How to Make Bright Eyeshadow Wearable

   I am a die hard neutral makeup lover.  Pass me the taupes, bronzes and champagne colors any day.  But there is something kind of fresh about the occasional pop of color on the lid.   We get scared of bright colors because our mind’s eye automatically transports us to the days of big hair, scrunchies and geometric sweaters.  There is a way, however, to make bright colors totally wearable and even, dare I say it, surprisingly subtle.   I recruited my gorgeous sister in law to be my guinea pig and put this look into action.  While not all of us can have strikingly beautiful big blue eyes, the principles for rocking this look are the same.   Here are the tips that I think make bright eyeshadow modern, fresh and totally wearable!

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1.  Prime your lids.  This step is crucial if you are going to wear a bright shadow.  You really want the bright color to stay focused on the center of the lid and not migrate up into the crease (a la 1980’s blue eyeshadow disaster).  I used the Bare Minerals 5-in-1 Advance Performance Cream Eyeshadow in Candlelit Peach. 

2. Surround the color with a neutral.  This is the single most important step to a more subtle take on a bright lid.  Choose a light matte shade just a bit darker than your natural skin tone.  Using a fluffy blending brush, sweep the shadow into and slightly above your crease, using wind shield wiper motions.  Add more shadow to build up the intensity in the outer half of the crease.  I used a limited edition shadow but any medium taupe shade would work (similar here).

3. Commit to a bright color.  Choose a color that works with your eyes and skin tone.  I chose a bright blue for Isabel because I thought it looked great against her tan skin and blue eyes.  I used Bare Minerals Eyecolor in Chameleon.  Next, you want to take a flat shadow brush and pack on the color.  Don’t sweep the brush over the lid.  Pat the color on gently, focusing on the center of the lid until you reach your desired intensity.

4. Keep the rest of your makeup simple.  In order to keep this makeup look modern, minimize the rest of your makeup.  Finish your eyes by tight lining the upper lash line and applying mascara.  Try the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner in dark brown and your favorite mascara (I think this is totally personal preference).  Keep the rest of your face minimal by simply applying a bit of concealer and finish the look with a soft peach lip.   

5. Be confident because God made you beautiful!

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The Summer Face

I thought I would mix it up a little today and tell you what I’ve been wearing on my face lately.  In the summer, I like to use as few products as possible since the heat and humidity can cause heavier makeup to slide and cake up on your face. This summer, I am totally loving the monochromatic bronzed look because it is 1) super quick 2) incredibly easy- even for a total makeup novice- and 3) is a look that is easily dressed up for evening.   Golden/ bronzy tones are flattering on every skin tone, making this look very versatile.  It simply enhances your natural look and adds a little glow in just the right places.   Here’s what I use to achieve the look, but keep in mind that you can use similar products you already own to get the same result.

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I start by smoothing a tinted sunscreen all over my face.  I’m really loving the Suntegrity 5 in 1 face sunscreen in the shade light.  I can usually pick it up at Dermstore for 20% off.  It is a mineral based sunscreen with an ultra pure ingredient list. It blends in seamlessly to the skin, blurring imperfections with minimal coverage.  If you have any blemishes, redness or dark under eye circles, you can also add a touch of concealer.  I’ve been using the Duo-Phase Concealer by Christopher Drummond Beauty and really like it.  You only have to use the tiniest amount (and I’m talking pin head sized) to get full coverage.

Next, I sweep a bronzer all along my cheekbones, on my temples and along my jawline.  Currently, I’m loving the RMS buruti bronzer because it gives a natural glow to the face without that disco ball effect you can get from shimmery bronzers.  As an added bonus, all of the RMS beauty line is formulated with completely natural ingredients that are good for your skin.

For the eyes, I keep things simple with a quick sweep of gold eyeshadow, some brow enhancing and tight lining across the upper lash line.  I got a freebie eyeshadow from Bare Minerals called Summer and it is seriously the most gorgeous mix of brown and gold.  It brings the perfect amount of light to the eyes, while still managing to look natural.   I then use an ashy brown shadow (Tease from the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette)  to fill in any sparse spots in my brows.  Defining your brows is a must with a minimal makeup look because it frames the face and brings attention to the eyes.  I tight line with a soft black pencil along the upper lash line to create the illusion of fuller lashes.  This also allows me to get away with a quick curl of my eyelashes and no mascara (i.e. no raccoon eyes from heat-induced runny mascara).

I usually finish off the look with an ultra sheer balm that has a slight peachy shimmer to it.  I’ve been using Brilliant Lip Boost from Gressa Skin, which is full of natural plant oils to keep my lips hydrated in the heat.

And there you have it…an ultra flattering summer look you can achieve in less than 5 minutes with just a few products.   Thanks for indulging me and letting me rant about the beauty products I’m currently loving.  I may pop a few of these posts in now and again if you don’t mind!