When I was a kid, my mom would sometimes take me to work with her on the weekends. Throughout the day, I’d sneak into the break room and shove *hella* sugar cubes into my mouth — four or five, sometimes six at a time.
I’d then spend the next hour sprinting down the halls and drawing feverishly in my notebook. My favorite subjects were pictures of calico cats in business suits. 🙂
Mom never quite figured out the source of all my “energy.”
I think my crazy sweet tooth partly explains why I really wanted to like the MAC Sugarsweet collection.
It arrived last week, a springy, pastel collection for eyes, cheeks and lips. Have you had a chance to check it out?
Aquavert (top), Cakeshop (bottom)
Overall, I’m on the Sugarsweet fence because I feel like the pinks, peaches and yellows aren’t the most flattering shades in the world for my skin tone, like they look too pale and cool on me, but I am drawn to a few of Sugarsweet’s tasty treats.
Two products really stand out because of how they work with my coloring — Aquavert Eyeshadow ($14.50) and Cakeshop Shadestick ($16.50).
Patting Aquavert onto my lids, curling my lashes and then adding lots of black mascara is like an instant sugar rush. The shimmery mint green adds a surprising touch of brightness to my eyes, making me look, for all intents and purposes, like I’m actually alert and well rested, LOL!
Or when I’m in the mood for a more complicated look, I’ll add Cakeshop Shadestick (a shimmery greenish gold cream eyeshadow in stick form) and MAC Humid Eyeshadow (a shimmery dark green) up in the mix.
For that look, I’ll start by layering Cakeshop beneath Aquavert on the lids and then sweep some MAC Soft Brown into the crease. To define the look with a soft line, I’ll follow that up by applying Humid along the lash line, or into the outer corner of the lid for a smokier look.
I think Cakeshop Shadestick even looks pretty worn all by herself.
Sometimes, for a quick and simple look, I’ll apply Cakeshop directly onto my lid and use a finger to draw the color up into the crease. A quick curl, some mascara and I’m out the door.
Beyond matching well with Aquavert, I think Cakeshop looks fab layered beneath golden eyeshadows or pigments like MAC Gold Mode and Gold Dusk Pigment( from the MAC Little Darlings Warm Pigments Holiday Set), MAC Amber Lights, or the Dior 569 Gold palette.
Even though the collection hasn’t set my world on fire, I think it’s a welcome release, and the shades may work better for you than they do for me. If you look great in shimmery Easter pastels, give Sugarsweet a try.
Do you take sugar? One lump or two?
Speaking of sweet things, last week reader Babyu21 asked me for my cobbler recipe, YUM!
“Karen, did you say something about a peach cobbler recipe? I have been looking for one, please share.” 🙂
This recipe for BLUEBERRY-PEACH CRACK (yes, it needs all caps ’cause it’s that addictive) ain’t diet food, but it sure tastes killer.
THE BLUEBERRY-PEACH COBBLER CRACK RECIPE
1 pint fresh or frozen blueberries

1 can of drained, canned peaches (or sliced fresh ones if you like)

1 14 oz can condensed milk

2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold butter or margarine

2 cups biscuit baking mix, divided

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional — I usually leave these out)1. Preheat oven to 325. In bowl, combine blueberries, condensed milk, and peel. I usually add drained, canned peaches during this step (but you can leave ‘em out either one out if you want a single fruit cobbler — totally up to you). I don’t add the entire can though, because I like an even blueberry to peach ratio. How much you add is up to your own peach preference!
2. In large bowl, cut 3/4 cup butter into 1 1/2 cups biscuit mix until crumbly; add blueberry/peach mixture. Spread in greased 9-inch square baking pan.
3. In small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup biscuit mix and sugar; cut in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until crumbly. Add nuts. Sprinkle over cobbler.
4. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until golden. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
5. Watch everybody’s eyes roll back in ecstasy.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Sexy Sadie says
March 25th, 2009 at 2:09 pmThat green eyehadow seem totally loveable.
