How to do a Smoky Eye

3 UPDATE:  I have a new video tutorial <a href="../427-makeup-tutorial-the-5-minute-smoky-eye" target="_blank">How to Do a 5 Minute Smoky Eye</a> for those that like videos :)  I thought I would do a smoky eye pictorial because I have been getting lots of email about all things smoky.  I did my eye in a bronzy brown, but you can use black, charcoal, brown, green, dark blue or purple.  What ever your little heart desires!Here are my nude eyes ... <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2514714980_a620d02fe8.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="166" align="middle" /> I added eye primer (I used Urban Decay Primer Potion) to my lids and along the lower lash line.  Blend with your ring finger or a brush if you are fancy.<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2513891111_bef992b27f.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="178" align="middle" />Add a thick line of eyeliner (I prefer waterproof) along your upper lash line as close to the lashes as possible.  I am using Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Bourbon, a beautiful bronzy gold. <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2513891153_e452d9128b.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="388" align="middle" />Blend with your ring finger, a q-tip or a smudger.  Blend it into the lashes and out. <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/2513891187_bbd3f613e2.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="409" align="middle" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2513891217_c62289cb52.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="495" height="500" align="middle" />Apply a similar colored shade of shadow all over the lid, blending up into the crease.  I am using the LORAC Best Dressed Palette, this one is the darkest color.  don't worry about smooth lines yet, we'll blend afterwards.<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2514715188_28126b4b10.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="427" align="middle" /> This is the same just with the eyes closed, notice how the color is lighter at the crease?<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2513891311_29d10b4b3a.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="490" align="middle" />Add a lighter color in the crease, I have used a taupe.  Again, don't worry about blending.<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2513891365_fd4453d944.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="362" align="middle" /> Add your highlight color to just under your brow bone.  I used the light gold from the same LORAC palette.<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2513891409_4a208f727c.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="409" align="middle" />  Take whatever bit of highlight color is left on your brush and blend down, blending all the colors into each other. <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2513891457_fc0dfb73da.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="385" align="middle" /> All blended together ... <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2513891489_5a943fbc02.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="490" height="500" align="middle" />Add a thick line of eyeliner to the lower lash line and along the waterline if you want (use waterproof liner of you are doing that).  Remember to join the ends of your eyeliner to the top line of eyeliner on the outer corner of your eye.<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2267/2514715436_af6523d171.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="422" align="middle" /> Blend with a q-tip or smudger. <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2514715478_e80e6a4f9d.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="486" height="428" align="middle" /> Take the color you used on your crease (I used taupe) on an angle brush and start it a bit down from your lash liner, so there is still a ring of the dark liner.  Blend together.<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/2513891603_1b28933386.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="357" align="middle" /> Add your shimmery highlight corner to your inner eye.  I like to use the Coastal Scents mini detail brush for this (and the brush is only $2).<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/2514715570_fc2dfe73a5.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="467" align="middle" /> Add your mascara to the top and bottom lashes.  I used Cover Girl Lash Blast.<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2514715680_89cbd8e6ee.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="464" align="middle" />  <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2185/2513891839_d076cd145d.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="457" align="middle" />Voila!  Smoky eyes!<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2513891741_b1031ff7bc.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="170" align="middle" /> What are your smoky eye tricks?  Fave smoky eye colors?  2008-05-22T16:36:54Z 169 How to do a Smoky Eye - Pics

