MAC Hello Kitty

(all photos from http://www.maccosmetics.com/)

(these are only a few items in this line)


2 famous names: MAC and Hello Kitty

MAC is the most professional cosmetics store in my opinion. The products are high quality, long lasting, strong color, and a fair price.

Hello Kitty is one of the most widely known name in Asia. And which I am a fan of.

They are two totally opposite companies.

But when combined, they produced a limited edition line of makeup that is not too bold yet not too subtle: bright and cute.


MAC released this in February 2009 and most of the items are already sold out.

(Here's a photo video of the collection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2ADyylC1c)

The Hello Kitty line also attracts fans of both MAC and Hello Kitty (such as myself). So I think it was a advantageous partnership for both sides.

So me, being a makeup and Hello Kitty lover, I went to buy something. But when I got there I was a bit disappointed because the products were pretty small for that price. Then again the sizes are perfect for carrying around and MAC is professional. But I was happy because the colors are really bright. Not something you would wear on an everyday basis but are fun for going out. Since I desperately wanted to get something, I got this lipgloss. The color comes on really strong. A bit too strong for me since I am in highschool. But I would wear it at night or in a few years when I look more mature since lips that are not light pink do not look natural on me. I really recommend this line because it is by MAC (reliable and professional) and is Hello Kitty (fun colors).






Because these products were so successful, MAC came out with a new line this week: Hello Kitty Kouture



This line is more expensive because the products are embedded with crystals. It only consists of 2 products.

The lipgloss is $30 and the powder is $90. But the case is removable and is made out of silver and embedded with Swarvoski crystals. So the price is fair.

If you are looking for new makeup and want to create a colorful look, I definitely recommend this line. If you compare the price of MAC and other cosmetic stores, the price difference if small. And MAC is probably better so I say that going to MAC would be a better choice.

You can find MAC in almost any mall and you can order online. The price ranges a lot since there are many products. So visit the website! And have fun shopping! http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Shiseido AND MAC Eyelash Curlers

Recent Epiphany!
I found out why my Shiseido eyelash curler works better for me than my MAC one.



Left: Shiseido's Eyelash Curler (GCR)- Made in Japan
Right: MAC's Full Lash Curler- Made in America


I think that both of these eyelash curlers are equally good. It just depends on your eye shape.



As you can see, the one on the right (MAC) has a larger curve and the left (Shiseido) not so much. That is because the asian eye protrudes less than other races usually.

And the width of the left one is smaller than the right. That is because asians have smaller eyes.

They are both very good eyelash curler and I recommend both brands.

But since I am asian, I find the Shiseido one to work best for me since it fits in all the hard-to-reach-corners and targets every single eyelash unlike the MAC one.

I'm not saying the MAC one is bad. It still works for me. Just not as well as the Shiseido one due to my eye shape.

So that was a recent discovery.

So for all you asians out there, I highly recommend the Shiseido eyelash curler (the one made in Japan). For people who have larger eyes, I really recommend the MAC one because it creates a strong curl that is not a harsh line in a few clamps.

I give them both 5 out of 5

Where to get it: MAC and any cosmetic store that sells Shiseido. Maybe more luck in an asian department store.
Price: MAC- $15/ Shiseido- $17.50
Websites:http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT135&PRODUCT_ID=370&QUERY=eyelash%20curler and http://www.shiseido.co/jp

IPSA Gloss Water Foundation 101 SPF 10 PA+ vs. MAC foundation

Where to get it: Japan, Taiwain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, China (you need to order online and ship it over)
Price: $40
Website: http://www.ipsa.co.jp/en/index.htm

This is an asian brand (IPSA) of liquid foundation that is made in Japan.

It is a very light foundation that does not cake on your face. So it does not feel like you are wearing a mask. It also absorbs the light so that your face does not look like it is glowing or oily when you are in the sun.

I personally use it for performances on stage. I am not an expert on theater makeup but from the ones that I have tried, this one by far surpasses theater foundation. It does not melt off under those hot stage lights and the intensity of the stage lights does not wash out the color of your face.

But you can definitely use it for everyday use also.

This comes off easily with makeup remover and does not clog and irritate the pores. So you don't break out later. Plus, it is hydrating and also protects against UV rays.

Application is smooth and a little goes a long way. So this bottle can last for months.

It is pricey but I feel that it is worth it. $40 and 25 mL

In other cosmetics stores such as MAC, the same amount would be for around $30.

The problem with MAC foundation is that if you want a full coverage (cover up every little blemish) it cakes on and looks fake. If you want light coverage, it does not really cover much. But for IPSA, the light coverage covers mostly everything so it looks more natural.

So I think it would be worth paying that extra $10