Serena & OPI...The Best Things to Happen to Nails Since Lee Press Ons

Do you remember Lee Press On nails?  Yeah, the ones you had when you were 14.  They looked great in the box but as soon as you put them on they chipped, cracked, or fell off within hours.  UGH..total waste of my lunch money and allowance.  Well there is a new nail trend : shatter nail polish.  You've probably seen Katy Perry and Serena Williams sporting the look.  Choose any color nail polish you want and then paint over it with the shatter. The shatter nail polish atomically dries crackled giving it a shattered effect.  The trend has gained alot of popularity.  So much that Serena Williams has teamed up again with OPI to create more shades for the Glam Slam nail polish collection.

New shades in the Glam Slam collection will be introduced to coincide with each of the four major tournaments, beginning with the Australian Open in January 2011, followed by launches in May 2011 for the French Open, June 2011 for Wimbledon and August 2011 for the US Open. View the shades and details below.

Spark de Triomphe

White Shatter

Rally Pretty Pink

Red Shatter

The Glam Slam Collection by OPI will be available beginning January 2011, with subsequent launches in May, June and August, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50

What do you think of the colors?  Have you tried any of OPI's shatter nail polish?  Any desire to? I'm not a big fan of the shatter nail polish trend.  I think it looks cute on some people, but for me...I'll pass.

Free Product Giveaway - April 4th

*Giveaway is now closed.*

Hey everyone it's Giveaway Time!!  It's my first giveaway and I'm so excited.  Makeup Not Down wants to say thank you to all of my readers.  There's no better way to do that than by giving out free beauty products. YAY!!  Makeup Not Down will be giving away two free mystery beauty products to one lucky winner. The giveaway drawing will take place on April 4th, 2011.  If you'd like to enter here’s how:

1 Entry:

• Follow @MakeupNotDown on Twitter
• Become a fan of Makeup Not Down on my Facebook fan page
• Follow Makeup Not Down via Google Friend Connect! (found in the left sidebar on my blog)
• Subscribe via email (found in the left sidebar on my blog)

4 Entries:

• Retweet (RT) the following message on twitter - Follow @MakeupNotDown and RT to win two free beauty products http://bit.ly/flsUyF
• Share this giveaway on Facebook using this link http://bit.ly/flsUyF

6 Entries:

• Share this giveaway on your blog.  You must link back to this post and include a direct link to your post announcing the giveaway in your comment.

Don't forget to leave a separate comment for each entry you complete!

Details:
The winner will be contacted via email, and must claim their prize within 5 days.  The giveaway closes April 4th at 12:00PM EST and the winner will be announced by April 5th 10:00AM EST.  All entries will be entered into an excel spreadsheet and selected via randomizer.org.

Rules:

• All entrants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Prizes will be awarded either by Makeup Not Down or by its affiliated merchants in a timely manner.
• Winners will be notified by e-mail and must respond within 5 days with their valid shipping address, or the prize is forfeit and a new winner will be selected.
• By accepting a prize, the winner agrees that Makeup Not Down may post his/her name on the blog.

Good Luck,

Scoop Post: MAC Bronze Everyday Collection

Shimmery highlights on the skin, tan all season...summer is almost here! OMG I couldn't post this collection fast enough.  I am obsessed with any product that gives you the natural, radiant, skin look. The products in the MAC Bronze Everyday Collection will give you the perfect illusion of glowing skin without stepping out on a yacht!  A few items I already have but I will be stocking up on some a few favorites.  Release date April 7th, ddescription and pictures below.

The all-bronze, all-the-time trend is ascending. High and low, Jersey Shore to Jakarta, it’s always sunny somewhere, and “orange” is officially over! MAC Bronze Everyday is reflecting the trend to be tan in all seasons, and it’s no accident that our Bronzing innovations are making it all that much more attractive…and easy. Great news: It’s back for good…Skinsheen Leg Spray the long-wear gel/mousse body makeup that sheers on legs, arms, decolletage for a subtle golden glow. Water resistant three times over. Love your Lustre Drops? They’re back too, for that touch of chic luminosity, an ethereal glow wherever applied. Two new golden shades of Mineralized Skinfinishes Natural plus Mineralize Skinfinishes and Bronzing Powders complete the collection, making MAC all about one-stop Bronzing

