I’ve always loved the theatricality of makeup, and by that I mean more than just its ability to alter our appearance (the WHIZZ! BAM! POP!), but also how something as seemingly insignificant as a tube of lipstick can completely change the way we feel and how we see ourselves.
Take today’s Unsung Hero, the mighty MAC Lipstick in Bombshell ($14.50). One minute with it on, and I feel my inner Mary Ann turning into Ginger!
Sometimes this frosty golden pink gets typecast as a “Barbie pink,” and it’s not hard to see why. Like Barbs, she can be quite flirty and fun, but this Bombshell is also capable of playing other roles, like seductive siren/Bond girl. 🙂
While Barbie cruises the PCH in her pink convertible, Bombshell tests her Masarati on the streets of Monaco. Girlfriend werks a pair of four-inch patent-pink Louboutins and a black tank dress. She’s on her way to a high-stakes poker game to gather intel, her slick ponytail whipping in the wind as she takes every turn a little too fast. Although her mind is on her mission, she recalls the brief but witty exchange she had with a charming billionaire last night. She wouldn’t mind getting to know him better, but now is not the time.
LOL! Yeah, that’s my Bombshell. Sure, she’s pink and girly, but she might just kick your @ss.
One of my favorite things about this color is how it flatters so many different skin tones. The pink’s a little on the cool side, but I think the golden frost warms it up just enough for gals like me.
Bombshell isn’t like those frosty lipsticks that look trapped in 1987. MAC handled the frost in a timeless, almost classically interesting way that steers clear of the land of big bangs, lace-trimmed biker shorts and oversized Forenza sweatshirts.
Some unsolicited advice from someone who survived the ’80s: Don’t do it!
As for the texture? Flawless. It downright refuses to feather, while still building easily with layers.
Some gals find the MAC frost lipsticks to be somewhat drying. If your lips crave major moisture, you might start with a layer of rich lip balm on bare lips first.
While I love, LOVE Bombshell on its own, I think it looks just as hot beneath other glosses, especially peachy pinks, a la MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass. 🙂
The MAC Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite products from MAC’s permanent collection
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Sunbasque Sheertone Shimmer Blush
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Clear Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Humid Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Naked Lunch Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Russian Red Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Syrup Lipstick
- MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Blushbaby Blush
- MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Vex Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Strobe Cream
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Blot Powder/Pressed
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Subculture Lip Pencil
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Soft Brown Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Hero: Woodwinked Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Hero: Powersurge Eye Kohl
- MAC Unsung Heroes: All That Glitters Eyeshadow Is Not Just Another Gold
- MAC Unsung Heroes: The Technakohl Liners
- MAC Unsung Hero: Groundwork Paint Pot
- MAC Unsung Hero: Nymphette Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Viva Glam V
- MAC Unsung Hero: Blacktrack Fluidline
- MAC Unsung Heroes: Lychee Luxe Lipglass
- MAC Unsung Hero: Gorgeous Gold Eyeshadow
- MAC Unsung Hero: Patina Eyeshadow
Speaking o’ bombshells
Even though I’m not usually a fan of the shoes Michael Kors comes out with, (they can seem a little too conservative to me), I can’t stop thinking about this pair of Braided Chain Platform Sandals ($123).
I like the way the tough chains contrast with the dainty braided straps. It’s sort of biker bar meets the Hamptons, LOL!
Anywho, other than my usual shoe lust and the unseasonably rainy weather we’re having here, I have nothing new to report. What’s shakin’ out yonder way?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Diana says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:04 pmLMAO at those shorts! I totally rocked those in elementary school!
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:07 pmThey are beyond terrible! I had a pair that I rocked on the regular… I need to burn those pictures, LOL!
voodoogirl says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:08 pmspeaking of forenza – i saw a store at some mall in hong kong. blast from the past!
voodoogirl recently posted … MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:21 pmNo way! Did they have any off the shoulder, oversized sweatshirts? LOL! I think mine is still at my parents’ house.
voodoogirl says
June 3rd, 2011 at 4:58 amnah, but the colors were still bright… like REALLY bright combined with black. that still reminds me of the 80s.
voodoogirl recently posted … MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
Jessi says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:23 pmOh my gosh, I remember wearing those shorts with the ugly lace at the bottoms. I remember the pair i had being itchy. I have a picture of myself around 6 years old wearing them and a side ponytail. Ahh, side ponytails.
Jessi recently posted … My May 2011 Favorites
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:33 pmLOL, at least you were 6 and have the excuse of having little to no control over the situation. I was in middle school at the time… I thought I was the ish when wore mine! I had a matching black jean skirt… so awful!
kana says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:40 pmi love this color! i’m into the brright pink for tthe warmer season. 🙂 lol, i used to jst have the little biker shorts type, not frills. 🙁 i wasnt cool enough i guess. sad to say but i have a pair with the frilly lace at the bottom right now! they were in last year or two as “leggings?”
