Battle of the Setting Sprays: MAC Fix+ vs Urban Decay All Nighter

I have been using makeup setting sprays regularly for about 3-4 months now. The two that I have been going back and forth with are the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and MAC Fix+. Both setting sprays are effective but when it comes time to repurchase, I definitely have a preference.

Features of the Urban Decay All Nighter:

• Helps makeup last all day


• Spray nozzle is concentrated, and sprays quickly and exactly where you want it to spray


• Once sprayed, the product settles on the skin and doesn't get lost in the air


• Fragrance free

Features of the MAC Fix + (Pictured is the rose fragranced version from A Rose Romance collection circa 2009):

• Helps makeup last all day AND it gives skin a natural look, removing all cakiness


• Feels refreshing on the skin, especially if you refrigerate it during the summer


• The product is very misty and stays in the air for a few seconds before settling on the skin, but this also allows for more of a misty feel


• Smells refreshing and clean (or fragranced if you get a fragranced version like the rose one I have)


• Spray nozzle has a locking mechanism that comes in handy for travel

If you couldn't already guess, I much prefer the Fix+. I love how it feels on my skin and how it takes away the cakiness of foundation. Also, I think that the All Nighter makes foundation oxidize quicker, so whenever I use it I always feel like my foundation looks half a shade darker.

What do you think? Have you tried any setting sprays?

New and Improved!!!

Welcome to the new and improved Kajal Couture blog!!! Let me tell ya, it took hours and hours of work to get here! You may have noticed that the blog now sits at www.kajalcoutureblog.com, but along with the new domain and layout, there are many features that will help improve the usability of the blog, commenting, and hopefully make the whole experience better for you! All the old posts and comments are here, but the format of some of the older posts might look a lil funky. I still need to work on that, and make some minor modifications here and there, but at least everything is up and running, and I can resume posting again....yay!

If you do run in to any technical difficulties, please do let me know by emailing me at kajalcouture@gmail.com. I will do my best to fix the issue.

Hope you like the new site! =)

Changes

Hello! You may have noticed that I haven't been posting much recently, and the reason is because I am working on some upgrades to the blog. I am hoping to have things up and running in the next day or so. I am hoping the new site will be a better experience for you, so stay tuned!

XOXO

Beauty Blog Link Love

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed revels in the luxury of lash extensions - come admire her fluttery lashes and find out what they have in common with Gremlins!

Christina Aguilera was the inspiration for the celebrity makeup challenge over at SocialiteDreams. Check out the recreated makeup looks and participate on the next celeb!

Addicted to Beauty gets fresh and fruity with her Strawberry Nail Art Tutorial.

Madame B Fatale finally continues on with her Decades Past series with a 70's inspired makeup look.

From Benefit to Dior, theNotice has all of your new-product-needs sorted. Check out this week's recent launches, products, and deals!

Amy Antoinette reviews Topshop's new Smoke & Mirrors collection.

Midnight Violets shares some bargain brushes that have become a part of her everyday routine!

Kajal Couture shows you a cheap and easy storage solution for makeup and skincare that you use on a daily basis.

Dollar store beauty - trash or treasure? Check out Confessions of a Glitterholic and you be the judge!

Is there a dupe for the new minty-blue shade from Color Club? Find out in polish insomniac's Color Club New Bohemian comparisons and dupe search!

Still looking for the perfect red lipstick? Anita thinks she's found hers in Guerlain's Garconne Rouge G!

Lydia from Perfectly Imperfect shares her daily beauty plan of attack and favourite products.


Head over to Adorable On Your Vanity for a chance to win NINE amazing L'Oreal Paris Color Infallibe Eyeshadows.

Phyrra is giving away the entire Madre Labs bath and body product line from iHerb!

Enter to win a chance to win a NEW Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pink Raspberry from the "Blushes You Can't Have" series on the Pink Sith Blog. Giveaway ends September 30th!

MAC Dupe for Nars Orgasm

In the last couple months I have received several requests asking if there is a MAC dupe for the infamous Nars Orgasm blush. A lot of bloggers recommend Springsheen, but personally I think Peachykeen is the closest:

Nars Orgasm with a pan of MAC Peachykeen on top

Orgasm has tiny flecks of glitter in it that are slightly visible once blended on the skin. Peachy keen looks satin in the pan but it has a bit of sheen on the skin. 

L-R: Nars Orgasm and MAC Peachykeen in indoor light

L-R: Nars Orgasm and MAC Peachykeen in daylight

Both shades are super similar but I prefer Peachykeen because I don't like the look of glitter on my cheeks. Have you tried either (or both) of these shades?

Still Searching for a Mascara that Blows my Mind: Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Mascara Review

For about a month or so (on and off) I have been using the Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara:

I was excited to try this because it of the name (doesn't it sound like it would make your lashes fab?) and the description: 

"dramatically thickens, lengthens, curls and sculpts lashes with each stroke. The lightweight, nutrient-infused formula leaves lashes super-shiny, soft and clump-free all day long."

