tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33361141105035724272024-03-05T15:59:32.945-05:00The Penguin CriticAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-48691497970903967262017-11-26T11:14:00.000-05:002017-11-26T11:14:52.122-05:00The Leaves Are FallingThings that are the same: I'm still alive. I still love makeup. I still miss my family. <div>
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Things that are different: I have a new job. I have a son. I moved again. </div>
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But the bottom line is: Leaves. If there is one category I'm buried in regret, it is leaves. Leaving something, leaving someone, losing because of leaving, mistakes in leaving. </div>
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I know today I have two major losses going on in my life right now, and I can't bring them back. To one, I will never, ever forget you. Soon you'll finally be in Cali. To the other, I wish you the best. You don't need me at all, but I guess the void left behind is too great for me. </div>
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No, really, there is no other point to this stupid post. One is dead and the other moved on, far far on. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-15036445117795718302016-03-29T18:03:00.000-04:002016-03-29T18:03:47.312-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Leading Lady Red" (LE) [MAC x Charlotte Olympia 2016]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrjH2xem3PcPYOqqhc1jaBL8JK6P8yVQqd6Z7wREWtC3W0I1BORwlc1aXPCw2oqlZIXhqycNgKXOE-GNGF1ycdErUF0DlHWqxynMeAZ-QX3yKhCqJEMoF-6usy5isYlO8dyOSN6BL2BQ/s1600/intro.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrjH2xem3PcPYOqqhc1jaBL8JK6P8yVQqd6Z7wREWtC3W0I1BORwlc1aXPCw2oqlZIXhqycNgKXOE-GNGF1ycdErUF0DlHWqxynMeAZ-QX3yKhCqJEMoF-6usy5isYlO8dyOSN6BL2BQ/s320/intro.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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I thought that, with regards to my beauty reviews, I'd reel myself back in starting with the most recent MAC collection and working my way backwards, throwing in reviews of permanent products and other brands in between. That brings us to the <b>MAC x Charlotte Olympia collaboration</b> that <b>released online March 17, 2016</b> - almost two weeks ago.<br />
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<b>Charlotte Olympia</b> is a shoe designer with a love for the <b>1940s Hollywood beauty scene</b>, resulting in a collection of classic reds, soft whites and browns, and packaging that is a vanity accessory as much as it is, well, packaging. As per usual I never knew who this person was until news of this collection surfaced, but I thought I'd include a brief description of who she is for curiosity's sake.<br />
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Personally, as much as the 1940s happens to be my favorite look in this popular video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOyVvpXRX6w" target="_blank">here</a> and in the Bésame line of lipsticks, <b>I'm not a big fan of red</b>. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I thought I'd mention it again. I do own some red lipsticks, but most fall into the 'pinky-red' or 'berry-red' categories, which I consider the exceptions. The Olympia lipsticks, on the other hand, are all neutral-to-warm toned lipsticks.<br />
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After a bit of a debate as to whether or not I should purchase anything from this collection, I finally settled on the <b>limited edition</b> lipstick <b>"Leading Lady Red,"</b> what <b>seemed to be the most cool-toned red of the bunch</b>, picking it up more for the packaging than the color itself and hoping that everything would work out in the end. <br />
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<b>Name:</b> Leading Lady Red<br />
<b>Net Wt.: </b>0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price: </b>$18<br />
<b>Finish: </b>Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJkGQ64M6C2O2jdPsP4ymjnJJ_KufcB9w-ytV4ooNYtLUrXZ_OgL-4idGoPEtdR_gWAp_09xAJRL9LcBFCGYTeJbQz_qYboiM_v7JV93uC6XpP650vh0A4lMRG1Tbedam2UMLJeHl5IU/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJkGQ64M6C2O2jdPsP4ymjnJJ_KufcB9w-ytV4ooNYtLUrXZ_OgL-4idGoPEtdR_gWAp_09xAJRL9LcBFCGYTeJbQz_qYboiM_v7JV93uC6XpP650vh0A4lMRG1Tbedam2UMLJeHl5IU/s640/DSC_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't always include the <b>outer box packaging</b> in my reviews, but I thought I would here since the design does not mirror the design on the actual lipstick packaging. There's a bunch of <b>kiss marks</b> (red, of course), <b>silhouettes of hands with red polish</b>, <b>eyes with thick liner</b>, and <b>spiderwebs</b> against a <b>white background</b>. I'm not sure what the deal is with the spiderwebs, but I didn't look further into Olympia as a designer besides what I mentioned before, so I'll likely never know.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gqQIYkyNxmwfkvDtCDHxOi82CTxYcZOz4SecRI3x8XGdrv9BMMNVDHDtfM6b_7DbM59vBpL0nmJB7ibLiNhRywCdImBgea3TkpjEtMOR6r-Vc_zDcFzB7Qc54QpGbDWm3oc9aStiEGg/s1600/pack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gqQIYkyNxmwfkvDtCDHxOi82CTxYcZOz4SecRI3x8XGdrv9BMMNVDHDtfM6b_7DbM59vBpL0nmJB7ibLiNhRywCdImBgea3TkpjEtMOR6r-Vc_zDcFzB7Qc54QpGbDWm3oc9aStiEGg/s640/pack1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As for the <b>limited edition</b> <b>lipstick packaging</b> itself, it's a <b>clear acrylic, rectangular tube </b>with the lipstick bullet being held in a <b>gold 'barrel.'</b> The <b>MAC/collection logos</b>, seen below, are written in <b>thin black lettering</b> along the side of the acrylic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqvj-B4XR-i85TyWRGAP-GrL_QfwOUsKp1U-RhQ0HGpCbp_seb2KVDownFUR_WrYfS_mrdoAmm1PqFgITfiZbQ_yoSxgJuRmI4-n8GaTEiqWQVRa4G32erMDPvLI5soaqzuXGc-6RPf4/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqvj-B4XR-i85TyWRGAP-GrL_QfwOUsKp1U-RhQ0HGpCbp_seb2KVDownFUR_WrYfS_mrdoAmm1PqFgITfiZbQ_yoSxgJuRmI4-n8GaTEiqWQVRa4G32erMDPvLI5soaqzuXGc-6RPf4/s640/DSC_0075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I noticed on forums that <b>a lot of people hate this packaging</b>. They think it's ugly and looks cheap. If you couldn't guess from this post's introduction, <b>I actually fell in the minority</b> and bought a lipstick in good part due to the packaging. <b>I thought the clear acrylic was really cool and radically different from the typical MAC packaging</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqxEqzw026LtthA1WVPwnw27qMvNlfQAXBn8eRdB08LNcXrIn4_RE7zsT5rn4JVruab13CNZ-7UsaHPS2_2nwQeQgwhhhbos8VSJHDDHQKrnasrzjgrVTW1OSgXfEbCWb-rLsjBoTSOk/s1600/pack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqxEqzw026LtthA1WVPwnw27qMvNlfQAXBn8eRdB08LNcXrIn4_RE7zsT5rn4JVruab13CNZ-7UsaHPS2_2nwQeQgwhhhbos8VSJHDDHQKrnasrzjgrVTW1OSgXfEbCWb-rLsjBoTSOk/s640/pack2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With that being said, I'm going to be realistic here: <b>my opinion on the packaging isn't completely positive</b>. I suppose it never was, but it became even less so once I had the lipstick in my possession. Before I actually owned this lipstick, <b>I thought the packaging would have been significantly more interesting if the clear acrylic was shaped to match typical MAC packaging, as opposed to being rectangular</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewSb__7vApwuJyxUrZV492Mmyqdq9fomZwkd1VOezigSZVdy0o_DXDmQtqMr4dv7vanX_VIkmUWW-31m8Wfow40BjJAXYBHi-4RA5XEDyWyJaxqW2ZkfKeIl57OFLCUBBNwZyNE3_hxQ/s1600/pack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewSb__7vApwuJyxUrZV492Mmyqdq9fomZwkd1VOezigSZVdy0o_DXDmQtqMr4dv7vanX_VIkmUWW-31m8Wfow40BjJAXYBHi-4RA5XEDyWyJaxqW2ZkfKeIl57OFLCUBBNwZyNE3_hxQ/s640/pack3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once my tube arrived in the mail, I was even more disappointed by MAC's (or Olympia's) choice to make the packaging rectangular due to the <b>clunky, bulky feeling</b> that results from it. Furthermore, I will not deny that, as could be expected with <i>acrylic </i>packaging, <b>the tube does feel very light and cheap</b>. I'm almost nervous that the cap will crack every time I have to snap it back on. ALL of that aside, <b>I am still more satisfied than dissatisfied by the clear packaging</b>, and have this lipstick sitting on my vanity the way Olympia intended. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnllpL2lP3Q8fvJdXz4NX2A5ioAKQhZzg3cHVhci1L6cyFbnOT_jVlvn_hrUCdS1GFeVzuwF7-NSNsnZVEuJkwVr5K1ZQPx39LKZJnXPb8qs8FbtxGhJXU8laGbabMbbJbR-vfVUWALGI/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnllpL2lP3Q8fvJdXz4NX2A5ioAKQhZzg3cHVhci1L6cyFbnOT_jVlvn_hrUCdS1GFeVzuwF7-NSNsnZVEuJkwVr5K1ZQPx39LKZJnXPb8qs8FbtxGhJXU8laGbabMbbJbR-vfVUWALGI/s640/DSC_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>MAC describes "Leading Lady Red" as a "deep red."</b> Yup. That's it. A deep red. Since that description did nothing as far as helping me to pick between this red and the two others, I ended up resorting to online swatches to help make my decision (since I knew I'd be purchasing online). In the end, <b>"Leading Lady Red" seemed to be the most cool-toned red of the three</b>, and the most different from other MAC reds I own, hence why I purchased it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJXZNLo_NYnogNATUmj8H6SbCptQJuJQu8S3fLACHvp-BMMK_gNXrtEjdYpP_xkSvrMGevMzlcqTe10kpgl5sULLP7CYN7PmHGbjFMXPXKD5_4Vet7eH-AdGh62BH4b5hQxgbhDefkHg/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJXZNLo_NYnogNATUmj8H6SbCptQJuJQu8S3fLACHvp-BMMK_gNXrtEjdYpP_xkSvrMGevMzlcqTe10kpgl5sULLP7CYN7PmHGbjFMXPXKD5_4Vet7eH-AdGh62BH4b5hQxgbhDefkHg/s640/DSC_0091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let me be clear: by saying it <i>seemed</i> the most cool-toned, is not to say it's at all cool-toned. Although the above closeup is a bit warmer than in person, <b>"Leading Lady Red" is at best a neutral red</b>. I think the fact that it is, as MAC says, a <i>deeper</i> red, is what saves the color for me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh16BtJOs6NFN0uGakQI2zUS3_2ng8Ub2HdYR4Af3WVZeF9Bfzqta0L58FeKtTixtDjbKDwnWUhQPKv8CI5WeQD76ZNUAjbuayzh5TCscBFydsIXqwf_ok_Ve601RScplsua6V5dsFIZE/s1600/coswatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh16BtJOs6NFN0uGakQI2zUS3_2ng8Ub2HdYR4Af3WVZeF9Bfzqta0L58FeKtTixtDjbKDwnWUhQPKv8CI5WeQD76ZNUAjbuayzh5TCscBFydsIXqwf_ok_Ve601RScplsua6V5dsFIZE/s640/coswatches.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: Indirect sunlight (most accurate).<br />RIGHT: Near-direct sunlight (warmer).</td></tr>
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I'm dealing with strange lighting situations in these pictures, being they're the first I've taken in my current place of residence in California, so I included <b>two swatches</b> above - one in <b>indirect sunlight </b>and one in <b>near-direct sunlight</b>. I will say <b>the swatch on the left is more color accurate</b>, while the swatch on the right is warmer than in person, much like the bullet closeup before. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xGCeTIKAm2g6zemZuoase_aBdWuR4Ctx6r8R4jj079zov8Vx6oOe290J3vA7P3AQU74utSE_5_2qtqJGnK129PChesstqO_yRbkhGfVXdvZCJBKSreCt0M-fXGkwp3qFvkzp9gofs3o/s1600/DSC_0072+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xGCeTIKAm2g6zemZuoase_aBdWuR4Ctx6r8R4jj079zov8Vx6oOe290J3vA7P3AQU74utSE_5_2qtqJGnK129PChesstqO_yRbkhGfVXdvZCJBKSreCt0M-fXGkwp3qFvkzp9gofs3o/s640/DSC_0072+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>I'm happy to report that on my still fair skin, the depth of "Leading Lady Red" gives the <u>illusion</u> of a more cool-toned, borderline berry-toned red</b>. I want to stress that this is only an illusion because, as you'll see shortly in some comparison swatches, <b>"Leading Lady Red"</b> is not very berry-toned at all when compared to a truer berry/red lipstick. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2By0qJkK2eYcsnG9xbZ3LkPk9V3qB4swvs7aXdckQYmSrlc18rr-m5v7BHf256EiWYCKoLAFkYH_J_qbzNs0UAJ_53BfjlKzaJGBHybjKboQOeI3Sdy2jtCUyecD2cJ2i1HYIM8ca0WU/s1600/coface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2By0qJkK2eYcsnG9xbZ3LkPk9V3qB4swvs7aXdckQYmSrlc18rr-m5v7BHf256EiWYCKoLAFkYH_J_qbzNs0UAJ_53BfjlKzaJGBHybjKboQOeI3Sdy2jtCUyecD2cJ2i1HYIM8ca0WU/s640/coface.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAC'S "Beet" lip liner (lined and only partly filled) with "Leading Lady Red" over it. </td></tr>
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I know the above picture is on the darker side but, again, please bear with me while I sort out my lighting situation. Even that I don't care much for reds, and <b>"Leading Lady Red" </b>is more neutral than pink or berry, I can't deny that <b>this lipstick has a very elegant, classic look to it</b>. The lipstick's <b>velvety matte finish</b> plays a big role in this, and is also a big part of why the lipstick is so <b>opaque</b> going on. While MAC's matte formula is <b>creamy</b> and <b>easy to wear</b>, this matte in particular went on <b>very smoothly</b> and <b>wore comfortably for hours</b> without wearing off. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ggid5wo8P0vb7zfeNnmE03O_Zf4MDgE_C1ZAcUzsl1M-XOn2626GymT9hC3PuvsQP5NPShS5fb7wAdwfSM2zDbUuB4PEWPC8h5Th3E2YS6o-5uJUQ_zlFEBIt4yE4IqnBJC7WMQFnqA/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ggid5wo8P0vb7zfeNnmE03O_Zf4MDgE_C1ZAcUzsl1M-XOn2626GymT9hC3PuvsQP5NPShS5fb7wAdwfSM2zDbUuB4PEWPC8h5Th3E2YS6o-5uJUQ_zlFEBIt4yE4IqnBJC7WMQFnqA/s640/DSC_0102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Kinky, Leading Lady Red, Petit Red, Heaux.</td></tr>
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Now for those comparisons I mentioned earlier. While <b>"Leading Lady Red"</b> <b>is not <i>identical</i></b> to any lipsticks I already own from MAC, you'll see that <b>it does have varying degrees of similarity</b> to a few of them, with the three I was most reminded of shown above: <b>"Kinky," "Petit Red," and "Heaux" (all LE)</b>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTC-6PdsrPuLSBk1wcglcyTQpohEv6-ImIv4SQXjgEKYHFBCpy9uriPNoRCm76VO8o39CnOL45StWYKbhXJa9KWg2Txcz_uv7flwA6skKmtcZo-ak5D0xOds_2D7djnJPUKy1UG7w4hs/s1600/KinkyLLRPetitRedHeaux.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTC-6PdsrPuLSBk1wcglcyTQpohEv6-ImIv4SQXjgEKYHFBCpy9uriPNoRCm76VO8o39CnOL45StWYKbhXJa9KWg2Txcz_uv7flwA6skKmtcZo-ak5D0xOds_2D7djnJPUKy1UG7w4hs/s640/KinkyLLRPetitRedHeaux.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top, L-R: Kinky, Leading Lady Red, Petit Red, Heaux.<br />Bottom: Beet lip liner.</td></tr>
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<b>"Kinky" is the most similar of the bunch in both finish and color, only being lighter and perhaps a hair warmer toned</b>. <b>"Petit Red,"</b> my favorite MAC red, is much <b>pinker </b>with a <b>satin finish</b> while <b>"Heaux"</b> (from its second release as an <b>amplified finish</b> that's still available for purchase) is much more <b>berry-toned</b>. I also included a swatch of MAC's "Beet" liner since I used it to line my lips in the full-face picture shown earlier. </div>
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Overall, while <b>"Leading Lady Red"</b> is an <b>elegant, neutral deep red </b>in a <b>fantastic matte formula</b>, it's <b>far from unique</b>. You may very well already own something that's identical to it in color. If you <i>don't</i>, and the packaging is appealing to you the way it was to me, then check it out in stores. <b>I think the matte formula is stunning for this particular color, but it may not be enough if you have this shade of red and/or think the packaging is cheap</b>. </div>
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As for me, <b>I will not be repurchasing this lipstick</b>. I'm not disappointed with my purchase but I know that, like all classic reds that I own, it won't get a ton of wear. For me, personally, it's simply too elegant to wear on an everyday basis, and takes quite a bit of patience to apply precisely (hence the liner, which I don't use often). </div>
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I think the next MAC collection I'll review is <i>Flamingo Park</i>, which I took pictures for back in New York. I also have a lot of affordable products I want to review - many of which are permanent - so I need to get going on that, too. In any case, I hope you found this review helpful! <b>If you picked up anything from this collection or you're sick of MAC releasing reds, lol, feel free to comment below.</b> Thanks for stopping by, and 'til next time. <b>('<>')></b></div>
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~nikki</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-54198561832780018212016-03-24T15:08:00.001-04:002016-03-24T15:08:52.559-04:00The IceBlock [26]: Dreams & LossWhat I wanted to say, I can't really say anymore, because the post published right before this one was completed yesterday. I guess what I can say is: this IceBlock post is the first full post that I'm writing after finally moving to California.<br />
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Yup, after more than eight years of wanting to leave New York and move here, specifically, I finally did it. I finally made another dream of mine a reality. I finally accomplished what I truly believe is the most difficult goal I ever set for myself.<br />
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I left New York on March 9th and was blessed to have my mom's company until the 13th, the day she had to fly back. I considered that my first official day here in southern California, for the purpose of living and not for vacation.<br />
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This is my second week away from family, my second week to finally really start my life. To think the hardest part is over is naive. I guess you could say that's why I'm writing this post.<br />
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My friend Maxi shared a memory on Facebook. It was about a previous IceBlock post that you can find <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-iceblock-19-happy-new-year.html" target="_blank">here</a>, written in March of 2014 - my first IceBlock post for that particular year. "You should write about the starting point," he said.<br />
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The image at the start of that post was a clip from a video I had just edited of my ferret Lola, who is now 2800 miles away. I feel myself crying again. At the end of the post, I was optimistic:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I truly am excited to get my life going. After college I decided that I only wanted to spend 2 more years in NYC. Well, by the end of this year those two years will be up. No matter what I decide to do, time is ticking by. I can easily get intimidated by the immediacy of it all but I'm happy to say that, instead, I'm motivated to try harder. I know I can achieve my goals if I really give them my all.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">That's what 2014 has been about thus far. Trying, trying, and trying again, harder than before.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is to a year filled with accomplishment and change for all of us. Stop putting things off and start getting things done!"</span></i><br />
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Well, I tried and I succeeded. It is March of 2016, two years later, and I'm writing to you from California. But this is only the start of my life here, and realistically this start is just a continuation of the previous end, my life in New York. Things aren't going to get easier anytime soon. Happiness is still a real effort away. And I'm here mainly to tell you how I've been feeling in the past two weeks, because I think it's important that I do so.<br />
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There is a mix of emotions: excitement, loneliness, optimism, fear, pride, regret, possibility, and impossibility. There are days that I don't realize what is going on. There are nights where I lay down after a great day and the split-second image of my house makes me cry that messy, ugly type of crying that can only be stopped with sleep. I think of the empty house, of my mom who I made so lonely, of my stepdad and abuela that I won't see for weeks to months, of the ferret that was like my baby who I had to leave behind, perhaps temporarily, perhaps permanently. I am with someone that I love in the place that I wanted to be for what feels like eternity, but the reality that I expected yet could have never fully understood is here: is there a happiness in this place that makes the loss worth it?<br />
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I am unemployed and home alone for a good part of the day. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity by my boyfriend's family to stay with them at their house. It's the only reason why I was able to move now, and not months from now. January and February were a whirl of confusion and frustration. First I was moving in January, then the end of January, then the beginning of February, then the end of February, until finally early March became the definite date. My mom wasn't okay with it of course, because she dreaded the day I would leave. She's my best friend, and I'm hers. I cry thinking how I must have forced her to agree to March, how the house is that much emptier without me. It's an awful thing to plague myself with but all of this is inevitable. I have to live through the loss. It's the only way to see if I can really be happy here, the way I hoped I could.<br />
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I put off writing this update to my life because things are perhaps harder than when I was still cursing through each snow-dusted, freezing day in New York. My family is across the country with the dormant shell of a life I had to leave behind. I'm at the beginning of 'starting from scratch,' and for now I think I find myself so, so sad to the point that I'm more sad than I am happy.<br />
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But this is the reality of it.<br />
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I am grateful that my mom came with me for the few days that she could. I never thought she'd come to California and that in itself was another dream-turned-real. My mom got remarried last year and the result was an addition, and extension, to our family. What used to be just me and her wasn't the case anymore, and I know that sounds sad but it is and it isn't. I do miss the days that my mom and I hung out during all of our free time, but at the same time my stepdad is a sweet, loving person that has thus far treated my mom respectfully and given her the type of companionship that she hasn't had successfully for years. In a way the timing of his arrival was very helpful, because it means that my mom isn't <i>entirely </i>alone now that my room is empty.<br />
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The thing is, aside from the marriage, I broke up with my boyfriend whom my mother knew and loved, and started dating someone else who was a stranger to her. The whole ordeal put a huge strain on our relationship that did to it something I did not want at all: it put up this sort of transparent wall. Transparent because it wasn't <i>definitely</i> there, but a wall nonetheless because I know a lot went unsaid between us that was being felt. My mom's trip to California mended much of what needed to be fixed, and gave us a setting where we could spend time together the way we used to. It let me be with just my mom for a full four days, which I was grateful for then but can say with complete certainty that I am especially grateful for now, knowing she's so far away.<br />
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I am also grateful for the conversation we had the night before her flight back. She asked me a lot of questions regarding my relationship and my future. What did I see in him? Could I reach my goals and expectations in life with him? Could I see a future with him? What was it that I wanted in life? Some of my answers were vague, when I could even piece them together.<br />
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There was one thing she said that really sat with me, though. It sat in my mind that night, the day of her flight, the ride home from the airport, and many days and nights to follow, up to the very present. She told me to remember that this person's family was opening their home to me, that he really cared for me, and that while my happiness is something I need to always consider and aim for, other people's feelings and lives are affected by my decisions. That I really need to know what it is that I want. That I can't just walk away from something when I decide that I'm tired of it.<br />
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Common sense, right? But the truth is that those were words that I needed to hear, and from my mom specifically. Even though I, like many others, will yes to death everything said above, the truth is that I've done the exact opposite already. That's precisely why she told me all of it. I've gone through much of my recent life with my eye on a future goal. I've had relationships that never followed the norm, that I took for granted. I've hurt people and lost track of what it is that I wanted in life, outside of where I wanted that life to be. There is someone still hurting out there because of an abrupt decision I made months ago. There's a hypothetical life that was so set on happening just floating around with a myriad of other ghosts. But to make the same abrupt decision, to send off the ghost of a life happening in real time - one that involves the direct commitment of another person...<br />
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I can't do that. I need to know what I want <i>now. </i>No; I needed to know what I wanted before I even got here. Before I said 'yes' to staying with someone. Before they became truly invested in me and my agreement to them.<br />
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That has been scaring me. The life that I kept justifying the delay of, because I wasn't where I wanted to be, has already started. This is what they call 'growing up.' Take responsibilities of your words and your actions and be an adult.<br />
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Fear and sadness and regret and uncertainty are ugly faces to deal with, but they're probably a bigger part of life than their opposites are. So, with that being said, dealing with them all at once is where I stand for now. It's a situation I've borderline carelessly created for myself, and now I have to deal with it in order to determine whether or not this chapter in my life is the start of the rest or another isolated experience to learn from.<br />
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Other than that, I'm doing okay. The weather here is beautiful. The family I am with is immensely kind and welcoming, and it's nice to sleep to the breathing of someone instead of the hum of a call. I've applied to multiple jobs in the past week, but have yet to hear from them - another thing I'll have to get used to. My blog is my job for now, though it has no monetary value attached to it. It's me, the sun, and a distance of miles and hours that may potentially never go away.<br />
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I will just continue forward one day at a time.<br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-64601003520822516512016-03-22T20:15:00.003-04:002016-03-22T20:20:26.734-04:00Sakamoto Maaya: Follow Me Up (LE) + First Bress/External Bonus (09/30/15)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VWPuh9OOl0WVd6bey06SBTJa8i1jT0LuyVRaC74V3_nef0rqds8h5pMfjoqcixkSMwbSdad64hTD4q0Nqx7WwN-_jm771kEeGyQ9FzmLI-8GfI1nPhVPaIZBGsY3q5JBf2enQoSFFk0/s1600/introfmu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VWPuh9OOl0WVd6bey06SBTJa8i1jT0LuyVRaC74V3_nef0rqds8h5pMfjoqcixkSMwbSdad64hTD4q0Nqx7WwN-_jm771kEeGyQ9FzmLI-8GfI1nPhVPaIZBGsY3q5JBf2enQoSFFk0/s320/introfmu.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">AFFILIATE, PURCHASED</a></div>
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2015 has been a busy year for <b>Sakamoto Maaya</b> - her <b>20th anniversary</b> - and between my last Sakamoto-related post and now, she's had 3 new releases, <i><b>Follow Me Up</b></i> being the most recent. Released just over a month ago on September 30th, 2015, it's touted as Sakamoto's <b>ninth studio album</b> - yes, not a single collection - though I've seen a <i>lot </i>of split responses towards this album over that fact, amongst others. </div>
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***Fast-forward to 2016.***<br />
