Thursday, May 28, 2009

Magalog 5/6 Mark Cosmetics Order!

Just wanted to post pictures from my Magalog 5/6 mark cosmetics order. I ordered a few new products along with some older goodies I needed to stock up on.

I always get so giddy when I open a mark package
Mark-Cosmetics-Makeup


My new mark products all boxed up
mark-makeup


Mark's new Get-a-Tint tinted moisturizer
Mark-Makeup-Get-A-Tint-Tinted-Moisturizer


Mark Winkstick Hook Up Eye Shadow Stick in Demure
mark-winkstick-hook-up-eye-shadow-stick-demure


Mark Good Glowing Mosiac Blush in Chica
mark-good-glowing-mosiac-blush-chica


Mark Lash Splash Hook Up Waterproof Mascara in Blue Black
Mark Waterproof Scandalash Hook Up Mascara in Blue Black


Mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder in Pro Golden
Mark-Bronze-Pro-Bronzing-Powder-Pro-Golden


Okay, my product reviews:

mark Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15: I actually ordered this product for my sister and it definitely was NOT my shade. I tried a bit on and it was much too orange for me. She ordered the Honey/Golden shade and it worries me since mark only has 4 shades available for this product (when the previous tinted moisturizer C Thru U had 8). I think the next lightest shade Buff/Natural could be too light for me, at least for summer. Frustrating! I just ordered mark's C Thru U in Natural before it gets discontinued (now on clearance in the LAST CHANCE section, stock up now!). My sister did like Get A Tint though. She said it gave very light coverage and the tint evened out her skintone just enough, but she would need to use a separate concealer for any spots she wanted to cover. This product also contains SPF 15 which is definitely a necessity for summer.

mark Winkstick Eye Shadow Hook Up Stick in Demure: This is a creamy eye shadow stick in a gold shade. I got it to use for the inner corners of my eyes to brighten them up and it does the job well. I like how I can easily apply it directly from the stick by just dabbing it on (don't need to use any brushes). This is a good grab & go product. The only thing I did notice was that this shade seemed drier than previous winksticks I've used. Wonder if I got an old batch or this shade is less creamy since it does contain shimmer.

mark Good Glowing Mosiac Blush in Chica: I really love mark's blushes. They are definitely at the top of my list for my favorite mark products for their quality and shade selection. I think they have better color payoff than the i-mark eyeshadows and Chica is no exception. I would describe this shade as a shimmery bronzed peach. I took two pictures, one without flash to show the color and one with the flash to show the shimmer.

mark Lash Splash Hook Up Waterproof Mascara in Blue Black: Mark had the Lash Splash mascara available a couple years ago and I didn't notice that this "new" Lash Splash was a different formula or anything. This is the same mascara wand as the Scandalash Hook Up Mascara. I WISH they would make a waterproof Make It Big mascara (hint hint mark!). I'm a huge fan of Make It Big by the way. I think that volumized lashes have a bigger impact than long lashes on me, and Make It Big makes my lashes just as full as Benefit Bad Gal mascara for way less money. Anyway, back to Lash Splash. I wore this to a recent pool party and no raccoon eyes for me. However, as I was attempting to take pictures for y'all I noticed that after a bit the color on the wand turned from blue-black to just plain black so I'm assuming it might have the same effect on your lashes as it oxidizes. No biggie, black lashes are a good look! But I wouldn't buy this if you want blue lashes. For that I would stick to mark's scandalash in Indigo. See what I mean:
mark-lash-splash-waterproof-hook-up-mascara-blue-black


mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder in Pro Golden: Mark just came out with two new shades of their popular Bronze Pro product: Pro Glow and Pro Golden. I ordered the Pro Golden shade which is the darker of the two. Pro Glow is a lighter shade bronzer which is perfect for fair skin and won't give you that orange look most other bronzers will. To me, Pro Golden is the exact same shade as the regular Bronze Pro except it has shimmer while Bronze Pro is matte. Pro Golden looks quite shimmery in the container but once applied the shimmer was very subtle on me--I couldn't even really notice it without looking really close in the mirror. Pro Golden is a great bronzer but if you already have Bronze Pro I don't see any need to rush out to buy this one since it's not drastically different. But if you're a makeup addict like me then you might want to invest in this one too since the shimmer gives a subtle glow but in no way makes you look like you're off to a rave with big sparkles on your face like other shimmer bronzers I've had the misfortune of trying... Here are some pictures comparing the two side by side:
mark-bronze-pro-bronzing-powder-pro-golden

*Pro Golden is on the right

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Mark Self Sanctuary Dry Oil Mists to be Discontinued



Time to say au revoir to mark's dry oil mists! If you love them then now is your LAST CHANCE to get them before they are gone forever. The dry oil mists are currently heavily discounted (originally $10.00, now only $3.99) at www.cassie4mark.com

Here's the dry oil mist product description: Help moisturize and soften skin with this nongreasy, lightweight sheer body oil that absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a subtle glow. 3.3 fl. oz.

