MAC | M·A·Cstack Mascara | Superstack Mega Brush | Review | Worth the Splurge?

 

Hey Beauty Lovers!

It's been a while since my last post.

A lot has happened in the last few months.

Between getting COVID after avoiding it for two and a half years, and some heartbreaking family losses I didn't feel up to even thinking about blogging for a while.

But in trying to adjust to the losses I choose to honor my lost loved ones in all I do and keep the memory of them close to my heart...

That's enough sentimentality for now, let's talk about some beauty products.

I have been trying some new makeup over the last few months and now I want to share my thoughts with you all!💖

Today is MAC and their new M·A·Cstack Mascara!

You can watch my video review here

I was so thrilled when I saw this mascara as an option for me to choose for my ipsy bag in July. 

I added it without looking at any of the other choices.😅

I had wanted to try MAC’s newest mascara but didn’t want to make the purchase. 

Why? Because mascara is one of the most overly sensationalized makeup products in the beauty industry. 

There are so many commercials that make outrageous claims about a mascara.

We see a model with full lashes that are miles long. 

But if we look at the small print in the bottom corner of the screen it typically says something to the effect of: "This models natural lashes have been enhanced with false lashes/inserts to show the affect of the mascara".

So is it the mascara that gave the model's lashes this incredible look or the false lashes?

It's hard to know without purchasing the mascara and trying it for yourself. 

And let’s be real, mascara is often a higher price than a foundation. 

But it’s MAC, I’ve always had a good experience with MAC products, so this one must be good too right?

Keep reading and I will breakdown the claims of M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush versus the reality.

Note: My review is of M·A·CStack Mascara with Superstack MEGA brush, not M·A·CStack Micro Mascara.

QUICK STATS

Size: Mini

Color: Black

Waterproof: Yes

Formula: Volumizing & Lengthening

Wand Shape: Pyramid-like

Lasts for: 10+ Hours

Smudges/Flakes: No/No

Claim: "Infinite-Build Volume + Length"

Reality: The first time I used this mascara I was impressed by the instant length that it gave my lashes.

It is extremely buildable, as you can layer multiple "stacks" (coats) of mascara to reach the intensity and drama you like for your lashes.

Claim: "Clumps-resistant"

Reality: It's pretty clump free. As I was applying a coat I got a couple clumps in the corner of my lashes, but as I continued to brush the wand through it eliminated the clumps.

Claim: "Flake-resistant"

Reality: I haven't noticed ANY flaking at all. Even with a few "stacks" I haven't had flakes or any type of fallout.

Claim: "Customizable volume from natural to next-level, along with instant length"

Reality: Very customizable. If you apply just one or two "stacks" it will give you a natural, wide-eyed look, perfect for everyday.

If you apply multiple "stacks" it will give you varying levels of full, dramatic lashes for a night out, or anytime you want to feel a little extra special.

Claim: "24-hour wear"

Reality: This is likely true. I haven't had the occasion to wear mascara for 24-hours recently, but I wore it for a good 10+ hours in heat and humidity, and it didn't budge. 

I have the sample size that came in my ipsy bag. 

The sample size retails for $16 and the full size mascara for $28.

Steep, I know, especially right now. 

However, this mascara goes a long way and if capped tight can be used for quite a while.

Plus, the incredible building effect of this mascara can almost eliminate the need for additional eye products, like false lashes.

Pros: Gives great length and volume with totally customizable lash intensity. 

Perfect for any eye look you want to create; from a subtle flirty wink to a dramatic smoky eye.

Cons: No real cons with the formula, the only drawback would be the price. 

But based on how it's performed I think it's worth the price tag.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase a Full Size: Yes.

Worth the Splurge? Yes!

Final Thoughts: A multitasking mascara that can deliver on its claims (no false lashes needed 😉).

And here are a couple makeup looks I created using MACstack mascara

(Also using Winky Lux Peeper Perfect Concealer, stay tuned for that review!)

A dusty purple eyeshadow gives the perfect contrast to the intense black MACstack mascara.

(Also using Too Faced Better Than Chocolate palette. You can read that review here!)

A shimmery bronze smoky eye is made even more dramatic with MACstack mascara.

So I must say: Well done, MAC!

MACstack Superstack Mega Brush is a force to be reckoned with in the mascara world.

It moves up to the top of my go-to mascaras list.

I think it's Worth the Splurge and would recommend checking it out!

Again, you can check out my video review here

Thanks for stopping by and reading my MACstack Superstack Mega Brush review!