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Yup, I didn't finish this post the day I started it. Now that so much time has passed since the release of this album, however, I can say that I've formed definite opinions of the album's 15 tracks. Some have become favorites, and others are songs I oftentimes forget exist. I think that's the average outcome for Sakamoto releases - and that's not to say Sakamoto is failing as an artist to me. She's still my favorite singer and I have doubts that that will ever change. I just have so many songs I rotate through on a daily basis, haha - the result is inevitable.<br />
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Anyway, I received my <b>limited edition copy of <i>Follow Me Up</i></b> not even a week after its release in September, as is typical for me, and received (also typical) my copy of the <b>first press/external bonus</b> as well. So if you're curious to see pictures of everything, or simply want to know my thoughts on this 'studio album,' then stay tuned.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyidCB6IH6yVt17Dje74xnnFWU8AH0uGvAqgesbjiQpOKmYl6UklSdiq57tceZAgij-XU-ZyCuDStzC4q9NP5UHnfZO5XY8FAkwNOSJh4lI3MptF0p7AssoWmV0nIS0C1gcRrhBKe4EA/s1600/image1fmu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyidCB6IH6yVt17Dje74xnnFWU8AH0uGvAqgesbjiQpOKmYl6UklSdiq57tceZAgij-XU-ZyCuDStzC4q9NP5UHnfZO5XY8FAkwNOSJh4lI3MptF0p7AssoWmV0nIS0C1gcRrhBKe4EA/s400/image1fmu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: Front of the album.<br />
RIGHT: Back of the album.</td></tr>
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Something I loved about this album from the start is the <b>artwork</b>. As you can see pictured above, the album's cover is fairly simple, with Sakamoto photographed with both her usual short hair and a much longer cut (which I wish she would keep, haha). The <b>limited edition artwork</b> has a <b>soft blue/green color scheme</b>, while the regular edition has a soft pink/red color scheme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF4WODvgzG3v9onufw7V7nWkRFKiPt7zosJLtqCjz5UBuAl0s5kNWtglduz2eZocjML_zuDzGvmKqkOE4jd2yjzyeu5caytJWzT6n35ivf32Ag0Zy0xeMQEXNHtpAAfc-Jizfb25RA-I/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF4WODvgzG3v9onufw7V7nWkRFKiPt7zosJLtqCjz5UBuAl0s5kNWtglduz2eZocjML_zuDzGvmKqkOE4jd2yjzyeu5caytJWzT6n35ivf32Ag0Zy0xeMQEXNHtpAAfc-Jizfb25RA-I/s400/DSC_0075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I feel like the two looks can be read in numerous ways. For me personally, <b>the choice of artwork reflects change and development.</b> Sakamoto's longer hair reminds me of her earlier days as an artist, even though she's back to it now, while her shorter hair reminds me of the many years in between. I can also see the theme of <b>development</b> as far as the album <b>tracklist</b> goes, which features many <b>songs from previously released singles</b> as well as <b>new compositions by Sakamoto herself</b>, adding a chapter of songs to her portfolio as a composer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9IZStWoQcqMKFrJ_FnfYNYW4nFz16t9lB6jCqcwV_IrtYu8xXPYeGWaQU1IzsJNTd7ORKmbEL1yA5AEB_W3YCvAaHhKsYGWHK4dlQVREIortVniNWhyaZBt6gxyDSShOw9upJPLbchE/s1600/image3fmu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9IZStWoQcqMKFrJ_FnfYNYW4nFz16t9lB6jCqcwV_IrtYu8xXPYeGWaQU1IzsJNTd7ORKmbEL1yA5AEB_W3YCvAaHhKsYGWHK4dlQVREIortVniNWhyaZBt6gxyDSShOw9upJPLbchE/s400/image3fmu.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of the image of Sakamoto at the back of the album.</td></tr>
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The <b>back of the album</b> continues with the simplicity to which we're first introduced with the album's cover. As per usual, an <b>album tracklist and the limited edition content</b> can be found here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUBlj3FPnPv1yh5Nf-u99BZg_qPFX3sXLiBjir700akHUz24HNE7XHMIgqiZnkGPAczuUHKVhUxOznDykjlyh__k6r_uC5cl7wz4GbDrvBn6e3t6Ajsg1HJAdiHwxnf5-LHllZgUn_jE/s1600/image2fmu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUBlj3FPnPv1yh5Nf-u99BZg_qPFX3sXLiBjir700akHUz24HNE7XHMIgqiZnkGPAczuUHKVhUxOznDykjlyh__k6r_uC5cl7wz4GbDrvBn6e3t6Ajsg1HJAdiHwxnf5-LHllZgUn_jE/s400/image2fmu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: The album's tracklist.<br />
RIGHT: The list of music videos featured on the limited edition DVD.</td></tr>
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In the case of <i><b>Follow Me Up</b></i>, the <b>limited edition version</b> includes a <b>DVD</b> with a small collection of <b>PV</b>s for some of the songs taken from previously released singles, including: <b>"Hajimari No Umi," "Be Mine," "Replica," and "Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitte Iru Itsutsu No Houhou."</b> I was especially excited for this LE content purely due to the fact that I love the music video for "Replica" and wanted it all to myself, mwahaha.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvzxE0Rtw0hHUHewfC-VndC_f4nRhBEKT2mr4K3-88QM2jDTVyqxIjYCC37igUbu3YJgQ9_47-q6OcmnpiduclspTafRFCq1fgCwDUOGyHS2XCEJJru-xVyVtESpxwZcuqqxqdyspTMw/s1600/cdimage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvzxE0Rtw0hHUHewfC-VndC_f4nRhBEKT2mr4K3-88QM2jDTVyqxIjYCC37igUbu3YJgQ9_47-q6OcmnpiduclspTafRFCq1fgCwDUOGyHS2XCEJJru-xVyVtESpxwZcuqqxqdyspTMw/s400/cdimage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: Disc 1, CD.<br />
RIGHT: Disc 2, LE DVD.</td></tr>
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I don't have much to say about the actual <b>discs</b> for the album. <b>There are two</b> - one for the album's songs and one for the LE music video collection, shown above - and both are <b>mirror-like</b> with the album's title comprising as the main design. Nothing exciting here, though there is another <b>lovely picture of Sakamoto </b>at the very back of the album's inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEfqa4_5axHsnqMAHTEuo0sTHUr92cJTuqfHR9XwlnZ4cT1Bd5VPeH7SGhtccbyKrBW3zuHg2MsOsOv6Z7_2nlZN0JLAvOYqD3cy72i-5kvrd2EzqLnNim9ILh0qBzm4MjwTLIMVrnuE/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEfqa4_5axHsnqMAHTEuo0sTHUr92cJTuqfHR9XwlnZ4cT1Bd5VPeH7SGhtccbyKrBW3zuHg2MsOsOv6Z7_2nlZN0JLAvOYqD3cy72i-5kvrd2EzqLnNim9ILh0qBzm4MjwTLIMVrnuE/s400/DSC_0078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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While I share some of the other pictures of Sakamoto from the album's exterior case and booklet, I thought <b>I'd give my opinion on the whole debate of whether or not this album should indeed be considered a 'studio album' versus a singles collection</b>.<br />
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<b>When I first read information on <i>Follow Me Up</i>, I understood that it was a singles collection</b> <b>and wasn't that excited for it</b>, especially after Sakamoto's anticlimactic 20th anniversary album, <i>Request</i> (yes I will review this, but in a nutshell it wasn't very memorable). <b>Then I started hearing how there would be new songs featured on the album</b>, including one composed by Kanno Yoko, as well as the addition of "Kore Kara," a song previously only electronically released. <b>Suddenly the usual anticipation that I get before all new Sakamoto releases began to kick in and September couldn't come fast enough. </b><br />
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It is now February 2016 and I've owned this album for 4 months knowing that <b>it is, officially, Sakamoto's ninth studio album</b>. And I guess you could say that <b>my opinion is really torn</b>.<br />
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<i><b>Follow Me Up</b></i> has <b>15 tracks, 7 of which were released on previous singles.</b> That makes the album nearly half re-promoted singles, but, consequently, also half brand new songs. And there is, in my opinion, a nice diversity of songs included in both of those halves. I guess you could say it would be hard to call this a singles collection, but equally as hard to label it as a studio album (which suggests almost all of the songs are new). <b>I think it comes down to a few details as to whether or not you'll be offended or in agreement with the album's official label as a 'studio album.' </b><br />
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<b>Something that really puts me off about this album</b> is one stupid, minute detail: <b>the fact that two of the re-promotes came from the same single</b>, "Be mine!" and "SAVED." I mean, why not just throw "Koe" in the mix and have the entire single on this album? But then, what kind of studio album includes the full contents of a previously released single in its tracklist? One could argue that both songs were very popular, hence the double release of the particular single they were featured on, but I still think<b> it makes no sense to include both if this is indeed a studio album and not a singles collection</b>.<br />
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<b>Then there's the strength of the <i>new</i> songs on the album.</b> I think some listeners would be okay about referring to <i><b>Follow Me Up</b></i> as Sakamoto's ninth studio album if the 8 new songs truly held their own, and this is likely where the final division happens. <b>For me, about 4 of the 8 songs are memorable, while one is sometimes in my thoughts and the remaining three are forgotten.</b> Oddly enough, however,<b> I still enjoy this album</b> and am not as put off by some of the new songs as other listeners are. <b>That's why, although my opinions on paper seem to classify <i>Follow Me Up</i> as a singles collection, I can't say I'm offended by the fact that it isn't. </b><br />
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With that being said, I thought I'd just go ahead and share the <b>first press/external bonus</b> that came with this album before diving completely into opinion with my individual track reviews. <b>I have to admit that I've been disappointed with the bonuses for recent releases.</b> As you can probably tell, this album's bonus was a <b>mass-produced autographed postcard</b>, like many before it. I don't find these exciting or interesting, and miss my posters! <b>CDJapan, BRING BACK THE POSTERS!!! </b>Please? Haha...<br />
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<b>TRACK LIST (Disc 1)</b><br />
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To reiterate, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Follow Me Up </i>consists of <b>15 tracks</b> of which 8 are new and the other 7 are from previously released singles.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">01. FOLLOW ME*</span></b><br />
<b>02. Be mine!</b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">03. Sanagi</span></b><br />
<b>04. SAVED</b><br />
<b>05. Tokyo Samui</b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">06. Arco</span></b><br />
<b>07. Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru Itsutsu No Houhou</b><br />
<b>08. Hajimari No Umi</b><br />
<b>09. Kore Kara*</b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">10. Waiting for the rain</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">11. Road Movie</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">12. That is To Say</span></b><br />
<b>13. Replica</b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">14. Kasukana Melody</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">15. Iris*</span></b><br />
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Tracks in <span style="color: red;">red</span> are <span style="color: red;">new</span>, and those with an asterisk (*) are composed by Sakamoto.<br />
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<b>TRACK LIST (Disc 2, LE DVD)*</b><br />
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<b>01. Hajimari No Umi</b><br />
<b>02. Be mine!</b><br />
<b>03. Replica</b><br />
<b>04. Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru Itsutsu No Houhou</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*As mentioned earlier, the LE bonus with the <i>Follow Me Up</i> album is a DVD with the promotional videos of the above four songs. <b>I will not be giving individual reviews on these videos</b>; in short, "Replica" is my favorite and "Be mine!" is my least favorite.</span><br />
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Since many of these songs were previously released, I'll give briefer reviews/updated thoughts on those which I've previously reviewed on this blog (with links to those posts). Otherwise, I'll give my full thoughts as per usual.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">01. FOLLOW ME >>></span></b><br />
The opening of the album as well as the track whose title mirrors the album title, <b>"FOLLOW ME"</b> is <b>the first of three songs composed by Sakamoto</b> on the album. <b>This song was a miss</b> for a lot of people, and I hate to say it but my opinion is no different. The song has catchy parts - including the chorus and the 'ah-ah-ah-ah' that ends it each time - but something about <b>the music itself is jumbled and dull</b>. Sakamoto's voice is reduced to <b>a simple, 'cute' sounding range</b> that really does no justice to the emotion she's usually able to express. I give this song a <b>three out of five</b> because it isn't <i>so</i> terrible that I hate listening to it. There are just other songs I rather be listening to.<br />
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<b>02. Be mine! >>>></b><br />
A <b>previously released song</b> from the <i>Be Mine!/SAVED</i> single, <b>"Be mine!" </b>is a song that I still find catchy and upbeat, although I categorize it with the<b> 'average' </b>bunch of Sakamoto songs. It's a song I enjoy listening to, even now, two years after its initial release. It just isn't so amazing that I consider it a favorite. <b>Four out of five</b> pengu flippers, which is probably what I would have rated it back then, too. <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/02/sakamoto-maaya-be-minesaved-le-external_10.html" target="_blank">You can find my post on the <i>Be Mine!/SAVED</i> single here.</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">03. Sanagi >>>></span></b><br />
Another <b>new</b> song, <b>"Sanagi"</b> is my boyfriend's favorite from this album, but it's another that <b>I don't find myself thinking of often</b>. The song is like <b>the power-driven, pop version of "Replica,"</b> but with <b>less memorable music</b>. I liken it to "Replica" because the instrumentation is very <b>chaotic and loud</b> - "Replica" is simply miles ahead because a balance between chaos and organization is somehow achieved in that song. <b>"Sanagi"</b> is a song that's more fun to sing than to listen to, lol! I do enjoy Sakamoto's voice more in this song than "FOLLOW ME," hence why I give this <b>four out of five</b> pengu flippers.<br />
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<b>04. SAVED >>>>></b><br />
<i>Be Mine!/SAVED</i> was the popular single on this album because here is the second <b>re-promote</b> from it, <b>"SAVED."</b> Can I really say I'm disappointed, though? It has been just over two years since <b>"SAVED"</b> first came out and <b>I still love this song as much as I did the first day I heard it</b>. It's such a <b>sweet, emotive song</b> and Sakamoto sings it beautifully. It has since joined <b>my top three songs by Sakamoto</b>, and I like to joke that I want it to be the song played at my wedding - it means that much to me. <b>Five out of five</b>. <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/02/sakamoto-maaya-be-minesaved-le-external_10.html" target="_blank">Again, my post on the <i>Be Mine!/SAVED</i> single can be found here.</a><br />
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<b>05. Tokyo Samui >>>>></b><br />
Although this is a <b>previously released </b>song, it's a single I never got around to reviewing, <i>Anata Wo Tamotsu Mono/Mada Ugoku</i>. The b-side of that single, <b>"Tokyo Samui"</b> was actually my favorite of the single's three tracks. It's <b>peaceful without dragging</b> and makes me think of a city lit at night, from a distance. Sakamoto's voice paired well with Cornelius's arrangements on the single, but I found her voice <b>especially soothing</b> in <b>"Tokyo Samui."</b> I don't listen to this track as much as I did when it first came out last year, but I still consider it to be above other Sakamoto songs. <b>Five out of five</b> here, too.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">06. Arco >>>>></span></b><br />
<b>Kanno Yoko</b> and Sakamoto team up again in this <b>new</b> track. I feel predictable in saying that <b>this song is my favorite of the album's eight new songs</b>, but I'd be lying if I said that it wasn't, so it is what it is. Kanno is simply an amazing composer and I really believe that after working with Sakamoto for so many years in the past, she just knows how to bring out the best in the singer's voice. I think the bridge is the most forgettable part of the song, while the <b>harmonies and repetition</b> that follow directly after, in the last third of the song, are the <b>most memorable</b>. <b>"Arco" </b>is a song that was with me through many important, tense months of my life, and it is one that I've coincidentally attached to those memories since the music captures much of what I felt during those times. It's weird to say, but it's one of those songs whose creation I am grateful for. As such, <b>five out of five</b> pengu flippers.<br />
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<b>07.</b> <b>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru Itsutsu No Houhou >>>></b><br />
<b>"Shiawase,"</b> as I like to call it for short, is a <b>re-promote</b> from a single released a little over a year ago. While I do enjoy this song and the way it showcases Sakamoto's <b>cuter, catchier voice</b>, I wish they would have used "Shikisai" from the same single instead. That being said, I'm not surprised this one was picked because it's these types of songs that seem to catch more attention, and this particular one was especially promoted during the single's release since it was the opening of an anime. <b>Four out of five </b>pengu flippers, but another average song in my opinion. <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2015/03/sakamoto-maaya-shiawase-ni-tsuite.html" target="_blank">You can read my review of the single, <i>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru Itsutsu No Houhou/Shikisai</i>, here. </a><br />
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<b>08. Hajimari No Umi >>>></b><br />
I had to laugh when I saw that <b>"Hajimari No Umi"</b> was included on this album, but I guess they had to since its single was released between this album and the last, lol. I view this song as <b>Sakamoto's take on elevator music</b> - it's <b>calming, steady, but nothing spectacular</b>. <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2013/08/sakamoto-maaya-hajimari-no-umi-le-first.html" target="_blank">My opinion on this song hasn't really changed much from when I first heard it back in August of 2013, so check out my post here for more information.</a> <b>Four out of four</b> penguin flippers.<br />
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<b>09. Kore Kara >>>>></b><br />
While this song isn't technically new, as it was <b>previously released</b> electronically, it is new to me since I couldn't access the electronic release. <b>"Kore Kara"</b> is <b>the second of the three tracks composed by Sakamoto</b>, and I think it's <b>the strongest</b> of the three, although I still consider it more of an average song. The <b>piano and strings</b> are very <b>powerful</b> with Sakamoto's voice, especially as the song progresses, and <b>I really feel Sakamoto's emotional connection to the song</b> in every note that she sings. I came to appreciate this song more after viewing her live performance of it on the 20th anniversary <i>Follow Me</i> DVD, perhaps because she sings it while clips of all of the promotional videos from the start of her career to the present are played. In any case, I give this song <b>five out of five</b> pengu flippers, although I personally feel it ranks lower than other songs I really enjoyed from the selection of new tracks. The melody doesn't capture my attention the way, for example, "SAVED" does, I guess.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">10. Waiting for the rain >>>>></span></b><br />
<b>"Waiting for the rain"</b> is Sakamoto's <b>newest English</b> song, and I have to admit that I like it quite a lot. <b>The lyrics</b>, being that I can understand them right away, <b>are nothing truly moving</b>, but <b>the music builds up beautifully</b> between verse and chorus, both <b>in intensity and pace</b>. <b>One thing this song lacks is a bridge</b> - something that could have added the complexity that would have taken it up another level. The absence of the bridge is compensated, I guess, by the <b>added repetition of the chorus</b> at the end. I don't really appreciate this repetition because it occurs too quickly and, in turn, pulls the song into a more boring direction. For these reasons the song felt incomplete at first, but something about the music is compelling enough that I really came to enjoy it. I give it <b>five out of five</b> pengu flippers.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">11. Road Movie >>>>></span></b><br />
<b>"Road Movie"</b> is another <b>new</b> song on the <i><b>Follow Me Up</b></i> album, and my <b>second favorite</b>. Something about this song - be it <b>the instrumentation</b> or the <b>unusual harmonies</b> - makes it <b>a song different, in my opinion, from all of Sakamoto's other songs</b>. The <b>lyrics</b> of the song, whose translations you can find <a href="http://www.lyrical-nonsense.com/lyrics/maaya-sakamoto/road-movie/#page=English" target="_blank">here</a>, <b>depict both a figurative and literal journey taken with someone, </b>and <b>I find relativity to myself in both</b>. I remember many times being in the passenger seat on a journey somewhere with someone important to me, who played a large role in the bigger journey of my life. I remember listening to this song during one of those journeys, and thinking <i>if only I could freeze this moment</i>. If only I could capture my feelings, my companion's proximity, the color of the sun through the windshield. These are all little things that become the tiny points of animation to the bigger picture that carries on with us through to the end. The concept is both <b>beautiful and haunting</b>, and I find both of these perfectly embedded in the atmosphere of <b>"Road Movie."</b> Everything in this song was done right, in my opinion, from the <b>slow but heavy pace</b> of the music to the <b>utilization of Sakamoto's lower range</b> (something we don't get enough of). For this reason, I give it <b>five out of five</b> pengu flippers.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">12. That is To Say >>>>></span></b><br />
The sixth of the eight <b>new</b> tracks, <b>"That is To Say"</b> is a song that I had to listen to a few times before I was able to form my opinion on it. What is <b>refreshing</b> about this song, not only in contrast to its predecessor, "Road Movie," but in contrast to all of the album's songs up to this point, is that its music has <b>an acoustic feel</b> to it. You can really pick out the part of every instrument. The end result, with Sakamoto's hollow-like notes, is one that is relaxing and alleviating. The chords of the guitar, the soft hum of the acoustic bass, and the fluid but distinct notes of the piano all come together in a way that gives the album another...face, or identity, I suppose. I give this song a <b>five out of five</b>, and have since done a very short, mediocre cover of it on my <a href="https://soundcloud.com/adeliedragon/demo-that-is-to-say-short-sakamoto-maaya" target="_blank">SoundCloud</a>.<br />
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<b>13. Replica >>>>></b><br />
What a way to follow "That is To Say," lol. If track 12 wasn't really your thing and got you feeling kind of bored, <b>"Replica"</b> will pull you up in an instant. <b>"Replica"</b> is another <b>re-promote</b> that I still love as much as I did when it first came out in August of 2014. It's <b>energized, powerful, and a touch modern</b> compared to other Sakamoto songs. I never tire of this song. I still give it a <b>five out of five</b>, and <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/08/sakamoto-maaya-part-2-of-2-replica-le.html" target="_blank">you can read my initial commentary on the <i>Replica</i> single here</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">14. Kasukana Melody >>>></span></b><br />
The second to last of <b>new</b> songs (and of the album's tracks as a whole), <b>"Kasukana Melody"</b> is the album's <b>jazzy</b> song. It's lighthearted, catchy, and laid-back all at once. It's the one of the eight new tracks that I occasionally think about, because even though it doesn't hold its own compared to other songs by Sakamoto, it still has clips of music that appeal to me. I enjoy the way it <b>starts off slow</b> and <b>steadily picks up speed</b> as you get deeper into the song. In fact, I prefer the faster paced, second half of the song over its first half. <b>I think it would be fun to see</b> <b>"Kasukana Melody"</b> <b>live. </b>It's one of those songs, I think, that Sakamoto would really bring to life on stage. Until then, though, it's a song that best lives in the background for me. I give it <b>four out of five</b> flippers.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">15. Iris >>>></span></b><br />
<b>"Iris"</b> is the album's last song, the last of the <b>new</b> tracks, and the last of the three songs <b>composed by Sakamoto</b>. I guess you could say there is a lot of finality in this song. It's predominantly Sakamoto's voice (back in the high range) and the piano, although more instruments join in the song's second half. I don't know what it is about this song, but<b> I like it as much as I dislike it</b>. My <b>favorite part </b>of the song is <b>the piano solo between 1:10 and 1:39</b>. As for the rest of the song...it's okay. It's <b>very basic</b>. I don't really care for the flute, or the percussion, or the "la, la, la" vocals at the end. Maybe this song would have been more musically appealing if it was Sakamoto, the piano, and strings only, but <b>the composition is still too basic to effectively win my attention over other songs</b> - even other Sakamoto compositions. That piano solo is the reason I give it <b>four flippers</b> over three, because the song as a whole should really be a three out of five. <b>"Iris"</b> is the sad, forgettable sister of "Singer-Songwriter," lol!! A weak way for the album to end.<br />
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Wow, I guess I had a lot more to say about each song than I thought. And I feel like I can go on even more about the album as a whole now that I've taken the time to collect my thoughts on each individual track, but this review is already so long. I'm publishing this post months after the album's release because I knew it would be a heavy one...still, <i>damn</i>.<br />
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<b>Overall</b>, <i><b>Follow Me Up</b></i> is one of the more interesting album releases from Sakamoto Maaya. Whether it can truly be called her ninth studio album is for you to decide. As for me, I guess I would consider it as such. It isn't her official 20th anniversary album, but I feel like <b><i>Follow Me Up</i></b>'s layout is appropriate considering its release on Sakamoto's 20th year as a singer/songwriter/voice actress. Many people will see failure in this release - its opening and closing tracks alone are on the weak side - but <b>I was able to find enough gems on it that I'm overall pleased with this addition to Sakamoto's discography</b>.<br />
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What are your thoughts on Sakamoto's most recent studio album? Did you enjoy the LE content of the promotional videos? Are you a fan of the external bonus? What do you think about Sakamoto Maaya's musical career now that she has surpassed the 20th year of it? Let me know in the comments section. :) I hope you found this review bearable, enjoyable, useful, etc., haha. As always, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog. 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikki<br />
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<a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4573/A082072/product%2FVTZL-120" target="_blank">
If you're interested in picking up the LE copy of <i>Follow Me Up</i>, click here!
</a>
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<a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4573/A082072/product%2FVTCL-60420" target="_blank">
Otherwise, the regular edition of the album can be found here.
