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The Daily Face - February 2, 2012 - Winter makeup for people who don’t wear makeup

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: NARS Eye Pencil in Hollywoodland

eye brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Betray

The winter can make our faces look a little dull.  Of course you can combat this by wearing a lot of bronzer, highlighter, foundation, etc, but in my opinion that looks worse than being pale and slightly lackluster.  If you want to brighten up your face without wearing much makeup focus on your eyes and you cheeks.  All you need is some mascara and a little highlighter under the bottom lashes and around the inner corners of the eyes.  Then add a slight flush to your apples of your cheeks with your favorite blush.  If you are pale or dark try a pinkish shade.  If you have an olive or yellow based complexion you’ll want to use a more golden toned blush. 

This is an easy way to bright up your face without piling makeup on your face.

Optional for those of you who feel comfortable with a little more makeup is highlighter on the top of the cheekbones and a light tinted moisturizer to even out any unevenness of the skin.

The Daily Face - January 30, 2012 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: NARS Liquid Eye Pen in Black

eye shadow: MAC Eyeshadow in Copperplate

eye brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: MAC Color Cream Base in Improper Copper

If you are a makeup wearer it’s a good idea to invest in a matte gray eyeshadow.  It seems like a weird color, but it’s a pretty multipurpose shade.  You can use it with bright eyeshadows to tone them down or they can be used alone, like I did with this look.

Here I applied MAC Copperplate to the lid from lash line to crease.  Then I lined the outer edge of the top lid slightly with the NARS eyeliner pen.  I also lined lightly right in the lower lashes, filling in any areas where the lashes aren’t close together. 

Last I applied mascara and MAC Color Cream Base in Improper Copper to my cheekbones.

The Daily Face - January 19, 2012 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: The Body Shop Liquid Liner in Black, NARS Eye Pencil in Hollywoodland

eye shadow: MAC Eyeshadow in Pen ‘N Pink, NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Bellissima

eye brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: NARS Blush in Penny Lane

In my last post I demonstrated a smudged eyeliner and talked about how eyeliner can completely change the shape of the eye.  Here is my follow up look, a clean liquid lined eye.  Notice the dramatic difference between the two looks and how each style has a varying effect on my eye shape.  I think it pretty incredible how something as simple as eyeliner can completely alter our face.  I urge you to experiment with varying techniques to see how they change your own face.  You’ll probably find one way you think looks best (for me in the winged liner), but don’t get pigeon-holed into only wearing your makeup that way.

I began this look by lining the top lids with liquid liner from The Body Shop.  This is a great liquid liner if you’re a beginner because it’s not waterproof.  That means you can apply it and then shape it easily with a damp Q-tip.  I made pretty a dramatic, 60’s cat eye here.

Next I applied MAC Pen ‘N Pink shadow to the lid from liner to crease.  Then I used the brownish-gray shade from the NARS Bellissima Duo to contour the crease of the eye.  Both of the shadows I used are matte.

Next I applied the NARS Eye Pencil in Hollywoodland wrapping around inner corners of the eyes.

Lastly I applied mascara and NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane to the apples of the cheeks.   

The Daily Face - January 16, 2012 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

eye shadow: NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Eurydice

eye brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: NARS Blush in Penny Lane

As you’ve probably realized by now I’m a big fan of clean winged eye liner, however it’s fun experiment with how the application of your liner can totally change your eye shape.  

For this look I went for a slightly messier smudged liner.  I still used Blacktrack, but as I applied it to the lid I smudged the line with my finger.  You want to smudge lightly so as not to completely remove the liner and you may have to apply a couple of coats before you achieve your desired effect.  Since Blacktrack dries quickly smudge the liner as you apply, instead of applying it first and then trying to smudge it.  Next I applied liner to the upper and lower inner rims as well as smudged around the outer corner of the lower lash line. 

Next I applied the purple shade in the Eurydice Duo to the lid from lash to crease and also around the inner corners of the eyes extending into the lower lashes.  I love this purple shade because the color changes depending on the light. 

Last I applied mascara and NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane to the apples of the cheeks.

The Daily Face - January 11, 2012 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: NARS Liquid Eyeliner Pen

eye shadow: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Busy Signal

eye brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

I really love Benefit’s Creaseless Cream Shadows.  They are all great colors to use alone if you’re looking for just one go-to shadow. Plus it takes about two minutes to apply and it lasts all day without creasing. 

