MAC Mattene Lipstick – Seeds of Desire

So I may have spoken too soon about the whole “FALL IS SUPER AWESOME!” thing.

It is, of course, super awesome! I’ve been wearing scarves and cardigans, wiggled into a pair of stockings the other evening, and my beloved camel cape has been calling at me from the closet. But there is a major downfall to fall. I forgot how cold it is at night. And I haven’t put my electric blanket on my bed yet (oy vey, I just admitted to that geriatric predilection in writing), so I have been tucking my pajama pants into my socks (again! I am really sexy sometimes). Tea helps, but one can only drink so much tea before they feel like they’re going to float away.

Gee, I’m getting really crotchety in my mid-twenties.

But you know what is great about fall? Animal print. And believe me when I say it is everywhere. I officially have a leopard print everything in my closet, and go wherever you want with that, because I’m done elaborating. In my mind, MAC‘s new and limited edition Mattene lipstick in Seeds of Desire is the perfect pairing to all that leopard print, especially for us brown-eyed girls out there (with brown hair).

MAC Seeds of Desire Mattene Lipstick

Seeds of Desire is a member of MAC‘s Fall 2011 Posh Paradise campaign, and is described on MAC‘s website as a “deep brown plum.” I’d call it more of a “rich mahogany” myself.

Me wearing MAC Seeds of Desire Mattene Lipstick

Unlike its littermate Potent Fig, Seeds of Desire went on extremely smoothly with no skipping and lasted for at least five hours, which is when I took it off to try on another product. I didn’t eat much while wearing this shade, but I’ve eaten major meals while wearing other Mattenes and they wear off very evenly, to the point that I’m not totally concerned with reapplication. This shade in particular leaves a beautiful stain. Fully applied or worn down, Seeds of Desire would look wonderful on just about anyone. As I also mentioned in my post about Potent Fig, though the formula and finish is technically matte, MAC has definitely changed how they make Mattenes. These lipsticks are not nearly as drying as they used to be, and my lips are definitely not parched like they once were after wearing this product. If you want a moisturizing matte lipstick, this is as close as you’re ever going to get in my book.

As I think they do to deliberately annoy me, MAC has made this (like so many others!) collection of Mattenes limited edition – including Seeds of Desire – so check them out here until they’re gone on MAC’s website, or check your local Nordstrom’s, Macy’s, Saks, Bloomingdale’s…

Are you digging this lipstick? Who else loves leopard print?! And who else – fess up – has an electric blanket and loves it? I know someone out there does. Don’t lie. A lie of omission is just as bad. Come on, guys.

It’s My Birthday, So I’m Going To Rock It – Orly Rock-It

Hey everyone! I know I’ve been a little MIA as of late. I’ve been dealing with some personal issues that I have been trying not to let affect the blog…oh well.

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY. I actually don’t like birthdays that much, but I do have a pantload of new things to review for you/show you guys coming up as a result, including new MAC Mattene lipsticks and Matchmaster foundation.

So I had actually planned out my birthday manicure months ago. Clearly I changed my mind, because this bad boy made its timely appearance instead. Everyone, meet Orly Rock-it from the Fall 2011 Mineral FX Collection!

Orly Rock-It

How FIERCE is this polish?! I saw it on Scrangie‘s blog a few weeks ago and I knew I had to have it, so I RAN to my local Sally Beauty. I immediately spazzed – they were sold out of the three best colors from the collection. I put my aunt on the case and she found it, along with another color from the collection, Rock Solid (two-fold fabulous, a great color and reminds me of Arrested Development).

This is so much more than a deep pink glitter – it’s a glass fleck, people! Hard to explain, but in my mind, it’s when the glitter seems to sparkle from under a plate of glass. It’s super cool. It’s also got a slight bronze duochrome. Basically, you need this.

Pros: Glass fleck, duochrome, only needed two coats, dried really fast for me (Orly always seems to dry quickly). Unique!

Cons: If you have strong feelings against dark pink on your fingers, you might not like this. I will not judge you for this, as I often prefer unusual base color polishes on my fingers – odd for the gal who counts NARS Schiap in her top five sassy lipsticks.

Orly Rock-It, slightly closer

It’s the hotness, am I right? (You can’t disagree with me today, it’s my birthday.) Mine were found at Sally Hansen, but also look in CVS.

I’ve missed you guys. Sorry I’ve been so absent, I’ll try harder.