</a><br />
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Thank you for your support if you do choose to purchase through these links. ^_^Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-44135110190765055662015-11-08T18:27:00.002-05:002015-11-08T18:27:57.540-05:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Evening Rendezvous" (LE) [MAC Magic of the Night 2015]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUXgKOMJHmdlqYB-WKOVl1ge0Gt-vNDn3-DTOM_Ns8myna_sFThQOjUyyQUaPexR9Tr0-nvgwe2l7Sxji2KRxx75pdk9z8NZdyUBOpi36IjVFPWCRK_R67r6hJB5zc3d98UlZ3vl2uq0/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUXgKOMJHmdlqYB-WKOVl1ge0Gt-vNDn3-DTOM_Ns8myna_sFThQOjUyyQUaPexR9Tr0-nvgwe2l7Sxji2KRxx75pdk9z8NZdyUBOpi36IjVFPWCRK_R67r6hJB5zc3d98UlZ3vl2uq0/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank"><b>PURCHASED</b></a></div>
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;_; I know! I'm sorry. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">A special sorry to Maxi and all my other Maaya-followers. My review for <i>Follow Me Up </i>is coming I swear!! Amongst others...</span><br />
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Life has been ridiculously chaotic for me since mid-July. So much has changed - SO much - but I don't think I'm ready to disclose those changes here. All I can say is that I'm sorry for dropping off the face of the Earth for all of these months.<br />
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In character with the fact that a shit-ton of time has passed, we're already moving fast into the holiday season. As far as makeup is concerned, nothing much has changed for me, thankfully (or not). I still love MAC - hence this review - I still love trying new products, lipstick is still my happiness, and I'm still a bit of a collector. I see these kinds of reviews as the best way to pull myself back into my blog, so bear with me.<br />
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<b>MAC's big holiday collection</b> this year was released in different parts - <b>Magic of the Night</b>, Enchanted Eve, and Irresistibly Charming - with different individual products, sets, and teal/blue/purple reflective packaging. More color than last year's Heirloom Mix, but still in line with MAC's focus of sets versus new, limited edition colors.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">...And I just tried to find 'my post' for the Heirloom Mix collection just to discover that I took pictures of the lipsticks I bought BUT NEVER WROTE THE REVIEWS. For fuck's sake.</span><br />
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Anyway...I didn't look much into this collection, as I'm not really big on sets, but in the end I did pick up one set - the red lip bag - and the only <b>new, limited edition lipstick</b>, which I'm reviewing in this post, <b>"Evening Rendezvous."</b> I've been wearing this color quite a bit lately so I thought I'd start here with my second attempt at blogging regularly.<br />
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<b>Name:</b> Evening Rendezvous<br />
<b>Net Wt.:</b> 0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price:</b> $18<br />
<b>Finish:</b> Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O1tOii1pGiigR1pUNTI2iU1eHkb_P4gGtezvOWjdjly4ckWDLuXJTFPlBy6iCTdNE3ngq3Mwx8KghU2Ndkec-9moBZxVvxMd0nETkGGz65g2RFGy24hK3amOZb0Ek73b5kMZkSR09C4/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O1tOii1pGiigR1pUNTI2iU1eHkb_P4gGtezvOWjdjly4ckWDLuXJTFPlBy6iCTdNE3ngq3Mwx8KghU2Ndkec-9moBZxVvxMd0nETkGGz65g2RFGy24hK3amOZb0Ek73b5kMZkSR09C4/s640/DSC_0069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First, here's a closeup of the <b>special packaging</b> for which you'll be spending <b>extra money</b>. As far as the individual items in the collection, <b>each group of products has its own color for the packaging</b>. For example, the eye shadows have teal reflective packaging while, as seen above, the lipsticks have <b>purple reflective packaging</b>. I used to love purple but not much anymore, so I am indifferent to this particular packaging. As you can see below, the actual lipstick barrel is also different from the packaging - black instead of silver.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbOoMaY9_15wSijPrd8erIE8UcucIY-ilV4Aux3d7cPkKMreKJFRshA-Is3HbUYdJkZQnw5mBklYYLuWm2XjhUCLAqkylUwHHL9VE4ePgCq78wn28tZSGNibLEMLbFhFoNnpd1W0-uyo/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbOoMaY9_15wSijPrd8erIE8UcucIY-ilV4Aux3d7cPkKMreKJFRshA-Is3HbUYdJkZQnw5mBklYYLuWm2XjhUCLAqkylUwHHL9VE4ePgCq78wn28tZSGNibLEMLbFhFoNnpd1W0-uyo/s640/DSC_0072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>MAC describes "Evening Rendezvous" as a "deep reddish purple." </b>I guess that's a <b>good description</b>, although I'd like to clarify that, to my eyes, this lipstick is more of a <b>pink/lavender-toned purple</b> than a <i>true</i> purple. That being said, I'm looking at the swatch online compared to the swatch on my hand (in my darkening room) and the online depiction of this lipstick isn't <i>too</i> off. Perhaps a bit redder than purple, but that can change depending on your skin tone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGzR-VjQN8Ne9Nec69KHi4ABR6_9wa__aXaj7kdXU5HdfZkszzX23_c8ZhGZEfHpM6Nd8ZpFhKYEcZhVJRm3g8GXOBHU1vbjmh34G9Q18SvQMQs8Miwrh47-eMaoyCkgL0skG9PRV1vg/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGzR-VjQN8Ne9Nec69KHi4ABR6_9wa__aXaj7kdXU5HdfZkszzX23_c8ZhGZEfHpM6Nd8ZpFhKYEcZhVJRm3g8GXOBHU1vbjmh34G9Q18SvQMQs8Miwrh47-eMaoyCkgL0skG9PRV1vg/s640/DSC_0075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I would say the above picture is the most color-accurate of any you'll see in this post. With the recent time change, I ended up taking pictures during the early afternoon sunset, where everything was automatically drowned in yellow light.<br />
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Anywho, <b>"Evening Rendezvous"</b> is a <b>matte-finish</b> lipstick. I'm going to say that MAC's matte formula has been <b>consistently creamy and comfortable</b> as of the past year or so, and the formula on this lipstick is no different. <b>"Evening Rendezvous" applies smoothly</b> without tugging much on my lips, it has <b>great pigmentation</b>, it <b>doesn't feel drying</b> until hours after wear, and it <b>lasts about 6 to 8 hours</b> on me. I've really come to love MAC's mattes this past year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5xovUwy22hN3jVElG20IFeYRCMkPEerO9jvOOgN6yjod238oblMJ9zhY96CCsxGF8UWcGEyTSQU1PsqonU7x_SPPi91d_2fjqnuocXs8Pkd5TMu2ZOU5awXfG3W4l3ipY7NOFv50zTY/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5xovUwy22hN3jVElG20IFeYRCMkPEerO9jvOOgN6yjod238oblMJ9zhY96CCsxGF8UWcGEyTSQU1PsqonU7x_SPPi91d_2fjqnuocXs8Pkd5TMu2ZOU5awXfG3W4l3ipY7NOFv50zTY/s640/DSC_0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned before, <b>the lighting and one's skin tone can easily alter the way this product looks</b>. In the left swatch, <b>"Evening Rendezvous"</b> looks closer to what you see in the tube, while in the right swatch it's more berry-toned. Generally speaking, <b>on me, I find this color applies slightly darker than it is in the tube</b>, though I'll be providing two different lip swatches below as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5paOm4iTSg_aBhG6dFe0dBnFp5yDzknUjHYLwUDW7Ir_ZMigX6vI0DSYa7yEwdk45DasmsOF6NiBu2UoGcdXoSRBB1k2xg_aXwMdsGwXRqCMpytXQUjAQBsFSmHgoA5iUj86KDIl_xmg/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5paOm4iTSg_aBhG6dFe0dBnFp5yDzknUjHYLwUDW7Ir_ZMigX6vI0DSYa7yEwdk45DasmsOF6NiBu2UoGcdXoSRBB1k2xg_aXwMdsGwXRqCMpytXQUjAQBsFSmHgoA5iUj86KDIl_xmg/s640/DSC_0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the above picture, the color better resembles the left swatch from the picture just before, while in the below picture it better resembles the right swatch:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPJEijVqJG0g-GuaGzEeMnO17dn5m3moPrEDWsb5iW_fs9g6zvBZGHyKznFSknYFZJv4D1rwZkKWoroL2adfsHAegTLK0SuiqAd2d64g-8vxy-ZA8oZ0rmihvxk-mo8xM9XPVf201Vac/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPJEijVqJG0g-GuaGzEeMnO17dn5m3moPrEDWsb5iW_fs9g6zvBZGHyKznFSknYFZJv4D1rwZkKWoroL2adfsHAegTLK0SuiqAd2d64g-8vxy-ZA8oZ0rmihvxk-mo8xM9XPVf201Vac/s640/DSC_0143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Either way, <b>I love how this color looks on me </b>(usually NC15 but I think I'm about NC20 or so since the summer). It's a <b>beautiful fall color </b>for sure, and quite <b>work-appropriate</b>, though I don't think it screams 'holiday' much. That is, of course, my personal opinion. :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC31RjWPapqyuGacm53EH2nNrjAAV_LQTG66PFIbmloOYrfF7eJQ6QRD2Nrx5JU0MfaQTtVL0lNOyahpwk5DEo_uOMPn3pmDIetPWbf2K8CkN3CMOnaeDdrN6Tb_xCtS_pbmR4lr3WYgE/s1600/DSC_0144+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC31RjWPapqyuGacm53EH2nNrjAAV_LQTG66PFIbmloOYrfF7eJQ6QRD2Nrx5JU0MfaQTtVL0lNOyahpwk5DEo_uOMPn3pmDIetPWbf2K8CkN3CMOnaeDdrN6Tb_xCtS_pbmR4lr3WYgE/s640/DSC_0144+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'M NOT COMPLETELY PALE YET AND THIS DAMN YELLOW LIGHTING DOESN'T HELP...lol.</td></tr>
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So, I didn't title this post as usual with "Comparisons" tacked on the end, because <b>I don't have any near-dupes in my collection for this color.</b> However, <b>I was still reminded of another color I own</b> when I first applied "Evening Rendezvous," and I have seen pictures where it had <b>a likeness to another MAC lipstick I own</b>, too. I thought I'd show <b>side-by-side swatches</b> of the three lipsticks for your reference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtZQSiVtcyicFQIqrbvX5IH-548W7W5kOJBV8ePdhDMvvq2Ewi8r2CiUTqZv9CmA9NVGKniRY3u1TMZ2hS9Fn33P7DPm0ioTlX5QAkxbR3ct3npPftqBbfhtlImvVhzpsFqCxa8joO1k/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtZQSiVtcyicFQIqrbvX5IH-548W7W5kOJBV8ePdhDMvvq2Ewi8r2CiUTqZv9CmA9NVGKniRY3u1TMZ2hS9Fn33P7DPm0ioTlX5QAkxbR3ct3npPftqBbfhtlImvVhzpsFqCxa8joO1k/s640/DSC_0081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left bullet: Fashion Revival<br />Right bullet: Evening Rendezvous<br />Bottom: Thirsty</td></tr>
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The lipstick I was reminded of that is totally off is <b>Colour Pop's "Thirsty"</b> from their summer collection, <i>Sundays in Silverlake</i>. As far as the MAC lipstick that it seemed to have a likeness online, that would be <b>"Fashion Revival"</b> (originally released in MAC's 2014 <i>The Matte Lip</i>, then re-released in 2015 with <i>MACnificent Me</i>).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8Edgpv2n6jMI58eVmcWhMT_oPXQnhhZZFxnXxnW_LNZT_zILAodSWXn06vcGTSx19AknF7-sDBe777v1qe6D-mnu-n40ATWUDkglMUYU-W_2kk_Pe9Ya69XxONAlS1ia7o4vtIB5TNE/s1600/comper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8Edgpv2n6jMI58eVmcWhMT_oPXQnhhZZFxnXxnW_LNZT_zILAodSWXn06vcGTSx19AknF7-sDBe777v1qe6D-mnu-n40ATWUDkglMUYU-W_2kk_Pe9Ya69XxONAlS1ia7o4vtIB5TNE/s640/comper.jpg" width="558" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both pictures, left to right: Evening Rendezvous, Thirsty, Fashion Revival.</td></tr>
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As you can see above, <b>none of these lipsticks are alike.</b> <b>"Evening Rendezvous"</b> is <b>much more purple</b> than <b>"Fashion Revival,"</b> <b>which is in turn redder and darker</b>. <b>"Thirsty"</b> is nearly irrelevant, because it<b> looks straight-up pink</b> when placed next to the other two (it's also a satin while the other two are matte). The only common thread between these three colors is that they all have red in them, albeit in different quantities. <b>My favorite is still "Fashion Revival," </b>which I purchased during its first release last year and have worn many times since. It's another lipstick I took pictures of but never reviewed, and I should totally change that because it is still available for purchase since its second release.<br />
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<b>Overall</b>, for being the only <b>new, limited edition</b> lipstick in <b>MAC's holiday collection</b>, <b>"Evening Rendezvous"</b> is a beautiful <b>light red-based purple</b> that <b>applies smoothly</b> and <b>wears comfortably for hours</b> in a <b>matte finish</b>. I think it's <b>great for the fall season</b>, if you follow those trends, and have worn it plenty of times for work since I purchased it some weeks ago.<br />
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Although I have praised this lipstick throughout my review, <b>I can't say I'd repurchase "Evening Rendezvous"</b> simply because I prefer other color families to purple and, as you can tell, love trying new colors when they're released. I have to adore a lipstick to actually repurchase it, and, trust me, there are a couple I have said 'yes' about! I should do a post on that at some point...<br />
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For those of you that are left after all these months (lmao), thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read this post! I wholeheartedly want to continue this blog with the frequency I had before, if not more than that, but I won't make promises until I personally see that happening. 'Til next time, which hopefully isn't too far off. <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-5859882346786270432015-06-27T13:21:00.000-04:002015-06-27T13:31:26.778-04:00The IceBlock [25]: The Big EDI remember once, in passing, how I read that every long distance relationship has that one ultimate goal: the end date.<br />
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That is to say, we that put ourselves in this unnecessary position all aim towards that rough estimate in time where we aim to <i>close the distance</i>. I don't know why, but that sounds kind of ominous. Or maybe that's an accurate way for it to sound since, you know, maybe once there's no distance, our relationships will crash and burn so viciously that we'll join the crowd of "LDR ARE SO FUCKING STUPID OMG."<br />
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Anyway...I'm here to say that I have an end date. Rejoice.<br />
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But what I'm here to say even more is that there is so much...more to what this means. Has meant. For years. I talk primarily about my long distance relationship because I know a lot of people hear that I'm wanting to, planning to, <i>preparing</i> to move and automatically think that it's <i>because </i>of my long distance relationship. I'm here writing this post because there is so much more beneath the surface to my decision - to <i>all</i> of the decisions I've made over the past decade of my life.<br />
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Warning: this is a long one.<br />
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I've been in quite a few long distance relationships.<br />
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I don't like to admit to it, because I don't like explaining to those who don't want to hear it, but that's a fair and relevant fact.<br />
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It was never hard to do, with the way my personality works. In fact, it all started because of how shy and quiet I was. The first person I ever loved here in NYC ended up hurting my heart significantly, and making friends was hard enough as it was. My first LDR was patient with me, his family was extremely welcoming (I'm still in touch with his cousins), and we never met because I ended things pretty badly. The whole thing was a mess. Ah well, stupidity and youth go hand in hand more often than not.<br />
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What I'm trying to say is that my first LDR fell under the predictable. It happened by chance, with me not knowing what exactly it would mean for both of us, had we stood together. Within a couple of years, though, the decision to be in an LDR had much more purpose to it.<br />
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I knew stupid facts about California. Stuff like how their tuition wasn't ridiculous like the tuition in NYC, how one of my favorite bands was born there, how my absolute favorite singer (Sakamoto) did her first and [seemingly] last U.S. performance there...and then, since my first LDR was from San Bernardino, how southern California has such wonderful weather. The state became an object of desire that ranked very highly on my list of things to do. It became a dream of mine to someday see it myself.<br />
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...Then there was the huge dip between high school and college. My relationship with the guy above ended right before I went to college. By then it had been 2 and a half years and I saw my only way to 'close the distance' was by going to college there. First my family was supportive, then not so much, and finally there was my full scholarship to Brooklyn College here in NYC. That was it. I couldn't move, we broke up, and my feelings for New York continued their turn south.<br />
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The crowds, the train, the rush, the rain, the traffic, the snow, the buildings, the people. Then the prices, the mindset, the tourists, the reconstruction of Williamsburg, the influx of new people, the garbage, the harsher winters, the elitist attitude. Not having anyone to travel with to see beyond New York yet not being allowed to go alone. I started to hate New York.<br />
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I would say my disgust with this place was gradual at first but it took a huge drop throughout college, especially after I studied abroad. In fact, I wanted to study abroad for a few reasons, but the most enticing of them all was the fact that I'd be out of New York for 6 months, and that because it was through school it would actually serve a better purpose than just that.<br />
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I was in another LDR by then, and I decided to study where he lived so that I wouldn't be totally alone. I spent 6 months in the Netherlands and even though that relationship, too, ended, those 6 months were some of the most important months of my life.<br />
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I saw life in another place and I loved it. The lifestyle was different, as was the mindset, and I was able to find joy and peace in the simplest of things, no money required. Everyone talked about culture shock but the only shock I felt was by month three, when I was crying every night because I missed my family terribly. In fact, I didn't know what culture shock was until I was <i>back</i> in New York.<br />
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Anyone from New York may find resonance in this: you know you're back in New York the second you step into the airport. The staff are already, for the most part, nasty, there are mobs of people, and there is the slightest sign of organization that makes you wonder how the damn thing functions. Well, my culture shock started there. Stepping outside, there was the thick, heavy blanket of humidity that I hadn't felt in months. Then there was the drive home, where it wasn't more than a few minutes before encountering a driver that drove as though he had no license. Traffic. There was the block party on my block - one we have every year - the very next day in anticipation of the 4th of July. I remember sitting in the yard not knowing what to think or feel. Not wanting to go anywhere yet not knowing what to do in the house.<br />
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I decided that New York - city life in general - was not for me. That I didn't want to make a life here, or ever find love here, or raise a family here. There was no question about who would have to make the move in an LDR with me. The thing is, though, once you're here, it is so hard to leave.<br />
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I remember stupidly crying when, sitting and watching the electronic map of where we were, I saw our little plane cross the border to California. My first trip there was in 2012, roughly 7 years after I realized that I wanted to go there so badly. By then I was talking to another LDR that I had broken up with previously but kept in touch with. That would be my current boyfriend.<br />
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The thing is, California is just a place, just like New York is just a place. But it has so much attached to it for me. And when I saw it for myself, back in 2012, I remember thinking how this place brought me back to the happiest times in my life. Family trips to Florida and Ecuador before my surgery, before my parents divorced, before my abuela got sick, before the rides every weekend with my mom and brother stopped and I started staying inside the house and turning inside myself because I was sad and my personality called for it. The palm trees, the silhouettes of mountains, the lukewarm, cloudless sky. I've had more trips since and know there's so much more, both good and bad, to it now but that doesn't stray from the fact that I fell in love with that place.<br />
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I used to publicly write about how much I hate New York on my FaceBook, especially after my trip to California, but I find that this past year, I've reached the bottom of my disgust for this place. And the bottom is actually smooth and quiet and empty. While I still complain, because that's just how I am, I find that I have nothing left to say at times. And then came my decision to settle on an end date.<br />
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Music is coming in through the window from the block party happening right now. It's that time of the year again. It's what made me sit here and think. It's what made me decide to write this, trying my best not to cry because I'm still recovering from an infection and crying will do my sinuses no favors. Now, with an end date in place, I'm facing something on a daily basis: <i>last</i>.<br />
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This is the last block party I will be here for. My birthday, that just passed, is the last that I will spend here. This is the last 27th of June that I will be sitting in this room, in this house, on this block, in this city that I hate so much. In just over half a year, the family that I love with every part of me will be on the other side of the camera, three hours ahead and 2,800 miles apart. That always gets me crying.<br />
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As of today, New York has come up from the rock bottom I've kept it at, and California has come down from the high that I've given it. They are both once again just places on the same ground. Places that people love, places that people hate, places with invisible borders that people spend the hourglass of their lives in. New York isn't for me, but I won't know if California truly is until I'm there. My mom always told me that the grass isn't greener on the other side. The thing is, I rather live with mistakes than live without knowing.<br />
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I am terrified of moving, and excited too. But I'm keeping myself grounded, crying a little every day or week, treating the time between now and then as preciously as possible. Taking in the sounds and vibrant looks of those around me immediately, right now. Acknowledging that while I am a loner, the people that I care about and will miss here are more than I can count on both hands. Knowing that some family I will never see again. Trying to understand that the fork in the road for my closest family and me is only temporary, though that final goodbye is going to break me more than any goodbye to my boyfriend ever could.<br />
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I will never miss New York, but I have a life here that is <i>mine</i>. That is what I am going without. The risk I'm going to take.<br />
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So, you see...while the distance between my boyfriend and I inarguably has always had to close at some point, and will be relieved of so much stress once it does, there's much more to my move than that. Moving is not the simplest decision to make. It is by far not the easiest, either. Relationships beyond this city are the ones I've always gravitated towards because leaving has been on my radar for years, and finding a partner in life here in NYC would be the nail in the coffin.<br />
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I guess that is it. That is what I've been wanting to say. Initially, several months ago, I wanted to write a post about why I hate New York, but so much has happened and this is the post that I've actually created instead.<br />
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Six months.<br />
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Six months and ten days.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-8528449108873310452015-04-20T00:28:00.000-04:002015-04-20T00:28:11.999-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Romantic Breakdown" (LE) [MAC x Bao Bao Wan 2015] + Comparisons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0DldXoy9i5PyAi-K0D5oxEQefrwjLA_cBYnQWNnx4YnWiNcZlNqnRAH9AB1JIgyPBJKIhtdbiFns5UxY9N2411lGSgDFA07XQTlcbgVrxp3qF-1uCz8M8sLs1FZ0nGq_Z7f3wavmlg0/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0DldXoy9i5PyAi-K0D5oxEQefrwjLA_cBYnQWNnx4YnWiNcZlNqnRAH9AB1JIgyPBJKIhtdbiFns5UxY9N2411lGSgDFA07XQTlcbgVrxp3qF-1uCz8M8sLs1FZ0nGq_Z7f3wavmlg0/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Yes! The last review for this collection and I have 40 minutes to write it, if I want to get in just over six hours of sleep!!!<br />
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<b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> is the last of the four <b>limited edition</b> lipsticks in the <i><b>MAC x Bao Bao Wan </b></i><b>collection</b>, and it is the only lipstick in the <b>lustre finish</b>. I used to really enjoy the lustre finish by MAC - you can see my review of <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/02/lips-macs-lipstick-in-hug-me-lustre.html" target="_blank">"Hug Me"</a> here, the first lustre I ever reviewed. A lot has changed since then, though, as I discovered the amplified finish and MAC made their matte finish more comfortable on the lips. The lustre finish - and the cremesheen finish, while we're on the subject - have taken a backseat since then.<br />
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Don't misunderstand me, though. Lustres still have their place, and that place becomes evident with colors like <b>"Romantic Breakdown."</b><br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><br />
<b>Name: </b>Romantic Breakdown<br />
<b>Net Wt.:</b> 0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price: </b>$17.50<br />
<b>Finish: </b>Lustre<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOt-RHwnuy-TllAcfXJFGuv9n6zeUj9hyvjoMytHANlTyU3kiVBislNhUrBpjw2z_RB7ETBty7nFlyu4AR56EMTlhIenl7evxvkuLk7DH3PRclnZ9wxyC3-8k1DhrIZNaSs6f876sgsY/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOt-RHwnuy-TllAcfXJFGuv9n6zeUj9hyvjoMytHANlTyU3kiVBislNhUrBpjw2z_RB7ETBty7nFlyu4AR56EMTlhIenl7evxvkuLk7DH3PRclnZ9wxyC3-8k1DhrIZNaSs6f876sgsY/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the best: MAC online describes <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> as a <b>"sheer nude."</b> That is the most empty, useless, un-telling description I've come across from MAC, though I guess it's better that they give a meaningless description over a misleading one (there are still 'wanted' signs for the gold pearl in "Lavender Jade"). Yes, <b>"Romantic Breakdown" is a nude</b>, but more specifically to my eyes it is a <b>peachy beige with pearl</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E4ErITdu4ncT7QU040CLtG1Q7pz08uHLxO0aQ95Wyp4HN_qGnuFKv7WSNRaWqgAn6zfVKmkBm-sRiVfY6yfOorvGC8mLbX8oiOaBrx-kvTRewGVC0sL8cG8xlwFSyW5aQPIYx3mjtfs/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E4ErITdu4ncT7QU040CLtG1Q7pz08uHLxO0aQ95Wyp4HN_qGnuFKv7WSNRaWqgAn6zfVKmkBm-sRiVfY6yfOorvGC8mLbX8oiOaBrx-kvTRewGVC0sL8cG8xlwFSyW5aQPIYx3mjtfs/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's the <b>nature of a lustre</b> that it happens to fall on the <b>sheerer side</b>. Lustres are <b>thinner</b>, <b>more moisturizing</b>, and <b>sheerer </b>than other MAC finishes, and <b>"Romantic Breakdown" is no exception</b>. It's really like a lip gloss in lipstick form. This color in particular has a gorgeous opalescent quality to it from the pearl, which is why I feel like lustres still have their place with colors like this one. <b>"Romantic Breakdown" ends up being a wash of subtly sparkling color. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZdVMM1dasDwsvxBTN0IaU7zjxaqSbWZJZHdfVgXMYsvmFhjezSo4oXj6DIgC-hRpNf_1y40vYAVY4wTokhIU-e5EsLE4nn_CEhNmW9EHPcDQCBZn6lySoqEzJvx_uNIXNPaQZaEkWCE/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZdVMM1dasDwsvxBTN0IaU7zjxaqSbWZJZHdfVgXMYsvmFhjezSo4oXj6DIgC-hRpNf_1y40vYAVY4wTokhIU-e5EsLE4nn_CEhNmW9EHPcDQCBZn6lySoqEzJvx_uNIXNPaQZaEkWCE/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MIDDLE: "Romantic Breakdown"</td></tr>