For this look I applied the Benefit shadow with my finger to the lid from lashline to crease.  This stuff dries quickly so it’s important that you work fast, since after it dries it’s difficult to blend. 

Next I applied NARS Liquid Liner pencil lightly to the outer corners of the top lid for definition.

Last I applied lots of mascara, as usual.

This entire look took about 7 mintues to apply, good for if you say, accidentally woke up late and need to rush out the door…. something that never happens to me.

The Daily Face - January 5, 2012 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: NARS Liquid Eyeliner Pen, MAC Eye Kohl Pencil in Fascinating, NARS Eye Pencil in Hollywoodland

eye shadow: MAC Eyeshadow in Crystal Avalanche, NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Kuala Lumpur

eye brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: MAC Highlighter in Pearl, NARS Blush in Penny Lane

lips: NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita

It’s getting so cold outside so here is a look with an icy winter feel.  I started by lining the outer edge of the upper lid with NARS Liquid Eyeliner Pen go give a little definition to the eye.  Next, I shaded the inner corners of the eyes with the white MAC eye pencil, followed by the NARS Eye Pencil Hollywoodland, followed by another layer of the MAC pencil.  The NARS Hollywoodland pencil will add a little bit of warmth and shimmer to the otherwise matte MAC pencil.

Next I applied MAC Eyeshadow in Crystal Avalanche to the lid from lash line to crease.  I then applied the light pink shade in the NARS Kuala Lumpur Eyeshadow Duo over it.  Next I shaded the darker shadow in the Kuala Lumpur Duo into the outer corners of the top lid and slightly into the crease.  Add a bit of this color under to outer corner of the lower lash line to achieve a drop shadow effect.

I applied MAC Highlighter in Pearl amply to my cheekbones.  This won’t really show up in photos without a flash or studio lighting, but you will definitely be able to see it in person.  Next I applied NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane on top of the Pearl highlighter, concentrating the color mostly on the apples of the cheeks, but also bringing it back on the cheekbones toward the temples.

Last, I applied mascara and a coat of NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick.

Ok, you’re really to brave the cold.

The Daily Face - December 19, 2011 - New Year’s Eve Looks 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in shade 10L (gold)

eye shadow: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Shade 15, MAC Shadow in Satin Taupe, NARS Duo in Cordura, MAC Highlighter in Pearl 

eye brows: MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: MAC Blush in Harmony

This week I’m going to post a couple of looks that would be good for whatever type of New Year’s Eve party you plan to attend, like say raging in some dark warehouse in Brooklyn or going to fancy dinner party.

This is more of a dark look.  I started by lining the eyes with Blacktrack, including both the upper and lower inner rims and winging the liner. 

Next, using my finger I applied Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in shade 15, which is sort of a muted bronze color.  Then, with a brush, I applied MAC Satin Taupe to the crease, bringing the shadow all the way in towards the inner corner of the the eye and blending up towards the inner corner of the brow.  Really look at the photos as a reference, this will help you a lot.  The portion of the eye between the inner corner and the inner corner of the brow should be shadowed, but make sure that shadow is not on the outer portion of the brow bone, this will make you look like a streetwalker.  Apply MAC Highlighter in Pearl to the outer portion of the brow bone to lighten and accentuate it.

Next I applied the rich brown shade in the NARS Cordura Duo to the outer corner of the eyes and slightly into the crease, as well as lightly below the lower lash line.  Since I used a lot of shadow it covered over the Blacktrack liner, so at this point I went over the liner to make it darker.

Last I applied the Make Up For Ever gold eye pencil wrapping around the inner corners of the eyes and many coats of mascara.  Finish the look with a sweep over blush in the hollows of your cheekbones.

You probably want to go light on the lips, or leave out lip color altogether with this look.

The Daily Face - December 15, 2011 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: MAC Kohl Pencil in Teddy

eye shadow: MAC Shadow in Amber Lights

eye brows: MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: NARS Blush in Madly

Occasionally, very occasionally, I will sub in classic pencil eyeliner for my usual gel or liquid liner.  Pencil liner creates a much softer line but it doesn’t have the staying power of gels and liquid, inevitably it starts to wear off.  That’s said, I still like it sometimes as it’s faster to apply. 