So you won't miss my next post, don't forget to subscribe  📧

You also might like:

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara | Worth the Splurge?

Benefit They're Real! Magnet Mascara | Worth the Splurge?

Thanks again for checking out my post!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

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Cincinnati Bengals | Super Bowl | Makeup Tutorial

It's time to put on your game face, makeup fans!

In honor of the Super Bowl, I created a Cincinnati Bengals inspired makeup tutorial for you!

You can check out my LA Rams inspired makeup here

I don't really have a preference of who wins the Super Bowl this year. I like both teams.

Plus, the team I grew up watching every Sunday with my dad, the Buffalo Bills, are out.

That last playoff game vs the Chiefs had me on the edge of my seat, then broke me 😅

But I really admire Josh Allen and how he just went out on the field no matter how much time was left on the clock and just got the job done. I really admire his perseverance and drive. And I can't wait for next season to see what happens for him and the Bills 🏈

Anyway, back to our current season and the Bengals makeup tutorial.

You can watch my video tutorial here.

The color palette we're working with for the Cincinnati Bengals consists of orange, black, and white (you know, like a Bengal tiger 🐅).

I don't own a lot of orange makeup, I don't think it looks great with my skin tone, but I do have my trusty NYX Avant Pop Art Throb palette that has plenty of colorful eyeshadows to choose from.

If you don't have that palette, fear not, I have included eyeshadow dupes below 😉  

So without any further discussion let's get started with my Cincinnati Bengals makeup tutorial.

Put Your Game Face [Makeup] On

1. Eyelid Primer + Orange Eyeshadow: For a smooth canvas apply an eyeshadow primer all over eyes, from lid to brow bone.

The foundation of this look is vibrant orange eyeshadow. Blend the orange eyeshadow all over eyelid and a bit into the crease of the eye, rounding the shape as you pack on the color and blend as you go along.

Dupes for the NYX Avant Pop Art Throb orange shade:

ColourPop: Pressed Powder Shadow in Koi (Matte)

ColourPop: Pressed Powder Shadow in Tangerine Dreams (metallic)

2. Matte Black Shadow & a Small Flat Brush: Using a small flat eyeshadow brush trace a line through the crease of the eye starting by curving towards the inner eye and then slightly winging it out at the outer corner of the eye.

3. Liquid Liner + More Black Shadow + Pencil Liner: Run a thin line of liquid liner across the upper lash line and create a bit of a wing. We want a matte finish so take more of the black eyeshadow on an angled eyeliner brush and trace it over the liquid liner to build color intensity.  

On a small bent eyeliner brush add to the liner on the inner corners of the eyes, extending it out a bit for a feline effect. 

Line lower water line with a black eyeliner pencil. Then run more (you guessed it) black eyeshadow along the lower lash line and create a second wing slightly under the first one, leaving a little blank space of skin showing.

4. White Eyeshadow, Mascara and Contour & Highlight: Dust a pearly white eyeshadow onto the brow bone and in between the two shadow wings.

Coat top and bottom lashes with a black mascara so it will stand out against the orange shadow.

Add a subtle contour and highlighter; contour just under the cheek bones and highlight on top of them.

I used the white eyeshadow from NYX Avant Pop palette, a dupe for that shade:

ColourPop: Super Shock Shadow in Tassel 

5. Coral Blush & Orange Liquid Lipstick: An orange blush would be over kill, so use a coral pink one and dust it on to the apples of the cheeks. 

Trace a vivid orange liquid lipstick around the lip line and then carefully fill in the rest of lips with the same shade.  

Put all these steps together and we get...

Our finished Cincinnati Bengals inspired makeup look!

I didn't go too crazy with the tiger stripes because I wanted it to be more wearable and less costume makeup.

Between my camera battery dying, and last minute appointments it took me three tries to record this look. My eyes were beginning to water from all of the makeup removing 😆

Products I used for this Cincinnati Bengals makeup look:

Urban Decay: Eyeshadow Primer Potion

NYX: Avant Pop! Shadow Palette in Art Throb Collection

Slmissglam: N15 Eyeshadow Brush

MAC: Carbon Eyeshadow

LES Beauty: Felt Tip Precision Point Eyeliner in Black

Beau Gâchis: Eyebrow Brush

Sheer Cover: Angled Eyeliner Brush

Beautique: Defining Eye Pencil in Black

Costal Scents: Ipsy Pearl Limited Edition Medium Shadow Brush

Costal Scents: Ipsy Pearl Limited Edition Pencil Brush

Tarte: Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Concealer in N12 Fair Neutral

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: Smokey Eye Mascara in Black

NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

Beaute Basics: C405 Contour Blush Brush

Beau Gâchis: Illuminator (Highlighting Brush)

Too Faced: No Place Like Rome

Luxie Beauty: Rose Gold Blush Brush 514

NYX: Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Orange County

Again, you can catch my Bengals video here

Thank you for checking out my post!