Sexy Sadie´s last blog post..Det gikk visst an
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:50 amHi Sexy Sadie,
It’s really pretty and so perfect for spring! 🙂
Vampy Varnish says
March 25th, 2009 at 2:41 pmYou just made me laugh out LOUD when you said you drew pics of calico cats in business suits! I love it. 🙂
I saw Sugarsweet in person over the weekend and I was super duper impressed. I though I would love Aquavert, but I feel it’s like a ton of other greens I already have. I did pick up Peppermint Patti though!
Vampy Varnish´s last blog post..Essie Naturally Clean
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:51 amHi Vampy Varnish,
I can so see you rocking the Peppermint Patti. How’s the staying power of the MAC Polishes on you? I’ve always had bad luck with the chipping.
Shiny says
March 25th, 2009 at 2:43 pmI will checkout the shadesticks when I hit the mall next week but I agree with the colors being too frosty looking for people of our coloring. Do shadesticks crease? I have some hella oily lids and would be sold if this could be an alternative to UDPP.
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:53 amHi Shiny,
On some people they don’t, but on me they do if I use them on bare lids. I have to lay down a primer first (either Too Faced Shadow Insurance or Laura Mercier Eye Basics) to get them to stay.
If you’re looking for an alternative to UDPP I recommend going with MAC Painterly Paint Pot or Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Both go with everything and it’s easy to blend powder shadows on top of ’em.
tanya says
March 25th, 2009 at 3:14 pmI like the applicator…it looks super easy to put on. I’m not sold on all the shimmer though–it never looks right on me in pictures! Maybe I’m applying it wrong…
tanya´s last blog post..blissfully black and white
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:54 amHi Tanya,
Hmm, shimmer can be tricky in pics. Maybe if you throw some matte up in there to off set the shimmer? I usually like to do a mix of textures otherwise it’s shimmer overload.
Sarah says
March 25th, 2009 at 4:03 pmI want to see ur makeup u did with these two greens + humid! please post 🙂
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:55 amHi Sarah,
Sure! I’ll whip something up soon. Do you have Humid?
Neena says
March 25th, 2009 at 4:07 pmI took a look at the Sugarsweet collection and have to say that I’m not super impressed. I’ve got a medium Indian complexion and these pastely colors end up looking frosty on me. Though I do think that the cakeshop shadestick is one item I might have to buy. I feel like depending on the color of the shadow on top cakeshop can look really pretty.
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:55 amHi Neena,
You’re right — Cakeshop can look really pretty. When you’re at the counter try it with some gold colors. It will pop!
windie says
March 25th, 2009 at 4:14 pmi couldn’t put my finger on it, then it finally clicked. your voice totally reminds me of reese witherspoon. btw, how come you haven’t done any video’s lately?
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:57 amHi Windie,
LOL, I get that a lot. They say everybody on this earth has a secret twin… I guess mine is making out with Jake Gyllenhaal. I’ll do a couple of vids soon!
Shivotra says
March 25th, 2009 at 4:30 pmI am sold on Aquavert…which I shall buy on Friday…after I write my midterm. Green shadows + brown eyes = love.
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:57 amHi Shivotra,
Good luck on your midterm! What’s it on?
Shivotra says
March 25th, 2009 at 4:35 pmHey Neena, even I have the same complexion as you…I think aquavert will look fabulous on the crease…you can layer a lot of green shadows with this to make your eyes stand out…that’s what I plan to do. I also want to try the lemon chiffone shadestick…can’t wait 🙂
Tashia says
March 25th, 2009 at 5:01 pmI know this maybe off the subject just a little bit ladies but I truly need some help. I just stepped onto the makeup scene about a month ago and I need to know what color eyeshadows would you all recommend to me. I’ve come across a lot of BEAUTIFUL Mac colors but I’m scared to buy them and then they don’t work for me and getting an eyshadow test at MAC is somewhat impossible. My skin complexion is close to if not on point with Jada Pinkett Smith. If needs to be known my eye color is dark brown could go for black. SO if you ladies don’t mind a little help is needed.