Mark Costa Rica Face Charts by Mai Quynh

I love seeing the face charts makeup artists create for the beauty looks at fashion shows--they're just so pretty, I could almost frame them as artwork to hang in my room (hey, now that I think about it that's a pretty good idea!). Mark's own celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh (she's worked with celebs like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus) has created three face charts using the makeup products from mark's new Costa Rica Collection.

While I'm usually not one to wear super bright eyeshadows or bold lip colors like the makeup in the Costa Rica collection--it looks ridiculous on me--I think the beauty looks Mai came up with do look really pretty. I'll most likely just admire them on paper rather than try them myself, but I wanted to share the looks with you in case y'all are more daring than I am.

This look using the Beach Babe palette is the only one I would wear since it's pretty neutral.
shop mark makeup

Here's what you'll need to get this look:
shop mark makeup


Here are the other two Costa Rica face charts. In my opinion bright, colorful eyeshadow shades look best when paired with brown eyes and are especially amazing on girls with darker skin.
shop mark makeup

shop mark makeup

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Act Fast! Mark's C Thru U Tinted Moisturizer Being Discontinued

If you're a fan of mark cosmetic's c-thru-u tinted moisturizer then you'd better stock up while you can! This sheer foundation product is being phased out to make way for mark's new get-a-tint tinted moisturizer. The new tinted moisturizer is supposed to be a better formula than the first, but get-a-tint is only offered in 4 shades while c-thru-u was offered in 8 different shades which I think is a clear advantage. If definitely hope mark comes out with additional shades for their new get-a-tint product--you can't replace 8 face shades with only 4!

Get-a-tint face shades
mark makeup get a tint tinted moisturizer


C-thru-u face shades
mark makeup c thru u tinted moisturizer shades


Luckily, mark just added c-thru-u to their LAST CHANCE clearance section so for all you c-thru-u lovers you better take advantage of the clearance price and stock up while you can!

mark c thru u tinted moisturizer


mark C-Thru-U Beautifying Sheer Tint

SAVE 25% While Supplies Last

price: was $8.00
now $5.99

Create an even-toned complexion with this oil-free sheer, lightweight makeup. Protects skin with SPF 15. Contains grape seed and green tea extracts plus vitamins A, C and E. 1.3 fl. oz.


Buy Now at www.cassie4mark.com

FREE SHIPPING on your $20 mark cosmetics order!

markmakeup_freeshipping


FREE SHIPPING on your $20 mark makeup order at www.cassie4mark.com! Enter SPRING920 at checkout.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Lauren Conrad: Behind the Scenes at her new Mark Cosmetics Photoshoot

Lauren Conrad gave bellasugar a behind the scenes look at the photoshoot for her new campaign with mark cosmetics! I always love too see what goes on behind the camera, and I'm always curious to see what mark makeup products they use on Lauren.

Lauren Conrad getting makeup done


I learned a pretty good tip from this video too: use mark's i-mark eyeshadow in Gioia (a brown, non-shimmery shade) as a brow powder. I love products that multi-task!

Get Lauren's look with these mark makeup products she wore in the video:

Foundation: Face Xpert Flawless Touch in Natural ($8)
Concealer: Speedway Do Everything Makeup in Natural ($8)
Powder: Matte-nificent Oil-Absorbing Powder in Natural/Buff ($8)
Bronzer: Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder ($8)
Blush: Good Glowing Mosaic Blush in Hush Baby ($7)
Brows: I-Mark Custom Pick Color Eye Shadow in Gioia ($4.50)
Browbone: Winkstick Hook Up Eye Shadow Stick in Demure ($5.50)
Lid: Mini Mark-It Stick For Eyes in Shell ($6)
Crease: Flip For It Spring Color Kit in Los Angeles ($20)
Eyeliner: On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Liner in Cleo ($5.50)
Bottom Lash Line: I-Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Corset ($4.50)
Mascara: Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara in Raven ($6.50)
Lip Contour: Dew Drenched Moisturlicious Lip Color in Skinny Dip ($6)

Lauren Conrad for Mark from bella sugar on Vimeo.

