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You Might Not Want To Swatch That Lipstick In Stores After Reading This!

Last Sunday was spent not only sipping and supping on Dos Caminos‘ amazing brunch menu but also perusing the shelves at Sephora in pursuit of its bevy of beauty-inspired enamel pins (VIB points well spent!). But as I was scoping out the shelves, I spotted a slew of shoppers applying tester lipsticks directly to their pouts, and in one instance, someone creating a smoky eye using a shadow from a tester palette (Insert pearl clutching gif here). As horrifying as all that sounds, new findings from Sitejabber, which specializes in customer ratings and reviews of businesses, might gross you out even more!

The review-aggregating site told PopSugar that it discovered that of its 24 swab tests taken from three anonymous beauty retailers, the average beauty tester has almost 200 times the bacteria of the average toilet seat! To compare, a beauty tester is about 20 times germier than your own cell phone, which a 2017 study found has over 17,000 bacterial gene copies on the phones of high school students. A toilet seat tends to have around 20 colony-forming units (CFU) or bacteria per square centimeter since they’re cleaned fairly frequently while cell phones and beauty testers don’t often receive the same treatment.

I seriously suggest keeping any test eye products as far away from your eye as possible (I’m talking to you random stranger I saw swiping on that test shadow!). Eyeliner was found to be the germiest of the bunch with 98,000 CFU, and mascara came in second on the gross factor with 32,000 CFU, which Sitjabber says is dirtier than a pet toy. And those germs can cause some serious illnesses beyond a bad breakout or pink eye, as PopSugar noted that a woman filed a lawsuit against Sephora in December claiming that she had contracted herpes from a sample. It’s a suit similar to the one MAC dealt with in 2013 when a woman claimed that she had also contracted the STI from a tube of Riri Woo lipstick during the star’s Diamonds tour.

But there are plenty of ways to stay safe while you swatch. First, carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag so you can start and finish with a clean slate since our hands have loads of germs that can easily be transferred to everything you touch. Second, use new and clean applicators — they’re often readily available on the endcaps for shoppers to use when trying on the formulas. Third, keep the swatches to your hands and arms, not your face or near any broken skin to prevent any harmful bacteria and virus from entering the body, and you should be set. Keep it clean, folks!

April 27, 2018 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

Here’s When the Aaliyah x MAC Collection Will Hit Shelves

Embed from Getty Images

We won’t have to wait much longer to get our hands on the MAC collection commemorating the late (and still great) R&B songstress, Aaliyah.

Though the collaboration was announced back in August 2017, fans hadn’t heard much more until yesterday when the brand tweeted that the collection will be released online on June 20th and will hit MAC store the next day. The Aaliyah collection shares a similar origin story last year’s Selena x MAC collaboration, as the singer was a well-known MAC fan who often wore “Chelsea Lipstick, Cherish Lipstick, Chestnut Lipliner, espresso eyeshadow, and biscuit eyeshadow,” according to a fan petition to the brand that was launched back in 2015. The petition received support with over 26,000 signatures as well as serious support from her brother Rashad Haughton, Missy Elliott, and even Aaliyah’s former makeup artist Eric Ferrell.

After hearing the fans loud and clear, MAC is tapping them to help celebrate the star’s studio and screen achievements with a short film called “A-Z of Aaliyah” made in partnership with i_D. According to the brand’s Instagram post, superfans can post a photo or video of themselves showing how Aaliyah has inspired them and tag the hashtags #AtoZofAaliyah and #AaliyahForMAC, and the top submissions will be flown to New York to be a part of the video.

A post shared by M·A·C Cosmetics (@maccosmetics) on Apr 2, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

And if that weren’t enough good news, the beauty brand took to Instagram to offer a look at what fans can expect to snap up when the collection drops this summer. The first picture featured a tawny brown lipstick synonymous with the ’90s that fans are guessing will be called “Rock the Boat” after her final single (though I think the cafe au lait-colored lipstick could easily be called Baby Girl after Timbaland and Missy’s nickname for her). The second showcases an eye palette filled with smoky shades, similar to the hues she wore in videos like “Try Again,” “We Need a Resolution,” and “Are You That Somebody,” as well a few shimmering shadows for a dash of dazzle.