I think the mascara has potential, but needs some work. I like the brush because it is full and thick, but the mascara formula itself is very goopy. It is thick and clumpy on the brush, on the tube, and on my lashes. I am embarrassed to show you this, since I am very particular and clean with my makeup products, but this mascara just gets all over the place...check out the tube after only 15 or so uses:

Once on my lashes, it does a good job of holding curl and defining the lashes, but it does not thicken or lengthen my lashes at all. Also, since the formula is so clumpy, I have to brush through my lashes with a lash comb EVERY time I use this mascara. Annoying.

Lashes curled with no mascara

With one coat of the Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara

If this wasn't so goopy, it might be ok. In that case I would even consider layering 2 or 3 coats, which might give a little more ooh-la-la to my lashes. 

In other news, are you attending any fashion related events in your city? It is currently Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Week in NYC, and there are tons of fashion related events happening here in Philly. Most of them are open to the public and there is a good chance there are similar events occurring in other US cities. I went to one fashion show at my local Macy's and I will be posting about that soon. 

Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox Swatches and Review

Smashbox does it again! Remember how much I loved the Smashbox Studio Stash set? I may have found another set I like even more! The Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox!! Smashbox releases a glambox set a couple times a year and they literally come in a cubed box:

This Luxe Metallics Glambox has 7 products in it:

- Fusion Soft Lights in Luster

- Blush Rush in Surge

- Eyelights Quad in Luxe

- Full Exposure Mascara Mini in Jet Black (the one pictured above is the full size because I misplaced the mini one that came with this set)

- Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp

- Arced Liner Brush #21 (full size)

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Rose Quartz

 Fusion Soft Lights in Luster and Blush Rush in Surge

L-R: Surge blush, Luster Fusion Soft Lights (the 3 individual shades, then all swirled) 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe and Full Exposure Mascara 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe

 

Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp and Arced Liner Brush #21

Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude and Rose Quartz

L-R: Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp, Gilded Nude gloss and Rose Quartz gloss

The kit also includes a pamphlet with instructions on how to create a Bronze Glow look and a Metallic Smoke look:

My fave of the two looks is the Metallic Smoke look, so I tried that look first. I followed the instructions exactly, using only my own foundation, concealer, and brushes.

What I was most excited about in this kit was the Arced Liner Brush #21. I have been wanting a bent liner brush like this for a long time. I have only used it a few times but so far I like it. It is SO much easier to use than a regular liner brush that has a similar brush head but is not bent. However, since I have been using an angled brush (the MAC 208 is my fave) to apply gel/cream liner for many years, this is going to take some getting used to. I was also excited to try out the Blush Rush formula. I was a bit hesitant of the color because it appeared so bright on my hand, but when blended well, it adds a soft pink flush to the cheeks. 

Overall I really like this kit and will be using these products a lot, especially as Fall and the holiday season approach. Speaking of, this would make a great Christmas present! Or if you are like me and have no patience, a great anytime present to yourself! =)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information.

MIssoni for Target

If you are crazy about fashion and live in the US, you know that infamous fashion house Missoni collaborated with mass retailer Target to release a cheap-chic collection yesterday (Tuesday Sept 13th). Within just a couple hours of the collection going live on Target's website, the website crashed! People went CRA-ZAY over this collection. Not to mention the thousands who visited Target stores in the morning and snatched up everything worth grabbing. By the time I was able to actually get through to the website the items I wanted were sold out online and the website showed they were out of stock at the stores near me. I was able to get a couple items from the beauty section, like this cosmetic case which I think is absolutely adorable:

Missoni for Target Passione Cosmetic Valet

I must admit that I wasn't going crazy over this purely because of the label, but I really do like the purple zig zag pattern. I think that a lot of Missoni's patterns are beautifully abstract and complement neutrals in the perfect way. Since I didn't get the accessories I really wanted, I may have to hunt through all my neighborhood Targets or dream of winning the Lotto so I could afford the real deal. 

Did you lust after anything from the Missoni for Target collection?

My Current Makeup Storage

Hello gorgeous! How are you? I have been traveling a lot lately, which explains my lack of posting, but it has been nice to be able to travel during the warm weather! It has been raining a lot in Philly so that just means fall and winter are quickly approaching and extreme cold temperatures will be here soon. 

A few months ago I found these adorable baskets and decided to use them to organize my daily use makeup and skin care products. There are 3 sizes:

- Large: holds large makeup items

- Medium: holds skincare

- Small: holds small makeup items and sits inside the large basket

 Here is the large basket next to my iPhone so you get an idea of the size:

Since the large basket is quite deep and I didn't want my products sinking to the bottom, I inserted a couple sheets of crumpled up packing paper at the bottom:

Here are the contents of the large basket:

- Holder with makeup brushes

- Holder with pencil liners, mascara, lip products, basically anything long and thin

- Skin primer

- Foundation

- Sunscreen

- Eye Primer

- Fix+

I also have one MAC palette with my most used shadows and depotted blushes. I do switch these products around every so often depending on my mood so these products are always rotating.

