MAC is not the only Black!

I have to say, since I started blogging and trying different products, for me, the whole "MAC=amazing" idea that runs through so much of the blogosphere no longer rings true. Now I'm not saying MAC isn't a great brand, it is, but their LE collections have failed to inspire me for a LONG time - the last few months have seen a dirge (in my opinion!) of badly pigmented and disappointing products. The last collection that inspired me in any way was BBR. Outstanding MSF's and fab brushes (although in a way, I find the LE brush thing annoying too - why do you do that to us MAC? Why!?).When I first saw the images and products of the Style Black collection, I have to say, I felt the old interest in MAC stirring again, and I was so excited to have a look at the collection. I was sadly really really disappointed. I got to my local MAC counter on LAUNCH DAY to find that all the eyeshadows were already crumbling and smashed up in the containers. This did not bode well. The one intact shadow swatched well, but I personally found it too glittery - the one shade I was really interested in was the Gilt by Association (sadly the sample was smashed to smithereens), and I may still purchase this one, as it appeals to me for the Christmas season, and looks like it would make a wicked smokey eye over a black base.

I love the look of the black lipsticks, but I am aware that I would probably look ridiculous in them - I am too pale to carry them off (with the possible exception of night violet) and this does make me sad - I'm all for trying out unusual looks, and I'm definitely having fond memories of my teen goth phase, but wearing black lippie when you are 16 (or in a studio with the benefit of amazing lighting and a computer airbrush) is very different to wearing it in your thities (especially when you have as little confidence in your looks as me)(*sob*).I'm definitely more open to the dark purple and red lipsticks which are a massive part of this trend.

Mooching about the beauty hall following this disappointment, I realised that there are actually a LOT of other collections which meant I could still indulge in this trend... Chanel, YSL and NARS all have suitable products to rock this look...

My interest was definitely massive in the Chanel Noirs Obscures collection.

This darkly decadent collection features a couple of dark lipsticks - both very tempting, and some very very nice dark nail varnishes, as well as a new mascara ("The Chanel Mascara"). The products I picked up were the eye palette (£37) and the lipgloss (I think it was around£15?)...

The colours are a little difficult to see but this is basically a palette of colours with very dark undertones - there is a purple, a green, a blue and a brown. The gloss is a black see through base with golden shimmer (Sounds similar to bling black?)

Swatching the shadows on their own makes them look pretty indestinct...

However, over a black base their individual colours stand out much more;

The lipgloss is very subtle - the picture makes it look much more subtle than it is in real life...

On its own the gloss deepens the natural lipcolour. It would look great over the (in my case) dreaded nude shades too...

Illamasqua is ALWAYS worth checking out for unusual and trend shades - they have many many dark shades which are bang on trend at the moment - their cream shadows make great bases and they do an augergine shade called debauch which would make a change from MAC's blackground paintpot. I picked up their black concealer (shade 350). This is also available in the less pigmented undereye version - both make AMAZING eye shadow bases.

I also picked up a new shade by Urban Decay called Oil Slick. This looks like a black lipstick with silver shimmer...

But when worn it is much more subtle - although in this picture it looks like I applied it in the dark you get the idea!

Drugstore ranges are also well worth a look - Maybelline do a shade in their new Colour Sensation line called Galactic Mauve which looks great worn alone...


Top this off with a layer of Oil Slick by Urban Decay though and you have a perfect on shade and wearable combo..

I LOVE this combination - what do you think?

Other dark and moody collections worth looking at - YSL's new rouge volupte and gloss volupte shades, as well as their new 5 colour eye palettes; Estee Lauder's double wear cream shadow in midnight velvet, and the classic black honey sheer lipcolour from clinique... Any other suggestions?

Oh and by the way - Barry M do a cheap black lipstick that won't leave a dent in your pocket once this trend passes!

MizzWorthy xxx