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Please forgive my confusion when I took all of the Bao Bao Wan collection pictures. I only took individual swatches for half of the lipsticks for some strange reason. I'll get into those other two colors in a bit but, for now, focus on the <b>center swatch</b> which is that of <b>"Romantic Breakdown." </b>There is <b>definitely color to this lipstick</b> - the <b>peachy beige</b> I mentioned before - but, as you'll see in the below lip swatch, <b>there is only a wash of color once applied</b>, unless you build it up with multiple layers. Please note that my lips are fairly pale, so I don't have trouble getting colors to show on me. In the same respect, this color may actually make more of a difference on someone with more pigmented lips, since it is more of a lightening color.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gdj52bLVw-z-XV0fJO6xwJiRiuiCPaEdXkSQbx7KQBCKTS-GLalyEp8Mlg_LvQceemQjjJh9VjT83lY7CYwj3euocbyb84I90R3k2doYwXQSg1b0FfPrKJw0OJzU-jCMQRAsLJVpVlA/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gdj52bLVw-z-XV0fJO6xwJiRiuiCPaEdXkSQbx7KQBCKTS-GLalyEp8Mlg_LvQceemQjjJh9VjT83lY7CYwj3euocbyb84I90R3k2doYwXQSg1b0FfPrKJw0OJzU-jCMQRAsLJVpVlA/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used to pile some lustres on to get more color payoff but I've learned that doing so means that the product will feel gummy after some hours, so I try not to apply as many layers now (which means most lustres stay on the sheerer side). <b>Because of the pearl </b>in this color, it has a tendency to <b>pool in my lip lines </b>after a while, as you can see the beginning of in the above picture. It is, however, also the pearl that adds <b>depth</b> to this shade, so it's a bit of a double-edged sword.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUn94jQ7bSx77x9c8AYCbfy-5MAd-cwSdau9d8qpJM2-cmpfVqvcVIGctmynIMem-SiDoGh1ZIlhyphenhyphenmYCErowhHXd-a2sjRXSjRqTQXKzHrYhQayhdXb2WxMEeAAf5X8Tee7UDcrtJCIA/s1600/rbface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUn94jQ7bSx77x9c8AYCbfy-5MAd-cwSdau9d8qpJM2-cmpfVqvcVIGctmynIMem-SiDoGh1ZIlhyphenhyphenmYCErowhHXd-a2sjRXSjRqTQXKzHrYhQayhdXb2WxMEeAAf5X8Tee7UDcrtJCIA/s1600/rbface.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I feel like I look most different in the above pictures versus the full-face pictures of the other lipsticks in this collection. The other colors are opaque and bold, while <b>"Romantic Breakdown" is subtle and youthful</b>. It's definitely a <b>nude</b> on me, and I find it to be the easiest lipstick from this collection to wear thanks to both the color and finish. With that being said, there is apparently more as to why I ended up loving this color so much. Let's talk about <b>comparisons</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKTfGP0YPUW2DesDIdLtcmwRHOx6Gcvfae8W45GAgutw2O6Zxvlfjjhsnunvxc2WjL7l1nSjAxROwddmj5RMGYaTYP_RAmja54ZKWV90C57-PsZipIgDu0kguiAA926J1ltWdQFP83Rg/s1600/dupes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKTfGP0YPUW2DesDIdLtcmwRHOx6Gcvfae8W45GAgutw2O6Zxvlfjjhsnunvxc2WjL7l1nSjAxROwddmj5RMGYaTYP_RAmja54ZKWV90C57-PsZipIgDu0kguiAA926J1ltWdQFP83Rg/s1600/dupes.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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I reviewed one of the lipsticks in the above picture - the one on the far right to be specific. Can you guess which one it might be? Likely not, but I thought I'd ask anyway, haha.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1iyJy46a87IQZRGAaXQRiAk5WaQmCUjDmgmXyskUwGo4XkM4N4oJTB4xxWBVJjh3LoOTyxsSJk98YlcYa0YSAH6yrN23J0J5fL9DTPZxAHgE-T0wrCnd5Kz5jPbBfpxe1xWP5VZxGB8/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1iyJy46a87IQZRGAaXQRiAk5WaQmCUjDmgmXyskUwGo4XkM4N4oJTB4xxWBVJjh3LoOTyxsSJk98YlcYa0YSAH6yrN23J0J5fL9DTPZxAHgE-T0wrCnd5Kz5jPbBfpxe1xWP5VZxGB8/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: "Pure Zen"<br />MIDDLE: "Romantic Breakdown"<br />RIGHT: "Fleur D'Coral"</td></tr>
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Yup, another favorite of mine - <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/03/lips-macs-fleur-dcoral-le-fantasy-of.html" target="_blank">"Fleur D'Coral"</a> from the <i>A Fantasy of Flowers</i> collection released over a year ago for spring of 2014. That's why the bullet is shaped weird, LOL. I get a lot of use out of that lipstick.<br />
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Anyway, let's revisit the swatches from earlier.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtFlcYWZgRooz5oMmyWmpXFkb1FWTvbPvJ5pyT8MK-73mdQb3GF9ulhMlfT2IEyLgLcdoqhi0k-oe7oVDhyphenhyphenJe30YtxU-VCRvKxAQZhH3-x7bDUF6GGVjV7ZNtlbfM2k5dGwmeC-Oa5gE/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtFlcYWZgRooz5oMmyWmpXFkb1FWTvbPvJ5pyT8MK-73mdQb3GF9ulhMlfT2IEyLgLcdoqhi0k-oe7oVDhyphenhyphenJe30YtxU-VCRvKxAQZhH3-x7bDUF6GGVjV7ZNtlbfM2k5dGwmeC-Oa5gE/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" height="550" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: "Pure Zen"<br />MIDDLE: "Romantic Breakdown"<br />RIGHT: "Fleur D'Coral"</td></tr>
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I think <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> may have been inspired by "Pure Zen," on the left above, but either way all three of these lipsticks are different from each other. <b>I wouldn't call any dupes</b> - well, I might call "Pure Zen" a near-dupe for "Fleur D'Coral" (which is nice to know since it's permanent, although it is a cremesheen), but as far as <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> goes, neither of the other two can really act as substitute. "Fleur D'Coral" is a lustre like <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> bit it has much more peach/pink to it, while <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> has more beige.<br />
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<b>On the lips, the differences aren't as stark as the swatches,</b> however I do still prefer "Fleur D'Coral" over <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> (and "Pure Zen," quite frankly) so yeah. I couldn't call them dupes even in that regard.<br />
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Overall, <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> is a <b>soft, wearable peachy beige/nude</b> in a <b>moisturizing formula </b>that is a nice contrast to the other more opaque, bright lipsticks in the <b><i>MAC x Bao Bao Wan</i> collection</b>. It's <b>definitely sheer</b>, so if you don't care for sheer lipsticks you'll likely want to pass, but if a wash of color is all you're looking for then you may find <b>"Romantic Breakdown"</b> to be a great option.<br />
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While I love the color, this may be the easiest for me to say <b>I wouldn't repurchase</b>, simply because it is sheer and I have other lustres whose sheer washes of color are better suited to my tastes. <b>I'll definitely get use out of "Romantic Breakdown" but it isn't a color I can be excited about!</b><br />
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And with that I finish my reviews for my purchases from <b>MAC's Bao Bao Wan collection</b>! YAY! I want to crawl into a hole and sleep now, haha. I hope you found all of these reviews helpful, and thank you so much for stopping by, even after my hiatus. :) 'Til next time, which I'll aim to make sooner rather than later! <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-4185198162814507372015-04-19T23:13:00.000-04:002015-04-19T23:13:37.438-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Forbidden Sunrise" (LE) [MAC x Bao Bao Wan 2015)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI_qc-lk1dyR6U3ol49ZQLmZVFILubu76tKhauykwVEVreUuiQVYyameqDnabvM8-incRFCBYygnLY4s2mDQjlQ7EIa6H-2E7XdRxc6RLKosn7BN7g9_9LWWotNYsFFBFLzzHi3-R5kU/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI_qc-lk1dyR6U3ol49ZQLmZVFILubu76tKhauykwVEVreUuiQVYyameqDnabvM8-incRFCBYygnLY4s2mDQjlQ7EIa6H-2E7XdRxc6RLKosn7BN7g9_9LWWotNYsFFBFLzzHi3-R5kU/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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I figured, why not just finish with the matte lipsticks? <b>"Forbidden Sunrise"</b> is the third and last of the matte lipsticks from <b>MAC's Bao Bao Wan collection,</b> the lustre being left to review.<br />
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I'm sure I've mentioned before that I don't like orange lipstick, as flattering as it is on me, but something about <b>"Forbidden Sunrise"</b> really caught my interest when information and swatches became available on the color. It seemed to be a brighter, lighter orange without being pastel, and I couldn't help but think how radiating it would be in the sunlight...in the summer...when everything is brighter and lighter and not so damn depressingly gray.<br />
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New Hell City problems.<br />
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Anyway, while "Burmese Kiss" fell into the 'favorite color of lipstick' category, and "Lavender Jade" fell into the 'unique color of lipstick' category, <b>"Forbidden Sunrise" ended up being my favorite from this collection. </b>Yes, an orange lipstick was my favorite.<br />
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First browns, now this! Just wait - I promise you by the end of July it will get even worse.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<b>Name:</b> Forbidden Sunrise<br />
<b>Net Wt.:</b> 0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price:</b> $17.50<br />
<b>Finish:</b> Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm6am1UjdbGKIN0qnZG1jFTBUwDVBDjhyphenhyphen1YUi8h7Es9BsMEwGih41jVWx7_IfJie2PKcpjuDfEQ33hGqi-hYxGPHl2zZzcn54uxXK49tVW3aTfSOCitNukeU8zIf1YhEpWhFWc31PasQ/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm6am1UjdbGKIN0qnZG1jFTBUwDVBDjhyphenhyphen1YUi8h7Es9BsMEwGih41jVWx7_IfJie2PKcpjuDfEQ33hGqi-hYxGPHl2zZzcn54uxXK49tVW3aTfSOCitNukeU8zIf1YhEpWhFWc31PasQ/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Isn't the lipstick's presence in the above picture alone brightening? I digress. Online, MAC describes <b>"Forbidden Sunrise"</b> as a <b>"creamy orange."</b> That's not at all specific but, consequently, it isn't incorrect either. Yes, <b>"Forbidden Sunrise"</b> is creamy and it is orange. But while it is definitely more of a <b>primary orange</b> than it is a red-orange, I feel like a description that has best described the brightness present in this color is <b><i>yellow-toned</i>.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXmQaWcVUepjmjVbIA9pfSdP5neTmVFvV77y48AEybbApejf5BM4lESYMRBTy9mS46-JLvtuWW0fIPy6XVnE-egXUNBPwpZh_hLl5ylm-OPX9KeO4ADqIx7DMUdtEC1T5dAWuIRfOgwc/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXmQaWcVUepjmjVbIA9pfSdP5neTmVFvV77y48AEybbApejf5BM4lESYMRBTy9mS46-JLvtuWW0fIPy6XVnE-egXUNBPwpZh_hLl5ylm-OPX9KeO4ADqIx7DMUdtEC1T5dAWuIRfOgwc/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Between the yellow-toned pinks and now this, I'm realizing that having 'yellow' in a lipstick manages to warm the color while brightening it at the same time. And I quite like the effect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKvGr0ioD4M-tUySqHrhjOKYPjc1ZPdq0fHLeuTgYhBCeLBgCU-YwFLDfDD_qiIPyGGHhRtblwj4l8JQ5v8BV04TLf8J2aZPP4vBENuEM4EHPT5N89zqJZ6lCGntERzi-_5Qz0DQMT-o/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKvGr0ioD4M-tUySqHrhjOKYPjc1ZPdq0fHLeuTgYhBCeLBgCU-YwFLDfDD_qiIPyGGHhRtblwj4l8JQ5v8BV04TLf8J2aZPP4vBENuEM4EHPT5N89zqJZ6lCGntERzi-_5Qz0DQMT-o/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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Besides that, I think <b>"Forbidden Sunrise"</b> is the <b>creamiest, most comfortable of the mattes in this collection.</b> It <b>glides right on</b> with <b>full opacity</b> and <b>makes my lips look full and smooth</b>. It's odd because I usually have trouble with colors that lean more orange (or are, plain and simple, orange). They usually grab the outer edge of my lips or pool into my lip lines. <b>"Forbidden Sunrise"</b> does neither.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLIRurwVJbg8G1V5mYgBwKiMMvBzQWw53FR_p8KKpU7T-uU32z2K3MuFRbQOlMgqRloSCyqWAp_F_T8TVw-F-xPotqTtT8KfdC5qHq-ePPEVuzeM3pxaVHqBDwCDTF1JiP55rGRTKbJg/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLIRurwVJbg8G1V5mYgBwKiMMvBzQWw53FR_p8KKpU7T-uU32z2K3MuFRbQOlMgqRloSCyqWAp_F_T8TVw-F-xPotqTtT8KfdC5qHq-ePPEVuzeM3pxaVHqBDwCDTF1JiP55rGRTKbJg/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's just so damned PRETTY. I would say this and "Burmese Kiss" fall on the same plane of "neon/boldness." <b>These colors glow</b>, and I guess that, as much as I love deep, blackened colors, I'll always have a soft spot for brights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGe4oihYDGUftMCTZgQSa9Y1RAbc1tt73CljzqQ12VskyzgjrVlAM5O5iWIqiQeLNstrodJCc8k6nW4Egoua_WxWeGarowf_Dxk312r2jarB1G_wt098wUz3pIMagBwBHpbMq-32dWoA/s1600/facefs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGe4oihYDGUftMCTZgQSa9Y1RAbc1tt73CljzqQ12VskyzgjrVlAM5O5iWIqiQeLNstrodJCc8k6nW4Egoua_WxWeGarowf_Dxk312r2jarB1G_wt098wUz3pIMagBwBHpbMq-32dWoA/s1600/facefs.jpg" height="258" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like I mentioned before, for some reason orange always suits me, whether I like it and feel comfortable in it or not. Thankfully with <b>"Forbidden Sunrise,"</b> it's completely a love-love relationship. It's not a color I'd sport to work just yet, but I'll definitely be wearing it on warmer weekends when I can start using my summer dresses again. I'd love to put on a color like this one while wearing all black, too.<br />
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<b>Overall</b>, <b>"Forbidden Sunrise" wins in both color and texture.</b> It's a <b>creamy, opaque, yellow-toned orange</b> that makes lips look <b>full </b>and <b>brightens </b>one's complexion. I own few oranges, hence why I've done no comparisons, so I'm not sure how unique of a color this is, but I'm still happy to have it from the brand of lipsticks I love most.<br />
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<b>"Forbidden Sunrise"</b> definitely didn't sell as fast as "Lavender Jade" when the <b>Bao Bao Wan collection</b> released, but it was still a popular piece and I don't know what the availability of it looks like presently, as the collection has been out for quite a while. Of course if you find it, I can only recommend it if you're interested. <b>Would I purchase it again? No</b>, and I say that because as beautiful of a color as it is, orange is still not at the top of the lipstick hierarchy in my world.<br />
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I have one lipstick left to review from this collection. I'm going to try...and get it up by tonight. If not, 'til next time! <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-51295317050714038172015-04-19T22:24:00.001-04:002015-04-19T23:14:41.460-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Lavender Jade" (LE) [MAC x Bao Bao Wan 2015] + A Comparison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sFc3lyz89zHMPEzbSvCY21_j2NXGZ0HFuW4KMIbMa92o4k7zywQ24VEe68AjFZzEirVAmBM7uN4L-EWfBCDdnqy7rKLAT1XqUPfO0YAQIQlkkW8QhFnLAhHE2HJofvXXhQYZe9DDmmg/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sFc3lyz89zHMPEzbSvCY21_j2NXGZ0HFuW4KMIbMa92o4k7zywQ24VEe68AjFZzEirVAmBM7uN4L-EWfBCDdnqy7rKLAT1XqUPfO0YAQIQlkkW8QhFnLAhHE2HJofvXXhQYZe9DDmmg/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Next, I've decided to review <b>"Lavender Jade."</b><br />
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Purple used to be my favorite color. I guess I'm glad it isn't anymore, because there is just something about limited edition purples from MAC that make them highly coveted - these lavenders especially.<br />
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<b>"Lavender Jade" is the reason I classify the Bao Bao Wan release as one of the most chaotic, frustrating releases I've ever experienced from MAC. </b>This particular color was gone in an instant at nearly every retailer. By chance I happened to read that a Nordstrom in California was taking preorders over the phone and I thought I'd try my luck. Somehow it all worked out and I ended up with my tube of <b>"Lavender Jade."</b><br />
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One of the big questions surrounding this color that <b>I also felt compelled to ask was how closely it compared to the only other MAC lavender that I own, <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/06/lips-macs-lipstick-in-dodgy-girl-le.html" target="_blank">"Dodgy Girl"</a></b> from the Osbourne collection last year. For some <b>"Lavender Jade"</b> seemed more of a true lavender, while for others it was simply "Dodgy Girl" in different packaging. In the end I decided I would purchase the color and figure out for myself what the outcome would be. In the worst case scenario, I would end up with a backup to "Dodgy Girl," which is the only of its color that I own from MAC.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<b>Name:</b> Lavender Jade<br />
<b>Net Wt.:</b> 0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price:</b> $17.50<br />
<b>Finish:</b> Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Be7FB5VK98G1yhatEzK1DFXJU_bmdf8JoTImlA241rh3zgJajt1av-HUVMSYUr-9tyuo8lDPrcm_wqncRLUqmS8Fo3nNvX75v2cBd2wPRF62M2NpL7OG_9M_ExXRZ5SSnxIgUUqTep0/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Be7FB5VK98G1yhatEzK1DFXJU_bmdf8JoTImlA241rh3zgJajt1av-HUVMSYUr-9tyuo8lDPrcm_wqncRLUqmS8Fo3nNvX75v2cBd2wPRF62M2NpL7OG_9M_ExXRZ5SSnxIgUUqTep0/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's get right to it! On MAC's website, <b>"Lavender Jade"</b> is described as a <b>"dirty mauve with gold pearl."</b><br />
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WHAT.<br />
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I want to know where this gold pearl is. I can see so many people reading that description, thinking "Oh, so unique!" and then purchasing this lipstick only to find out that it's a <b>LAVENDER/MAUVE CREAM</b>. <b><u>There is NO pearl in this lipstick, or gold, or anything besides lavender and pink.</u></b> Thankfully I knew this and purchased <b>"Lavender Jade"</b> expecting what was actually being sold, rather than what MAC perhaps was <i>trying</i> to sell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDe7P_FA8WVNBLNaZ-opq6TSAigxKT1QAMHB6gGYZghF5i88HusSwjtVuFWofcaHQfPyvCMvpXCZ3K4bZjMr0lyAdQCGCPPkafZHJScily-2PRxE_PRgS4MvAw2xaTMXO8slg8fl6I7k/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDe7P_FA8WVNBLNaZ-opq6TSAigxKT1QAMHB6gGYZghF5i88HusSwjtVuFWofcaHQfPyvCMvpXCZ3K4bZjMr0lyAdQCGCPPkafZHJScily-2PRxE_PRgS4MvAw2xaTMXO8slg8fl6I7k/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like the color in the tube, and that is of course the color that swatches, but both above and in the swatch coming up below you can already see that <b>this is a pink-based lavender rather than a gray-based lavender.</b> I feel like lavenders with more of a gray undertone are 'truer' lavenders, and I know a lot of people were disappointed with "Dodgy Girl" because of how much pink was present in the color. Because I'm an idiot, I'll compare "Dodgy Girl" to <b>"Lavender Jade" </b>throughout this review since the only swatch I have of the latter is with the former. There's no point in doing a comparison at the post's end. As such, I present to you the answer to my earlier question:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvxW2sUWUgFxtXWB5MsREXVWrR93vo3gwoM37yIlGlZsFCbkIh_LvhVDJceFNf6MY_fEcI7XL9CTde6z0hVmvV49y8Ozf03x2Y3C97HuJZwatQqzQvcAAn7ghER9aus5viG9QoFqBmpU/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvxW2sUWUgFxtXWB5MsREXVWrR93vo3gwoM37yIlGlZsFCbkIh_LvhVDJceFNf6MY_fEcI7XL9CTde6z0hVmvV49y8Ozf03x2Y3C97HuJZwatQqzQvcAAn7ghER9aus5viG9QoFqBmpU/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you guess which is which? Take a look at the contenders below:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKjxPeZLJdkBF0jLEKg_sigINTCxygDze0t4vU567WpM5SRQ29qOW8otfbp4KOiIgjyBJKjhU-739YEW7GckNlwQ7MzZ-FVVltdn8jthPxHAcy9I8924u39F3SmUeLI-eRuEWznX8DJI/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKjxPeZLJdkBF0jLEKg_sigINTCxygDze0t4vU567WpM5SRQ29qOW8otfbp4KOiIgjyBJKjhU-739YEW7GckNlwQ7MzZ-FVVltdn8jthPxHAcy9I8924u39F3SmUeLI-eRuEWznX8DJI/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: "Lavender Jade"<br />
RIGHT: "Dodgy Girl"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As you can see, <b>"Lavender Jade" is more of a true lavender than "Dodgy Girl."</b> And yes, that means <b>"Lavender Jade" is the swatch on the left</b>, while "Dodgy Girl" is the swatch on the right. Like "Burmese Kiss" - the Bao Bao Wan lipstick I reviewed <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2015/04/lips-macs-lipstick-in-burmese-kiss-le.html" target="_blank">here</a> - and "Dodgy Girl," "Lavender Jade," too, is a matte lipstick. Unlike the two, however, it is <b>creamier and more pleasant to apply</b>. "Burmese Kiss" is drier and "Dodgy Girl" is thicker, as you may or may not be able to tell from swatches (the thickness is clearer in my actual review of "Dodgy Girl" <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/06/lips-macs-lipstick-in-dodgy-girl-le.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCvHpxV3rltzb-_MYLY4yA54pAu0i_401HSNkszfLX26M3sXbolUDMaDik415pJW9qwunz9Al3xo7C7rhKR20IorUIh_uh_FHXvDUn-mAeE0YGa6u4ByPPHZneN4zD40VfRvNBnbMZFM/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCvHpxV3rltzb-_MYLY4yA54pAu0i_401HSNkszfLX26M3sXbolUDMaDik415pJW9qwunz9Al3xo7C7rhKR20IorUIh_uh_FHXvDUn-mAeE0YGa6u4ByPPHZneN4zD40VfRvNBnbMZFM/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT/BOTTOM: "Lavender Jade"<br />
RIGHT/TOP: "Dodgy Girl"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the above swatches, which are a bit clearer, you can see the <b>pinker tones present in "Dodgy Girl" versus "Lavender Jade."</b> Unfortunately, <b>the differences don't show as much on the lips.</b> I don't have comparison lip swatches, but if you visit my review on "Dodgy Girl" linked previously, you can see that the <b>lip swatch</b> doesn't differ too much from the lip swatch of <b>"Lavender Jade" </b>below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB9fWJVHaVlCPwRl0Ow0yGTpdb8tkCBImYrDUTzB-8Dwtd2NIzjHbtLXfYAkeoTbomNj1CgOO_vZeEhNut5s1azXdwmfRt7lKb8CP8ZTRbHuttiKCK-o06o2xY2VryG2yhEC6cRQpjlE/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB9fWJVHaVlCPwRl0Ow0yGTpdb8tkCBImYrDUTzB-8Dwtd2NIzjHbtLXfYAkeoTbomNj1CgOO_vZeEhNut5s1azXdwmfRt7lKb8CP8ZTRbHuttiKCK-o06o2xY2VryG2yhEC6cRQpjlE/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
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I would say, again, that the greatest difference between the two is in the formula and application. <b>"Lavender Jade" looks much more appealing on the lips. </b>If you missed "Dodgy Girl" and have wanted it since, then...well, I hate to say it, but you probably still have a better chance of finding "Dodgy Girl" over <b>"Lavender Jade," </b>LOL.<br />
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Sorry - I had to. On the bright side, now you can laugh at me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOHSY69iesC1D7Aj0VjJxRfel0yRdn0lgy-f8mPpPk2gzkYx2HV_OA6Vx_XGLeM518QshsB4FuCz8UQPKafBAVFNIMHm4jYVtsNgeJfV0NNG4sNaQiiSmn_9qLS5i8c05P6-FUo8xiJM/s1600/facelj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOHSY69iesC1D7Aj0VjJxRfel0yRdn0lgy-f8mPpPk2gzkYx2HV_OA6Vx_XGLeM518QshsB4FuCz8UQPKafBAVFNIMHm4jYVtsNgeJfV0NNG4sNaQiiSmn_9qLS5i8c05P6-FUo8xiJM/s1600/facelj.jpg" height="286" width="640" /></a></div>
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My hair was nice for a change in the above pictures but, to compensate, my face was swollen. I had my four wisdom teeth pulled the day before (yup, these were taken over a month ago on March 15th). Anyway, <b>I still really like how lavender compliments my hair and eye color. </b>I'm sure some may find it unflattering on me, but I'm fairly open to color and enjoy how a lot of different colors - natural or not - look on me. It's really a matter of comfort.<br />
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<b>Overall</b>, I'm happy I decided to make the call to Nordstrom and attempt to preorder <b>"Lavender Jade." </b>It's a <b>lovely, albeit still pink-toned, lavender</b> whose <b>matte formula</b> is <b>creamy </b>and <b>flattering</b> on the lips. It's a somewhat unusual color for MAC and I guess that's why it sold out so fast, but the fact that <b>it compares so closely to "Dodgy Girl" </b>from a MAC collection last year only tells me that this color will make its appearance again in the future. In the event that it doesn't, I know a lot of brands have some form of lavender in their lipstick lines. <b>My point is: if you couldn't get your hands on "Lavender Jade," it's okay. </b>Likewise, when it comes to <b>whether or not I would repurchase this color, my answer is 'no.'</b> This and "Dodgy Girl" together will last me a long time.<br />
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As for me personally, being that I own both <b>"Lavender Jade" </b>and "Dodgy Girl," I think <b>I prefer "Lavender Jade" due to its improved formula.</b> I look forward to doing a 'lavender/lilac' look with this lipstick for the summer at some point. If it doesn't turn out a complete fail, I'll most definitely share it on here, lol!<br />
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I guess, then...onto the next review? Let's go! <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-91707747631754956452015-04-19T21:26:00.000-04:002015-04-19T23:15:48.386-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Burmese Kiss" (LE) [MAC x Bao Bao Wan 2015] + Comparisons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5UBqFMx5grWTXwmuYeksw7jyJu4dqD2YTb7_aYCumq0zT_eYcR9OZ62edbweDJhUQz0LsPK5rU4FEUXF4AgbnUa9DY8QuTcwUtphoTx0wNS2X05fdG9hf9TlbIxN9YegVdwYetRm51k/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5UBqFMx5grWTXwmuYeksw7jyJu4dqD2YTb7_aYCumq0zT_eYcR9OZ62edbweDJhUQz0LsPK5rU4FEUXF4AgbnUa9DY8QuTcwUtphoTx0wNS2X05fdG9hf9TlbIxN9YegVdwYetRm51k/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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More often than not I find myself deciding what I should be doing, or arguing over whether I should be doing something or not when I have a list of other things to do. Right now, I should be packing for my flight on Wednesday, but truth be told I've been doing nothing. So I'm going to try now. I'm going to try to write as many of the reviews for this collection as I can tonight.<br />
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I want to get this collection out of the way and move on to the next, which is already just as irrelevant but eh, it's either do it or don't. I don't want to fall into the latter anymore.<br />
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I have <b>all four of the limited edition lipsticks</b> from <b>MAC's collaboration with Bao Bao Wan</b>, and I decided to start with my review on <b>"Burmese Kiss,"</b> which was the color I wanted the most.<br />
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<b>Name: </b>Burmese Kiss<br />
<b>Net Wt.:</b> 0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price: </b>$17.50<br />
<b>Finish: </b>Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL8O7y4G5M2rGov11EJaY4Tq0wdZyVGrmZO5qpFamR-kJlrKFGBCdpUX8qu_lHVMqTC-dHc94094751PTxEhTyOxsHBB1mU__qU87zymB_u64Wc_3nKb0CVb-Zj6NgaavfCbRGwdsv70/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL8O7y4G5M2rGov11EJaY4Tq0wdZyVGrmZO5qpFamR-kJlrKFGBCdpUX8qu_lHVMqTC-dHc94094751PTxEhTyOxsHBB1mU__qU87zymB_u64Wc_3nKb0CVb-Zj6NgaavfCbRGwdsv70/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since my review of <b>"Burmese Kiss"</b> acts as a bit of an introductory post to <b>MAC's Bao Bao Wan collection</b>, let me just take a moment to describe the <b>limited edition packaging </b>that each bullet comes housed in. Pictured above, each tube is <b>brown with teal-ish shimmer</b>, with the lipstick being held in a <b>copper/rose gold interior tube</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjd6FE73H4tYyRYBJb4gUcO4MdiYxoE41oguu5X5Loue-Df_n2WMKBw3IZZCqltzREAW6kw1IUP0JbtClv8L1fCa3ORqDWWxGTwjWbArzold6D5ZcP6AmOYS-hweizy7e2mpllBPcKqs/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjd6FE73H4tYyRYBJb4gUcO4MdiYxoE41oguu5X5Loue-Df_n2WMKBw3IZZCqltzREAW6kw1IUP0JbtClv8L1fCa3ORqDWWxGTwjWbArzold6D5ZcP6AmOYS-hweizy7e2mpllBPcKqs/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bottom of the tube has the <b>MAC logo</b>, as well as the collection's <b>'Bao Bao Wan' logo</b>, in a <b>matte, antique gold color</b>. I appreciate the packaging with this collection as <b>both the colors and textures are quite beautiful and distinct. </b>I would say this packaging design was worth the extra $1.50 in price.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FmvYUUSmFpe7r0nzY90luuaqQkjlWimv_ilLSlSk3VtL69-JbfOkgjrG9RSmz-eszIcuatvmCXxTCwRY2Q5QKKGbiiUwA3Qq9T9oSvbBTmN3auB-2fK_VO0SrhrsoxpsIe4pW7Aa2W0/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FmvYUUSmFpe7r0nzY90luuaqQkjlWimv_ilLSlSk3VtL69-JbfOkgjrG9RSmz-eszIcuatvmCXxTCwRY2Q5QKKGbiiUwA3Qq9T9oSvbBTmN3auB-2fK_VO0SrhrsoxpsIe4pW7Aa2W0/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now for the lipstick itself. On <b>MAC's website</b>, <b>"Burmese Kiss"</b> is described as a <b>"bright coral pink."</b> That is why it's the color I wanted the most when I found out about this collection. Pink 'coral' is my favorite color category for lipsticks, as you might notice when you see the kinds of lipsticks I gravitate towards (and therefore end up reviewing).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogf1hTg1WhrMc5LstVFHkvJ0k6qzPjA6orSIG_C_TH0sP__Ec8Rng79khFvfHAlWRsyeVqLdtjreEInKKTBqKOyTk0ATBz3AV2yp2MnKFgyo6mJ5jA39hdvaB_e0lcAXwElhLafRQg2k/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogf1hTg1WhrMc5LstVFHkvJ0k6qzPjA6orSIG_C_TH0sP__Ec8Rng79khFvfHAlWRsyeVqLdtjreEInKKTBqKOyTk0ATBz3AV2yp2MnKFgyo6mJ5jA39hdvaB_e0lcAXwElhLafRQg2k/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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MAC isn't entirely off in its description. But, as I've mentioned many times before in other reviews of coral lipsticks, 'coral' is such a daunting description. And while, yes, this is a coral <i>pink</i>, as opposed to a coral red, <b>the amount of pink versus orange </b>that makes its appearance on your face <b>will vary depending on your undertone</b>. It sucks but it's true. It's something you come to accept when you love this particular color family.<br />
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I mean, so far my pictures make the bullet look orange. As does the following <b>swatch</b>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm_Q7VpeyKt2LiHNntfMZu8K-_2HX3sZpYYxdyyjw6tPiylMHXYJsMSw4M3UqfpSayL8hWTOttSmogjdbJnnPwjL9NloDgCNmXawT6JY1kE4AA2Lfo1rYVr98xCDpQL9lpgIigGIabYs/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm_Q7VpeyKt2LiHNntfMZu8K-_2HX3sZpYYxdyyjw6tPiylMHXYJsMSw4M3UqfpSayL8hWTOttSmogjdbJnnPwjL9NloDgCNmXawT6JY1kE4AA2Lfo1rYVr98xCDpQL9lpgIigGIabYs/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" height="616" width="640" /></a></div>
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To be fair, the sunlight was leaning on the orange-y side while I snapped this awful picture so that could be a reason as to why my swatch is so orange (bordering on reddish orange). The following <b>lip swatch</b>, on the other hand, is a bit <b>more accurate</b>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHUAYKdKPh5vVfLdjtdx1dx2n1pxYxqOGAz1HSxswUi5Ge_p_39T2TgapheSLPmtxz7HwAPcuuxk7L-ZPqirXzCIoOJT481VTcrE7FUeACTR_pHm0Fof7p1DEh0cLIp5ZfO_efpJWDpo/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHUAYKdKPh5vVfLdjtdx1dx2n1pxYxqOGAz1HSxswUi5Ge_p_39T2TgapheSLPmtxz7HwAPcuuxk7L-ZPqirXzCIoOJT481VTcrE7FUeACTR_pHm0Fof7p1DEh0cLIp5ZfO_efpJWDpo/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" height="396" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>"Burmese Kiss"</b> has a <b>matte finish</b>, which is nice for this kind of <b>bright, summery color.</b> I will say, however, that although it is creamier than an older matte that I own, it <b>isn't as comfortable as MAC's other, recent mattes</b>. I don't know if the actual color is part of the reason, but I find this lipstick a <b>bit drier</b> during application. As a result, it applies best, for me, over a fresh, blotted-down layer of lip balm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR9toh-ELV3aAC2_Nt7IUUBzkxjWvRIgW5VAIAQ2qyaoXc3SVRaRnNDz_iMRW_wQVPyP_XIBicq750JGILq3CGDul5ApsXmGsZLIy0wovk442rNYuC6JojzXgv57GK-807_HPm0iL3KQ/s1600/facebk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR9toh-ELV3aAC2_Nt7IUUBzkxjWvRIgW5VAIAQ2qyaoXc3SVRaRnNDz_iMRW_wQVPyP_XIBicq750JGILq3CGDul5ApsXmGsZLIy0wovk442rNYuC6JojzXgv57GK-807_HPm0iL3KQ/s1600/facebk.jpg" height="294" width="640" /></a></div>
