MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder in Medium Plus Limited Edition Couture Collection 2012

(Click to enlarge the picture in order to view the ingredients list.)

(Picture was taken after the product had been used.)

Packaging: Let's be honest here. I only bought the MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder because of the packaging. I just couldn't resist the cute pink bow and faux shagreen case. The only complaint that I have is that the interior looks slightly cheap in person. The "metallic" edging feels like plastic and looks like it's been painted with a metallic-looking finish. Moreover, the lack of weight to it makes it feel even more cheap.

It comes with one refill pan and 2 powder puffs, which are the same ones that come in the MAC Select Sheer pressed powder compacts. Personally, powder puffs are useless to me because I find them very unsanitary; however, they are convenient to use when you need to touch up throughout the day.

The shade that I'm using is called Medium Plus, which matches my NC30/35 skin tone perfectly. The texture of the powder feels silky smooth and I love that the product is not too soft to the point where it crumbles and makes a mess in the pan. It applies sheer, sets my foundation well and never leaves a cakey finish. The formula is very similar to MAC's Select Sheer pressed powder, which I've purchased countless times before.

Left: MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder Refill Pan

Right: MAC Making Pretty Powder Puff

(MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder Refill Pan in Medium Plus)

(MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder Refill Pan in Medium Plus)

(MAC Making Pretty Powder Puff)

(MAC Making Pretty Powder Puff)

Bottom Line: If packaging is not important to you, then I recommend just getting the MAC Select Sheer pressed powder (12g/$24) because the formula is very similar to the limited edition couture version. I, personally, adore the exterior packaging and love admiring it on my vanity. I just had to get it as a collection piece.

Note: The MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder in Medium Plus comes prefilled and with one additional refill pan. Each contains 8g/0.28oz. Two powder puffs are included. This is limited edition and retails

 for $65.

The Sheer Mystery Powder may be sold out, but as many of you know, MAC's couture items have always ended up at the CCO/Estee Lauder Company Store at a discounted price a few months after the collection launch date.

For swatches and comparisons, check out this post. 

Swatches: GlossyBox USA November 2012

(GlossyBox USA November 2012)

(GlossyBox USA November 2012)

GlossyBox USA November 2012 ($59.81 Total Value):

1. Illamasqua Lip & Eye Medium Pencil in Honour .05oz ($20) - I received the full size! The formula is super creamy and glides onto to the skin easily without any tugging. When applied onto my skin, it translates into a chocolate brown shade that's perfect for a day time look because the color doesn't look too dark or harsh.
2. Incoco Nail Polish Applique in Sinderella Full Manicure Set ($8.00) - I received the full size! I never tried nail strips before because I was always worried that they would ruin my nails and that they wouldn't adhere well to my nails. These are actually really easy to apply and they stay on my nails extremely well. (They don't peel off.) The color is very festive and reminds me of the holidays. My favorite thing about these nail strips is that there is no smudging and no drying time. I just stick it onto my nail, buff away the excess with a nail filer and I'm done. These are so convenient! Just make sure you press the nail strips well onto your nails to prevent "air bubbles." (I did my thumb first and as you can see from the picture, there are some "air bubbles" on my nail.) To remove, just use nail polish remover.
3. Kryolan for Glossybox Blusher in Glossy Rosewood 2.5g ($9.00) - I received the full size! It's a bubble gum pink with a matte finish. It has regular pigmentation that's not too sheer or too pigmented when applied with a standard blush brush, such as the Studio Gear #13. (The swatches look extremely pigmented because I applied with a very heavy hand, just to show the color better.) It doesn't leave a chalky finish, but it fades and looks patchy within 6 hours. However, because the compact is so tiny, I just take this wherever I go and touch up throughout the day.
4. Nume Style Arganics by Nume Argan Oil 10ml ($4.99) - The full size costs $59/4oz. A little bit goes a long way. I love this stuff because it makes the ends of my hair look healthy and shiny, but not oily or greasy. (Just be careful and do not over apply it!) GlossyBox also provided a $100 gift certificate towards styling tools and hair extensions; however, I doubt I'll be using it because all the products are priced over $100.
5. Skin&Co Roma Truffle Serum 0.50oz ($17.82) -  The full size costs $36/1.01oz. It doesn't have a floral scent, but I can't pinpoint exactly what it is. The scent kind of reminds me of coconut. The formula is thin and liquidy and it absorbs quickly into the skin. It's suppose to "slow down the signs of aging;" however, I'm a poor candidate to test this claim as I'm still "blessed" with youthful skin. (Check back with me in the next year or two.)

For more information about GlossyBox, check out my previous posts of their August & September box.

Also, I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday and remember, 

there's still time to enter my massive giveaway. =)

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. 

Beauty.com Coupon Code 2012: 50% OFF Clearance Sale

Beauty.com is having their year-end clearance sale and is offering products up to 50% OFF. 

They have alot of Philosophy shower gels, Urban Decay eyeshadows, 
and Jemma Kidd products on sale, while supplies last.

*This post contains affiliate links

Sephora Coupon Code 2012 - Extra 20% OFF on Sale Items

Sephora is offering an extra 20% OFF* on top of all sale items. 

Enter coupon code EXTRA20 at checkout.
Offer expires January 2, 2012. 

The Philosophy Cookbook Set* originally cost $30. 

It's currently on sale for $24. 

With the additional 20% OFF, I got it for $19.20!!

