Temptalia

Nude & Champagne Eyeliners: Swatches, Dupes, and Comparisons

Christine — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:54:54 +0000

Nude & Champagne Eyeliners

Nude & Champagne Eyeliners: Your Guide

Two years ago, I went through and swatched every eyeliner I owned by color, so that they could easily be compared. It’s time for a re-do, because we have so many more shades to add to our comparisons! Our first part of this on-going series is a comparison of the various nude and champagne eyeliners I have on hand. This shade is typically used on the lower lash line or water line to help brighten and open up eyes.

BAREMINERALS 5AM is a pewter–it’s a dirty, cool-toned gold with a silvered sheen. I didn’t expect it to be similar to anything here, but it didn’t fit well with golds either.
MAC GILDED WHITE is a warm white gold with a metallic sheen. (LE)
MAC NC15/NW20 is a light beige/fleshy shade. It is a hair darker than NARS Rue Bonaparte.
MAC NW25/NC30 is a darker version of NW15/NC20. Almost looks like a darkened peach. It is very similar to Givenchy #2.
MAC NC42/NW35 is darker version of NW25/NC30. It looks a bit peachy/orange on me.
GIVENCHY #2 is a warm, peachy beige with yellow-beige undertones and a mostly matte finish. It is comparable to MAC NW25/NC30.
NARS RUE BONAPARTE is a soft beige with a matte finish. It is just barely lighter than MAC NC15/NW20.
MAC I GET NO KICK is a soft champagne nude with a metallic sheen. (LE) It is ever-so-slightly warmer than MUFE #23L but very comparable to UD Midnight Cowboy.
MAKE UP FOR EVER #23L is a shimmering golden champagne with a nearly metallic finish. This shade is slightly less warm compared to MAC I Get No Kick and UD Midnight Cowboy.
URBAN DECAY MIDNIGHT COWBOY is a shimmering champagne peach with a subtle metallic sheen. (LE) This is most comparable to MAC I Get No Kick. An alternative to this shade would be Urban Decay’s Shadow Pencil of the same name.

TEMPTALIA PICKS: #1 (high quality), #3-6 (good formula), #9 (versatile, readily available)

Behind-the-Series: These swatches should not be used to judge the quality of an eyeliner. Some eyeliners required one pass, some required five, and a few even more. It was my intention to provide heavy, opaque swatches to provide an accurate color comparison. When possible, the shade name (above) is linked to the original review. If we’ve never done a review, there will be no link. Shades that were limited edition will be marked with “(LE)” and shades that were discontinued will be marked with “(DC)” after the color description. You can also find all comparisons on The Dupe List.

What’s your favorite champagne/nude eyeliner?

See more swatches!

Nude Eyeliners: bareMinerals 5AM, MAC Gilded White, MAC NC15/NW20, MAC NW25/NC30, MAC NC42/NW35, Givenchy #2, NARS Rue Bonaparte, MAC I Get No Kick, MUFE #23L, UD Midnight Cowboy

Nude Eyeliners: bareMinerals 5AM, MAC Gilded White, MAC NC15/NW20, MAC NW25/NC30, MAC NC42/NW35, Givenchy #2, NARS Rue Bonaparte

Nude Eyeliners: NARS Rue Bonaparte, MAC I Get No Kick, MUFE #23L, UD Midnight Cowboy

MAC Chromagraphic Pencils: Review, Photos, Swatches

Christine — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:24:30 +0000

Pure White, Basic Red, Process Magenta, Genuine Orange, Primary Yellow,
Landscape Green, Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple, Black Black, NC42/NW35

MAC Chromagraphic Pencils: Review, Photos, Swatches

Last week, MAC PRO launched a full collection of Chromagraphic Pencils. Each retails for $14.50, and all the shades are permanent at PRO stores. This collection is only available at PRO stores, but anyone can shop at a PRO store. You can even call up your nearest PRO store, and you can place a phone order for a flat-rate shipping cost. Keep in mind that these are PRO products, which means they were designed with the makeup artist in mind, not necessarily consumers.

