The beginning of the new year is always an optimistic time for me where everything just seems brighter, and I always feel renewed as a result! When Nordstrom reached out to work with me to create a look, those feelings inspired me to use different textures and finishes to brighten and add dimension to each feature. I went for a glittery, smoky eye with a pop of teal (you know me, when there’s a way to incorporate teal eyeliner, there’s no stopping me) paired with more neutral, subtle colors on cheeks and lips. You could easily make the look more dramatic by going for a deeper contour or substituting in a berry or plum blush. Similarly, any pop of color (or even a metallic silver!) would pair well with the eyeshadow colors, but I’m partial to teal, blue, and violet. If you want to be even more daring, try a plum or reddish lip instead; with the sparkle and lighter inner corner, it’s not a heavy smoky eye, and deeper lip colors could definitely pair with this look.

EYES: For the majority of the eyeshadows, I used Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick Eyeshadow Quad, which is a mixture of grays (review). I began by applying the lightest shade (top left) from inner lid to just before the outer third of the lid (so about two-thirds) and buffing lightly above the natural crease. Next, I patted the medium gray shade (top right) to the outer third of the lid and lightly faded it above the crease. To add depth, I tapped the dark gray shade (bottom right) into the crease and blended. For sparkle, I patted Urban Decay Moonspoon Moondust Eyeshadow, which is a sparkly silver-gray (review), onto the middle of the lid with my fingertip. I went back with the lightest shade in the quad (top left) and lightly blended it with the sparkly section. I highlighted the brow bone, and diffused the crease color, by applying Burberry Trench Sheer Eyeshadow, which is a satin-matte beige (review). On the lower lash line, I applied Estee Lauder Emerald Volt Double Wear Eye Pencil, which is a rich teal. To brighten and lift the eyeliner, I also patted and smudged the lightest shade in the quad (top left) along the inner tearduct and below the inner third of the lower lash line. I added fullness and definition to my brows by using an angled brush and filling in with MAC Brun Eyeshadow, a deep brown, and then running MAC Clear Brow Set through the hairs to keep them in place.

FACE: For my base, I opted for a lighter coverage, natural finish with Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation with equal parts 02 and 03 (review), which I mixed with Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight The Celestial Skin Liquid Emulsion, a liquid highlighter that I prefer to mix in with a liquid foundation for an all-over glow (review). To set everything in place and diffuse the skin, I dusted and patted Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Powder in Medium Light all-over (review). I defined the cheek bones by contouring and highlighting with Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow (review). To add a little color to the apples of the cheeks, I went with Chanel Jersey Joues Contraste Powder Blush, a neutral shade (review).

LIPS: I applied Guerlain Galiane Rouge G Lipstick, a rosy beige (review) all over lips. Then I topped the lip color with Bobbi Brown Bare High Shimmer Lipgloss, a sheer, sparkly warm beige (review) to add warmth, glossiness, and of course, sparkle!

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Look: Sparkling Smoky Eyes & Dazzling Lips

Look: Sparkling Smoky Eyes & Dazzling Lips

Look: Sparkling Smoky Eyes & Dazzling Lips

Look: Sparkling Smoky Eyes & Dazzling Lips

Look: Sparkling Smoky Eyes & Dazzling Lips

Look: Sparkling Smoky Eyes & Dazzling Lips

Look: Sparkling Smoky Eyes & Dazzling Lips

Look: Pop of Color for Spring

This was a recent look I used to test out the wear of several products–the newer MAC eyeshadow quad (because it had a very stubborn shade in it), MAC’s Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner (because it was worth re-testing), and Becca Damselfly (had not tested the wear before).  I haven’t worn either the lipstick or gloss on its own, so I haven’t finished testing either of those, but I thought they might work well with this look so at least I could get a lip swatch out of it!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (eyeshadow primer), MAC Colour Eyeshadow Quad (yellow, dark blue, gray, beige), MAC Undercurrent Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner (teal), Hourglass Film Noir Mascara (black)
• Face: Chanel Vitalumiere (B30), Guerlain Les Voilettes Mineral Powder (03), Becca Damselfly Mineral Blush (orange-coral)
• Lips: Make Up For Ever Folk Rouge Artist Natural (coral), Le Metier de Beaute Orange Juiced Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss (sheer tangerine)

