It's that time of year again!

Happy Friday! I received my order from MAC yesterday. I only ordered one thing from the new Semi Precious collection. Last year, I was all over In the Groove (okay, mainly Stereo Rose but I was loving all of the MSF's and lipsticks... and blushes). This year, eh... I could pass on most of it. I picked up one MSF for now, Semi Precious Pearl. Out of all the product photos I had seen on Temptalia, this one looked the most appealing.

I was instantly attracted to the raspberry, gold, copper, and white veining. Like most MSF's, this one is very shimmery so I think it works best as a highlighter. Although, lighter skin tones can probably pull this off as a blush (if you use a light hand). I tried it that way today and loved it. But like I said, I think most will appreciate this more as a highlight. 

L-R: outside color, center, swirled together

MAC In The Groove: Mineralize Skinfinishes

MAC's In The Groove collection was released earlier this week and I couldn't tell you how thrilled I am. I've been anticipating this collection since April because of the Mineralize Skinfinishes (is it really any wonder?). I meant to get two lipsticks from the collection, I Like It Like That and All Styled Up, but I didn't *sigh*. Anyway, I got three of the four MSF's, all except Comfort -- which is far too orange for my pasty NW20 skin tone. I wanted to share up close photos, taken in natural light, and swatches. So, here goes:

By Candlelight:

MAC describes this MSF as being "golden pink". I don't think it's as pink in the pan as it in the swatch (which I was unable to capture). It's a very light pinky sheen.

Petticoat:

Petticoat is the reason I lusting for this collection so badly. Even when I knew it was coming back, I almost paid $40 USD at a CCO just so I could have it then and there but the angel on my shoulder told me to wait =)

Stereo Rose:

Ah yes, the holy grail of MSF's. Stereo Rose is highly coveted by many MAC addicts as it has not been released in a collection since 2005. Five years is a long wait! Also, it's the only true coral Skinfinish. Hence, all of the hype. These are already sold out at my MAC counter, as well as MAC online, but they me be restocking them online soon so check back to maccosmetics.com if you want it but haven't been able to get it!

All Three Swatches:

Review: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, Soft and Gentle (+ How to Use).

          If you're not a collector (like some women are) of Mineralize Skinfinishes (as they're expensive for many), but you're looking for must-haves, this one's for you. It's a gorgeous highlight color (shimmering champagne) that compliments those who are cool or warm toned, fair or dark skinned. As far as I know, it is part of the permanent line (along with Comfort and Gold Deposit). The texture of the powder feels velvety smooth and you don't need much to create a soft, beautiful glow. I've read a lot of reviews about this on Makeup Alley; some were good and some were bad. A few women referred to the shimmer as "chunks of glitter". Frankly, this MSF is all about shimmer and glitter, but not in an obnoxious or ugly manner. I think the problem lies with the actual application of the product. Perhaps for those with mature skin, it may seem too shimmery, but maybe it's not about what we're applying to our faces as much it's about how we're applying it. When I swatched these for photos, I caked it on my arm and this resulted in 'chunking', but I would never apply it to my face like that!

How to use Soft and Gentle: 

There are a few different brushes that get the job done. These tips can also aid in applying other Skinfinishes as well. For the sake of reference and lack of confusion, I'll be talking about MAC / Sigma brushes (same numbering system). 

For the most part, makeup addicts around the globe agree that the 182 buffer brush is the BEST brush to use when applying MSF's in general. A buffer brush allows you really blend the product into the skin, to create a natural flawlessness (and to prevent disco ball syndrome).

Another popular brush to use is the 188 short duo fibre. This brush is the little sister to the famous 187. It is smaller in comparison to the 187 -- allowing you to blush, highlight, or do whatever else within a confined area. The beauty to the duo fibre brushes is that they apply makeup in such a way, the end result is stunning and flawless. I personally use the 187 for liquid foundation and I never touched the 190 again (except that I la-love it to apply under eye concealer!) . My skin always looks as though it is airbrushed. It applies the product in very light layers which makes this brush 'goof proof' in the sense that the coverage is buildable. If for whatever reason you feel that Soft and Gentle is too glittery, you can make the most out of your MSF by using this brush with a light hand.

You can also use the 168 (large contour brush) or the 109 (small contour brush). I prefer using a Kabuki / buffer brush but I'd like to emphasize on the fact that you need to find what works best for you because in the end, that's what matters most. What I may prefer, may not be what you prefer. I don't use this powder wet because I'm so fair that it'll overpower my face BUT maybe it'd look beautiful on you. Again, play around and experiment. That's how we learn. If there's a different method that you use to apply MSF's, feel free to comment and tell me what it is!

Personally, I've established a good relationship with the 182 brush only because it works well for MSF's and buffing out harsh contour lines. I gently swirl the brush with a light hand and then I begin applying to the areas where the Sun's light naturally hits my face. This includes cheekbones, the area right about the eyebrows (brow bone), a little hint on the nose, and a hint on the chin. If you'd like, I think it even looks nice on the collar bones as well (especially when the skin is bronzed). Click here to watch a video from youtube beauty guru, lollipop26, on how to apply an MSF with this brush.

Temptalia offers a guide on five different ways to wear a Mineralize Skinfinish depending on the colors (highlight, blush, bronzer, etc.) and I found it to be extremely helpful.a

Bottom Line:

As I said earlier, I firmly believe that this looks beautiful on all skin tones (and undertones) alike. I'm loving this MSF! Mineralize Skinfinishes retail for $28.00 USD. You can purchase it at maccosmetics.com. 

Swatches

**Keep in mind that I really layered it on, so that's why it may appear overly glittery or 'chunky'. I wanted to capture in depth detail of the pigmentation. So long as you're applying it right, it shouldn't look this crazy on your face!

Source(s) and other information: In this post, I've mentioned the following people / blog(s) / products: www.temptalia.com, www.maccosmetics.com, makeupalley.com, www.allcosmeticswholesale.com, & sigmamakeup.com. 

All photos were taken by me and are therefore, my property. Sharing is caring, so you're more than welcome to use them in your personal site so long as you give me proper credit. Thank you!