Sigma Coupon 2013 & Sigma Brushes/MAC Giveaway

June is on its way again! It is one of the warmest months here and also the month of my birthday. I'm very excited to sponsor and host the June 2013 giveaway. For additional giveaway details, please visit the giveaway page.

Sigma Beauty July Coupon Code

 

The following giveaway is not sponsored. Coupon codes were provided by Sigma and this post contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed therein are those of the author.

The July 2013 coupon code for Sigma Beauty is RNL2013. Just apply it at checkout for 10% off your Sigma order. The coupons are valid for the month of June and July, respectively. For additional coupons or information on monthly free gift, please see the Sigma coupon page.

MAC and Sigma June & July 2013 Giveaway

EDIT. GIVEAWAY CLOSED - Winners Announced HERE
This giveaway is open to all readers, internationally. It ends July 8, 2013 at 11:59PM EST. (I'll be on holiday til then.) There are four prizes and four methods to enter. You can enter by one method or all four if you like a chance to win all four prizes. Each person can enter the giveaway only once. Winners are randomly drawn and will be contacted by method of entry and/or by email.

A summary of the giveaway prizes/methods:

1. Twitter Giveaway - MAC eyeshadow of choice
To win this prize, tweet/retweet about this giveaway with a link to this page so users know how to entr.
2. Tumblr Giveaway - Sigma $40 gift certificate
Blog/reblog this giveaway under tag #giveaway or some tags to help tumblers find it. If you don't use tumblr, you can also pinterest it instead.
3. Blog Post Giveaway - MAC lipstick of choice
Blog about this giveaway, linking to it our this site so users can find it. You just have to mention it in your blog post. You do not have to dedicate an entire blog post to it.
4. Sidebar Giveaway - Sigma $40 gift certificate
Link this giveaway on your blog sidebar or simply add handmadereviews.net to your blogroll.

To enter this giveaway, fill out the entry form below:

MAC's A/W 2012 Trend Book

Here is a glimpse into MAC's A/W Trend Book. Be sure to let me know if you're interested in any specifics so that I can pull it up!

There are four trends in the book:

• Sense + Sensibility: A rural approach to fresh country innocence, an aristocratic take on tailored beauty; the look is healthy, polished, effortless and groomed with the perfect canvas for a red lip.
• Roam-Antique: Elegant, eccentric beauty seen through the eyes of a gypsy, a trend playing with the proportion and depth of an eye, using soulful tints to mesmerizing jewel-like metallics; a modern-day twist on a smokey eye.
• Hone-Structure: A contemporary nude sculptured face focusing on bold brows and the use of shadows to give depth to features; the look is strong yet feminine.
• Arti-Tech: An artistic take on liner, high tech and modern referencing Oriental precision and equestrian elegance – refined.

Other sections in the book include:

• Featured Makeup Artists: Details behind M·A·C’s key makeup artists inspirations including Val Garland, Charlotte Tilbury, Diane Kendal, Andrew Gallimore, Carole Colombani, Gordon Espinet, Lyne Desnoyers, Terry Barber, and additional quotes from M·A·C Senior Artists.
• Featured Designers: An insider’s guide to over 60 A/W 12 designers’ beauty looks including Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung and Donna Karen New York.
• Ten-dencies of the Season: The top 10 unique techniques of the A/W 12 season.
• Index: A complete list of the shows M·A·C supports across the world and their corresponding trend.

Iris Apfel for MAC, MAC Naturally (January 5, 2012 - February 9, 2012)

Another year, another opportunity for MAC to release their always-coming limited edition collections. I've begun to grow tired of their (sometimes rather rushed) releases, especially since they always pick my favorite items to "limit" while adding the less-than-loved items to the permanent collection. I won't be covering all MAC releases - partially because there are so many, but mostly because Christine from Temptalia makes a point to post these details ASAP anyway. (It's better you hear from her promptly than my lazy self.)

Despite the complaints, these collections look pretty appetizing. Not sure I'll have any money left after the holidays to splurge on the goodies, but I'll probably pick up a lipstick or two (or four). Their MAC Naturally collection speaks right to me.

MAC Mineralize Skincare (January 5, 2012)

Making its debut in 2012, the MAC Mineralize Skincare line is made with ionized Super-Duo Charged Water technology. The collection includes Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser, which gently removes makeup without scrubbing or massaging to leave skin clear and conditioned. The Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel is a rich and creamy, superlight and hydrating gel. Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Eye Cream boosts the eyes to minimize dark circles and puffiness. Also included in this permanent collection are the Mineralize Charged Water Face and Body Lotion and Mineralize Charged Water.

