Back 2 MAC!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
MAC has an amazing recycling program called Back 2 MAC (B2M). Basically if you return 6 MAC packaging containers to a MAC store you will receive a free lipstick/eyeshadow/lipglass of your choice! If you return them to a MAC counter you will receive a free lipstick. I wish there were more cosmetic brands that did something like this. It's great for the environment & great on your pocketbook. :)

Two weekends ago I bought an empty palette so I could depot 15 eyeshadows. I recruited my husband to do a demonstration on depotting so I could take the pictures. ;)
Here's a little how-to on how to depot MAC shadows.
Warning: this post is very pic heavy!


You will need the following:
MAC eyeshadows
Isopropyl Alcohol
a small dish for the alcohol
wire cutters
a small knife (if you are under 18 please only do this with adult supervision)
magnetic strips with adhesive backing (you can find this at any craft store)
an empty MAC eyeshadow palette
round adhesive labels
paper towels
First you will place your knife in the lip on the side of the eyeshadow case shown above. Twist your knife around and it should pop right out.

This is what it will look like after you've popped it out of the packaging.

Next with your wire cutters cut into the black plastic on one side of the lip. Then make another cut a few inches away from the first cut.

Next hold that piece of plastic (in between the two incisions you made) with your wire cutters and pry the plastic piece back to expose the metal eyeshadow pan.

Dip your knife into the alcohol and slide the tip of your knife in between the metal pan & the black plastic packaging.

Let the alcohol drip in between the metal pan & plastic. Just a few drops of alcohol will dissolve the glue that holds them together.

Wait a few seconds for the alcohol to dissolve the glue then slide your knife under the metal pan. Jiggle your knife around until you can pry the metal pan out. You can use a paper towel dipped in a little bit of alcohol to clean off the glue residue from the backside of the metal pan. Cut a small piece of adhesive magnet & stick the adhesive side to the metal pan. You can use the round labels to print the name of the eyeshadow then stick the label to the magnet. Now you're ready to place your eyeshadows into your empty palette!

These are the empty pots I will be taking to the MAC counter in exchange for my free lippies! :)

I didn't have any round labels on hand so I printed the names and stuck them to the lid of the palette. Eventually I'll get around to buying round labels.

I hope you enjoyed this quick how-to depot demo! Happy hump day everyone! The weekend is almost here! *.~

ETA: there are a few freestanding MAC stores that do not accept the eyeshadow packaging without the metal pan. I suggest checking with your local MAC store/counter before you try to B2M. My local MAC counter at Macy's does accept the eyeshadow pots without the metal pan. Yay! :)

Birthday look

Hello beauties! I've decided to do a birthday look inspired by August's birthstone Peridot. Most of the products I used are by Make Up For Ever. MUFE's shadows are highly pigmented and are super easy to blend.

First I primed my lid with NYX's Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk. I applied a thin layer with my ring finger to my lid up to the crease.
Next I took my MAC 242 eyeshadow brush and loaded it with MUFE 304 Diamond Lime.

I applied Diamond Lime to the tearduct and 1/3 of the inner corner.

Next I used MUFE 93 Irish Green

I applied Irish Green to the middle section of my lid. Blend the Irish Green & Diamond Lime together so there aren't any harsh lines. Leave the outer 1/3 of the lid bare.

Then I used the other side of my 242 brush to grab MUFE 168 Iridescent Lagoon Green

I applied this darker shimmery green to the outer 1/3 of my lid and into the crease. Don't forget to blend people!

Blend the darker green into the crease

With a pencil brush (MAC 219) I used MUFE 167 Iridescent True Blue to darken the crease. I also used this blue on the lower lash line.

Next with a fluffy brush I used MAC's Vanilla for highlight.

Apply eyeliner to upper/lower lash lines, add mascara and you're done!

What kind of eye looks would you like to see? If you have any requests please leave them in the comments below. :) Ciao for now lovelies!

xoxo,

J

Love That Look Tutorial

Hello lovelies!
Today's EOTD is using all e/s from MAC's Love That Look collection that released last Thursday. I am so impressed with the formulation of these eyeshadows! They are super silky, smooth & creamy! They are rich in color and have a pearl/frosty finish. These limited edition eyeshadows should be permanent! (you hear me MAC?!)
The brushes you see in the photos below are all MAC. The only non-MAC brush I used for this look was the pencil brush by POSH (you can find these at Bed Bath & Beyond).

First prime your lid with a cream base. I used MAC's Soft Ochre Paint Pot.

It should look like this

Next I loaded up a 239 brush with Glamour Check!

Apply Glamour Check all over the lid.

With a 222 brush take Style Snob

apply Style Snob to the crease and work back & forth using a windsheild wiping motion.

Blend, blend, blend!!

Next take Grand Entrance with a fluffy brush (I used 224)

and apply Grand Entrance to your browbone as a highlight.

With a pencil brush I used Style Snob under my lower lash line.

Apply black eyeliner to your upper & lower lash lines, curl your eyelashes, apply mascara et voila!

xoxo, J

Tequila Sunrise EOTD

Hello lovelies! Today I decided to do a vibrant look using minerals I bought from an Etsy shop called Calypso Mineral Beauty
These minerals are highly pigmented & blend easily! I ordered the rainbow stack that has 13 colors & I received 4 free samples along with my order.
Without further ado here is the look I came up with. I couldn't figure out what to call it. I was toying with the idea of golden sunset, rising phoenix from the flame lol or hail to the redskins. Brian named the look Tequila Sunrise & I think that was quite lovely. *.~
I used the colors: Bandana, Tango, Mango, Lolita & Velvet.
xoxo,
J

88 palette EOTD

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