2008-08-30T23:36:53Z

3 Ok, so we have already figured out the best types of foundation for different skin types <a href="../../../../posts/46" target="_blank">here</a>, but today we are going to look further in depth at all the different foundation types available and what their benefits are. Another learnin' day here :-) <h2>Liquid Foundations</h2> <img src="http://a1377.g.akamai.net/7/1377/8278/20060601180040/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P12635/P12635_hero.jpg" alt="" /> Liquid Foundation is what most of us think of when we hear the word "foundation". They have been selling it for years, it comes in a bottle and goes on evenly over the skin. Not all liquid foundations are created equal, in fact, there are many different types ... Long Wearing Foundations are very popular especially with the oily-skin types. Long wearing foundations do not break down with the oils on your skin and last all day. Putting them on can be a challenge, as they set quickly, but just work in one area at a time, blending in before moving on to the next section. Use a creamy cleanser to break down the product when washing your face at night. Long wearing foundations are available for all different skin types, from drugstore brands to prestige lines. Illuminating Foundations are very big right now and great if you have dry skin, because they give you back that glow that dry skin is lacking. These are great for normal to dry skins, if you have oily or combination skin, you are already "dewy" enough, no need to add more or you'll be a shiny mess. Women "of a certain age" tend to love these foundations, because they replicate a youthful, healthy glow. Matte Foundations are intended for combination to oily skin types so they are of course oil-free. This type of foundation absorbs oil and will keep shine from coming through. It could be a heavier coverage, to cover breakouts. If you have dry skin and use a matte foundation, you will find it feels tight on your skin. Leave this to the oilier girls. Matte foundations are available in almost every line, from drugstore to department store. Acne Foundations are often matte foundations with some acne medication (salicylic acid) in it so you can heal your skin as you hide it. These types of makeup are great for oily or breakout prone skin. You shouldn't use these if you have an aspirin allergy as you can also be allergic to the salicylic acid. Look for words like "acne " or clarifying on the label. Anti-aging Foundations are often moisturizing foundations with firming ingredients and/or ingredients to help minimize wrinkles and fine lines. They often have illuminating ingredients to give the skin back it's youthful, healthy glow. The usually have medium to full coverage and are loved by women around the world! Tints or tinted moisturizers are very light coverage, some containing moisturizer so it is one stop shopping. These are great if you need minimal coverage and are looking for a quick product to slap on in the morning. Unless you are using a separate sunscreen, make sure you choose a tinted moisturizer with a minimum SPF of 15. Tinted moisturizers come with different levels of moisture including oil-free. Tints or TMs are a great option for teenagers or other women with skin that just needs a slight coverage. Combined with a good concealer, you'll be good to go. Tints and T.M.s are also great for women who don't know which color they are ... because of the light tint, it is easier to match! <h2>Cream or Creme Foundations</h2> <img src="http://a1377.g.akamai.net/7/1377/8278/20050921180100/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P122655/P122655_hero.jpg" alt="" /> Cream foundations are usually available in compacts or jars, but sometime in bottles. These are very moisturizing and great for the driest of dry skins. These are usually marketed at older skins, because of dryness and loss of radiance. These creams will also give you a dewy, youthful look. Look for words like "comforting", "soothing" or "smoothing". Many contain anti-aging ingredients designed to give the appearance of plumper skin. If you have even slightly oily skin, do not go near these with a ten foot pole. Cream Foundations are available in drugstore and department store lines, with the department store lines having more anti-aging ingredients, therefore a higher price. Cream foundations should not be confused with Cream to Powder foundations discussed below. <h2>Stick Foundations</h2> <img src="http://a1377.g.akamai.net/7/1377/8278/20070212202133/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P178210/P178210_hero.jpg" alt="" /> Stick Foundations can come in different formulations, creamy or matte, but they are meant to give you a lot of coverage with a minimal amount of work. You just slide it on your face and blend it where you need it. Think of it as an extra large concealer stick. It is great for women who just have a specific area they want to cover and don't like the feeling of foundation all over the face. They are also great to keep in your purse for touch ups later on in the day. If you have oily skin, look for ones that say they dry to a powder or a matte finish. <h2>Powder Foundations</h2> <img src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/M510_261.jpg" alt="" /> Powder foundations are an oily or combination skinned girls' best friend. They offer great coverage and absorb oil at the same time. Those with normal skin also love the convenience of just swiping on some powder and looking put together all day. Powder foundations are generally too drying for skin skin and can amplify the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Mineral Foundations have become HUGE in the last couple of years. The usually come in loose form, but can also be pressed into a compact. Mineral makeup has light to medium coverage that is buildable ... meaning the more you add, the more coverage you will have. Some mineral makeup sets come with Finishing Powders that you put on to set you makeup, avoid sparkly ones if you have oily or combination skin. Some mineral foundations contain bismuth oxycloride which some people react to and find their skin itches, I sure do. Mineral foundaitons are great for normal or combination skins or sensitive skins looking for a flawless finish. The loose powder can be messy and is not easily portable. Compact Powder Foundations are great foundation for busy people on the go, you can put them on anywhere. The are also good for normal to oily skin types. The powder is usually very finely milled and goes on very smooth. The most popular powder foundation is MAC Studio Fix, because it has good coverage and comes in lots of different tones. The coverage is usually buildable and it gives you a nice matte look. Powder Acne Foundations some lines have powders with acne medications in them to help heal your pimples as it covers them. You should avoid putting these near your eye area. These are only for combination or oily skin types. Cream-to-Powder Foundations go on in a semi liquid state and dry to a powder finish. These are also portable, but if they open in your purse, you could have trouble. These are also good for normal to oily skin types and they go on very smoothly so it is easy to control the amount of coverage you would like. Next up, we'll discuss the different methods of applying foundation. What's your favorite foundation and why? Tell us in the comments below ... 2008-03-06T19:24:42Z 47 Makeup 101 - Different Types of Foundation