For eyes, I applied a light layer of NARS Smudgeproof on the lid as an eyeshadow primer from lash line to brow bone with a firm, flat brush.  First, I applied Self-Serve to the crease with a pencil brush and used a blending brush to attempt to diffuse the color. Next, I applied Colour Added all over the lid with a fluffy eyeshadow brush.   I used another pencil brush to apply Pre-packaged to the outer corner and into the deep crease.   To highlight the brow bone, I used Laudry Daze applied and blended with a fluffy blending brush.  On the lower lash line, I applied MAC Undercurrent and then patted Colour Added on the inner half of the lash line and Pre-packaged on the outer half of the lash line.  Finally, I applied a coat of Hourglass Film Noir to lengthen and thicken lashes.

For face, I applied Chanel Vitalumiere with a circular foundation brush.  I blended Becca Damselfly onto cheeks with a dense blush brush and set with Guerlain Les Voilettes.  For lips, I applied Make Up For Ever Folk and layered Le Metier de Beaute Orange Juiced on top.

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Duochromes + Jealousy Wakes Look

I was just playing around, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to post this, but some reader encouragement helped After seeing several readers mention Vex on yesterday’s post about Bare Escentual’s Urban Nature, I figured I’d try it. And then I just couldn’t help reaching for Jealousy Wakes…  The green tones of Urban Nature brought out the green in the shadow (rather than the slight bluish nature of it) — which is what I wanted, something that is so on the edge of green that it’ll integrate well with other shadows.

You will need the following…

• Eyes:  Bare Escentuals Urban Nature Prime Time Primer Shadow (murky plum, khaki, green), MAC Vex Eyeshadow (grayish purple with green sheen), MAC Jealousy Wakes Eyeshadow (emerald green), MAC Vanilla Eyeshadow (soft white beige), MAC Gilded White Powerpoint Pencil (waterline), Make Up For Ever #20L Aqua Eyes Liner (forest green), Hourglass Film Noir Mascara (black)
• Face: Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation (02), Guerlain Les Violettes Mineral Powder (03)
• Cheeks: Dior Aurora Nude Glow (soft bronze)
• Lips: Cle de Peau #2 Lipgloss (peach)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 222 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pencil brush), 188 (small, circular stippling brush)
• Substitutes:  Jealousy Wakes = Emerald Green (it is the closest I can think of, but it pulls yellow)

For eyes, start by applying Urban Nature all over the lid and above the crease with the 242 to lay down your eyeshadow base.   Lightly press Vex eyeshadow onto the inner half of the lid with the 239.  Then apply Jealousy Wakes eyeshadow on the outer third of the lid and into the crease with the 239.  Blend Vex eyeshadow by pulling lightly towards the outer lid with the 239.  Apply Vanilla eyeshadow on the brow bone to highlight and soften the edge of the crease.  Next, apply Gilded White liner on the lower waterline and #20 liner on the lower lash line, and then smudge with Jealousy Wakes eyeshadow.  Coat lashes with Film Noir mascara to finish the look.

For cheeks, apply Aurora on the apples of the cheeks and sweep towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply #2 lipgloss for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!