These may seem familiar because MAC released two of the flesh-toned shades with Pret-a-Papier (NC15/NW20 and NW25/NC30). The other eleven shades are new. Chromagraphic Pencils are creamy pencils that glide on easily and smoothly. According to PRO, they are meant for lining and defining, which makes sense as they have other products (like Chroma Cakes and Paint Sticks) more suitable for larger areas.

I do really like the flesh-toned shades for use on the lower waterline to open up the eye. I find that the NC15/NW20 achieves that the best (the others being a bit too dark on me) myself, and I’m about NC25. Black Black is really intense, and it is safe for usage everywhere but the lips, and that’s the one I chose to test-drive first. It stays pretty well on the waterline and lash line – it looks intense and dark from a normal viewing distance, but up close, I can see that it looks a little faded–but it hadn’t faded any more after the initial inspection and stayed on for about six hours for me (on the waterline, over eight on the lash line).

The following shades are not to be used in the lip area: Black Black, Marine Ultra, NC15/NW20, NW25/NC30, NC42/NW35
The following shades are not to be used in the eye area: Basic Red, Genuine Orange, Process Magenta
The following shades are not to be used in the inner rim of eye: Basic Red, Process Magenta, Genuine Orange, Primary Yellow, Landscape Green, Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple

The darker, more pigmented shades will stain the skin a little if worn for prolonged periods of time. I did not wear the swatches of these for very long, but it took quite a bit of elbow grease to remove them entirely. I think these are certainly a quick and easy way to put detail on body/face painting efforts. I’m not necessarily sure how much use most of us would get out of these, though (which is just fine–these weren’t made for us!).

Pure White is a crystal clear creamy white.
Basic Red is a primary red, subtle orange undertones.
Process Magenta is a brightened pink, not quite fuchsia, definitely magenta.
Genuine Orange is a rich, almost neon tangerine orange.
Primary Yellow is exactly that–bright yellow.
Landscape Green is a medium grass green.
Marine Ultra is a darkened medium sea blue.
Hi-Def Cyan is a creamy sky blue.
Rich Purple is a darkened, red-toned purple.
Black Black is an intense, almost wet-looking black.
NC15/NW20 is a light beige/fleshy shade.
NW25/NC30 is a darker version of NW15/NC20. Almost looks like a darkened peach.
NC42/NW35 is darker version of NW25/NC30. It looks a bit peachy/orange on me.

See more photos & swatches!

Pure White, Basic Red, Process Magenta, Genuine Orange, Primary Yellow,
Landscape Green, Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple, Black Black, NC42/NW35

Warning sheet!

Pure White, Basic Red, Process Magenta, Genuine Orange, Primary Yellow, Landscape Green

Process Magenta, Genuine Orange, Primary Yellow, Landscape Green, Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple

Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple, Black Black, NC42/NW35

Pure White, Basic Red, Process Magenta, Genuine Orange

Primary Yellow, Landscape Green, Marine Ultra

Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple, Black Black

Black Black, NC15/NW20, NC42/NW35

Pure White, Basic Red, Process Magenta, Genuine Orange, Primary Yellow,
Landscape Green, Marine Ultra, Hi-Def Cyan, Rich Purple, Black Black

NC15/NW20, NW25/NC30

Swiped once with a MAC Makeup Removing Wipe… tough suckers!

Bright Makeup: Sky Blues

Christine — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:05:32 +0000

Bright Makeup: Sky Blues

I got the BLUES! At least, when it comes to the next week… because it’s study, study, STUDY! I feel like my focus is off, too, which is very annoying and frustrating. I managed to get through one outline yesterday, and today, I hope to get through another today… and then start memorizing both!