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With that being said, <b>I always feel at home in these kinds of bright, bold corals. </b>With <b>"Burmese Kiss," </b>sometimes it looks more pink; sometimes it looks more orange. Nevertheless this is <i>my </i>color of choice.<b> </b>I'm a shy, quiet girl but somehow I don't mind my lip color making a statement, or garnering attention. Compliments are appreciated and insults are, well, just mutated affection.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMwEs4Kv9Oso_6w4vlmB5nve1eEQPRVjWapOpnGjJfzaB93iaUMynGHyTL32agGFrjoZN_Ipk8n6KhW1g3uYP-OCWPixw8tbgvJARvgd2Jgmy47cEllFq1VobSGAX6wnWXUYzdaeVAl8/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMwEs4Kv9Oso_6w4vlmB5nve1eEQPRVjWapOpnGjJfzaB93iaUMynGHyTL32agGFrjoZN_Ipk8n6KhW1g3uYP-OCWPixw8tbgvJARvgd2Jgmy47cEllFq1VobSGAX6wnWXUYzdaeVAl8/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: "Toying Around"<br />
RIGHT: "Burmese Kiss"</td></tr>
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Anyway, it wasn't <i>only </i>the description of <b>"Burmese Kiss"</b> being a coral pink that won me over. It was the fact that <b>I read about it being compared to my favorite MAC lipstick, <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/lips-macs-lipstick-in-toying-around-le.html" target="_blank">"Toying Around."</a></b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/lips-macs-lipstick-in-toying-around-le.html" target="_blank"> </a>You can see the two posing together above <b>in all their neon glory</b>. Of course I will now provide swatches to compare the two for you myself:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8BJKexR_mRsQWhyi3VSH_6k3Ggu0C1G4aKXntZt1oqkS0hFQm7EJnQdrAbIpT3sbW3KP9LvvjmXRYsEj9WLhzLVbC-oAkDDh4NTbcBivAj1VpxFDnA9zXLYKS1F44hmc_RipjbQTfiA/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8BJKexR_mRsQWhyi3VSH_6k3Ggu0C1G4aKXntZt1oqkS0hFQm7EJnQdrAbIpT3sbW3KP9LvvjmXRYsEj9WLhzLVbC-oAkDDh4NTbcBivAj1VpxFDnA9zXLYKS1F44hmc_RipjbQTfiA/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" height="640" width="614" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: "Burmese Kiss"<br />
RIGHT: "Toying Around"</td></tr>
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If I had to imagine a color difference, it would be that <b>"Burmese Kiss" is ever so slightly (EVER so slightly) more orange than "Toying Around."</b> Other than that, the only factual difference is that <b>"Burmese Kiss"</b> is a <b>matte</b> while <b>"Toying Around"</b> is in the <b>amplified finish </b>and, therefore, has more of a sheen. <b>I still prefer "Toying Around" </b>for this reason, especially since <b>"Burmese Kiss" </b>is a bit drier than what I've become accustomed to with MAC mattes.<br />
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Aside from "Toying Around," I decided to compare <b>"Burmese Kiss"</b> to a few other lipsticks in my collection that I've purchased thanks to "Toying Around." The other two lipsticks swatched below are <b>MAC's limited edition "Toxic Tale," </b>which was re-promoted not too long ago, and <b>Nars' Audacious lipstick in "Natalie."</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFtOdfi2JlYKf5R3gD9tgXnpTF58xdNEgRhNgTocYsgaEvjC88XF8pDu-oQ8Ik7ii32Jr22SYMKBcgFynCCrleiTdlTVxtKKlmEvOl2_RU_PcrPDdldOQ72_jK10EjKmLnCaJT2eVf8w/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFtOdfi2JlYKf5R3gD9tgXnpTF58xdNEgRhNgTocYsgaEvjC88XF8pDu-oQ8Ik7ii32Jr22SYMKBcgFynCCrleiTdlTVxtKKlmEvOl2_RU_PcrPDdldOQ72_jK10EjKmLnCaJT2eVf8w/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" height="284" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both pictures, clockwise starting from top left: "Natalie," "Toxic Tale," "Toying Around," "Burmese Kiss."</td></tr>
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When I did the above swatches, I thought to myself, "Neat. Now I have 'Toying Around' in three different finishes." "Toying Around" is the amplified finish, <b>"Burmese Kiss"</b> is the matte, and "Toxic Tale" is the satin. "Toxic Tale," however (top right), is actually the most orange of the bunch - and I'm not just making it up this time. As for "Natalie," I wouldn't even consider it a dupe because it is significantly pinker than all three of the others. <b>If you aren't picky, though, any of these would work as a substitute for "Burmese Kiss" </b>(or "Toying Around," if you realized how perfect it is when it was too late).<br />
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Overall, <b>"Burmese Kiss" isn't the most unique color</b> from MAC and the <b>matte formula</b> is on the <b>drier side</b> compared to other MAC mattes. Regardless, it's definitely a <b>vibrant, statement lipstick color made even bolder thanks to its matte, velvety finish.</b> If coral pinks are your thing the way they are mine, I'd say go for this one if you happen across a tube.<br />
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<b>Would I repurchase "Burmese Kiss"? No. </b>I clearly have a nice selection of dupes, including my beloved "Toying Around," and I wish the texture on this was a little less dry.<br />
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That's it for this review. Onto the next! <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikki Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-36460729760855200662015-03-13T23:20:00.001-04:002015-03-13T23:20:49.809-04:00On PowerSometimes I do these short posts with no tags. When I want to share but I don't want my words to be easily found. Posts that get pushed away by everything I do to forget, to be happy.<br />
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Power is a great thing, right? I mean it's made out to be that way. Sought after. And it is in some ways.<br />
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Power can be control. It can be independence. It's confidence and certainty. It's being able to do things on your own. Being able to change things for the better. I could list more but all I see right now is the power I don't want to have.<br />
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Pets and euthanasia. I know to some of you reading this, the weight of the topic has suddenly dwarfed to nothing. But for any other pet owner, you're still feeling as much a burden as I am. I've gone through putting a few pets to sleep, yes, but the third dog from my childhood is at that point right now. Hell, we even have a highly likely time frame: tomorrow.<br />
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I hate it. Who am I to take something - anything - else's life? Who am I to decide when enough is enough? Sometimes it's clear. Sometimes, like with the other dog from my childhood, the suffering is beyond obvious. It's heartbreaking. You can see the struggle in them as they try to greet you, because as much as they love you and want to greet you cheerfully, they just can't.<br />
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I don't see that with Luna. But we hear her crying, we know she's in pain, we see her shake as she goes down the stairs. We see the blood that could mean the cancer has spread.<br />
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I wish I had more patience. I wish I've done things differently. We never know how short time is until it's too late, right?<br />
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I know tomorrow she may sleep her last time, but she doesn't. And I'll continue to know that as many times more in the future as I have pets. I'll know when we call it a day. I'll know when that life isn't worth sustaining. I'll make that call, call that judgment. And I hate it.<br />
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It's not right. I don't want that kind of power.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-79349456376519348682015-03-09T22:22:00.000-04:002015-03-09T22:22:14.448-04:00MAC's Bao Bao Wan Sneak Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></div>
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It feels like forever since I last wrote about a MAC collection. Trust me - they've been coming out and I've still been purchasing things here and there from them - I just haven't been on top of my reviews. To be honest, this Sneak Peek post really feels like a waste of time, because the products I purchased from <b>MAC's Bao Bao Wan</b> collection - the collection's <b>lipsticks</b> - are <b>mostly sold out</b>, both online and at MAC counters.<br />
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<b>MAC has this obsession with making limited edition products <i>extremely</i> limited</b>, and I have to say the company's collaboration with <b>jewelry designer Bao Bao Wan</b> was perhaps the most limited collection I've personally experienced to date. First the online release was pushed back, then it magically launched online for retailers that were supposedly not receiving the collection, then people were able to order products before they officially launched at one of said online retailers, then MAC released the collection one day earlier than officially announced on its own site...people were placing phone [pre]orders at counters, counters were sold out before the doors opened, shipments were never received...have I traumatized you yet?<br />
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It was insane. The true center of all this chaos was one particular lipstick, "Lavender Jade," which I somehow managed to purchase [over the phone from a store across the country]. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise, then, that I don't have the lipstick yet to share with you. I wouldn't even be surprised if it never made it here, LOL.<br />
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Anyway, what I do have to share quickly with you today are the collection's other three limited edition lipsticks: <b>"Forbidden Sunrise," "Burmese Kiss," and "Romantic Breakdown."</b> Let's sit back and enjoy those, then, right?<br />
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<b>MAC's Bao Bao Wan collection </b>came with, as I mentioned before, <b>four lipsticks </b>total: <b>three mattes</b> - <b>"Forbidden Sunrise," "Burmese Kiss," and "Lavender Jade" </b>- and one <b>lustre</b>, <b>"Romantic Breakdown."</b> I initially planned on only purchasing two lipsticks from this collection, and then three, but because of the mass confusion/hoarding of "Lavender Jade" I ended up with all four.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL8vSOIdoGFkBLHNoDQxoyGd48tGb2rGmYGHgBxTJ8rZs8LFeeQjoUBlll6XeL9DUHx_QO3YhyphenhyphenZEVJSaHK4KPg5GZZYugcAO5CotvSZHsWi392lzeXDbkCmts9lewqVP0bdV3DobK030/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL8vSOIdoGFkBLHNoDQxoyGd48tGb2rGmYGHgBxTJ8rZs8LFeeQjoUBlll6XeL9DUHx_QO3YhyphenhyphenZEVJSaHK4KPg5GZZYugcAO5CotvSZHsWi392lzeXDbkCmts9lewqVP0bdV3DobK030/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is one of MAC's collections with <b>special edition packaging</b>, so each of the lipsticks cost <b>$17.50</b> and come packed in a box that mimicks the color and design of the lipstick tube itself, shown above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC70nJZHHo2fMctEfCeKzO511SlD46SLFmVgpDLLqAyJ1_rlhs1ey_URmOVq3CYCeddLABISxD8z9cFWKHZ8uXnI0fZvxXHx63vx3dFItNmTgsrjHfbUe9f5XuMyp7iJTC7zWsbTB_DKE/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC70nJZHHo2fMctEfCeKzO511SlD46SLFmVgpDLLqAyJ1_rlhs1ey_URmOVq3CYCeddLABISxD8z9cFWKHZ8uXnI0fZvxXHx63vx3dFItNmTgsrjHfbUe9f5XuMyp7iJTC7zWsbTB_DKE/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't want to go into great depth with the packaging design - I rather do that when I review whichever lipstick I happen to review first - but <b>I love the packaging</b>. The color is semi-complex and it has a nice, textured feel and weight to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItdaFulgaDLaskoXypAU1aXBaoTkEvlnMuHWQH0jsIvPuTAQtrHW4sUZ-ynpezSTx__vCIaP8tWRE5bYsfHUdt6M1Ra-Z35fVfJzGaTF3qXcMOW7BmrrQn5CsJhP_M9upjdfX-AGVUBo/s1600/tubes+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItdaFulgaDLaskoXypAU1aXBaoTkEvlnMuHWQH0jsIvPuTAQtrHW4sUZ-ynpezSTx__vCIaP8tWRE5bYsfHUdt6M1Ra-Z35fVfJzGaTF3qXcMOW7BmrrQn5CsJhP_M9upjdfX-AGVUBo/s1600/tubes+(2).JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The lipstick I was most excited for was "Burmese Kiss"</b> - can you guess why?! Even so, I did greatly anticipate the release of this collection as a whole. The <b>Bao Bao Wan collection</b> was one whose <b>color selection simply appealed to me</b>. While there isn't much of a variety when it comes to finishes, the variety in colors is definitely there, in my opinion.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dw2AfASGkc2DEDqtsYbVE8qvJRG7dKKy0g8uRj_ftmDj3tKSUfVYpztFQbCYZTe6HvA5GyoxHHM32aDi8X0usPc3Dbg_7EZogE_-Xqg_Tma62moPs-DX5IxRxBrmYnL4zMIqgfJB7pk/s1600/bullets+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dw2AfASGkc2DEDqtsYbVE8qvJRG7dKKy0g8uRj_ftmDj3tKSUfVYpztFQbCYZTe6HvA5GyoxHHM32aDi8X0usPc3Dbg_7EZogE_-Xqg_Tma62moPs-DX5IxRxBrmYnL4zMIqgfJB7pk/s1600/bullets+(1).JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">LEFT TO RIGHT: Romantic Breakdown, Burmese Kiss, Forbidden Sunrise.</span></td></tr>
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I will say most of the colors in this collection - three out of four, to be precise, with "Romantic Breakdown" being the exception - are <b>vibrant, bold shades</b>. For me personally, "Lavender Jade" may be the hardest to pull off, though I can only assume that as I don't have my tube yet.<br />
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I guess that's why that this collection stood out to me so much.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcNiPimjl3Q1qKoegarPxED0ExaGE3ATGvL6IqQKAGoVYDywgUWTqIO-oOq3-ORl9V-VGMNzHDsjV30AxVG4yRc5GTv5EP9nLTfehCMnLAmb4VO3rIT4Abupe4OgMek4quiik65M_MjY/s1600/bullets+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcNiPimjl3Q1qKoegarPxED0ExaGE3ATGvL6IqQKAGoVYDywgUWTqIO-oOq3-ORl9V-VGMNzHDsjV30AxVG4yRc5GTv5EP9nLTfehCMnLAmb4VO3rIT4Abupe4OgMek4quiik65M_MjY/s1600/bullets+(3).JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT TO RIGHT: Romantic Breakdown, Burmese Kiss, Forbidden Sunrise.</td></tr>
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I mean, two out of the three above lipsticks could have been part of <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/macs-april-2014-collection-playland.html" target="_blank">Playland</a></i>! <i>[[Hint, hint.]]</i> Don't you love how I manage to reference <i>Playland</i> when I talk about lipstick shades that I love? That collection will always be a favorite, if not my absolute favorite.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4il6u9LHPxGwKES4xUt9pSQ92iNI9jl5nInPLoHj09X8wtxwZ-Z7dVmVoeMnOfRN9J1rSUIikhVaGMnwFKX37IVh52uplH6XHYoG3EiXtZOXS9Rkfqby9Fy59Xsmnt2PNh8jOnUL-__U/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4il6u9LHPxGwKES4xUt9pSQ92iNI9jl5nInPLoHj09X8wtxwZ-Z7dVmVoeMnOfRN9J1rSUIikhVaGMnwFKX37IVh52uplH6XHYoG3EiXtZOXS9Rkfqby9Fy59Xsmnt2PNh8jOnUL-__U/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" height="524" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swatches in bright, indirect sunlight.<br />LEFT TO RIGHT: Burmese Kiss, Romantic Breakdown, and Forbidden Sunrise.</td></tr>
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See how "Burmese Kiss" and "Forbidden Sunrise" have an almost <b>neon quality</b> against my skin? They're absolutely gorgeous. "Romantic Breakdown" contrasts them nicely, too - both in color and finish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKqRxOIHsz4kPMad_qqV5ebjszSkATbTdwicOYyybsJ63yhCgayHUCeBjJdZ0Iaigo4h8sBHmpDdK2AF_dAMddE4nrs56b0qwQOEOK-qe7AHceA5TMPoqvafGwa2X27MMxS66MK2zYO8/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKqRxOIHsz4kPMad_qqV5ebjszSkATbTdwicOYyybsJ63yhCgayHUCeBjJdZ0Iaigo4h8sBHmpDdK2AF_dAMddE4nrs56b0qwQOEOK-qe7AHceA5TMPoqvafGwa2X27MMxS66MK2zYO8/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" height="498" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Swatches in dull, indirect sunlight.</span><br style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">LEFT TO RIGHT: Burmese Kiss, Romantic Breakdown, and Forbidden Sunrise.</span></td></tr>
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So, those are the <b>swatches</b> of three of the four lipsticks in MAC's recent <b>Bao Bao Wan</b> collection. <b>Reviews will be coming</b>, as I've already taken the pictures of each of the three lipsticks. "Lavender Jade" is expected to be delivered Thursday, so I'll try to get a quick, short post up for that one, but the full review will be delayed as I'm having all four of my wisdom teeth removed this Saturday, yay.<br />
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<b>Also, stay tuned for full reviews of the few products I picked up from MAC's Cinderella collection</b>, which launched within the same time-frame as Bao Bao Wan (and added to the chaos). Pictures are ready for that as well so it's simply a matter of me putting the review together.<br />
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<b>Lastly, I will sporadically publish posts reviewing collections that have released since <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/10/macs-matte-lip-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">The Matte Lip</a></i> up until now</b>, although they are highly irrelevant at this point. You never know when those reviews will come in handy as reference points, especially when you consider the fact that MAC tends to recycle colors in its many limited edition releases. <br />
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With so much to do, I hope I can stay on top of everything! Here's to a speedy recovery after my wisdom teeth are removed, so that my health doesn't interfere with my work output, lol. Anyway, thank you so much for stopping by. I hope this was helpful! 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-54432085037897524992015-03-02T01:18:00.001-05:002015-03-02T01:18:35.652-05:00Sakamoto Maaya: Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho/Shikisai (LE) + First Press/External Bonus (01/28/15)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3wzTw-UIEEejviYEQj9VyZvtefktVhQFKHfj6gk-XUoIM-Gj-DljbcJU8jWmBwD9BzNs3vL6Q-8cIlFEmHnsGJeRMbp2WiBrKVXIAmHHoC22Zz0-kWjh7UZ3UDV1P_51s0GTAIplovo/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3wzTw-UIEEejviYEQj9VyZvtefktVhQFKHfj6gk-XUoIM-Gj-DljbcJU8jWmBwD9BzNs3vL6Q-8cIlFEmHnsGJeRMbp2WiBrKVXIAmHHoC22Zz0-kWjh7UZ3UDV1P_51s0GTAIplovo/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">AFFILIATE, PURCHASED</a></div>
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Okay everyone, say it with me: <i><b>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho</b> -</i><br />
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<i><b>/ Shikisai</b></i>. God damn.<br />
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That mouthful up there, out just over a month ago on <b>01/28/15</b>, is Sakamoto Maaya's first release for the year of her 20th anniversary, and currently her <b>most recent single</b>. I preordered my <b>limited edition </b>copy back in November and received my precious package the first week of February. As such, I've been listening to this single for a generous month. I should have published this review a long time ago, clearly.<br />
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Due to the enormous delay, I'll be publishing only one post for this single, as it would be embarrassing to delay the full review further by splitting it into two parts. Today, then, we will be admiring the limited edition copy with its <b>first press/external bonuses</b>, <i>and</i> I will share <b>my thoughts </b>on that which matters most: <b>the single's content</b>, some of Sakamoto's latest work.<br />
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Ready?!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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First off, let's set the scene a bit. <i><b>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho/Shikisai </b></i>is, in my honest opinion, another double A-side, much like <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/02/sakamoto-maaya-be-minesaved-le-external_10.html" target="_blank">Be Mine!/Saved</a></i>. CDJapan says otherwise, but I honestly see it this way. There are <b>two main tracks</b> - in this case, <b>"Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho"</b> and <b>"Shikisai"</b> - and then a B-side, or supporting track. For this single, that track is titled <b>"Kimi No Suki Na Hito."</b><br />
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For <i>Be Mine!/Saved</i>, "Be Mine!" was an opening for an anime while "Saved" was another anime's ending song. This time around, <b>"Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho"</b> is the opening<b> </b>for an anime called <i>Koufuki Graffiti</i>, while <b>"Shikisai"</b> is the main song from an Android game called <i>Fate/Grand Order</i>. I'm providing this information because the bonuses are related to it.<br />
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Anywho, picture time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAOKNn3WOP-Dst1fvjQmMF4qGDS0zQxJatpNBQSVKH0hJRCHqiYqMuqMMHiQFVQ2kLgrtHvUkT9do8V7Jpzbol7PjbRWamIKz9bNx37gxhPvAesCwZDTxX6VQi0pzDXEoTUWCSYqhdHk/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAOKNn3WOP-Dst1fvjQmMF4qGDS0zQxJatpNBQSVKH0hJRCHqiYqMuqMMHiQFVQ2kLgrtHvUkT9do8V7Jpzbol7PjbRWamIKz9bNx37gxhPvAesCwZDTxX6VQi0pzDXEoTUWCSYqhdHk/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI3KNDENvB5pcz9_C0X4rhp0RMBlYKaFTP3whFBb1JAZ0_f_0ohhIM4SizMhpR8ceAD839kKGZptRePk5K9SlXivoBQSCPHP9oJpBVOTcYXSnYr8lt5saHJuB0M7g0lwHuG9uiew02FU/s1600/DSC_0066e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI3KNDENvB5pcz9_C0X4rhp0RMBlYKaFTP3whFBb1JAZ0_f_0ohhIM4SizMhpR8ceAD839kKGZptRePk5K9SlXivoBQSCPHP9oJpBVOTcYXSnYr8lt5saHJuB0M7g0lwHuG9uiew02FU/s1600/DSC_0066e.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please excuse the lighting and quality of the two above pictures. I received my package on a weekday and wanted to get pictures of the single still sealed, so I had to take them in the darkness of my room. I'm also familiarizing myself with a new camera that my boyfriend gave me. It has the capacity to take pictures of much higher quality than my previous digital camera, which is always a welcomed change for my blog.<br />
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With that being said, it also has the capacity to produce shittier quality pictures when in the hands of a novice. Hey, you have to start somewhere, right?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj7mSYeSgQK-6ZrXFtzNmnI9GMVcmpd6xdy7yPyw1gi-K2bnPlmZKuAaYBc4LRGoRpbIiguo9ONEYvPUrz3vxWG5XhXdgRtU40EpE7dri8FSofyuzHWNXcyEVzML6pJlhNJnp64PyJAs/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj7mSYeSgQK-6ZrXFtzNmnI9GMVcmpd6xdy7yPyw1gi-K2bnPlmZKuAaYBc4LRGoRpbIiguo9ONEYvPUrz3vxWG5XhXdgRtU40EpE7dri8FSofyuzHWNXcyEVzML6pJlhNJnp64PyJAs/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice how clear the bear is. SERIOUSLY. THE BEAR.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is a <b>fresh, youthful</b> atmosphere to the album cover for this particular single. The whitening effect of sunlight and the soft, almost pastel-like colors of the album's title make me think of <b>winter melting into spring</b>. It's less artistic, I think, and more naturally beautiful than Sakamoto's usual covers, if that makes any sense. The cover of the regular copy is roughly the same except Sakamoto is facing a different direction, but do keep in mind that all pictures in this post are of the limited edition version. Links to both versions will be at the end of this post if you want to take a look at the regular edition!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_Ou8S77k_kIgb4PGRAT2v4rohkU-b53x6ohssrUEWjq2OqRZzFIumG76UXmSygVl_44ZpYrqpHDqBepV02fYIwqyGKOzf-8gSpWpPNUg9InvFsP9Tqjn-srO_P7q_i6CN7URcTamEbw/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_Ou8S77k_kIgb4PGRAT2v4rohkU-b53x6ohssrUEWjq2OqRZzFIumG76UXmSygVl_44ZpYrqpHDqBepV02fYIwqyGKOzf-8gSpWpPNUg9InvFsP9Tqjn-srO_P7q_i6CN7URcTamEbw/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway, let's admire Sakamoto's long hair, which has managed to stick around for some time now. Her hair and wardrobe - a loose, cozy gray sweater - are likely the reasons I think about youth and 'natural beauty' when looking at this cover. I think <b>the design really suits the <i>main </i>main track </b>of the single, <b>"Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho," </b>which is no surprise given the fact that <b>the cover's design goes hand-in-hand with the song's PV</b> (although, yes, I feel it also suits the mood of the song, which I'll get into later).<b> </b>The same isn't achieved with <b>"Shikisai,"</b> whose mood shows more of a disconnect from the theme upheld by the cover, but I can look past that quite easily. The reason for that will become clear by this post's end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoC_9Us23-IIcOISbPiMGrcLHNBljA_BP6rxhae8vk-TmaJh8uR13d3HRCymVA5CSfjnDeF2d3D8xoNrKUDTv0qx4UeXiwHp8hFgB3ngxg2ecwWy9oFvxH3H1gntg5pNyBBQLIHeCkf8/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoC_9Us23-IIcOISbPiMGrcLHNBljA_BP6rxhae8vk-TmaJh8uR13d3HRCymVA5CSfjnDeF2d3D8xoNrKUDTv0qx4UeXiwHp8hFgB3ngxg2ecwWy9oFvxH3H1gntg5pNyBBQLIHeCkf8/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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This single contains two main tracks and a supporting track, like I mentioned earlier. The <i>full </i>track list, as it appears in the above picture, is as follows:<br />
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<b>1. Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho</b><br />
<b>2. Shikisai</b><br />
<b>3. Kimi No Suki Na Hito</b><br />
<b>4. Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho -Instrumental-</b><br />
<b>5. Shikisai -Instrumental-</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpLtbEJQgL0az5Z48Ny1M-nkHV9atX1-O_g6tqP0ITdVhiPa4qyWOdJL0ADnC9kvbVcA0jxncgkesH-WoC2cEFlr_McDsg1iYTJkyWhJ5dKE2gX5GUtAR-F4J_J2AgYqiKh8CERChL9w/s1600/Cds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpLtbEJQgL0az5Z48Ny1M-nkHV9atX1-O_g6tqP0ITdVhiPa4qyWOdJL0ADnC9kvbVcA0jxncgkesH-WoC2cEFlr_McDsg1iYTJkyWhJ5dKE2gX5GUtAR-F4J_J2AgYqiKh8CERChL9w/s1600/Cds.jpg" height="250" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like many limited edition releases, the LE of this single contains <b>two discs</b>, with <b>limited edition content being featured on the second disc</b>. This time around, that content is a <b>DVD</b> of the <b>live studio performance </b>that aired circa the release of her previous single, <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/08/sakamoto-maaya-part-1-of-2-replica-le.html" target="_blank">Replica</a></i>. The tracks of the performance are broken up into the following list:<br />
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<b>1. Tegami</b><br />
<b>2. afternoon repose</b><br />
<b>3. Okaerinasai</b><br />
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The <b>discs</b>, much like the album's cover, are very <b>clean, simple, and fresh, </b>as you can see in the above picture. They have a white base color, and the soft pastel colors from the cover's title are split in two categories - pink and blue - for each disc. Again, the design makes me think of transitioning, such as the weather transitions of fall and spring.<br />
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Now for one of my favorite topics: <b>the first press/external bonus details. </b><br />
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If you're familiar with CDJapan, or have seen my other Sakamoto Maaya posts, then you know that CDJapan often includes a <b>limited supply of extras</b> with Sakamoto's releases that are given on a first come, first serve basis. That's a huge part of why I always preorder her CDs.<br />
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This time around, there were <b>two bonuses</b>: a <b>special outer sleever featuring artwork from <i>Koufuku Graffiti </i>and <i>Fate/Grand Order</i></b>, and an '<b>alternate cover</b>.' Both bonuses are quite different from the usual bonuses I'm used to.<br />
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Let's take a look at the <b>sleeve</b> first:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tJg7PPKajXUQQDA8PyZ5XtbGcui6awQBYbOsq_UiOjbO0LvH0dNdXmCO1qORWom-bgWFVR8G1rrGe8tfZg1jU6aNxhr5uixGeaTm80GyF3FjObrGH-0EFkWW0j_JgxGxZ-3XtE8PBOw/s1600/sleeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tJg7PPKajXUQQDA8PyZ5XtbGcui6awQBYbOsq_UiOjbO0LvH0dNdXmCO1qORWom-bgWFVR8G1rrGe8tfZg1jU6aNxhr5uixGeaTm80GyF3FjObrGH-0EFkWW0j_JgxGxZ-3XtE8PBOw/s1600/sleeve.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></div>
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As much as I usually don't care about the anime/games related to Sakamoto's releases, I appreciated this bonus and thought it was a nice touch. You may have noticed from the first few pictures of the sealed single, but there were no signs of <i>Koufuku Graffiti </i>nor <i>Fate/Grand Order</i> included on the CD's external packaging. This bonus ties the two back into the picture. Although I'll be leaving the sleeve in its clear protective wrapping, I appreciate the <b>vivid, detailed artwork showcasing the anime and game the main songs of the single were created for.</b> And, overall, I think this sleeve would look awesome around the CD case itself.<br />
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Next is the <b>'alternate cover,'</b> which CDJapan calls "exclusive another cover" on the product page:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ71LnfbtMzVQ-gLtnIHHOoQGKNLIyTVRnmjLionY4xwJxbzgdprjbx8aM9OJ1EmUTPJ_PoBHo4DL6Dkwg76FPigYjWmOiGLWYZWXg7kD8R8jOVhYMYovjiMJsCk3t8ATXjRwWfXONCaU/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ71LnfbtMzVQ-gLtnIHHOoQGKNLIyTVRnmjLionY4xwJxbzgdprjbx8aM9OJ1EmUTPJ_PoBHo4DL6Dkwg76FPigYjWmOiGLWYZWXg7kD8R8jOVhYMYovjiMJsCk3t8ATXjRwWfXONCaU/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>I'm not sure exactly what is meant by 'another cover.'</b> Is the bonus supposed to serve as a literal alternate cover that can be slipped in front of the single's booklet to change the packaging's cover? Or is this a copy of an alternate cover design that was created but discarded during the finalization of the single's production? I have no idea, but I'll never complain about having more Sakamoto merchandise. She's so pretty here!</div>
