MAC Giambattista Valli Lipstick Review

I waited. I ordered. I conquered. My MAC Giambattista Valli lipsticks that I have been lusting over for weeks have finally arrived! Giambattista Valli is one of my favorite designers and MAC is my favorite makeup brand, so this collaboration was too on point for me to pass up. I loaded four out of the five lipsticks into my virtual shopping bag on maccosmetics.com on the day of the launch and purchased them as quickly as I could. The only way I can describe the rush is like an out-of-body experience. It all happened so fast. They sold out everywhere online about four hours later. Talk about #BreakTheInternet!

The four shades I bought are Bianca B, a white pink, Tats, a hot pink, Charlotte, a yellow toned red and Eugenie, a cherry red. They are all matte finishes, which is nice because you can either do a gloss  over them or wear as is. I took some selfies wearing each one so you can see how they look on. Everyone has different skin tones and pigment to their lips, but this should give you a bit of an idea. Because the Giambattista Valli collection was limited edition and most likely will not be restocked, I've included the name of another MAC lipstick that's a "similar" for each one. I've also included a picture of a look from the Giambattista Valli Fall 2015 Couture collection I would wear with each lip color, because it's okay to dream! 

1. Bianca B

vogue.com

I have a love-hate relationship with this shade. It's unique but also quite chalky and a difficult color to wear. It is extremely white toned and I had to pair my MAC pencil in Hip 'N' Happy with it so it wouldn't be as cake-y (as you can probably tell, it still is). It really settles into the lines of my lips which I don't like very much. I think putting some gloss over it would help. Bianca B is probably best for spring and summer as it is a very pastel pink shade. Overall, it's a fun lipstick to have in my collection, but you won't see me wearing it everyday. 

MAC similar: Snob

2. Tats

vogue.com

I really like this shade. It's bright, but not too bright and the hot pink color is beautiful. This one is also great for spring and summer. It goes on smooth and the matte finish is very nice. I'll definitely be getting some good wear out of Tats. 

MAC similar: VIVA GLAM Miley Cyrus

3. Charlotte

vogue.com

Charlotte is my favorite of all the Giambattista lipsticks. I've been looking for the perfect true red, and now I've finally found it. I own both MAC Red and Russian Red, but they have pink undertones. This shade is everything I could want in a red lip. I'll be wearing it all year round. 

MAC similar: Brave Red

4. Eugenie 

vogue.com

Eugenie is a deep and dark cherry red shade that is perfect for fall, winter and nights out. It's a statement maker and the color payoff is fabulous. I love to wear colors like this when the weather gets chilly. The only downside is it's a bit messy. It started to stain my skin and get all over the place. I'll try a lip liner next time and see if it stays put better. Overall, I think this is a great shade to have. 

MAC similar: Media 

The Giambattista Valli MAC collection did not disappoint. I'm so happy to have these pretty shades in my collection. I'm looking forward to future MAC collaborations with fashion designers. MAC wears Prada, anyone? 

~Bitsy

My MAC Lipstick Collection

I am a MAC lipstick addict. I just can never have enough! They are amazing quality and come in many different colors and finishes. They apply smoothly on the lips with fabulous staying power and pigmentation. My personal favorites are the satins, lustres, and cremesheens. If you haven't tried MAC lipsticks, I highly suggest you do. 

My collection:

Sweetie (lustre)

Snob (satin)

Up The Amp (amplified)

Hot Gossip (cremesheen)

Lovelorn (lustre)

Pink Pearl Pop (cremesheen)

Viva Glam V (lustre)

Viva Glam Miley Cyrus (amplified) *Limited Edition

Candy Yum-Yum (matte)

Creme Cup (cremesheen)

Angel (frost)

Bombshell (frost)

Media (satin)

Rebel (satin)

Russian Red (matte)

MAC Red (satin)

Real Doll (lustre) *Limited Edition

Lustering (lustre)

Milan Mode (lustre)

Creme De La Femme (frost)

Plumful (lustre)

I have been growing this collection for about four years. MAC lipsticks are something I truly love collecting and I want to purchase more and more. I don't see this obsession stopping any time soon! I've swatched all my lipsticks on my arm below, so you can get an idea as to what they look like. Keep in mind, they do look a bit different on the lips and will not appear the same on any one skin tone. Definitely stop by a MAC store or counter to see these beauties for yourself. 

