the road who will piss me right off. Serious road rage.

MAC Maleficent: True Love's Kiss Lipstick

Two weeks ago, MAC released their collaboration collection with Disney's Maleficent, meant to coincide with the movie launch this month. This collection is available online and at MAC Stores only. It is inspired by, of course, Maleficent: "Mysterious, magnificent, and much misunderstood — Disney's most iconic villain... Intensely admired for her evil elegance, despite her efforts to instill fear in the hearts of generations, this icon casts a spell of absolute adoration with sensuous shades so wickedly gorgeous, who needs beauty sleep?" The entire collection features a total of 14 products, of which three are new and limited edition, one is a re-promote, and ten are permanent. Maleficent will see the launch of one new and limited edition shade of lipstick. It comes in a special edition glossy black tube with the Maleficent logo (two ravens standing foot to foot making it appear like a pair of black wings in the shape of an 'M'), as well as a matching secondary cardstock box. Each lipstick contains 3 g of product, and retails for $21. 
True Love's Kiss
True Love's Kiss

True Love's Kiss is a medium-dark vibrant ruby red with very subtle fine micro-shimmer in an Amplified finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It is slightly lighter and less matte than Russian Red, warmer than MAC Red, darker and brighter than Cockney, and darker and cooler than Lady Bug.

Okay, yes, a lot of people were incredibly disappointed with this launch. Given that MAC released Venomous Villains a few years ago to immense popularity and rave reviews (of which Maleficent was also featured, albeit in her original animation form), most people were expecting this collection to rival the monumental success of that. This collection is actually inspired by the products that special effects make-up artist Rick Baker used on Angelina Jolie on set for the movie. (Side note: Rick Baker has been using MAC products on his work for years so they have a long-standing respect for each other; he actually collaborated with MAC last fall for a limited edition PRO-only Halloween collection.) Think of these products as what Maleficent would actually wear in real life rather than the products inspired by the animated film. That having been said, I do think it was a wasted opportunity not to come out with more limited edition shades given the higher price point of the products due to the packaging.

The majority of this collection is available permanently without the special edition packaging, so I only picked up this lipstick and the Beauty Powder. A Maleficent collection would not be complete without a red lipstick — after all, it is the single most striking feature on the villainess and she is never seen without it, even in cartoon form. MAC has a myriad of red lipsticks to choose from and there is something for everyone, but what I can appreciate about True Love's Kiss is that MAC actually doesn't have an exact dupe of it in their permanent range. Because it has an Amplified finish, it's creamier and comes with a sheen but also has high pigmentation and full colour pay-off, so it's as if Russian Red and Cockney had a baby. That having been said, I don't think this is a must-have given the tremendous amount of red lipsticks available (unless you're a die-hard Maleficent fan or a MAC collector). But this one is universally flattering and has a great texture and formulation, so it's worth looking at if you're on the market for a nice red lipstick.

MAC Maleficent: Natural Beauty Powder

Two weeks ago, MAC released their collaboration collection with Disney's Maleficent, meant to coincide with the movie launch this month. This collection is available online and at MAC Stores only. It is inspired by, of course, Maleficent: "Mysterious, magnificent, and much misunderstood — Disney's most iconic villain... Intensely admired for her evil elegance, despite her efforts to instill fear in the hearts of generations, this icon casts a spell of absolute adoration with sensuous shades so wickedly gorgeous, who needs beauty sleep?" The entire collection features a total of 14 products, of which three are new and limited edition, one is a re-promote, and ten are permanent. Maleficent will see the launch of one new and limited edition shade of Beauty Powder. It comes in a special edition glossy black mirrored compact with the Maleficent logo (two ravens standing foot to foot making it appear like a pair of black wings in the shape of an 'M'), as well as a matching secondary cardstock box. Each Beauty Powder contains 10 ml of product, and retails for $35. 
Natural
Natural