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:07 amHi Tashia,
I have a couple or MAC recommendations for you.
It’s always great to start with a few nice browns. You’ll be able to use them with *everything*. A few that I like that I use all of the time (and they’re all by MAC): Soft Brown, Soba, Brownscript, Foile and Saddle (for a video about these shadows click here).
A few easy-to-wear netural-ish shimmer shadows would be nice to get up in the mix for the days when you want something extra. Try: Satin Taupe, Woodwinked, Mulch, Amber Lights, Sable, Shroom and Ricepaper.
Here are some easy beginner combos for you to try with these colors:
1.) Ricepaper on brow bone, Woodwinked on the lid and in the crease
2.) Shroom on brow bone, Soft Brown in the crease, Woodwinked or Mulch on the lid
3.) Shroom on brow bone, Saddle in the crease, Sable on the lid.
4.) For a super easy look, use any of the shimmer shadows above just on the lid, add some black liner, curl your lashes and add two coats of mascara.
Hope this helps!
Neena says
March 25th, 2009 at 5:19 pmThanks for the tip Shivotra. Maybe I’ll give aquavert a try just how you suggested it!
Luv J says
March 25th, 2009 at 6:09 pmGirl.. bad enough you tempt us with all these makeup.. now you gotta flaunt a recipe like this??
If yours were sugar cubes.. mine was peanut butter!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:08 amHi Luv J,
OOOOHHH, I love peanut butter too. I have to ration myself with it otherwise I’d eat the whole jar, LOL!
You have to try the cobbler at least once (that’s all you need to get hooked, ha ha!).
Shivotra says
March 25th, 2009 at 6:48 pmno prob neena. Another great green from MAC that SURELY looks good is Juxt. Its a really nice golden green. Its like the only shadow that I have run out of…I use it THAT much. I also love Bare Escentuals’ glimmer in envy for a night out. Tashia, I think you should try whatever color you want…I dont think there are any rules when it comes to makeup. If you only want MAC, there are ideas on their website (Canadian one at least) under SS09 – they show you many looks and how to get them.
Tashia says
March 25th, 2009 at 6:52 pmThank You Shivotra.
Miss QQ says
March 25th, 2009 at 7:11 pmHi Karen. LOL the sugar cubes must have been very addictive. I, on the other hand, like to dab salt on my tongue repeatedly. 😀 I haven’t seen Sugar Sweet yet and am uncertain when it will be available here.
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:10 amHi Miss QQ,
I have a good friend loves salt — she could totally spend the day dabbing her tongue on a salt lick!
Gloria says
March 25th, 2009 at 7:24 pmI really like the shadesticks, so I bought Cakeshop and Butternutty.. yummy!
I’m thinking of using butternutty as a highlight/inner corner/bottom lash line color.. it’s so pretty!
Gloria´s last blog post..Non-Lavender Lipstick: Fergie Ferg for MAC Viva Glam
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:11 amHi Gloria,
Butternutty seems to be a crowd favorite. I might look at it again the next time I’m at the counter.
Shefali says
March 25th, 2009 at 7:26 pmHey Karen! Thanks for the recipe! Awesome blossom. What I love about your blog is that you cover many different things and tell us about yourself too.
Anyway, re: Sugarsweet – I skipped everything. Didn’t like anything. I’m with Neena – everything was so pastel and I’m just so bored with pastels. I don’t mind the frost. I’m also bored with pinks and peaches.
I swatched every single product in Sugarsweet and was really disappointed. Polishes were streaky, shadows were chunky and unblendable, and even the shadesticks were kind of chunky. I feel like MAC’s quality has declined in the last 6 months. I’m disappointed cuz I’ve been a MAC addict since 2000.
