Makeup For Mature Eyes Using Naked 2 Palette

All products in this post purchased by me

Makeup For Mature Eyes

While I am not happy about Urban Decay selling to L'Oreal, like many of you I've had the Naked 2 palette in my stash for a while. This post is by request, and is a look I would create if working with this palette on someone with mature lids.  It's very simple to create. I've used the included brush since I know those who have the palette also have this brush. This look is also good for those with hooded lids, and will work well with any eye color. 

Here is the tutorial:

Step 1: After priming the lid, dampen the flat end of your Naked 2 brush with a rosewater & glycerin spray, or water. With a slightly damp brush pick up some of the color Bootycall onto your brush and apply it to your eyelid and slightly into your crease in a patting motion.  Side Note: If you don't want a shimmery lid, you can replace this color with Foxy, and apply from lash line to brow with a dry fluffy brush.

Step 2: Using a pencil brush apply Bootycall to the tear duct and under the inner half of the lower lash line. This will open up the eyes, and is great for mature or hooded eyes as well as close set eyes.

Step 3: With the fluffy end of your Naked 2 brush pick up some of the color Tease. Tap off the excess and sweep it just above your natural eye crease to create depth. This helps to open and shape the eye. You are basically contouring the eye, making it look more open.  Add more as needed. Next, apply Tease to your lower lash line using a pencil brush starting at the outer corner so that it meets up with the Bootycall we applied earlier.

Step 4: Flip over your Naked 2 brush to the flat side you haven't used yet. Pick up some of the color Busted.  Tap off the excess and apply to the outer third of your eyelid and just slightly into the crease. If your eyes are smaller, you may need to use a smaller brush.

 Step 5: Flip your brush over again, and blend with the fluffy side of your brush. Apply a little more color, then blend again. You want to gradually build color so it will last longer. The color should come up just pass your crease, not all the way up to your brow.

Step 6: With a push liner brush, pick up some of the color Blackout and gently push and wiggle the color into your lash line.

Step 7: Go back in with your pencil brush and apply Busted to the lower lash line starting at the outer corner and blending it in about half way.

Step 8: Using a fluffy brush, apply Foxy to your brow bone area and blend it down into the Tease color you placed in your crease.

Final Steps: Curl lashes and apply your favorite mascara. It's always a good idea to keep cotton swabs handy for clean up. For additional information on cleaning up and preventing fallout, you might find this post helpful:

http://makeupmattersbylnc.blogspot.com/2013/04/dealing-with-eyeshadow-fallout-tips.html

Here is the completed look:

I hope you found this post helpful. 

Please don't forget to subscribe, and feel free to leave a comment below!

Spotlight: IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain & French Boutique Luxe Blush Brush

Sample Sent For Consideration

IT Cosmetics Blush Stain & Luxe Blush Brush

Today, I have something a little different for you. I am able to share with you an amazing matte blush and brush. Except, this time, I am able to show you the product on two different skin tones! My beautiful cousin, and friend Sandra was in town for IMATS this weekend, and we decided to play with this beautiful blush from IT Cosmetics. Between the two of us, we came up with 3 ways to wear it (eyes, cheeks and lips) and created two different looks!

The blush is a beautiful powder stain from IT Cosmetics called Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain in the shade Matte Sweet Apple.   

We each used the IT Cosmetics French Boutique Luxe Blush Brush to apply this powdered stain onto the cheekbones for a flush that literally lasts all day. 

About The Blush: This blush is especially beneficial for women with dry or mature skin, though it really will work on all skin types. Although it's a powder product, it contains hydrating and brightening ingredients such as plum & cherry oil, jojoba, amino acids, vitamin A, C,  E, hyaluronic acid and aloe.  This blush also contains anti-aging ingredients such as acai, green tea and white tea to protect the skin against free radicals.  To top it all of, this blush is waterproof, making it the perfect pick for those who live in warmer climates (like Sandra), or summertime. 

