Color Me Happy: LORAC Be Mine Collection

Photo Credit: Sephora

IT'S SPRING!!!! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the pollen is overtaking my car!! Pretty soon, we'll all be dyeing eggs and putting on Easter bonnets. Well, actually, I'll be dyeing hair and putting on my Easter shorts because it's too darn hot around here to wear a hat. The shorts are pastel plaid, if that helps.

With Spring upon us, it is time for Fall makeup to retire to the train case. For the next few months, vibrant corals and violets will take the place of coffee and cream hues. I can not wait.

To celebrate the beginning of one of my favorite seasons (definitely in the top four), I splurged and bought the LORAC Be Mine Collection. Let me just say, this put the "value" in "value set". I got six full-size products plus a case ($125 value) for $37. Folks, you can't beat that with a stick.

First things first, though. Here's what LORAC has to say about the set:

"A seven-piece kit that contains all the beauty essentials you need to create a sexy, smoky eye with a luscious 3D pout. This set includes three eyeshadows, a shimmering pink blush, a volumizing and thickening mascara, and a Multiplex 3D lip gloss all in a to-go makeup bag that's perfect for your next romantic getaway."

For my take on it, let's go over each piece individually. It's just more fun that way, don't you think?

Eye Shadow in Sand (Shimmering Beige): Beige? Yes. Shimmering? No. It's about as matte as matte can be. I put it on over my Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden, and couldn't tell one from the other. That said, it did go on smoothly, and I love the soft, almost creamy texture of all LORAC shadows. 7 out of 10.

Eye Shadow in Delight (Shimmering Fuchsia): Holy Acid Trip, Batman! This stuff is holographic! Only in the pan, though, sad to say. How cool would holographic eyelids be?! Still this is a stunning pinky lavender. It goes on sheer, but builds easily, and leaves a gorgeous iridescent aura around the eye. I used a little below my lower lashes for added interest. 9 out of 10.

Eye Shadow in After Party (Deep Black Violet): It's eerily similar to M.A.C. Beauty Marked. The only difference is that Beauty Marked is a little sparklier, and the overtones are slightly pinker. This is practically tar black with violet overtones. With a light hand, it looks beautiful in the crease, and works well as a liner. It also smudges easily for a smokey look. 8 out of 10.

Blush in Desire (Shimmering Pink): By "shimmering" they don't mean "glittering" or "super shiny". This has that same slight iridescence as the Delight eye shadow. The color, while down right frightening in the pan, is a very flattering, very youthful shade of pink, and really makes your cheeks pop. It also goes on sheer, so you don't have to worry about looking too "baby doll". 9 out of 10.

LORAC Lashes Volumizing & Thickening Mascara in Black: Not bad. I didn't have any clumps, but did require two coats to achieve the length I like. The mascara did what it claimed, but really, it wasn't anything special. 7 out of 10.

Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in Vivid (Pink with Gold 3D Pearl): Might as well have named it Vinyl! This makes your lips look fabulous! This is not a plumper, but it's so shimmery and shiny that it makes your lips look bigger. I love the brush that comes with the gloss because it makes it so easy for you to trace around the lip line for added fullness. The color is an amazing pink flush, too, that's not too teeny-bopper. My major gripe: it's way too sticky. Granted, that helps it last for hours (and it does), but goopy is not exactly attractive. If you wear this on a date, keep a less sticky back-up for the good night kiss. 9 out of 10.

Makeup-To-Go Bag: One word: Tiny. Too tiny. It has little pockets to hold the lip gloss and mascara upright, but they're too tall. It's cute, well-made, and a nice gesture, but I'd have rather they traded the bag for an eyeliner or luminizing powder. 3 out of 10.

Packaging: These are full-size products, so this is the actual packaging you would get if you ordered each item individually. The eyeshadow pans are sleek and professional looking, with tight fitting lids. I wish they flipped up instead of screwing on and off, though, but that's personal preference. The lipgloss is attractive, with an almost faceted, jewel-like tube and snug, chrome cap. The holographic detailing is a nice touch. 9 out of 10.

Final Verdict: 7.6 out of 10. I'd call it a buy. This is a simple, sultry look for Spring in super-flattering colors. Plus, you can't argue with the price tag.