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That basically much sums up the packaging details for the limited edition of <i><b>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho/Shikisai</b></i>. For the remainder of the post, I'll be <b>sharing my thoughts</b> on the new songs released on this single. </div>
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<b>DISC 1</b></div>
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<b>Tracks 1 and 4: Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho >>>>></b></div>
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Okay, I've been dying to get this out of my system: <b style="font-style: italic;">what in holy hell possessed whoever was responsible for this song's name to give it such a long, effing title?</b> I may never know this song's name by memory, and am compelled to refer to it as "Shiawase" for the sake of time (and because "Shiawase" looks like the word-cousin of "Shikisai"). Translated, this song is about <b>happiness</b>, and you can hear that in the music itself. "Shiawase" (yes, I will call you that) is <b>upbeat, cheerful, and showcases Sakamoto's playful and youthful voice.</b> I didn't think I would like this song much after clips of it went live, but it's actually quite catchy, and the change at the song's bridge keeps everything interesting. The instrumental is enjoyable as well, although a bit is lost once Sakamoto's voice is removed. I would rate this a 4.5, but I'm rounding it up to (THEY'RE BACK) 5 pengu flippers. </div>
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<b>Tracks 2 and 5: Shikisai >>>>></b></div>
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I knew I liked this song even after only hearing the short, limited clip of it. Now that I have the full version, I can say without a doubt that <b>this is my favorite song from the single.</b> <b>"Shikisai"</b> falls into the same category as "Buddy" and "Replica," which is no surprise considering the fact that the band behind it, la la larks, features people that were involved in the creation of both of those songs. <b>"Shikisai" is fast-paced, haunting, and unexpected.</b> It has a degree of disorder like "Replica," but is a bit more controlled, in my opinion. It also somewhat reminds me of "Sora Wo Miro" in the sense that <b>Sakamoto's voice is very mature</b>. Here we see the <b>power </b>her voice is capable of exhibiting. Aside from that, I kind of love how much "Shikisai" contrasts "Shiawase." They are nothing short of polar opposites. With regards to the instrumental, well, it without a doubt holds its own. <b>You can really hear the haunting mood in the chords at the song's start, the strings build up the energy to the chorus, and all the instruments come to a tight close at the song's end. </b>I really have nothing bad to say about this song. 5 all the way. </div>
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<b>Track 3: Kimi No Suki Na Hito >>>>></b></div>
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I heard the clip of this song and thought 'dull.' It sounded like it was in the same ballpark as one of my favorites, "Saved," except boring. And dull. I had no hopes for this song. It was sentenced to be the weak point of this single before I even gave it a chance. And then I finally heard it, because my package arrived in the mail, and I was shocked. Shocked because of how much I loved it. <b>"Kimi No Suki Na Hito"</b> is the CD's <b>ballad</b> that is, simply put, <b>beautiful and sad.</b> There is a <b>powerfully emotional composition of strings and piano </b>in this song that make it so much more than a forgotten B-side (oh "Coming up!" how I still don't care for you), and the sweetness to Sakamoto's voice brings everything together. It kills me that no instrumental was included for this song, because the music is stunning. It may not be "Saved," but "Kimi No Suki Na Hito" still carries so much impact. Also, if you're curious, you should check out the<b> <a href="https://yumehokori.wordpress.com/2015/02/09/maaya-sakamoto-kimi-no-suki-na-hito-lyrics/" target="_blank">translations</a></b> for this song on the blog <a href="https://yumehokori.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank">Yumi Hokori</a>. Dear Maaya, I am not so strong. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZmRlJti3dU51ZNmGXxmDlt7TeZ1oTJ4on-WkRV37IyUjT7JPSLmhU4J_KlMK0nK80ZkUi4xxBhMTADSncTGhHZR5Mf0sZcFSlMBycFi1ZbB1SsAWWl7Kpis5CA-52H7DuwKMk6wvGtg/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZmRlJti3dU51ZNmGXxmDlt7TeZ1oTJ4on-WkRV37IyUjT7JPSLmhU4J_KlMK0nK80ZkUi4xxBhMTADSncTGhHZR5Mf0sZcFSlMBycFi1ZbB1SsAWWl7Kpis5CA-52H7DuwKMk6wvGtg/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An image from the single's booklet.</td></tr>
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<b>DISC 2</b></div>
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I will be keeping my thoughts to the <b>limited edition inclusion of Sakamoto's studio live performance </b>as one section, rather than separating my thoughts by each of the three songs. For the entire performance, there is nothing more than <b>Sakamoto's voice and Masato Ishinari on guitar</b>. While it's interesting to hear musically busier songs as simple acoustics like this, I enjoyed the fact that all three songs - <b>"Tegami," "Afternoon Repose," and "Okaerinasai"</b> - are songs that <b>translate beautifully into this medium without changing drastically</b>. I think the <b>weakest</b> of the three songs is <b>"Tegami,"</b> due to the fact that most of the song is vocal harmonies with layers of instruments - something obviously lost in this setting. As for the <b>strongest</b>, I really enjoyed <b>"Afternoon Repose," </b>which is already a beautifully peaceful and calming song. Having it performed with voice and guitar only emphasize these characteristics, and I think this song in particular blended so well with the setting of the performance, which is a room of earthy tones and soft, glowing lamplight. <b>"Okaerinasai"</b> is a lovely performance as well, but I can't help but compare it to the acoustic version included as the third track on her <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2013/08/sakamoto-maaya-hajimari-no-umi-le-first.html" target="_blank">Hajimari No Umi</a></i> single, which I enjoy much more. </div>
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Part of me hoped that maybe, just maybe, this DVD would also include the PV of "Replica" that ended the live stream of this studio performance but, alas, it does not. </div>
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<b>With regards to my overall thoughts on <i>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho/Shikisai</i>...</b></div>
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As far as her post-Kanno singles go, I think I have to say that <i>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho/Shikisai</i> is <b>my favorite single as a whole from Sakamoto Maaya</b>. And yes, I feel like I need to explain myself a bit because that's a very bold statement to make. </div>
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What really captures me about this single is how appropriate it is, in my opinion, for the year of Sakamoto's 20th anniversary. I saw in this single <b>a portfolio of what Sakamoto is capable of</b>: her cheerful, young songs, her powerful, dramatic songs, and her sad, moving songs. I hear the clarity, power, and hollow breathlessness her voice harnesses - the reasons she can convey so much through such varying styles of music. <b>Simply put, I see a bit of everything that I know and love from Sakamoto in this single. </b></div>
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In spite of its wordy title, <b><i>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho/Shikisai</i></b> is a strong start to a year of more milestones for Sakamoto Maaya. With her 20th anniversary album less than two months away, I can't help but say that I'm ridiculously excited to see what this year brings for my favorite artist. What are your thoughts regarding her most recent single? Are you excited for her next album, <i>Request</i>? Feel free to share your thoughts below!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by! 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b></div>
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~nikki</div>
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<i>The limited edition of Sakamoto Maaya's </i>Shiawase Ni Tsuite Watashi Ga Shitteiru 5-Tsu No Hoho/Shikisai<i> can be viewed/purchased here:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/e86NDzbdSLQ/4573/A082072/detailview.html?KEY=VTZL-96" target="_blank"><img alt="Shiawase ni Tsuite Watashi ga Shitteiru 5 Tsu no Hoho / Shikisai / Maaya Sakamoto" border="0" src="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/image.html?id=VTZL-96" width="100" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/e86NDzbdSLQ/4573/A082072/detailview.html?KEY=VTZL-96" target="_blank">Shiawase ni Tsuite Watashi ga Shitteiru 5 Tsu no Hoho / Shikisai [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]</a></div>
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Maaya Sakamoto</div>
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<i>As for the regular edition, it can be viewed purchased here:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/e86NDzbdSLQ/4573/A082072/detailview.html?KEY=VTCL-35199" target="_blank"><img alt="Shiawase ni Tsuite Watashi ga Shitteiru 5 Tsu no Hoho / Shikisai / Maaya Sakamoto" border="0" src="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/image.html?id=VTCL-35199" width="100" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/e86NDzbdSLQ/4573/A082072/detailview.html?KEY=VTCL-35199" target="_blank">Shiawase ni Tsuite Watashi ga Shitteiru 5 Tsu no Hoho / Shikisai [Regular Edition]</a></div>
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Maaya Sakamoto</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-42342896124038734502015-01-27T17:17:00.000-05:002015-05-07T22:05:02.042-04:00The IceBlock [24]: Snow & SongIt's been a while since I've stared at a blank screen. I've been out of it lately. Confused. Eager. Reaching out for more of something that might not be there. May have never been.<br />
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This week Sakamoto Maaya's newest single comes out, and my copy shipped out this morning. I'm in love with the second track on it - "Shikisai" - and plan on doing a cover very, very soon. I might have even had one today except for the fact that my computer is stupid (or maybe it's just me). I thought I did a great job only to find out that Audacity had the audacity to record with the computer microphone. You know, the one that captures the sound of my computer's engine taking flight, for fuck's sake. But I'll actually share the link to it on here once that magically comes together, because I really love the song.<br />
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I watch the pile of stuff to review get higher and higher, and I pull the blanket over my head and go back to sleep.<br />
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Today it snowed, which sucks. I hate snow. Winter too. On the bright side, my job closed early yesterday and was closed for the entirety of today. First official snow day in quite a while.<br />
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What is wrong with me? I have not the grandest clue. All I know is that I want more...and keep trying for more.<br />
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Something interesting that has been taking shape is my future. You know, the one that never seems in reach. Things are falling into place - not unexpectedly, but I guess I've been so disappointed with 'tomorrow' that I'm having trouble realizing that my goals are tangible. I have my necklace, I have myself.<br />
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I'm trying to say<i> 'yes.' </i>I'm trying to see what I'm capable of. I want things to be different for a change. I want the spring to come. I want to know what's going on.<br />
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I sit here anxiously and strain for more.<br />
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~nikki<br />
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<b>UPDATE [05/7/15]:</b> As promised, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/adeliedragon/cover-shikisai-by-sakamoto-maaya" target="_blank"><b>here is the link</b></a> to my cover of "Shikisai."<br />
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I thought about including this link in my next music post but...I don't know. I'm still not huge on publicizing my covers, because I'm shy and I think my singing is mediocre lol. Anyway, hope you enjoy it if even just a little. =)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-26613640927864401502014-12-06T23:29:00.000-05:002014-12-06T23:33:07.000-05:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Damn Glamorous" (LE) [The Matte Lip 2014] + A Comparison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-XPWXvTTnYSOqtpawFbfjCMjVFJSivWQX80XRpS5bubBwJ7ehW_7D4zEeAZGtHY_z3JMAMAI16tgXfpONIMxNFZybtkY4RvtvvdVR1_dyO6pOinaK4QET1oDGRAtLEPX4SE6XMtIXkc/s1600/DSCF3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-XPWXvTTnYSOqtpawFbfjCMjVFJSivWQX80XRpS5bubBwJ7ehW_7D4zEeAZGtHY_z3JMAMAI16tgXfpONIMxNFZybtkY4RvtvvdVR1_dyO6pOinaK4QET1oDGRAtLEPX4SE6XMtIXkc/s1600/DSCF3582.JPG" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Oh my God - HOW DO YOU WRITE REVIEWS AGAIN?<br />
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Maybe just kidding. (What does that even <i>mean?</i>)</div>
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Once upon a time, MAC released a collection called <i><b>The Matte Lip</b></i>, that came with seven <b>new and limited edition lipsticks</b>, of which I purchased three, two that are reviewed <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/10/lips-macs-lipstick-in-pander-me-le.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/10/lips-macs-lipstick-in-styled-in-sepia.html" target="_blank">here</a>, before purchasing a fourth that I'm reviewing today (before the third of the first three). Did I lose you yet?</div>
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<b>Fun fact: </b><i><b>The Matte Lip </b></i>marks the third collection from MAC from which I purchased four lipsticks. The other two are <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/03/macs-february-2014-collection-fantasy.html" target="_blank">A Fantasy of Flowers</a></i> and <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/macs-april-2014-collection-playland.html" target="_blank">Playland</a></i>.</div>
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<b>Second fun fact: </b>The four lipsticks I purchased each from the three collections were all the same finish, per collection. The four from <i>A Fantasy of Flowers</i> are all lustre, the four from <i>Playland</i> are all amplified, and the four from <b><i>The Matte Lip</i> </b>are all matte. </div>
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<b>Third and final fun fact: </b><i>Playland</i> is, without a doubt, the winner of all three collections (<a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/lips-macs-lipstick-in-toying-around-le.html" target="_blank">"Toying Around"</a> should have been backed-up twice, at least, instead of not at all), but <i><b>The Matte Lip </b></i>is, also without a doubt, the runner-up thanks to <b>"Damn Glamorous."</b></div>
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If I never got to the third fact, the "fun fact" tangent I started would be 100% unrelated rather than 66%. Numbers. </div>
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<b>Name: </b>Damn Glamorous</div>
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<b>Net Wt.: </b>0.1 oz/ 3 g.</div>
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<b>Price: </b>$16.00</div>
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<b>Finish: </b>Matte</div>
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With the exception of "Heroine," <b>"Damn Glamorous"</b> made no impact at me in the beginning. Described as a <b>"bright pink red"</b> on <b>MAC's site</b>, it reminded me of "just another fuchsia" that I couldn't care less about. And then pictures of it started rolling in online and all I could think was, "That's not pink-anything. That's straight-up red." Aside from <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/06/lips-macs-lipstick-in-true-loves-kiss.html" target="_blank">"True Love's Kiss,"</a> which I purchased because I love the <i>Maleficent </i>movie, red doesn't captivate me very much. Because so much time has elapsed between now and the time I purchased <b>"Damn Glamorous,"</b> I can't honestly tell you why I eventually changed my opinion on this lipstick and decided to buy it (blindly/online, even). <b>But I did, and I'm so glad I did.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K0xeJfNcXoBgx1Fi6RFZjj8OG_XflBHFtLTEm8nn8JVzsyjyh5IX-M7VYvxCSebJhEWe71_frcXkB_cX_GtVWJXRQYqHD-BCO26LgKtQaNMjuN50LK73o8_RPcSuoVe0KXI7_pznn6E/s1600/DSCF3586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K0xeJfNcXoBgx1Fi6RFZjj8OG_XflBHFtLTEm8nn8JVzsyjyh5IX-M7VYvxCSebJhEWe71_frcXkB_cX_GtVWJXRQYqHD-BCO26LgKtQaNMjuN50LK73o8_RPcSuoVe0KXI7_pznn6E/s1600/DSCF3586.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm happy that MAC describes this lipstick as a <i><b>pink red</b></i> rather than a <i>red pink</i>. There are definitely <b>noticeable pink undertones</b> to this lipstick (especially noticeable as it's removed), but <b>at the end of the day</b> <b>"Damn Glamorous" is a <i>red</i> lipstick.</b> That means that, for some of us, it will show up as a <i>red </i>lipstick. Try, or buy, at your own risk if red is not your color. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-48LrEkpw1ChddxEp73per0v8Cg9fLEwuJct1UXlGzqlAB7z8mXfu1XAYE-Qhx5IYpOubuLPzAaHmkH2EraJ5PhNc63mwNJeVA_mU-Hr_FrIMaM7bsxB6xXEkxEJ5IkY_gI7g9QBTaM/s1600/DSCF3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-48LrEkpw1ChddxEp73per0v8Cg9fLEwuJct1UXlGzqlAB7z8mXfu1XAYE-Qhx5IYpOubuLPzAaHmkH2EraJ5PhNc63mwNJeVA_mU-Hr_FrIMaM7bsxB6xXEkxEJ5IkY_gI7g9QBTaM/s1600/DSCF3590.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first tried on <b>"Damn Glamorous" </b>fresh from its black box, it was <b>red on me</b>. Red, not pink red. When I took another look at it in the bathroom mirror, however, away from the gaudy yellow light in my bedroom, something really struck me about the lipstick's color: it had this <b>beautiful <i>glow</i> to it.</b> And that, my friends, is where the <b>pink came in</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L0J8mESbw99_L4WTxnXeOFurf9AZLGiiJbN4ORCjLwpEGrLHZUaKbg_vR3sMvjp-Vmx22YzmAvQ0-qHsXN0NSHsotRsnGSQ4R1x01V-LiZapeMG2bH69Xr38bEkAvjvfS8Rd5iwvavQ/s1600/DSCF3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L0J8mESbw99_L4WTxnXeOFurf9AZLGiiJbN4ORCjLwpEGrLHZUaKbg_vR3sMvjp-Vmx22YzmAvQ0-qHsXN0NSHsotRsnGSQ4R1x01V-LiZapeMG2bH69Xr38bEkAvjvfS8Rd5iwvavQ/s1600/DSCF3569.JPG" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, together with the swatch I posted right before the above lip swatch, <b>"Damn Glamorous has the potential to look fairly red on me.</b> Much like other lipsticks I've reviewed on here, it really <b>comes down to the lighting</b> (white artificial light versus yellow sunlight, for example). But, even when this lipstick is being red on me, it still has that <b>glow from the pink undertones</b> that makes it so very much <b>my type of color. </b>Make this an amplified finish and I could see it fitting in perfectly with the other amplifieds in <i>Playland</i>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T-axv5ze51vfE0FP-tUS5tzhFr-VtcNMheWYDDONX316KmOkMh4AXzIIMvWPUq_CmiAdvEZLXBVNSztn_Dd6wIVdk5AsR-8O6nM-HDK0nPAJ9O2TN7lYv0ZyZ1URv_Yo3UW-FzTOYMQ/s1600/DSCF3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T-axv5ze51vfE0FP-tUS5tzhFr-VtcNMheWYDDONX316KmOkMh4AXzIIMvWPUq_CmiAdvEZLXBVNSztn_Dd6wIVdk5AsR-8O6nM-HDK0nPAJ9O2TN7lYv0ZyZ1URv_Yo3UW-FzTOYMQ/s1600/DSCF3613.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not that I mind the <b>matte finish</b> this lipstick has. It's the <b>creamier matte formula</b> from MAC that I've been adoring lately: <b>comfortable to wear, and incredibly long-lasting.</b> It has a somewhat <b>satin start </b>to its lip-life but turns into a <b>soft, velvety matte </b>after some time passes. </div>
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By the way, <b>see how pink the above lip swatch is? </b>I could stare at that color all day. Anyway, my point is, lighting plays a significant role in how vividly pink (or red) this color is on me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxVoDTHf-t76olBVFUAiyust-vow3S5X38yz4B6u-F3KxmI-CFKEZGRJyDOhlEKQYL15otKoYs9SEjTR5fHQrvnCnrOk-j4IDM1YyPMEc90vDn5RnUsIFnEICEMlXOYJinvhTGpGthU/s1600/DSCF3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxVoDTHf-t76olBVFUAiyust-vow3S5X38yz4B6u-F3KxmI-CFKEZGRJyDOhlEKQYL15otKoYs9SEjTR5fHQrvnCnrOk-j4IDM1YyPMEc90vDn5RnUsIFnEICEMlXOYJinvhTGpGthU/s1600/DSCF3614.JPG" height="400" width="370" /></a></div>
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Ta-da. So, so, so beautiful (the lipstick)! <b>I love "Damn Glamorous" a lot on me. </b>I wouldn't have it any other way. <b>But! For those of you who <i>would</i> have it another way </b>- say, more pink, or perhaps even cheaper, or maybe even both...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcalwSBeguE3QNeemyqt_OWnbXkaQXYo8hVS0Rzlm76vg1VAZ2g3f37R-jHjyi7NA5fYpOabnS6EFbnQv6a9KM0b033MZTHU5_CI95PSACQGfF5uBKD1Ouz_43OPuWRYtXZtkaH6EZkXw/s1600/DSCF3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcalwSBeguE3QNeemyqt_OWnbXkaQXYo8hVS0Rzlm76vg1VAZ2g3f37R-jHjyi7NA5fYpOabnS6EFbnQv6a9KM0b033MZTHU5_CI95PSACQGfF5uBKD1Ouz_43OPuWRYtXZtkaH6EZkXw/s1600/DSCF3625.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Cherries in the Snow"<br />
RIGHT: MAC's Lipstick in "Damn Glamorous"</td></tr>
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The <b>closest "dupe"</b> (not really a dupe at all, actually) I could think of from my collection was <b>Revlon's Super Lustrous lipstick</b> in <b>"Cherries in the Snow." </b>It's around <b>$8 </b>in the drugstore, has <b>way more pink</b> to it, and - if you want a creamier formula at the expense of the matte finish - has a <b>cream finish.</b> Check out the following <b>comparison</b> <b>swatches</b>:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dTC13pe2qj099OMvNiZZuoatbwQHMSmhFFVBANc4hwQ8X7V5ukLAyrGhs0jMhyphenhyphenenM8MQWB4bRmYDrtY7ay16kJhnSqVliqhLNbEwkEgR_F5VrvhD0Y5G9inmNIsP6VMqCjcQX9cK6ws/s1600/DSCF3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dTC13pe2qj099OMvNiZZuoatbwQHMSmhFFVBANc4hwQ8X7V5ukLAyrGhs0jMhyphenhyphenenM8MQWB4bRmYDrtY7ay16kJhnSqVliqhLNbEwkEgR_F5VrvhD0Y5G9inmNIsP6VMqCjcQX9cK6ws/s1600/DSCF3605.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: "Damn Glamorous"<br />
RIGHT: "Cherries in the Snow"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When you pair the two together as they are in the above picture, <b>"Damn Glamorous"</b> seriously looks like an ordinary red, doesn't it?</div>
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Overall, <b>"Damn Glamorous" </b>is, hands down, my <b>favorite lipstick from <i>The Matte Lip </i>collection. </b>I'm so glad I ultimately decided to purchase it and, if colors in the bright pink family are your kind of thing, I definitely think you should check it out. Not only is it a <b>beautiful, vivid red with strong pink undertones</b>, but it's made even bolder due to the <b>matte finish,</b> without being drying or a nuisance to wear. </div>
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Would I repurchase this lipstick? <b>No.</b> Would I recommend it? <b>Yes.</b></div>
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This is miraculously <b>still available online on both MAC and Nordstrom</b> (and perhaps some other websites too), so if you want to dive blindly like I did then you still have your chance. I'm sure other brands have similar colors but, as MAC is my favorite brand of lipstick, I'm happy I was able to purchase this color from them. </div>
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Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by. I hope my review was helpful or, if not that, at least the slightest bit entertaining. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b></div>
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~nikki</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-69600325525640570662014-11-30T14:52:00.000-05:002015-01-27T17:23:50.250-05:00The IceBlock [23]: Happy Belated Thanksgiving + A Milestone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F06Sq92yNlGpD0nN8QCQl1C86YPrfc96Xj0pmBIe99B0QE-sKam3xXc69NfwyKk08OCn8hzJZo0dIxqOdw0EQabPf_7Q6rHtHwQNdZm08xURtaYpt8gcCuyvsT44iVsCPWpbjh-qUGc/s1600/Winner-2014-Twitter-Profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F06Sq92yNlGpD0nN8QCQl1C86YPrfc96Xj0pmBIe99B0QE-sKam3xXc69NfwyKk08OCn8hzJZo0dIxqOdw0EQabPf_7Q6rHtHwQNdZm08xURtaYpt8gcCuyvsT44iVsCPWpbjh-qUGc/s1600/Winner-2014-Twitter-Profile.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Holy Wow <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Maxi)</span>, here I am writing again. I'M JUST UNSTOPPABLE!<br />
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Okay, okay, I'm still a little...off, lol, since I pulled my all-nighter. 1 A.M. to 7 A.M. this morning, sprinting to finish my 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo but, even bigger than that, sprinting to <i>finish</i>.<br />
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I actually felt myself wanting to cry a little this morning when it was all done.<br />
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If you see my word count near the top right (or perhaps directly to the right of this post at the time it is published), you'll see that I just barely finished my 50,000 words. 50,015 was my validated count. NaNoWriMo goes through to the 30th, so I technically still have today to write even more for my novel, and in previous years I have continued writing through to the end, and beyond for a week or so. But this year it's not even possible, because my novel is <i>done</i>.<br />
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Quite a while back (almost two years ago, in fact), I published my <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-iceblock-7-ninos-asylum-done.html" target="_blank">eighth The IceBlock post</a> where I was thrilled because my short story, "Nino's Asylum," was done. Well, I've never been big on short stories - that's partially why I went the extra ten miles with my senior thesis and wrote a third of my first ever novel. The idea of writing a small collection of short stories was painful, so I said <i>no</i>. I want to be a novelist, so a novel is what I'm going to write. It was the idea I spent my first NaNoWriMo in 2011 working on, and it's still a story I treasure and will most definitely finish.<br />
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Then, in 2012, I had planned on participating in Camp NaNoWriMo. I asked my boyfriend at the time to throw random ideas my way. My first novel was a dream/nightmare that I had, revised many times over. This time I wanted something completely different - spontaneous, even. I don't remember all the ideas he gave me, but I do remember two words: Harmonica and Py. I sit here remembering all of those, completely floored, because I never thought those few random words would come together into a story I am not only proud of, but that is actually complete.<br />
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I started really working on the story in 2013, during my second NaNoWriMo, and when those 50,000 words were finished and I added about 10,000 more post-NaNo '13, I knew that the end was in reach and decided to dedicate 2014's NaNoWriMo to it, too. I figured this year's November would be especially challenging: not only would I have to finish one book, but I'd likely finish it only halfway through the goal word-count and would then have to switch my gears to focus on my first story from 2011.<br />
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Turns out it took all 50,000 words to finish only my prioritized story.<br />
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It really doesn't matter, though, because I'm done. I've written my first book. I've written a novel-length story. For the first time I feel validated. Like there was a reason why I chose the degree I chose.<br />
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Of course being published has a high percent of not happening, for now. If I stick with all of my ideas and put a lot of work into them beyond the first draft, I think I might have a chance. It's like the lottery, but I can't give up if writing is what I care about. What matters is that the first, and hardest, step towards that potential goal is finally complete: my novel is done!!!<br />
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Yup, I've said it a billion times in this post because I still can't believe it.<br />
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ANYWAY, I want to wish a quick happy belated Thanksgiving to all of those that celebrate it, and for those that don't, I hope you still have plenty of things in your life that make you happy and thankful that they're around. November is coming to a close and I'm ready to get back on track now that my monthly goal has been achieved. I'm ready to blog, and read books I've been wanting to read, and read my own book, too, to see what disaster follows, haha.<br />
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I hope you all had a fantastic month, and here's to being back. ('<>')><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-17072634073731034192014-11-02T23:45:00.001-05:002014-11-02T23:45:16.353-05:00Happy Halloween & A Quick UpdateHi everyone. Halloween was this past Friday, and I conveniently started to get sick last Tuesday. On Friday, I ended up taking the day off from work because of the "viral infection" I was diagnosed with the night before, and by Friday night I had bronchitis.<br />