MAC Mineralize Skincare (Permanent Collection)

Available in North America starting January 5, 2012 and Internationally February 2012 at all M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 and maccosmetics.com.

I think MAC has gone a little overboard emphasizing their water-based technology - whatever that may be. Whatever it is, they sure make it sound revolutionary for what is probably just a different filtration method with added minerals.

Give the Gift of Beauty to Others and Yourself

Whether you're looking for presents to gift friends and relatives or something to treat yourself this holiday, beauty products are the way to go if indulgence is your top priority. Here are a few holiday gifts many beauty lovers would enjoy.

Nothing screams festivity more than daringly red lips. Modernize the classic red this year and go matte. Brand name or drugstore, red lipsticks are always stylish. Great matte reds of this season include MAC Russian Red ($14.50), NARS Vesuvio ($25), and Revlon Really Red ($5.00). Or if you are going for double the price, half the matte, but all of the gorgeous, don't miss out on YSL Rouge Volupeté in Red Muse ($34).

MAC 2011 Holiday Collections: Glitter and Ice, Ice Parade, Dazzlesphere, Viva Glam

Have a very MAC holiday this winter! This vast holiday release by MAC will ensure that every makeup lover finds what she wants. Direct your family and friends to this portion of your Christmas list. Or maybe you will be giving the gift of MAC this holiday. ;)

 Glitter and Ice – Available October 27, 2011 (November 2011 Internationally)

Chic, metallic lip, eye, and face kits and bags are the perfect gifts for all the fabulous guys and gals in your life! These stylish M∙A∙C kits and bags are the perfect accessory during and after the holiday season!

Paint Pots ($18.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN)
 Let’s Skate! Pale pink with pearl
 Morning Frost Shimmering champagne taupe
 For Effect Black with pearl

MAC False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara (October 6, 2011)

M·A·C False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara

 

Available October 6, 2011 in the permanent collection
$19.00 U.S./$22.50 CDN

Intensely inky, this lightweight, innovative mousse-like formula saturates lashes in a carbon-black pigment that promises the deepest, darkest, richest look imaginable with full long-lasting coverage. Each stroke of the unique double-lush brush creates vixen volume and lift by filling in sparse lashes, magnifying and multiplying magnificently. Long-wearing polymers quickly coat from root to tip, keeping lashes supple and flexible – never brittle.

This mascara will be released in North America on October 6, 2011 and internationally starting January 2012. I know MAC mascaras get a bad rep, but I am really excited for this mascara. I'm a fan of the dark, intense lash type of look. What do you think? Will you be forking over the money to give this a try?

Press materials provided by MAC Cosmetics.

MAC Posh Paradise Collection: Fall 2011 (Launches September 15 - November 10)

MAC Posh Paradise launches in North America starting September 15, 2011 and internationally starting October 2011. This collection will feature 10 lipsticks, 8 paint pots, and 2 nail lacquers.

MATTENE LIPSTICK

$14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN

Naked Bliss, Rare Exotic, Legendary, Unknown Pleasures, Seeds of Desire

Eden Rouge, Delectable, Potent Fig, Deliciously Forbidden, Fresh Amour

Naked Bliss - Neutral light pink
Rare Exotic - Bright mid-tone blue pink
Legendary - Mid-tone brick red
Unknown Pleasures - Deep red blue
Seeds of Desire - Deep brown plum
Eden Rouge Bright blue-red
Delectable - Orange-beige
Potent Fig - Deep blue grape
Deliciously Forbidden - Midtone berry
Fresh Amour - Light lavender

PAINT POT

$17.50 U.S./$21.00 CDN

Treasure Hunt, Nubile, Idyllic, Pure Creation,

Genuine Treasure, Half-Wild, Hyper violet, Imaginary

Treasure Hunt - Light pearled yellow
Half-Wild - Mid-tone purple
Hyperviolet - Deep violet
Nubile - Light peachy nude
Idyllic - Mid-tone copper bronze
Genuine Treasure - Reflects antique gold
Pure Creation - Mid-tone frosty blue
Imaginary - Blackened navy

NAIL LACQUER

$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN


Immortal, Rain of Flowers

Immortal - Gold Pale gold
Rain of Flowers - Blackened violet with sophisticated violet shimmer

I am really excited for the paint pots! Anyone else looking forward to this collection?

Images and information provided to Handmade Reviews courtesy of MAC Cosmetics.

MAC Semi-Precious Crystal Pink Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Semi-Precious Crystal Pink Mineralize Skinfinish ($28 for 0.22 oz)

Glittery, sheen and almost cool-toned.