Here is a look at the product: 

The compact is rubberized, and comes with a mirror in the lid, perfect for travel.

I would describe the color as a reddened coral, which is a very popular shade for Spring.

About The Brush: I've had one of these brushes for a few months now, and it actually landed on my February Favorites Pinterest board. The brush is just awesome. There is no other way to say it. It's perfect in every way. Seriously. The handle is feminine, and pretty, the bristles are plush and luxurious, and the application is just flawless every time.  I particularly recommend this brush for those of you with sensitive skin.  

Here is a look at the brush:

 The brush comes packaged in a clear cylinder tube.

Note how dense the bristles are. 

One Blush, One Brush, Two Skin Tones:

 

 On the left, you can see the blush on a fair skin tone, on the right a medium skin tone

 For Sandra's look, I used the blush along her cheekbones. I also swept the color through the crease of her eye, to add warmth to her eyeshadow look. I then applied a lip balm, and pressed a little bit of the powder stain onto her lips to create a lip color that tied the whole look together. 

For my look, we used the blush on my eye lids as well as along the cheekbone. This particular shade really does work on every skin tone. It's super pigmented, and blends well. We applied it on my skin a bit more heavily for the purpose of the camera, but this blush brush really allows you to apply the product as lightly as you want to, so fair skinned girls should not be afraid.  I have always been in favor of a matte blush rather than a shimmery one. Matte blushes just look much more natural on the skin. If you do prefer some shimmer, it's always better to strategically place highlighter rather than go in with a full on shimmery blush for an every day look.  

The Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain retails for $24.00.  

The French Boutique Luxe Blush Brush retails for $34.50.

However, QVC.com sells these two together at a special price of only $35.00 for the set!  This is a steal!  The blush and brush are such high quality, that they are certainly worth their individual prices. However, the QVC duo is such a great deal, that I really wanted to share it with you. This particular shade will work on all skin tones. However, there are currently four shades available to choose from as part of the duo. 

 

Canadian shoppers can purchase these products at www.theshoppingchannel.com 

 

*This post contained samples sent for consideration by IT Cosmetics or their PR Firm. This in no way alters my review. I only share items with you that I truly love and think are worth buying. I do not accept money in exchange for reviews. I do not get any commission or kick back if you buy these products.

Dealing With Eyeshadow Fallout - Tips & Tricks

*Everything in this post purchased by me, except the makeup wipes, which were a Sephora VIB gift*

 

 

Dealing With Eyeshadow Fallout - Tips and Tricks

Dealing with eyeshadow fallout can be such a pain in the a**! Yes, I said it! It's true. Nothing is worse, than spending time doing your makeup, only to have flecks of shadow fall onto your cheek and ruin your perfect foundation job. Sometimes, the most beautiful shadows are the most prone to fallout.  Added micro glitter can create a beautiful metallic look on the eye, but should that same glitter fall on your cheek you will look like a disco ball rather than have the pretty shimmery lids you intended. 

Luckily, I know several tips and tricks to help you cope with fallout. These are the best methods I know.  Whichever method you choose is a personal choice.  There is no "right" way to deal with fallout.  However, these few are tried and true for me.

When I look at all of the different ways used to manage fallout, they basically fall into two categories: 

1. Putting something underneath the eye to catch the fallout
2. Allowing the shadow to fall onto your face and cleaning it up later

Here are some of the things you might put under your eyes to catch fallout:

Shadow Shields: These are little pieces of paper with a sticky back created to catch eyeshadow fallout. When I first tried these, I was less than impressed. At first, the glue on the back seemed too sticky, then when I patted the tape as recommended to lessen the stickiness it fell off my face mid application. Once I mastered the technique, I realized these can really be a great tool. While these can be costly, they can also save your makeup. There are other similar brands available as well including one made of silicone that is washable and reusable.

Tissues: Everyone has tissues. This is a super easy method. Plus, if you fold your tissue and hold it at the corner of your eye, the angle can actually help you create a winged shadow look. By holding the tissue the way I have it in the picture below, then sweeping a shadow into your crease, the tissue will help create a nice edge to your eyeshadow look, while protecting your cheek from fallout.