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:33 pmLOL… I had a pair of those in high school. They go down to your ankles, right?
RE says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:54 pmOHGODINEED.
I LOVE THAT SHADE!
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:34 pmYes you do! 😉
Paigest says
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:57 pmLove the ring… is that K.S.?
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:36 pmHi Paigest,
It is! Right now it’s on sale at Nordstrom for $35. They have all the colors, too! Here’s a link in case you’re interested: Kate Spade Date Night Ring.
Heidi says
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:08 pmThis lip color looks great, I’ll have to try it! Oh, and the cardigan you’re wearing in these pics is my absolute favorite color!
And ….. rain, in Northern California, in June! I just can’t with this weather anymore. Ugh!
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:37 pmHi Heidi,
I love kelly green. I’m still looking for the perfect pair of kelly green shoes… someday, someday. 🙂
So, I say we just skip all this rain and fast forward to summer. Tabs and I desperately need sunshine!
Vijaya says
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:11 pmHow has this never caught my eye? Thanks for highlighting a great MAC product, Karen! =D
Vijaya recently posted … Altered Ego Cosmetics Review- Overview Details and Things
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 7:29 pmIt’s an awesome pink! Give it a go soon. 🙂
Toni says
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:15 pmKaren, I love this lipstick on you! I gotta check it out next time I’m at the MAC counter. Since my eyes have been so sensitive this spring (darn those allergies!), I’m trying to brighten up my face with lipsticks and blushes. This looks right up my alley. Thanks for sharing!
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 7:29 pmHi Toni,
It’s great to hear from you! I sorry to hear about your allergies. It’s been a rough year with the pollen here… mine have been awful, too!
Otherwise, how have you been? I hope you and your family are all healthy and happy.
Toni says
June 2nd, 2011 at 7:33 pmYep, allergies stink! Pollen is a killer here, but I’m better now that I have meds! We’re enjoying the summer and the neighborhood pool. Gonna do a little shopping tomorrow before hubby gets back in town from a business meeting. I’m so far behind on blog reading and YouTube watching, so I plan to catch up a bit this summer.
Always good to see you and read your great posts!
Toni recently posted … 2nd Menu Monday
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:41 pmWhat meds are you taking? I’m a Zyrtec girl myself, LOL!
Glad to hear you’ve been enjoying the weather and the pool. The one in our complex was closed last year for construction, but it’s finished now, and I can’t wait to use it. Now if only this rain would go away…
Anyway, have fun shopping tomorrow. Let me know if you find anything good in the beauty section. 😉
Toni says
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:44 amRight now, I’m taking Ambi (generic of Maxifed, I think) and it’s by prescription. It makes me sleepy. He also gave me the generic version of Flonase and told me to use it all the time. I think I’m going to start using Zyrtec or Claritin to help keep this stuff away. The funny thing is that I have been tested for allergies and the allergy doctor says I don’t have any at all. She diagnosed me with non-allergic rhinitis.
Hope you enjoy your pool this summer! Ours is small, but it’s great for my little man as he learns to swim. Send the rain our way – we need it!
Take care!
Toni recently posted … 2nd Menu Monday
Liz says
June 2nd, 2011 at 7:09 pmGirl have you ever worn MK shoes before? They are the most UNCOMFORTABLE brand of shoes I’ve ever had on my feet. I had one pair that I loved, and was convinced I need to just break them in. I wore them 7 times before I gave up on their unrelenting pain and misery they caused. I like those a lot too, but beware.
PS I saw a women wearing those same shorts TODAY and I was like, “No, just no.”
Liz recently posted … Zoya- Adina
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 7:19 pmI haven’t! I have a friend who loves MK shoes, which is why I considered them. Maybe she’s got a higher tolerance for pain than I do. If I end up breaking down I’ll save the receipt and wear ’em around the house on carpet first… thanks so much for the heads up!
And LOL re: the shorts. Seriously, they didn’t need to come back in style. WHY?!?
Larie says
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:55 pmThose shoes are hot, Karen!
Larie recently posted … The Thursday Post
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 10:24 pmOoh, which ones, girl? The hot pink Loubs or the S&M Michael Kors sandals? Or both?! 😉
saby says
June 2nd, 2011 at 10:08 pmAaaah I remember those, never got a chance to wear them though, my family couldn’t afford “hip” clothes. Well, It’s never too late :)))))))))))
Karen says
June 2nd, 2011 at 10:25 pmHey, if it makes you happy and you rock it with confidence, why not?