Bronzing Powder $22.00

Refined Golden - finely spun gold with soft pearl finish

Bronzing Powder $22.00

Golden - muted golden tan-beige with gold shimmer

Bronzing Powder $22.00

Bronze - muted bronze-brown with gold shimmer

Bronzing Powder $22.00

Matte Bronze - bare shouldered bronze

Lustre Drops $18.50

Pink Rebel - blue pink with gold pearl

Sun Rush- peach bronze with gold pearl

Mineralize Skinfinish $28.00

Gold Deposit - soft reflective golden bronze

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural $26.00

Give Me Sun! - light summery peach tan

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural $26.00

Sun Power - deep terracotta bronze

Mineralize Skinfinish $28.00

Soft & Gentle - gilded peach bronze

Skinsheen Leg Spray $23.50

Medium Dark - sheer soft bronze with golden tan pearl

Dark - golden bronze

I can't wait to get my hands on the skinsheen leg spray.  Thoughts?

Scoop Post: MAC Primed for Perfection Collection

In makeup news MAC is launching their own set of highlighters in the Primed for Perfection collection.  Deciding what to use a highlighter for can be confusing.  You can accent the face or downplay flaws.  Depending on the formula and shade, I use them under my eyes or to highlight my cheek bones.  Personally I'm not thrilled about this release.  I think the products are just ok, nothing special.  I'm curious to see if this will compete with YSL's Touche Eclat and Chanel's Stylo Eclat Lumiere.  I will definitely have to swatch and do a comparison.  More details below.  Available April, 7th 2011. 

"MAC owns the primers category. Now we’re talking Prep + Prime further than ever. Use it under, it under,over during,after makeup application, and marvel at the ease with which it can accept concealer,cooperate with color. And now, with Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye, P+P advances eyes, focuses potential. A lightweight, quick fix AND long-term solution for puffy, tired-looking creases and bag that targets the three main causes for dark under eye circles — while illumination the eye area with optical effects for instant luminosity.

Pigmentation, visibly weakened capillaries and shadowing — while illuminating the eye area with optical effects for instant luminosity. Vibrancy eye provides pick-me-up powder and moisturization. On step and you’re prepped for makeup magic. A wonderful new shades highlighter debuts with the collection – Prep + Prime Highlighter is lush and cushiony, yet lightweight — in wonderful hues that provides a sheer wash of color to highlight, brighten and perfect. The click “pen” allows for exact application."

Prep + Prime Highlighter 

Light Boost - Soft yellow cream

Bright Forecast- Mid-tone peachy coral 

Radient Rose- Light shell pink

U.S.$23.00

Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye -

A lightweight, quick fix and long term solution for puffy, tired-looking eyes

U.S.$ 30.00

If you are a fan of highlighters what works best for you?  Pen, Pencil, or Cream? 

Current Must Have: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions

In the middle of the night I came across an infomercial for an affordable 3 step acne skin care treatment by Neutrogena.  You've probably seen or heard about Neutrogena Advanced Solutions, but have you tried it?

During my teenage years I never had a problem with acne.  When I hit the age of 27 things started to change.  My outbreaks weren't severe, but they were constant.  You know...right around that "time" of the month lol.  My skin would breakout with little red bumps and sometimes very painful big whiteheads.  Luckily I found a product that wasn't harsh on my skin and left my complexion looking flawless. 

After about a week of consistent use I started seeing noticeable results.  The kit contains a face wash (salicylic acid and glycolic acid),  benzoyl peroxide gel (2.5%), and then a follow-up moisturizer for acne-prone skin.  Start with using the face wash twice a day and oil-free SPF 15 lotion after cleansing.  I only used the acne control benzoyl peroxide gel on really bad bumps because it can be a little drying.  I don't know what it is, but something in the formula of each of these products is so gentle to the skin. 

Neutrogena cleared up my skin and also has been preventing more break outs.  I really love this product and have been using it for about 2 years now.  Neutrogena Advanced Solutions is available for $19.99 at most retail or drug stores everywhere. 

I would definitely recommend this to a friend and of course my lovely readers! 

