Swatches + Comparisons: MAC Reel Sexy Mineralize SkinFinish in Lightscapade

Left: MAC Lightscapade Version 1 from Fall Colour Collection

Right: MAC Lightscapade Version 2 from Reel Sexy Collection

If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that I recently purchased MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish in Lightscapade at the Estee Lauder Company Store for $19.75. I saw 2 Lightscapades that looked completely beige and 1 with blue, yellow and peach veining. I took home the latter, of course. How could I resist the gorgeous veining?

MAC is currently repromoting Lightscapade in the Reel Sexy collection and it retails for $29. I decided to purchase it from Macy's website to see how it compares to the one that I got from the Estee Lauder Company Store. As you can see from the picture above, it is mostly beige with faint blue veining. (I recommend purchasing it at the store, so that you can choose the one that you want because they all have different patterns of veining.)

When swatched on my arm Version 1 looks more creamy beige, while Version 2 looks more pinky beige; however, when worn on top of my cheekbones, they both give me a colorless glow to my skin. I can barely tell the difference between these 2 highlighters because they are both transparent and neither of them changes the color of my blush. They just add a soft, subtle glow to my cheeks. Just make sure you don't over apply it if you have a medium or dark skintone because it can look ashy, especially when worn without a blusher.

Unlike other MAC MSFs, such as Soft and Gentle (review), the texture of both Lightscapades feels very smooth and non-gritty. They don't contain any chunky glitters and they glide onto my skin effortlessly when I use my Inglot 4SS brush (full review). As for longevity, they last at least 8 hours when worn over liquid foundation + setting powder.

Bottom Line: No matter which Lightscapade you get, one with lots of veining or one with no veining, they all perform the same and work well for both cool and warm skintones. This is one of the few highlighters that I've come across that emits a very natural and subtle sheen to the face. It's definitely wearable during the day and it's even office appropriate because it does not look overly shimmery or frosty. I would run to the nearest MAC counter ASAP before they all sell out. You may even find it at the Estee Lauder Company Store or CCO at a better deal.

Note: MAC Lightscapade contains 10g of product and retails $29 at MAC, Nordstrom and other department stores. This is also a limited edition item, so I recommend getting it as soon as possible before they all fly off the shelves.

Have you stumbled upon Lightscapade
at the Estee Lauder Company Store or CCO?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Review + Comparison: Nars Large Dome Eye Brush vs Nars Small Dome Eye Brush

From Left:  Inglot 4SS Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush ~ Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush ~ Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush

Hey beauties! If you have been following me on Twitter, then you know that NARS was having a 20% off sale. I'm always on the hunt for the best brushes in the market. So, of course I had to try out the #13 and #12 brush.

From Left:  Inglot 4SS Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush ~ Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush ~ Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush

From Left:  Inglot 4SS Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush ~ Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush ~ Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush

Inglot 4SS Brush $22 (full review) - The bristles are made from squirrel substitute, which usually means goat hair. It is significantly larger and denser than the Nars #13 brush. They both feel very soft, but I prefer to use the Inglot brush for highlighting my face because it's fits perfectly on my cheekbones. I also like using it to apply setting powder under my eye area & around the small crevices of my nose because it covers a bigger portion and blends better. The Nars #13 may be a more suitable option if you want more precision. (The Inglot 4SS brush measures 7.25 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush $10.79 (full review) - The bristles are made from goat hair. It is bigger, denser and slightly firmer than the Nars #13 brush, but they both feel equally soft. The Sonia Kashuk brush is ideal for highlighting the face and for applying setting powder under the eye area & around the small crevices of the nose. Both the Sonia Kashuk and Nars #13 brush are too flimsy for blending dark harsh lines and too big for crease work, for me personally. However, they can be used to blend light colors and if you have a big eye area, then you can also use both brushes to define the crease. (The Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder brush measures 7.20 inches in total length.)

Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush $40 (full review) - The bristles are made from natural bristles. It is bigger, denser and firmer than the Nars #13, which is smaller and more tapered. If you have a big eye area, then you could use the Edward Bess Luxury Eye brush to add a light wash of color onto the lids, to define the crease, and to blend eyeshadows. I personally use it to apply setting powder under my eye area and to blend my eyeshadows when my holy grail Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Blending brush is dirty. (The Edward Bess Luxury Eye brush measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush $5.99 (mini review) - The bristles are made from goat hair. It is smaller and denser than the Nars #13, which is flimsier and tapered at the tip. As I mentioned many times before, the Sonia Kashuk brush is my holy grail blending brush because it blends out harsh lines and dark pigmented eyeshadows, effortlessly. It's not as soft as the Nars #13, but blending brushes can't be too soft or else it won't blend/work properly. Some people have mentioned that it feels scratchy; however, I have 7 of these and none of them feel scratchy or uncomfortable on my sensitive eyes. (It measures 5.5 inches in total length. The old version measures 6 inches, but they both perform the same.)

Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush $28 (full review) - The brush is made from 80% pen super goat hair and 20% pony hair. The bristles are more densely packed, firmer and shorter than the #13 and #12 brush. The #14 offers more control and is ideal for crease work, defining the outer v, and adding color to the lower lash line & a highlight color to the inner tear duct. The bristles feel soft when I run my fingers through them; however, when I use the brush on my eye area, it feels a bit prickly. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush $33 - The bristles are made from 80% pen super goat hair and 20% pony hair. It does not blend out dark harsh lines as easily as my Sonia Kashuk Large Crease brush, but it is ideal for highlighting the bridge of the nose, cupid's bow and chin. It can also be used to apply setting powder under the eye & around the small crevices of the nose if you prefer more precision and control. It's too big for me to use as a crease brush; however, those who have a big eye area will not find it to be a problem. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush $27 - The bristles are made from pen super goat. It is thinner, shorter and smaller in general compared to the #13 brush. The #12 brush is ideal for crease work, defining the outer v, blending product on the lower lash line, and adding color to the inner tear duct. I love using this brush to add my transition/blending color right above my crease area because it places the color where I want it to and it offers great precision. Usually, people add the transition/blending color on the entire crease area and right above it and then they'll add the crease color; however, I find that method wastes product. I prefer to add my crease color first and then I'll add the transition/blending color right above the crease area. The #12 brush is the perfect tool for that type of application because it fits perfectly right above my crease area and it deposits the right amount of product. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

From Left:  #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ #14 Eye Contour Brush

From Left:  #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ #14 Eye Contour Brush

Bottom Line: The Nars #14 does not work well with my sensitive eyes. However, I recommend checking out the #13 and #12 brush, because they are both multi-taskers and you will surely be getting your money's worth. If you have a big eye area, then the #13 will be great for crease work. Those with a smaller eye area will find the #13 to be more ideal for face application. As for the #12 brush, it is definitely a must-have because it is truly universal and it will work nicely on all types of eyes. Also, I have not experienced any shedding, dye bleeding or funky smell with any of the Nars brushes.

Note: The Nars brushes can be purchased at Nordstrom.

Have you tried any of NARS' brushes?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Haul + Comparisons: Chanel New Brushes 2012 (Matte Handle)

#1 Powder Brush ~ #4 Blush Brush ~ #19 Blending Brush ~ #26 Small Contour/Shadow Brush ~ #14 Contour/Shadow Brush

#1 Powder Brush ~ #4 Blush Brush ~ #19 Blending Brush ~ #26 Small Contour/Shadow Brush ~ #14 Contour/Shadow Brush

#1 Powder Brush ~ #4 Blush Brush ~ #19 Blending Brush ~ #26 Small Contour/Shadow Brush ~ #14 Contour/Shadow Brush

I never bought any of Chanel's brushes because I wasn't a huge fan of the brass ferrule and shiny handle. They recently revamped their entire brush line and released over a dozen new brushes that have a nickel ferrule and a matte handle, which looks more classy and professional. Therefore, I had to get 5 in one shopping session. =) I also placed an order for their #15 eyeshadow brush on their main website, but it's currently on backorder. Hopefully, it'll be back in stock soon so I can review it for you all. =)

Packaging: All of the brushes come with a box and a velvet pouch, which I find to be cute, but not practical. It's just much easier to store my brushes in a brush holder and if I'm travelling, I prefer to use a brush case because I don't want to dirty the pretty pouches. (I am OCD and a neat freak.)

The back of the box indicates the country in which the brushes were manufactured. The #1 powder brush, #4 blush brush and #26 small contour/shadow brush are made in China, while the #14 contour/shadow brush and #19 blending brush are made in France. The country of origin does not affect my buying decision. I've had both good and bad experiences with brushes that are manufactured in China as well as in France.