2008-04-04T15:18:25Z

3 Trying to decide what type of foundation to get can be overwhelming. There are so many different types on the market and there is a lot of misinformation out there. I will try to break it down simply and easily for you, so you can make the best choice for you. This article is about what type of foundation you should use for your skin type, the next part in this series will be discuss the benefits of each type. The first step is to determine what type of skin you have. If it's dry, it will often feel uncomfortable and tight as well as you can see some flaking or dehydration lines. If it is normal, you won't notice much dryness or oiliness, it is in perfect balance. If it is combination, your skin may be slightly to very oily in your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and normal to dry on your cheeks. If it is oily, it is oily all over your skin, even on your cheeks and makeup just slides off. If you are not sure how oily you are, wash your face and check back in an hour and see if where you have shiny skin. If it is all over, you have oily skin, if it is just in the t-zone, you have combination skin. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=lQcenRMqJsE&offerid=139992.1&type=10&subid="> <img src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/www.clinique.com/images/products/250x250/clq_6JPK_250.jpg" border="0" alt="icon" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=lQcenRMqJsE&bids=139992.1&type=10&subid=" alt="icon" width="1" height="1" /> Dry skin benefits from a moisturizing liquid or cream foundation. If you don't need a lot of coverage, use a tinted moisturizer for dry skin. Look for words like "Moisture", "Soothing", "Smoothing", "Comfort" or "Dewy" on the label. Foundations for dry skin often have a bit of sheen to make your skin glow. Start with your regular moisturizer, let it soak into your skin for 5 - 10 minutes and then apply. Avoid using a powder foundation on dry skin, it can make your skin look even more dry. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=lQcenRMqJsE&offerid=57302.178222&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Drugstore/178222?wid=100&hei=100&op_sharpen=1" border="0" alt="" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=lQcenRMqJsE&bids=57302.178222&type=2&subid=0" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> Normal skin can use any foundation labeled "normal". You don't want to go for anything for dry skin because it could break out out and you don't want to go for anything for oily skin because it could dry you up, you need the Goldilocks of foundation, something "just right". If you don't have a lot to cover, a tinted moisturizer is great. You can also use a regular liquid foundation or a powder foundation. I would still try to go for something oil-free, just so it won't break out out. Something with the words "Illuminating" or "Radiance" in the name will give you a beautiful healthy glow. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=lQcenRMqJsE&offerid=57302.162206&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Drugstore/162206?wid=100&hei=100&op_sharpen=1" border="0" alt="" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=lQcenRMqJsE&bids=57302.162206&type=2&subid=0" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> Combination Skin is the most common, so luckily there are a lot of options. Look for words like "Balanced", "Oil-Free", "Non-comedogenic" on the label. Avoid anything that says "dewy" or "illuminating" on it as it can make your oily t-zone look even more oily. You can use an oil-free tinted moisturizer, a liquid, a long wearing foundation or a powder foundation. If you are not using a powder foudnation, top your liquid foundation off with a dusting of powder, especially on your t-zone for an all day finish. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=lQcenRMqJsE&offerid=43440.164402&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.Drugstore.com/prodimg/164402/100.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=lQcenRMqJsE&bids=43440.164402&type=2&subid=0" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> Oily skins have specific needs and should use specific foundations. Look for words like "Acne", "Breakouts", Matte" or "Clarifying". If you have a lot of breakouts, you should use an acne foundation that contains some medicated treatment, so it will hide your flaws as it treats them. Look for products with salicylic acid, it will help keep breakouts down. You can get these products in liquid or powder formulations. I recommend a liquid foundation with a powder all over on top, you may need to do touch ups during the day. Coming up next ... what are all the different types of foundations and who should use them. 2008-03-05T14:03:44Z 46 Makeup 101 - What Should You Look for When Buying a Foundation?