Natural is a light peachy pink-beige in a satin-matte finish. This is a new and limited edition product and shade. It has a soft, silky, finely-milled texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is more pink and less frosted than Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish, and more pink than Light Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

Okay, yes, a lot of people were incredibly disappointed with this launch. Given that MAC released Venomous Villains a few years ago to immense popularity and rave reviews (of which Maleficent was also featured, albeit in her original animation form), most people were expecting this collection to rival the monumental success of that. This collection is actually inspired by the products that special effects make-up artist Rick Baker used on Angelina Jolie on set for the movie. (Side note: Rick Baker has been using MAC products on his work for years so they have a long-standing respect for each other; he actually collaborated with MAC last fall for a limited edition PRO-only Halloween collection.) Think of these products as what Maleficent would actually wear in real life rather than the products inspired by the animated film. That having been said, I do think it was a wasted opportunity not to come out with more limited edition shades given the higher price point of the products due to the packaging.

The majority of this collection is available permanently without the special edition packaging, so I only picked up this powder and the lipstick (both of which are new and limited edition). A lot of people often get confused as to what Beauty Powder is, and how to use it. Depending on the colour of the powder and your skintone, Beauty Powders can be used as finishing powders, highlighters, and subtle blushes. This particular shade can be used as an all-over finishing powder for fair to light skintones, and as a soft highlighter on medium to medium-dark skintones. Because it is such a light shade, it can start to look ashy on darker skintones. That having been said, this powder has a very smooth, finely-milled texture with great pigmentation and is incredibly blendable, so I do think it can be used by the majority of people. Rick Baker gave Angelina Jolie some killer cheekbones and intense contouring for the film, so I do think this product was meant to be used in conjunction with the Sculpting Powder (permanent at PRO). But as it is, I can really appreciate this product to highlight beautifully without adding shine or illumination — just soft, subtle, and, as the name implies, natural.

Sunday Video Love: Gun

Still obsessed with Chvrches, and am in love with this rendition of "Gun." Possibly my favourite vengeance song, ever. And how damn cute is Lauren Mayberry? She's like an angelic pixie! If angelic pixies sang about killing people!

MAC Alluring Aquatic: Nail Lacquers

Yesterday, MAC released their first major summer colour collection, Alluring Aquatic, in stores. It is inspired by "mythological sirens of the deep" and 1940s "aquamusicals" (such as those featuring Esther Williams). The entire collection features a total of 32 products, of which 29 are new and limited edition, and three are permanent at all locations. Alluring Aquatic will see the launch of three new and limited edition shades of Nail Lacquer. They come in special edition bottles with metallic teal caps that are "elegantly accented with sheer water droplets," as well as matching secondary cardstock boxes. Each lipstick contains 10 ml of product, and retails for $21. 
Neptune, Shimmerfish, and Submerged
Neptune (index finger + pinky), Shimmerfish (middle finger), and Submerged (thumb + ring finger)

Neptune is a medium tarnished gold with a khaki-olive sheen in a Frost finish. It goes on smoothly and evenly, without any pulling, bubbling, or streaking. It is completely self-levelling. It has medium-high pigmentation, and goes opaque in two medium-thick coats. It is warmer than MAC Immortal Gold, less shimmery than A-England Holy Grail, and less green and less duochrome than Chanel Péridot.
Shimmerfish is a light-medium warm-toned silver with gold and copper sparkle in a Pearl finish. It goes on smoothly and evenly, without any pulling, bubbling, or streaking. It is completely self-levelling. It has high pigmentation, and goes opaque in two thin-medium coats. It is similar though with smaller shimmer particles than OPI Designer... de Better!, similar though with less gold sparkle than A-England Excalibur, and similar though with more copper sparkle than China Glaze Gossip Over Gimlets.
Submerged is a dark navy blue with teal and purple duochrome in a Frost finish. It goes on smoothly and evenly, without any pulling, bubbling, or streaking. It is completely self-levelling. It has medium pigmentation, and goes opaque in three medium coats. It is similar to Sally Hansen Black and Blue, and darker and less teal than China Glaze Deviantly Daring and Chanel Azuré.

