Let's take a second to acknowledge that this collage is clearly not my best work. Ok? Ok. Moving on, here are my picks for makeup this summer. Clockwise from top left:
Aqua Eyes Eyeliner by Makeup Forever
One day I felt like being indulgent and got my makeup done before going out on a Friday night. Apparently, I wasn't the only one going unnecessarily glam, as the store had just been cleared of dozens of fans and their moms who'd come to get their makeup done before going to the Britney/Pussycat Dolls concert. I was very sorry to have missed seeing those finalized makeup looks. "Homer, you've got it set on whore!" Anyone?
Back to my point. The makeup artist put this eyeliner on me and it stayed vibrant all night. I bought one in violet and wear it constantly, even when it doesn't match my outfit because it glides on beautifully and really stays.
Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Scorching Sun
I don't own this duo yet, but I plan to once I pinch my pennies for a few more weeks. I tried it on at a Sephora in Manhattan and was struck by how well the pigment could be applied, and was shocked that it suited my ghostly pale skin. All the reviews I've read of it claim this duo of bright gold and glazed apricot is flattering to all skin tones.
MAC Paint in Bare Canvas
Quite simply, it's a fantastic base that will make your shadow stay put, and prevent creasing. It can also be worn alone for a lovely, smooth look. I would especially recommend using this or a similar eye base for a special event such as a wedding or prom... or any night if you're a sweaty individual or if there is any kind of booze involved.
"Tresor D'Afrique" Palette by YSL Beauty
Annoying colonialist name aside, this palette is pretty fabulous. Richly pigmented, it went on really well when I sampled it, and would flatter both warm and cool skin tones of all shades.
Eye Shadow Quads by Annabelle
Finally, other drugstore brands are taking a hint from L'Oreal (HIP) and trying to knock off higher end brands such as MAC and Makeup Forever by offering highly pigmented eye shadows. Canadian brand Anabelle took it a step further and created customizable palettes (à la MAC) at a much lower price point. I've yet to try these (besides on the back of my hand) but I like them in theory because I like anything customizable and affordable. I really would have appreciated this a few years ago, but I am happy that Canadian teens will be able to afford to get creative with their palettes. Babysitting money stretches a lot farther on a drugstore brand budget!
Newbie Collection by Bare Escentuals
A fantastic price ($18) for an into kit to one of my top 5 all-time products, bare minerals foundation et al.
California Kissin' Gloss by Benefit
I've had my eye on this baby for a while now, so I jumped for joy when in arrived in the mail as part of my bday gift from Brian's family. With its blue shimmer, it offsets the yellow in one's teeth, and apparently brightens the smile. While I'm not 100% sold on that, it definitely brightens my mood with its minty, sparkly goodness. It reminds me of retro Crest toothpaste from the 80s.
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo
A few weeks ago, I attended a Mad Men party (I am so white). After one vodka soda, I was forcing this lipstick on every female attendee. It has a completely matte finish (much like the lipstick available in the late 50s-early 60s) and really sticks to your lips for a long time. I think it's my new go-to red.
Lastly, MAC has finally started posting tutorials. As much as I like watching the all sassy gals on Youtube, it's refreshing to watch videos that don't have star wipes or terrible theme music. The sculpted lip video is especially good.
3 comments:
Oh my YSL electric blue, I love you.
It would look amazing on you!
That eyeliner looks killer...I love all of the long lasting stuff that's on the market now. Maybelline has a great cheap waterproof one that I loooove in black for day-to-day...I think it's called "Unstoppable". It stays on through anything and doesn't give raccoon eyes.
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