Swatches of the outer circle, the inner circle, and a combination of both

Like most MAC MSF, Crystal Pink is quite glittery. The fallout on this one is a little worse than usual though. Crystal Pink is nice in that it can serve as a rosy highlighter and a shimmery bronzer or blusher. I think MAC by Candlelight is a much prettier highlighter.

Review Summary: MAC Semi-Precious Crystal Pink Mineralize Skinfinish

Pigmentation/Texture: Great pigmentation and smooth texture. 5/5

Lasting Power: I'm not a fan of the fallout after a few hours. I blame the glitter. 4/5

Packaging: The usual packaging. The marble cut looks good, but is nothing new now. 4/5

Value: I am normally okay with the price of MAC's MSF, but the product was reduced by a lot. 3.5/5

Overall: Smooth application, but does not stand out among all the MSF. B

Read more about MAC's Semi-Precious Collection released July 7th.

MAC vs. Sigma Brushes Dupe Guide (New Numbering System)

Sigma-MAC brush dupe guide updated for May 2015. Also see Sigma Coupons 2015.

Sometimes makeup tutorials will refer to specific brushes by numbers, which can get confusing if you do not own that specific brand. This guide should be able to clear things up a little if you want to go from MAC to Sigma or Sigma to MAC. Not all brushes have exact dupes and some MAC brushes are limited edition.


Face Brushes:

MAC 109 Small Contour Brush MAC 116 Blush Brush MAC 128 Split Fibre Cheek Brush MAC 129 Short Powder Blush Brush MAC 129SH Powder Blush Brush MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush MAC 134 Large Powder Brush MAC 138 Tapered Brush MAC 150 Large Powder Brush MAC 165 Tapered Highlight Brush (Limited) MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush MAC 179 Angled Split Fibre Buffer Brush MAC 182 Buffer Brush MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush MAC 190 Foundation Brush MAC 191 Square Foundation Brush MAC 192 Large Concealer Brush (Limited) MAC 194 Concealer Brush (Limited) MAC 195 Concealer Brush No Exact Dupe No Exact Dupe No Exact Dupe No Exact Dupe No Exact Dupe No Exact Dupe

Sigma F05 Small Contour No Exact Dupe (Similar: F10) No Exact Dupe (Similar: F10) Sigma F10 Powder/Blush No Exact Dupe (Similar: F10, F30) Sigma F15 Duo Fibre Powder/Blush Sigma F20 Large Powder Brush Sigma F25 Tapered Face Brush Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour Brush No Exact Dupe (Similar: F40, F45) Sigma F45 Buffer Brush Sigma F50 Duo Fibre Brush Sigma F55 Small Duo Fibre Brush Sigma F60 Foundation Brush No Exact Dupe (Similar: F60) Sigma F65 Large Concealer Brush Sigma F70 Concealer Brush Sigma F75 Concealer Brush Sigma F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Sigma F82 Round Top Synthetic Kabuki Sigma F84 Angled Top Synthetic Kabuki Audrey Retractable Kabuki (Black) Marylin Retractable Kabuki (Red) Taylor Flat Top Retractable Kabuki (Purple)

Eye Brushes:

MAC 204 Lash Brush MAC 208 Angled Brow Brush MAC 209 Eyeliner Brush MAC 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush MAC 213 Fluff Brush MAC 214 Short Shader Brush MAC 217 Blending Brush MAC 219 Pencil Brush MAC 222 Tapered Blending Brush MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush (black) MAC 226 Small Tapered Blending (Limited) MAC 227 Large Fluff Brush MAC 228 Mini Shader Brush MAC 231 Small Shader Brush MAC 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush MAC 235 Split Fibre All Over Eye Brush MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush MAC 242 Shader Brush MAC 249 Large Shader Brush MAC 252 Large Shader Brush MAC 263 Small Angle Brush MAC 266 Small Angle Brush MAC 275 Medium Angled Shading Brush

Sigma E80 Lash and Brow Brush Sigma E75 Angled Brow Brush Sigma E05 Eye Liner Brush Sigma E10 Small Eyeliner Brush Sigma E15 Flat Definer Brush No Exact Dupe (Similar: E50, E60) Sigma E20 Short Shader Brush Sigma E25 Blending Brush Sigma E30 Pencil Brush Sigma E35 Tapered Blending Brush Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush (black) Sigma E45 Small Tapered Blending Brush Sigma E50 Large Fluff Brush No Exact Dupe (Similar: E20) No Exact Dupe (Similar: E55) No Exact Dupe (Similar: E40) No Exact Dupe (Similar: E50, E60) Sigma E55 Eye Shading Brush No Exact Dupe (Similar: E60) No Exact Dupe (Similar: E60) Sigma E60 Large Shader Brush Sigma E65 Small Angle Brush Sigma E65 Small Angle Brush Sigma E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush

Lip Brushes:

MAC 316 Lip Brush MAC Retractable Lip Brush

Sigma L05 Lip Brush No Exact Dupe (Similar: L05)

I spent a lot of time compiling and linking this list. Do not copy it and paste it elsewhere. If you want to share the guide, please link to this page directly. This post may contain some affiliate links. Please read our policies for further details. Feedback is greatly appreciated.