Top from left to right: Sweetie, Snob, Up The Amp, Hot Gossip, Lovelorn, Pink Pearl Pop, Viva Glam V, Viva Glam Miley Cyrus, Candy Yum-Yum, Creme Cup, Angel, Bombshell

Bottom from left to right: Media, Rebel, Russian Red, MAC Red, Real Doll, Lustering, Milan Mode, Creme De La Femme, Plumful

It's hard for me to pick a favorite, because I love them all, but if I had to choose I would say Milan Mode at the moment. It has just the right amount of shimmer and is a gorgeous plumy fuchsia. The color I think suits everyone is Viva Glam V. It's a rosy pink color with flecks of gold shimmer that is perfect for day or night. A must-have, in my opinion. 

Are you a MAC addict like myself? What is your favorite shade? Let me know in the comments below. 

~Bitsy 

Fall Favorites

I haven't done a favorites post in forever! Now that it's fall and the holiday season is upon us, I figured it's about time. Without further adieu, here is what I've been loving this fall!

Beauty

MAC 'Media' lipstick: I think this is the ultimate fall lipstick. The dark berry tone is so autumnal and I think it would compliment any skin tone. I also love how it has a matte finish. You can wear it on its own or with a bit of gloss on top. Either way, you really can't go wrong with a MAC lipstick!

NARS 'Sin' blush: The perfect dusty plum color with a bit of sparkle. It gives a lovely fall flush. 

MAC 'Satin Taupe' eyeshadow: I swear by this shadow. It is my all-time favorite. I especially love wearing it around this time of year. If you're looking for a MAC eyeshadow, this is one to try. 

Stila 'Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner' in black: There's something about a nice cat eye that just screams fall to me. This Stila liner makes achieving the perfect wing easy, and, as the name says, it stays all day!

Fashion:

American Apparel Tennis Skirt: This skirt has been my go-to these past couple months. I just can't stop wearing it! Paired with black tights, a black turtleneck, and loafers is my ultimate autumn uniform. 

Chunky knit infinity scarves: I got mine at H&M last year and they are a life saver. They're cozy, cute, and compliment any outfit. 

June Favorites

Ray-Ban "Clubmaster" sunnies | MAC "Snob" lipstick | MAC "Morning Glory" Lustreglass | MAC "Hip 'N Happy" lip pencil | Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Lovesick" | Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara | Topshop "Pillow Talk" lipstick | Benefit "Porefessional" | The Fault in our Stars by John Green |

After missing 3 months of favorites, I figured it was about time for me to do another post of what I have been loving lately. This month's favorites consists of a lot of lip products, a couple of miscellaneous cosmetics, along with my new favorite accessory and my new favorite book. For lip products, I have been obsessed with all things pink and summery. As a MAC lipstick addict, I am always up for adding a new gem to my collection. This past month, I purchased "Snob", a pinky lilac shade that I absolutely adore. I love wearing it under MAC "Morning Glory" Lustreglass and lining my lips with MAC's "Hip 'N Happy" lip pencil. I'ts the perfect pairing. I also bought my first Topshop lipstick in the shade "Pillow Talk", the perfect pink color. It gives me a  "your lips but better" look that is great during the daytime. A drugstore score for me this past month was a Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in the shade "Lovesick".  I cannot say enough good things about this product. The bright fuchsia color stays put on my lips and feels moisturizing and amazing. I also love its refreshing minty scent. If you're looking for the perfect summer lip color that is lightweight, long lasting, and affordable, check this one out.

From top to bottom: MAC "Snob" lipstick, "Morning Glory" Lustreglass and "Hip 'N Happy" lip pencil | Topshop "Pillow Talk" lipstick | Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Lovesick |

I  had two miscellaneous beauty favorites in June. The first favorite is Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara. I use this to keep my brows in place when I use my Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil. It lasts all day long and keeps the color locked in and my brow game strong! Who doesn't want fierce eyebrows? My final beauty favorite is Benefit "Porefessional". I use this with my Bobbi Brown foundation and Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream and it works wonders. It keeps my skin looking smooth and my makeup feeling natural. Because of "Porefessional", I rediscovered my Smashbox BB Cream. I didn't like how it looked without a primer, but when I used "Porefessional", it gave my skin a natural, shine-free finish. The "Porefessional" and my BB cream are the beauty dream team.