Translucent Powder: This is an old trick makeup artists have used for years. Simply apply a thick coat of translucent powder just under your eyes. The eyeshadow will fall onto the powder, and can then be easily swept away with the flick of a powder brush. I don't prefer this method for mature eyes, as the extra powder, if not cleaned up properly can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

These are the methods of clean up I prefer:

Do the eyes first, then use a makeup wipe: It's such a simple concept, but many people never think of it. We are often taught to do our foundation first. However, by doing your eyes first, you can easily wipe away any eyeshadow that has fallen down onto the cheeks with a makeup remover wipe. Then proceed with the rest of your face makeup as usual. This is a great method, and I highly recommend it.

Put a little primer or moisturizer on a sponge: This is my preferred method. Even if I don't do the eyes first, I may just do foundation (no powder), and clean up with a little primer or moisturizer on a sponge. I can simply touch up any foundation if needed, but it won't completely remove your makeup the way a wipe will. Any eyeshadow will stick to the primer on the sponge and easily be wiped away.  This is the method I use most. I like this method even if completely doing foundation second, as I can go right into priming the skin after doing eyes.

Some of the eyeshadows that are most prone to fallout are ones containing heavy glitter (*cough* Urban Decay *cough*).  In addition to the above methods, there are some additional steps you can take when dealing with glittery shadows prone to fallout.

Extra Tips & Tricks: 

Choose your tools wisely: While everyone is familiar with Urban Decay's primer potion and various other eyeshadow primers, one that I don't hear talked about nearly enough is Too Faced Glitter Glue. Unlike other primers, this creates a somewhat tacky base on the lid.  The stickiness is what helps glittery shadows stick to the lid better so it ends up on your eye, rather than on your face.

When using an eyeshadow that is heavy on the micro glitter, you may want to consider a sponge tip applicator. Yes, you read that right. I know, I know. I was taught to always throw the sponge tip applicators that come with traditional eyeshadow duos and quads right in the trash. However, a good sponge tip applicator can really help in pressing the glitter onto the lid.

If you just can't do the sponge tip thing, the next best thing is a stiff flat synthetic brush. I recommend one that has a firmer flatter head as it will more easily hold the glittery shadow.

Whichever applicator you use, make sure you press the shadow onto the lid, rather than swipe it. You want to use a gentle patting motion and pack the color onto the lid for maximum intensity. Swiping the product will only encourage fallout.

If none of the above work for you, try using your eyeshadow wet. Simply dampen the sponge tip applicator or brush slightly, then pick up some shadow and press onto your lids. The water will help it stick to your lids much better than if it were dry.  Just check to make sure your eyeshadows can be used wet, and give them proper drying time before closing the lid to prevent bacteria growth or ruining your shadows.

Choosing the Right Tools Can Help 

Prevent Fallout 

I hope you found this post helpful. Let me know if you try any of these tricks, and how they work for you!

Pointed Crease Brushes

Pointed Crease Brushes 

Today's post is all about pointed crease brushes. If you are someone who likes to experiment with different eyeshadow looks, this style of brush is a useful one to have. Unlike a more fluffy crease brush, or blending brush (which are also important to have), this more tapered brush allows you to really get into the crease of the eye and blend color. For times when I want a very defined crease, I will always reach for a pointed crease brush, because it really helps push the color exactly where I want it and getting the shadow  into even the smallest of spaces on the eye. This brush is very important when doing a cut crease eye look.  

I chose brushes that I really like using at a variety of price points as I realize everyone is on a different budget.
 

The tapered tip of this style brush also allows you to easily take your eyeshadow color under the lower lash line.