This page is frequently updated. Please leave feedback and suggestions below.

MAC Semi-Precious Collection (July 7)

As much as I love new MAC releases, the plethora of collections have really tired me out. I only ordered a Mineralize Skinfinish (in Semi Precious Crystal Pink) this time. Expect swatches and a review soon. For now, enjoy the press images:

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19.50): Hint of Sapphire, Clarity, Golden Gaze

Blue Sheen,  Dark Indulgence, Smoked Ruby

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19.50): Mineral Mode, Unsurpassable, Jade's Fortune,

Faux Gold,  Quartz Fusion, Rare Find

Mineralize Blush ($23): Pressed Amber, Warmth of Coral, Feeling Flush

Mineralize Skinfinish ($28): Semi Precious Pearl, Semi Precious Crystal Pink, Semi Precious Rose Quartz, Semi Precious Goldstone

Lipstick ($14.50): Lush Amber, Gem of Roses, One of a Kind, Musky Amethyst

Cremesheen Glass ($18.50): Pure Magnificence, Natural Flare, Geo Pink, Looks Like Sin, Richly Revered

Brushes: 128 Split Fibre Cheek Brush ($32), 179 Angled Split Fibre Buffer Brush ($47), 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush ($22), 235 Split Fibre All Over Eye Brush ($30)
Etcetera: Mineralize Charged Water Revitalizing Energy ($22), Mineralize Face + Body Lotion ($29.50)

Are you getting anything from this summer's Semi-Precious Collection?

MAC Flighty Collection (May 5)

MAC's Flighty Collection is going to be released on May 5, 2011 in the US and Canada. They're throwing quite a lot of collections at us, aren't they? This release will be a little better than usual: 15 Big Bounce eyeshadows!

I know, I'd rather these be 15 new colors of paint pots too! These shadows are supposed to be very sheer and creamy. I've heard that though quite light, fluffy, and flighty, they don't stick around your lids for too long. Hence the flightiness! But maybe I'm wrong and they'll be awesome - and we'll have something new to love.

Expect vibrant Zoom Lash mascaras, 242 brush, and newly formulated eyeshadows.

Are you anticipating the Flighty collection? Or picked up anything from Quite Cute?

Disclaimer: Handmade Reviews is not affiliated with MAC Cosmetics. Images courtesy of O My.

Marc Jacobs Greatest Hits

Marc by Marc Jacobs will celebrate its 10-year anniversary by launching a capsule Greatest Hits collection, featuring its most popular styles since the label began in 2001. The new line will land in stores in Spring 2011. Exciting news indeed.

I just ordered the Vain and Glorious Lip bag from MAC's holiday collection:  A mad mix of Mellow Mood Lipstick, In Synch Lip Pencil and Baby Sparks Dazzleglass altogether in a multi-tartan bag, heraldic crest and black patent corner detail with metal rivets. I don't know how I feel about the colors, but it isn't too bad a deal and the bag is just gorgeous. You know I have to test this out myself before seeing if this collection makes any good a gift. ;)

Is anyone else also buying from MAC's Holiday collection? Or is it not worth it? I am also wondering if anyone has tried and can recommend their Style Clan nail lacquer. I am liking the color, but am unsure of the consistency and finish.

August MAC Giveaway

CLOSED - Check Out New Giveaways!

These are the prizes for this month's giveaway.

I started this blog not too long ago and yet I have already gotten so many good followers and readers. I would like to thank everyone for their support. It means a lot to me to get your comments and feedback. You encourage me to keep writing and blogging. And to show my support for my followers, I have decided to do monthly giveaways.

Some months will have more winners and prizes and some months will have less. It will depend on how I am doing financially that month. Regardless, you'll win things every month. And this is open internationally!

You just have to be a follower and leave your email below. I will use random.org to generate a number and pick the corresponding winner. If you don't want to publish your email, make sure you leave your blog address or some way for me to get in contact with you. I will announce the winner at the end of the month.