SNEAK PEAK: Magalog 7!

shop mark magalog 7

Click the magalog to view Magalog 7

Your magalog 7 preview is here already! Shopping doesn't start for this mag until June 23, but take a look to see all the new stuff that's on its way from mark this summer.

Some standout new items include mark. mists (juicy body frangrances in luscious mango, very watermelon, tangerine squeeze, and just peachy), new shades of mini mark it sticks for eyes (pink opal, violet opal, green opal, and gold opal) and mini mark it sticks for lips (pinkie pearl, plummy pearl, goldie pearl, and peachy pearl).

Shop now!


Mark will also be running a skincare promotion in Magalog 7: FREE FULL-SIZED MASK of your choice with any $15.00 skincare purchase!

Free mark cosmetics skincare mask


Strangely enough, I haven't even tried mark's new masks yet. I still have a couple of the masks from mark's previous skincare line but I'm thinking I should probably throw those out since I just realized they're like over a year old... ick.

I am really interested in mark's hydrating mask:

calm yourself
HYDRATING MASK

Proven to hydrate skin by 168%, this gel mask packs the powers of five super skin-soothers - sea moss, wheat germ, cucumber extracts, aloe vera and green tea. Antioxidant-rich lemon and orange extracts also help improve skin tone.

Sounds nice but I'm not sure if there's anything better about this than just using a moisturizer. I'll definitely let you girls know what I think about it once I try it.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Sneak Peak: Magalog 6!

Click Here to view Magalog 6

Click the magalog to view Mag 6

Hi girls!
Here's your sneak peak of Magalog 6 which goes live on May 25. The standout new products in this mag are a new tinted moisturizer, two new brozer shades, waterproof liquid eyeliner shades, waterproof mascara, makeup remover wipes, shine blotting papers and color and shine lip gloss, phew!

markmakeup

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Reader Requests: What do YOU want to see at this blog?

mark_makeup

So this blog is about to turn 2 years old (wow that went by really fast!) and I'd love to start taking reader requests! Want me to review the newest mark lipgloss or upload photos of my own personal mark collection? Wondering what eyeshadow shades look best with brown eyes? Just let me know!

Post any questions you have about anything mark cosmetics related below and I'll write a post with my answer.

Ask away!

Brush Love


As much talking as I do about mark, it's funny that I've never really mentioned mark's brushes. I suppose makeup shades, fragrances & fashion are way more fun to discuss than beauty tools but the brushes are actually the mark products that get the absolute most use from me every day!

Actually, last weekend I realized just how important brushes are for good makeup application. I was visiting my sister and forgot my makeup bag so she said I could borrow hers. Seemed like a good idea until I realized that she had NO makeup brushes. Okay she had one powder brush (that shed a ton) so it was hardly worth using. I was definitely lost without my brushes :( I'm sending her mark's Mini Brush Kit (pictured) asap.

The following are the brushes that I use daily:

1. blending brush
Ideal for working color into the crease or for blending shades together, thanks to long, slightly fanned natural hair.

2. concealer brush
Stiff, synthetic bristles are just right for depositing and blending medium to heavy concealers.

3. foundation brush
A larger brush, featuring dense, natural hair, which distributes and blends foundation to create an even finish. I don't know how I ever lived without it. Seriously! I used to just apply my liquid foundation with my fingers (ick).

4. blush + bronzer brush
A medium-fluffy head of natural hair allows for a controlled dusting of color across the cheeks or face. This is great for blush (I use the powder brush for bronzer... I prefer to have an even dusting of bronzer rather than concentrated color).

5. eyeliner brush
Short, dense, slightly angled natural hair makes for a perfectly precise eyeliner application. I use this to line the bottom of my eyes with powder eyeshadow (mark's tiki i-mark to be exact)

6. eye shadow brush
Ideal for applying a sweep of shadow, or for shading the inner or outer corners of the eye, thanks to specially contoured natural hair. I use this to shadow my crease.

7. powder brush
A large, fluffy head of natural hair allows for smooth dusting of powder over the face. Pretty much my do everything brush. I use this to apply bronzer, mattifying powder, and just to smooth out and blend my makeup after I apply everything. I also use this to put bronzer on my neck and chest so it matches my face.

Brush prices range from $6-$8 and are available at www.cassie4mark.com

Now Available: Instant Vacation Costa Rica Fragrance

mark costa rica fragrance


Iced watermelon and pink guava combine for a fresh and fruity tropical (re)treat. Indulge in this ripe, ravishing fragrance inspired by Costa Rica. Juicy iced watermelon and pink guava provide a succulent introduction while notes of Costa Rican orchid and warm sand accord create the ultimate adventure.

