Wearing MAC Extra Dimension Mineralize Skinfinish in Superb
The new MAC Extra Dimension Mineralize Skinfinishes ($28 each) start with an almost blinding shine! — almost like looking directly at the sun (which I know you’re not supposed to do but…).
These three shimmery highlighters have more in common with the new Extra Dimension eyeshadows than mere quantum mechanics. They also have that same easy-to-blend cream, liquid and powder hybrid formula, and offer a glazed, shiny finish similar to the finish I get when I apply MAC’s regular powder Mineralize Skinfinishes with a wet brush.
With the Extra Dimension Skinfishes, I can get that same super intense, glazed shine in fewer steps. Instead of trying to find my brush, spraying the brush with MAC Fix+, swiping it across the pan, and then blending on my skin, all I have to do is open a pan of Extra Dimension, pat a small amount on my upper cheekbones, my temples and down the bridge of my nose, and … that’s it. All done. Blending out the edges is a snap, and because they’re so pigmented, a little goes a long way.
Of the three Extra Dimensional shades in the launch, Superb, the soft peachy nude, is my pick for Best in Show. I think it’ll look great on most skin tones.
The lightest shade, white gold Whisper of Gilt, may look a little chalky on darker damsels, while lighter lasses may feel like the darkest shade, coppery gold Glorify, appears a little too bold/dark.
Oh! Random lipgloss moment… I think all three of these look fantastic with bronzy Oh Baby Lipglass.
Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb ($28 US; $33.50 CDN)
Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Glorify ($28 US; $33.50 CDN)
Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Whisper of Gilt ($28 US; $33.50 CDN)
Extra Dimension Skinfinishes
Extra Dimension Skinfinish swatches from the left: Superb, Glorify and Whisper of Gilt
Be prepared to tote these pans around with you when you leave the house. Paired with primer and foundation, I get about six hours of wear time out of them; without primer and foundation, only four.
PRICE: $28 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at MAC counters, stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A- (I love the colors, finish and texture; just wish they lasted longer)
NARS Summer 2012!
This one’s not MAC-related, but I got whiff of the NARS Summer 2012 collection, and my! It looks like a beaut. 🙂
The collection, which arrives on NARS counters and narscosmetics.com on April 15, features nine earth tone-inspired pieces for eyes, cheeks, lips and nails that, coincidentally, could look pretty fab paired with any of the Extra Dimension Skinfinishes…
I’m just sayin’.
The entire collection includes the Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition; $45), Marie-Galante Duo Eyeshadow ($34), Calabria Soft Touch Shadow Pencil ($24), Liberté Blush ($28), Moscow Pure Matte Lipstick ($25), Vendanges Lipstick ($24), Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil ($24), Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($24) and Trouville Nail Polish ($18).
Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS
What inspired the NARS 2012 Summer Collection?
I was interested in exploring the interplay of earth tones and shimmers. That relationship between divergent colors and textures is summed up in our Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow, which combines a silver shade with an apricot and icy peach.
Besides illustrating a fresh take on nudes, the Trio is also just a really chic and versatile summer palette.What’s unexpected about the collection?
I think at first glance, the combination of orchid, blue, strawberry red and seashell pink can sound and appear quite delicate and innocent, but our version of these colors and the way we combine them results in a look that’s more fun and edgy.What are the must-have products of the season?
Besides the Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow, I’d say our Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. The lilac rose color looks great with tanned skin, and the matte finish is the perfect complement to a shimmery lid or glowing complexion. I also love our Trouville Nail Polish because a seashell pink nail is a really fun summer accessory.As the face of the Summer Color Collection, how does Ginta represent the summer mood?
When made up in the collection’s colors, Ginta transforms from fresh and girlish into a strong and sophisticated woman, but with an irreverent playful edge.
Um … am I the only person wondering if that Justin Bieber song had anything to do with the Never Say Never Lip Pencil?
Yes, I probably am. 🙂
Thakoon for NARS Nail Collection
And that’s not all we have to look forward to over the next few weeks. On May 1 NARS will also release a line of six limited edition nail polishes developed with fashion designer Thankoon Panichgul. The Thankoon for NARS Nail Collection will feature opaque, vibrant shades inspired by the colors found in Indian spice markets. Products priced at $18 each.
The shades include Anardana (an azalea pink), Ratin Jot (an orchid purple), Amchoor (a bright yellow), Kutki (a powder blue), Koliary (a cyan blue), Lal Mirchi (a Mandarin red; only available at NARS 413 Bleecker Street Boutique).
See anything you like? I’m diggin’ that yellow up there, BIG time.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. TGIF!
Jessica says
Karen, you look so luminous!
I wish yellow didn’t look so terrible with my skin tone or else I’d be all over the NARS polish. Luckily for me, tangerine is another story!
Karen says
Thanks, Jessica! Ooh, love tangerine shades, especially the creamy ones. I can’t wait for summer.
Happy Friday, btw. Got any exciting plans for the weekend?
Jessica says
Easter activities galore! We’ve got an Egg Hunt followed by a showing of Puss in Boots on Saturday and brunch with the folks on Sunday. I’m beyond excited for Puss in Boots since I still haven’t seen it yet!
Happy Friday to you too, Karen!
