Tag: eyes

Urban Decay NAKED Smoky

NAKED Smokey has been on shelves for a while now, but I would be remiss not to note this addition to the NAKED collection from Urban Decay. These palettes have been legendary. And I admit to owning all but the newest one. For some reason, this iteration hasn’t tempted me. But now after learning what I am about to share with you, I might just have to pick one up.

One reason I wasn’t initially drawn to Smokey is that I generally prefer lighter shades of eyeshadows. But this palette contains such rich bronzes, greys and taupes that it might add to a collection. Plus, the blacks would make wonderful eyeliners – how I use the darker shades in other NAKED palettes. The shades:

Also included are high-quality Urban Decay brushes. The double-ended brush has a Tapered Crease Brush to lay down shadow and Smoky Smudger Brush, perfect for tight-lining.

Available at Sephora.

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NARS Audacious Mascara

Much like the Audacious Lipsticks, NARS’ Audacious Mascara has made quite an impression on me. I’ve been in a bit of a mascara rut lately, loving (but stuck on) this one. So when NARS launched their first mascara in a while, I was jumping to try it out.

Audacious is designed for definition and length in my opinion. The unique brush is designed with 200 molded (plastic) bristles. Some people feel strongly about traditional brushes, but I happen to love the plastic variety as I get fewer clumps. Each bristle has lengthening hooks. The tapered tip is perfect for inner and outer lashes.

The mascara is incredibly light-weight, making it long-wearing. I get every-so-slight fall out but not until after a twelve hour day. And this mascara could come with one warning – the bristles are so stiff and long I have poked my eye once or twice. But this is likely attributed to my poor morning hour coordination than anything else. Just take care (and your time) using Audacious Mascara.

Available now at NARScosmetics.com.

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By Terry Eyebrow Mascara Tint Brush Fix-Up Gel

Brows are having a moment. And a complement on brows has become something special – a true endorsement of how to rock a full eyebrows. Mine have always been on the fuller side, but a little sparse thanks to a buggy thyroid. So when pencils became en vogue, I happily starting filling. But I didn’t care for the dual process of needing a clear gel after to tame and groom.

I’ve tried the MAC tinted brow gel before and liked it… but just liked it. Thanks to my friend’s generous complement the other day – and just a general satisfaction of using just one step – I am happy to report that I love the By Terry Eyebrow Mascara Tint Brush Fix-Up Gel.

The Gel is housed in a sort of tiny, mini mascara tube with an ultra-thin brustled wand. Each coat not only fills in gaps without getting too messy. But it also deposits ingredients to nourish and promote growth. Something I appreciate thanks for the “little sparse” status quo.

I’ve been wearing Medium Ash but likely will pick up the Dark Brown next time. For those with fairer brows, Highlight Blond is also an option. Available at NET-A-PORTER.

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NARS Fall 2015 Color Collection and Velvet Shadow Sticks

Yes, it is boiling hot but Fall Color Collections have already started hitting shelves. NARS’ fall collection appeared at NARSCosmetics.com and NARS boutiques on July 15th. While I haven’t had a chance to spot the entire line, I have been enjoying the new Velvet Shadow Sticks (so so good). In all, the collection has 14 pieces: 8 Velvet Shadow Sticks, 2 Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows, 2 Lip Glosses, 1 Lipstick and 1 Blush.

For this season’s inspiration,François Nars looked to the eyes. “It just seemed like the collection needed to revolve around eyes and especially how eye color and texture can convey not just character and mood but a period in time, be it an era or a decade or even a season.”

And of course their newest product is all about these windows to the soul. The Velvet Shadow Sticks are creamy and glide over skin without pulling. There is quite a range of shades, but I have been reaching for Goddess (and pink champagne) and Hollywoodland (pale gold). I use the stick for a layer of pigment on lids and then blend with my fingers. The shadow stays all day and makes for a minimal but luminous look.

You can also pair these with powder for a bolder look. I also use the darker shades like Flibuste Velvet (black above) with a liner brush. I haven’t gone dramatic with these sticks yet, but those looking for a more editorial look can layer these for more opaque color.

Find the collection now at NARSCosmetics.com and at Sephora, department, and specialty stores on 8/1.

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Buxom Customizable Eyeshadow Bar Palette

I haven’t be able to resist tinkering with my new Buxom Customizable Eyeshadow Bar Palette since it arrived earlier this week. It was just too good to delay on posting on second longer. This palette isn’t like others (they seem ubiquitous lately, right?). This one is refillable, so no more lonely, unattended shadows while other hit pan in a hot second. This palette holds a collection of single eyeshadows you get to curate yourself.

There are 40 shades to chose from – no shocker that I went with the nudes. But these primer-infused shades range from tame to sassy. The formula is seriously pigmented and a light hand gives me the wash of color I usually wear to work. What I love most is that the shadow lasts all day long. The powder-to-silk feel doesn’t wear off like other creamy powders I have tried.

The process is simple on Sephora – just add the palette to your basket and customize it. The discount is applied at checkout for a total of $40 – a steal considering the value is $85. I literally took all my other palettes out of my everyday makeup drawer and stored them in the beauty closet because I just know this is the one I will be reaching for on the regular.

palette image here

single eyeshadow image here

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Kiehl’s Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.

I apply Clearly Corrective after my SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream has had a little time to absorb. I find that the pigment is slightly light on me, but it brightens and blends really well with a tinted moisturizer over it. I use a little on my eyelids to neutralize my pigment before a light dusting of shadow (I haven’t experienced any creasing). I like adding a small bit of RMS Living Luminizer to take away some of the matte just because right now glowy skin is my thing.

The formula utilizes 100% mineral filters, vitamin C and licorice root extract to reverse darkness (my biggest pet peeve – thanks, Grandma). Caffeine works on puffiness. And most importantly, the titanium dioxide sunscreen protects that delicate skin against sun damage. Also, note that Kiehl’s makes my all time favorite summer face sunscreen, Super Fluid UV Defense 50+, which is so incredibly light, offers great protection and isn’t greasy at all.

Available at Keihl’s boutiques kiehls.com and Nordstrom.