My Review: I look forward to mark's Instant Vacation summer fragrance every year, and Costa Rica is by far my favorite yet. This light melon scent is a MUST-HAVE if you're a fan of fruity fragrances! But, and there is a big BUT, the fragrance fades way too fast. For a $16 fragrance I suppose this is to be expected, but mark's other fragrances have lasted longer than this one. But I did a little research and found the tip below to make your fragrance last cause you'll definitely want this one to!

Only $20.00 at www.cassie4mark.com

tip: Fragrances evaporate much more quickly on dry skin (since they are alcohol-based) so make sure your skin is moisturized before applying your fragrance. Use an unscented body lotion that won't clash with your fragrance like mark's new Free For All Fragrance-Free Body Lotion. Happy spritzing!

mark.girl Beauty Tips: Long Lasting Lipgloss

Sick of having to re-apply your lip gloss all day? Make your lipstick or lip gloss last longer with mark's pro glimmer lip powder!

When mark first introduced this product I was definitely skeptical. Powder for your lips? I didn't see how that could work. But if you apply it correctly it actually works amazingly well (plus the shades are gorgeous).

Here's how to apply mark's pro glimmer lip powder:

1. prep lips with a moisturizing lip balm
2. press pro glimmer on the lips then smooth it out
3. apply your favorite lip gloss on top


mark's pro glimmer hook up lip powder is available in 7 gorgeous shades for $5.50 at www.cassie4mark.com

Watch the video to see mark makeup artist Cynde Watson use pro glimmer!

(PS wow the model is really PRETTY. I want her skin!!)

Mark Foundation: Find Your Perfect Shade

Finding your perfect shade is definitely tricky when shopping for foundation products on the internet. For me those tiny little color swabs stores provide are just not helpful enough so I was excited to see that mark is now showing actual girls and their corresponding mark foundation shades.

I hope these pictures help you find your perfect mark shade and remember--mark is 100% satisfaction guaranteed. So if you end up ordering the wrong shade you can get a full refund, even if the product has already been used! A tip I always tell my customers who just can't decide between two shades--order both and return the one that doesn't work. It's as easy as that! Or you can use the darker shade for summer and the lighter shade for winter. Also if you order two shades you could use the lighter shade to cover dark undereye circles, and the darker shade to cover blemishes and imperfections.

If you have fair to light skin, try these mark shades:
shop now!

If you have light to medium skin, try these mark shades:
shop now!
These are my shades! Buff in the winter, Natural in the summer :)
*sidenote: doesn't Lauren Conrad look cute here? It almost looks like she's not wearing makeup. It's nice to see her without tons of eye makeup mark usually puts on her...

If you have medium to dark skin, try these mark shades:
shop now!

and if you have dark skin, try these mark shades:
shop now!

Start Shopping: Magalog 4!

shop now!


Magalog 4 is now live so start shopping! This magalog features the new mark concealer hook up pencils and the new mark hook up liquid highlighters!

Also for a limited time only you'll get a FREE scandalash hook up mascara in blacklash with the purchase of any two hook ups. Oh how I love free gifts...

On a side note doesn't Lauren Conrad look lovely here with blue eyeliner? Want to get the blue eyeliner look -- Try mark's eyemarker pencil eyeliner in Lapis for a natural look, or mark's liquid eyeliner in blue chrome for a bolder look!

Magalog 4: Good Riddance hook up Concealer Sticks

Drumrolll please.... it's the new creamy concealer stick -- Good Riddance hook up concealer!

mark hook-up concealer stick - shop now!

I'm so excited for this new product, can't you tell! I've been a mark representative for 2 years now and I've been asking for a product like this since they day I "met mark". I've always said if I could only use ONE hook up's worth of makeup for the rest of my life give me concealer and mascara and I think I'd be okay...

Mark says Cover skin imperfections or under-eye circles with this creamy, oil-free concealer stick that glides gently over the skin. 0.087 oz. net wt.
price: $6.00


Other new hook ups coming soon in magalog 4:

Get Bright hook up face highlighter: Brighten up under eyes, emphasize cheekbones or accent brow bones with this pearly liquid highlighter.

Sparkletubes hook up lipgloss: Achieve a megawatt lip look using this high-shine, sparkly gloss with just a hint of color.

Shine tubes hook up lipgloss: Add serious shine to any matte lip color - or bare lips - with this crystal-clear gloss.

*MAGALOG 4 STARTS TUESDAY 3/31*