If you enjoyed reading it, why not subscribe so you will get my latest posts delivered directly to your inbox 📬

You also might like:

New England Patriots Makeup

Philadelphia Eagles Makeup

Carolina Panthers Makeup

Denver Broncos Makeup

Thank you again for reading!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

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ColourPop | Lizzie McGuire Makeup Collection | Review & Tutorial

Hey lovely people!

I don’t know about you, but 2021 was a crazy year for me.
So happy to finally have a chance to post my review and tutorial of ColourPop’s Lizzie McGuire makeup collection!

And it just happens to be on the 21st anniversary of the premiere of Lizzie McGuire on Disney Channel (January 19, 2001)!

 

You can watch my video review and tutorial here

When I first saw that there was a Lizzie McGuire inspired makeup set, my preteen self squealed with delight🥳 

I adored Lizzie McGuire growing up and love taking a trip down memory lane to old school Disney Channel.

A little preview of what's to come in this post:

This was also my first major ColourPop Cosmetics purchase. 

I’ve tried their lipsticks and eyeliners in the past, but never eyeshadows and blushes.

I purchased every piece of the Lizzie McGuire collection except for two of the So Juicy lip glosses because they were sold out at the time (No Ethan Craft).

So the question: is ColourPop’s Lizzie McGuire collection “What Dreams Are Made Of” or is it totally “Outie” ? 

Read on to find out!

So let's get into this iconic Disney Channel collection!

What Dreams Are Made Of Eyeshadow Palette

The whole collection has the bright, fun colors that are synonymous with Lizzie McGuire and the early aughts. 

 

The 2000 bubble lettering adds extra nostalgia to the packaging.

Puh-Lease! The eyeshadow shades are a serious nod to the TV show's more memorable quotes

This palette contains 12 shades of eyeshadow. A variety of Metallic, Matte, Glitter, and Duo Chrome finishes 

The shades are vibrant and lively, encompassing the vibe of Lizzie McGuire and aughts Disney Channel.

Can't forget Lizzie McGuire's cartoon inner voice, who always captured Lizzie's true feelings about her situation (and our feelings as well).

Formula: Pressed Pigment

Fallout: Minimal

Blendable: Yes

Chalky/Flakey/Crumbly: No/No/No

Lasts for: 12+ Hours

 Pros: Smooth, butter like application. Super pigmented with true color payoff; the color you see in the pan is color you get on your eyes. 

Even the metallic glitter shades go on with the same strength and appearance. 

Crazy blendable and incredibly long lasting. I put this shadow on in the morning and by night it’s still going strong, with no creasing!

Cons: None!

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Repurchase: Yes

Final thoughts: Amazing color saturation, endlessly long lasting shades with virtually zero creasing. These eyeshadows are definitely "What Dreams Are Made Of" (Hey Now!)

Swatches 

A colorful variety of shades you can use to create either a very electric party look or a more subtle daytime one (keep scrolling to see)

Buh-Bye! – Cream with a metallic finish

Puh-Lease – Apricot with gold glitter

Done and Done – Cool Bronze with a matte finish

Outfit Rememberer – Light Pink with purple iridescent/duo chrome sparkles

Dear Diary – Chartreuse with a metallic finish

Outie – Coral with gold iridescent/duo chrome sparkles

Uggghhh! – Peach Pink with a matte finish

Hello Fabulous – Lavender with silver iridescent/duo chrome sparkles

Don’t Freak – Light Lime Green with a matte finish

Soo Mature – Salmon Pink with silver glitter

Outfit Repeater – Hot Magenta Pink with silver and pink glitter

Digital Bean – Violet Purple with a Matte Finish

Pressed Powder Blushes in Dee-Lish & You Are Magnifico 

Both blushes have pretty embossed flower patterns on their surface.

The cute packaging continues with a another cartoon inner Lizzie on this 'Dee-Lish' blush box.

Name of Shade: Dee-Lish

Color: Bubblegum Pink

Finish: Subtle Shimmer

Formula: Pressed Powder

Fallout: Minimal

Blendable: Yes

Chalky/Flaky/Crumbly: No/No/No

Lasts for: 8+ Hours

 

Pros: A lovely pink blush that gives a subtly pink flush and is flattering on any skin tone. 

