MAC Lip Pencil in Dervish

I purchased this from my local MAC store, but it can also be purchased from MAC counters and www.maccosmetics.com. This 1.45 g/0.05 US oz pencil cost me about $12-$13 CDN, though I see that now they're retailing for $14 US a pop, so it must have gone up here in Canada too.

MAC describes their lip pencils as "for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades." These pencils are not automatic, meaning that they must be sharpened as they are used. 


I purchased Dervish for my wedding makeup, as recommended by the makeup artist at MAC. On my wedding day, I used Dervish around the lip line, and in the corners, with a bit of NYX's Lipliner Pencil in 048 Rose in the center of my lips. It gave a beautiful look that lasted most of the day (until supper at least), and my hubby wasn't covered in unwanted gobs of lipstick or lipgloss. Win-win! 


Dervish is described as a "pinky mauve." This color is like, my-lipcolor-but-better; it's just a smidge darker than my natural lipcolor. Dervish seems to have a slightly golden metallic sheen underneath the color. It's not shimmery or glittery, it's just got a golden undertone, that is incredibly gorgeous.

With flash.

No flash.

This pencil is incredible. It's very long wearing and very pigmented, considering that it's just your 'typical' or average lip pencil.

With flash.

This pencil does take a little bit of warming up before it glides smoothly and evenly across my lips. I often find that the first few strokes I do, I must go over because they aren't as pigmented as the rest of my lip. Sometimes I'll fill in my entire lip with the pencil, and I really love how the color appears to even out my lips, without looking like I've globbed on a lot of lipstick or lipgloss.


I find that this pencil can be somewhat drying with time, however. Since it isn't an exceptionally moisturizing product in-and-of itself, I usually apply a layer of chapstick, either before or after applying, just to keep my lips feeling hydrated and moist.


Overall, I really enjoy this pencil. I'm not really fond of the fact that I need to pack a sharpener with me in case my lip pencil starts to get dull, but it's a really great color and product. It would have to be a pretty extraordinary color for me to pay $12-$13 for another one of MAC's lip pencils, but I would make an exception just because of the quality.


4 out of 5 stars.
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What's your favorite lip liner??

MAC Matte Bronze Bronzing Powder

This bronzer will run you about $23 CDN. It holds 10 g or 0.35 US oz of product. The sturdy, sleek black compact has a mirror inside for on-the-go application. It can be purchased at MAC stores or from www.maccosmetics.com.

MAC claims that this is "a lightly... tinted powder that gives skin sheer, natural colour effects and highlights. Ideal for enhancing a skin tone or to accent or strengthen a tan. Skin-conditioning - and formulated to provide a smooth, even application on all skin types."

NO FLASH

WITH FLASH

I purchased this bronzer in anticipation of my upcoming summer wedding. I had made several trips to MAC before in search of a shade (whether bronzer, blush, or eyeshadow) that would be suitable for contouring my face with. It was an extremely difficult and drawn out process since I am so incredibly fair with neutral undertones. On one of the trips, I asked the makeup artist about whether or not they had a matte bronzer that would work with my skin tone. She pulled out "Matte Bronze," and swept the color under my cheekbones and along my temples. I was amazed.

First, I will start off by saying that it is very hard for me to purchase bronzer. Because of my fair complexion and uncommon undertones, it is incredibly difficult for me to find a bronzer that is not too orange or too brown, matte and not shimmery, pigmented and affordable. Most bronzers look teracotta-colored or muddy on my skin.

This bronzer has moderate pigmentation, it's not sheer, but it is buildable. On my fair skin, it is easy to be too heavy handed in application, but on more medium skin tones, this would be easy to apply and blend without looking unnatural.

It is a warm-toned bronzer, a medium tan color.

On the left: a more heavy handed application of the MAC Matte Bronze Bronzing Powder. On the right: a lighter application of the powder.

I apply this with an angled blush brush from Quo, or with a blush brush. It applies smoothly and blends effortlessly.

While this is a fairly pricey expenditure, it lasts for quite a while. I've had mine for almost a year, and while I have hit pan, I still have a long ways left to go before I finish it. I use it almost every day, even when I'm not wearing foundation, just to give my face a more contoured, slender appearance. It adds a warmth to my face, like I have a sun-kissed glow. Over time, it definitely pays for itself.

I would never go back to using drugstore bronzers after finding this, my Holy Grail bronzing powder. I think that the money is well-invested in buying something that works for my skin tone, and lasts for a long time. Definitely a must have item for me!

4 out of 5 stars (oh $$dolla signs$$, why must you bring me down??)
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