2008-04-04T15:20:01Z

3 Yesterday I praised the virtues of waterproof eyeliners as the most dependable friend in your makeup kit. Today I am going to talk about the other kinds of eyeliner available and what the best uses are for each. Pencil Liners: Pencil liners are normally in wooden tubes with the eyeliner part in the center, like a normal pencil, with the lead in the center. You must sharpen the pencil with a eyeliner sharpener. Some pencil liners come in a retractlable plastic tube that don't need to be sharpened. This are the most common liners, found in most drug stores, they usually are matte and come in an assortment of colors. These are suitable for most people that do not have a lot of oil around their eye area. Waterproof Liners: We covered these here. Waterproof liners usually contain more wax so they go on the skin more smoothly. They also can contain sheen, shimmer or all out glitter. Liquid Liners: This style of liner usually comes in a small bottle with a brush attached to the lid, similar to a mascara tube and wand. If you think back to the 60's with the cat eye, winged eyeliner, liquid liner was what achieved that look. It creates a more solid line that can't be smudged. Traditionally liquid liner came in dark neutrals but can now be found in every color of the rainbow. It also comes in waterproof. Every brand has a liquid liner, some of the most colorful versions come from MAC and NYX cosmetics. Gel or Cream Liners: Gel liners are a relatively new liner, I believe Bobbi Brown came out with the first one. They are a hybrid liner, not as harsh as liquid liner, you can smudge and blend them a bit but they are much more precise than pencil liners. Cream liners are basically the same thing, they are not really cream, or they would just slide off your eyes. You apply these liners with a small liner brush or a small angled brush. The last on your lashline for a long time, so they are very popular. Brands include Bobbi Brown, Clinique, MAC, L'Oreal HiP and Smashbox. Cake Liner: Originally eyeliner was created in cake form, it came in a little contain, you add water to your brush and make a little slurry of product ... like tempera paints. A little tidbit for you, a lot of theatrical makeup is still like this! Laura Mercier makes a cake liner and they have a fabulous method of pushing it up into the upper lash line with their straight eyeliner brush. It makes your lashes look wonderfully thick. If you have any eyeliner questions or comments, leave a comment below or send me an email through the "contact us" page of the site. 2008-01-17T19:07:12Z 13 Makeup 101 - Different Types of Eyeliner

2008-04-04T15:41:47Z

3 By the end of the day, has your eye makeup smudged and migrated to places you didn't put it? That's because the oils in your skin are breaking down your eye makeup which causes it to slide off. As an oily-eyed girl myself, I am here to tell you there are products you can use that will not allow this makeup migration. Some people think waterproof makeup is only for those vain enough to swim in a full face of makeup, but waterproof eyeliner can be your bestested friend in your makeup bag. As soon as you apply the pencil, you can smudge it and it "sets" after about 20 seconds, so it is there to stay on your lash line all day long. <img src="http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.Drugstore.com/prodimg/36358/200.jpg" alt="" />If you are at the drugstore, check out <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=36358&catid=98579&cmbProdBrandFilter=19652">Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner </a> ($7.00), it is fairly cheap, comes in good neutral colors and really lasts. My favorite color is the black/brown shade, not too light, not too dark ... perfect for a smoky eye. It does not go on as smoothly as some of the other higher end brands and it only comes in neutral colors. I find it harder to smudge than the others listed below, but I still think it is a great pencil and I use mine a lot. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=lQcenRMqJsE&offerid=57302.161916&type=2&subid=0"><img src="http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Drugstore/161916?wid=100&hei=100&op_sharpen=1" border="0" alt="" /></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=lQcenRMqJsE&bids=57302.161916&type=2&subid=0" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" />I love the <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=lQcenRMqJsE&offerid=57302.161916&type=2&subid=0">Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, 1999</a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=lQcenRMqJsE&bids=57302.161916&type=2&subid=0" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" />($15.00). They go on like buddah, no pulling or snagging and last all day. They come in 12 gorgeous colors from a frosty white, to the darkest black with everything in between. These pencils do have a fair amount of glitter in them, so if you are looking to wear to your corner office job, keep reading ...  <img src="http://a1377.g.akamai.net/7/1377/8278/20080110200452/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P35082/P35082_hero.jpg" alt="" />A beautiful shine, all day wear and the ability to wear it as eyeshadow are what I love about <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P35082&categoryId=B70">Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes</a> ($16.00). This fab pencil comes in 19 shades, most with a peralized finish to make your eyes pop. They are silky smooth going on and are on to stay. I love to use White along my waterline when I am tired, it gives me the perfect amount of sparkle to make me look at least semi-coherent. Pearly Brown in a staple, I have one in my purse at all times. Pistachio is my current fave - I am obsessed with it. Place them all over your lid and blend with your ring finger, and you have eyeliner and eyeshadow in one. You'll need waterproof eye makeup remover to get these shades off your eyes, they're on to stay. Just because you have oily lids, does not mean you can't wear eye liner pencils. The products are all amazing, relatively inexpensive and will have you looking as good at the end of the day as you did when you left your house. 2008-01-14T16:24:30Z 9 Makeup 101 - Waterproof Eyeliner

2008-04-04T15:42:35Z