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:14 amHi Shefali,
They seem to been pumping out the collections with a quickness. I wonder if it has anything to do with the quality… I dunno. I haven’t felt the uber excited feeling with a release since Cult of Cherry. I hope that feeling returns when Style Warriors and Naked Honey comes out. 🙂
Jeanne says
March 25th, 2009 at 7:36 pmI totally bought Cakeshop, Aquavert, Stars’n’Rockets (I know, it’s a perm, but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time!), and Sugarshot. I reallyreally wanted to like the pink Cupcake shadow, but I could just tell that we would not be friends. And Peppermint Patti nail polish, of course!
I’ve worn Cakeshop on its own and under Henna from Brunette Blonde Redhead — super-pretty! Cakeshop’s my first Shadestick, and I’ve been impressed with the lasting power.
Jeanne´s last blog post..Shiseido Perfect Rouge – Red for Spring?
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:14 amHi Jeanne,
I have Henna so I’ll give the Cakeshop/Henna combo a try. Thanks for the idea!
Mishel says
March 25th, 2009 at 8:21 pmmmm..i am jonesing for dessert now. i have a makeup related question:
so are shade sticks a primer for eyeshadow?
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:15 amHi Mishel,
Yup. You can wear them on their own or by themselves. I’ve had trubs with them in the past creasing, so what I like to do is pop a primer underneath like Too Faced Shadow Insurance. It gives them a lil’ bit more stay.
Marisol says
March 25th, 2009 at 9:56 pmIs Aquavert a repromote? I haven’t been keeping up with the MAC collections lately.
Sugar cubes… oh my! I hope you didn’t have too many cavities as a child.
Marisol´s last blog post..Untitled
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:16 amHi Marisol,
I’m pretty sure it’s an LE. It looks a lot like Warm Chill in the pan!
LOL, uh, I do have a lot of fillings. I can’t lie.
lexi says
March 25th, 2009 at 10:24 pmHey Karen,
I just got this duo at the MAC shop last weekend. i am loving it – i layer the aquavert on the cakeshop with soba lightly on the crease and club on the v – i love this look! the green didn’t come out as minty as i thought. i follow up with black liner and lots of dazzlelash.
You know if you trade in your 6 containers that are empty, worn out or products you are tired of for the back to mac program – did you know you can trade that in for eye shadow or gloss? This only applies at the MAC shops so I got my aquavert shadow for FREE!!! Making this duo that much more loveable for me!
the BAKER in me is excited by this collection!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:18 amHi Lexi,
I will have to try your look. I bet the Soba plays off nicely with the other colors. 🙂
Yup, the Back to MAC program is the best, isn’t it? I can’t even begin to count how many empty tubes of concealer I’ve returned. Eeek, apparently I go through ’em fast.
I didn’t know you liked to bake! What is your specialty?
wendy says
March 25th, 2009 at 11:17 pmI cant wait until I got my goodies from this collection!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:18 amHi Wendy,
Sweet! What are you looking forward to the most?
Karen B says
March 25th, 2009 at 11:41 pmAha, the blueberry-peach cobbler recipe is back. I tried it a long time ago (your recipe of course) and it was delicous!!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:19 amHi Karen B.,
It’s baaaaack!
How have you been? Guess what — I’m going for a run outside for the first time in a looong while today. It’s nice and sunny out so I can run without freezing my bum off. I might even be able to wear some shorts!
Bisbee says
March 26th, 2009 at 5:24 amI got both the Aquavert and Cakeshop – love the combination! I will have to try the Aquavert on top of the Cakeshop – I’ve been applying the Aquavert first, then lining top and bottom with Cakeshop. I’ve been using a shimmery medium brown Chanel shadow in the crease, and then a shimmery dark green Rock & Republic cream liner top and bottom lashlines – the combination makes my green-to-hazel eyes REALLY green!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:20 amHi Bisbee,
That sounds *really* pretty. I didn’t think to use Cakeshop as a liner. I must give that a go!
How are you liking that Rock & Republic liner?
Tammy says
March 26th, 2009 at 7:05 amWe have similiar skin tones…I apply butternutty shadestick first, then aqauvert over it and it really pops!
