In Disney’s made-for-TV The Girl Who Spelled Freedom, a young Cambodian refugee beats all odds to become a national spelling bee champion just four years after arriving in the U.S.
I vividly remember that movie even though it aired in 1986 because of an idea it gave my mom…
Because of that movie, my mom decided to turn me into America’s Next Asian Spelling Bee Champ (LOL!).
Even though she grilled me every night with word lists, the plan still failed because it suffered from one fatal flaw: I can’t spell. 🙂
I never won a spelling bee, but I did become pretty good at busting out of makeup ruts. Case in point: I was stuck in a serious neutral eye makeup phase for about a week until today’s brush with the MAC Give Me Liberty of London collection.
Here are swatches of 13 of the 17 makeup goodies. I’ll post an update with the remaining Beauty Powders, Lipglasses and MAC Lipsticks soon.
MAC Liberty of London swatches
For reference, I’m an NC35. Clockwise from upper left: Eyeshadows in Dame’s Desire, Bough Grey, Give Me Liberty of London, Free To Be, Birds & Berries ($14.50 each)
From left: Beauty Powder in Shell Pearl ($25), Powder Blush in Prim & Proper ($18.50), Powder Blush in Dirty Plum ($18.50)
From left: Lipglass in English Accents ($14), Lipglass in Frankly Fresh ($14), Lipstick in Blooming Lovely ($10), Lipstick in Ever Hip ($14), Lipstick in Petals & Peacocks ($14)
Today, thanks to Liberty of London’s blues, greens, purples, pinks and corals, I declared my freedom from brown and beige! 🙂
Eyes: Dame’s Desire Eyeshadow on the outer corner (a shimmery reddish purple); Free to Be Eyeshadow in the crease (a matte coral); Birds & Berries Eyeshadow on the lid (a dark, shimmery greenish blue); Give Me Liberty of London Eyeshadow on the browbone (a matte light pink); Shell Pearl Beauty Powder on the linner corner (a pale, shimmery peachy gold); MAC Technakohl Liner in Brownborder along the lash and water lines (a dark brown); MAC Studio Fix Lash in Black on upper and lower lashes
Clockwise from upper left: Eyeshadows in Dame’s Desire, Free to Be, Birds & Berries, Give Me Liberty of London ($14.50 each)
Cheeks: Shell Pearl Beauty Powder on the upper cheekbones (a pale, shimmery peachy gold); Prim & Proper Blush on the apples (a matte peachy brown). Lips: Boldly Bare Lip Pencil (a creamy warm brown from the MAC Too Fabulous collection); Ever Hip Lipstick (a creamy light coral); Frankly Fresh Lipglass (a shimmery light pink)
Clockwise from upper left: Powder Blush in Prim & Proper ($18.50), Lipstick in Ever Hip ($14), Beauty Powder in Shell Pearl ($25) and Lipglasses in English Accents and Frankly Fresh ($14 each)
If you get a chance, take a look at the Birds & Berries Eyeshadow and Shell Pearl Beauty Powder… I’m crushing HARD on both!
Birds & Berries kinda reminds me of a greener version of MAC Club Eyeshadow sans the hints of gray and brown. Imagine it with dark greens and blues like MAC’s Delft Paint Pot.
As for Shell Pearl, I love its fine texture and subtle golden shimmer; like a lighter, peachier, less disco version of NARS Orgasm. If you’re a pale beauty who finds NARS Orgasm a tad too dark, you might be able to use Shell Pearl as a blush. On most skin tones, I’m guessing it’ll make a fantastic peachy highlighter for spring and summer.
Water for Elephants — LOVED IT!
Last night I stayed up late to finish Water for Elephants, and I’m happy to report that I didn’t feel the urge to toss the book across the room when it ended (ahem, Her Fearful Symmetry).
One thing I adore about the book is how the author includes old circus pictures at the start of every chapter.
You can never go wrong with circus pictures…
It brings back memories of when I was a little girl before I could read. Even then I loved books and would always beg to go to the library to pick out books based on the pictures, ha ha! Did you ever do that?
Anyhoo, it’s a fast read and an interesting glimpse into circus life during the Great Depression.
My next book… okay, don’t laugh, but it’s gonna be Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy. Yes, I’m really gonna go there! 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
shivotra says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:02 pmooh i love it. i’m definitely digging the eyeshadows and the beauty powder 🙂
.-= shivotra’s last blog post… This is so frustrating. =-.