All I ask of the winner is for some feedback on how you like your prize. I want some input so I know what my followers would like as future prizes. You can leave me a comment or blog about your experience with the prize you receive. Regardless, I hope the winner enjoys her prize!

For August, I am doing a MAC giveaway. I think most of my giveaways will feature some MAC products because I know a lot of my readers like using MAC. I hope you like the prizes. The 187 is my favorite MAC brush.

PRIZES: Colors will be subject to availability. All brand new of course.

1st place winner will get to choose either prize pack a or b:

a. MAC 187 Duo Fiber Brush

b. MAC Paint Pot, Eye Shadow, Lipstick

2nd place winner will get a MAC Eye Shadow of her choice

Today's Makeup Routine

I had a little extra time this morning, so I thought I would describe my makeup routine for the day. It is pretty standard, but I think this is a good chance to give my two cents on the products I use.

I start with a freshly cleaned face and apply a generous amount of moisturizer. During the day, I always use my Neutrogena SPF 15 moisturizer. 80-90% of skin damage is caused by the sun. (97% of all statistics are false.)

After my face absorbs the moisturizer, I apply a concealer under my eyes. I am currently using the Maybelline Mineral Power concealer. I apply a dab under my eyes and use my ring finger to gently blend it in. I have pretty heavy dark circles some days and this concealer is perfect for my skin. It has a yellow undertone, which is great for dark, black spots. I also spot any blemishes or redness if necessary.

I follow up with the MAC Studio Mist foundation. I shake the bottle and spray it onto the back of my hand and use a flat foundation brush to apply the foundation all over my face, down to my neck.

To set the foundation and concealer, I use a powder brush to apply my Maybelline Mineral Power powder. The powder has SPF 18, which means my lazy self won't have to reapply sunscreen. The powder is a little dark for my skin, which I kind of like because I apply sparingly. Sometimes I sneak a little extra powder on my brush and use it as a bronzer. (I know, bad, bad girl.)

I then apply a generous amount of primer on my eyelids all the way up to my brow bone. I am using a Jordana primer I picked up from a Cherry Culture haul with my cousin last month. I think it was about $2-3, which is great because it works just fine. It is no Urban Decay Primer Potion or Two Faced Shadow Insurance, but it works great as an eyeshadow base. It is not as pretty a base as a MAC's paint pot, but not any worst in quality.

I take a light beige color from my Color Palette with my eyeshadow brush and apply it all over my lids. I then take a darker brown color to the crease of my eyes. I use a small fluffy brush to blend the the shadow so there is no harsh line. Sometimes I add a darker color to the outer corner of my eyes, but I am trying to go more natural today. I use a Sephora's Aspen Summit eyeshadow to highlight my brow bone.

Next, I use my Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in onyx to line my upper lid and lower waterline. Then I curl my eyelashes and apply one coat of Prescriptives False Eyelashes mascara in plush black. My eyelashes suck at curling, so I have to hold for about 10 seconds twice for each eye. Still, they curl does not hold for long. I am going to try using Dior's eyelash conditioner to help my lashes grow and curl. Let's see how that works.

I pencil in my eyebrows with a Bobbi Brown brow pencil in Mahogany.

I moisturize my lips with Softlips lip balm and apply MAC's Creme d'nude. I love nude lip colors. For a bit of added color throughout the day, I apply NYX lipgloss in coral. The consistency sucks, but I love the color. I don't use lip liners unless I am going somewhere special. I don't think it's worth the hassle.

That is my routine for the day. I usually love to I contour and bronze up my face, but not today. It's Sunday and I just want a fresh face. To highlight, I usually use Benefit's High Beam or ELF's Shimmering Facial Whip in lilac petal above my cheekbones, on the bridge of my nose, under my chin and on my cupid's bow. I will no longer buy High Beam because the Shimmering Facial Whip is $1 and is one of the best highlighters I've come across.

Products Used:
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory
MAC Studio Mist Foundation in Light Medium
Maybelline Mineral Power SPF 18 Powder in Shade 4, Nude
Jordana Eye Primer/Base
Color Palette Eyeshadow in Light Beige
Color Palette Eyeshadow in Dark Brown
Sephora Eyeshadow in Aspen Summit
Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Onyx
MAC Creme d'nude Lipsick
NYX Lipgloss in Coral
Maybelline Eyelash Curler
Prescriptives False Eyelashes Mascara in Plush Black
Bobbi Brown Brow Pencil in Mahogany
Body Shop Foundation Brush
ELF Studio Powder Brush
Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush
EcoTools Blending Brush