Tammy´s last blog post..7 Things I Love
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:21 amHi Tammy,
I will have to give Butternutty another look when I go back to MAC!
Kim says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:01 amYeah girl, I pretty much lolskated my way around the room when you said you drew the calicos with suits on 😀 You crazy, girl!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:21 amHi Kim,
HA HA! Yeah, I was kind of a weird kid. I think my mom still has those pics somewhere around the house. I drew a ton of ’em! I blame it on the sugar.
How’s your day going so far? I’m so ready for the weekend.
Erin says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:02 amI only picked up Perfect Topping MSF and Lemon Chiffon from Sugarsweet. I like this collection, Aquavert looks niiiice, but I am trying to save for Style Warriors.
I want to try the blueberry peach crack recipe!!!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:23 amHi Erin,
YOU MUST! Seriously… I am convinced that cobbler can heal the world. If somebody is mad at me I’ll bake it for them and *POOF*! All is forgiven!
I’m pretty stoked about Style Warriors, too. And Naked Honey. 🙂
Stephie says
March 26th, 2009 at 8:49 amI felt the same way about the Sugarsweet collection. I am pretty excited for Rose Romance and the Warrior collections coming though 😛 Talk about pretty and fierce.
Thanks for sharing the recipe to all of us! I’ll be sure to try it out 🙂
Kim says
March 26th, 2009 at 11:03 amOh girl I’m SO ready for the weekend. I’m definitely going to get it early though. Today, I leave work 2hrs early for an eye appointment and tomorrow I don’t have much to do except roam around the building and set up the lecture/seminar room.
And THANK YOU SO MUCH! for the diva nail giveaway. I have my toes painted in Box Seats (the BRIGHT blue). I would have never picked a color like that but I gave it a try and I’m soooo excited every time I see my toes peeking from my flip flops 😉
Glosslizard says
March 26th, 2009 at 12:05 pmHiya!
Finally crawling out from under my rock! I got my brown belt (yay!) last Friday, and I’ve been resting since then! 😉
I’ve been pretty unimpressed with Sugarsweet, although, like you, I really wanted to like it! Aquavert might have moved me, but I like Warm Chill slightly better! I did do some serious searching so’s I could pick up Peppermint Patti though! After calling about six places and striking out online, I finally ended up in your neck of the woods! Yoink!
Hope you’re enjoying this extravagantly beautiful weather! 🙂
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 12:09 pmHi Glosslizard!
I figured you were up to good things!
Do you remember who helped you at the counter? I just love those girls! They are the best. 🙂
Congrats on your newest belt achievement. That’s very exciting. How awesome is it gonna be when you can say you have a black belt. KA-POW!
Karen says
March 26th, 2009 at 12:10 pmHi Kim,
YAY! I’m glad you are enjoying your polish! 🙂
Aren’t blue toenails fun? I think I’m gonna something similar this weekend with Essie Mesmerize.
Karen B says
March 26th, 2009 at 12:13 pmYay. I might make it to take with me to my practicum school next week or so. They’ll love it!
Wohoo. I’ve started running again here in Sweden.
Karen says
March 27th, 2009 at 9:18 amHi Karen B.,
I hope they do! If you can bring some vanilla ice cream to serve with it. YUM!
It’s good to hear that you’re running again. Are you doing distance or sprints?
Shivotra says
March 26th, 2009 at 12:21 pmHi Karen…its my senior Micro economics 😐
And a paper due tomorrow as well, but I am almost done my paper. That makes me happy…just have to edit it and cite it 🙂
Karen says
March 27th, 2009 at 9:19 amHi Shivotra,
Oh cool! One of my very good friends from college majored in Econ. Whenever she got into it I swear it went over my head, LOL!
Hope the rest of your paper went well. Soon you’ll be able to treat yourself with some makeup goodies, right?
