A Golden Brown EOTD

Golden brown texture like sun,

Lays me down with my mind she runs,

No need to fight,

Never a frown with golden brown. 

Those are lyrics from The Stranglers song 'Golden Brown'. It's actually about heroin but it's the first thing I thought of when I titled this tutorial. So let's look at those lyrics very superficially for this purpose. It's a great tune too, so check it out!

I've been on the hunt for simple eye looks for day that use colours that make my eye colour pop. I'm specifically looking for a copper shade that's somewhat subtle that I can wear on my eyes. It occurred to me that I don't really have anything like that in my makeup kit. So I thought I'd play with some of the shades I do have - in shades that do enhance blue eyes. I chose MAC's Satin Taupe (a long time favourite), Bare Escentuals Sex Kitten (another favourite) and the coppery-gold shade from MAC's Stacked 2!.

MAC's Satin Taupe is a classic MAC eyeshadow, a shimmery taupe. This shade is neutral enough for all eye colours and the warm tones in it enhances blue (and green) eyes. 

Bare Escentuals Sex Kitten is a sparkly nutmeg shade. The warmth in it makes it a good shade for blue (also hazel and green) eyes. 

The coppery-gold shade in the MAC's Stacked 2! is a basic, glowy cool-gold shade with a slight copper tone to it that warms it up.

I don't know how successful this eye look was. It didn't make my blue eyes pop as much as I was hoping, but also certainly didn't overpower them or dull them down. I'll keep looking for that perfect daytime eye look that makes my eyes really pop, but this is a simple, subtle, basic look that would work well for day. And not just for those of you with blue eyes. 

Here is what I did:

1. I applied a primer (Urban Decay's Primer Potion) to my eyelids.

2. With an eyeshadow brush I pressed the Stacked 2! shade gently into my lid, focusing on the inner half. Note: this shade looks warmer in its container than it did on my skin. I continued to layer it until I got the effect I wanted. 

3. With another eyeshadow brush, I applied Satin Taupe to the outer corners of my eyes, focusing mostly on a > shape (horizontal V), along my lashline and up and across my crease, ending about halfway across my eyelid. One of my favourite things about this look is how the Stacked 2! shade and Satin Taupe intermingle in the middle of my eyelid. 

4. With an angle brush, I smudged Sex Kitten along my upper lashline. On the outer corner I turned the brush sideways and pulled Sex Kitten up into the Satin Taupe, blending the two together. 

5. With the same angle brush, I smudged Sex Kitten softly along my lower lashline. 

6. I left my browbone bare, as I tend to do these days (I have heavy bangs). Also, this look has a fair amount of shimmer so while a brow colour with a soft bit of shimmer would be effective, anything more might be too much for daytime. If you recreate this look, try it!

7. I curled my eyelashes using my Shu Uemera eyelash curler (BEST eyelash curler I've ever used) and applied L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black to my upper eyelashes only.

I like this look a lot. One thing I didn't like was that the Stacked 2! shade irritated my eyes badly. Even after I washed my face and removed my contacts, I had a headache and fuzzy head that lasted for the rest of the day. So I won't be wearing this look again using that shade. I'll have to use a different but similar shade. 

What do you think of this look? Will you try it? Do you have any favourite shades or eye looks for making blue eyes pop? Do you have a deep, pure love for Satin Taupe too?

C.

Simple FOTD with Full Brows and Red Lips

I thought I might share with you the makeup I've been wearing almost every day lately. The temperatures have dropped lately and it feels like fall, finally, so that means we can pull out our red and plum lip colours. Another thing that tends to become in fashion in fall is fuller brows. Partly I think this is due to the fact that with cooler temperatures, makeup isn't prone to melting off the skin as much and we can get away with wearing a bit more.

This look was inspired by a few makeup tutorials I watched about fuller brows and Cara Delevingne, the latest supermodel de jour/It Girl. Cara rocks a tomboy look, and has naturally dark, full brows which contrast perfectly with her blonde hair. Everyone is clamouring to mimic her.