You will need the following…

Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot (neutral beige base), MAC Frost Pigment (teal), MAC Vellum Eyeshadow (white with purple flash), MAC Sky Blue Eyeshadow (PRO) (sky blue), MAC Winkle Eyeshadow (periwinkle blue), MAC Atlantic Blue Eyeshadow (PRO) (brightened dark blue), MAC Electric Eel Eyeshadow (bright blue), MAC Shroom Eyeshadow (highlighter), YSL Oriental Blue Dessin du Regard Eyeliner (navy blue), YSL Turquoise Dessin du Regard Eyeliner (teal), MAC NC15/NW20 Chromagraphic Pencil (nude), MAC Plushlash Mascara (black)
Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140)
Cheeks: Dolce & Gabbana Peach Blush (soft beige-pink), Dior Amber Diamond Skin Shimmer (golden highlight)
Lips: Cle de Peau #101 Extra Silky Lipstick (coral), MAC C-Thru Lipglass (creamy nude), Guerlain Brit Rouge G Lipstick, Guerlain #01 Terracotta Gloss (sheer champagne)
Brushes: 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
Substitutes: N/A

For eyes, start by applying Soft Ochre paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. With the 239 and water-based mixing medium (or water), apply Frost pigment all over the lid area. Using the 239, apply Vellum eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply Sky Blue eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with Winkle eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Lightly blend Atlantic Blue eyeshadow, with the 226, into the outer crease and corner. Define the crease by sweeping Electric Eel eyeshadow into the lower crease with the 219. Lightly tap and brush Vellum eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Shroom eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Oriental Blue eyeliner on the outer half of the lower lash line and Turquoise eyeliner on the inner half of the lower lash line. Apply NC15/NW20 pencil on the lower waterline to make eyes pop. Finish by sweeping lashes with Plushlash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Peach blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116. Then, highlight cheekbones by sweeping Amber Diamond with the 165.

For lips, apply #101 lipstick first, and then layer C-thru lipiglass for a complementing lip. An alternative lip could be created by first applying Brit lipstick layered with #01 gloss.

Check out more photos!

Cle de Peau #101 + MAC C-Thru

Guerlain Brit + Guerlain #01

Cle de Peau #101 + MAC C-Thru

Guerlain Brit + Guerlain #01

Softly Smoky: Drama, but Not Too Much

Christine — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:22:12 +0000

Softly Smoky: Drama, but Not Too Much

Quickie look I did before I took my midterm to test out the wear of some new products I’m trying out! I will say I refuse to use Urban Decay’s Maui Wowie eyeshadow again. I’m through with it! It is fallout city, and even when I use it with a sticky base, it refuses to cooperate. Such a pretty shade, so it’s a shame, but no thank you!

You will need the following…

Eyes: Shiseido H12 Lemon Sugar Hydro-Powder Eyeshadow (pale yellow gold), Urban Decay Maui Wowie Eyeshadow (antique gold), MAC Concrete Eyeshadow (cool, dark brown), MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (highlighter), MAC NC15/NW20 Chromagraphic Pencil (nude), YSL Black Velvet Dessin du Regard Eyeliner (black), MAC Opulash Mascara (black)
Face: Lancome Aqua Fusion Tinted Moisturizer (1), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
Cheeks: MAC Springsheen Blush (peachy-pink)
Lips: Cle de Peau T3 Extra Rich Lipstick (pinky nude), Make Up For Ever #10 Fascinating Lip Gloss (sheer champagne gold)
Brushes: 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
Substitutes: N/A

For eyes, start by applying Lemon Sugar eyeshadow as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Using the 239, apply Maui Wowie eyeshadow all over the lid. Next, apply Concrete eyeshadow into the outer crease and lid with th 226. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Ricepaper eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Velvet Black eyeliner on the lower lash line and NC15/NW20 pencil lightly patted below the lower lash line and smudged with the 219 brush. Finish by sweeping lashes with Opulash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Springsheen blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply T3 lipstick first, and then layer #10 lipgloss for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!

Softer Makeup: Going Coral — Once More, With Feeling!

Christine — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:00:38 +0000

Softer Makeup: Going Coral — Once More, With Feeling!

Just a quickie look here… something neutral so I could do some lip swatches! Ironically, this combination of eyeshadows recreates the look I did last week in a way–it’s subtler, softer, but the strength of Coral Crepe really seems to keep everything in the same family.

Note: I’m also testing out Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer, but the shade is one too dark for me (it’s Almond, for reference, which I think is suitable for NC30/NC35)–I mention this because you can tell I’m just a little “bronzed” in the photos. I’ll be trying Sand, which should be a better fit, soon, but for now, I’m just wearing it for feel/texture, even if the shade doesn’t match!