Kate says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:03 pmWow, these shades look so pretty on you! So fresh and ready for spring. What’s your favorite of the collection?
julie says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:08 pmKaren, thanks for the Liberty of London swatches! I definitely appreciate it, even if I’m NC35 only in the summer. Your swatches give me a (comparatively) better idea of what the colors could look like on me! Now I know I DO like the B&B e/s, for example!
marisol says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:16 pmooohhh awesome about the book. Adding it to my Kindle. No shame in reading LA Candy. Sometimes we need a bit of brain candy.
Is that Blue India I spot on your thumb? Great FOTD. You look like you are ready for spring!
.-= marisol’s last blog post… Beauty makes people come together =-.
Hyzenthlay says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:17 pmYou *know* I’m one of those “pale beauties” that uses Shell Pearl as my blush. If I didn’t have the one I bought last summer and a back-up already, I’d buy another one . . . Maybe I will . . . And I definitely should try it on my eyes. I love the way you used it in this pretty look!
Meredith says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:25 pmI absolutely love the eye makeup in this look! I would totally appreciate it if you could do an in-depth tutorial 🙂
Stephie says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:25 pmBirds and Berries, Dame’s Desire e/s and the lippie in Ever Hip please!
You know what, I’ve been totally in a neutral rut as well. Usually [because I’m always rushing to drive to class] I put together something easy so I can A) head out the door quickly or B) easily toss everything in my bag so I can do my makeup thang in the parking lot. Today I actually had time but I kinda just stared at my more colorful e/s in deep thought and then proceeded to do a neutral eye. :shrugs: maybe it’s something in the air 😛
.-= Stephie’s last blog post… Janelle’s 21st Bday =-.
Catherine says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:25 pmWow, gorgeous look! I think I’ve fallen in love with Dame’s Desire but I have to say Birds & Berries looks fantastic on you! Loving the peachy-coral cheek & lip combo too! This is kind of sad, but I just realized that I only have one coral lipstick! I just got it too – Laura Mercier Peach Sorbet – which I wore in a FOTD today. It’s super weird because I actually love corals and have been looking for a color like it forever. I always seriously lem all the MAC offerings like Way to Love, Fresh Salmon, etc and now Ever Hip, but MAC lipsticks and I just don’t get along, unfortunately. I also really want Shell Pearl Beauty Powder. It looks GORGEOUS!
I can’t wait to see you wear Petals & Peacocks! It looks like such an awesome summer color. 😀
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Laura Mercier Hautelook Haul & Spring Corals FOTD =-.
Cristina says
March 9th, 2010 at 9:26 pmOMG i love it! this collection is absolutely gorgeous! i’m totally digging all the fun colors, esp the lipsticks. 🙂
amy says
March 9th, 2010 at 10:35 pmAfter looking at your pictures, I want to pick up more stuff from this collection. I thought I would only pick up the Blue India nailpolish but now I want an eyeshadow, lipstick and maybe a lipgloss as well.
.-= amy’s last blog post… MAC Too Fabulous and Give Me Liberty of London Collection Mini Haul and Product Pictures =-.
Stef says
March 9th, 2010 at 10:45 pmOh, I’m so glad to hear you liked Water for Elephants! Wasn’t it awesome? Sad, sweet, uplifting, love, it’s got it all.
We’re on the same page with Birds & Berries and Shell Pearl too. Did you try B& B over Delft? I wonder if it amps it up even more.
And I hear you on Give me Liberty busting you out of rut too. It’s the first collection since Style Black that has really got me excited.
.-= Stef’s last blog post… MAC Give Me Liberty of London Unveiling party =-.
Stef says
March 10th, 2010 at 8:51 pmI just saw they are making Water for Elephants into a movie with Reese Witherspoon (yay!) and Robertpaterson (hmmm). I hope they don’t mess it up.
.-= Stef’s last blog post… Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap – oily skin’s best friend =-.
Kianna says
March 9th, 2010 at 10:47 pmOOO , lovely eyeshadow colors ! HMM , which one would be like a must-have from this collection ?