MAC Gareth Pugh 182 Brush $60 (full review) - The bristles feel softer and are more densely packed compared to the Chanel #1 brush. However, the Chanel #1 brush is by no means scratchy or uncomfortable on the skin. Both brushes are great for buffing out over-applied products and for applying setting powder, but the Chanel brush is a more suitable option if you want lighter coverage since the bristles are less dense. I also prefer the Chanel brush for applying my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer because it picks up the right amount of product and disperses evenly onto my skin. I thought that the brush head was going to be too big for my cheek area; however, it's actually not because the tip of the brush is curved. So, when I tap the brush into the pan, the product only transfers onto the tip of the brush. Therefore, when I place the brush onto my skin, the product does not cover a huge portion of my face. Instead, the product applies perfectly onto my cheek area.

MAC 109 Brush $34 (mini review) - The MAC 109 and Chanel #1 brush are two totally different brushes because they serve different purposes. Neither of the two are better than the other. The MAC 109 brush is pictured mainly for size comparison.

Chanel #1 Powder Brush $65 - The quality of this brush is great because the natural bristles feel soft and it only shedded one hair during its initial wash. I didn't experience any dye bleeding or funky smell. As for performance, it is ideal for applying setting powder & bronzer as well as buffing out over-applied products. It never leaves a heavy or cakey finish because the bristles are not too dense, but it also blends products like a dream because the bristles are not too flimsy. The #1 brush just has the right amount of density to perform both tasks effortlessly. (It measures 7.25 inches in total length.)

Studio Gear #13 Blush Brush $35 (full review) - The bristles feel softer than the Chanel #4 brush; however, it is by no means scratchy or uncomfortable on the skin. The Studio Gear #13 brush is also wider and has a more oval tip, while the Chanel #4 brush has a more pointed, tapered tip. Regardless, they both fit on my cheek area perfectly and apply blushes very well. Also, they are both dense enough for blending.

Chanel #4 Blush Brush $54 - The quality is just as great as the Chanel #1 Powder brush and I have not experienced any shedding, even after multiple washes and uses. The #4 brush is ideal for blush application, but it can also be used for highlighting the cheekbones and even contouring because it has a slightly pointed, tapered tip. (It measures 6.25 inches in total length and the bristles are made from natural hair.)

Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Chanel #19 Blending Brush ~ Japonesque Crease Brush

Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Chanel #19 Blending Brush ~ Japonesque Crease Brush

Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Chanel #19 Blending Brush ~ Japonesque Crease Brush

Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush $5.99 (mini review) - It's denser, firmer, and wider than the Chanel #19 brush. The Sonia Kashuk brush is my holy grail blending brush and nothing will ever replace it because it blends out harsh lines and dark pigmented eyeshadows, effortlessly. It isn't as soft as the Chanel #19, but I find that the Sonia Kashuk brush works well for blending because of the fact that it's not too soft. Some people have commented that it feels scratchy; however, I have 7 of these and none of them feel scratchy or uncomfortable on my sensitive eyes.

Japonesque Professional Crease Brush $18 (full review) - The head of the brush is smaller and shorter than the Chanel #19. However, both brushes have the same density and almost the same width at the tip; therefore, I find that they both essentially perform the same. Both brushes are great for crease work, defining the outer v, blending product on the lower lash line, and adding color to the outer corner of the eye & a highlight color to the inner tear duct. 

Chanel #19 Large Tapered Blending Brush $38 - The quality is just as great as the other 2 Chanel brushes that I have mentioned above. The bristles are made from natural hair and feel very soft. This brush is a multi-tasker. It fits perfectly on my crease, defines my outer v, and places color where I need it to. Although it does not blend as well as my Sonia Kashuk brush, I find that the Chanel #19 is good enough for blending light colors and it will blend harsh lines if you put more time and effort into it. (It measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

MAC 239 Brush ~ Chanel #26 Small Contour/Shadow Brush ~ Japonesque Small Professional Eye Detailer Brush ~ Chanel #14 Contour/Shadow Brush

MAC 239 Brush ~ Chanel #26 Small Contour/Shadow Brush ~ Japonesque Small Professional Eye Detailer Brush ~ Chanel #14 Contour/Shadow Brush

MAC 239 Brush ~ Chanel #26 Small Contour/Shadow Brush ~ Japonesque Small Professional Eye Detailer Brush ~ Chanel #14 Contour/Shadow Brush

MAC 239 Brush $24.50 (full review) - It packs color onto the lids and lower lash line very well because the bristles are firm, thin and soft. Both the Chanel #26 and #14 brush are thinner, smaller and offer more precision, but they are too small for applying color onto my lids and they both feel slightly scratchy on my lower lash line.

Japonesque Small Professional Eye Detailer Brush $13.50 (mini review) - It is not as wide as the Chanel #26 brush, but it is wider than the Chanel #14 brush. It also feels softer, is slightly firmer, and most importantly, it does not irritate my lower lash line. Therefore, I prefer using the Japonesque brush for adding color to my lower lash line, setting my eyeliner with eyeshadow, and for any other detail work.