Top Ten: Reasons I’m Looking Forward to Fall

Apparently, there was an earthquake earlier in NYC and true to form, I am totally oblivious of anything to do with geology or nature.

At any rate, I’m currently in one of my favorite cafés on the Upper West Side drinking iced coffee. Let me tell you – I should have gone with a hot one. It’s FREEZING in here! It seems that no one is clued in to the fact that fall is on its way and the AC is staying cranked everywhere I go. But you know what?

I am beyond ready for fall. Summer is not my jam – I hate mosquitoes, I don’t like hot weather, and New York in summer is particularly disgusting. Besides those reasons, though, I have a top ten for you.

10. My birthday

This is actually a silly reason. I’m not so much into birthdays anymore since I’ve been out of school – especially grade school. I don’t really want that attention. (Remember bringing cupcakes for the whole class? And how you were the hero that day?) But last year, I had a really nice birthday – I spent most of it alone. Maybe this is strange, but I truly value my alone time, and I really enjoyed just walking around and window shopping. The next day I went to my college reunion and spent the weekend singing with old friends from choir. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday weekend. I still appreciate a good Funfetti cake, though.

9. Woodsmoke

I don’t really have access to this smell that often, but it seems to come out the most in fall. (People illegally burning leaves?) It’s one of my favorite scents and I wish I could find an accurate bottled version. Some Demeters come close, but doesn’t quite hit the mark – I’ll have to check out CB I Hate Perfume‘s version.

8. Halloween and Thanksgiving

I’m pretty sure that these two holidays are my favorites out of the whole year. Who doesn’t love Halloween? It gives everyone the opportunity to let their inner crazy out, wear over-the-top makeup and costumes, and get too much free candy. On Thanksgiving, if you’re lucky, you get to see all the family members you haven’t in months and binge eat/drink. (If you don’t like stuffing or mashed potatoes, I don’t know if we can be friends.)

7. Pumpkin Spice lattes

I’m a Starbucks Gold member, which I am both ashamed and proud to admit. My favorite drink, when I can get it, is a latte with Pumpkin Spice syrup. I love pumpkin anything and it happens to be a great combo with coffee. (And when you’re a Gold member, you get a free drink on your birthday!)

6. Fall footwear

There is definitely something to be said about the ease of sandals and how fun it is to flaunt a pretty pedi while wearing them. But my favorite shoes are fall shoes – little flats and oxfords, booties, and pumps in heavier materials. I’m really excited that velvet slippers are trendy this season because I have the perfect pair! Speaking of…

5. Fall fabrics 

I love you, velvet blazer. J.Crew Velvet Schoolboy Blazer, picture from polyvore.com

I can’t wait to bust out the tweed and velvet! There’s something so luxurious about fabrics with a heavier weight, and they look so simply refined. (Plus, less ironing.) I got a plum velvet blazer from J.Crew last year and I’m so excited until it’s cool out enough to wear it! And cashmere, brocade, satin…bring it on!

4. Stockings

I jumped on this bandwagon pretty recently (senior year of college), but better late than never! From black opaque to my personal favorite, the elusive backseam stocking, tights can really give your outfit a pick-me-up.

3. Different shades of lipstick

Of course, there are some shades that I wear all year round – MAC Snob and Angel, in particular – but there are certain reds and purples that I wait until fall to add to my rotation. I have no doubt that MAC Dubonnet, a lipstick I bought after seeing it in Black Swan, will make its debut in a few weeks.

Soon enough...OPI Ski Teal We Drop

2. Darker and metallic nail polishes

I know it’s perfectly okay to wear these all year round, but it seems like they just mesh better with the fabrics of fall. Sumptuous fabrics call for fancy nails! My fantastic Orly foils, Chanel Paradoxal, and my beloved OPI Ski Teal We Drop are just begging to be used – and I can’t wait!

1. Outerwear

I freaking LOVE coats, jackets, blazers, and, most recently, capes. I am constantly judged and teased for wearing a cape, but I really don’t care. Not only do they look ridiculously fabulous, you can tuck your arms underneath when you’re particularly cold. You can also hide your purse beneath your cape! I actually have three – all different weights, lengths and colors – but my camel-colored one is on my favorite. I can’t wait to wear them with some high heels and stockings.

Okay, I can’t feel my fingers anymore because that’s how cold it is in this café. I should have brought a cape or at least some gloves. But that’s my top ten list of fall favorites – what’s yours? School supplies? Trees changing? Picking apples? Let me know in the comments!