HC says
March 9th, 2010 at 11:56 pmBirds & berries reminds me of strike a pose from the love that look collection
Karen B says
March 9th, 2010 at 11:58 pmThose lipsticks and blushes look great 🙂 But I think there’ll be a bit of a Rouge Coco obsession first – it’s going to take a lot of time before Liberty lands in Belgium anyways 😉
.-= Karen B’s last blog post… Friday Fame =-.
mill says
March 10th, 2010 at 12:20 amthe pink b.p. that one thats not here is on my list!
Pinch says
March 10th, 2010 at 1:40 amI’m loving Ever Hip on you! I love all these products, they look gorgeous 🙂
.-= Pinch’s last blog post… China Glaze For Audrey =-.
Vonvon says
March 10th, 2010 at 1:42 amVery nice EOTD!! Love the combi of colors!
And thanks for the swatches, Birds & Berries is lovely, and Dame’s Desire too! Shell Pearl looks very good too!
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Swatches & Review: Dior Poudrier Dentelle 002 Peach Lace =-.
diane says
March 10th, 2010 at 1:42 amHy Karen,
Reading your post about this collection makes me want to go to London 🙁
I love England!!!
Anyway, thanks so much for the review
SoVeryFabulous says
March 10th, 2010 at 3:38 amThanks for the swatches! I can’t wait to go check this collection out tomorrow.
.-= SoVeryFabulous’s last blog post… More Details On My MAC Warehouse Sale Haul =-.
Saku says
March 10th, 2010 at 4:41 amPretty, I like the shadows and Ever Hip lipstick.
Arianne says
March 10th, 2010 at 4:53 amOh Karen, you’re such an inspiration for all of us to bust out our coloured eyeshadows. You look great! I still want Shell Pearl of course.
.-= Arianne’s last blog post… Annabelle Painted Love: Spring is Coming! =-.
NINA says
March 10th, 2010 at 5:25 amWater for Elephants is next on my list — after I wade thru the Time Traveler’s Wife. I like it, dont get me wrong …. but it can get convoluted at times. Im now fearful of reading Her Fearful Symmetry …. I might get lost in the maze!
I hate to say this but I am also crushing on the Matte eyeshadows in this collection. Ive been having dreams of light colored matte eyeshadow for spring and summer.
Speaking of dreams, I actually dreamt once about how to do my make up for the next day … and when I told the Hubs about it, he said I was bonkers. 😀
Diva Style says
March 10th, 2010 at 5:51 amOk…..you read my dang mind!!!! I was just perusing this collection on the MAC site and I was like….hmmmm….let me head on over to Karen’s blog to see what she has to say about it, and BAM!!!!….You delivered. Love it!
Miri says
March 10th, 2010 at 6:09 amThis look is SO gorgeous! I do need Ever Hip now. 🙂 Many thanks.
Meghan says
March 10th, 2010 at 6:34 ami’m loving the birds and berries eyeshadow! i have greenish blue eyes, pale skin, and dark hair so i’m thinkin i totally need to buy this! i like the shell beauty powder too buti already have nars albatross, mac daft pink, and just bought sugarbomb so i think i’ll have to pass on that even tho it’s gorgeous!
i also really like the petals and peacocks lipstick…im digging the bright pink lip this year… i LOVED maggie gyllenhal’s lips on the red carpet and read somewhere that it was nars Schiap she was wearing. i hope i can pull off a bright pink lip!
Tina says
March 10th, 2010 at 7:45 amOff topic, but I believe there’s an old hotel, now a museum, in the shape of an elephant in New York. I think it was built in the early 1900’s originally near Dreamland and Coney Island.
Nanthida Horton says
March 10th, 2010 at 7:46 amYou are a HOOT! I loved that movie. My sisters and I dreamed we too could be the next Asian Spelling Bee Champs! Unfortunately, I missed my opportunity when I misspelled muscle, mussle. Damn “C”!
.-= Nanthida Horton’s last blog post… Party of Five =-.
Stephanie says
March 10th, 2010 at 8:24 amHA. I just had to tell you how much I love you for referencing the Girl Who Spelled Freedom…I thought I was the only person who watched that movie when I was a kid! Most random/awesome reference…ha 🙂
.-= Stephanie’s last blog post… five things =-.
gio says
March 10th, 2010 at 8:31 amThis is a gorgeous look! Very fresh and springy, I love it!
.-= gio’s last blog post… New Collection: Philosophy The Color Of Grace =-.