Somewhat unexpected shades for summer like the rest of Alluring Aquatic, but goes beautifully with the colour story and collection as a whole. I think all three of these would've been must-haves a few years ago when these types of shades were all novelties... but given that many brands have similar shades now does give the average consumer a lot more alternatives, and some at much cheaper prices. However, MAC has definitely upped the quality of their nail polish formula on these; they all go on smoothly and evenly with a nice consistency that's not too thick or watery. None of these are really must-haves, but they are undoubtedly gorgeous shades (in the same amazing special edition packaging) that will work beautifully all year round.

MAC Alluring Aquatic: Lipsticks

Today, MAC will be releasing their first major summer colour collection, Alluring Aquatic, in stores. It is inspired by "mythological sirens of the deep" and 1940s "aquamusicals" (such as those featuring Esther Williams). The entire collection features a total of 32 products, of which 29 are new and limited edition, and three are permanent at all locations. Alluring Aquatic will see the launch of six new and limited edition shades of lipstick. They come in special edition metallic teal tubes that are "elegantly accented with sheer water droplets," as well as matching secondary cardstock boxes. Each lipstick contains 3 grams of product, and retails for $20. Due to the special edition packaging, these are not applicable for the Back to MAC recycling program. 
Siren Song, Pet Me, Please, Enchanted One, Mystical, and Goddess of the Sea
Siren Song, Pet Me, Please, Enchanted One, Mystical, and Goddess of the Sea

Siren Song is a pale champagne beige with champagne pearl in a Lustre finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has low pigmentation and sheer to semi-sheer buildable colour pay-off. It is more golden than Frou, much less pink and warmer than Pretty Please, and sheerer than Tanarama.
Pet Me, Please is a light peachy beige with mauve pearl in a Frost finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has medium pigmentation and semi-sheer to semi-opaque buildable colour pay-off. It is more pink than Gel, lighter and cooler than Fabby, and lighter than Sandy B.
Enchanted One is a light-medium warm peachy beige in a Matte finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It is more peach than Honeylove, less brown than Cherish, and darker than Peachstock (PRO).

Mystical is a medium-dark warm rose pink in a Cremesheen finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It is more pink than Twig and Fast Play, and darker and less pink than Cosmo.

Goddess of the Sea is a medium-dark cool purple berry in a Cremesheen finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a soft and creamy texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It is more purple than Captive, darker and more pink than Up The Amp, and darker and more purple than Plumful.

The Alluring Aquatic collection as a whole is more about dramatic eyes and clean illuminated skin, so the lipstick shades released with this launch are meant to compliment them rather than be the focus, which is what is usually expected of summer collections. For those who expected bright, in-your-face shades that are usually associated with this time of year (see: Playland), you won't find that with Alluring Aquatic. The brightest we get here is Goddess of the Sea, which is somewhere between a purple and a berry and slightly darker than orchid, as if Up The Amp and Captive had a baby. It works well on all skintones and undertones; it will appear darker on fairer skintones and brighter on darker skintones. Enchanted One is a fantastic matte warm nude shade that will work on almost all skintones; fans of Honeylove, Velvet Teddy, and Peachstock will swoon over it.

Mystical is a nice everyday shade that adds just enough colour without being too bright but is more of a pop than a my-lips-but-better shade; it will appear more coral on fairer skintones and more of a rose pink on darker skintones. For those who like more metallic, frosted finishes to their lipstick, Siren Song and Pet Me, Please may appease you if you like lighter shades that look more like a glaze of colour on the lips; they are both on the sheerer side so your natural lip colour will show through. My only issue with these kinds of shades is that they don't have a long wear-time and they tend to emphasize lip texture so they fade unevenly on the lips. All in all, though, there's actually a nicely varied range of lipsticks in terms of colour and texture with this launch despite the lack of the typical summer brights. All in all, I would say my biggest must-have from these is Goddess of the Sea — it looks flattering on nearly everyone and there's nothing really similar to it in MAC's permanent range.

