I went into my local MAC today to see if they had Marilyn in the back room to test. And, yes, they did. Let me first say, i really like the special packaging. It's simple, elegant, and even classy, with pictures of Marilyn that haven't been overdone.
LIPS
I didn't bother with the lipsticks, since i don't wear reds and i have enough nudes that don't work and a few that do.
I did test the Dazzleglasses, because i can't resist some good glitter, and they do sparkle madly and beautifully, but i knew i wouldn't be buying them; i just got the LE Boundlessly Beige Pro Longwear Lipglass from Office Hours, and while it isn't the same, it sure seemed close to, although cooler than, Phiff!; and i have Pleasure Principle Dazzleglass from last year's Glitter & Ice, and that's close enough to Little Rock for me.
CHEEKS
I didn't test the blushes. As i have said elsewhere, i'm pretty much blushed out, having gotten so many in the past 2 years.
I DID test the Beauty Powder. It has a very smooth matte base that is sort of creamy yellowish off-white. I thought i saw a sparkle or two in it, but it is not shimmery. Even on my neutral-15 inner arm it looked rather chalky, so it needs to be used with a light touch and blended out well. I definitely don't need it, nor do i crave it. I've been looking at NARS Nico and NARS Albatross, which are pale off-whites that have shimmer and aren't chalky, and with NARS upcoming Andy Warhol collection, i know i'll be at the NARS counter soon.
EYES
I did test the eye shadows. They are shimmery but very smooth and not glittery. They can go on very sheer for a hint of color and shimmer, or they can go on densely for an almost metallic look -- and, of course, you can put them on somewhere in between. I was so disappointed with Ever Ivory from Office Hours - matte which is not for me, and so sheer and not terribly buildable. So i really wanted to see what i thought of the Veluxe Pearls 'How to Marry' ("Soft White") and 'Preferred Blonde' ("Pale champagne beige"). I decided that i preferred 'Preferred Blonde' - it's quite light in color but has a nice hint of warmth, while HTM is very cool white and when built up almost like white silver, which wasn't what i was looking for, but will undoubtedly work for many other folks. Showgirl - the blue-grey - is nice, too, but i rarely wear greys or blues.
While i knew i wouldn't be hauling much from this collection, i'm definitely only getting one thing. Of course, that means i'll have more to spend on the two Holiday collections, Glamour Daze and Fabulousness.
Oh man, I forgot to add another rave for Love Goddess. I wore it when I ran out the house for a bit today. I'm so amazed that it's a Satin because I don't have the easiest time with those things. I usually have to blot one on and make sure I prep my lips properly because they can be drying. Love Goddess is completely different. I can apply it full on from the tube and there's nothing drying about it. I can't say enough great things about this color. A perfect mix of red and pink. I am definitely getting another. This is an all-time favorite color for me and that says a lot.