Kelly says
March 10th, 2010 at 8:45 amHi Karen,
I am loving all of this stuff and placed a huge order yesterday! 🙂
.-= Kelly’s last blog post… Death Valley – Part I =-.
Karen says
March 10th, 2010 at 10:08 amOh, I remember you having a may-jah Brit fetish so I figured you would do some serious hauling with this one! Did you get any of the accessories?
lexi says
March 10th, 2010 at 8:45 amOMG Karen – I totally remembered that movie. Were you like me and excited to see an Asian person on tv when you were growing up? They didn’t even have to be Filipino either but it was just great to see an Asian face on TV during the early 80’s. I LOVE elephants also – I may have to check out that book. What is it about? Obviously I’m interested in the picture alone!
I am loving your look – however, I’m not too excited over this collection. I have decided that I only want the Blue India nail polish and maybe Bough Grey e/s – I over did it with Spring Forecast and Too Fabulous cremesheens!
Karen says
March 10th, 2010 at 10:07 amYeah, I remember being pretty darn stoked to se an Asian person on TV!
The book is about a young veterinarian who joins a traveling circus during the Depression. There’s romance, mystery, intrigue… and yes, an elephant. 🙂
I haven’t had a chance to play with Bough Grey yet but will prolly work on something later on today. Maybe a smokey eye? If you get it, how do you plan on working it?
lexi says
March 10th, 2010 at 11:33 amNow I’m rethinking Bough Grey – that Birds&Berries is starting to look better to me. Otherwise, I would just use the grey for a typical smoky eye.
Gummy says
March 10th, 2010 at 8:47 amOh my! Ever Hip and Frankly Fresh…I was really contemplating about them, and after seeing this, I really must find them and take them home with me…Birds & Berries and Dame’s Desire are tempting as well…must…visit…MAC counter…hee hee…
Spelling was always a strong suit for me, but when my teacher had me do the spelling bee in middle school, I got nervous and missed my first word (don’t even remember what it was!). There goes THAT Asian Spelling Bee Champ in a hurry, ha ha ha…but needless to say, I like to read, and Water For Elephants sounds like something I’d read next. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to read books, but being on maternity leave for one more month, and with the baby sleeping more regularly now, I think I might just have my chance! ^_^
Do you like light, silly reading??? Did you ever read Pride & Prejudice, and find it funny? If so, you might like Pride & Prejudice & Zombies…it’s hiiiiilarious! =)
.-= Gummy’s last blog post… Cara, the Mord-Sith =-.
Karen says
March 10th, 2010 at 10:04 amOh gosh, I was *this close* to getting that book when I was at the bookstore last! What can I say… I got a thing for zombies, LOL!
Is it really that good?
Gummy says
March 10th, 2010 at 10:31 amIt was! It was more than fantastic, and there were even PICTURES. ^_~ Hope you get to read it! =)
.-= Gummy’s last blog post… Cara, the Mord-Sith =-.
Marce says
March 10th, 2010 at 9:26 amI’m loving all the shadows you used for the look. Colour can look beautiful too! And that lip combo = LOVE!
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Look – Through the Looking Glass =-.
Karen says
March 10th, 2010 at 10:01 amI think this lip combo is my new favorite thing!
evilcharity says
March 10th, 2010 at 9:38 amThis eye look is lovely. Also, Her Fearful Symmetry blew chunks. SUCH a let down as I really loved The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Karen says
March 10th, 2010 at 10:01 amDidn’t it though? I was really, REALLY annoyed at the end. I don’t mind an unhappy ending, but when it’s completely ridonculous and totally dumb I get a little agro!
victoria says
March 10th, 2010 at 9:48 amwow you look amazing. i preordered everything you wore except the e/s, now i want birds and berries.
Karen says
March 10th, 2010 at 9:59 amBirds & Berries is really fabulous! I hope you pick it up. 🙂
Selena says
March 10th, 2010 at 10:51 amI looooooooved Water for Elephants! Such a good read. Love Liberty of London too.
Khalia@GlamourandLove says
March 10th, 2010 at 11:01 amThat look came out really great! Makes me happy for spring cause it’s such a fun, flirty, springy look. Yay for spring/summer dresses!!!
.-= Khalia@GlamourandLove’s last blog post… 2010 Oscars- Least Wanted Fashions From a Few Most Wanted Ladies! =-.