Spa Week 2011

Relax, relate, release because Spa Week is approaching!  During the week of April 11th - 17th you can take advantage of full service spa treatments for only $50!  This is something I look forward to every year.  Each spa chooses the treatments to offer at the special price.  So make sure you view the list of participating spas and $50 spa treatments here.  Besides it the perfect pamper me gift right around tax time!  Bookings begin March 14th!

I'm marking my calendar and making my appointment!  Who is coming with me?

Juicy Tubes: Love 'Em!

Lancome’s releasing a limited-edition collection of five glosses for the summer. What's the inspiration behind the collection?  Drum roll please.....LOVE!!! Awww so sweet.  Juicy Tubes Awakening of Love collection will be available June 2011.  I have so many nice things to say about Lancome's juicy tubes.  I'm a big fan of them because they smell so good and glide on your lips softly.  Pics Below!

Super Cute!

Look at the packaging, so pretty!  I can't wait to try these. 

Will you be making your way to the nearest Lancome counter? 



Scoop Post: MAC Quite Cute Collection

I really love the color pink and can't get enough of it.  Just look at my blog LOL.  But if you love pink and other pastel colors like I do than the MAC Quite Cute collection might pique your interest.  I'm not sure if the colors are for all complexions..but its something I'll definitely have to play around with.  The collection launches April 7th, 2011.  Peep the "Cute" names and pics below!  Awww too cute!

“CUTE!” The most fanciful, fun and flattering compliment and young, modern trendsetter could ever want! Our version is the girliest kind of international glam possible, a style ride that combines postage-stamp-sized puppies with pixie swizzle-stick fashion and butterfly kisses for cute boys and even cuter shoes! Cupcake icing colors, vintage romance, an ATM card with Hello Kitty on it – and a way of life that says “yes!” to everything adorable! Come on, get happy, with the multi-culti cutie, from Tokyo to Toronto to Paris with love! Pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass, and Nail Lacquer…And due to popular demand, we’re completely cute-ifying three favourite Lip Pencil shades from last season that will join the fun and frolic. Flash! You’ll ♥ the Mineralize Blush with the sweet heart baked right into it. If it shines, shimmers and pops it’s completely, contagiously, cute!

Mineralize Blush US.$23.00

Giggly - Light pink with a pearly plum heart (Frost)

Sakura - Lavender with pearly deep magenta heart (Frost)

Miss Behave - Light beige with a pearly mint green heart (Frost)

Nail Lacquer US $14.00

Ice Cream Cake - Creamy blue pink (Cream)

Little Girl Type - Creamy pale lavender (Cream)

Mischievous - Creamy pale blue mint (Cream)

False Lashes $14.00

#7 Lash

Lipstick $14.50

Playing Koi - Creamy white peach pink (Satin)

Saint Germain - Pastel pink (Amplified)

Candy Yum-Yum - Neon pink (Matte)

Quite Cute - Bright whitened lavender (Cremesheen)

Play Time - Intense violet (Cremesheen)

Plushglass $18.50

Fashion Fanatic - Creamy pale pink

Bubble Tea - Creamy pale nude

Girl ♥ Boy - Bright light blue pink

I ♥ U - Creamy mid-tone purple

Lip Pencil $13.00

In Synch - Bright yellow pink

Naked Liner - Light neutral

Boldly Bare - Mid-tone red brown

Eye shadow x 4 $36.00 - CUTIE

Moshi! Moshi! - Pale white green gold (Frost)

Goody Goody Gum Drop - Light white pink (Satin)

Boycrazy - Pale lavender with silver pearlized pigments (Lustre)

Azuki Bean - Mid-tone violet (Frost)

Penultimate Eye Liner $17.50

Rapidblack - True Black

Zoom Lash $14.00

Zoomblack - Rich black

So what's on your wish list from this collection?  MAC Quite Cute reminds me a lot of the Sugar Sweet collection.

Scoop Post: Burberry Lip Mist Collection

Burberry a classic designer brand known for its sophisticated, beautiful clothing will release a new lip line called Lip Mist.  The line will include some truly pretty colors that will give your lips a moisturized tinted pout.  Did you catch the distinctive Burberry pattern embellished on the lipsticks itself? *screaming* Available May 2011 at Nordstrom and Burberry counters everywhere.

How do you feel about more expensive makeup brands?  Worth a purchase if you like it?