 While there are many animal hair versions of this brush available, here are some synthetics that I personally love from my stash:

 Pictured Below: Left OCC #004 Tapered Blending Brush, Right Cozzette D200 Bullet Brush

As you can see the two brushes above look quite similar. They are. They both work very well for getting into the contour of the eye, and I would recommend either one. The main difference between the two, is the Cozzette brush is slightly more pointed, as you can see from the above photograph.  I am unsure of the price of the D200, as I purchased it as part of the Divinity Collection brush set. The D220 and S185 are similar in shape and cost $15-16.  The OCC brush is $22, and like the Cozzette brush, it is a professional grade high quality brush, meant to last for years.

Pictured Below: Left, Cozzette S175, Right Cozzette S165

These brushes are basically the same with the main difference being size. The S175 is a standard tapered eyeshadow crease brush, while the S165 is a larger version. If you were working on a larger eye, you should choose the one on the right.  While in the picture it may look like the head of each brush is rounded, they actually both come to a tapered/pointed tip. Since the S165 is larger, it also makes it a great choice for under eye concealer. Since the bristles are super soft, they won't irritate the delicate under eye area. The S175 is $17 and the S165 is $19.  Please note these are professional grade, high end brushes that are meant to last for years.

Pictured Below: Cozzette D330 Stylist Illustrator Brush

This is a very sleek detailer brush. It's not as fluffy as any of the others I mentioned.  This is great for very precise placement, or if you are doing a very defined cut crease.  I would use this to draw a gel or eyeliner into the crease or smudge it out.  These bristles are a different material than the others, so they are a bit firmer. This brush retails for $14.00 

Pictured Below: Coastal Scents BR-C-S09 Pointed Blender Synthetic 

As you can see the bristles on this brush are much shorter than any of the others I've mentioned. However, I felt it was worth showing as I think this is a great choice for defining the outer corner of the eye or "outer v."  Plus, this brush only costs $2.95!  Granted, it is certainly not the same quality of the brushes mentioned above (not even close), but this brush certainly has it's place. If you are new to eyeshadow, or just interested in experimenting with smokey eyes, this is a good choice to have. The tip is pointed so it will help with a cut crease like the others mentioned in this post. 

Pictured Below: Bdellium Tools #781 crease brush from the Pink Bambu line 

If you've read any of my other posts, you guys probably know by now that I am a big fan of Bdellium Tools. This particular brush is one that I have multiples of in my kit. I have it from their Yellow and Green Bambu lines, which are very similar, just with a shorter handle. This is an eco friendly brush made with soft vegan bristles. While the pink one is new to me, I've had the green version of this brush for a long time, and this is a brush that really lasts, and holds its shape. It's very similar to the first set of brushes I mentioned, just with much shorter bristles. If the Cozzette 220 and the Coastal Scents brush had a baby, this is what it might look like. This brush is $7.92 on Amazon.com and is eligible for 2 day free shipping for Amazon Prime members.

Pictured Below: Earth Diva Cosmetics Eyeshadow & Crease Brush* (sample sent for consideration)

This brush was created specifically for mineral makeup. However, it will work with any type of eyeshadow. I think you can really see how pointed this crease brush is from the above photo. This bamboo handled brush is available individually and as part of a set. The bristles on this brush are a bit longer than any of the others I've mentioned, and firmer, which make it great for really blending that color in the crease. The tip of this is more pointed than some of the others I've mentioned, and I find I can easily move from working the crease of the eye to the lower lash line with ease.This brush retails for $7.95 and is a nice mid-priced brush.

I hope you found this mini guide to synthetic pointed crease brushes helpful. If you are someone who likes the smokey eye look, or just really wants a defined eye crease, I highly suggest this type of brush. Whichever brand you choose is up to you, and your budget, but hopefully this guide will help you make a wise purchasing decision.

Let me know if you own any of these or plan on buying one! As always, thank you so much for reading!

Please don't forget to subscribe (it's free)!

*The Earth Diva Cosmetics brush in this post was sent to me by the company for consideration. All other brushes were purchased by me. I only included brushes that I truly like, and would and have recommended to others because I think they are good brushes. I do not get paid to write reviews, and all opinions are my own.