I couldn’t be more excited to get my hands on a small tribute to her legacy. I started listening to her when I was eight years old, singing her sultry songs even when I didn’t realize how inappropriate they were for how young I was at the time. She had such a cool and mysterious vibe, thanks to her signature deep side part that hid half of her face, the shades she sported, and her stylish mix of masculine and feminine fashion that made her stand out against from the crowd on MTV.Even her turn as Queen Akasha in Queen of the Damned was still inspiring to me as she was not only one of the first (and few) vampires of color I had seen on screen, making it an easy costume choice that following year. But what cemented her as a beauty icon in my mind, as well as the rest of the girls in my middle school, was the blocky gray smoky eye that Ferrell created for her iconic “Try Again” video. Many attempted but few succeeded at recreating the eye look from the hit single from the soundtrack from her 2000 film Romeo Must Die. And after this social media sneak peek, I plan on practicing that look with the smoldering shadow palette, because after all, she did say, “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again…”

A post shared by M·A·C Cosmetics (@maccosmetics) on Apr 2, 2018 at 11:00am PDT

What do you plan on picking up from the collection?

April 2, 2018 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

Nicola Formichetti’s Nicopandas Come Out to Play With MAC

Photo: MAC Cosmetics via Teen Vogue

When I first started playing with makeup — not just swiping my mom’s lipsticks, but actually receiving play makeup to mess around with — I tended to go really wild when I dressed up. Smearing creamy blue and white shadows on my lids, applying layer after layer of thick pink gloss, and using my stash of stick-on earrings as jewels to dot all over to accent my look was all part of the prepwork before donning what I pretended was a gown before presiding over my subjects. And while I don’t play princess as often as I used to, that playful attitude has stuck around.

It’s also what drew designer Nicola Formichetti, who many might know as the former Mugler creative director who had Lady Gaga rock his first runway, to finally link up with MAC Cosmetics. The head of Nicopanda has a long histroy with the beauty, having previously paired up for a number of campaigns over the, including Gaga’s Viva Glam campaigns. “They have always been very supportive of me and my creativity,” he explained to Teen Vogue. “It was a natural progression to create product together with Nicopanda. They are like family, and we really trust each other.”

Photo: MAC Cosmetics via Teen Vogue

But this time, Formichetti wanted to bring his brand, which he says is all about “trying new things, sharing and creating new ideas,” to the beauty counter by letting his creative spirit run wild to craft a collection that is meant for everyone who loves who likes to play with pigments. “Diversity and inclusivity are part of everything I do and Nicopanda does,” Formichetti said of the collection that is slated to hit MAC’s website on April 5th and MAC stores and Macy’s on April 11th. “Working on this project, I was inspired because everyone had their own take on how they wanted to play with the color palettes — a total freedom of expression.”

That sense of spirit transformed into a collection chock with pretty pastels and other unconventional color combos in the form of three Full Face Kits called Stay Cute, Preppy Panda and Primapanda as well as six matte lipsticks that the glossy notes range from seafoam green (Galactic Mint) to deep plum (Toung ’N’ Chic). Not to mention, there’s a plethora of Formichetti’s signature pandas dotted all over the packagaing and even topping some of the makeup brushes in the collection. “I spent a lot of time really perfecting the packaging. I wanted to bring together the beauty of MAC design with the Nicopanda motif, and I am really happy with the results. It’s pretty incredible because packaging for this collection is unlike anything previously done by MAC.”

But the most unique (and most likely to sell out the fastest) is the face stickers that come in the shape of flowers, hearts, bows, as well as punctuation marks and Nicopanda heads — all decked out in glitter. Stick-on face accessories have been a staple in the industry, but in recent years, they’ve been remixed to appear more delicate and darling, like Milk’s series of tattoo stamps and Flirt Cosmetics Chicers, than these daring ones from MAC. That’s not to say you can’t lean into the look with a face full of them. In fact, Formichetti fully encourages makeup mavens to come up with with their own cool combinations, something he admits he’s spent hours doing. After all, what’s the point of playing with makeup if you’re not having fun? “Beauty can be the most simple and natural look or something totally over-the-top and crazy because it’s an opportunity to both empower and express,” he said. “It’s our differences that make us unique and beautiful.”

If you want to get up close and personal with some of the products int heupcoming collection, I suggest you head over to Teen Vogue to get a gander at some of them before marking your calendars for April 5th if you’re planning to shop online or April 11th when it hits stores. Either way, let me know what you’re planning to pick up in the commenst below!