Me wearing this look lately is also due to the fact that I'm taking a break from wearing my contact lenses. It's been an adjustment to wear my glasses every day, especially when it comes to wearing makeup. My prescription is high and I'm very near sighted, so my glasses make my eyes look smaller. It's tempting to wear dark make-up on my eyes to make them stand out behind my glasses but that can make them look smaller. It's also pretty tough to get a decent liquid liner flick (my usual daily eye look) due to my poor vision. I also don't feel as cute when I'm wearing my glasses, so I don't want to get lazy and give up my regular makeup routine, and I want to do something that makes me feel cute despite the glasses.

So that means focusing on my eyebrows, lips and cheeks!

This look is very, very simple. My base is some primer (Benefit Porefessional) on my nose, beside my nose, my chin and forehead, Urban Decay's Eye Primer on my eyelids, and a BB cream (Garnier) mixed with a bit of liquid concealer (Vasanti) for the redder areas. I used a heavier cream concealer (OCC) to cover up the dark circles under my eyes and powdered with Pari's Mineral Glow to set where needed on my T-zone and under my eyes. 

I used two eyeshadows to fill in my brows and used the same shadows on my eyes - MAC Embark and MAC Wedge (pictured below). Embark is a warm brown-red and Wedge is neutral beigey shade. First, I combed my brows up using a clean mascara wand, and then, using a small, dense angle brush, I filled in my brows with Embark, working in short, soft strokes and sticking pretty close to the natural shape of my brows, but going slightly above and below to thicken them. I combed through my brows periodically to soften the colour and make sure they weren't looking too solid. 

I then went through the same brush and a little bit of Wedge, just to lighten my brows slightly. I also used Wedge on top of Embark where it was above and below my brows, to soften the shade. I wanted it to look as natural as possible, so I brushed through my brows frequently as well.

Finally, I set them using a clear brow gel (Anastasia), combing my brow hairs up while applying. Did you know you can use a clear mascara as a brow gel? Save yourself some cash!

I used a fluffy crease brush (Real Techniques) to apply Wedge (it makes a fantastic crease colour) to my crease, focusing on the outer corner and pulling it towards the nose oh-so-slightly. I also applied Wedge below my eyes, for a slight shadowy effect. 

With an angle brush, I smudged Embark along my upper lash line, flicking it slightly out at the corner and smudging the line slightly for a smoky effect. It's a VERY subtle, soft eye look, barely there. 

I curled my lashes using my Shu Uemera eyelash curler and applied L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black. This mascara is quite natural, despite the name and it's easy to apply just a little without making it look heavy and thick. 

On my cheeks, I applied MAC's Mineralize Blush in Warmth of Coral softly at the outer edges of my cheeks with a fluffy blush, sweeping it in towards my nose, slightly. I wanted a hint of colour, and definition, so I also used a denser blush brush to apply the colour along the contour line of my cheek. 

Finally, I applied MAC's Absolute Power directly from the tube only my lips. It was a limited edition shade that Jill accidentally bought two of so I got one. It looks a heck of a lot more purple and deep in the tube, but on, it's a spectacular red. It stains a lot, which I kind of like because when it's gone, you're not bare-lipped. No makeup-makeup!

This look can be worn without a dramatic lip colour, of course. And I do for day. I just increase my blush and use a pretty rose colour on my lips, such as MAC's Gem of Roses. 

And here's the look with my glasses on. I like that this look defines my eyes, brows and cheeks slightly, in a way that doesn't have them competing for the spotlight. And I can't get enough of this gorgeous, gorgeous red lipstick!

Products used (base products not pictured):.
Top Row L-R: MAC Embark eyeshadow, MAC Wedge eyeshadow, MAC Mineralize Blush in Warmth of Coral
Below: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Anastasia Brow Gel (sample size), MAC Absolute Power lipstick

So there you have my current, cooler-weather, Cara Delevingne-inspired FOTD. Let me know what you think in the comments! What's your cooler-weather look? 