Quick & Easy Spring Look

I needed to do something soft enough to wear with a variety of lip colors, as I was doing some swatching, and I didn’t want to spend too long on it either — this is the result.  The weather lately has been wreaking havoc on my skin, though — SO DRY!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: Laura Gellar Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), MAC Prance Eyeshadow (mauve gray), MAC Top of the Posh Eyeshadow (soft pink), MAC Noir Plum Eyeshadow (purple), MAC Unflappable Eyeshadow (dark brown), Burberry Trench Eyeshadow,Urban Decay Delinquent 24/7 Shadow Pencil (vibrant purple) Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara (black)
• Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140), Burberry Pressed Powder (03)
• Cheeks: MAC Sur Blush (neutral pink-brown), Guerlain Teint Rose Pressed Meteorites (pale shimmering beige)
• Lips: Chanel Byzantine Rouge Coco Lipstick (pink-red), Dior Trianon Silver Ultra Gloss (silver)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 222 (fluffy crease brush), 263 (angled eyeliner brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: Prance = Vex; Top of the Posh = Pink Venus; Noir Plum = Grape pigment; Unflappable = Satin Taupe; Sur = Prism; Gana = Soft & Gentle
  

For eyes, start by applying Eye Spackle as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Using the 239, apply Prance eyeshadow all over the inner two-thirds of the lid. Lightly blend Top of the Posh eyeshadow onto the outer corner with the 239.  Apply Unflappable eyeshadow in the crease with the 222.  Next, apply Noir Plum eyeshadow into the lower crease with the 222, only in the center. . Blend Trench eyeshadow with the crease shade and highlight the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Delinquent on the lower lash line and pat Prance eyeshadow on lower lower lash line with a dampened 219 to brighten. Finish by sweeping lashes with Buxom Lash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Sur blush on the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116, then highlight with Teint Rose using the 165.

For lips, apply Byzantine lipstick first, then layer Trianon Silver lipgloss for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!

Chanel Spring 2011 Look

Here is a quickie look I did to test out Chanel’s spring collection… It’s not quite polished/finished, as this was just for testing

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette (white gold, pink-bronze, navy blue), Burberry Trench Eyeshadow, Chanel Gris Eyeliner, Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara (black)
• Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (translucent)
• Cheeks: Chanel Espiegle Blush
• Lips: Chanel Aragonite Glossimer (sheer iridescent silver)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 222 (fluffy crease brush), 116 (dense blush brush)

For eyes, start by applying Smudgeproof as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Using the 239, apply the white gold eyeshadow on the inner third of the lid and pull upwards along the inner crease. Lightly blend the pink-bronze eyeshadow on the middle of the lid with the 239. Next, apply the navy blue eyeshadow into the crease with the 222, lightly blending onto the outer lid.  Blend Trench eyeshadow with the crease shade and highlight the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Gris eyeliner on the lower lash line. Finish by sweeping lashes with Inimitable Intense mascara.

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

For lips, apply Aragonite glossimer for a complementing lip.

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Look:  NARS Melusine Eyeshadow Duo

Here’s the look I talked about in my review of NARS Melusine!  This was a super quick look — I think it took five minutes at most.

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), NARS Melusine Eyeshadow Duo (silver-plum/eggplant), Burberry Trench Eyeshadow (highlighter), MAC Black Swan Pearlglide Eyeliner (silvered black), MAC Plushlash Mascara (black)
• Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (translucent)
• Cheeks: NARS Albatross Blush (white gold)
• Lips: Guerlain Gillian Rouge G Lipstick (pink-brown), Chanel Imaginaire Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss (pink)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 217 (fluffy crease brush), 116 (dense blush brush)

For eyes, start by applying Smudgeproof as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Using the 239, apply the silver-plum shade on the lid. Lightly blend the eggplant eyeshadow in the crease and diffuse upwards with the 217.  Blend Trench eyeshadow with the crease shade and highlight the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Black Swan eyeliner on the lower lash line. Finish by sweeping lashes with Plushlash mascara.

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

For lips, apply Gillian lipstick first, and then layer Imaginaire lipgloss for a complementing lip.

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Look: LORAC Private Affair

I just finished up testing LORAC’s Private Affair palette (review coming soon), and this is a finished look I did using the palette. The burgundy shade is so disappointing, because it looks so lush and pigmented when swatched and when initially patted on, but it fades away so quickly to this dirty mauve pink. More on all that soon, I promise!