Chanel #26 Small Contour/Shadow Brush $30 + Chanel #14 Contour/Shadow Brush $28 - Both are firm & thin and are ideal for detail work. They both essentially perform the same, but the #14 offers slightly more precision because it's smaller. However, when I use either of the brushes on my lower lash line, it feels uncomfortable. I'm assuming that I just have a sensitive eye area because when I rub my fingers through the bristles, they feel soft and not scratchy at all. (The #26 brush measures 5.75 inches in total length and the #14 brush measures 5.90 inches.)

Bottom Line: I highly recommend checking out Chanel's new brush line. Each brush is so multi-functional and I didn't experience any shedding except for one tiny hair from the #1 powder brush. Overall, the quality of these brushes is great with the exception of the #26 and #14 brush, which do not work well with my sensitive eyes.

Note: The Chanel brushes can be purchased at Nordstrom.

Is this post too long? 

I thought it would be "easier" to read 

if I combined my reviews of the Chanel brushes into one huge post. >_<

Will you be getting any of Chanel's new brushes?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Beauty Blog Giveaway: Apothica + SkinCareRx + SkinBotanica $20 Gift Card

Hey beauties! I just moved my blog to a new address and everything is out of whack. My latest posts are not showing up on Bloglovin and Bloglovin has no idea what's going on. I wish I could contact each and every one of my Bloglovin followers about this issue. Unfortunately, Bloglovin does not allow that. Also, if you are following me on Blogger or if you are subscribed to my RSS feed, then it may take a few hours for my latest posts to show up on your blogroll, Google reader, etc. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you follow me on Google Plus or Facebook. My Twitter account will be reserved for administrative updates, beauty rants, pictures of my hauls and news about sales events.  

Sorry for any inconvenience and to thank you for putting up with this ordeal, one of you lovely readers will be receiving a $20 gift certificate, courtesy of SkinCareRx, which is an online skincare retailer that carries top brands, such as Boscia, Clarisonic, Dermablend, DHC, Dr. Brandt, Jane Iredale, Korres, Murad, Obagi, Perricone MD, Philosophy, Vichy and many more. Because SkinCareRx is partnered with Apothica and SkinBotanica, the lucky winner will be able to use the $20 gift certificate at any of the 3 sites. (Apothica carries top beauty brands, such as Becca cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Cargo, Chanel, Dior, Clinique, Too Faced, Clarins, Estee Lauder, Givenchy, Laura Geller, Stila, theBalm, and many more, while SkinBotanica carries natural and organic beauty products. )

Prize:

• $20 Gift Certificate that can be used at Apothica, SkinCareRx and SkinBotanica.

Rules:

• You must be 18+ or have parental consent to enter.
• You must fill out the required questions in the form here.
• You must follow my blog publicly through Google Friend Connect.
• The winner must blog about the product(s) that he/she purchases with the gift card. (This is required by SkinCareRx, the sponsor of this giveaway.) 

Additional Entries: optional

• Make a post about my giveaway on your blog, using the prize picture above. {+2 entries} 
• Post my giveaway on your blog's sidebar, using the prize picture above. (Tabs do not qualify. It must be on the sidebar.) {+2 entries}
• Make a youtube video about my giveaway. {+3 entries} 
• Go to my Google Plus page, add me to your Google+ Circle and click on the red "+1" button {+1 entries} 
• Like my Facebook page and make a post about my giveaway on your Facebook page {+1 entries} 
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet about my giveaway {+1 entries} 

Deadline:

• This giveaway will end at 11:59pm EST on April 29, 2012.

Winner Information:

• I will contact the winner via email. Winner must respond within 7 days.
• I will then forward the winner's contact information to SkinCareRx.
• SkinCareRx will then email the gift certificate to the winner. (As I previously mentioned, it can be used at SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com, and SkinBotanica.com.)
• Please make sure to add SkinCareRX to your contact list in order to prevent any email from going into your Junk/Spam folder.
• Also, remember that the winner must blog about the product(s) that he/she purchases with the gift card. (This is required by SkinCareRx, the sponsor of this giveaway.) 

You DO NOT have to have a blog to enter this giveaway; however, if you end up being the winner, then you will have to create one so that you can blog about your winnings. Please read the rules section for more information. Also, this giveaway is open to everyone, regardless of place of residence. =) Good luck to everyone and I really appreciate you guys for all your support! ^_^