Karen says
Sounds like lots of fun. I hope the weather is nice for your Egg Hunt. It’s been sunny here in Nor Cal…I’m so happy spring has arrived. 🙂
Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says
The highlighter looks lovely! I just wish it’d last a bit longer too! Can’t wait to see the NARS collection swatches. I hope this is finally a yellow polish that has a decent consistency.
And hahaha Tabs as an Easter bunny? Totally cracks me up!
Karen says
Me too! It looks so bright and fun.
Kitties and bunnies are supposed to get along really well! I contemplated getting a bunny for Tabs, but I think his prey drive might be way too strong.
Melissa says
I was so excited for this release, but when I went to my local MAC store last night, they were all out of both Superb and Whisper of Gilt! Thankfully, Glorify actually looks pretty good on me as a very bronzy blush (I’m a NW15) so I didn’t miss out completely.
I’m only just getting into highlighters, though, and I’d be curious to see what you think of how your collection measures up against these. How does Whisper of Gilt look compared to NARS Albatross? How about Benefit High Beam versus Superb?
JennySue Makeup says
Thanks for the Nars sneak peek!! And your J. Bieb comment is hilarious!!!! I have a feeling Mr. Nars is a bit too cool for the Biebs- HA!! That powder blue polish would love gorge once I get a bit of a tan on this pale skin of mine!! Happy Easter Karen!
Karen says
Happy Easter, Jenny Sue!
And LOL — I can kindasorta see Nars rocking out to Biebs for some reason…
Joyce says
I got Whisper of Gilt and Superb. Macy’s finally shipped my package, but I won’t get it until Monday. =( I just noticed that Superb is sold out on Macy’s website. Good thing I ordered it before they all sold out. =)
Karen says
Hi Joyce,
Glad you were able to get your hands on Superb. Happy, happy Friday!
Genny says
Does the MAC highlighter tend to clump and not blend well? I often have trouble with bronzers and highlighters. Maybe it’t my skin? Frazzled.
Cheryl says
Oh Karen! I have been thinking of Oh Baby lipglass too! I want it since I ordered Superb too just last night. I just can’t wait for it to ship so maybe I’ll drop by MAC later to get Oh Baby :)) Aaand, you look goh-jus as always! (go NC42 :P) Wish I could do makeup like you do 😉
Karen says
Hi Cheryl,
Oh Baby is a great spring/summer color. I’ve seen it on a lot of different skin tones and it’s so pretty on a wide range of people. If you end up getting it later on today let me know. 😀
Happy Friday, btw. What do you have planned for the weekend?
Cheryl says
I tricked the bf to go to Bloomy’s: “oh, you can go look at watches. I’ll be at the girly section. ;)” I got my Oh Baby! Now I can’t wait to get my Superb!
Weekend plans: just dinner with friends. Tomorrow & Sunday is just rest day and church 🙂
Have a great weekend, Karen and Tabs! Hi to all the girls too 😉
Kajal Couture says
Uh, MAC has made my wallet cry this week. I love all of these and the ED shadows. I picked a few but the more I see and read about them, I want them all!
Karen says
Do you have Oh Baby Lipglass? It looks super pretty with these Skinfinishes.
Nina says
Never say Never you say, Francois? Okay gotcha. :-d
I have these 3 skinfinishes. They are a WINNN in my book. Love!
Karen says
I have the strangest need to hear that song now, LOL!
So glad you are enjoying the Skinfinishes! Please tell me you have a lovely bronze gloss to go with them…
Nina says
ive been using the NARS Velvet Matte lip pencil in Bettina. 🙂
Katrina says
It is hard to place my finger on why, but I am very excited about the NARS summer collection.
I NEED those two blue polishes. Wow.
Karen says
I am ALL OVER THAT TRIO. Like Tabs on gravy! I’m very excited about this launch…
dani@callitbeauty says
I just got Whisper of Gilt yesterday and so far, I’m in love! I think I may get Superb as well :).
Tiffany says
I picked up Superb but now I feel like Glorify is calling me … 😮
Joanne says
I love the skinfinishes too! I ended up getting just Whisper of Gilt and Glorify but you’re now making me want to get Superb too. 🙂
Chris25 says
NARS is forever tempting me with new products. And I just got Paramaribo!
Monika says
I marched on over to MAC at around 11 AM to be able to get my hands on exactly what I wanted yesterday. I was trying to to decide which of the three I really wanted since I knew that I wanted Whisper of Gilt but couldn’t decide whether I should get Superb or Glorify in addition to that. All three of them work with my skin tone (Glorify will be better in the summer when I’m tanner), so I threw my hands up and got all three. The formula was too awesome to pass up.
Denise says
These new ED MSF’s look great! I’m eyeing Superb right now. Can’t wait ’til the local MAC counter gets these so I can play with them before taking the plunge. *poor wallet!*
mn says
Thank goodness for this post, I was going through Tabs withdrawl.
I love the Nars due shadow and the polish for their summer release, and the blue polishes for the Bleeker st store… and my mom would love the blush for their summer release. Thank goodness we have something positive to look forward to on Apr15 (will balance out the tax ouch).
Tekoa says
Why is it I only want NARS Lal Mirchi? Maybe…they ship?
Sara says
I will hunt down the bronzy Oh baby lipglass and the Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb. Bronze Godess beach 2012 here I come! 😉 haha
Kim says
I swatched Superb and Whisper of Gilt on my hand the other day. I washed my hands a couple of times, and they were still there. Awesome stuff! 🙂