Lindsay says
March 10th, 2010 at 11:05 amI absolutely LOVE this look on you!
.-= Lindsay’s last blog post… MAC Art Supplies Spring 2010 =-.
Amanda says
March 10th, 2010 at 11:06 am**Huff** thanks a lot Karen! I thought I could restrain myself to just a few products based on the previous photos I had seen, but your swatches leave me wanting moooore…way mooorse! My wallet can’t take it!!! What’s a girl to do?!?!
Also, in your opinion, is Birds & Berries at all similar to the dark blue green pigment?
Christen says
March 10th, 2010 at 11:15 amI remember that spelling bee movie! plus i did actually win a spelling bee back in the day (the asian thing i guess?). and love the colors, the look, the packaging, everything about this collection. i think my bank account shivers at the impending damage.
Juliana Mello says
March 10th, 2010 at 11:30 amHi, Karen!
I’m from Brazil and I just love your blog! I’m totally addicted to it! :))) I bought some of the products that you’ve commented here, like the Dallas benefit blush. (I just loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed it). Well, just to send you some kisses and best whishes from Brazil!
Big kisses!!!!!!!!!
Jú
Toni says
March 10th, 2010 at 12:28 pmWell, I went today to Nordie’s to look at the collection. Love it! I had the makeup artist put the Give Me Liberty of London (pink) and Bough Gray eye shadows on me and loved them both. She’s reserving one of each for me for the launch tomorrow. I think I am going to break my no-buy for Lent for these, especially since my Nordie’s only got 3 of some things and 6 of others.
I am trying to get more matte or satin/slight sheen finish eye shadows, because anything too shimmery emphasizes the crepey-ness of my lids.
Thanks for the swatches! I might have to check out the Birds & Berries too if it’s not too shimmery. Take care!
Rica says
March 10th, 2010 at 1:25 pmLove love love your makeup today! I was going to just get Bough Grey… Now I want the Birds & Berries too.
I actually went to the mall today and check out my mac counter. But they wouldn’t let me get it till tomorrow… So I came home with empty hands =(. I’m so gonna go back tomorrow and get my Ever Hip lipstick from B2M!
The packaging of this collection is georgeous, I think I want the makeup bag too. (My current one is breaking, so it’s a good time to change it!)
.-= Rica’s last blog post… OOTD – Springish outfit =-.
Meg says
March 10th, 2010 at 2:26 pmGlad to hear that you liked Water for Elephants! It’s on my list of things to read once I finish The Help! Still trying to stay strong for this collection and only pick up the Shell highlighter!
.-= Meg’s last blog post… Weekly Français-Robert Polidori =-.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) says
March 10th, 2010 at 2:27 pmSo glad you liked the book Karen, it’s one of my favs! The lipsticks and lipglasses have me intrigued.
.-= Cindy (Prime Beauty)’s last blog post… Avon Helps Fight Violence Against Women =-.
Eliza says
March 10th, 2010 at 2:37 pmYou look gorgeous! (: digging the look! & i just ordered some stuff! cant wait for them to arrive! 😀
Anna Phylactyc says
March 10th, 2010 at 2:56 pmFirst, I am so jealous of how vibrant purples look on your skin tone- Dame’s Desire and Dirty Plum don’t look near as gorgeous on my NW20 skin!
Second, a reading recommendation: if you liked Water for Elephants, you may love Geek Love by Katherine Dunn, the best “love and loss at the circus” novel ever (and one of my all-time favorite novels period). It’s a bit of an oldie, but amazing!
DonnaN says
March 10th, 2010 at 4:38 pmI went to my local MAC today and got the coveted position to play with LoL before they put it out tomorrow. They are holding my stuff, so all I have to do is go and pay….no worries about something selling out before I get to it…..plus I’ve got a couple of returns to do too, so hopefully, that will help cushion the blow……then, on to ART SUPPLIES!
Elle says
March 10th, 2010 at 7:40 pmNow you’re making me want all of the eye shadows when I just wanted two of them 🙂 Love the look and the fact that I love anything British doesn’t help.
Miss_Rona says
March 12th, 2010 at 10:41 pmHmm, I was on the fence about Birds and Berries earlier today…looks like I’ll be heading back to the MAC counter first thing in the morning..*sigh*.
Thanks!