MAC Alluring Aquatic: Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Lorelei, Sea Worship, Silver Sun, Legendary Lure, Fathoms Deep, and Soul Serenade

Tomorrow, MAC will be releasing their first major summer colour collection, Alluring Aquatic, in stores. It is inspired by "mythological sirens of the deep" and 1940s "aquamusicals" (such as those featuring Esther Williams). The entire collection features a total of 32 products, of which 29 are new and limited edition, and three are permanent at all locations. Alluring Aquatic will see the launch of six new and limited edition shades of Extra Dimension Eyeshadow. It is described as "a liquid-powder eyeshadow with prismatic reflections in six shimmering tints. Impact ranges from sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect." They come in special edition metallic teal pots with clear lids that are "elegantly accented with sheer water droplets," as well as matching secondary cardstock boxes. Each Extra Dimension Eyeshadow contains 1.3 grams of product, and retails for $22.50. Due to the special edition packaging and limited edition formula, these are not applicable for the Back to MAC recycling program.
Lorelei, Sea Worship, and Silver Sun
Lorelei, Sea Worship, and Silver Sun

Lorelei is a light-medium warm golden peachy beige in a metallic finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is similar though slightly more peach than All That Glitters, and smoother and less sparkly than Honey Lust.
Sea Worship is a medium muted warm golden khaki-olive in a metallic finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is lighter and more golden than Sumptuous Olive, and more green than Woodwinked.
Silver Sun is a light-medium seafoam green with a golden shimmer-sheen in a metallic finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. There is nothing really similar to this in MAC's permanent eyeshadow range; it is lighter and warmer than Sweet & Sour #2 Mineralize Eyeshadow.

Legendary Lure, Fathoms Deep, and Soul Serenade
Legendary Lure, Fathoms Deep, and Soul Serenade

Legendary Lure is a dark cool-toned forest green in a metallic finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. There is nothing really similar to this in MAC's permanent eyeshadow range; it is cooler and less green than Smutty Green Mineralize Eyeshadow, and more green-toned than Knight Divine.
Fathoms Deep is a dark muted cool-toned purple in a metallic finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. There is nothing really similar to this in MAC's permanent eyeshadow range; it is darker and cooler than Nocturnelle, and cooler and more muted than Pinkluxe #5.
Soul Serenade is a dark cool-toned taupe in a metallic finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. There is nothing really similar to this in MAC's permanent eyeshadow range; it is darker and less grey than Satin Taupe, and much warmer than Knight Divine.

This is probably MAC's best iteration of their Extra Dimension Eyeshadow formulation to date. I've always been impressed with this formula, but they seem to be even more pigmented and softer this time around, making every single one of these exceptional in texture and execution. It might actually be my favourite eyeshadow formulation by MAC, ever. It's very similar to their Veluxe Pearl finish eyeshadows in the more frosted, metallic finish and fantastic pigmentation and colour pay-off, except silkier and more lightweight (because these are a "liquid-powder" hybrid) rather than dense and buttery. If this collection is any indication, MAC is trying to get away from the bright lip trend this summer, and focusing more on clean, illuminated skin and and sultry, more dramatic eye looks. And these are the perfect eyeshadows to create a fresh take on the smoky eye — not just for summer, but all year round.