Faustina says
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:43 amDearest Karen,
Can I just say how much I LOVEEEEE you and your blog?! I literally check it every day…sometimes more than once…just to get inspiration and all that good stuff. You’re so personable and relatable and funny! Keep on keepin’ on, girl!
Also, I know you love pinks and whatnot, but I’m more of a peach/coral girl…is there a way to wear pinks so they don’t come across so…girlysugarysweet? Thanks. 🙂
Inaya says
June 3rd, 2011 at 2:41 amWill you please review Twig next Karen? Seems like a potential MLBB Bomb
meibaola says
June 3rd, 2011 at 2:57 amHi Awesome! Have I ever told you I lovelovelove the MAc Unsung Heroes series? Informative and fun 🙂
Kim says
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:14 amWhere to begin? Heaven help us on those lace-trimmed shorts! And I lol’d at the Forenza sweatshirt and lippies stuck in 1987 comments. We had some awful things going on in the 80s, didn’t we? HAHA!
I think both your shoe choices look lovely, but they make my feet hurt just looking at them. I’m so jealous of you gals who can wear heels and be comfy. My feet cramp up like some old crone’s after about 6 seconds! 🙂
PS The shirt in your lacey biker shorts pic is giving me a headache. And I think EVERYTHING is going to look better with a little Evolution Revolution. 🙂
Nina says
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:20 amthe shoes are stunning, and the lipstick is even more so! i dont believe i own bombshell, but something tells me i should!
TrishaL says
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:15 amoh my gosh love those MK’s super cute! Love your blog, it’s my first stop of the day 🙂
Looks like rain has finally left at least for a few days here in Portland, woohoo! Might actually break out the sandals this weekend.
R says
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:44 am….went to MAC store. Gazed lovingly at Bombshell. Laughed with artist about how it looked like
every
single
lipstick
in
my
bag.
I was already wearing Chanel Rose Dentelle (which looks super pink with my very gold skin) with YSL golden gloss on top, so I couldn’t justify ANOTHER wham-bam-shazam Barbie pink.
Instead, I walked out with Sandy B and Nymphette lipglass, and the combo is AMAZING.I have to say that I don’t care for how MAC lippies and glosses feel or smell for regular day-to-day wear (I prefer Chanel glossimers – Pinup is my hands-down favorite – and the Dior Addict lipsticks every day), but nothing beats them if you’re going to be photographed. I get photographed a lot, and when I’m wearing a MAC lipglass I have a fighting chance at looking a little bit glam.
I learned about both Sandy B and Nymphette here, so thank you!
Karen says
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:47 amSandy B also looks fab with Evolution Revolution, too! 😉
R says
June 3rd, 2011 at 9:05 amI saw that! It’s absolutely lovely. I will definitely be ordering one. Revolution has been the focus of my spring (Egypt, anyone? Tunisia, Yemen, Syria, etc!), and evolution of spirit and mind is something I’m really focusing on right now. Plus, I love to support the creative endeavors of women, so this is great! You’re the best – thanks for a blog that lets us all escape into a world of glitter, shimmer, and shine once in a while 😀
DonnaN says
June 3rd, 2011 at 9:03 amThis became my GO TO pink shade, after Angeldish was discontinued…..LOVE!!
–can’t wait to wear with your ER lipglass!!
Rene says
June 3rd, 2011 at 9:43 amThis was the first MAC lipstick i ever bought! I wear it at least once a week. 🙂
lexi says
June 3rd, 2011 at 11:15 amI have worn said frosty, pink 80’s lipstick – not cute on brown girls!
lexi recently posted … Can I Get Away With This
Vonvon says
June 3rd, 2011 at 2:46 pmKaren, can you please tell me how to finish up a lipstick or lipgloss fast enough so that I can justify buying new lippies, other than literally eating them? 😉
The pink Loubs is HOT! And I love that pink! And this lipstick, of course!
Iliana says
June 3rd, 2011 at 5:53 pmDo you think this would look good on pigmented lips and nc37 skin? Pink shades turn purple on me and end up clashing with my yellowish skin. 🙂
sometimes I wonder what makes people think something is fashionable. I know layering clothes is a way to amp up an outfit, but I’ve seen people who wear those biker shorts with lace under denim cutoffs and I just wonder what makes it fashionable enough for it to make a comeback in modern trends! It’s just so ugly. 😛
Phyrra says
June 3rd, 2011 at 9:00 pmBombshell is pretty on you!
Phyrra recently posted … 5 Things
michele says
June 10th, 2011 at 6:27 pmKaren- you look great in any lipstick you wear. I am going to try this Mac line up for my self !
Michele