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I was really excited for Halloween this year, and so you can imagine my disappointment when I had 100 fever Friday night. I was pretty much in bed, sleeping on and off, this entire weekend. Today my fever spiked to 102, but thankfully it's back to normal after taking some Motrin.<br />
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NaNoWriMo has also started, and I'm a bit behind thanks to all of this sickness. This is honestly a first for me - I've never gotten sick with infection twice in two months. I really think something is in the air this season. I feel like everyone around me is getting sick with fever.<br />
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So things have been...terrible, and interesting, I guess. I just wanted to give you a heads up about what's going on. I'm beyond behind with reviews, so at this point they'll be going up for the sake of documenting my thoughts on them, or something like that.<br />
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I hope you're all feeling better, and that you enjoy the rest of this week.<br />
<br />
~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-79176653356781150002014-10-25T23:10:00.000-04:002014-10-26T17:08:33.455-04:00Tag: One Lovely Blog Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2ApkFdB98vQ6LK5G-KN4OCYWma776MNrkVPIF_c69epenYDL3CA5AuYg81dVLbaAvY6QJbC2xuu4by9SioVqeJq9UEURt-CSiRu9sYlHCrWLqnXFTpw2BUS4aqvpi26IXCNdUV9HGtU/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2ApkFdB98vQ6LK5G-KN4OCYWma776MNrkVPIF_c69epenYDL3CA5AuYg81dVLbaAvY6QJbC2xuu4by9SioVqeJq9UEURt-CSiRu9sYlHCrWLqnXFTpw2BUS4aqvpi26IXCNdUV9HGtU/s1600/1.png" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello everyone! Hope you are enjoying your weekend. I never get tagged for anything, mainly because I'm usually just the follower that's lost in a group of hundreds of others, but <b>Mel</b> from <b><a href="http://imnotabeautyguru.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I'm Not a Beauty Guru</a></b> was sweet enough to think of my blog and tag me. Thank you again, and for those reading, do check out her blog. :)<br />
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I would explain the tag more but there is a set of guidelines already in place that does the explaining, so here are said guidelines as follows, albeit slightly modified:<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">1) You must display the award logo at the top of the post! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">2) You must thank the person who nominated you.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">3) You must add this set of rules to your post so that your nominees will know what to do.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">4) You must add 7 facts about yourself into the post.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">5) You must nominate </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">other blogs and leave links to each of them in your post! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Play; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">6) You must let the people who you have nominated know that they've been nominated!</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">There was a seventh rule about following the person who nominates you, but I deleted it because I could never, ever expect that of anyone. I don't even really advertise my blog because...I don't know...I feel like people who find pleasure in reading it will come of their own will. It has to do with how I am personally. Maybe because I'm a loner, and used to not having friends, but I feel like a bother asking anything of anyone, lol.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">...Should that count as a fact?! Sure, why not. That's fact <b>(1).</b> Now for the rest!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>(2)</b> Makeup used to be a bandage for me when I was 13 years old. My self esteem was pretty low, and I used to buy myself lip gloss to cheer up, because I loved the way it looked. Now, it's my primary hobby, perhaps at a tie with writing. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>(3)</b> Music is a huge part of my life. Before I got my writing degree, I was planning on pursuing one in music. I love to sing, my favorite instrument is the bass guitar, and I also enjoy playing the ocarina and the piano (although this one I don't actually <i>know </i>how to play). I have a SoundCloud but, because of fact (1), I don't publicize it on here. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>(4)</b> I am a pretty terrible person - I won't lie. I am totally aware of it. One of the ways I try to work on my flaws is through my writing. I will often base my antagonists on the parts of myself that should change, while my protagonists are based on what I hope to become. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>(5) </b>I am fascinated by the sky and flying. I feel like the sky is the one thing that we all share, across the world, that can't be divided or contained. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>(6)</b> Speaking of flying, I love penguins, which can't fly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>(7)</b> I curse a lot. You know, like a sailor. But you probably couldn't tell from this blog. I feel like a good portion of my personality is lost in my blog posts, not only because I try to keep it PG but because I treat this blog as a part of my "writing portfolio." I am still working on making my posts more "personable."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">And here's a <b>bonus fact</b>, because I just thought of it now and it really is a big part of my personality: I am extremely morbid. It's something my boyfriend doesn't like too much because it creeps him out. I can't do much about it. I am terrified of death, and as equally pensive about it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">So, there you have it: 7 (8) facts about me. Are you asleep yet?! x]</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The tag calls to re-tag 15 blogs - it's part of what I left out when I modified the guidelines ever so slightly - but I only have 2 that I'm going to nominate. I follow more than that, but most of the bloggers I follow are the well-known ones with hundreds of followers who won't even know, or possibly care, that I nominated them.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The two blogs I'd like to tag are:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>1. Jemimah from <a href="http://somegirlnamedjem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Some Girl Named Jem</a></b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Phoebe from <a href="http://glimpsesofthemoon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Glimpses of the Moon</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
I suppose I could also tag <b>Maxi</b> from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/countie65" target="_blank"><b>Countie65</b></a>. As you may tell, he doesn't actually have a blog - he makes videos and does covers under that username - but he is a good friend I've made through the music corner of this blog, so I'll give him a shout out, too. </span><br />
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Well, I hope this was fun for you to read, if anything. x] I enjoyed doing it - not because I love to talk about myself, but because the process of picking people to tag made me realize that I should be more active in the <i>full</i> blogger community. I actually follow way more YouTubers than bloggers, which is funny since the platform I use to share my opinion is blogging. I want to start visiting and supporting more bloggers, especially the smaller ones that aren't talked about often. If this tag does anything for you, let it encourage you to become more active in the blogging community. :)</span><br />
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I am exhausted, so I'll end this here. Thank you for stopping by, and 'til next time. <b>('<>')></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
~nikki</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-57058155899596756372014-10-21T22:23:00.002-04:002014-10-21T22:23:42.188-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Styled in Sepia" (LE) [The Matte Lip 2014]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ms2v65757DCh1Nc9utYtZaXHErS_MZF053xTptyyoKiyZ2WxuumyQXEeNTiWgEKDo9s5e1MEKxPurJ23ir0Zb1ztcff0SdaFsr2r8gkZ5aKMWP0GzImJfS2OmqZK3QfG0su3Wa3XNhA/s1600/DSCF3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ms2v65757DCh1Nc9utYtZaXHErS_MZF053xTptyyoKiyZ2WxuumyQXEeNTiWgEKDo9s5e1MEKxPurJ23ir0Zb1ztcff0SdaFsr2r8gkZ5aKMWP0GzImJfS2OmqZK3QfG0su3Wa3XNhA/s1600/DSCF3444.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Hi! Can you believe Halloween is in less than 2 weeks? October has been flying by for me..and with it, so is the decent weather. And the sunlight. The precious sunlight.<br />
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I really wanted to review "Fashion Revival" for you today, or both that and <b>"Styled in Sepia,"</b> but it's already 9:15 and I didn't realize that the pictures for "Fashion Revival" have yet to be edited. It looks like <b>"Styled in Sepia"</b> is next on the list, then, not that that is a <i>bad</i> thing. <b>"Styled in Sepia" is one of my favorite lipsticks from this collection. </b><br />
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Which brings me to the fact that I purchased one more, "Damn Glamorous," which I probably won't be able to take pictures for until Saturday, if luck is on my side and, with it, the sun.<br />
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Really, though, let's talk about <b>"Styled in Sepia." </b>Let's talk about the <b>collection's brownest lipstick</b>, since I just said in my last post that brown is my least favorite color family for lipsticks. Remember? =D<br />
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<b>Name:</b> Styled in Sepia<br />
<b>Net Wt.: </b>0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price:</b> $16.00<br />
<b>Finish: </b>Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7QAou14WevVJqJbpooYVwQGgRGc6elofkulxfZXBjt_hB6jfMtOQFFJqQK7pCcK2aF-YG4mP9t7sYOoKBRzicH8E8XAwfFsiCWaZtliq1K9G5i5O9a64frCe0PSW7on4MncyWfHSR9w/s1600/DSCF3443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7QAou14WevVJqJbpooYVwQGgRGc6elofkulxfZXBjt_hB6jfMtOQFFJqQK7pCcK2aF-YG4mP9t7sYOoKBRzicH8E8XAwfFsiCWaZtliq1K9G5i5O9a64frCe0PSW7on4MncyWfHSR9w/s1600/DSCF3443.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the <b>MAC website</b>, <b>"Styled in Sepia"</b> is described as a <b>"dirty cement beige."</b> I can see that. What I also see in is a kind of <b>grayed taupe</b>. Taupe, in my eyes, is typically a brown with a kind of ashy purple base to it. With <b>"Styled in Sepia" </b>the <b>ashy quality</b> is still there, but it's in the form of a rainy gray rather than a smokey purple. Honestly, if this was a purple-taupe, I'd look dead wearing it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWa972Kx30d_flcQnJSof1S2Q43OJWmhbGhLXD6dO-J0dCST7iCKdtiv53FPNZ00NFdTJJ3Iwb5XVc43YTaG5eVzc6BY3EcXViiruOGTBjhejWygQ1-v0IvLVk9lfChxw0apxKo16jrk/s1600/DSCF3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWa972Kx30d_flcQnJSof1S2Q43OJWmhbGhLXD6dO-J0dCST7iCKdtiv53FPNZ00NFdTJJ3Iwb5XVc43YTaG5eVzc6BY3EcXViiruOGTBjhejWygQ1-v0IvLVk9lfChxw0apxKo16jrk/s1600/DSCF3447.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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When shades like <b>"Styled in Sepia" </b>were released in the past, I didn't even give them a second look. I suppose I still wouldn't have considered this color if it wasn't for the word <b>"cement"</b> in MAC's description, and the <b>gray tone</b> that became apparent as pictures started surfacing online.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH8Z54bnzIkNmleSut-muKX89aMP74kjN_7M2on2AbKnLVxLF5ec9oKcQ-P_ytSOdaWOOYQaK4xMVub_JHghTe_iFJcGqrxg4Jfq4H83UeLe8db-kx7LKICtdhNjkyx6YI3Koab2IJu8/s1600/swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH8Z54bnzIkNmleSut-muKX89aMP74kjN_7M2on2AbKnLVxLF5ec9oKcQ-P_ytSOdaWOOYQaK4xMVub_JHghTe_iFJcGqrxg4Jfq4H83UeLe8db-kx7LKICtdhNjkyx6YI3Koab2IJu8/s1600/swatches.jpg" height="302" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know this is strange, but ever since I purchased NYX's Macaron Lippie in "Black Sesame," I realized that <b>I like the way gray looks against my skin tone. </b>Of course, "Black Sesame" is not the least bit wearable without the aid of additional makeup, but that's where <b>"Styled in Sepia"</b> really won my attention. <b>It has a gray cast to it but is still a wearable color. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kwvC197j7qDPXdD0Cz-XREK-W0RyUqjsr31TXsyKtzzOGPToG0cy4ra8yAJYvLE64H4o5-Jtqgt6I_GzI0SGJIddcatsUtj0O_NQL9WW6b0D3mpk6UOnWlILObtMJYZi4wo267FeUWY/s1600/DSCF3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kwvC197j7qDPXdD0Cz-XREK-W0RyUqjsr31TXsyKtzzOGPToG0cy4ra8yAJYvLE64H4o5-Jtqgt6I_GzI0SGJIddcatsUtj0O_NQL9WW6b0D3mpk6UOnWlILObtMJYZi4wo267FeUWY/s1600/DSCF3462.JPG" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <b>matte formula </b>here is, like the other recent mattes I've reviewed, <b>creamy, smooth, opaque, and comfortable</b> on the lips. It starts off with a slight sheen but eventually sets into its matte finish. And damn, I must say: <b>I really love having the soft, full look of a matte finish without the drying, cracking side effects. </b>I still prefer glossier lipsticks as my favorite finish, but the mattes I've been getting from MAC are wonderful. I've been impressed with the look and feel of them over and over with this collection especially - <b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/10/lips-macs-lipstick-in-pander-me-le.html#more" target="_blank">"Pander Me"</a></b> being the slight exception.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKLK3HEvYCVNm4ZeRys9NqiZSENstleDIboUwnhVly-KDUPFDh-o-lIw5h_xIoaxX60mqjNTHxDS-LlpDsbCBMOJx1eGeXzgcw0pFMZLMbGX0NtQ9N9xXApXrKPthM9SOqwd_TjJdBIo/s1600/facepicsis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKLK3HEvYCVNm4ZeRys9NqiZSENstleDIboUwnhVly-KDUPFDh-o-lIw5h_xIoaxX60mqjNTHxDS-LlpDsbCBMOJx1eGeXzgcw0pFMZLMbGX0NtQ9N9xXApXrKPthM9SOqwd_TjJdBIo/s1600/facepicsis.jpg" height="286" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I hesitate when I see brown lipsticks because of my coloring. Having brown hair and eyes, I almost feel like some browns have the potential to clash with my natural features, at least in terms of color. <b>The brown of "Styled in Sepia," however, really compliments my coloring. </b>It almost makes me think of another form of black and white. Rather than varying intensities of black, we have <b>varying intensities of brown. </b>It gives a very <b>sculpted, polished look </b>that, with a bit of contour around the cheeks and eyes, would be quite beautiful, in my opinion. Too bad I don't contour my cheeks, lol.<br />
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<b>Overall</b>, <b>"Styled in Sepia"</b> is a lovely <b>gray-toned brown</b> that applies <b>smoothly</b> and <b>opaquely</b>, and <b>wears comfortably</b> despite its <b>soft matte finish.</b> It may not be a color for everyone, but I really think it's worth trying out if it has your curiosity. And if you happen to know that you love the look of gray makeup on your face, then definitely give it a try.<br />
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I will say that I expect this to pull warmer on some complexions, mainly because even in my filtered-sunlight-lighting the color has a tendency to pull warmer than it actually wears on me. On my NC15-20 skin, this lipstick is warm enough to leave my face looking healthy, but not so warm that it pulls orange or red. It's also not so cool that it sucks the life out of me. <b>It's a nice balance of brown and gray that I really, really like.</b><br />
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Do I recommend this color? <b>Yes! </b>Would I repurchase? <b>No.</b><br />
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I'm not sure what the availability of this color looks like at counters, since it is <b>limited edition</b>, but it is still online on the MAC website, and is sure to be available on most department store websites, too.<br />
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Thank you for stopping by! 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-34737905903491169122014-10-14T23:11:00.001-04:002014-10-21T22:24:00.010-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Pander Me" (LE) [The Matte Lip 2014]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUqgMC3PqLqRz0ZK5tOGQYOlT2HSIZJLF93BDZyvrj9cKOTJXAYIkalqvoRM6bGWZxF0cF_238v2BhpMLW2FPmRZE3UUTTS6ALuM-QfSzCqsp3noZAs3Y6jBCh0RyiAuO6dS9CkZAags/s1600/DSCF3351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUqgMC3PqLqRz0ZK5tOGQYOlT2HSIZJLF93BDZyvrj9cKOTJXAYIkalqvoRM6bGWZxF0cF_238v2BhpMLW2FPmRZE3UUTTS6ALuM-QfSzCqsp3noZAs3Y6jBCh0RyiAuO6dS9CkZAags/s1600/DSCF3351.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Hi everyone. Sorry for the delay - remember when I said I had a sinus infection a couple of weeks ago? Well, for the past week my mom has had fever on and off, and she was finally diagnosed with bronchitis after seeing two doctors. Isn't fall in New York the greatest thing?<br />
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Anyway, if you saw my <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/10/macs-matte-lip-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">sneak peek</a> post regarding <b>MAC's <i>The Matte Lip </i>collection</b>, then you know that I purchased three of the seven <b>limited edition</b> lipsticks that launched with it, amongst other products. Today, I'm here to share my first of three reviews related to this collection: my thoughts on the lipstick <b>"Pander Me."</b><br />
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In my sneak peek post, I mentioned how <b>"Pander Me" wasn't actually my own pick </b>when I placed my order for part of the collection two weeks ago. It appealed to me at first, and then it didn't, and then it did again and didn't again, et cetera. Even now I can say that if my mom hadn't picked this lipstick, I still wouldn't have had second thoughts about it based on continuously emerging reviews and swatches across the web. Yet here it is with me, and here I am with you to say what my thoughts about this color all amount to.<br />
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Let's get right to it, then.<br />
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<b>Name:</b> Pander Me<br />
<b>Net Wt.: </b>0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price: </b>$16.00<br />
<b>Finish: </b>Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCaAnFS1mnd5QLDVDQFJMNMCRzFzflx091tuR1lY4FnyI5jf4cSxao5oYb2Ic3BIV08XueQGohtX9HkLMbXWv4kNlYnelJDLnf4P0WjIEVuQSnYgSyq1yhwHTRxa05HItVIiU5v3sdB8/s1600/DSCF3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCaAnFS1mnd5QLDVDQFJMNMCRzFzflx091tuR1lY4FnyI5jf4cSxao5oYb2Ic3BIV08XueQGohtX9HkLMbXWv4kNlYnelJDLnf4P0WjIEVuQSnYgSyq1yhwHTRxa05HItVIiU5v3sdB8/s1600/DSCF3349.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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On their site, <b>MAC describes "Pander Me" as a "soft peachy mocha." </b>The description is what caught my initial attention back when I first heard about the collection. Soon pictures started popping up, though, and I started seeing a brown and an orange and, overall, a color I wasn't completely into. Now that I have this lipstick in my possession, I would describe it as a <b>terracotta.</b> <i>That </i>inarguably sums the color up. Terracotta. Period.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbyWmyNSkDu7CKfJ6y2lngrbDnCj1ETiLPs13ncv0eaFI2Z8zY0YF97vbuic9xkqEGsR_Fb0yMBev7VehgCOGd-0NdByOJ_XxpMCGxrWusZ18R4yv-CBptt-ThF5S-lnLxFfSUskEb1o/s1600/DSCF3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbyWmyNSkDu7CKfJ6y2lngrbDnCj1ETiLPs13ncv0eaFI2Z8zY0YF97vbuic9xkqEGsR_Fb0yMBev7VehgCOGd-0NdByOJ_XxpMCGxrWusZ18R4yv-CBptt-ThF5S-lnLxFfSUskEb1o/s1600/DSCF3397.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Truthfully speaking, I see this color and I think "fall." I would say it is the lipstick in my collection that best represents this earthy, depressing season. Okay - ignore the 'depressing' in there, as that doesn't sound appealing at all. This color <i>is </i>appealing. It's a <b>beautifully burnt orange-brown</b> that makes me think of <b>pottery</b>, <b>crumbling leaves</b>, and the <b>softening warmth of summer</b>. It's a straight-up <b>terracotta </b>that <b>pulls either more brown or more orange</b>, depending on your skin tone. Hence all the varying pictures that were scantly surfacing online over a month ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsuiZjHarNKNp5qfJV9LOdCe9RNDCQrwZ1GuxeV93R0mgtkTtRceEIbVWx-nc8ev32e5-txdTry1US_-rCfsCWrSCkfxoX7g6gAYuPcc9dIp1JwQ8lpcEQSvluhOcXij00_a2by4ygh8/s1600/DSCF3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsuiZjHarNKNp5qfJV9LOdCe9RNDCQrwZ1GuxeV93R0mgtkTtRceEIbVWx-nc8ev32e5-txdTry1US_-rCfsCWrSCkfxoX7g6gAYuPcc9dIp1JwQ8lpcEQSvluhOcXij00_a2by4ygh8/s1600/DSCF3402.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I personally wanted more of a warm brown, than a brown-toned orange, but I got something in between the two - perhaps leaning more towards brown than orange (yay). I want to say that the <b>swatch above</b> is the <b>most color-accurate </b>of all the pictures in this post, but it may be pulling a bit more brown than it appears on my lips (or my lips may be bringing out the orange in the color a bit more - who knows).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAuLdtwrK2yrOjSNj2IpU4zCcWatWjZF9SDViKYQ3Y1GWoQZHFV1EbWNAH5_pZCg9h7_By4oaHyofMci5Vku-PvlFcMXwKl0hzEfWZKlNJ67MCVXAFU0drW6c1TGIOxaNZijFucPjqZk/s1600/DSCF3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAuLdtwrK2yrOjSNj2IpU4zCcWatWjZF9SDViKYQ3Y1GWoQZHFV1EbWNAH5_pZCg9h7_By4oaHyofMci5Vku-PvlFcMXwKl0hzEfWZKlNJ67MCVXAFU0drW6c1TGIOxaNZijFucPjqZk/s1600/DSCF3354.JPG" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
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As for the above <b>lip swatch</b>, where this lipstick clearly pulls more orange, I would say the difference is partly due to the influence of the sun that I use as my (indirect) source of lighting. Either way, the above color is definitely a <b>terracotta</b> as opposed to an orange. I was relieved by this because I almost thought that <b>"Pander Me"</b> might be a neutral orange, much like Revlon's limited edition <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/lips-revlons-super-lustrous-lipstick-in.html" target="_blank">"Jungle Peach,"</a> which I enjoy, but not enough to want a duplicate of. I didn't include comparisons of the two in this post because they are actually nothing alike, thankfully.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJizGGIoX_E29gjfE5C_p5XMoghEhpgRI7ZAPFjQC9MCzONmHzrSUOaYXy6nyK4GAkdE41Wu9efyzeLRL5QoibZDO95FqPqsIiKaxDMDXFiqQ3jLiUBclO6bMUEvdtS07Fkc-2uOVBFFs/s1600/DSCF3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJizGGIoX_E29gjfE5C_p5XMoghEhpgRI7ZAPFjQC9MCzONmHzrSUOaYXy6nyK4GAkdE41Wu9efyzeLRL5QoibZDO95FqPqsIiKaxDMDXFiqQ3jLiUBclO6bMUEvdtS07Fkc-2uOVBFFs/s1600/DSCF3387.JPG" height="264" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I've gone on long enough regarding the damn color of this lipstick. As I said before, <b>"Pander Me"</b> is <b>limited edition</b> and, as suggested by the collection's title, it has a <b>matte finish</b>. Of the three matte lipsticks I purchased from <i><b>The Matte Lip</b></i>, <b>"Pander Me"</b> <b>wears the most drying.</b> It does <b>apply smoothly</b>, and feel for the most part <b>comfortable</b> on the lips, much like MAC's previous collection's mattes (<a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/09/lips-macs-lipstick-in-good-kisser-le.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/09/lips-macs-lipstick-in-lingering-kiss-le.html" target="_blank">here</a>), but <b>the color just <i>looks</i> drying</b> on my lips much sooner than my other semi-creamy mattes from MAC. This may likely be due to the soft yet bright color, which makes lip lines and any "cakey" pooling harder to hide.<br />
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As for the actual finish, <b>"Pander Me" is definitely a matte</b>, even if it starts with the slightest sheen directly after application. And, as a matte, the color is <b>rich and long-wearing.</b><br />
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With all that being said, although <b>"Pander Me" is a lovely warm, earthy color </b>that <b>applies smoothly</b> and <b>wears comfortably</b> for a matte - <i>and</i> is <b>unique in my collection</b> - <b>it's just not my kind of color.</b> I like it, and I will use it and enjoy the fact that it's very different from what I own, but I will always love and, inevitably, prefer colors with some form of pink/purple in them. Brown is actually my least favorite lip color**, and orange is ironically my second least favorite (I say ironically because my absolute favorite color is pink-coral, which is only perfect when it has a noticeable amount of orange in it). Earthy tones are also my least favorite colors in general although, again, I don't dislike them - I simply prefer jewel-tones and pastels.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Remember this.</span><br />
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I will continue to wear <b>"Pander Me"</b> throughout the season so that I can become more accustomed to its color and appreciate it more. As far as <b>recommendation</b> goes, I recommend <b>"Pander Me"</b> if you enjoy the color and want the matte finish, since the formula is quite comfortable and noticeably nicer than other MAC mattes ("Candy Yum Yum"). Again: don't misunderstand me. This lipstick is a beautiful color. I mean, really - I only spoke about the color in around three chunks of text! Haha.<br />
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Would I repurchase it, though? <b>No.</b><br />
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I hope you found this review helpful, and thanks for stopping by. 'Til next time! <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-49848491516245032962014-10-05T22:25:00.000-04:002014-10-05T22:25:09.483-04:00MAC's The Matte Lip Sneak Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4Hf2LibXbtkacOXJbeFdvSjJ-7ceNcCtM9auO7fLtauNK_pUMz2pX9SWpyF3CWstNOsdCuC38OKtVPBup7OBEMGz9GAXhgu6ZqayLIu8hRlafXZRB9kKWkDog5AworFdgRPq7BkzbEA/s1600/DSCF3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4Hf2LibXbtkacOXJbeFdvSjJ-7ceNcCtM9auO7fLtauNK_pUMz2pX9SWpyF3CWstNOsdCuC38OKtVPBup7OBEMGz9GAXhgu6ZqayLIu8hRlafXZRB9kKWkDog5AworFdgRPq7BkzbEA/s1600/DSCF3328.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Hi everyone! Today's post is going to be a <b>quick look </b>at the products I purchased from MAC's newest collection, <i><b>The Matte Lip</b></i>. The collection just launched online this past Thursday and my order was delivered Friday evening. Between the fact that the weather has been moody and the fact that the lipsticks I picked up are, well, matte, I was only able to take pictures for reviews for two of the three that I purchased. If I was able to get all three done, I wouldn't even bother with this but, clearly, that wasn't the case.<br />
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<i><b>The Matte Lip</b></i> features <b>eight lipsticks</b> - <b>seven limited edition shades and one from the permanent line</b> - as well as p<b>ermanent additions</b> to MAC's line of <b>Pro Longwear lip pencils and blushes.</b> Not surprisingly, the three products I picked up were <b>three lipsticks</b>, and all three are <b>limited edition shades</b>.<br />
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So, for the sake of providing hopefully helpful images while they still <i>are </i>helpful (you know, before stuff sells out), I have for you <b>quick swatches</b> of the three colors I picked up: <b>"Pander Me," "Fashion Revival," and "Styled in Sepia." </b><br />
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Fun side story: <b>I originally purchased <i>four </i>lipsticks from this collection. </b>My mom's birthday was this weekend and she loved the look of <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/09/lips-macs-lipstick-in-good-kisser-le.html" target="_blank">"Good Kisser"</a> (which I later surprised her with), so I wanted to pick something up for her from this collection. I already knew which three colors I wanted: "La Vie En Rouge," "Styled in Sepia," and "Fashion Revival." When I let her pick from the eight, my mom chose "Pander Me."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-sF9iuHN6R_FZJZmwrDOklTdg4e5w_4-O0BADiPuMVgTkU4zwI7TvARYhjs2vefUYoM1OwKXSUGLbjixFWTFiF-uiKYhMCgnPQjnsq0sb_6uoQ_bsEedr_PjKg4piC2oGPCM252Y_bI/s1600/DSCF3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-sF9iuHN6R_FZJZmwrDOklTdg4e5w_4-O0BADiPuMVgTkU4zwI7TvARYhjs2vefUYoM1OwKXSUGLbjixFWTFiF-uiKYhMCgnPQjnsq0sb_6uoQ_bsEedr_PjKg4piC2oGPCM252Y_bI/s1600/DSCF3329.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: "Pander Me," "Fashion Revival," "Styled in Sepia."</td></tr>
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Fast-forward to Friday evening: I let my mom pick which color she liked the most from the four that arrived, and she ended up thinking "Pander Me" was ugly. Instead, she picked <b>"La Vie En Rouge." </b>Ironically, earlier this week I purchased a Nars Audacious lipstick in "Grace," which <a href="http://www.temptalia.com/mac-matte-lip-lipsticks-reviews-photos-swatches-part" target="_blank">Temptalia </a>compares to "La Vie En Rouge." Needless to say, on me the two look identical, and so "La Vie En Rouge" was taken away from me painlessly. <i>Of course I picked the coral. And of course I managed to pick up the exact same shade from another brand the same week. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7lu1OTZm5HNE0kfN32Uko0bY-UH6iPZWfPhUnaCRuTntXHAGj0L785APDJC9dBj_Wb0gC9JLrOfPmL1KyVoidsxtvHj8Ny3v9WpNMlVwgiQI8rAK0Kz-WAyrGxK-cjtN-q_orIAnnNY/s1600/DSCF3340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7lu1OTZm5HNE0kfN32Uko0bY-UH6iPZWfPhUnaCRuTntXHAGj0L785APDJC9dBj_Wb0gC9JLrOfPmL1KyVoidsxtvHj8Ny3v9WpNMlVwgiQI8rAK0Kz-WAyrGxK-cjtN-q_orIAnnNY/s1600/DSCF3340.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>So I have a fourth limited edition lipstick from this collection somewhere in the house. </b>I personally chose not to take pictures of it, since I own a permanent lipstick by another brand that may as well be the same color (oh there are differences when I swatch them - subtle ones - but they are identical on my lips). Another fun fact: I didn't really care for "Pander Me" when I saw the tube of it, but I'll get into that more when I review it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYv7nQkCx1QxuydZMSu2rA0HX2eQvYnaYwCRTRqDSMNLHnzudeae6NgRnzIvd_zVPeX8TioLzYW3YHck5YFoICpo0yAd8HvEVBZPZl1IHW9WtJglE9rcBKwTdzoWNcGlvvbo8eCnj6Fg/s1600/DSCF3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYv7nQkCx1QxuydZMSu2rA0HX2eQvYnaYwCRTRqDSMNLHnzudeae6NgRnzIvd_zVPeX8TioLzYW3YHck5YFoICpo0yAd8HvEVBZPZl1IHW9WtJglE9rcBKwTdzoWNcGlvvbo8eCnj6Fg/s1600/DSCF3331.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: "Pander Me," "Fashion Revival," "Styled in Sepia."</td></tr>