For this look I used MAC eye pencil in Teddy, which is a rich brown color with gold flecks and a gold shadow also by MAC called Amber Lights.  First I applied Amber Lights to the lid from lash line to crease.  Next I applied the eye pencil to the top lid and also the outer portion of the lower lid.  I didn’t bother to line the inner rims because, what’s the point, eye pencil never stays on the inner rim for long anyway.  You’ll notice that making wings is slightly more difficult with a pencil because the point isn’t as sharp, but I made little wings anyway.

Last applied a bunch of mascara and NARS blush in Madly to the apples of the cheeks.

This is a super fast and natural look, good for when you don’t have a lot of time to get ready, or if you’re just feeling lazy!

The Daily Face - December 14, 2011 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eye shadow: NARS Duo in Burn It Blue, NARS Duo in Eurydice

eye brows: MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

If you want to use crazy colors, but don’t want to look crazy, mixing them with blacks or greys can help because it mutes the brightness.  For this look I applied both shades in the NARS Burn It Blue Duo to the lid from lash line to crease.  I applied the matte shade first and then the shimmer shade on top of that.

Next I applied black shadow to the crease and along the outer corner of the lower lash line.  Since I didn’t use liner for this look I applied the black shadow in the cat eye effect, making it a little more dramatic than I would have if I was wearing liner.  I shaded a little bit of the black lightly over the teal on the entire eye, but then put another layer of the shimmery teal shadow over it to achieve a deeper shade of teal.

The Daily Face - December 12, 2011 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

eye shadow: MAC in Expensive Pink, MAC in Twinks

eye brows: MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane

Using pink tones is a good way to make shadow look very natural.  For this look I lined the outer corner of the top lid with Blacktrack, just to add definition without a severely lined effect.

Next I applied MAC shadow in Expensive Pink to the lid from lash line to the crease.  This is a light color so I used quite a few layers.  I then applied MAC shadow in Twinks (a pinkish-bronze shade) to the outer corner of the lid and in the crease.  I also added a little bit up Twinks to the outer corner of the lower lash line to achieve a drop shadow effect.

Last I applied mascara and NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane to the apples of the cheeks.

The Daily Face - December 8, 2011 - Smokey Eye

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

eye shadow: MAC in Electra, NARS Due in Eurydice

eye brows: MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane

If you wear makeup it’s a good idea to master the classic smokey eye; it’s versitile and always looks good.  You can achieve the smokey eye effect with any color really, but classically it’s done with greys and blacks.

I started by lining the lid with MAC Blacktrack, including the inner rims.  I didn’t take the liner all the way to the inner corner of the eye, however feel free to do so.  If I were going to a party I would likely extend the liner to the inner corners of the eye. 

Next I applied MAC shadow in Electra to the lid from the liner to the crease.  Then using the black shadow from the Eurydice Duo (you can use any black shadow you have) I blended it into the outer corners of the lid and into the crease.  The trick to the smokey eye is a lot of blended, do be afraid to go over the shadow a lot with the brush.  Be sure not to take the black shadow too far towards the inner corner of the eyes, you want to see that light silvery-grey tone.

Next I blended the shadow around the outer corners of my eyes and lightly below the lower lash line.  The shadow on the lower and upper lid should connect around the outer corner of the eye.  Blending the black shadow below the lower lash line is what makes the smokey eye, so don’t skip this step. 

As a trick it always helps me to use the eye socket bones as a guide, meaning the black shadow should run along the edge of the bone at the eye crease and also at the outer corner of the eye.  If you’re feeling really fancy you can add some highlighter to the brow bone, but be careful because it’s easy to get into drag queen territory with a smokey eye.

Last I applied the cream blush to the apples of my cheeks with my finger.

The Daily Face - December 7, 2011 

under eyes: Make Up For Ever HD Concealer in 325

eyeliner: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

eye shadow: MAC in Electra, MAC in Sumptuous Olive

eye brows: MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Fling

eye lashes: Lancome Hypnose Drama

cheeks: MAC Blush in Harmony

For this look I lined the top lid, as well as the upper inner rim.  I started the liner from about 45% of the way in from the outer corner of the eye and made small wings past the eye corners.

Next applied MAC shadow in Electra to the lid from the lashes to the crease, making sure to blend in the crease.  Then I applied MAC shadow in Sumptuous Olive on top of Electra to create a metallic silvery-green color.

Last I applied a sweep of MAC Blush in Harmony in the hollow of the cheekbones.