February 27, 2018 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

#OnMyVanity: The Red Lipsticks I Love to Rock on Valentine’s Day

A post shared by Val’s Vanity (@valsvanity) on Feb 13, 2018 at 11:02am PST

I receive a slew of samples, and when I find something I like, I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

I’ll admit that since I started covering backstage beauty at New York Fashion Week, thoughts of Valentine’s Day has floated to very back of mind. I usually don’t have the time to gather gifts, let alone try to make a reservation at any restaurant in the Big Apple that day as I’m running from show to show, but I try to at least dress up my look a little more on February 14th even when I’m ready to fall over with exhaustion (concealer is a BIG help!). Regardless of your relationship status or your schedule, there’s no reason why you can’t get all dolled up for Valentine’s Day! All you really need is a swipe of a great red lipstick to channel the look of l’amour — no crazy cut creases or hearts necessary (unless you want to, of course). After playing with a slew of fabulous formulas over the years, I wanted to share a few of my favorites reds that you’ll want to stash in your bag should the need to pucker up (or add polish to your look in an instant) arise.

Scroll on to start seeing red!

February 12, 2018 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

Jeremy Scott Mixes It Up With MAC

Photo: Courtesy of Mac Cosmetics via Fashionista.com

Curated Spotify playlists are the current go-to platform to share your music with friends and SO’s. But when I was a teen, your favorite tunes or just new music you needed to check out were shared in the form of burned CDs, complete with a Sharpie inscription. And prior to that, it was the classic cassette tape that held so many precious music memories (my dad actually wooed my mom with one.) No matter if you bumped them in your Discman on the way to school or in your parents car on the way to the mall, each had their own vibe — I mean, who else got a breakup mix CD from their bestie after getting dumped? (Just me? Ok.)

It’s the same feeling that Jeremy Scott channeled for his upcoming collaboration with MAC, which is slated to hit shelves February 8th, since music is always a part of his creative process. “In general when I’m sketching or musing about a collection or a musician who I am doing costumes for, music is always on and playing. I love how music can take a room and alter it,” he told Vogue, dropping the names of some his muses like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, and Cardi B that populate his playlists.

January 4, 2018 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

What a Doll! Ariana Grande Teams Up with MAC Again

Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Ariana Grande’s indulging her inner moppet for her second stint with MAC.

The songstress shared a snap of herself on Thursday posing alongside the vibrant pink ad that features the star in full babydoll mode, complete with a giant pink bow, matching streaks of hair color, ruffled socks in platform Mary Janes and an array of doll furniture and fixtures.

The Viva Glam ambassador’s first foray for the MAC counter unleashed a dangerous woman in the form of a matte plum lipstick and sheer pink shimmer LipGlass. This time around, Grande’s “playing nice and charming” with a matte deep bubblegum lip color and a more neutral pink LipGlass that will hit shelves in September. As always, every penny of the proceeds will benefit the MAC AIDS Fund, which funds programs to assist those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Talk about sugar, spice, and everything nice!

June 16, 2016 by Val

Beauty, Hair, Makeup, Skin

Show Your Stash: Misti Michelle’s Makeup Musts, Muses & More

Courtesy of Misti Michelle

I know I’m not the only one curious about celebs and influencers’ favorite beauty buys as well as who and what shape their view of beauty in the biz.

It’s a bit of a coincidence that it’s National Bestfriend Day, and I happen to be featuring one of my best beauty buds—and there are many more you’ll see soon. Misti of MistiMichelle.com (formerly Entertainista.com) has always had an eye for beauty whether it was rocking wildly colored tresses in high school or becoming a licensed esthetician herself, and like most of us, she got it from her mama! She’s channeled all of her know-how, her carefully curated closet, and appetite for entertainment into a beautiful blog where she regularly shares her favorite finds and media musts. After forming a strong bond, as well as her encouraging me to start my blog, I wanted to spread the love and get her take on all things beauty, including how her aesthetic has shifted, what’s her best beauty advice, and what products make her #BeautyLust list for 2016.

Misti’s ultimate beauty look

On her approach to beauty: “My approach to beauty has changed so much over the last few years. Now that I’m in my mid-30s, my approach is less about the flashy, crazy trends and more about finding something that works for me. These days my beauty style is simple and classic. Most days it’s just a 5-product routine, as I’m just too lazy to do anything more; however, even when I go ‘all out,’ I don’t go for the crazy eyeshadows or lip colors. I tend to keep it all neutral.“

On the beauty idols she grew up with: “I didn’t really grow up with any beauty idols other than my mother; however, I do remember loving Cindy Crawford on MTV’s House of Style.”

via MTV.com

On her first beauty buy: “My mom sold Mary Kay all through my teens so I never really had to buy makeup. It wasn’t till I came to New York for the first time in 2000 that I was introduced to MAC. I couldn’t afford much but I did score Ruby Woo lipstick and I treasured it.”