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Anyway, I almost want to say this is my <b>second favorite collection</b> from MAC - the first being <i><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/macs-april-2014-collection-playland.html" target="_blank">Playland</a></i>, hands down - mainly because it has a <b>nice, well-rounded selection of colors</b>. And my original three choices felt like a well-rounded choice of colors - a coral, a berry, and a brown - but with the way everything worked out, I now have the three above, haha.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHVfWijtoShIZkEZBcMwzBNxiHC1Hv11rL9wY0n3HX_zgo163LoNVZXiY5feJa5WjoIfEctFm-6tb10oWIEPL3Da_NkZuJvfDZKnPQxIgve-_WFGop3RYjQl1afCrC7ysaHdDQ43IYgA/s1600/DSCF3336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHVfWijtoShIZkEZBcMwzBNxiHC1Hv11rL9wY0n3HX_zgo163LoNVZXiY5feJa5WjoIfEctFm-6tb10oWIEPL3Da_NkZuJvfDZKnPQxIgve-_WFGop3RYjQl1afCrC7ysaHdDQ43IYgA/s1600/DSCF3336.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: "Pander Me," Fashion Revival," "Styled in Sepia."</td></tr>
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I don't want to say much about these just yet - especially since I have two lipsticks picture-ready for review - but I will say, keeping true to the theme of 'sneak peek,' that <b>in the above pictures, the lipsticks are ordered from my least favorite to my favorite.</b> That is to say, "Styled in Sepia" ended up being my favorite from the collection, while "Pander Me" is my least favorite.<br />
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In a way this collection isn't special, because so many of the colors are colors that are not only easy to dupe, but easy to dupe with other MAC lipsticks. But, if you see colors that you like, and want to try out <b>MAC's more comfortable, creamy matte formula</b>, this collection is a kind of treat. I know I was really happy with the mattes in <i>A Novel Romance </i>(<a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/09/lips-macs-lipstick-in-lingering-kiss-le.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/09/lips-macs-lipstick-in-good-kisser-le.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<i>,</i> so I was glad to see a nice assortment of colors in the same formula with <i><b>The Matte Lip</b></i>. And for me, personally, <b>"Styled in Sepia" and "Pander Me" are shades I find fairly unique</b>, at least compared to what I already own.<br />
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I hope these quick swatches are helpful! This collection hasn't sold out yet on MAC - and it has been a few days now - so I don't think there's much of a rush to buy things as soon as possible. Regardless, I'm going to try to get reviews on two of the three lipsticks up this week, and hopefully this weekend will be a sunny one so I can take pictures of the third.<br />
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Here's to a wonderful week! 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-29043724809125331572014-09-24T21:17:00.000-04:002014-09-24T21:17:01.623-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Lingering Kiss" (LE) [A Novel Romance 2014] + Comparison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tHvCwPSdQVCFqkUnT6mhSzxswZIVAer5jFaFDr2eHGu7pJ0lLrBS4mJmIUXwR63GJOOS5E_6M3a36M5zws6quYcuDxagLgp3aJwu50oUI5CJXOD19NHgYbhxNs_mz0Aiy0xb8gKU2ls/s1600/DSCF3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tHvCwPSdQVCFqkUnT6mhSzxswZIVAer5jFaFDr2eHGu7pJ0lLrBS4mJmIUXwR63GJOOS5E_6M3a36M5zws6quYcuDxagLgp3aJwu50oUI5CJXOD19NHgYbhxNs_mz0Aiy0xb8gKU2ls/s1600/DSCF3284.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Hi everyone. I guess you could say I've had quite a rocky start to my new job, based on my last post. Then, this past Saturday, I caught the infamous sinus infection that I've managed to avoid for almost 2 years. I'm on a roll. I feel like my "strongest" week was two weeks ago...which was my very first week, when I was at the start of training.<br />
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This post - ugh, this poor post is so overdue. I'm sorry.<br />
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Today, finally, I'm reviewing the third and last lipstick of the three I picked up from <b>MAC's <i>A Novel Romance</i> collection</b>, <b>"Lingering Kiss."</b> I don't even know if this color is still available. It may be, but I'm honestly not sure.<br />
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Without wasting more time, let's move on to the review.<br />
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<b>Name:</b> "Lingering Kiss"<br />
<b>Net Wt.: </b>0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price:</b> $16.00<br />
<b>Finish:</b> Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKJhMDwas8S8h_EE5Qb8sLlu8UASm0UgpEFcYRSZwMKs6tbz17Z7G3cIS2RhddpZce-4kW8nMTytRqEoCeslWGf1pPglRLK-yZmEU_bEuk3SyL7QiNcZGWgyq6PXpP9tHY7Vyj1Ph5Tw/s1600/DSCF3270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKJhMDwas8S8h_EE5Qb8sLlu8UASm0UgpEFcYRSZwMKs6tbz17Z7G3cIS2RhddpZce-4kW8nMTytRqEoCeslWGf1pPglRLK-yZmEU_bEuk3SyL7QiNcZGWgyq6PXpP9tHY7Vyj1Ph5Tw/s1600/DSCF3270.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>"Lingering Kiss"</b> is one of the three <b>limited edition</b> matte-finish lipsticks from <b><i>A Novel Romance</i></b>. On <b>MAC's site</b>, the color is described as a <b>"deep plum red."</b> It's funny, because when I swipe this lipstick against a white surface, I agree with MAC wholeheartedly. <b>On me</b>, however, it looks much more like a <b>burgundy</b>. I can detect more brown before I begin to detect any purple. Strange how that works.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian-94FrlTyBGkVBh9JDMKFnsnzzrsW-qWXiI9uKVw3e2RyqgWhfZP8d9uJTyHq6LKgP4gyNiY_qGOPV96poy2wHMZ52cTXLXJxVn1VqoCw5UGtI_BmenEUQTdbylVsEeCUmJlKSQjyaY/s1600/DSCF3279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian-94FrlTyBGkVBh9JDMKFnsnzzrsW-qWXiI9uKVw3e2RyqgWhfZP8d9uJTyHq6LKgP4gyNiY_qGOPV96poy2wHMZ52cTXLXJxVn1VqoCw5UGtI_BmenEUQTdbylVsEeCUmJlKSQjyaY/s1600/DSCF3279.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you read my review on <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/09/lips-macs-lipstick-in-good-kisser-le.html" target="_blank">"Good Kisser,"</a> then you know I purchased mattes from this collection because I heard great things about them.<b> "Lingering Kiss,"</b> much like "Good Kisser," is a <b>creamy, comfortable matte </b>with <b>rich color payoff</b>. If MAC's mattes continue in this direction, I will definitely be expanding on my matte lipstick collection. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1xI2WPwj9F4_o6fIxa_OmDCqDT9xHKLenkK0hpUhjkRepGvr8yLMInvMRlHyW57p8PUqTHKmzUkgELxUGQF-HAvgsES2pI55hyphenhyphenpXE3SCivk2jG3Tq8w_bJl92IEt7o5X4LQQbEl45oM/s1600/DSCF3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1xI2WPwj9F4_o6fIxa_OmDCqDT9xHKLenkK0hpUhjkRepGvr8yLMInvMRlHyW57p8PUqTHKmzUkgELxUGQF-HAvgsES2pI55hyphenhyphenpXE3SCivk2jG3Tq8w_bJl92IEt7o5X4LQQbEl45oM/s1600/DSCF3276.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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The level of pigmentation, and the <b>smooth consistency</b>, are apparent in the above swatch where, honestly, the swatched color looks identical to the color in the tube. It's like a <b>deep, almost blackened burgundy</b> with a <b>slight hint of purple</b>...<i>slight</i>...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkJ1-rBbwLRtDPJOvaZPb7Ib-11KkDekB3zvZIUaXvXd809h18CQiQbxKkCLT-CFywDvoAyxzkAf7YkLEsMveGgzLxxnbdBqZlObTOcgbfRdk1Uu2u6fcuyzQkAPQQlSdg6Z_-RObwNg/s1600/DSCF3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkJ1-rBbwLRtDPJOvaZPb7Ib-11KkDekB3zvZIUaXvXd809h18CQiQbxKkCLT-CFywDvoAyxzkAf7YkLEsMveGgzLxxnbdBqZlObTOcgbfRdk1Uu2u6fcuyzQkAPQQlSdg6Z_-RObwNg/s1600/DSCF3291.JPG" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everything I said up until this point is why I die a little inside looking at the above picture. When I purchased my <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/01/lips-macs-lipsticks-in-punk-couture-le.html" target="_blank"><i>Punk Couture</i> lipsticks </a>last December, I thought it was the matte formula that made them so patchy. Well, I can now say that it's just these <b>deep matte colors</b> that <b>suffer from the patchiness.</b> And it's not even incredibly patchy - it's JUST the center of my bottom lip. Deep mattes just never seem to grab there, and I have no idea why. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHChToaz13IfhvwJALSVGU0JLboMy7Su3EJfWPnTaol9bAUTCoEPIMcasZqNZIbde_zXTvslTB4kqnXZ6Ms3piNpu1wWNnfiZ_iuWe3KGFB10qVlLrb2OnPeXRLOrbBZmnWxlZBRjuCRI/s1600/DSCF3316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHChToaz13IfhvwJALSVGU0JLboMy7Su3EJfWPnTaol9bAUTCoEPIMcasZqNZIbde_zXTvslTB4kqnXZ6Ms3piNpu1wWNnfiZ_iuWe3KGFB10qVlLrb2OnPeXRLOrbBZmnWxlZBRjuCRI/s1600/DSCF3316.JPG" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mean, <i>look</i> at that! And I tried to doctor that part of my lower lip with multiple layers, too. </div>
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Anywho, patchiness aside, <b>"Lingering Kiss"</b> is a <b>bold, deep lipstick</b> that, on my fair-to-light skin, <b>takes some confidence to wear.</b> The first time I wore it out, I felt like I had straight-up black lipstick on and was self-conscious for a bit. After a while, though, I decided: who the eff cares what insignificant people think. I love bright, bold lipsticks and actually enjoy exploring the deep, bold half of the spectrum. </div>
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As for the <b>comparison</b>, I'll be upfront with you and say that <b>I have no dupe</b>. I'm sure one exists, but I don't personally own it. The following comparison I did because <b>"Lingering Kiss"</b> reminded me of this other lipstick in my collection. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYlHSqKp1aWQMoxNdxd7M_l8ipII2tjBjNIP7TDMJ07i2zKtzrtDhGU_6JVN3vBjSrGupbgUMOWvfLzonsZ7octsLqNq4XT8QHKVt2_phFUQ3oc-2lxlot5P7QjAvsWD3-o5nUX7sakc/s1600/DSCF3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYlHSqKp1aWQMoxNdxd7M_l8ipII2tjBjNIP7TDMJ07i2zKtzrtDhGU_6JVN3vBjSrGupbgUMOWvfLzonsZ7octsLqNq4XT8QHKVt2_phFUQ3oc-2lxlot5P7QjAvsWD3-o5nUX7sakc/s1600/DSCF3323.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEFT: "Lingering Kiss"<br />RIGHT: "Instigator"</td></tr>
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Said lipstick - swatched on the right above - is <b>"Instigator,"</b> one of the two <i>Punk Couture</i> lipsticks I mentioned just before. Next to "Instigator," <b>"Lingering Kiss" looks especially brown</b> and, vice versa, "Instigator" looks especially purple. The only things these two colors have in common are (a) red and (b) depth. They're also both mattes - may as well point that out. </div>
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But, even though both formulas hate my lower lip, I will say that <b>"Lingering Kiss"</b> <b>is noticeably more comfortable than "Instigator" <i>and</i> its cousin, "Punk Couture." </b></div>
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...I guess there's no point in pointing out how one triumphs over the other formula-wise when they don't compare in color, huh?</div>
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<b>Overall, "Lingering Kiss"</b> is a <b>beautiful, deep plum</b> that may pull more burgundy or more of a blackened plum, depending on your coloring. The <b>matte formula</b> is wonderfully <b>creamy and smooth</b> during application, and the matte finish in combination with the deep color makes for an exceptionally <b>bold lip</b>, especially on those on the lighter half of the spectrum such as myself. </div>
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With that being said, I personally think <b>"Lingering Kiss" would look gorgeous on just about everyone</b>. <b>It all comes down to your expectations of the color</b>, since it seems to pull brownish-red on some and purplish-red on others. I actually wanted it to be more of a purplish-red on me, but I'm flexible when it comes to lip colors, so it wasn't much of a problem that the color had much more brown than I had hoped for. Just something to keep in mind.</div>
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Would I repurchase this color? <b>No.</b> Do I recommend it? <b>Yes</b>, if it's the kind of color and finish you're interested in. It's a beautiful fall and winter color if you go by the seasons and, if you don't, it's a beautiful statement lipstick in general. It <i>is</i> <b>limited edition</b>, however, and it has been a while since the collection was released, so I don't know how easy it'll be to find this lipstick if you <i>are </i>interested in purchasing it.</div>
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I hope you found this review helpful, and thanks for stopping by. 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b></div>
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~nikki</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-55559257784770848672014-09-12T22:27:00.000-04:002014-09-12T22:27:12.303-04:00On LossDear Niki,<br />
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I don't think very far with this. Buy a hamburger. If I had a lot of money you wouldn't long for anything. Take care of yourself. You are very special. <u>I love you</u>.<br />
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Hugs + Kisses<br />Grandma</div>
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Marie<br />1930-2014</div>
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A part of me is gone with you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-51963552996752572262014-09-10T23:14:00.000-04:002014-09-10T23:14:16.417-04:00The IceBlock [22]: Fall In Every SenseHi everyone. Can you guess why I've been on the quiet side?<br />
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I feel like everyone wants to shout "Fall is here!" and start talking about change the second September rolls around. Maybe I fall into that category; maybe I don't. It's September 10 and fall begins on one of the month's nine 20's...<br />
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Regardless, this post is a lot about change, and also about things staying the same. It's about where I've been, and to reassure you that this blog is still my baby and that I continue to love writing and reviewing stuff. The quiet is temporary.<br />
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The biggest change that has happened to me this month (well, over the past few weeks) is that I have a new job. An office job. I'm not only making more money than my previous job, but I'm sitting for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week as opposed to standing for three 11 hour days and one 7 hour day.<br />
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I feel like I have so much more free time now...and it's only been three days. Yes, I know: things always seem amazing at the start. I'm staying grounded, don't worry. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't take another baby step forward.<br />
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It's a completely different job, with an (obviously) completely different schedule - I may even never need to take the atrocious train ever again. That makes my heart melt in the best possible way.<br />
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But that's why I've been quiet. I've been transitioning from one job to the next. I didn't post about this here, but I did state elsewhere that saying goodbye to my coworkers on my last day - this past Friday - actually had me feeling sad. They appreciated me, and I finally saw that when I was leaving. Not because they never made it apparent - they did - but I'm so hard on myself that I always felt like I do more bad than good.<br />
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I'm too used to feeling as if I make little to no impact on the people around me. Then, when I am noticed and appreciated, I feel grateful. I guess I am far from taking appreciation for granted, which can't be a bad thing, right?<br />
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With that aside, I am excited with this new job, and trying my best to learn everything as quickly as possible. I want to be independent...to serve a purpose in the company. I've always been this way.<br />
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And that's when the change takes a turn. Let's talk about what has stayed the same: me. That is both a good and bad thing. I still work hard, I still try to learn quickly, I still focus on my work. But I've also noticed something, today in particular: that maybe I'm doomed to be a loner forever.<br />
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We had a meeting today (my first ever meeting), and a colleague invited me to sit with him and few others at that specific table. So many times - and I think I've mentioned this in other IceBlock posts - I've regretted being a loner, and pushing away the opportunities for friendship, specifically in school. Without even thinking, though, I politely turned down his offer, creating (with great ease, I may add) a reason as to why I was okay with my lonely chair, by my lonely self.<br />
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It's like I'm so used to the routine of saying no, and staying alone. I want to be more social - I'm not looking to hang out outside of work or anything like that, but to have friends at least - and it seems impossible. I have this habit built inside of me to always be alone. To take comfort in being alone.<br />
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I don't know. I really don't. I'm going to try and be more aware of the decisions I make regarding other people, or at least try to, from this point on. I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
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Otherwise...<br />
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I will try posting content this weekend, and I'm, again, definitely not dumping my blog to the side. Just making as smooth a transition as possible to a fairly big change in my life.<br />
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We'll be in touch. ('<>')><br />
<br />
~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336114110503572427.post-89099627602120948062014-09-01T19:36:00.000-04:002014-09-01T19:36:03.464-04:00Lips: MAC's Lipstick in "Good Kisser" (LE) [A Novel Romance 2014] + Comparison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44mGLFC3tklYBt3KdaZmQydi6sxMembSq7JNVfi0y5e70yNSr1lqi6Wj65uBOJz1QsOf6y35I_A-H4Ih79CEHo94byl1eA9s-3MjOZLk52B1VuCSNnrjaknn28Ea4-iWn-6-tGXCdRE0/s1600/DSCF3172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44mGLFC3tklYBt3KdaZmQydi6sxMembSq7JNVfi0y5e70yNSr1lqi6Wj65uBOJz1QsOf6y35I_A-H4Ih79CEHo94byl1eA9s-3MjOZLk52B1VuCSNnrjaknn28Ea4-iWn-6-tGXCdRE0/s1600/DSCF3172.JPG" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">PURCHASED</a></b></div>
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Hi everyone. Happy Labor Day for those of you in the states, whether you're off or not (and if you are, then I hope you're enjoying your free day). I feel weird writing this review because if you read my <b><a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/08/lips-macs-lipstick-in-yield-to-love-le.html" target="_blank">last review</a></b> from <b>MAC's <i>A Novel Romance</i> collection</b>, then you know I said I was passing on <b>"Good Kisser"</b> since I own "Red Balloon," a supposed dupe for it. I was also waiting for "Lingering Kiss" to arrive in the mail, which it has.<br />
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Well, I brought my tube of "Red Balloon" to a MAC counter where I knew <b>"Good Kisser"</b> was still in stock just over a week ago. I won't say <b>how they compare</b> - you'll see for yourself near the end of this review - but I did decide to pick up<b> "Good Kisser,"</b> and I'm ready to review it for you today.<br />
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<b>Name: </b>Good Kisser<br />
<b>Net Wt.:</b> 0.1 oz./ 3 g.<br />
<b>Price:</b> $16.00<br />
<b>Finish:</b> Matte<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZfoqzXdIVKj9u0qUKXfARq3DxN-h4DD0Cf3oXB3lOvcIOYH6nNXneMBBR566HLeU1IE-AoOd5uUxGiylfd37isnDSkax7DOGAN-TVaLyR9mhFmWWkgpMJa4H37RqInwk_dRUB70Gt98/s1600/DSCF3175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZfoqzXdIVKj9u0qUKXfARq3DxN-h4DD0Cf3oXB3lOvcIOYH6nNXneMBBR566HLeU1IE-AoOd5uUxGiylfd37isnDSkax7DOGAN-TVaLyR9mhFmWWkgpMJa4H37RqInwk_dRUB70Gt98/s1600/DSCF3175.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of three <b>limited edition</b> matte lipsticks in MAC's <b><i>A Novel Romance</i></b> collection, <b>MAC describes "Good Kisser" as "a midtone fuchsia."</b> I'm not sure what they mean by "midtone," but if <b>I were to describe "Good Kisser" myself, I'd say it's a bright fuchsia.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgKUAxUnJKMlHqZO0-AoL40tyPweY4c0YFi3LWyywaNqQY8gyf-vJ7YDRW3xImDlAefPFWKaVlukQB1trKtgCMaX-RSrMet6FPsI4NZUKWhIdRlxY9_P_oI9J-oratq8I4oKZrl0Erto/s1600/DSCF3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgKUAxUnJKMlHqZO0-AoL40tyPweY4c0YFi3LWyywaNqQY8gyf-vJ7YDRW3xImDlAefPFWKaVlukQB1trKtgCMaX-RSrMet6FPsI4NZUKWhIdRlxY9_P_oI9J-oratq8I4oKZrl0Erto/s1600/DSCF3177.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>I have had mixed experiences with MAC's matte formula.</b> <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/01/lips-macs-lipsticks-in-punk-couture-le.html" target="_blank">"Punk Couture" and "Instigator"</a> from MAC's <i>Punk Couture</i> 2013 collection not only tug during application, but are consistently a bit patchy on my lower lip. <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/06/lips-macs-lipstick-in-dodgy-girl-le.html" target="_blank">"Dodgy Girl"</a> from their <i>Sharon and Kelly Osbourne </i>collection fares much better, although it still has the potential to make my lips appear slightly dry if they aren't prepped well enough. Then there's "Candy Yum Yum," which I haven't reviewed but is the worst matte lipstick I've ever tried from MAC.<br />
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When it came to the mattes from <i><b>A Novel Romance</b></i>, I heard that the quality was so good that some even considered them to be moisturizing, despite their finish. Now that I own <b>"Good Kisser"</b> and "Lingering Kiss," my verdict is this: <b>I wouldn't call these lipsticks moisturizing, but yes, yes, <i>yes. </i>They are the most comfortable mattes I've ever tried from MAC </b>(and some of the most comfortable mattes I've ever tried in general)<b>. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsZB7q9D1w4bW3xS7DTrySrhI7vGaaSCsHB9AAFmV5xTPLfs9Z0zgIFYdT4s6fvBYvRO-X9_ksG2fYMZ9cON5HTDaU8l0sxwCO02nT80f2PmRka66_XSAK8mFcbbL-Nf4iLjg4F3oKYo/s1600/DSCF3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsZB7q9D1w4bW3xS7DTrySrhI7vGaaSCsHB9AAFmV5xTPLfs9Z0zgIFYdT4s6fvBYvRO-X9_ksG2fYMZ9cON5HTDaU8l0sxwCO02nT80f2PmRka66_XSAK8mFcbbL-Nf4iLjg4F3oKYo/s1600/DSCF3180.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>"Good Kisser" does not tug </b>on my lips at all, and <b>feels extra creamy during application</b>. There is also <b>no sign of patchiness</b>: just <b>rich, smooth color.</b> And once it settles into its matte finish, it makes my lips look like <b>velvet.</b> It's just gorgeous all-around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHfHnsF6Mn4iqGlf45xk6Re-8XNfWuLbD8WhfRElx1L2m_RzfhfnDg2T99JvOc2HHl5UD3-5bIQkVUWAVE9FseQZYhDM4gn5DvQC8nW02uhNVKUE13NtQUhKmA7VXWGgts0j7iZtigLw/s1600/DSCF3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHfHnsF6Mn4iqGlf45xk6Re-8XNfWuLbD8WhfRElx1L2m_RzfhfnDg2T99JvOc2HHl5UD3-5bIQkVUWAVE9FseQZYhDM4gn5DvQC8nW02uhNVKUE13NtQUhKmA7VXWGgts0j7iZtigLw/s1600/DSCF3193.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>On my lips</b>, <b>"Good Kisser"</b> makes me think <b>"pin-up pink."</b> It has an elegance and maturity to it that makes it such a beautiful color, being that it's a <i>reddish</i> pink as opposed to a straight-up pink. In some lighting it does appear brighter, but for the most part there is a depth to it that honestly just makes me think of pin-up makeup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ6p20TPQ6mjFCBy_tdiPLCcUomnzZp9RTrUr4-EDHL8XVPM0T9ChFsBR_9j9ZltTWV4TTCJACFWj3PG0g0fmwKKnf7f_3OAHJ1kKzs1HDCccYjw-9PaCyNlWqWIuI-8IxYTyeGW-Djo/s1600/DSCF3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ6p20TPQ6mjFCBy_tdiPLCcUomnzZp9RTrUr4-EDHL8XVPM0T9ChFsBR_9j9ZltTWV4TTCJACFWj3PG0g0fmwKKnf7f_3OAHJ1kKzs1HDCccYjw-9PaCyNlWqWIuI-8IxYTyeGW-Djo/s1600/DSCF3222.JPG" height="556" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the above picture, where the lighting is brighter, you can easily see the <b>brightness </b>that <b>"Good Kisser"</b> is capable of having. In the below picture, which is a bit more color-accurate, the <b>depth</b> in the color is more apparent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBNT3LlVWkkFHbzvKbvTcYWGb_-b03FMW8p3BC1POLlKuEnPhDrcEKalnBPA6CgLWUxXx54piozKncBH0YKFPMrCzTNTbgVTtpaho4QMPz3KG2SzyNNjB97rVMxY-yg9hr6tDX_4odBQ/s1600/DSCF3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBNT3LlVWkkFHbzvKbvTcYWGb_-b03FMW8p3BC1POLlKuEnPhDrcEKalnBPA6CgLWUxXx54piozKncBH0YKFPMrCzTNTbgVTtpaho4QMPz3KG2SzyNNjB97rVMxY-yg9hr6tDX_4odBQ/s1600/DSCF3224.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, I know that both pictures appear to have some shine in the finish, but <b>in person I can say with certainty that "Good Kisser" is indeed a matte lipstick. </b><br />
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Anyway, now let's talk about the big question: <b>is <a href="http://thepenguincritic.blogspot.com/2014/04/lips-macs-lipstick-in-red-balloon-le.html" target="_blank">"Red Balloon"</a> identical to "Good Kisser"? Is "Good Kisser" worth having?</b> Take note that I've just linked my review to "Red Balloon" now, because I didn't want to get to this issue until after I've shared my thoughts on <b>"Good Kisser" </b>as it stands<b> </b>on its own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zrVLcYP95iWjlLtntiHtbIrhwRrgZ-oZkMeHDtScpx8tvF0IxaghFt0PubBdFNoyvidB0-gvFf6sZTnbqE9KZ3sTpXQXKJk_oWz9swX7tKQfCuV99kfMSZ_YH63RCJq804xNBfX_YBE/s1600/DSCF3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zrVLcYP95iWjlLtntiHtbIrhwRrgZ-oZkMeHDtScpx8tvF0IxaghFt0PubBdFNoyvidB0-gvFf6sZTnbqE9KZ3sTpXQXKJk_oWz9swX7tKQfCuV99kfMSZ_YH63RCJq804xNBfX_YBE/s1600/DSCF3179.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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In my review of "Red Balloon," I mention how MAC described the lipstick as a "hot fuchsia." So, according to MAC, <b>both of these colors are fuchsia.</b> One is "hot," though, and the other is "midtone." One is also an amplified while the other is a matte. In the above picture, can you tell which lipstick is which, based off the colors alone? I know the bullets probably give it away - one looks much newer than the other - but still.<br />
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<b>What about swatches?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB2hdQzKI43j6k9pdEfQRHHANYm1x9B9cOPuWke3zbbGbR3rR62d4-czahQzIMJ67bclXCtJ9fibQcCai7nPmWki5y67LAENzqXwum5TVyVCFWvTuTI6nivroeuYJSh3nzt2pgegcS4s/s1600/DSCF3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB2hdQzKI43j6k9pdEfQRHHANYm1x9B9cOPuWke3zbbGbR3rR62d4-czahQzIMJ67bclXCtJ9fibQcCai7nPmWki5y67LAENzqXwum5TVyVCFWvTuTI6nivroeuYJSh3nzt2pgegcS4s/s1600/DSCF3183.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>In both pictures, "Good Kisser" is on the left and "Red Balloon" is on the right. </b>The obvious <b>differences</b> are, again, the <b>finishes</b>: the one on the left is matte, while the one on the right has a creamy shine to it. Other than that, the <b>color differences are extremely subtle</b>: <b>"Good Kisser"</b> appears to have a <b>slight hint of orange</b> in it, while <b>"Red Balloon"</b> looks <b>redder</b>.<br />
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Honestly, though, I think the shine in "Red Balloon" creates a kind of illusion in terms of color differences (or, perhaps, color similarities). If the bullets had a greater color difference, I'd believe this possibility more. <b>For now, I think the two are nearly identical.</b><br />
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<b>How do I feel about owning "Good Kisser," then, knowing that the two may as well be the same color? </b>In my last review I mentioned that owning the same color in a different finish was wasteful, but I have to say that <b>the look and feel of "Good Kisser" is of such high quality that I am beyond satisfied to own it.</b> I've worn it multiple times since I purchased it and have developed a new respect for mattes, to be honest. I hope MAC's future mattes continue down this road...<br />
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So, overall, <b>"Good Kisser"</b> is a <b>beautiful bright yet deep fuchsia</b> (perhaps with a hint of orange) in a <b>matte formula</b> that is<b> creamy, opaque</b>, and makes lips look like <b>plush velvet</b>. It's not a unique color - <b>"Red Balloon" may be a dead-on dupe for some of you</b> - but the quality here is so exceptional that I have no regrets in owning both.<br />
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<b>Would I repurchase this color if I could?</b> <b>I can't say with certainty that I would</b> but, again, that's because I rarely repurchase anything. <b>I still wholeheartedly recommend "Good Kisser"</b> for those of you who love fuchsia but are often put off by the usually-drying formula of mattes.<br />
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I hope this review was helpful! I still don't think <i><b>A Novel Romance </b></i>was the most amazing collection MAC has released, but I <i>am</i> entirely happy with the items I've purchased from it. Have a great rest of the week! 'Til next time. <b>('<>')></b><br />
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~nikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550340083812481479noreply@blogger.com0