You will need the following…

Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot (neutral beige base), MAC Coral Crepe Paint Pot (coral), Cle de Peau #1 Eyeshadow (champagne white), Cle de Peau #114 Eyeshadow (pink), Cle de Peau #111 Eyeshadow (dark brown), MAC Femme-fi Eyeshadow (highlighter), Guerlain Mirage Khol (brown), MAC NC15/NW20 Chromagraphic Pencil (nude), MAC Opulash Mascara (black)
Face: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer (Almond)
Cheeks: YSL Golden Sand Terre Saharienne (bronze), NARS Enchanted Cream Blush (sheer peach)
Lips: MAC Kraft Lipstick (peached brown), MAC Fold and Tuck Lipglass (coral)
Brushes: 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
Substitutes: N/A

For eyes, start by applying Coral Crepe paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the lid area with the 249, andn then apply Soft Ochre paint pot from crease to brow. Using the 239, apply #1 eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply #114 eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with #111 eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Lightly blend #111 eyeshadow, with the 239, on the outer corner and lid. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Femme-fi eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Mirage khol on the lower water line and NC15/NW20 pencil lightly patted below the lower lash line and smudged with the 219 brush. Finish by sweeping lashes with Opulash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Enchanted cream blush on cheeks as a base, and then layer Golden Sand bronzer to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply Kraft lipstick first, and then layer Fold and Tuck lipglass for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!

I look a little orange or bronzed, because I am was testing
out a new tinted moisturizer, but the shade is a wee darker than my
actual skin tone. But I didn’t want to toss the whole look out the
window, so let’s just go with super bronze, okay?

Pret-a-Papier Look: Coral Crepe as a Base

Christine — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:25:44 +0000

Pret-a-Papier Look: Coral Crepe as a Base

I wore this look to photograph lip swatches from Pret-a-Papier yesterday, but here it is in detail By the by, I prefer the lighter Chromagraphic Pencil on my waterline — the darker one is a bit too subdued and runs a little yellowish on me.

You will need the following…

Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot (neutral beige base), MAC Coral Crepe Paint Pot (coral), MAC Tissue Weight Eyeshadow (soft white-pink), MAC Bamboo Eyeshadow (matte soft brown), MAC Cut to Fit Eyeshadow (reddish copper), MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (neutral highlighter), MAC NC15/NW20 Chromagraphic Pencil (fleshy nude), MAC Almost Noir Pearlglide Eyeliner (black-burgundy), MAC Plushlash Mascara (black)
Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (translucent)
Cheeks: MAC Garb Blush (orange-peach)
Lips: MAC Made to Order Lipstick (pinky coral), MAC Fold and Tuck Lipglass (pink-coral)
Brushes: 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
Substitutes: Tissue Weight = Phloof!/Gleam; Cut to Fit = Twinks; Almost Noir = Purple Dash; Garb = Coppertone/Peachtwist; Made to Order = Crosswires (not a great dupe!); Fold and Tuck = Lychee Luxe

For eyes, start by applying Coral Crepe paint pot as your eyeshadow base all over the lid area with the 249, then apply Soft Ochre paint pot as an eyeshadow base from the crease to the brow. Using the 239, apply Tissue Weight eyeshadow on the inner third of the eyelid. Next, apply Bamboo eyeshadow on the middle third of the eyelid and lightly blend with the inner corner. Darken the outer third of the lid with Cut to Fit eyeshadow with the 239, gently brushing it into the lower crease. Lightly blend Cut to Fit eyeshadow, with the 239, on the outer corner and lid. Lightly tap and brush Bamboo eyeshadow directly above the crease to soften. To finish the eyeshadow look, sweep Ricepaper eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Almost Noir eyeliner on the lower lash line and NC15/NW20 chromagraphic pencil on the lower waterline. Finish by sweeping lashes with Plushlash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Garb blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply Made to Order lipstick first, and then layer Fold and Tuck lipglass for a complementing lip.