On the best beauty advice she’s received: “Blend. Everyone from key MUA’s to my mom drilled blending into my head from the start. To this day, I live in fear of the dreaded foundation line.”

On her favorite tip to share: “When I was trying my hand at modeling, one of the MUA’s on set told me that if I’m ever in a bind lipstick can double as a blush and to use mascara as an eyeliner.”

Her picks for the best beauty buy of 2016 (so far): “I have to say it’s a toss-up between Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream and OUAI’s Hair Oil. Both have become staples in my daily beauty routine.”

Check out Misti’s musts below!

June 8, 2016 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

MAC Puts #NYFW Backstage Staples in the Spotlight

Kabuki, James Kaliardos, and Diane Kendal are the makeup maestros that have launched trends and developed many of the techniques we try backstage at Fashion Weeks around the world, so it’s no surprise that MAC would look to them for a curated collection.

Though the three K’s of backstage beauty have worked their magic on behalf of the brand during Fashion Month every season, this marks the first time the company has collaborated with independent makeup artists. “[The three] have been a part of the MAC family for many years, keying our shows at fashion weeks around the globe and working on our various visual campaigns,” James Gager, creative director of MAC, told Women’s Wear Daily.

The only caveat is that the collection isn’t slated to hit shelves until January 2017. But this special collection will be worth the wait! The 50-piece collaboration will feature individual collections from each artist that reflect their personal approach to beauty. According to the trade, Kaliardos will offer a clean aesthetic filled with neutrals while Kendal captures the spring runways with bronzy lids and cheeks and a bold lip for balance. But none is as glamorous as Kabuki’s creations that include a vibrant blue cream shadow, classic red lip, and even a bronzer/blush compact to complete the look.“[They] gave me complete freedom with this collection and turned my wish list into reality,” Kabuki said.

And for fashion fans and editors alike, this is definitely a dream come true. I’ve watched them work their magic behind the scenes amidst the chaos, transforming exhausted models into magical creatures that captivate on the catwalk with such precision and creativity—all while still coloring inside the lines determined by the designers. So seeing these artists free hand their own version of beauty will certainly be a treat. Needless to say, I can’t wait to see more of the campaign pictures to get a closer look at their handiwork!

June 6, 2016 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

Move Over Mood Lipsticks—MAC’s Got a Major Lippie Look for Summer

MAC

MAC wants you to toss the mood lipsticks from your middle school days and upgrade to something that’s sure to stand out.

The brand has taken the magic from our school days and reformulated them into the upcoming Tender Talk Lip Balms that will hit retailers and the web on June 18th for $20 each. Though the details of the formula are under wraps, the smart lip conditioners not only hydrate parched pouts, they also use your body chemistry to craft a sheer wash of customized color. And unlike the tubes from makeup’s past, there are an array of shades you can select for every occasion and skin tone.

Mood lipsticks were my first mom-approved makeup that I could use. We all initially thought that the (usually) green tube could magically shift between shades like the rings that also shared the same moniker but quickly learned better. These new lip balms instantly revive those memories and offer an amazing no-makeup makeup option for the season, like Glossier’s Generation G Balms that have already become a phenomenon, that is bound to become a summer sensation.

Get up close and personal with the chic shades below!

May 23, 2016 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

MAC Says Don’t Feed The Trolls, Wear Their Look Instead

Courtesy of MAC

A mere week has passed since MAC gave us a look at the upcoming Selena collection, but the brand already has a new collaboration in the works that taps into our craving for ‘90s nostalgia.

The cosmetics company has linked up with DreamWorks to bring the troll dolls you collected as a kid to the big screen and the makeup counter. Makeup mavens will be enticed by the vibrant array of essentials for eyes lips and face with unexpected color combinations and gobs of glitter. Plus the iconic doll is all over the packaging, even embossed on a pair of the beauty powders.

Oh wait, you didn’t know there was a movie in the works?! Well, the kid-friendly feature will star the voices of Anna Kendrick, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Timberlake, and many more as the bejeweled-bellied creatures who have their world rocked by the presence of a giant.

Though the film won’t hit theaters until November, you won’t have to wait as long for the vibrant makeup musts will hit shelves in August—perfect for those end-of-summer soirees on your social calendar.

April 19, 2016 by Val

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