 My Ray-Ban "Clubmaster" sunnies have been my go-to accessory. They are one of my favorite purchases ever. I love the gold trim around the lenses and the tortoise detail on the rims. The tortoise print goes with everything and, unlike black sunglasses, doesn't look too harsh against my pale skin. I know I will wear these not only in the summer, but year round. Sunglasses are my new staple.

 

My final June favorite is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. This book was simply amazing. I loved the story, the characters, and the message. This was the first book I've read by John Green and I cherished every word. His writing style is unlike any other and full of so much meaning and wisdom. The Fault in Our Stars was a joy to read, even though it brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to see the movie and, based on the reviews I've read, it looks like a winner.

 

~Bitsy

 

Cap and Gown

 

Dress: American Apparel | Sandals: Nordstrom BP | Sunnies: Ray-Ban 'Clubmasters' |

 

I can't believe I am a high school graduate! Saturday, June 14th was my graduation and it feels so surreal. Four years went by so quickly. Wearing my cap and gown was incredible and I had fun selecting a graduation dress from my wardrobe. I knew my chiffon dress from American Apparel was the perfect choice. It even matched my chords!

 

Later that night, my parents, my sister and I went out for a post-graduation dinner at a lovely little Italian place. I had the most delicious chicken parmesan I've ever tasted and the pasta was homemade perfection. I couldn't have imagined a better way to celebrate.

 

 

After dinner, we headed to the mall to do a bit of shopping. I picked up some goodies that I absolutely love. The Nordstrom we went to had a Topshop and I was thrilled when I discovered the Topshop makeup section. You could say I was in makeup heaven. After swatching multiple lipsticks to the point where the back of my hand looked like a painter's palette, I decided on a pink shade called "Pillow Talk." I also bought a MAC lipstick in "Snob." I guess I'm on a pink lipstick kick lately!

 

 

While in Nordstrom, I got a pair of white low-top Converse. something that had been on my wishlist for a long time. Everyone needs a good pair of Converse, right? They will go with everything and I can't wait to wear them.

 

At Urban Outfitters, I bought a simple black and white striped tee. I was debating whether or not I should buy it, but am so glad I did. It is the perfect summer basic that will look great with high waisted denim shorts and my new Converse.

 

  

I truly couldn't be happier with the way my graduation day turned out. From the beautiful ceremony, to the lovely dinner and shopping, it was all so nice and special. I had a wonderful time with my family and will never forget it. Now it is time for the next chapter of my life to begin.

 

~Bitsy



A Hint of Burgundy

 

Jacket: Nordstrom BP | Blouse: Nordstrom BP | Jeans: Topshop | Scarf: H&M | Shoes: Gap | Watch: Fossil

 

This outfit contains a few of my favorite things: leopard print, monochrome and the color burgundy. I love how my leopard print loafers, burgundy scarf and MAC 'Media' lipstick make the look complete. This outfit is one of my new faves.

 

November Favorites

 

1. I wore my faux-leather jacket constantly throughout the month of November. I got mine from Nordstrom last year, but never wore it much. I'm glad I have been enjoying it lately. Leather jackets are a must for the fall and winter seasons. They give a cool and chic edge to any outfit.

 

2. The Topshop 'Joni' jeans are perfection. I have the petite version. They are the perfect length and so comfy. I've worn them a ridiculous amount of times! If you're looking for the perfect high-waisted jeans, get a pair of 'Joni' jeans. You won't regret it.

 

3.  'Media' lipstick from MAC is the perfect deep berry shade for fall and winter. I have a slight obsession with MAC lipsticks and this one is definitely my new favorite. When I want to add a festive pop of color to my lips, I put on 'Media' and I am good to go.

 

4. I got my Steve Madden 'Troopa' boots for back-to-school and have been wearing them ever since. They were comfy right out of the box and look amazing with so many different outfits. You can't go wrong with a nice pair of combat boots.