The cool undertones make it more wearable for a soft daytime blush, but the buildable color gives it the versatility of also being excellent for a more dramatic look.

 

Cons: I haven’t noticed any.

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Repurchase: Yes

 

Final Thoughts: An excellent blush that can be used no matter the occasion. The shimmer is perfectly subtle so it makes you sparkle without looking like you're going to a NYE party. 

A serious kudos to the designer of this collection because the packaging completely captures the essence of the show and generation. It adds the perfect touch.

 

Name of Shade: You Are Magnifico  

Color: Hot Pink

Finish: Subtle Shimmer

Formula: Pressed Powder

Fallout: Minimal

Blendable: Yes

Chalky/Flaky/Crumbly: No/No/Yes

Lasts for: 8+ Hours

 

Pros: A very blendable blush with just a slight shimmer when the light catches it just right. 

A bit warmer than its Dee-Lish counterpart, more of a red base to this shade. 

Since it’s a deeper color a little goes a long way in creating a flushed appearance.

 

Cons: You Are Magnifico crumbled a little bit when I dusted a brush through it. 

Once applied to the face there is no fallout or flaking, but it can make a bit of a mess in the pan. Dee-Lish did not have this problem.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)

Would I Repurchase: No

 

Final Thoughts: Great color and finish, it doesn't crumble or flake once you apply it to your skin. Lasts for hours.

Swatches

Glitterally Obsessed Glitter gel in Get a Grip! and Sing to Me Paolo

When I purchased this glitter gel I thought it was for eyelids for a super punch of glitter.

Upon further examination at the paste-y consistency and large glitter pieces I began to wonder if it was safe to use on the eyes.

There is no suggested use or disclaimer on the package or box.

I looked up the products on Colourpop’s website and all I found was: “application tips

apply with finger tips to hair and body.”

I did not see caution for using it on face and eyes.

Still not satisfied, I Googled ‘colourpop glitterally obsessed eye safe’.

Apparently, It’s up to the user. Some people use the glitter on their eyes with no problems, others don’t because, according to them, it contains ingredients that can cause eye irritation.

 

Bottom-line: it’s up to you. I have not used this on my eyes and likely will not, just out of an abundance of caution. 

Purely for the fact that I'm not a doctor or chemist, I advise against any use on your eyes.

Name of Shade: Get a Grip!

Color: Bright Rose with Silver glitter

Finish: Glitter

Formula: Gel

Lasts for: 3-4 Hours

Name of Shade: Sing to Me Palo  

Color: Pure White with multicolored glitter

Finish: Glitter

Formula: Gel

Lasts for: 3-4 Hours

Pros: An incredible amount of glitter that is super sparkly and mesmerizing.

Cons: Has a very chemically scent. May not be safe to use on and around eyes.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭑⭑⭑ (2 out of 5)

Would I Repurchase: No

Final Thoughts: Very pretty glitter, but the uses are limited, so I can’t see myself buying it again.

Swatches

So Juicy Plumping Gloss in Lizzie and Gordo

Name of Shade: Lizzie

Color: Clear with multicolored shimmer flakes
Finish: Glossy
Formula: Gloss
Smudges/Drying/Sticky: No/Mildly/Mildly

Scent: Bubblegum

Lasts for: 3 Hours

Name of Shade: Gordo

Color: Sheer Raspberry Pink with Silver shimmer flakes
Finish: Glossy
Formula: Gloss
Smudges/Drying/Sticky: No/Mildly/Mildly

Lasts for: 3 Hours

Pros: Super pretty glossy finish for an ultra-shine look. It really does give lips a fuller, poutier look. 

It has a bubblegum scent with a peppermint flavor that is really refreshing and you can feel it tingle when you wear it.

Cons: After wearing it, it can cause lips to feel dry. Apply a thick lip balm after use (especially in the winter months) and it’s fine. As with all lip glosses it is has a bit of a stickiness to it.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Would I Repurchase: Very Likely

Final Thoughts: A Gloss that does what it says; it plumps lips and adds shine. A tad drying but that isn't hard to combat.

Swatches 

Bubblegum Pop Lippie Scrub

Pros: So great for exfoliating! This sugar scrub is gentle but tough enough to wipe away any dry skin stuck on lips. 

It has a fun bubblegum scent that reminds me of Bubblicious Bubblegum (and the preteen nostalgia continues). It tastes like bubblegum too (do NOT intentionally ingest!) 

Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm for best results.