MAC Alluring Aquatic: Extra Dimension Blush in Sea Me, Hear Me and Seduced at Sea

This coming Thursday, MAC will be releasing their first major summer colour collection, Alluring Aquatic, in stores. It is inspired by "mythological sirens of the deep" and 1940s "aquamusicals" (such as those featuring Esther Williams). The entire collection features a total of 32 products, of which 29 are new and limited edition, and three are permanent at all locations. Alluring Aquatic will see the launch of two new and limited edition shades of Extra Dimension Blush. It is described as "a liquid-powder blush with prismatic reflections... Impact ranges from sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect." They come in special edition metallic teal compacts with clear lids that are "elegantly accented with sheer water droplets," as well as matching secondary cardstock boxes. Each Extra Dimension Blush contains 6.5 grams of product, and retails for $32.50. 
Sea Me, Hear Me and Seduced at Sea
Sea Me, Hear Me and Seduced at Sea

Sea Me, Hear Me is a medium-dark muted warm muted coral with soft golden micro-shimmer in a satin finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is less shimmery and more orange-toned than Sunbasque, less shimmery and less bronze than Peachtwist, less brown than Gingerly, and less reddened than Pinch Me.
Seduced at Sea is a medium muted warm golden peach with soft golden micro-shimmer in a satin finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is more golden than Peaches, slightly lighter and more peach than Sunbasque, more peach than Margin, and darker and more bronzed than Style.

This is MAC's third time launching Extra Dimension Blushes, and I am pleased to find that they have the same super-silky, finely-milled, and ultra-smooth texture that we've come to expect from the Extra Dimension formula, but without the intense metallic finish that is associated with it. I've actually found that MAC has refined these blushes every time they launch them, so that these ones are even softer and more pigmented than the last iteration. Applies beautifully: Layerable to true-to-pan colour, and blends like a dream. Never powdery, never chalky, and doesn't emphasize skin texture. Both shades have a beautiful satin finish with a subtle sheen that leaves a nice illuminated glow on the skin without being shiny or shimmery; this is probably the most flattering blush formula that MAC has come out with (and actually very, very similar to — if not the same as — Clinique's Cheek Pops, which would come as no surprise to me as both MAC and Clinique are Estée Lauder companies). Stunning formula housed in even more stunning special edition packaging.

MAC Alluring Aquatic: Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell and Delphic

This coming Thursday, MAC will be releasing their first major summer colour collection, Alluring Aquatic, in stores. It is inspired by "mythological sirens of the deep" and 1940s "aquamusicals" (such as those featuring Esther Williams). The entire collection features a total of 32 products, of which 29 are new and limited edition, and three are permanent at all locations. Alluring Aquatic will see the launch of two new and limited edition shades of Extra Dimension Bronzer. It is described as "a liquid-powder bronzer with prismatic reflections [that] highlights the face…  The cool, creamy near-fluid formula creates a luminous, well-defined finish." They come in special edition metallic teal compacts with clear lids that are "elegantly accented with sheer water droplets," as well as matching secondary cardstock boxes. Each Extra Dimension Bronzer contains 9 grams of product, and retails for $38.50. 
Aphrodite's Shell and Delphic
Aphrodite's Shell and Delphic

Aphrodite's Shell is a medium muted warm golden tan with soft golden micro-shimmer in a satin finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is more yellow-toned than Golden Bronzing Powder, lighter and less shimmery than Refined Golden Bronzing Powder, more golden than Medium Tan Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, and less golden than Medium Golden Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.
Delphic is a medium-dark warm orange-toned bronze with soft golden micro-shimmer in a satin finish. This is a new and limited edition shade. It has a lightweight, silky texture, and goes on smoothly and evenly. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off. It can be layered and blended out easily. It is more orange than Refined Golden Bronzing Powder, lighter and less red than Bronze Bronzing Powder, more shimmery than Give Me Sun! Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, and more orange than Dark Tan Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

