I’m a big fan of LORAC cosmetics (Multiplex 3D Lashes and TANtalizer Bronzer, helloooo) so I was pretty excited when they shipped over samples of their Spring 2013 lineup. 

Before I even get started on shades and finishes, can we discuss product packaging??

The Spring 2013 Mint Edition collection looks SO chic and so fun I had to test it right away.

I enlisted DIVAlicious Member and über-fabulous Electric Picks jewelry designer MJ Barton as my makeup muse. Now MJ is traditionally a lots-of-lash and lipgloss (and not-much-else) kind of girl – so I was curious how she’d like the Mint Edition Eye/Cheek Palette (a Sephora exclusive!). 

The packaging was, for sure, a hit but the matte mint brought her back to early makeup memories at the MAC counter. MJ’s memories were fond ones but perhaps not the look she’s currently going for. Which I totally get. But she trusted my vision which was washes of color that winked at the 60s and 70s, laid on a present-day canvas. (To me, that’s how you keep it retro and not ridiculous. This isn’t a costume party or an editorial shoot so wearability is essential.)

The most important aspect of maintaining a modern feel is starting with a fresh face. That’s proper skin prep followed by sheer foundation and concealer applied only where needed. Think minimalist and luminous.

Once we quickly completed that base, I accented MJ’s facial features with the Highlighter and lightly swept on the Blush from the Mint Edition palette. A light hand is essential so the color doesn’t compete with the eyeshadow.

For eyes, we used the Mattes only, incorporating all four shades and using the darkest as our liner as well.

We finished the look with Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Retro (also included with the palette) – which by the way retails for $42 (not bad for 4 matte shadows, 4 shimmer shadows, a highlighter and a blush in one handy compact PLUS a gloss!).

MJ loved the look as a departure from her usual. She had a really good time with it and I think that’s part of the beauty of makeup… as you change it up, it can evoke different sides of you. I mean, a velvet red lip and winged black liner also gets filed under retro-cool, but how different would MJ look and feel in that versus this minty seafoam eye and soft pink lip? Just like you change your clothes everyday (unless you’re Featured Member Vanessa who’s mostly in an all-black-everything uniform), why not change your beauty look? Why not play with pastels? I say, get minted!

Note: This post is not sponsored. Products were provided as samples for review and/or for my use as a professional makeup artist.