In the small basket that fits in the large one I store powder, concealer, shadow pots, my pencil sharpener and other little bits and bobs that I don't want getting lost in a big basket.

The medium size basket holds my skin care products that I am currently using. Again, these get switched around every so often.

This system has really streamlined my dressing process in the morning because I can easily reach for the products I use everyday. I don't have to dig through drawers or pull out bags or boxes...everything is easily accessible and it makes my life so much easier! These baskets also make my dresser look very clean and organized. 

How do you organize your makeup?

Beauty Blog Link Love

Retrodiva is excited about the end of summer, but not all that excited about losing her tan. Find out what product she is using to keep that glow.

Midnight Violets shares her favourite new contour shade - great for those on a budget!

Phyrra's Independent Spotlight for August is Silk Naturals. Learn all about Karen and her company.

Do the Cs and Ns and Ws of MAC shade names leave you feeling rather... dazed and confused? Then make sure to check out Rae's MAC colour system lesson to figure out how it all works!

Learn how to do a quick and easy DIY French Manicure from Audrey Dao!

Beauty Bloggers get to test tons of products each season. Ever wonder what they keep using after the fact? Gouldylox shares her favorite discoveries from the summer!

Lauren from Love Laugh Lauren shares the products that are currently in her makeup bag.

Daily Polish attends the global preview launch of Tom Ford Beauty in Selfridges and gets a makeover to boot!

Beauty's Bad Habit shows her intergalactic, galaxy themed glittery nails.

Miss Beauty Nerd test drives Benefit's They're Real Mascara - can they really compare to falsies?

Jellyminx goes on another swatching mission and shares her MAC eyeshadow palettes, all ten of them!

Madame B Fatale talks about her ten favourite products at the moment!

Want to
get rid of puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles around the eyes? Check out Kajal Couture's secret weapon eye cream!

Read Makeup, Beauty and More's take on the super affordable ELF Studio Powder Brush.

If you love The Muppet Show, then you'll love this gorgeous theBalm Cast Your Shadow Palette which is all about them! Check out swatches over at Beauty Addict's blog!


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Want to win three nailpolishes of your choice? Mehak from Peachesandblush is hosting a international nail polish giveaway!

Enter to win a mineral face package worth $30 from Purely Pleasures Cosmetics, ends September 11th!

Bobbi Brown Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover Review

Lately I have been on a fall-cleaning spree and am trying to use up all my half-used products and trial sizes so that I can make space and get better organized. I just finished up using a trial size Bobbi Brown Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover and wanted to share my thoughts on it:

This is a duo-phase (oil phase and water phase) makeup remover that you have to shake to mix up the phases before getting on a cotton pad. I prefer duo-phase removers because I think oil is necessary in removing long wear eyeliner and mascara. 

Although I used this up, I don't like it enough to repurchase. It does remove long wear makeup, but it kind of smears it around as I rub it on my eye area. I often felt like I had to get some of the makeup off, then use a new cotton pad with more makeup remover in order to remove the makeup that was smeared around. It might work better for those who simply wear regular eyeliner and a bit of shadow and mascara, but I like to use long wear liners and lots of mascara, so this isn't powerful enough for me. 

Do you ever try using up products or do you simply toss them?

August Favorites

Here are the products that I kept reaching for in August:

1. MAC Fix+ - This was unexpected. I have never really used Fix+ on myself, but after trying out the Urban Decay All Nighter finishing spray and not liking it, I decided to see if Fix+ would make a difference in my daily makeup routine....and it did! What I like the most about this product is that it takes away that cakey makeup look so your skin looks like skin. Of course, it helps that this feels so nice when misted on the face and it helps set makeup so it lasts all day. I have been using up the rose fragrance one that I had picked up during the Rose Romance collection.

2. Korres Body Milk in Jasmine - I love Korres body butters in the winter and the body milk moisturizers are PERFECT for summertime. They moisturize the skin very well, are lightweight, non-greasy, and absorb in the skin immediately. I like the fragrance of Jasmine so this one suits me well, without being too overbearing. 

3. Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 26 - The Rouge Artist Intense formula is amazing. These lipsticks are opaque in just a single swipe! No need to keep applying to get a rich color. There is an amazing shade selection, but I really like this one because it is neutral and goes with everything. I highly recommend these, especially because they are long wearing and at $19 bucks, they wont break the bank.

 4. MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Faux Gold - I normally don't go for MAC's mineralize shadows, but this was just too pretty! I have been using it a lot this past month on my lid with nothing else. It looks great on its own, works for both day and night looks, and is just one of those easy shades that goes with everything. See this shadow in action here. 

What products did you reach for in August?

What Really Matters

I have been having a rough day. Well, what most of us would consider a rough day. Until I saw this video. I saw it on TheGlossGoss (yes, she is back to blogging!) and it really put things in perspective for me. Sometimes we just take things for granted and think our personal issues are the end of the world, but they really aren't, when you compare what other people are going through. I hope this video moves you as it moved me.

I hope this inspires you to keep your head high and remember the big picture in life. Things are always better than they seem.