My favorite of the bunch is the Cinnamon Buns flavor, which smells so delicious, warm and inviting, but it's also not too sweet or too pungent. I also love that all four flavors can be used as a shower gel, shampoo and bubble bath. I don't know if I should buy another one as a gift for someone else or keep it for myself as a backup! ^_^

*affiliate link

Space NK Apothecary - 85% OFF Clearance Sale on Luxury Brands

Space.NK is having a clearance sale and is offering up to 85% OFF*.

Space.NK carries many luxury brands, 

including ByTerry, Chantecaille, Clarisonic, 

Ellis Faas, Hourglass, Jemma Kidd, Kevyn Aucoin, 

Laura Mercier, NARS, Sunday Riley, Vincent Longo, and many more. 

*affiliate link

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Shu Uemura Coupon Code 2012: $20 OFF + Free Shipping

Shu Uemura is offering free shipping + up to $20 OFF any purchase.

Offer expires December 24, 2012.

Enter coupon code SHU10 at checkout to obtain $10 OFF a purchase of $50 or more. 

Enter coupon code SHU15 at checkout to obtain $15 OFF a purchase of $75 or more. 

Enter coupon code SHU20 at checkout to obtain $20 OFF a purchase of $125 or more.

*This post contains affiliate links.

B-Glowing Coupon Code 2012: $20 OFF or $50 OFF on Kevyn Aucoin, Jemma Kidd, By Terry, Jouer, Becca, + Paul & Joe Cosmetics

B-Glowing is offering $20 OFF $100 and $50 OFF $200 purchase* + free shipping. Discount is valid on many brands, including BeautyBlender, Becca, Butter London, ByTerry, Clarisonic, Deborah Lippmann, Ellis Faas, Jemma Kidd, Jouer Cosmetics, Kevyn Aucoin, Paul & Joe and much more. Enter coupon code GLIMMER or SHIMMER. Offer is not valid on Kai Perfume, Jack Black or Rodin olio lusso products, previous purchases, clearance merchandise or gift cards. One coupon code per order. Offer ends at 11:59pm CMT on December 14, 2012.

*referral link

Tarte Cosmetics Friends + Family Sale 2012: 30% OFF Entire Order + Free Shipping

Tarte Cosmetics is having a Friends & Family Sale and is offering 30% off entire order (no minimum)* + free shipping on any purchase of $40 or more. Enter coupon code FFDEC at checkout. Offer expires December 13, 2012. 

Philosophy Friends + Family Sale 2012: 30% OFF All Orders

Philosophy is having a Friends & Family Sale and is offering 30% off all orders (no minimum)*! 

This is the best time to stock up on all your favorites. =) 

Offer expires December 10, 2012. 

Enter coupon code JOYFUL at checkout. 

Mario Badescu Coupon Code 2012: 20% OFF + Free Gift Bag + Free Shipping

Mario Badescu is offering 20% OFF your entire purchase* when you spend $100 or more. You will also receive free shipping and a free gift bag. Enter coupon code CYBER20 at checkout. Offer is valid today, only.

*affiliate link

Swatches + Review: Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Bronzer 2012

Dolce & Gabbana released the Animalier bronzer in 2011 in the standard gold compact. They recently relaunched the bronzer in a new limited edition leopard print compact, which is $7 more. I've always thought leopard print to be tacky, but recently, I've been loving all things leopard, (including this) and I just had to buy the Animalier bronzer.

Packaging: The gold metal compact contains a slightly rubberized leopard print design on the outside and a leopard print overspray on the inside. It also comes with a velvet pouch, full-size mirror and a mini travel brush, which feels soft and is convenient for touch ups. I am absolutely in love with the packing, but I think it would have been more exquisite if the rubberized cover was made of faux fur. Maybe next year? ^_^

The overspray may be a turn off for some people, which is understandable because (1) the leopard print disappears with 1-2 brush swipes and (2) the color is a dirty brown that's very glittery and unwearable. However, beneath the overspray is a gorgeous warm bronze shade that leaves the skin with a natural sun-kissed look when applied with the Chanel #1 brush. The color is dark enough to show up on my medium NC30/35 skin tone, but it's still light enough for paler complexions to wear without looking orange. Also, I do notice tiny shimmers in the pan and under direct sunlight, but when applied on my cheeks, they are barely noticeable, especially under artificial lighting.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil is darker and completely matte, which is more suitable for medium to deeper complexions and for contouring (nose, cheekbones, forehead and anywhere else that you want to appear smaller/slimmer/defined). I use the Animalier bronzer mainly for my cheek area and when I want a "no makeup" makeup look.

As for the wear time, it lasts at least 7 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation and setting powder.

(Natural Lighting)

(Direct Sunlight)


(Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: The Dolce & Gabbana Animalier bronzer is definitely a collection piece for leopard lovers, but it's also practical and looks absolutely divine on the cheeks.

Note: The Dolce & Gabbana Animalier bronzer contains 0.53oz of product and is available at Saks for $57.

Do you think leopard packaging is tacky or classy?

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

Lord & Taylor Coupon Code 2012: 25% OFF Friends + Family Sale

Lord & Taylor is offering 25% OFF* (10% off cosmetics & fragrance) on almost all regular and sale items when you use promo code FRIENDS at checkout. Free shipping will be applied to all online orders with no minimum purchase. Offer expires December 12, 2012.

*affiliate link