So far, we've seen blushes, eyeshadows, and Skinfinishes come out in MAC's Extra Dimension liquid-powder hybrid formula, and for this summer, they've added bronzers to the line-up. These have the same smooth, silky, lightweight texture that we've come to expect of MAC's Extra Dimension powder products, but with a beautiful, softly illuminating satin finish. These are definitely more similar to the finish of the Extra Dimension Blushes than the Extra Dimension Skinfinishes; they give a subtle glow and gentle gleam rather than a metallic pearlized highlight, and don't emphasize skin texture at all (in fact, I find that they blur imperfections on the skin!). I had no problems with pigmentation or getting either shade to show up on the skin. These are very finely-milled and go on extremely smoothly, so they're also easily layerable and incredibly blendable. Aphrodite's Shell should work beautifully on fair to medium skintones (and as a subtle highlight on deep dark skintones), and Delphic should work well on medium-dark to dark skintones. If you're looking for a new bronzer for this summer, these are well worth looking at. And dear god, would you look at that fantastically gorgeous packaging? 

Sunday Video Love: Lies

I downloaded Chvrches' album sometime late last year but didn't really give it a good, thorough listen until recently. And it's become so addictive that I've been playing it while driving, while showering, while putting on my make-up. It's my morning jam when I'm getting ready for work, it's my night jam when I'm preparing to go to sleep. There's just something about the blend of catchy synth-pop beats with hauntingly aggressive lyrics sang by the most sweet, innocent voice that fits every mood, every hour of the day so perfectly that I can't help but play it over and over and over again.

Instagram: Spring 2014 — Food Edition

I've been ridiculously busy lately, so in lieu of a "real" post, I thought I'd share some photos of the awesome foods that I've had the pleasure of eating and posted on Instagram over the past couple months. I don't always bring my camera with me when I go out to eat but I tend to Instagram all those meals that I don't blog about here. For those who do follow me on Instagram, I apologize for the re-post here... but, hey, you can never get enough of food porn.

Dinner with Ronsee at JOEY Markville: Lobster grilled cheese with fries, tempura-style chili chicken, Baja fish tacos, and baked-to-order apple pie with maple ice cream
Dinner with Liz at Milestones: The Stacked Burger — prime rib burger, Montreal smoked meat, bacon strips, button mushrooms, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and horseradish cream on a brioche bun
Dinner with Liz at Milestones: Mini "Break-Up Tubs" — cookie dough ice cream, house-made caramel, and chunks of house-baked double chocolate cookie
Dinner with Val and Ronsee at Milestones: Ahi tuna tacos with crispy avocado, mini Peruvian burritos, hot spinach and artichoke dip, and baked goat cheese and slow-roasted garlic flatbread plate
Candied-bacon carrot cake with Steph at Boston Pizza
Dinner with Cynthia at Bâton Rouge: Caesar salad, prime rib au jus with mashed potatoes, grilled Atlantic salmon with sweet potato fries, crab cakes with corn salsa and chipotle mayo
Dinner with Austin at JOEY Markville: Bombay butter chicken with aromatic almond basmati rice and grilled naan
Dinner with Austin at JOEY Markville: Deep-fried mashed potato spring rolls (!!!)
Dinner with the girls at Maison du Japon: Salmon Lovers' roll, salmon and avocado handrolls, salmon and surf clam sashimi, and avocado and yam rolls
Dinner with the girls at Maison du Japon: Deep-fried scallops with wasabi mayo, butter pan-fried shrimp, deep-fried spring rolls, and black pepper beef with sliced garlic
Beef and scrambled egg ho fun at Tao Canteen
Luncheon meat and scrambled egg sandwich at Tao Canteen
Dinner with Hannan at East Side Mario's: Chicken & Bacon Pizza
Dinner with Val at JOEY Markville: Chicken fettuccine alfredo with arugula and shaved Grana Padano
Dinner with Cynthia at JOEY Markville: Pesto shrimp flatbread, panang prawn curry bowl with peanuts and jasmine rice, herb crush salmon with a crispy mashed potato spring roll, and molten lava chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean ice cream
Conclusion: I should really get a VIP discount at JOEY Markville. Anyhow, have a great weekend (long weekend for my fellow Canadians!) and I will be back Monday with a vengeance (because I'm off for three days!!!).