C.

FOTD: Angelina Jolie (making round eyes look narrower)

Angelina Jolie is one of the most beautiful women in the world, known for her full lips, cheekbones and seductive, feline eyes. 

If you look closer, however, you might notice that her eyes are actually quite round. She uses a simple makeup trick to give herself that seductive, narrow eye shape.

Sam from Pixiwoo did this video demonstrating the technique that Angelina Jolie uses to make her round eyes more narrow. 

I was intrigued and decided to try it out. It's become one of my favourite tricks! I love how simple and sophisticated it is and it does indeed make my round eyes look narrower.

You can watch the Pixiwoo tutorial for the full instructions but here's a breakdown of how I got the look:

Base: Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream in Light/Medium all over my face, applied with a foundation brush. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW20 mixed with Vasanti Oil-Free Liquid Foundation and Concealer in V1 under my eyes, applied with my foundation brush and fingers. Concealer was also applied to any red areas that needed it with the foundation brush. I applied powder lightly to set it with a powder brush.

I filled in my eyebrows lightly with MAC Sketch eyeshadow and an angle brush, brushing through with an eyebrow comb. Note: I am trying to let my brows grow out a little, so they look a little shaggy.

For the eyes, I applied MAC Vanilla eyeshadow all over my lids, a bit heavier on the lid than at the brow. I used a fluffy eyeshadow brush. For a touch of definition at the crease, I applied MAC Wedge eyeshadow with a crease brush and buffed it out almost completely with a fluffy eyeshadow brush. The eyes should look natural and soft, barely touched with eyeshadow. With a thin eyeliner brush (BDellium 708) I applied MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack to the outer corners of my upper eyelids, starting about a third of the way in on the eyelid and extending it slightly beyond the outer corner. 

I curled my lashes with my Shu Uemera eyelash curler and applied Diorshow mascara in Black, focusing on the outer corners. Then I added corner false eyelashes (MAC) using Duo lash glue and let them dry in place. 

I applied MUFE Aqua Eyes liner in 10L (an antique gold shade) to my waterline, smudging it slightly into the lashline. This helps to give definition to the eye but unlike using a black or dark colour, the soft gold emphasizes but doesn't close the eye in. As Sam explains in the video above, this look works because it doesn't completely circle the eyes. If the liquid eyeliner was extended all the way across the top lashline, it would emphasize the roundness/make the eye look rounder. With the liner just on the outer corners, the eyes are narrowed on the outside, creating an almond, or narrower shape. 

To complete the look, I applied MAC blush in Stunner on the apples of my cheeks, blending it up towards my temples. On my lips I'm wearing Becca lipstick in Estella. It softens the natural pink of my lips and adds sheen without giving me a completely nude lip. This way it's my eyes that stand out.

For comparison, here's another photo of me to show my naturally round eyes. No attempts here to de-emphasize the roundness!

FOTD: Lanvin Fall Runway Look

The Lanvin Fall/Winter runway show featured a simple but dramatic makeup look. The face was clean and naturally matte with no blush and lip colour. The drama comes from the thick black eyeliner/shadow on the eyes. I loved the simplicity but edge of it so I tried to recreate the look.

I came close, but I think I came too far across my lids with the black. It's more geometric and graphic than the Lanvin look but it's close. I used the MAC Greasepaint stick in black which gives a drier look than I wanted. A black cream shadow would be ideal for this but I do like the strong graphic nature of this eye look.

I used no eyeshadow, only the Greasepaint stick and a bit of Benefit Moonbeam on my brow bone. 

The Greasepaint sticks can be challenging to work with. They dry very quickly and stay put once they do. You have to work fast with them and I've made the mistake of layering too much on. It can flake on you as time goes on and can feel tight and heavy on the skin if you've got too much on. So with this look, I drew on the basic shape and used a thin, flat brush (it's actually a lip brush) to make the shape more solid and to get it down close to my lashline.