Cons: None.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)
Would I Repurchase: Yes

Final Thoughts: Excellent way to exfoliate lips. The grainy sugar gives just the right amount of abrasiveness to remove dead skin and polish lips to a smooth finish.  

Swatches

Tutorial

1. Digital Bean + a Crease & Blending Brush: Run the shade Digital Bean (violet purple) through the crease of your eye, sweeping it back and forth to build color. Then, take a blending brush to soften the line.

2. Outfit Repeater + Concealer: Press the shade Outfit Repeater (magenta pink) onto the inner and outer 1/3 of the eyelid, leaving the middle third clean. Take concealer on a small brush and fill in the middle third of your eyelid, creating a clean, round canvas in the center of Outfit Repeater.

3. Don't Freak, Dear Diary & Buh-Bye!: Dust the shade Don't Freak (lime green) onto the middle of your eyelid. Top it by tapping Dear Diary (chartreuse) on top of it with your finger for a metallic finish.

Sweep Buh-Bye! (cream) on brow bone to frame the eyes.

3. Liquid Liner, Hello Fabulous & Mascara: Line upper lash line with a black liquid liner to create a more dramatic contrast with the eyeshadow.

Run Hello Fabulous (Lavender) along lower lash line.

Coat top and bottom lashes with lengthening mascara.

4. Outfit Rememberer, Dee-Lish Blush & Plumping Gloss: On a small brush dust Outfit Rememberer (light pink) onto the inner corners of the eyes.

Blend Dee-Lish (bubblegum pink) blush onto the apples of the cheeks.

Swipe two coats of So Juicy Plumping Gloss in the shade Gordo (sheer raspberry) onto lips.

Which will give you...

Your finished ColourPop Lizzie McGuire makeup look!

Vivid, poppy colors that just scream 2000!

The eyeshadows stay put so well that you don't have to worry about the shades running or drifting into each other. Your look is solid all day!

A fun party makeup look or anytime you want to relive the nostalgia of the millennium.

Products I Used:

ColourPop: What Dreams Are Made Of Eyeshadow Palette

ColourPop: Eyeshadow in Digital Bean

Vasanti: Contour Eyeshadow Brush 4

MAC: 217 Blending Brush

ColourPop: Eyeshadow in Outfit Repeater

Beau Gâchis: Concealer Brush

AURORA: Pro Cover Up Concealer in Pale

ColourPop: Eyeshadow in Don’t Freak

Real Techniques: Base Shadow Brush

Sonia Kashuk: Small Eyeshadow Brush No.7

ColourPop: Eyeshadow in Dear Diary

Maybelline: Fit Me Concealer in Ivory

ColourPop: Eyeshadow in Buh-Bye!

Araceli Beauty: Ojos Perfectos Liquid Eyeliner in Night/Noche

ColourPop: Eyeshadow in Hello Fabulous

Luxie Beauty: Rose Gold Detail Flat Definer 110

Eyeko: Rock Out and Lash Out Mascara in Carbon Black

Maybelline: Fit Me Concealer in Ivory

ColourPop: Eyeshadow in Outfit Rememberer

Costal Scents: Ipsy Pearl Limited Edition Brush

ColourPop: Pressed Powder Blush in Dee-Lish

Luxie Beauty: Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlighter Brush 522

ColourPop: So Juicy Plumping Gloss in Gordo

Here are a couple other makeup looks you can create with this makeup collection (one is a bit more wearable for everyday)

Done & Done in crease 

Outie! on lid

Puh-Lease on center of lid 

Buh-Bye! on brow bone

Hello Fabulous on lower lash line

Outfit Renemberer on inner corners of eyes
Blush in Dee-Lish

Outfit Repeater & Hello Fabulous on lid

Uggghhh! & Soo Mature in crease

Outfit Rememberer on inner corners of eyes

Buh-Bye! on brow bone
So Juicy Plumping gloss in Lizzie

Again you can check out my video review here

That pretty much wraps up my review and tutorial of ColourPop's Lizzie McGuire makeup collection.

I really enjoyed the trip down memory lane and I am super pleased with this order from ColourPop.

Their makeup products are amazing!

If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe so you will get the next post delivered straight to your inbox 📧 

Here are some of my other posts you might enjoy:

Too Faced  Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette  Review & Tutorial (with Swatches)

Urban Decay Naked Wild West Palette Tutorial & Review (with Swatches)

Urban Decay Wired Palette Review & Swatches

My Go-To Makeup: Foundation (AKA The Best Drugstore Foundation)

Thanks for checking out my post, I'm outie!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

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