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), LORAC Private Affair Palette (first shade — champagne, fourth shade — metallic taupe; fifth shade — burgundy; sixth shade — blackened purple), Make Up For Ever #4L Aqua Eyes (plum), Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara (Rouge Noir)
• Face: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (Punjab), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (translucent)
• Cheeks: Rock & Republic Lust Blush (dirty red-pink)
• Lips: Vincent Longo Aurelia Lipgloss (plum)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 116 (dense blush brush)

For eyes, start by applying Smudgeproof as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Using the 239, apply the taupe eyeshadow on the inner half of the lid and pull upwards along the inner crease. Lightly blend the burgundy eyeshadow on outer half of the lid with the 239. Next, apply the blackened purple eyeshadow into the crease with the 226, lightly blending onto the outer lid. Blend the champagne eyeshadow with the crease shade and highlight the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying #4L aqua eyes on the lower lash line. Finish by sweeping lashes with Inimitable Intense mascara.

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

For lips, apply Aurelia lipgloss for a complementing lip.

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MAC Fabulous Felines Look:  Leopard Luxe

I really don’t like the Leopard Luxe eyeshadow quad.  I just find the colors to be so… unappealing when paired together.  It’s like this peachy brown getting mixed with a dirty brown and gray.  Perhaps the usage of green, blue, or gunmetal could have made this palette work better.   The colors seemed awkward to me–not inherently bad–but not very complementary.   I will also reiterate that using the Superslick Liquid Eyeliner on the lower lash line went about as well as the time before–it just dries awkwardly around the roots of the lower lashes and seems to crumble a bit.

I normally find myself liking products more when I use them, rather than simply swatching them, but I’m even less keen on it after using it in a look.  If you want a great, slightly smoky quad, try (all MAC) Gleam, Goldmine, Soft Brown, and Bronze.  If you want something a little “unusual,” try switching out Bronze for something like Coppering, Cranberry, or Sumptuous Olive.

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), MAC Lithe Pigment (golden nude beige), MAC Wild By Nature Eyeshadow (medium brown), MAC Notoriety Eyeshadow (dirty brown), MAC Furiously Fabulous Eyeshadow (brownish gray), MAC Prized Eyeshadow (highlighter), MAC Smoky Heir Superslick Liquid Eyeliner (plum burgundy), Urban Decay Crash 24/7 Liner (burgundy), Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara (black)
• Face: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (140), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (translucent)
• Cheeks: MAC Bite of an Apple Blush (red-coral), Dior Amber Diamond SkinShimmer
• Lips: MAC Out Minxed Lipstick (peachy melon), MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Lipglass (coral)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 116 (dense blush brush)
• Substitutes: Lithe = Naked (less golden); Wild By Nature = Soft Brown; Notoriety = Patina (not a great dupe); Furiously Fabulous = Brun + Satin Taupe; Prized = Shroom; Bite of an Apple = Illamasqua Hussy; Out Minxed = Melon (pigment)
  

For eyes, start by applying Smudgeproof as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Apply Lithe pigment all over the lid with the 239 and mixing medium. Using the 239, apply Wild By Nature eyeshadow on the lower lid. Lightly blend Notoriety eyeshadow in the crease with the 239. Blend Furiously Fabulous eyeshadow above the crease.   Highlight the brow bone with Prized eyeshadow with the 239 and blend with Furiously Fabulous eyeshadow to soften.  Bring everything together by applying Smoky Heir liner on the lower lash line layered with Crash liner. Finish by sweeping lashes with Inimitable Intense mascara.

For cheeks, apply Bite of an Apple blush on the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.  Highlight cheekbones with Amber Diamond skin shimmer with the 165.

For lips, apply Out Minxed lipstick as a base color, then layer Viva Glam Cyndi lipglass on top for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!