 

The trick is to make the line as thick as the width of your eyelid. I opted to end the line with a point as if it's a liquid eyeliner effect rather than the squared-off end on the Lanvin models. You can opt to square-off the end if you try this look. See what works for your eye shape.

What I like so much about this look is that it doesn't look very dramatic with my eyes open but with my eyes closed, the graphic nature of the effect is evident. 

For the rest of my makeup:

• Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging moisturizer
• Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Air Brush Spray Make-up
• Vasanti liquid cover-up
• Korres Wild Rose Compact powder

My mascara was L'Oreal Voluminous mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash mascara.

My lips were bare and although I could've used just a bit of lip balm, the natural pigment of them would've been too much for this look. Instead I left them as they were, with a bit of foundation on them and used a tiny bit of JoeFresh lip stain in Grapefruit just on the inside of my lips for a slight stained effect.

There you have it! A simple, graphic FOTD. Let us know what you think!


C.

In the Groove Jazzed Lipstick and Petticoat Mineralize SkinFinish FOTD (A.K.A. Too Damned Hot and Humid FOTD)

This was my "haul" from MAC's In the Groove. Yup, I'm a big spender. I picked up Jazzed lipstick and Petticoat Mineralize Skin Finish. I took a look at the legendary Stereorose but it was too orangey-gold for me and I opted for Petticoat instead.

Jazzed lipstick

Jazzed is a cremesheen lipstick described by MAC as a bright coral pink but I would omit the bright part of that description. It's quite muted and opaque but a wearable, pretty summery shade.

Petticoat Mineralize Skin Finish

Petticoat MSF is described by MAC as pale rose with gold and amber veining. Like the other MSFs, it's sheer and buildable and can work as a highlighter, a blush and an eyeshadow. This is my second MSF (I also have By Candlelight) and it's much more highly pigmented and shimmery.

It's been INSANELY hot and humid in Toronto with temperatures in the mid 40Cs with the humidity. I don't have airconditioning at home so temperatures have been around 30C inside and getting ready in the morning is a bit of a challenge. Make-up just melts off my face before I can get out of the house. Not to mention trying to make my hair sleek. I won't even get into that.

When In the Groove was released by MAC on Thursday, I went by to check it out and picked up Jazzed lipstick and Petticoat MSF. I'm not one to go without make-up much and like to look as polished as possible so the weather has been frustrating. Heading out to a backyard BBQ on Saturday and to watch the World Cup Final, both low-key affairs, I pulled together a look using very few products.

What I used:

• Kiehl's Ultra Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Light
• Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil in Feather Light
• MAC concealer in Studio Finish NW20 (undereye and in spots)
• MAC Petticoat MSF 
• Kiehl's Marvellous Mineral Mascara in Black
• MAC Jazzed lipstick
• Benefit Eye Bright

And here's how it looked:

With flash.

I applied moisturizer which provides a light coverage, then concealer to my undereye area and on any redness I wanted covered, then powdered over it all to set it, and focusing on my T-zone (which gets the oiliest). With a large fluffy brush I dusted Petticoat MSF along my cheekbones and up to my temples for a bit of pinky-gold glow. With a blush brush I applied Petticoat to my cheeks for blush and with my index finger I swiped it across my lids. I curled my lashes and applied lots of mascara to both my top and bottom lashes. I used Eye Bright on my waterline to make my eyes pop a bit more and to enhance the contrast between the Petticoat on my lids and the black mascara. The final touch was Jazzed lipstick on my lips.

Natural light.

Close-up of Petticoat on my cheeks and eye.

Of course, the photos don't capture the actual shimmer of Stiletto but I can tell you it's quite a shimmery product. Use it sparingly as a face powder or with more intensity as a blush and eyeshadow.

This was just enough make-up to make me look polished and fresh-faced but not too much so that when it melted away, I wouldn't look drastically different.

So what did you pick up from In the Groove? Got any summer beauty tips to share? 

C.