Tami says
March 26th, 2009 at 1:16 pmI have both Aquavert and Cakeshop–got them last week along with Refined MSF, Triple Yum l/g and Peppermint Patti polish. I also love the idea you mentioned of layering Cakeshop beneath Gold Mode or Gold Dusk, I am so trying that:-D
Karen says
March 27th, 2009 at 9:20 amHi Tami,
It’s really pretty! It makes the gold really pop. I think it could look quite va va voom if you added thick black liner on the top lash line, some coral cheeks and coral lips. 🙂
Solé says
March 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pmHi Karen,
I had just taken a big sip of water when I read that you drew pictures of calico cats in business suits. Let’s just say I almost ruined my keyboard. I’m still laughing. That reminds me of the silly things my sisters and I used to do when we were kids. Does your mom have any of your old drawings? It would be great if you scanned one into your blog. 🙂
The Sugarsweet collection looks pretty enough but I agree that the colors look almost excessively light and cool. I don’t want to look like an easter egg. Actually, if I was still working, I probably would have already bought a few items from the collection (Dear Cupcake and Penny shadestick) but since all the money I have left for makeup shopping is a Nordstrom giftcard I’ve been hoarding since Xmas, I’m going to pass on this one.
Oh, and how do you feel about the MAC SS09 looks? I’m kind of disappointed. The looks are either way too much or not nearly enough. Where is my happy medium? I’ll have to go elsewhere for inspiration this season.
Karen says
March 27th, 2009 at 9:25 amHi Sole,
LOL! Isn’t funny how kids do the weirdest things? I think my mom saved a lot of those drawings (we’re kind of a pack rat family). When I go home again I need to check.
You are so lucky to have sisters! I have one brother but I always wondered how it would be like to grow up with other girls.
Regarding the SS09 looks, the only one I was moved by was Tendertone. I felt the other looks were interesting but a inaccessible. Sometimes I just want makeup that’s *pretty*, you know?
wehkwas says
March 26th, 2009 at 9:23 pmits odd that you should make a post about aquavert because it was the first product that really stuck out to me in the sugarsweet collection. my and my brother usually order together on mac and i’m really debating on whether or not to buy this one. but i keep thinking, who wears green, you know?
Karen says
March 27th, 2009 at 9:27 amHi Wehkwas,
You should totally do it. Do you have Soba or Soft Brown in your sash? It’s wearable with either of ’em and looks very fresh and pretty.
That’s cool that you and your brother go in on your MAC purchases. Is he an artist or a makeup enthusiast?
Glosslizard says
March 27th, 2009 at 10:25 amI didn’t catch her name, but she was super-nice! I had a great time just schmoozing around for a while before stealing home with my prize!
I know! I so want to be able to say “Oh, yah, I have a black belt in aikido!” On the other hand, I’m still totally shocked that it could actually happen!
Catherine says
March 27th, 2009 at 12:09 pmI saw Sugarsweet last week and only got Butternutty… I got to try it out twice on my spring break trip (it was a very low-key trip lol) and I’m still having some issues with blending it out at the edges… do you have any tips?
Catherine´s last blog post..LEAVING FOR SPRING BREAK ’09! HOUSEBOATING!! 😀
Tami says
March 27th, 2009 at 12:56 pmHey Karen,
I’m actually rocking the eye look today. I layered Cakeshop beneath Gold Dusk, used Romp in the crease, Shroom to highlight, Carbon on the outer v, and Teddy liner with a little Gold Dusk to smudge it out. On my cheeks I have X Rocks blush and MSF in Medium Dark shimmer as a highlight. And on my lips I have Mouthwatering lipglass. I really like how it all came out but I wouldn’t have thought of pairing this look with coral lips and cheeks–will be trying that out next time. Thanks for the suggestion=)
Jody says
April 1st, 2009 at 1:01 amKaren,
I have been wearing Aquavert everyday since it arrived in the mail. It is so neat how you wrote word for word how I feel about it, its the perfect green for me too. I get pretty excited wearing it and I have Cakeshop on the way!